Board of Education Meeting Dates in this issue >>> Issue 7:00 p.m. in the BHCS Library Event Dates TWO Wednesday, April 24, 2013 Letters From Administration Monday, December 17, 2012 Guidance News Monday, January 14, 2013 (6:30 p.m.—BOCES Vote) School Closing Information Volume Monday, May 13, 2013 Elementary News SEVENTEEN Monday, January 28, 2013 And Much More... Monday, February 11, 2013 (Budget Hearing-BHCS Auditorium) Monday, February 25, 2013 Tuesday, May 21, 2013 Board of Education: David Bartlett, Edward Martelle- Monday, March 11, 2013 (Budget Vote/Board Member Election— President, Michael Contino-Vice President, Patrick Jareo, Belleville Henderson Central School “Where we grow great kids!” BHCS Foyer 2:00-8:00 p.m.) Marisa Riordan-District Clerk, Deborah Vink-Business Monday, March 25, 2013 Manager, John Allen, Ginger Cook, Daniel Maitland, Rick Monday, April 15, 2013 June 10, 2013 Moore-Superintendent, and Scott Storey-Principal June 25, 2013—Special Meeting of the Board of Education (Reserves) coming April 2013 >>> Panther Press Administration Message >>>Just a quick update on everything school related. In my many years in public education, this fall In The Next Issue has been my most active. Due to the state and Federal regulations, we have been kept extremely busy. 20 Superintendent Moore 13 2013-2014 Budget Proposal Y Revenue and Expenditure Statements Annual Professional Performance Review: As part of the “Race to the Top” legislation, we have spent hundreds ea Administration Messages of hours developing the required plan of how we will evaluate our faculty. You may have observed my car at school rb Music Department News oo every Saturday and Sunday through the months of September and October. This was a monster mandate. One on k BHTA Tidbits might ask, “Why do it?” The answer is simple, money. If we do not comply with all the mandates and regulations S s And Much More... al No our state aid is cut. In the case of the APPR we would stand to lose approximately half a million dollars. By the e! w time you receive this newsletter, we will have submitted our APPR to the state of New York for it to be approved. I.R.S. Code This new form of evaluation places a heavy burden on the faculty to have all children score well on state tests. With

this continual pressure put on our faculty by the state and federal government, you can expect your student to have Please go to http://www.jostens.com >Yearbooks> Buy Your Yearbook When completing your Income Tax Forms for the year of 2012, please remember to use “045” for the more homework, find teachers less enthusiastic about allowing students to attend field trips, and ever more testing. Understand, this is not our personal or professional intension, but now we are all being held Full-color, student-created yearbooks may be ordered online only through March 31, Belleville Henderson Central School District Code. professionally responsible for student growth on state exams. 2013. If you wish to have personalization on your cover, place your order by January 20, 2013. If ordering online is not a possibility, please get in contact with the main office for a order form. All forms PAWS (Panthers Attacking Writing Skills): Part of our APPR agreement is called the Locally Developed and money will be due by January 31st. Assessment. The faculty and the administration will target all our students’ writing skills. The goal will be for all Contact Miss Locy or Mrs. Fingar for further details. the teachers in all curriculum areas to take ownership in our students’ ability to write well across the curriculum. The PAWS method is the five paragraph method of writing. The PAWS method teaches all students how to gently call us home. Or, when gently call us home. organize and focus their thoughts then produce a well written essay. You will see more writing. PRST STD Common Core Curriculum: For better or worse, the nation is moving toward a national curriculum, which by U.S. POSTAGE design will be more demanding and raise the level of academic rigor on all grade levels and across curriculums. The Non-Profit Org. new educational catch phrases coming from Washington and Albany are: increased rigorous, more robust, drill Belleville, NY deeper, stress factual content. We have seen this before. For all citizens my age and older, recall the Soviet Union’s ds whisper to our own…” launching of Sputnik. The reason the Soviet’s beat us into space, not enough math and science in our schools. This 13611 time it is the economy. Our economy is bad because we have fallen behind in math and science. We are going to Belleville Henderson build a better union through increasing our knowledge in math and science. Once again, money talks, we must join Central School the rat race or lose our federal and state dollars. So our dedicated faculty and administration is busy implementing 8372 County Route 75 the new Core Curriculum. This will mean increasing the pace and depth of our educational program. Expect to see P.O. Box 158 teachers being more demanding of themselves and therefore their students. Belleville, NY 13611 STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math: In order to address the new emphasis on science and math Phone: (315) 846-5411 we are involved with Clarkson University and the state STEM initiative. We have targeted the middle school Fax; (315) 846-5617 grades: 7th and 8th first. The 7th and 8th grade teachers have accepted the challenge and have started to plan how best Website: to implement a STEM emphasis at Belleville Henderson Central School District. The kickoff event was to take the th our Fathers’ fertile fiel www.bhpanthers.org the waves of “When entire 8 grade class to Clarkson University to participate in their annual science fair. Mrs. Barb Bibbins led the way. The kids had an awesome day and returned excited about math and science.

Building Project: The building project was a tremendous success. We accomplished more than we ever thought possible and under budget. We now have a fully operable state of the art agricultural and technology wing which is without a doubt the best in the state of New York, if not the entire country. It is fitting that the best agriculture program in the state of New York has a facility to match. Just remember back a few years when we had 50 buckets of all sizes and shapes in the hallway catching rain water. We have come a long way. Under that new roof we doubled the insulation; replaced all the windows with energy saving triple pane glass. A totally new septic system, new boilers, all new energy efficient lighting, geothermal heating, and photovoltaic’s are a few of the major renovations for Belleville Henderson Central School District. With the money we saved during the project, we plan to build vestibules on all the doors to cut down on our heating bills. We also hope to use our capital reserve fund to repave all the school’s parking lots this summer. Following this work our school should be totally updated.

Commitment to Belleville Henderson Central School District: Every time our students go out of our district for sports, music, field trips, etc., we always hear the same; you have great students at Belleville Henderson Central. Those students then become the great adults that make up our excellent district. Example, Mrs. David Cobb, last month came into my office after the passing of her husband. She said, “Mr. Moore I need to talk to you. Both my husband and I went to this school. My children all went here. Presently, my grandchildren are students at BHCSD. Mr. Moore we all received a fantastic education and we love all the faculty and staff. I heard you are trying to build some dugouts for our baseball team. My late husband would have wanted the students at Belleville Henderson Central School District to have dugouts. He was very fond of baseball and this school. In fact he umpired at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.” She then took out her checkbook and wrote a check for $10,000 to build the dugouts. Need I say more about commitment to Belleville Henderson Central School District? Thank you for all you do to ensure we grow great kids at Belleville Henderson Central School District. March 2 Relay for Life Volleyball Tournament Guidance News BHCS has lots of events >>> March 8 Deadline to Register for April 13 ACT March 8 25 Week Progress Reports Distributed with School Counselor, Mr. Gagan March 8 & 9 School Musical The Wizard of Oz at 7:00 p.m. Upcoming Dates and Events March 11 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m. —Library December 1 SAT March 15 Junior Dance 7:00-10:00 p.m. December 3-6 Kris Kringle Corner for Students—Library March 25 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m. (Referenced from College Admissions, July 17, December 8 ACT —Library December 12 D.A.R.E. Graduation for 5th Grade at 9:30 a.m. March 29 Good Friday—SCHOOL CLOSED 2012 Article By: Lauren Starkey) December 12 Winter Concert at 7:00 p.m.—All Performance Groups Most parents easily remember the work and December 15 “Parent’s Day Off” at 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.—LEAP STUDENTS ONLY April 1-5 Spring Vacation—No School the stress of college admissions: visiting TopClass 10 Admissions of 2012 >>> Tips December 15 Christmas Ball—7:00-10:00 p.m. April 5 Deadline to Register for May 4 SAT school, taking standardized tests, filling out December 17 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m.—Library For Parents >>> April 9 Spring Bi-County Elementary Chorus applications and financial aid forms, and • Check your senior folders on a December 19 Winter Concert SNOW DATE Rehearsal—1:00-5:00 p.m.—Carthage regular basis for updated December 21 15 Week Progress Reports Distributed waiting, and waiting, and waiting for those April 12 Spring Bi-County Senior High Band information December 28 Deadline to Register for January 26 SAT Rehearsal—9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.—Beaver acceptance letters to arrive. When they have a • Check www.bhpanthers.org > December 24-January 1 Christmas Recess-School Resumes on January 2, 2013 River child going through the process, they want to April 13 Spring Bi-County Rehearsal at 9:00 a.m./ help, and may even want to take charge. Headlines > Class of 2012 News for January 9 Workforce 20/20 Concert at 2:00 p.m.—Beaver River What’s an appropriate level of involvement, up-to-date class information January 14 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m.—Library April 13 ACT I had invited seniors and their January 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—NO SCHOOL and what should your role be? April 15 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m. families to spend an hour at Belleville 4. Help plan trips to visit schools. What you can January 22-25 Regents Week —Library You can help you child get into college without Henderson that could save them do: set an itinerary, book the hotel, gas up the January 26 SAT April 24 Board of Education Meeting at 6:30 p.m. becoming a helicopter parent, without losing January 28 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m.—Library thousands of dollars and reduce their —Library (BOCES Vote) th car, pack your suitcase. What you can’t do: January 29 Winter Bi-County Rehearsal—1:00-5:00 p.m.— stress level. On Thursday, November 8 in your sanity, and without straining your rela- April 24 Spring concert—Instrumental at 7:00 p.m. tionship with your son or daughter. choose all the schools, call to arrange interviews, Carthage April 27 NYSSMA Solos at 4:00 p.m.—Watertown the school’s auditorium, there was a or call to make a reservation on a tour or at an April 28 NYSSMA Solos at 9:00 a.m.—Watertown financial aid consultant from Jefferson Here’s how to get through the admissions February 1 Report Cards Mailed Home Community College there to help walk our February 1 Winter Bi-County Vocal Jazz Rehearsal—9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.—Indian River process unscathed: information session. seniors and their families through the February 2 Winter Bi-County Rehearsal at 9:00 a.m./Concert at 2:00 p.m.—Indian River 1. Determine how much help and guidance 5. Fill out the FAFSA. This form is needed for any financial aid application process. It was February 11 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m.—Library your child wants. Don’t assume. Ask kind of financial aid, requires a tax return and found to be very successful and helpful. February 18 Presidents’ Day—SCHOOL CLOSED him or her directly about how they February 19-22 Mid-Winter Vacation—No School Knowledge is power. The purpose other information your student doesn’t have, and envision the process, what they expect February 25 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m.—Library of this workshop was to provide them with should be completed even if you think you won’t from themselves, and what they expect some knowledge of how the process works qualify for aid. Go to fafsa.ed.gov to learn more. from you. and what then can do to minimize the cost 6. Don’t nag, belittle, or otherwise engage in Staying Connected of a college education and maximize your 2. Get educated. The college admissions process has changed since we went negative interactions. There’s enough stress in Continue to support our local libraries! Visit the child’s potential. Christmas Crafts in Henderson >>> through it, and is affected by many the junior and senior year—be the refuge from it, BHCS website at www.bhpanthers.org>Our It is never too soon to start the Henderson Recreation Commission held a Christmas District>Local Libraries for direct links to the process of affording a college education factors, including today’s economic hard not an addition to it. times. A great place to start is with the Craft’s on December 2nd at the Henderson Fire Hall Library System, Belleville nor is it ever too late. Continue to take 7. Be realistic. Your child should be applying to at Philomathean Library, Ellisburg Free Library, advantage of this opportunity to gain book, College Admission: From from 1:00-3:00 p.m. with a special guest, “SANTA least one safety (high probability of acceptance), and Henderson Free Library. some knowledge and maximize your Application to Acceptance (Three Rivers CLAUS”. Many came and enjoyed the fun of making power as an investor in your children’s Press, 2012). one match (reasonable probability), and one homemade Christmas ornaments and goodies. Thank future. 3. Provide access to information about reach (medium to low probability) school. You you, to the community, for all the support! If you need further assistance or colleges. Don’t rely solely on school can suggest or guide them to choices that meet have a concern, please get in contact with websites—they’ve primarily marketing that mix. BHCS Library News>>> me. tools. Use collegeboard.com or 8. Keep track of deadlines if your child needs help. Book displays in the library change Petersons.com. often highlighting various themes, genres, Creating a calendar with important dates at the School Closing Information and authors. The school year began with beginning of the application process is useful. Please listen to these radio and TV stations for students in grades K - 6 taking a Pre- 9. Do some homework. Most applications require school closings and refrain from calling school Assessment test of library skills they will be students to exhibit knowledge of the school, unless it is absolutely necessary. Usually when we learning throughout the year. These skills Attention must delay or close school, the telephones are These resources can be reached in school or at home much as you are expected to know about a needed to make emergency contact calls. include learning about authors and from links on the library home page. New resources Past Graduates & Alumni >>> company when on a job interview. If requested, illustrators, understanding how to navigate added this year are BrainPop, Amazing Animals of the WATN (1240 AM)/WOTT (94 Rock)/WOLF the library using the Dewey Decimal System, World, America the Beautiful, New Book of Popular you can help in this area by researching on the (1490 AM)/ESPN/MAGIC/WQTK (950 AM)/ and becoming familiar with a wide range of Science, Land and Peoples, and LaNueva Encyclopedia Internet, and finding out if there are alumni in THE FOX • Visit the UAB Trustee, Belleville Alumni, Henderson Alumni, and Belleville resources. Older students will learn more Cumbre (a Spanish encyclopedia). your area who conduct informational interviews. WTNY(790 AM)/WCIZ (Z93 FM)/WUZZ (107 about conducting research using print and Henderson Alumni web pages at www.bhpanthers.org > Our District > Alumni FM)/WFRY (Froggy 97) The high school/middle school Library Club Do not contact schools directly, though. online resources and citing sources. Of began the year with lots of enthusiasm. They were a big WNTQ (93Q) • Attention All BHCS Graduates! Please go to www.bhpanthers.org > Headlines 10. Maintain perspective. The college admissions WIXT (1230 AM)/WHEN (620 AM)/Y94FM course many stories are also read and help to Mrs. Nortz during the Ag Fair helping to set up and > BHCS Profile and Post Graduate Survey, download, fill out, and send in WSTM: Channel 3 TV comprehension of these stories and literary take down the Scholastic Book Fair. These students work process is not a reward for or indictment of any- WIXT: Channel 9 TV elements are discussed. in the library completing various tasks daily. We hope to our BHCS Post Graduate Survey to our guidance department. Your input is one’s character. Getting into the college of one’s WWNY: Channel 7 TV Bookmarks with usernames and go to the Teen Book Festival in Rochester again in the highly valued and will be used to improve the policies and practices at BHCS. dreams doesn’t assure future success any more WWTI: Channel 50 TV passwords for a large variety of online YNN: News 10 Now Spring and are talking about other activities to do It will only take a few minutes of your time. Thank you very much! than getting rejected sets one up for failure. resources purchased by Belleville Henderson throughout the year. and BOCES are available in the library. Clubs & Organizations >>> 2nd Annual Ag Fair 5K

BHTA The second annual Belleville Henderson Ag Athletic Booster Cub News Fair 5K run was held on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 8 a.m. We had 38 participants (30 Under the Lights Games: Tidbits >>> runners and 8 walkers). The top male finisher Thank you to all parents/grandparents/community members for donating their was Michael Billman with a time of 22:12, the delicious chili and for helping run the tent; Val & Kurt Gehrke for donating the tent From Principal Storey top male student finisher was Tyler Bast in for concessions; and BHCS chaperones for giving of their time! Grandparents’ Day and 23:51. Connie Bast was the top female finisher Halloween proved to be a big success in 25:20 and top female student finisher was once again. Both proved to be a The Belleville Henderson Booster Club would like to take this opportunity to thank Haley Smith in 33:34. The run was on the roads terrific time for our families and in Belleville with the sun shining at the start all of the people and businesses that donated the lights for our Under the community. The wide variety of <<< 2012 Agriculture Fair st and the rain hitting the runners’ faces by the Lights games this fall! costumes displayed on October 31 The Annual Community end. The course also had a strong wind that was fun to see. pushed us forward until the turnaround point Agriculture Fair was kicked off on The Ag Fair: Our winter sports programs have begun practices. These include where the wind hit you in the face with all it’s Friday evening with the first Thank you to all the parents who worked the Clothing Table and Raffle Table. Modified, JV, and Varsity Volleyball, might leaving the runners feeling like they hit a annual Harvest Parade.

JV and Varsity Basketball, and wall that they just couldn’t get around. Overall, Participants included the BHTA, Homecoming Dance: Cheerleading. The first home Varsity everyone had a good time with the top male Thank you to the BHCS Custodians, students and parents for helping with the Volleyball and Basketball games are FFA, LEAP, Belleville Fire th th and female runners posing on a tractor at the set-up and clean-up. December 28 and 29 , respectively. I end. Two of our very own teachers participated Department, BHCS Kindergarten encourage our community to come out in the run (Laura Moore and Carrie Eastman- and several tractors. Saturday The Fall Sports Banquet: and watch our young athletes in action. Our clubs and extracurricular who was pushing a double stroller). Thank you morning began with a 5K walk/run The Fall Sports Banquet took place on October 29, 2012. The Booster Club activities continue to operate as in the again to everyone who made this race a and 1 mile kids fun run. Many would like to thank those individuals who donated their time in the set-up and past. These include Chess Club, Art success. We look forward to next year! students along with their families clean-up and those who provided baked goods. Your donations are Club, Ski Club, Foreign Language appreciated by the athletes. The Booster club would also like to thank the coaches for dedicating Club, Student Council, FFA, Whiz stopped to visit the animals, their time; without the coaches, we would not have so many gifted athletes here at BHCS! Quiz, and Honor Society. Please be bounce house, book fair and reminded that the Fitness Room is much more. Students’ projects, open on Monday through Thursday from 3:00-5:00 PM. Many photographs, baked goods, home students take advantage of these grown vegetables, flowers, and wonderful opportunities and have plants were displayed throughout Fall Bi-County and Area All-State Festivals found these clubs and activities to be The Jefferson-Lewis Fall Bi-County concert was very rewarding. the day. Despite the rain in the Music Department held at South Jefferson Central School on There are some special morning, the afternoon cleared off November 3rd. The concert featured Junior High events planned for the month of just in time to conclude the Ag What happened this fall? >>> Band and Senior High Chorus. Belleville December. The annual Christmas Henderson band participants included: Gianna concert will be held on December 12th. Fair with the kids’ pedal tractor Jones –flute, Emma Vaughn-clarinet, Noah Sugden- The Christmas Ball is scheduled for pull. After the Shock and Awe alto sax, Kylesha Ferguson-baritone sax, December 15th and Progress Reports The BHCS High School chorus was pleased and privileged to sing back-up vocals for Rod Mackenzie Gehrke-trumpet, Zane Lashway-Voytko- go home on December 21st. Richmond on September 27th. Rod contacted Mrs. Scherer in August to ask if we would be trumpet, and Ethan Bast-percussion. In the Chorus interest in participating in the re-mastering of his song, After the Shock and Awe. This song we had Ashley Hodge, Karen Fargo, Angela was written by Scherer, Kylee Dickenson, Elizabeth Scherer, Library Scholastic Book Fair > > > Danielle Simmons, and Tryston McManaman. Henderson Alumnus Tyler Bast also helped to accompany one of the (Class of 1984) Rod chorus songs on the trumpet. Students look forward to visiting Scholastic Book fairs at Belleville Henderson Richmond to honor our twice a year. They were not disappointed with the first fair of the year held at the troops who are serving We are also proud to have had five students annual Ag Fair. A large selection of books in many genres were available for and have served in Iraq accepted into the 2012 Area All-State festival. beginning readers through high school. Students in the Library Club helped Mrs. and Afghanistan. The Angela Scherer, Kylee Dickinson, Elizabeth Nortz unpack books and set up displays. Mrs. Nortz and Mrs. Duger worked at chorus added back-up Scherer, and Tryston McManaman will sung in the chorus and Tyler Bast played trumpet in the band. the Ag Fair selling books to excited children, parents, grandparents, and vocals and the second members of the community. At the conclusion of the Ag Fair, Library Club grade class (which This festival was held at SUNY Potsdam on November 16th & 17th in Hosmer Hall. members helped pack-up and includes Rod’s granddaughter) will be move the sale to the library Rock and Roll Forever where the sale continued for featured saying the Our Grandparents’ Day show featured songs by all Pledge of Allegiance in the big names from the very beginning of Rock n’ another three days. The profits the video. Expert orator, Jake Allen, will also be Roll. Audiences of parents and grandparents from this sale will purchase seen and heard reciting lines from the enjoyed favorites by Elvis, the Beatles, the Beach books for the library. The books Gettysburg Address and Martin Luther King, Jr’s Boys, Little Richard and Bill Haley and the will be selected in collaboration I Have a Dream speech. The video can be viewed Comets. It was so fun to sing these oldies...and surprising for some of us “middle-aged” folks to with teachers to meet the needs on You Tube and the song is available for of students learning and Scholastic sponsored a live webcast with Taylor Swift purchase on iTunes! What an interesting and realize just how “old” these oldies are! The for our 5th-12th grade students, along with several students enjoyed learning about the beginnings of enjoyment. memorable experience for our students! rock n’ roll and grandparents enjoyed remembering other school students around the world! (even if some of it was before their time)! The Belleville Henderson FFA has been busy with many activities this fall. The Pre-K News Jefferson-Lewis Land Judging Competition was held Tuesday, October 16th in Philadelphia, New York. Agriculture students were tested on their ability to A.M. and P.M. FFA identify soil texture, drainage, and slop, as well as answer a multitude of Belleville Henderson Pre-K questions based on its suitability for agriculture and residential purposes. Top Classes >>> senior competitors at Belleville Henderson were Erik Shelmidine, Tyler Bast, Fall News >>> Kassie Joss, Ashley Hodge, and Hayden Peterson. Top junior competitors at The children enjoyed measuring and Belleville Henderson include Jacob Hatch, Haley Contryman, Adora Cook, weighing their pumpkins. The children Kelsey Harris, and Amanda Bond. Erik Shelmidine placed 4th overall in the selected a face for their pumpkins and competition. their teachers carved their faces. Each Eight members of the Belleville Henderson FFA traveled to the National FFA child enjoyed scooping out their pumpkin Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana from October 21st through the 27th. pulp; a lot of great comments were Members had the opportunity to visit Niagara Falls, The Henry Ford Museum, overheard as they performed this activity. News From Mrs. Hodge University of Michigan, and South Bend Chocolate Factory along the way. We also read and enjoyed great literature Dental Hygienist >>> While at the National Convention, members talked with agricultural colleges It’s Pumpkin Time by Zoe Hall, and universities from around the county as well as agribusiness such as Cargill, Pumpkin, Pumpkin by Jeanne DuPont, and John Deere. Members heard keynote addresses from Scott Titherington, Froggy’s Halloween, by Dental cleanings and exams at school will resume during the 2012-13 Hamilton and Walter Bond, who discussed the importance of growth and Jonathan London, and Big Pumpkin, by school year. I will be scheduling elementary classes soon for exams and determination to help you succeed in life. Jake Allen, Erika Mendes, Hannah Erica Silverman. This was part of our cleanings. High school students are welcome to schedule an appointment race, and Danielle Simmons were in charge of the New York State booth, during their free period. fall celebration! featuring agricultural products and careers from the area. Erik Shelmidine, Nichole Race, Ashley Hodge, and Alan Disbro competed in the National I am very thankful to the Board of Education for re-instating the Dental Agronomy competition. Their two day rigorous competition consisted of many Hygiene Program. Eighty –five percent (85%) of our students rely on the parts including seeds, insects, soils, and crops, as well as team activity. The program provided at school at no charge to the families. Dental Health team received a ranking in the silver division with many individual awards in has an important role in the health of our students and in our daily well- the silver and bronze categories. The Belleville Henderson FFA is looking being. Statistics have shown that if an individual has dental problems, it forward to a busy winter being kicked off by their annual citrus sale! can contribute to other health problems such as diabetes and heart dis- ease. Franciscan Values Keep Howard the Duck Alive! Thank you for you continued support in re-instating the dental program As you know, St. Francis taught the importance of displaying at school! compassion to all living things. Over a year ago, Howard was brought to the North Country Animal clinic located on New York State Route 3 between Watertown and Sackets Harbor. He was brought to the animal Elementary News hospital by a good Samaritan after being hit by a car. The folks at North <<< Grade 2 Country Animal Clinic patched up Howard, and he was mysteriously put in the hands of Belleville Henderson Central School District’s Agriculture Second Grade has been very busy since school started in September. We teacher, Miss Tedra McDougal. Miss McDougal and her students have have been enjoying the nice weather for the fall. not only cared for the disabled duck but given him the name Howard. October has been very busy. We enjoyed a fire prevention kick-off from Howard has lived with us, at BHCSD, for a couple of years now. the local volunteer firefighters. They talked to us about how all the trucks worked. However, during the construction of the new agriculture and technology wing, the school had no place available to house poor Howard. After We saw a video about local fires and how to be safe. We thanked them for the gifts many inquiries and pleas to find Howard a temporary home during our they gave us. They stressed having two ways out of your house, practice fire drills School construction project, Erin O’Rourke came to Howard’s rescue. with your family, have a meeting place, crawl under the smoke, and “stop, drop, and roll”. After having Columbus Day off, we enjoyed a field trip to Samaritan Medical When we asked Erin O’Rourke why her family and she showed so much compassion towards Center and the Jefferson County Historical Society. We learned many things at the Howard the duck, she responded: “It is probably the result of our Catholic faith. St. Francis taught hospital and the museum was very interesting. Lunch at McDonald’s was fun! the importance of kindness to all creatures—even ducks.” We enjoyed entertaining our grandparents at Grandparents’ Day and dressing up for our Halloween parade! Fortunately, now that the building project is done, Howard, the school’s unofficial mascot, has a new home. Howard spent the entire summer and most of the fall at the O’Rourke’s. During Super Storm Sandy, Howard even lived in the house. Howard and all the Belleville Henderson flock want to thank the O’Rourke’s for offering up their home to Howard in his moment of need.