DIMENSIONNovember 2011Holley Central School District

At Holley Middle School/High School, it’s cool to be a musician or singer. At

the high school level, the band has increased by 11 students this year, and the middle school band has increased from 23 to 40. Both choral groups have grown, especially concert choir. “My first year, I only had 17 students! That was crazy,” said Kelly Evans, music teacher. “It was a small group, but certainly a memorable year. We now have about 70 students in concert choir!”

Ms. Evans attributes the increase in participation to the number of opportunities students have to perform, and to the close-knit group the choruses have become. “We have a wide range of students in the program skill wise, personalities, grade levels … it’s a very unique make up where everyone can feel welcome,” she said. “I also think that the community has been longing for a music department revival, so their support has really helped both Dan (Wakefield) and I get our ensembles back on their feet.”

Dan Wakefield, who teaches band and instrumental lessons, said his students enjoy the challenge. “They want to learn a wide range of musical genres,” he said. “Band kids are telling their friends that band is a ‘cool’ thing to do.” While being challenged, the students also get a chance to learn the fundamentals of music education, he added.

Choosing which music to learn and perform is often a collaborative effort. “I find really great music, attempt it with both groups, and then usually ask them if it’s a ‘keeper’ or not,” said Mr. Wakefield. Rather than trying a difficult piece right off the bat, he progressively increases the music difficulty throughout the year.

Ms. Evans likes to incorporate a mix of genres – spiritual, ballads, musical theater, etc. – to expose students to something different. “I ask the students for suggestions if they feel a certain choral song would work well for the group,” she said. She also relies on the songs she performed in high school. “I’ve found that the more challenging the music, the more the students enjoy it,” she added.

To be successful in band or chorus, students must have a level of dedication and passion for music. “Students need the three Ps – patience, practice, and passion,” said Ms. Evans. “My most successful students have a strong passion for music, performing, and bettering themselves.”

“To me, a successful music student can be summed up with five characteristics: a true love for music, a willingness to practice in and outside of school, an ability to relate music genre’s to everyday life, the drive to continually challenge themselves, and the desire to ask questions and expand their musical knowledge,” said Mr. Wakefield.

Students’ enthusiasm for the program is a reflection of the dedication of the instructors as well. “I can’t thank Holley enough for allowing me this opportunity to teach in such an amazing district,” said Mr. Wakefield.

“Dan and I are so proud of our students,” said Ms. Evans. “We always say that we have the best jobs in the world and we work with the best kids in the school.”

Music program growingleaps and bounds

Vocal music teacher Kelly Evans and the last year’s concert choir perform holiday music at The Mall at Greece Ridge Center. Check the district calendar online for this year’s mall concert date.

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“We put kids first. They’re more important than anything,” said Holley Superintendent Robert D’Angelo. “We want to make Holley the best possible place for them.”

This is why three to four times a year for the last three years Mr. D’Angelo has been inviting six to eight different high school students to have breakfast with him and board members to talk about what Holley is doing well and where they could improve.

From these breakfasts Holley learned that students would rather take more electives than have more study hall time. In response Holley added classes like zoology and psychology. Students suggested that adding more languages, like French and American Sign Language, would also be helpful. Freshman Baily Papaj talked about adding a language learning center and an English as a second language program for students who don’t primarily speak English.

Mr. D’Angelo discussed the Capital Building Project and how it’s going to improve the school as well as the changes the students can expect to see over the next few months. Students took the opportunity to voice their concerns about the new cafeteria and offered their opinion on changes they would like to see, such as shorter lines and more fruit options.

“It’s nice to have a one-on-one conversation with the superintendent because it really gives us a chance to share our opinions,” said sophomore Karlissa Harper.

The next superintendent breakfast will be open to students from the Alternative High School.

Enjoying breakfast together are (front, l-r) Tessa McArthur, Superintendent Robert D’Angelo, Social Worker Samantha Zelent, Kacee Sauer, and Emily Skehan; (back) Nick Cuccaro, Corey Winter, Mike Silvis, Baily Papaj, and Karlissa Harper.

Would you like to receive updates via Twitter?Did you know that Holley Central School District is on Twitter and that you can now receive regular updates on news, events, and alerts? If you’re not already on Twitter, signing up is easy and free with just your name, email and a password. Click on the Twitter link on the home page or visit http://twitter.com/#!/HolleyCSD Then click on the green “follow” button for Holley CSD.

Don’t miss the Third Annual

Dessert Concert – Nov. 2

Enjoy solos, duets, and small group performances while enjoying a sumptuous dessert buffet and coffee during the

Third Annual Dessert Concert Wednesday, November 2 at 7 p.m. in the Holley Elementary School cafeteria. Tickets are $5 presale

and $6 at the door.

See Teacher Kelly Evans or any chorus member to purchase tickets. Proceeds will help fund the chorus and band trip to Annapolis, Maryland in April. Students will compete in the Heritage Music Festival, visit the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, hear the National Navy Band perform, and sightsee in Washington, D.C.

Band and chorus members will also be selling Niagara Chocolates candy bars from November 7 to 14 to help fund their trip. The cost is $1 each and there are assorted kinds.

Breakfasts give superintendent, board a chance to get student feedbackby Erin Lowney, Communications Intern

At the October 17 Board of Education meeting, each board member was presented with a gift in honor of Board Recognition Week and as thanks for the many hours the board devotes to bettering education in the Holley School District. Here, District Clerk Connie Nenni presents Board President John Heise with a mug that reads, “Proud School Board Member.” Also shown are Vice President Brenda Swanger and Norman Knight, board member.

Board Recognition Week

Holley Central School District 3

HOLLEY DIMENSION November 2011

PTSA after-school movie - Nov. 18

Third grade classes had a beautiful fall day to release their painted lady butterflies that they raised from larva. With

kits provided by the BOCES 2 Elementary Science Program, students are able to observe the process of metamorphosis and learn how to properly care for and feed their butterfly before releasing it.

The science unit addresses the NYS learning standards for scientific inquiry, the living environment, problem solving, and measurement. Throughout the unit, the students make their observations on the growth and development of the butterfly as it goes through its life cycle. They begin by observing the larva culture and watching it transform into the pupa stage. Classes then predict how long it may take for the pupa to transform into a painted lady butterfly.

“Students were fascinated to check our butterfly house daily to see who’s emerged overnight and sometimes throughout the day,” said Teacher Sue Thornton. “In doing so, the students have learned many new vocabulary words and have made observations about the life cycle.” Students were also instructed how to treat their butterfly in a humane manner, and discussed what living things need to survive, how butterflies are similar to other insects, and how they are different.

So students could see many other types of butterflies and insects, educator John MacRoy was invited to visit with his displays of hundreds of butterflies, insects, even some fish from the tropical rain forests of South America, Papua New Guinea, Ghana, West Africa, and Malaysia as well as the temperate rainforests of North America – all of which he collected during his extensive travels.

Third grader Skyla Milazzo bravely examines a piranha during a visit from John MacRoy, educator, whose collection of butterflies includes a few more intimidating specimens.

Third graders fill the sky with painted lady butterflies

Elementary School UPDATEby Regina Yeo, Principal

Be respectful, be responsible, be safe! At Holley CSD we embrace all of these character traits. These expectations pertain to any time and anywhere

students are on school property. Each morning during the morning program, the students recite all three “Be” traits. As you enter the main foyer, look around for the “Be” banners. You will also find examples in classrooms describing what each trait looks like at that grade level.

When students display these traits regularly, they will receive a character postcard to recognize their wonderful actions. All students who receive a character postcard are recognized during the morning program so everyone can appreciate their efforts. From the postcards, names are drawn once a month to participate in Character Club. In Character Club, students gather together to do a service project. We want our students to be shining examples for which the community can be proud. I would love to hear about respectful, responsible, and safe actions that our students are displaying in the community. Contact me anytime at ryeo@holleycsd.org

Enjoy fall!

The next PTSA sponsored after-school movie is Friday, November 18 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Elementary School cafeteria. The event is open to kindergarten through sixth grade, but parents must bring kindergarteners back to the school at 3:30 p.m. as there is no child care available after the kindergarten dismissal. Admission is $1 and snacks will be available for an additional cost. Any parents who would like to stay and help out are welcome.

The PTSA is always looking for parent volunteers!

Did you know?Butterfly colors are of two types, pigment and structural. The pigment colors are the same as those found in paints, inks, and dyes. They are called “straight” colors. Structural colors are mechanical and are like the colors produced by a prism, rainbow or oil film on water.

Source: John MacRoy

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Middle School/ High School UPDATEby Susan Cory, Principal

This school year is going by quickly and we’re already past the first

five-week marking period. I hope that you have all had the opportunity to view your child’s progress report on SchoolTool. Just a reminder that we will not be mailing hard copies of progress reports this year, but you may request that a hard copy be mailed to you by contacting Penny Cole in the Counseling Office at 638-6335, ext. 2192 or emailing her at pcole@holleycsd.org.

Students with idle time and those who are not involved in school often find themselves faced with making decisions that are not always the best. As parents, you are the best defense in keeping the lines of communication open with your child. We are always here to help out. According to the results of a recent

survey, underage drinking and parties are still a popular activity among the young people of our community. Education alone is not enough to deter teens from drinking as they enter the difficult social transition to adulthood because there are many pressures and opportunities to drink. Parents who are actively involved can have a powerful influence on their child’s decision to remain alcohol free. Teen perceptions of parental disapproval are great deterrents. What parents may not realize is that children say parental disapproval of underage drinking is the key reason they have chosen not to drink. Research indicates that children are less likely to drink when their parents are involved in their lives and when they and their parents report feeling close to each other.

Did you know that you can report an underage drinking party anonymously? The Drug Free Communities Coalition runs a tip line at 343-1932 or 1-800-851-1932. Parents working together to keep kids safe is a great deterrent to students making choices that they are not yet ready or able to make.

In the schools we offer preventative education throughout the curriculum and have mental health services available to you and your child if you need support with substance abuse problems or any other issue. Feel free to contact your child’s counselor or one of our social workers to assist you with your child and their success.

Be involved and stay in contact.

CSE and CPSE parentmembers neededUnder New York State law, a Parent Member is required to be in attendance at all CPSE and full CSE meetings! The Special Education Department is looking for additional parents who can volunteer to serve as parent members. You are eligible if you are the parent of a classified student, or a student who was declassified within the past five years.

As a Parent Member you will:•Participateindiscussionsinvolvingeligibilityforspecial

education services and IEP development;•Provideinformationandsupporttotheparentofthe

student being referred to the Committee;•Helpensurethattheparentunderstandsandis

comfortable with the evaluation process;•Ensureallparentconcernsareaddressed.

If you have as little as one half day per month, please consider serving in this vital capacity. The amount of time you devote is at your discretion, and all meetings occurduringschoolhours.TheHolleyCSEandCPSEareconfident that you will find being a parent member a worthwhile and educational experience. For information about training or if you have further questions, please contact Director of Special Programs Karri D. Schiavone at kschiavone@holleycsd.org or 638-6335, ext. 2401.

At the October 17 Board of Education meeting, Middle School/High School Principal Susan Cory presented Collin Papaj and Thomas Weader with Soaring to New Heights Awards for their outstanding support of a fellow student. Before the school day started one day in September, she observed Collin and Thomas helping out another student with his locker. When she asked if everything was okay, the young man who was being assisted said that the boys were showing him how to organize his locker. They had things spread out and were helping the young man get his papers in the right binders and clean out his locker. “I believe that this is very responsible and shows that they have the compassion and character needed to help out a fellow student,” said Mrs. Cory. She is shown here with Thomas Weader.

Soaring to New Heights

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Holley may be a small school,

but it has its share of student athletes who go on to compete in college sports. For some, it’s a goal they worked toward for years. For others, it’s the icing on the cake – an opportunity to compete for four more years that they never expected.

“At first, I wasn’t going to play,” said Brandon Comden, a freshman soccer player at SUNY Oswego, “but then I realized how much I would miss playing, so I knew I had to.” Brandon wasn’t recruited and had to try out for the team. “I had to try out as a walk on which is a pretty scary experience and very stressful knowing that the team had already been practicing for about a week and a half.”

Despite his walk on status, Brandon has proven to be a very valuable asset to the team. He was named Oswego State Athlete of the week, SUNY Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Player of the Week, and Most Valuable Player in the Oswego State Men’s Soccer Tournament in early September.

Macy Reyngoudt, who is in her second year playing soccer for The College at Brockport, contacted the college initially, but was then recruited after coaches saw her play. That opened doors for her academically. “Soccer played a huge role in my decision to go to Brockport,” she said. “My SAT scores were so bad that the coach put me in a program called ‘Exceptional Talent,’ which meant that the only way I could attend was by playing soccer. Now, Macy has an entire support system to see that she succeeds both on and off the field. “The team will help you with your homework if you need it and they are so supportive,” she said.

Kristina Martin, who competes in cross country and track at Alleghany College,

agrees that support from coaches and her teammates makes a huge difference when balancing practice time, meets, and homework, and trying to squeeze in a social life. “I wanted to be part of a competitive program that would help me to become a better athlete, and also provide me with a good support group, which I can absolutely say I have found in my coaches and teammates at Alleghany.”

Ask almost any college athlete and he or she will

tell you that the time commitment to play college sports is considerable. “Oh my gosh, during the whole fall semester all I ever do is play soccer, do homework, and sleep,” said Macy. “It’s a huge commitment and takes up all of your free time, but it’s so worth it and I have so many great friends out of it.”

“To be honest, sports in college take up a lot of time in your day!” said Brandon. “The thing I can say about it is that it’s an easy way to make friends and your college works around your sport extremely well. They try to make it the least stressful that they can.”

All three athletes credited their Holley sports experience for helping to prepare them well to compete in college. “My relationships with the teams I was part of (at Holley) provided me with the right attitude and work ethic I would need to prepare me for what college would expect of me,” said Kristina.

“Playing soccer in Holley helped me because it was a great way to be exposed to some hard competition and the feeling of wanting to win so bad that you would push yourself to the breaking point to achieve victory for our school,” said Brandon. “The only complaint about Holley soccer I have is that we won so much that it feels weird now when I lose a game!”

Holley athletes give their perspective of life after high school on the playing field

Freshman and Sophomores•Checkwithyourhigh

school counselor to make sure you are taking the required amount of core courses.

Juniors•Atthebeginningofyour

junior year, complete your online registration at

www.eligibilitycenter.org The application fee is $65.

•RegistertotaketheACT,SAT or both and use the NCAA Eligibility Center code “9999” as a score recipient. Doing this sends your official score directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center.

•Askyourhighschoolcounselor to send an official transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center after completing your junior year.

Seniors •TaketheACTand/orSAT

again, if necessary. The NCAA Eligibility Center will use the best scores from each section of the ACT or SAT to determine your best cumulative score.

•Continuetoworkhardto get the best grades possible.

•Graduateontime(ineightacademic semesters).

•Aftergraduation,askyourhigh school counselor to send your final transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center with proof of graduation.

TIP

S for becoming NCAA (National College Athletics Association) eligible:

Holley graduate Brandon Comden now plays for the Oswego State Lakers.

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Holley High School students don’t have to travel far to pick up

information about area colleges; the colleges come right to them. For the fourth year, Holley’s counseling staff has organized a college fair for juniors and seniors that is held right in the school’s gymnasium. This year, 11 colleges were represented – Alfred State College, Alfred University, The College at Brockport, Finger Lakes Community College, Genesee Community College, Keuka College, Monroe Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Roberts Wesleyan College, Saint John Fisher College, and the University of Rochester.

Penny Myler, admissions counselor for St. John Fisher College, has interested students fill out prospect cards. “We can tell where the card came from and put the student’s information in our database so we can track whether he or she applied and was accepted,” she said. Fisher also waives the application fee for students who complete the card.

Senior Alyssa Lasch is looking into Roberts Wesleyan College and Monroe Community College. “I’m interested

in becoming an orthopedic technician, which is pretty specialized, so it’s good to be able to find out what the local colleges have to offer,” she said.

Stephen Schubmehl, also a senior, said he’s planning on majoring in physical therapy at SUNY Canton, but that he’s also looking at local colleges like Brockport, MCC and GCC. “The fair is helpful, especially for students who don’t have any idea what they want to do,” he said.

Junior Sonia Mendoza studies a brochure from Keuka College at the Rochester Area Colleges Fair at Holley Middle School/High School.

Get help payingfor college books

The best selling author James Patterson is

sponsoring the second annual College Book Bucks Program to support college bound seniors. There will be 230 winners who will receive gift certificates ranging from $250 to $1,000 to pay for college books. Visit the website www.JamesPatterson.com and submit an essay on the topic: “How has your favorite book inspired you toward what you’d like to do in life?” The deadline is December 31, 2011. The winners will be announced on March 1, 2012. Please reference “Bindings Bookstore” as the referral contact.

For other scholarship information, visit www.holleycsd.org/scholarships

ATTENTION student artists! Reflections deadline – Nov. 18

The National PTA Reflections Program

is one of the largest student arts recognition programs in the country. The Holley PTSA participates in this program so students can express themselves artisically based on a common theme and be recognized for their efforts. This year’s theme is “Diversity Means...” Students in any grade can submit works in any of six art areas: dance, choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts. The deadline for submissions is November 18. Prizes will be awarded. For a downloadable participation form, visit www.holleycsd.org/Reflections

The Middle School/High School was alive with school spirit on October 7 when students enjoyed games, breakfast, and a roaring pep rally before the early dismissal. The afternoon was time well spent working on floats for the Homecoming parade and getting ready for the evening dances. On Saturday, the Hawks proudly represented their school with contests in football, soccer and volleyball. Here, the cheerleaders put on a stellar performance at the pep rally. For more Homecoming photos, visit www.holleycsd.org.

College Fair comes to Holley

HomecomingHolley spirit shines at

Holley Central School District 7

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COUNSELING N e w sby Kristina Mack, School Counselor

Don’t throw it away!Clean out those closets and bring your

items to school! Please donate any new and gently used toys, books, games, DVDs, sports items, purses, and jewelry for ages pre-K to 12th grade to help benefit the families of Holley. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept clothes, household items, and baby items.

The deadline to donate is Friday, December 2. Items can be dropped off in the Elementary or Middle School/High School counseling offices.

Thank you for your participation!

Attention, Seniors! Senior students should be applying to colleges by now. They should also register again for the ACT and/or SAT. Make sure your application information is sent out in a timely manner. Please pay particular attention to the deadline dates. Contact your counselor if you require further assistance. Additionally, please see the scholarship website under the counseling tab if you would like further information on scholarship opportunities. The applications for many of the scholarships are located in the Counseling Office.

Financial Aid NightThe counseling office is holding a College Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. in the Holley Middle School/High School auditorium. A representative from The College at Brockport’s financial aid office will present information on the financial aid process and give tips on filling out the required forms. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions throughout the presentation. This event is for parents of seniors, but anyone is welcome to attend.

Big Brother Big Sister Program The Big Brother Big Sister program is up and running again for this year. The “Big” or volunteer is not an academic tutor, but someone who will help boost the “Little’s” or younger student’s self esteem and confidence, improve his or her social skills, and help give him or her that extra desire to want to attend school. A Big will be chosen for each Little and will see him or her, on average, once a week during school. All mentors are screened and trained. For more information about the program, please contact the Middle School/High School Counseling Office at 638-6335, ext. 2199.

Rachel’s Challenge Program (F.O.R. - Friends of Rachel)The Rachel’s Challenge Program is being promoted this year to assist in the prevention of bullying behaviors by spreading kindness and compassion toward others. Rachel Joy Scott was the first person to lose her life in the horrible tragedy at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Although her life was shortened, her mission to be kind toward others no matter how indifferent has been implemented at the middle school/high school level. We are confident that the program will be a huge success and we are looking forward to a positive school year! The Friends of Rachel would like parents to receive information that may be beneficial if they believe their child is a victim of a bully or may be bullying others. Please contact the Counseling Office for further assistance at 638-6335, ext. 2192.

Your child may be a victim of bullying if he/she: • Comes home from school with torn or dirty clothing, or

damaged books • Has cuts, bruises or scratches • Has few, if any friends • Seems afraid to go to school,

complains • Has non-descript illnesses • Has trouble sleeping • Loses interest in schoolwork • Seems sad or depressed, moody • Is anxious • Has poor self esteem • Is quiet, sensitive or passive

Your child may be bullying others if he/she: • Teases, threatens, is physical with others • Is hot tempered or impulsive • Has a hard time following rules • Is aggressive toward adults • Lacks sympathy for others • Has been involved in antisocial

behaviors such as theft or vandalism • Is quick to blame others

Hai mai voluto esplorare l’Italia?Translation: Have you ever wanted

to explore Italy? Well, now is your chance! In the summer of 2012, EF Tours will be hosting a trip to Italy for Holley staff, students, parents, and community members. The trip begins in Rome, continues to Florence and Pisa, and ends in the South of France where participants will have the opportunity to explore Monaco and Nice. EF Tours provides a full time tour guide to give historical information as well as information on the best places to eat and shop. Students in grades 9-12, or younger if accompanied by a parent/guardian, and adults are encouraged to participate in this adventure. The cost is $3,566 for adults and $3,231 for students, which includes hotels, airfare, breakfast and dinner each day, transportation while on the tour, tour guide fees, and sightseeing adventures. For more information on this exciting trip, please contact Kelly Frost at 638-6335, ext. 2124 or email kfrost@holleycsd.org

Superintendent of SchoolsRobert C. D'Angelo

Board of EducationJohn Heise, PresidentBrenda Swanger, Vice PresidentElaine BergSalvatore De Luca, Jr.Norman KnightDorothy MorganRobin SilvisKellie SpychalskiJohn C. Welch, Jr.

Holley Dimension is produced with the assistance of the Communication and Technology Services (CaTS) Department at Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES.

Editor: Grace Griffee, 585-349-9072, ggriffee@monroe2boces.org

Photography: Grace Griffee

Layout & Design: Lisa Mott

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November 20112 High School Dessert Concert, ES Cafeteria, 7 p.m. Story Hour, “Eric Carle,” Community Free Library, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

3 Computer Basic Class, Free, Registration Required, Community Free Library, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

4 ACT Registration Deadline

4-10 Scholastic Book Fair, ES Library Instruction Room

5 SAT

8 SAT Registration Deadline

9 PTSA Meeting, ES Library, 5:30 p.m. Story Hour, “Leaves,” Community Free Library, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

9-22 Online Scholastic Book Fair

10 ES Veterans’ Day Assembly, Intermediate Gym, 9:30 a.m. Computer Internet Basic Class, Free, Registration Required, Community Free Library, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

11 NO SCHOOL Veterans’ Day First Marking Period Ends

14-18 Food for Fines at the Community Free Library – Bring in non-perishable items and your fines will be forgiven. The food will go to the Community Center and Loaf and Ladle.

16 Story Hour, “Hibernation,” Community Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

17 Email Basic, Free, Registration Required, Community Free Library, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

18 Elementary Report Cards Sent Home MS/HS Report Cards Mailed Home PTSA After School Movie, ES Cafeteria, 3:20-5 p.m.

21 Board of Education Meeting, Board Room, 6 p.m. Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

22 HALF DAY FOR K-6 Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences National Honor Society Induction, MS/HS Auditorium, 1 p.m.

23 Story Hour, “Thanksgiving,” Community Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

23-25 NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Recess

24-25 Community Free Library Closed for Thanksgiving

30 MS/HS Parent-Teacher Conferences, 3-6 p.m. Story Hour, “Canada,” Community Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

November is parent-teacher conference time! At the Elementary School, conferences will be held Monday, November 21 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. and

Tuesday, November 22 after students are dismissed at 11:33 a.m. At the Middle School/High School, conferences will be held Wednesday, November 30 from 3 to 6 p.m. These conferences present an excellent opportunity to find out how your child is adjusting to the school year and to get to know his/her teachers.

Here are some general hints on how to have a successful conference:• Ask your child if there is anything that he would like you to discuss with the teacher.• Jot down everything that you want to talk about at the conference.• Arrive promptly or a few minutes early.• Begin with positive comments about the teacher or classroom.• Avoid lengthy discussions of topics that are not

related to the purpose of the conference.• Be open minded to suggestions from the teacher.• Keep your emotions under control.• Take notes about what has been discussed to

share with your child.• Express appreciation for the conference.• Do not stay beyond your allotted time.

Source: FamilyEducation.com

TEN TIPS for a successful parent-teacher conference

Our District’s MissionWe, the students, parents, staff, and community oftheHolleyCentralSchoolDistrict, will work together to provide the opportunity and means for all students to acquire the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to become responsible

and productive citizens in a diverse and changing society. The ideal is to instill a passion for lifelong learning.