A Star Spangled Farewell to Main Street Elementary · 2019. 1. 29. · Hintz, Alyssa Schifferle, and Charlie Border earned two first place medals in the Aquatics and Wildlife events,

www.eastauroraschools.org

A Star Spangled Farewellto Main Street Elementary

Main Street Elementary PrincipalBrian Russ

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District Budget

notice, page 19

Main Street Elementary music teacher Meghen Cierlicki ispreparing her students to lead the National Anthem at the start ofthe Buffalo Bisons game on Monday, June 8. As the final all-schoolactivity for MSE, all 417 students and 60 staff members will attendthe 10:30 AM game at Coca-Cola Field on Bison’s School KidsDay, sponsored by the elementary PTO. About thirty students will

lead the crowd in song before the game begins. Main Street Elementary will cease to exist after June 30, 2009,as third and fourth grade students join grades K - 2 at the newlyexpanded Parkdale Elementary School. Fifth grade students willbecome part of the Middle School student body that remains at430 Main Street.

may 2009

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This is such an exciting time for ourschool district and community!With completion near in our Capital

Facilities project, we are going to be able tooffer our students state-of-the-art facilitiesto prepare them for the challenges of the21st century. It’s hard to believe it has been five yearssince I joined the team at Main Street Elementary. It has been an

Goodbye, Main Street ElementaryIn 1984, third and fourth grade classes returned to the Main StreetSchool from other District primary schools, joining fifth grade tobecome Main Street Elementary School, and remained for twenty-

four years. With the changes brought about by the current Capi-tal Facilities Project, Main Street Elementary School’s

principal and staff will join their students to bidfarewell to their school at the end of June,

and go on to new assignments. In thisissue, Principal Brian Russ and fellowstaff members look back on fond memo-ries of their school.

Mr. James Bodziak

District columns, news and events, ................. pages 2, 6-7, 14 - 17

NYS Wrestling Champ, National Teacher Awardand other STARS! .............................. pages 3-4

Class of 2009 Top Ten Seniors ..................... page 5

East Aurora Educational Foundation ........... page 7

SPECIAL FEATURE, the year in art and tech ................................pages 8 - 13

Also in this issue:Good deeds ................................................. Page 14

Summer Adult Education ............................. page 16

Capital Facilities Project update .................... page 17

Voter information and 2009-2010 Proposed Budget ..... pages 18 - 19

Website highlights ..................................... page 20

With a keen attentiveness to the economic turbulence takingplace at the Federal, State and local levels, the East AuroraUnion Free School District Board of Education has adopted a2009-2010 school budget set at $28,112,451. The proposed

budget reflects a 5.11% increase in expenditures. Exclusive of the total costs asso-ciated with our District facilities construction project, proposed expenditures willbe $102,218 less for next year. While total expenditures will be up, there will be no increase in the tax levy for2009-2010. In fact, it is estimated that the tax rate for Aurora will decrease by $.20 or

-0.60%. The tax rate in Coldenwill decrease $.19 or -0.59%and in Elma, the tax rate willdecrease by $1.72 or -0.57%. The recently adopted NewYork State Budget providedour school district with no in-crease in school aid. Foun-dation aid used to fund in-structional programs was fro-zen at 2008-2009 allocations.As a result, in constructingthe 2009-2010 school districtbudget, a number of strate-gies were considered and uti-lized. Budget parameters werereduced by 15% from 2008-

2009 allocations for all of our schools and departments. The number of buses to beused to transport our students in 2009-2010 will be reduced by one for both ourmiddle school/high school run and our elementary school run. Our school districtis able to realize healthcare savings by successfully reaching agreement with ourthree collective bargaining units on a single healthcare provider. Last, but not least,because of seven teacher retirements, as well as restructuring of programs, therewill be the reduction of the equivalent of 5.6 teaching positions, coupled with thereduction of 5 teacher aides and 2 secretarial staff. While various reductions, cutbacks and program restructuring were made in

developing the 2009-2010 school budget, funds havebeen included to purchase new social studies text-books for grades kindergarten through five. Thebudget also includes funds for the purchase of mu-sical instruments (i.e., tubas, cellos, timpanis) forParkdale students to use in band and orchestra. Alsoincluded in the budget is funding to purchase stor-age cabinets to house middle school musical instru-ments, as well as laptop computers for teacher utili-zation at the elementary level. An athletic groomerapparatus to maintain our baseball and softball dia-monds is also part of the proposed budget, as aretwo part-time cleaning staff for Parkdale Elementary.Lastly, the 2009-2010 proposed budget allows for themaintenance of co-curricular, extra-curricular and in-terscholastic programs for our students at the samelevels that are currently provided in the 2008-2009school budget. Recently a news correspondent for CNN stated,“Putting a budget together in this economic climateis like trying to climb a glacier wearing flip flops.”Nothing could be more accurate in painting such anillustration since the construction of the 2009-2010proposed school budget has certainly been a mostchallenging endeavor. A good amount of input and involvement of manyconstituencies, including instructional and non-in-structional staff, administrators, community membersand the Board of Education has taken place. It is mybelief that in these economic times, this budget con-tinues to provide for the quality educational pro-grams that our community expects, in a sound, fis-cally responsible manner.

The school budget vote will take placeon Tuesday, May 19th in the Main StreetSchool cafeteria. Voting hours are from7:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

“Our greatest natural resource is the minds of ourchildren.” ~ Walt Disney

2 The Challenger may 2009

Middle School Marching Bandcaptures top trophy

Matt Peters, Class of 2009, took the 119 lb. Division II (small school)to win the New York State Wrestling Championship in Albany onMarch 2. Kevin Kot, Class of 2009, finished in fourth place in the125 lb. class. Matt, shown here with Athletic Director Fred Thornley,Coach Rakowski, Superintendent Bodziak and Board of EducationPresident Daniel Brunson, received a citation at a recent Board ofEducation meeting.

may 2009 The Challenger 3

Time Warner Cable announced April 23 that Main Street ElementarySchool Technology Integrator/Enrichment teacher Laurie Cichockihas received a 2009 Time Warner Cable National Teacher Award. Surprised in her Main Street classroom by a local Time Warnernews crew, Mrs. Cichocki (second from left) was delighted at thenews and beamed as she was congratulated by Principal Brian Russ,Time-Warner's Robin Wolfgang and Superintendent Bodziak. In addition to a $2,000 cash grant and a $3,000 technology grantfor Main Street Elementary School, Cichocki will be given an allexpenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. on June 3, 2009 to receiveher award. She is one of just 15 educators from across the countryselected for this prestigious award for creating a winning classroomproject. Mrs. Cichocki’s award-winning entry, “Appetite for African Ameri-can History - Dinner in the State Dining Room with Barack andMichelle Obama,” utilized Time Warner Cable's Road Runner High-Speed Internet to allow students to research information about theimportant achievements of African American individuals. Her fifth-grade students used their research findings and decision-makingskills in a fictitious scenario, in which they helped the First Ladydetermine the seating arrangement of 10 famous African Americansattending a State Dinner at the White House. “Time Warner Cable is excited that we have a local teacher receiv-ing this national honor. For more than 20 years, Time Warner Cablehas invested in teachers and schools by acknowledging the dedi-cated work of outstanding educators,” said Terence Rafferty, Re-gional Vice President, Operations, Time Warner Cable. Time Warner Cable offers Road Runner at no cost to area publicschools and libraries. In addition, free cable services are also sup-plied to local schools as part of the Cable in the Classroom program.

#1 in New York State

(Middle School Marching Band, continued page 16)

Eighth graders display the Middle School Marching Band’s firstplace trophy for the "School Band" division of the March 15 St.Patrick's Day Parade on Delaware Avenue, sponsored by UnitedIrish-American Association of Erie County, Inc.

Main Street Elementary’s Mrs.Cichocki wins 2009 Time Warner

Cable National Teacher Award

[Student photos are not used withidentification on the District website.]

In the group above are (front row, left to right: Conor Jackson,Mark Ramsay, Elisabeth Engle, Paige Ronan, (middle row) JackZagrobleny, Collin Folger, Katherine Mentecki, Mary Sauer, (thirdrow and railing) Garrett Folger, Margaret Zagrobelny, EmilyCrow, Kaitlin Hawayek, Holly Kirchmeyer and Emily Yaverski.

The annual Middle School Talent Show took place on Thursday,March 19, hosted by Principal Mark Mambretti, coordinated by Mr.Gary Terhune and Mr. Ben Davis and assisted by Chorus DirectorPaul Blackwell. Twenty-two performances yielded the followingwinners:(Grand Prize) Elisabeth Engle, singing “Fever,” as originally re-corded by Peggy Lee, accompanied by Mark Ramsay on the bassand Conor Jackson on the drum set;(First Prize) Mary Sauer and Holly Kirchmeyer singing “Giving Up,”as recorded by Ingrid Michaelson, accompanied by Bob Sauer onguitar;(Third Prize) Collin & Garrett, The Brothers Folger, performing theiroriginal composition “The Unpulchritudinous Slubberdegullion”(Third Prize) for electric guitar and drum set;(Fourth Prize) Lizzy Jones playing the cello to the song “Leave OutAll the Rest” by Linkin Park;Kaitlyn Hawayek plays the piano while singing “100 Years” (Davis/Terhune Award) as recorded by Five for Fighting.


East Aurora High School clarinetist andcomposer Brad Whitney is the recipi-ent of one of three $1000 scholarshipawards from the Friends of the BuffaloPhilharmonic Orchestra. He will receivehis a $1000 scholarship at a May 2 BPOconcert at Kleinhans Music Hall.

Middle School Talent Show

Congratulations to ten EAHS students who accompanied teacherLarry Grisanti to the Erie County Envirothon on April 30, returningwith first and second place awards.

Team I (left to right, back row) Kyle Sindelman, Austin Belter, AvaHintz, Alyssa Schifferle, and Charlie Border earned two first placemedals in the Aquatics and Wildlife events, and Team II front row)Mark Mandych, Jordan Bischoff, Lindsey Steinwachs, MelanieGiermek, and Peter Mandych, earned two second place awards inthe aquatics and current events topic, Biodiversity in a ChangingWorld. The Erie County Envirothon is a two-day, outdoor event thatincludes a workshop day and a competition day. The event is anoutdoor-oriented, hands-on, natural science competition for highschool students to use teamwork to complete a series of challengesin the subjects of wildlife, forestry, aquatics, soils and a currentissue topic. Not only is the Envirothon a chance for students to spend a dayenjoying the outdoors, it is an excellent opportunity to learn fromand connect with local field specialists. To prepare for the Envirothonchallenge, students attend a workshop at which local natural re-source professionals give presentations on the various Envirothontopics.

Envirothon excellence

Fifty-three EAHS students participated in the American Math Com-petition in February. Christopher Klocke, Class of 2012, wasthe school winner in the 9/10 division and Rowland Brown,Class of 2010, was the winner in the 11/12 division. Chris and Rowlandwill be awarded certificates at the Honors Ceremony on May 27 at7:30 PM in the EAHS auditorium.

Lauren Schwarzenholzer, Class of 2009, has been chosenfor Business First of Buffalo’s 2009 All-Western New York Aca-demic Team, selected as one of the 100 outstanding high schoolseniors from across Western New York. The group accounts for just0.5 percent of WNY’s 20,000 high school seniors. The All-WesternNY Academic Team will be highlighted in the June 5 edition of Busi-ness First.

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[Studentphotos arenot used

with identifi-cation on

the Districtwebsite.]


EAHS Top Ten Seniors 2009

Meghan WolffI have enjoyed every minute of my high schoolcareer while participating in Executive Board, Stu-dent Government, National Honor Society andplaying basketball. I would like to thank Ms.Hailey and Mr. Hycner for their constant dedica-tion to our class. A big thank-you goes out to myfamily for their support over the past four years. Iwill be attending the University at Buffalo in thefall as a pharmacy major.

Peter MandychI have been active in soccer, science club, and Na-tional Honor Society. I currently teach violin andwork for an independent toy designer. I owe mythanks to all the teachers that have been so instru-mental to my success, my parents, the AuroraWaldorf School, and, of course, all of the East Au-rora residents that make possible such a wonderfuleducation. I will attend Ohio Wesleyan Universityfor four years before joining the Peace Corps.

Erin Crawford, SalutatorianThroughout my four years at East Aurora, I havehad the pleasured opportunity of avidly participat-ing in musical groups, winning four Cross CountryState Championships, and enhancing the schoolcommunity as a member of various clubs, includingmy role as Student Government President this pastyear. I would like to thank many of the teachers andmy family for challenging me to continuouslyachieve more. I plan to study biomedical engineer-

ing/premed at George Washington University this fall.

Callan JacksonI would like to thank my family, friends, and teach-ers who supported me from kindergarten to senioryear. These past four years I have been a member ofmy class executive board, Co-Senior Class Presi-dent, Co-Service Chair of National Honor Society,and a Freshman Advisor. I am also involved in youthgroup and work at Explore and More. Next year Iplan to attend either University of Rochester orUniversity at Buffalo.

Leigh DifilippoAs a member of the Swim Team for five years andLacrosse Team for four, Student Government,Honor Society and Executive Board officer, I wantto thank the administration and faculty at EA fortheir dedication to the well-being of the students. Iplan to study at the University of Rochester inhopes of becoming a neurosurgeon. Thank youMom, Dad and Tommy for supporting me and en-couraging me to never give less than 100%.

Daniel CoulterI have really enjoyed the past four years, and I amthankful that I was able to participate in soccer,swimming and track. I want to thank all of myteachers and coaches who have helped me through-out the years, because without you I would not bewhere I am today. I plan on attending HamiltonCollege next year and I am considering majoring inmath, physics, or medicine.

Carl SchrencongostBeing a part of the class of 2009 Executive Boardwas the highlight of my high school career. It wasmy experience with this student-led organizationthat inspired me to try my best in all areas of life. Iplan to go to SUNY Binghamton for Theater. Aftercollege, I plan to open an orphanage. Thanks ev-eryone.

Samantha AnthonyI would like to thank my family for supporting andencouraging me in my activities throughout highschool which include four years of playing in thepit orchestra of the musical, working a part-timejob at Fashion Bug, and my favorite memory, com-peting in the Junior Olympics for fencing. I amvery excited to attend New York University in thefall where I will major in Global Liberal Studies,continue fencing and study abroad.

Nicholas RobinsonThroughout high school I have enjoyed participat-ing on the football and baseball teams, and am fortu-nate enough to be playing football at Hamilton Col-lege next year. I attribute my success to my parents,and all the outstanding teachers at East Aurora HighSchool who have not only taught me valuable infor-mation, but life lessons as well. At college I willstrive to maintain a high level of academic and ath-letic achievement.

Lauren Schwarzenholzer,ValedictorianI have enjoyed EAHS and the opportunities it hasafforded me -- two soccer sectional championships,basketball state champs, lacrosse, and Student Gov-ernment leadership conferences. I am also involvedin the National Honor Society, Adventure Club,class executive board, and East Aurora’s firstinterclub council. I will be attending Cornell Uni-versity, majoring in chemical engineering with a mi-

nor in biomedical engineering. Thanks to all my family, friends, andteachers who have been there for me!


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(Seniors are listed in random order, not by rank.)

Students from Mr. D'Avanzato’s, Mrs. Vaccaro’s, and Mrs.Thompson's classes have partnered with the East Aurora Ameri-can Legion in a unique community service project. The studentsare producing a variety of commemorative buttons as a componentof the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, which will be comingto Knox Farm State Park from June 24-29, 2009. The centerpiece ofthe Traveling Tribute is an 80% scale replica of the Vietnam Memo-rial Wall in Washington, D.C. The veterans expect tens of thou-

sands ofvisitors fromall overWNY andneighboringstates at theexhibit thatwill be opento the publicand free ofcharge, 24hours a day.

Each of the buttons contains one of forty-eight custom artwork designs digitally cre-ated by East Aurora artist Sue Carroll. Todate, the students have produced 2,400buttons. One hundred percent of the pro-ceeds from the button sales will go directly

to defray the cost of bringing the Wall to EastAurora, and the buttons can be purchased by

calling the Legion Post at 652-9862. More information about thememorial can be found at the organization’s website at www.avtt.org. The button making machine was purchased with a generous do-


East Aurora High School students partner with EA Veterans

American Legion Post No 362 Adjutant Charles Schack,Commander Willliam Wright and EAHS liaison and veteran JamesSuttell join the students who have produced 2400 fundraisingbuttons to support the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall.

EAHS Greenhouse project gets a jump on spring

In early March, when a layer of snow still blanketed the high schoolcampus, and when the outdoor temperature hovered in the mid-thirties, it was a toasty 76 degrees in this greenhouse. By then, thestudents from Mr. D'Avanzato's class had already planted numer-ous trays of vegetable and flower seeds.

In the weeks since,the seeds have blos-somed into healthyyoung plants. Thiscan undoubtedly beattributed to the TLCthe plants receivedfrom the students whocontinue to work inthe greenhouse, wa-tering and caring forthe plants on a dailybasis. In the process, students have gained valuable science,prevocational and life skills. The students will take their plants home just prior to MemorialDay weekend, and weather permitting, transplant them into familygardens and flower beds. They will be anxious to see what the fallharvest brings. Thanks to Johnson’s Nursery, Valu in East Aurora and OrchardPark Lowe’s for donated greenhouse items.

Kelly, Ali and Nick

nation from the East Aurora Rotary Club. In a related project, science students, un-der the direction of Jeff Shelley, Larry Grisantiand Jim Suttell, volunteered to help clean upthe Knox Farm State Park on Saturday, April25 in preparation for the arrival of the travel-ing wall. The group raked, pruned, and pickedup sticks and debris from the park and weretreated to a hot dog lunch donated by Tops.

Last February Alison Hyde, (former East Aurora SchoolBoard member) and I attended a New York State SchoolBoards Association workshop entitled “K-12 Foundations:Imagine the Possibilities.” We were asked to describe ourFoundation, its beginnings and how we work. We talkedabout Jim Ford’s vision to establish a foundation to enhancethe education experience for students within the East Auroraschool system. The Foundation has provided over $450,000 in grantssince 1996. These grants finance educational opportunitiesoutside the scope of the school district operating budget.

Each teacher who submits a proposal tothe Foundation board is asked to attendout meeting to describe the proposaland answer any questions we mighthave. We encourage innovation,creativity, and collaboration. If thegrant is approved, the funds areavailable in a very short period of time. Each teacher is asked to report backin one year, often involving students todemonstrate how the grant is used inthe classroom. The Board is excited andcommitted about our mission “toenhance students’ education experienceby funding grants for programs withinthe East Aurora School District.” It was a privilege to describe ourFoundation to others at the workshop.This year the Board is telling our storyby way of a DVD made by EAHS artteacher Tom Kegler and two highschool students who taped students inclassrooms where the grants have been

implemented. The DVDs are available to anyone who wouldlike to view grants in action. Our other challenge is to increase our financial base. Weknow the possibilities are there for us to do much more if wehad the money. We depend upon donations from alumni,individuals, businesses and community groups. Visit ourwebsite: www.eastauroraeducationfoundation.org, contactanyone on the Board with questions and suggestions and doshare with us the vision of making a difference in the lives ofstaff and students in East Aurora schools.

~ Mrs. Peg Fletcher

The East Aurora Educational Foundation… what are we about and what do we do?

The current EAEF Board of Directors includes (left to right) Daniel Brunson, (AdministrativeAssistant) Mary Robinson, Thomas Harris, (President) Peg Fletcher, James Hoagland, DianeSchultz, James Dusel and Douglas Kuhns. Susan McLaren is absent from the photo.


Chamber’s Choice AwardsThe award is designed to acknowledge and honor students whohave demonstrated significant development in a variety of aspectsof their learning and growth, such as community service, entrepre-neurship, citizenship, artistic excellence and communication. Ten seniors are recognized from East Aurora High School for2009: (left to right,front row) Haley Keller, Callan Jackson, Zu Xian(Ray) Chen, Ashley Fitzpatrick, Laura Hall, (back row) BradleyWhitney, Garrett Shea, Isaac Allen, Peter Mandych and StephenWalsh. Also, four EAHS students in Ormsby Center’s vocational pro-grams are Chamber’s Choice awardees: Katerina Matthewson -Criminal Justice , Amanda Potli - Animal Care, Gina Pigeon - Cosme-tology and Shelby Pressing - Diesel Mechanics.


Students in third grade have just finished a mixed media still life les-son. We discussed the differences between landscapes, portraits andstill life's. Artists Georgia O'keeffe and William Harnett served as theinspiration for our spring bouquets.

Second grade students in Mrs. Cotton’sclass have been working on a hall displayfor our new school. Each student createdfour heart squares after the artist Jim Dine.We used hand crafted papers and water-color paints. The title of our display wasThank You, We Love Our New School!

Mrs. Cottonparkdale Elementary

Ms. whitemain street Elementary

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The eighth grade art students studied Austrian Art Nouveaupainter Gustav Klimt, who was the inspiration in creating thesescratchboard and collage portraits. Line, Shape, Pattern, andthe design principle “Emphasis,” were the focus of this lesson.

The lesson also focused on utilizing Klimt's trademark metalliccolor and intricate pattern work. The students usedscratchboard and magazine pictures to create their portraits.This was first accomplished by practicing how to make a va-riety of lines, shapes, and patterns. The students attemptedto create a contrast between the patterns in the figure andthose in the background. (Continues next page.)

Fourth grade created these unique, contemporaryworks using tissue paper, markers and colored pen-cils. They focused on overlapping transparency anda combination of both geometric and organicshapes - similar to artist Paul Klee.

Fifth grade students have been examiningthe process of creating 3-D artwork out ofclay. They explored the history and impor-tance of ceramics as a means of learningabout past cultures. Students created uniquebuilding facades by rolling, cutting andpressing textures into a flat slab and finishingwith a glaze firing.

Student work – Max Kilijanski and ErikaDavidson grade 5

Projects and activities throughout the year are de-signed to incorporate the elements of art and theprinciples of design. Students also develop skills work-ing with a variety of media including color pencils,clay, pastels, printing just to name a few. They haverecently finished a unit on portraits which focusedon value, shading and proportion.

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high school studio art 1

mr. walleshausermiddle school

Kaitlin Kinsella

Owen Frederick

Max Kilijanski andErika Davidson

OliviaZimmerman

Photography & Digital Imaging

This year we have had five different sections of Photography running.Students have learned how to use a manual 35 mm camera, anddevelop their own film. Students practice the skills needed to takeinteresting and well composed photographs both in school and athome. Then, students move into the darkroom, where they learnhow to enlarge and develop their own black and white photo-graphs. The fun doesn’t end there, however! Finally, students moveinto the Mac Lab to learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop anddigital imaging techniques.

Advanced Photography & Digital Imaging

Students in Advanced Photography focus on learning more ad-vanced tools and techniques in Adobe Photoshop and Indesign, aswell as how to use a digital SLR camera. They are encouraged tofollow individual paths to solve problems, and focus on importantconcepts related to photography, expression, and creativity.

School Publications

This course is designed to teach students the skills needed to pro-duce not only the major school publication, the yearbook, but alsoadditional publications and supplements. Students must master skillsin digital photography, story writing, Adobe Photoshop andIndesign, video editing, and have the determination to completethese projects with real life deadlines.


(left) Parker Healy

Holly Kirchmeyer

mr. walleshauser’s students,continued


Mrs. buscemihigh school

David Angrisano

Becky Goggins

We are proud to say the High School Art Department is flourishing. Aftera welcome renovation this past summer, our space is much more effi-cient and conducive to the creative endeavors of our students. Ourclasses are full and the students are producing some very impressive work.Many art majors are preparing their entrance portfolios for colleges.

We encourage you to visit our recently updated Art Department website at www.eastauroraschools.org/artdepartment for a complete over-view of our department, courses offered, and see samples of studentwork.

Below are the courses I am teaching this year and a brief overview ofthe activities happening in the classroom.

DrawingTwo sections of Drawing ran last semester. Students worked on developingobservational skills through a number of “drawing what you see” exercises. Thisculminated in some impressive still life and portrait drawings. The students ex-perimented in a variety of media including pencil, charcoal, conte, and ink.

PaintingStudents warmed up with a variety of value exercises in mono-chrome paint. Through this they developed an understanding ofpaint and brush handling, paint mixing, and value gradations. Theythen pulled it all together in a large still life composition. Students inPainting are presently working on acrylic landscapes.


mr. keglerhigh school

Art Club

The goal of the Art Club is to enhance the educational setting andpublic spaces through the visual arts, providing an opportunity forstudents to be involved in both individual and group-based projects.

Film Club

The fledgling Film Club has had great success this year and recruitedmany new members. Students filmed and edited a DVD for “DancingWith The Teachers” this year, and currently are working on an originalfilm.

Sam Suto

Maren JohnsonPencil Drawing, Drawing Class

Anna KrousePaper Mache mask, International Studies Studio in World Art

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Images areBracelet - JewelryDesign, Flower -Sculpture, obrienis a studio in artimage (may needto be rotated sothat the micro-phone is upright),Scratchboard isfrom portfoliodevelopment.

Studio in ArtStudio in Art is the fundamental art class which deals primarily with drawing,but also explores mediums such as printing, sculpture, painting, and ceramics.Students master the art elements and the principles of design as well as arthistory.

Portfolio DevelopmentA new class at the High School this year was Portfolio Development. Studentsin this class worked to bolster their body of artworks to be included in collegeentrance portfolios. Students also arranged for small group showings – includ-ing finding a location, the set-up, and advertising of the show.

SculptureStudents in Sculpture study and produce artworks in a variety of three dimensionalmediums. This is a very hands-on class in which students use subtractive, additive, ormodeling processes to alter the medium and solve a design problem.

Jewelry DesignThis popular class allows students to create jewelry using fabrication andcasting techniques. Soldering, wire bending, and sawing projects allowstudents to develop design as well as hand skills. Students may use metalas well as alternative materials in their artwork.


Mr. vanostrandhigh school


Studio in World Art - International Studies Component (year 1 and 2)This course is designed to compliment the other International components by dovetail-ing projects in conjunction with the other units of study including Social Studies, English,and German. A variety of projects, mediums, and subjects are being explored in thecontext of history and cultural views. Students are working in pencil, clay, paint,printmaking, pastels, and even Mother Nature. At left is Katarina Bojanowski’s Illumi-nated Letter.

Video Study and EditingOne of our most popular courses is the Video class. Students brainstorm ideas, writescript, storyboard, film, edit, write narrative, create soundtracks, edit footage, and cutfinal videos. Students just finished a Silent Film and Public Service Announcement. Theyare presently working on Visual Poems.

Two of the projects that will be on display thatnight are 3-D resin prototypes produced in apartnership project with Moog of Elma. Students in Mr. Ellis' Advanced Engineeringcourse were given an opportunity to take partin a design contest using the CAD softwarePro/Engineer to develop a model of any ob-ject of their choice. With the help of Moog’sSenior Product Engineer Mark Kihlberg, twodesigns were selected for production onMoog's ZCorp Z510 3D Rapid Prototyping Ma-chine. The two designs were selected by thestudents in Mr. Ryan Ellis’ class, and are shownabove with creators Geoff DeLandsheer(computer and keyboard prototype) andTyler Friess' (telescope prototype).


The Technology Department will join the Art Department to display student work,grades 6 - 12, on May 20 at the High School. Department head DavidSchmidt reports that new state-of- the-art facitities at the High Schoolhave had a positive influence on our students. The new computer lab hastwenty work stations and new software, Pro Engineer, for the two new half-year Cad I and Cad II classes. All technology classes have easy access tothe lab a new color printer. Architecture students, engineering students, andgraphic communication classes can now use the Internet and web sites to de-sign and create new and interesting projects.

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Why Full-Day Kindergarten at East Aurora?

The East Aurora School Board has established a study team toinvestigate the feasibility of converting its current half-day kin-dergarten to a full-day program. A committee, led by AssistantSuperintendent Gibson (right), and including Parkdale Elemen-tary School Principal Colleen Klimchuck, parents, teachers andBuffalo State College Early Childhood Professor Dr. JudyBondurant-Utz, has reviewed current research, cost factors, andenrollment projections. The committee hosted public forums inApril in the Parkdale Library to collect information from thecommunity in the Parkdale Library. A questionnaire for parentsof children entering kindergarten is available for anyone whodid not attend either public forum by calling 687-2306. Committee members believe that everyone, including parentsof children entering kindergarten, should have a voice regard-ing this issue. The Kindergarten Feasibility Study Committee is scheduledto present its findings to the East Aurora Board of Education atthe end of this school year. If a decision is made by the Board of

Education to move forward with a full-day kindergarten program,the 2009-2010 school year would be dedicated to the develop-ment of a full-day program with possible implementation of full-day kindergarten for 2010-2011. For more information related to the full-day Kindergarten Fea-sibility Study, please contact Dr. R. Brad Gibson at 716-687-2306.


www.crossroadssprings.org


DECA makes a differenceSeveral spring activities are keeping the EAHS DECA(DistributiveEducation Clubs of America) chapter busy and involved in the com-munity. April 20-24, the group celebrated Earth Day week by hold-ing their second annual Go Green Week. The program promotesawareness and encourages students and teachers to take action tokeep our world green. May 11-29, DECA and Student Government will be working to-gether to raise funds and collect donated items for Compass Housein Buffalo. In addition, on May 30, DECA’s advisor, Mrs. Romesser,and Student Government advisor, Mr. Hycner and other East Au-rora staff members will be racing in the Teacher Feature at the Hol-land Speedway. Proceeds from this event will be added to the driveto support Compass House, a WNY shelter for runaway and home-less youth (www.compasshouse.org). Earlier in the year , the chapter members returned from the NewYork State competition held in Rochester with notable achievements.The team of Sarah Kaminowski and Brianne Szopinski placed first inthe Business and Financial Services competition. The team of NickHoeh, Matt Hoeh, and Ned Winter placed second in the Hospitalityand Recreational Marketing competition. Finally, the team of Colby

Former Board of Education members Mrs. Peg Fletcher andMrs. Alison Hyde (right) visited Main Street ElementarySchool to discuss the Crossroads Springs project with stu-dents in the library. The discussion was part of an ongoingeffort to raise awareness and funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS orphans in Hamasi, Kenya. Mrs. Fletcher and Mrs.Hyde showed photos of the school and its progress, and asthey did, our classes recognized donations that they madeduring the last school year, like gently used shoes and aposterof a bigh e a r tw i t hE a s tAuroras t u -dents’h a n d -prints. Theirv i s i ta u g -mentedBOOST(tech-nologyenrichment) lessons about Kenya and the elementary schools’ part-nership with the Kenyan school, currently providing education for

Kitner, Melissa Resitarits and Tricia Silliman placed fifth in the Fash-ion Merchandising and Promotional Plans competition. Congratu-lations to Mrs. Romesser and her teams!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Mrs. Cichocki wore traditional Kenyan clothingfor her BOOST room lessons.

about 210 orphans through grade six, including food, clothing, medi-cal check-ups and nurturing by caring teachers. The project iserecting a new building with eight new classrooms, staff offices andbathrooms. Students at Middle School sponsored a “Caps for CrossroadsSprings” fundraiser, in which a donation to the project earned themthe privilege of wearing a hat in school. Through a Parkdale Elementary fundraiser, “Bucks for Bricks,”staff and students raised $1,200 for Crossroads Springs. More information about the endeavor is at the project’s websiteat www.crossroadssprings.org.

May 7 Middle School Orchestra and ChorusSpring Concert, 7 PM at the High School Aud

May 13 High School Spring Concert, 7 PM atthe High School Aud

May 14 Middle School Band cConcert,6:30 PM at the High School Aud

May 20 District Art Show and Tech Fairat the High School 6 - 8 pm

May 21 Main Street Elementary SpringConcert at the High School Aud,

9:15 AM and 7:00 PM

May 22 Junior/Senior Prom

Over time, interscholastic sports policies, rules and deadlines have

become increasingly complex. Theobjective of the District Athletic officeis to assist athletes/families in comply-ing with these rules and regulations formaximum participation in a safe andlegal manner. To achieve that, the

department homepage is designed to provide families withpertinent information and frequently asked questions. Thehomepage is found at www.eastauroraschools.org/athletics. The link entitled “Athletic Handbook for Families” is the on-line version of the booklet previously sent out to EA secondarystudents/families with a synopsis of major policies, proceduresand deadlines. This booklet will no longer be sent via US mail.Printed paper copies are available in the Athletic office, MiddleSchool office and the High School Counseling offices for newDistrict families or who do not have access to the internet. By clicking “Athletic Links” one can find the link to the NewYork State Public High School Athletic Association, the NCAAClearinghouse and Section 6 (Western NY) athletics. These threesources contain information relating to eligibility, deadlines,minimum number of practices required and maximum number ofcontests that can be played; collegiate recruiting; dates/location/times and ticket prices of sectional/regional and state champion-ships, interstate contests, as well all other rules/regulations at thestate and WNY levels. The link entitled “Athletic Policies” addresses East Aurora

may 2009 The Challenger 15 15

School District procedures concerning areas such as academiceligibility; training rule (alcohol, drugs) expectations; attendanceand behavior requirements; and transportation to and fromcontests/practices. The “Booster Club” link provides the names and contactinformation for each booster club’s president, as well as proce-dures for fund raising and other procedural “do’s and don’ts”involving booster clubs. Individuals interested in serving as a coach (paid or volunteer)in the district should consult the “Coaching Employment andCertification” link for information concerning coaching require-ments. The “Daily Sports Calendar” leads to the information by date orby sport as to the current schedule. This link will also providespecifics as to the exact location such as a town park or countryclub and directions to travel there. If you are seeking the exactaddress to google or to use a GPS, that can be found by clickingon “Directions To Other Districts.” Anyone can register to be notified via email of any schedulechange (location, time, day) by clicking on “Email Notification ofChanges.” This includes last minute changes due to weather/emergency or changes made any time after the schedule is posted. Other links on the website are somewhat self-explanatory suchas “Sports Offered,” “Athlete of the Week,” “Achievements andRecord Holders,” “Athletic Forms,” and “Coaching Staff.”

If information above does not address a specific question, by allmeans, please call the EAHS athletic office at 687-2559.

District Athletic webpage is friendly and informativeFrederick Thornley, Director of Health, Physical Education & Athletics

Upcoming:Around the District

Events daily atwww.eastauroraschools.org/calendar

East Aurora Continuing/Community Education

The brightest minds are still learning

See www.eastauroraschools.org/adulteducationfor listings, where you also can register

and pay online!Also, register in person at 430 Main Street (District Office),

or call 687-2311 for information by mail

Summer Adult Education classes begin in June!

Attention Senior Citizens:If you are 62 or older and a resident of the East Aurora School Dis-trict, you are eligible to take many of our local adult educationcourses at half price! The Board of Education and Superintendent Bodziak recognizethe contributions of our taxpayers who have contributed to ourschools in so many ways throughout the years. We can’t repay you,but this is one way we can say “thank you” for your years of support. You also are eligible to apply for a Gold Card, which entitles youto free admission to all regular season home games, and the after-noon performance of the High School musical (you must call toreserve musical seats). Call 687-2311 for details. We want you to know that your efforts to support quality educa-tion in East Aurora are appreciated! ~ Kristine Ward

Active Sculpt Sunrise Pilates Step Aerobics/Circuit Training Summer Writing Salon Beginning Stained Glass Driver Education for NYS Stronger Bodies, Stronger Bones Learn to Zumba PLUS over 400 online courses

Summer 2009 Early Bird SPECIAL! Join the best aerobics class in town at 6 AM Monday,Wednesday and Friday, July 1 - September 30, at Sneakers Gym(300 Gleed Street) for $60.00--HALF-PRICE! That’s 40 classes for just$1.25/class! No residency restrictions or surcharge, this sessiononly, but you must register by June 10. After June 10 registrantspay full price. See details at fitness course #601MWF at the websiteor call us at 687-2311.


Middle School Marching Band,continued from page 3 The Band has captured the first place tro-phy in the Buffalo parade every year since2002, and in recent years has marched in theIndy 500 Parade (first place middle schooltrophy), the Gettysburg Memorial Day Pa-rade, the Boston/Lexington Patriot's DayParade, the New York City St. Patrick's DayParade, Washington, D.C.'s Cherry BlossomParade, and the Preakness Parade in Balti-more. The Band was formed in 1988 under thedirection of Mrs. Gail Leary, and Mr. BenDavis is the current director.

High School/Middle School Latin teacherBrian Serwicki recently announced top per-formance for thirteen of his students in thisspring’s National Latin Exam (students, withgrade level and awards are below)..

Latin awards

Andrew Lazickas and Paige Ronan (grade 8,Cum Laude), Grace Anderson (grade 7,Achievement), Daniel Leman (grade 8,Maxima Cum Laude), Carl Davidson (grade7, Achievement), Edward Crow (grade 8,Maxima Cum Laude), and Penn Watson(grade 7, Achievement). Absent from pho-tos are Chase Szafnicki (grade 8, MaximaCum Laude) and Mary Zittel (grade 10,Maxima Cum Laude and Silver Medal).

Tyler Ljungberg (grade 9, Cum Laude), JacobVasbinder (grade 9, Cum Laude), KendalClarke (grade 9, Maxima Cum Laude and Sil-ver Medal ), and Catlin McGee (grade 10,Cum Laude).

[Student photos are notused with identificationon the District website.]

[Student photos are notused with identificationon the District website.]


incredibly rewarding experience and I realize how lucky I am to be associated with such aprofessional organization. We have undertaken numerous curriculum initiatives, programupdates, and charitable projects that have enhanced the learning environment and contin-ued to make MSE an outstanding place to be. I would like to thank the Board of Education, Superintendent, administrators, teachers,support staff, PTO, parents and community members for their support and commitment toMSE and our District. Together we have created an atmosphere that is challenging, excit-ing, and promotes the growth and development of the whole child. Although I am saddened to leave my position as principal, I look forward to my newposition of Director of Technology and Information Services. I will continue to work withthe Board of Education, administrators, and teachers to promote the use of technology asan instructional tool to enhance the learning experience of all students K – 12. Again, Ithank you for your past support and look forward to our continued success in the future.

Principal Russ asked his staff to record favorite memories of Main Street Elementary, andselected excerpts are printed below. A complete compilation of staff memories is postedat our Farewell to MSE page on the District website: www.eastauoraschools.org/farewelltoMSE. Some favorite memories:

Goodbye, Main Street Elementary, continued from page 1

Memories from School Secretary Mrs.Paula Schmidt:• My first hug and homemade Christmaspresent from a third grader,• Being sung Happy Birthday by a wholeclass,• Having been a part of a great organizationwith wonderful staff and more great memoriesthan I can do justice to.

Greeter Mrs. Bailey’s good times at MSEinclude:

• Tight camaraderie with the entire staff• Sharing the bizarre (and often true) storiesthat kids tell us• Participating in the daily chaos of making theschool day “work”

Special Area teachers fondly recall:• Author Visits: Rafe Martin, Steven Kellogg,Cynthia DeFelice• We’ll always remember the entertainmentprovided by our very own students at theWinter and Spring Concerts over the years

• Walking the halls at MSE, provided us aglimpse of the artistic talents of our students ashighlighted in the Superintendent’s Collection.

Grade Three staff recollections:• We loved our field trips to Niagara Gorge!• We enjoyed the PTO Appreciation Lun-cheons and thank them for all of their help.• Our stocking drive for School 76 wasmemorable and the students loved giving toothers.

Fourth Grade staff memories:• Huge thunderstorm during Field Day forcingteachers and students to huddle under thepavilion to wait for buses to take them back toschool.• Finding snakes, crayfish, hamsters and micein the hallways and after school hours.• Lining up on the last day of school to wavegoodbye to students only to see retiredteachers smiling in the windows of a bus.

Grade Five MSE memories:• Teaching on 9/11—the whole school comingtogether to deal with one of the most difficult ofdays.• Trips to Old Fort Niagara.• Our annual OWL Day (Outdoor WildlifeLearning) at Sinking Ponds. Exploring, hiking,crafts, games, owl pellets, and a wonderful hotdog picnic lunch.

Continued atwww.eastauroraschools.org/farewelltoMSE

Progress Report on the Capital Facili-ties Project from John Watkins, LP

Ciminelli:

The High School Maintenance/Athletic Storage Fa-cility is nearing completion, with interior sides of the exterior wallsand the remaining interior partitions boarded and painted. The elec-trical service, including power, lighting panels and communications,has been installed. The plumbing work is complete, and the gasheaters are installed and functioning. Some work remains to be com-pleted , including interior power, lighting and exterior landscaping(by BOCES students and District maintenance staff) and some finalexhaust fan work. Over the summer, the remaining office spaces will be built usingsalvaged walls, doors and shelves, and District staff will paint thebuilding’s exterior. At the Parkdale addition, the move-in was completed ahead ofschedule through the efforts of District staff. All reports haveindicated that the new occupants are pleased with their new up-to-date facilities. The remaining site work that was not completed priorto the snowfall in late November has been scheduled for completion

prior to July 31, beginning in April with planting, seeding and pav-ing. Renovation in Parkdale’s original section began February 23,seven weeks ahead of schedule, with mechanical, electrical andplumbing demolition in preparation for the asbestos abatementphase. There are a total of six phases in the Main Street renovation, andwork began with the draining of the pool on March 3, 2009. Scaf-folding was installed and asbestos abatement work began March16, as the entire ceiling system above the pool was removed, in-cluding ductwork and lighting.. The exposed ceiling was powerwashed and painted. As of May 1 the new wall framing was com-plete, and the electrical service was roughed in. All that remains toaccomplish is installation of the finished surfacing. The “A” Wing (west) second and third floor work, cafeteriarenovation and site work is scheduled to start June 26, with centraland east wing third floor work scheduled to begin on September 1. Outside Main Street school, the new sanitary sewer line wascompleted on April 20. Work items also completed during the Eas-ter Break include the scheduled tree removal , with significant clear-ing and grubbing of landscaping in preparation for the new mate-rial.

Capital Facilities Project Update

These are hard financial times. Families inEast Aurora have had to tighten their

belts and make difficult choices about spend-ing. The school district has had to do thesame. With no increase in operating aid from thestate, and with reductions in other revenue sources such as interestearnings, the choice is to increase property taxes or take long-term

Daniel Brunson, President

actions to control expenses. In order to curb spending to align withavailable revenues, supplies, equipment, conferences and othercosts have been reduced by 15% from last year's levels. Staffingalso had to be reduced to a sustainable level. This budget calls forthe elimination of several positions. Staff reductions have beencarefully planned and come on the heels of significant savingsfrom recently negotiated changes in health benefit costs. The proposed budget, which has no tax increase, is a reasonedresponse to a difficult situation. I have great confidence in theability of our staff, faculty and administration to carry on the mis-sion of our schools. We will have a leaner district, but studentneeds will be met.

Administrative $ 2,784,100The administrative component, includes office and central administrativeexpenses, traveling expenses, salaries and benefits of all certified schooladministrators and supervisors who spend a majority of their time perform-ing administrative or supervisory duties, all expenditures associated withthe operation of the school board, the superintendent, general administra-tion, the school business office, any consulting costs not directly related tostudent services and program planning, and all other administrative activi-ties.

Capital $ 5,858,631The capital component, includes all transportation capital, debt service, andlease expenditures; costs resulting from court judgments, administrativeorders or settled or compromised claims; and all facilities costs of theDistrict, including facility lease expenditures, annual debt service and totaldebt for all facilities financed by bonds and notes of the district, and costsof construction, acquisition, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvementof school buildings, provided that the budget includes a rental, operationsand maintenance section that includes base rent costs, total rent costs,operation and maintenance charges, cost per square foot for each facilityleased by the District, and all expenditures associated with custodial sala-ries and benefits, service contracts, supplies, utilities and maintenancerepair of school facilities.

Program $19,469,720The program component, includes all program expenditures, including thesalaries and benefits of teachers and any school administrators or super-visors who spend a majority of their time performing teaching duties, and alltransportation operating expenses.

Continue to pursue initiatives which foster increasedstudent development, academically, socially and emo-tionally.

Enhance communication avenues and strategies withinthe school community for the purpose of building uponDistrict successes.

Continue to foster professional growth opportunitiesfor all faculty and staff for the purpose of improvingstudent learning and well being.

This proposed budget was developed withinthe framework of 2008-2009 EAUFSD goals:

123

Proposition No. 1: BudgetShall the following be adopted to wit: Shall the budget for the EastAurora Union Free School District for the fiscal year commencing July1, 2009 and ending June 30, 2010, as presented by the Board of Educa-tion, in the amount of $28,112,451 be hereby approved and adopted, andthe required funds be hereby appropriated, and the required real prop-erty taxes be levied on the taxable property in said District to be col-lected as required by law?

Board Of Education Member ElectionVote for no more than two (2), including any write-in candidates: MaryBethCovert, S. Dennis Holbrook

A full budget document is available for view at any school office or theDistrict office at 430 Main Street, East Aurora.

Voter eligibilityAccording to education law, to be qualified to

vote in the May 19, 2009 election, you must be:• at least 18 years of age

• a legal resident of the school district for 30days prior to the vote

• a citizen of the United States


East Aurora Union Free School District Budget Notice


Expenditures Revenue

Proposed Budget for 2009-2010$28,112,451

Maintains educational programs withinfiscally responsible parameters Maintains class size guidelines

Provides needed supplies & equipment

Budget highlights: Aligns curriculum to learning standards Maintains co-curricular, extra curricular,

interscholastic athletic programs Provides for our special needs student population

Provides for maintenance of facilities

Board of Education

East Aurora schoolshttp://www.eastauroraschools.org

School Board meetings are generally heldthe second and/or fourth Wednesdays of

the month at Main Street School at 7:00 PM.You are encouraged to verify this information

by calling 687-2302.

James C. BodziakSuperintendent of Schools

[email protected]

Kristine Ward, Community [email protected]

430 Main StreetEast Aurora, NY 14052

716/687-2300

PRSRT STDNONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDEAST AURORA, NY

PERMIT NO. 28

ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMER

Daniel Brunson, PresidentKathyann Lorka, Vice-President

MaryBeth CovertS. Dennis Holbrook

Eric SweetJames Whitcomb

Stephen Zagrobelny

Mission Statement The East Aurora School District will provide environments, experiences, materials and professional talents to help eachstudent prepare to live in society as a contributing, self-fulfilling and caring citizen. The school will endeavor to develop, in each student, alifelong desire for knowledge and the skills to acquire it. The school will promote learning in the context of common sense, hope for a better futureand a deep respect for humanity.

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Choose informationfrom the Districtwebsite or anyschool’s subsite

TOP TEN DISTRICT PAGESAPRIL ‘09

• Main page: News, links, an-nouncements, and registration forclosing information• Resources: Libraries, student/parent info• Business and Employment• High School• Academics and Curriculum• Technology• “Contact Us”• Board of Education• Menus• Alumni

Register here for text oremail alerts of closings orother emergencyinformation

Featured sites:Construction progress in East Aurora Schools’ CapitalFacilities Project! You can get inside the constructionareas and watch updated slideshows in each area as

the project moves through its phases towardcompletion next year at

www.eastauroraschools.org/CFP

After the District Art and Technology Show onMay 20, all the work in the show will be

featured in slideshows atwww.eastauroraschools.org/

artshow2009

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Our website is your source for comprehensive andup-to-the-minute school information: calendars, news,weather, menus, teacher pages, athletics, emergencyinformation, Community Education, community links,archived publications, school district policies, employment,transportation, and other services. Each school -- HighSchool, Middle School, Main Street Elementary and ParkdaleElementary -- has its own subsite linked to the Districtwebsite.

You don’t have to register to read the news, use resourcelinks or visit various sites at eastauroraschools.org,but you do have to register for email news alerts, includingemergency alerts, from the District. Following every Board of Education meeting, the MeetingDigest is placed in the News & Events headlines, and regis-tered users will receive an email notification, with leads toother top news stories.

As we reduced printed District information to cut costs, wehave increased the amount of news and information avail-able to by utilizing our website

182,425website visits,

first quarter 2009!Thanks for using the

East Aurora Schools’ website!

“News & Events”headlines, updatedconstantly!

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GUIDE

Documents

A Star Spangled Farewell to Main Street Elementary · 2019. 1. 29. · Hintz, Alyssa Schifferle, and Charlie Border earned two first place medals in the Aquatics and Wildlife events,