dimension - november 2012

DIMENSIONNovember 2012Holley Central School District

“Walk slowly,” said Kristina Bevins as students attempted to rush pass her on a Tuesday morning.

Bevins, a member of the Holley Elementary Safety Patrol, also took the time to hear a story from a young student, as well as give out a few high fives, a hug or two and an ever-present smile.

She is one of almost 20 students who don bright yellow belts and are sprinkled around the hallways of the school each morning. As members of the Safety Patrol, the students are examples of leadership to younger students and help insure the morning happenings are without issues.

The program was not in affect last year, but Assistant Principal Ashley Grillo resurrected it.

“In order to become a member, sixth-grade students had to write an essay about how they would display leadership in the school,” said Grillo about the selection process. “The teachers and I then evaluated the essays before the final group was selected.”

Students are dispersed throughout the building and outside near the front and back entries. The group also has occasional meetings to discuss the program and how things are going.

Safety Patrol: On duty

Safety Patrol member Kristina Bevins takes a moment to listen to a story from a young student before he enters school.

Dalton Moyer mans the front door at Holley Elementary during a recent Safety Patrol shift.

Brett Baxter (left) and Matthew Skehan wait for students to be released from the buses while on duty for Safety Patrol.

In this issue Senator Maziarz secures $50,000 grant .........................p. 2

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports .........................p. 3

Elementary Students of the Month for September ..........p. 4

Two new library databasesavailable ................................p. 5

College Fair provides discussion opportunities .......p. 6

Girls’ soccer goes pink for a cause ............................p. 7

Ten tips for a successful conference ...........................p. 8

Holley Dimension November 2012

Holley Central School District2

A message from the SuperintendentPlease don’t park on school lawnby Superintendent Robert C. D’Angelo

While we encourage the staff and community to attend and enjoy all activities in our schools and on our grounds, we ask that you park in

our lots and on our roads, always keeping one side of the road clear for emergency vehicles.

We take great pride in maintaining a good appearance with respect to our school grounds, especially in light of the work being accomplished during our capital project. For this reason, we must request that you do not park on school lawns. The district has clearly posted signs (no off road parking, police enforced) and the Holley Police Department has been asked to strictly enforce the posting. Cars parked on school lawns will receive a ticket.

With everyone’s help, the grounds will continue to look great and be a source of pride for the district and community for years to come.

The Holley Central School District was recently notified by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) that its Annual Professional Performance

Review (APPR) Plan has been approved for the 2012-13 school year.

“The process was complicated and intricate,” said Superintendent Robert D’Angelo. “It took a great deal of collaboration between the district and our Holley Teachers’ Association.”

The APPR is an evaluation system for all teachers and principals. According to NYSED, “the purpose of the evaluation system is to ensure that there is an effective teacher in every classroom and an effective leader in every school. The evaluation system will also foster a culture of continuous professional growth for educators to grow and improve their instructional practices.”

The APPR can be broken down into three parts: growth, locally-selected measures, and other measures.

Growth is measured with state-provided numbers and student learning objectives (SLOs). Student growth percentile showcases the change in performance compared to students with similar starting points. The definition of “similar” students is not just test based – student characteristics, such as poverty and disability indicators, gender and age, among others, are also taken into consideration.

Other measures include, but are not limited to, rubrics, observations, visits and surveys. For teachers, at least two classroom observations must be done each year by either a principal or another trained administrator.

“This is an example of what we can do if we all work together,” said D’Angelo. “And the primary beneficiary is the student.”

The Holley APPR Plan is available at www.holleycsd.org/APPR

Senator Maziarz secures $50,000 grant for HCSD

Senator George Maziarz has done great work for education in Western

New York and his impact will definitely be felt at Holley Central School District this year.

Senator Maziarz recently informed Holley Superintendent Robert D’Angelo that he was able to secure a Legislative Education Grant in the amount of $50,000 for the district.

“Senator Maziarz has always been responsive to the needs of the Holley Central School District, even when it means rolling up his sleeves to help,” said D’Angelo. “This grant only reaffirms what we already know – Senator Maziarz is committed to the education of our youth. We are very grateful for all of his work on behalf of the district, including the time and effort in securing this grant.”

With this grant, the district was able to reinstate an occupational therapist position that was lost previously due to budget cuts. The occupational therapist will help students in the general population, along with those with special needs. Preventative therapy work can be done with children that will result in long-term benefits for the students and better prepare them for classroom.

A small portion of the grant funds remained after reemploying the occupational therapist. The district chose to allocate those funds to upgrading the athletics uniforms. While the amount of funds applied to the uniforms is minute, the impact to school pride and presentation to the community will be great.

Holley School District’s APPR Plan approved by state

http://www.holleycsd.org/APPR

Holley Central School District 3


Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Updateby Ashley John Grillo, Elementary Assistant Principal

If you have walked through the two school buildings recently, you will have seen not only structural improvements, but also

posters in the hallways, classrooms, restrooms, and other areas that remind students of what good behavior looks like in those spaces. The themes on the posters are respect, responsibility, and safety. These posters were developed by the PBIS team and are part of the roll-out process of the program. Throughout the school year, small pieces of the PBIS program will be applied with the goal of a full implementation by next September.

Some of you may have heard your child say that they have received a ticket in school. This year as part of the changes made to the Code of Conduct, a ticket system has been implemented to help adults in the building address minor behavioral infractions in non-structured areas of the school (i.e. hallways, cafeteria, restrooms, etc.). Just like a police officer giving a ticket to someone for a traffic violation, a staff member can give a student a ticket for a behavior infraction. The Code of Conduct outlines a series of consequences that students will have for receiving a ticket. So far, there has been a positive response to the tickets and students are making good choices to avoid them.

Also this year in order to improve the school setting, the PBIS team will once again look at discipline data and data collected from staff and student surveys. For example, discipline data will tell the team when and where behavioral infractions are taking place and then procedures can be developed and implemented to deter future incidents. Staff and student surveys will give the PBIS team insight to the culture and climate of the school buildings and improvement measures can be put in place.

The goal of the PBIS program is to provide systems of support that include proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create positive school environments. Staff members will be trained throughout the school year and by next September these systems of support will be in place.

The PTSA was presented with a Soaring to New Heights Award at the Oct. 15 Board of Education meeting for all of

their hard work and dedication to Holley’s students. The PTSA is a small group of people who work all year long coordinating and funding programs for students who otherwise may not have the opportunity to go on field trips or enjoy after school activities, such as the Elementary School play, Field Day awards, and ice cream on Flag Day.

“These are small things in comparison to other schools, but they are very important to our district’s children,” said Melissa Ierlan, PTSA secretary. “The PTSA supports the school administrators, staff, and families of the children in our district, but more importantly, we support our kids!”

PTSA member Brenda Baxter, President Carm Miller, and Secretary Joanne Major receive the Soaring to New Heights Award at the Oct. 15 School Board meeting. PTSA Board Members not pictured/present are: Nancy Menard, Jen Morgan, Debbie Patt, Karen Quaranto, and Vickie Scroger.

Speech and Language

NewsCheck out the Speech Department’s new website at: http://www.holleycsd.org/webpages/mwilliamson/. There you’ll find information about speech and language services, speech disorders, “red flags” in a child’s communication development, helpful websites, and much more. Also, look for regular articles from the Speech Department beginning in December.

P T S A N e w s

The PTSA would like to thank the following staff for their membership in the PTSA:

Elementary School – Tara Bannister, Karen Bower, Amie Callen, Maureen Christian, Susan Clark, Gina Cliff, Kris D’Angelo, Tricia Draper, Wanda Farrell, Loretta Giarizzo, Ashley Grillo, Sharon Gross, Kim Harrington, Amy Harris, Lisa Hendry, Micaela Lauer, Tyanna Lutes, Cathy Mason, Sally Martin, Tammy Menzie, Jen Morgan, Leslie Piedmonte, Mimi Reyngoudt, Beth Ann Sanford, Karri Schiavone, Brenda Schurr, Joylinda Sevenski, Lynette Short, Anne Smith, Sue Thornton, John Trupo, Katie Trupo, Lynn Vendetti, Sheri Viscardi, and Michelle Williamson.

Middle School/ High School – Russ Albright, Shawna Benzan, Kellie Burke, Jason Cole, Sue Cory, Tim Dunham, Denise Johnstone, John Grillo, Anna LaForce, Kristina Mack, Jill Mann, Kathy Monks, Lisa Osur, Jim Palermo, Tim Rogers, Michelle Roman, Kristine Wagner, Roxanne Wagner, Julie Wantuck, and Brandi Zavitz.

School Board – John Heise and Brenda Swanger.

District Office – Robert D’Angelo and Connie Nenni.

For more information on becoming a PTSA member, visit www.holleycsd.org/PTSA

http://www.holleycsd.org/webpages/mwilliamson/

http://www.holleycsd.org/PTSA



Middle School/High School updateby Principal Susan Cory

Already it is nearly the end of the first marking period. I hope that parents have all had the

opportunity to view their child’s progress report on SchoolTool. Just a reminder that we will not be mailing hard copies of progress reports this year; you may request a hard copy be mailed to you by contacting Penny Cole in the Counseling Office at 638-6335, ext. 2192 or by emailing her at [email protected] Report cards will be mailed home each quarter. The first quarter report card is scheduled to be mailed on Friday, Nov. 16.

This year we are making a concerted effort to increase student attendance and time on instruction in all classrooms. We appreciate your support in making sure your child is in school on time and in school as regularly as possible. There is a new attendance policy in effect and the full policy is available on the Holley Central School District website. The policy is intended to encourage attendance; the intention was not to have students who are legitimately sick or at an appointment to be adversely impacted. Parents need to let the school know why their child is not in attendance. Teachers generally give a weekly attendance/participation grade. The lowest grade may be dropped each quarter, which should alleviate the concern of students who periodically have legitimate reasons to be out of school. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school.

The High School students had an assembly presented by John Underwood of GCASA (Genesee/Orleans Council of Alcohol and Substance Abuse). He spoke to the students about

what can happen when you put alcohol and drugs into your body. Students with idle time and who are not involved in school often find themselves faced with making decisions that are not always good. As parents, you are the best defense in keeping the lines of communication open with your child. We are always here to help.

According to the results of a recent survey, underage drinking and parties are still a popular activity among the young people of our community. According to BetheParents.Org, “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.”

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 this 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.

The tiplinenumber is

343-1932 or

1-800-851-1932

that you can report an underage

drinking party anonymously?

GCASA runs a tipline to make such reports.

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.

Did you know

Elementary Students of the Month

for SeptemberThe September Students of the Month were recognized for demonstrating the character traits of respect, responsibility and safety: (first row, l-r) Jacob Skowneski, Jared Bowen, Sophia Papponetti, Jailyn Bishop, and Layne Walker; (second row) Amber Paynter, William Kruger, Ronald Thorn, and Mason Moyer; (third row) Grace McKeon, Jesse Reome, Marah Woodward, Mason Neale, Erin Kelly, Kayleigh Neale, Jayden Mastowski, Elizabeth Clark, and Brandyn Snell; (fourth row) Damian Gamble, Olivia Radford, Aaron Strathearn, Matthew Skehan, Tim Frisbee, Nicole Ramsey, Bradley Kingdollar, Clayton Garnier, and Brian Gay.

mailto:[email protected]



Two new databases available at HCSD librariesby Lisa Osur, Library Media Specialist

We are introducing two new databases available to

students and the school community through the school libraries. Both databases, along with several others, are available 24/7 via the web at www.holleycsd.org/library and click on “Databases.”The username/password is available at the sign-out desk.

World Book Online is a digital version of the classic World Book Encyclopedia with great enhancements! With additional research tools, activities, biography, headlines and world exploration centers, this isn’t your grandmother’s encyclopedia. Students can create an account in MY Research and save articles, images and videos. WorldBook Online grows with student learning and you will find links to World Book Kids (grades K-3), Student (grades 4-8) and Advanced (grades 9 and up) on the Elementary and MS/HS Library web pages.

Student Resources in Context is a robust database with research, journal, newspaper, primary and multi-media resources on a very large variety of topics. The intuitive interface helps students develop good research practices and critical-thinking skills at the middle and high school level. Access SRC on the MS/HS Library web pages.

Pre-K channels CliffordDuring a recent week of color days, Kim Harrington’s pre-K class was full of students in red clothes as part of Red Day. Furthering the theme, the students cut out red dog ears from construction paper, which were affixed to a strip of paper that went around their heads. The class was honoring the mascot for the day, a stuffed Clifford the Big Red Dog. (Front, l-r) Amelia Sorochty, Angelina Unterborn, Annalee Ham, Cassidy Bowen, Chelsea Bowen, and Kohle Pachla; (back) Alexander Zelent, Joshua Silpoch, Laura Moak, Delilah Zingo, Nara Brooks, Skyler Zava, Jordan Gamble, Hunter Pachla, Kim Harrington, Joseph Lonthair, Cora Jin, and Michelle Hatfield.

Silvis recognized with Soaring Award

The school day just got healthier thanks to changes in school meals. In accordance with the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010, all school districts are now required to have students take a fruit or a vegetable with their meal at lunch. In Holley, Middle School/High School students have a delicious buffet of healthy selections available every day. For more information on “The School Day Just Got Healthier” initiative by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, healthy eating on a budget, sample menus and recipes, and much more, visit www.choosemyplate.gov

Students must take fruit or vegetable with lunch

During the Oct. 15 Board of Education meeting, Michael Silvis was honored with the Soaring to New Heights award from Middle/High Principal Sue Cory. Cory spoke highly of Silvis, acknowledging his leadership skills and ability to go above and beyond. Silvis is the senior class president and the captain of the football team, and has seized many opportunities to be a leader in those roles. The senior also works with a disabled student and researched the disability on his own to learn the best ways to assist the student appropriately. Silvis is pictured with his mother Robin, a HCSD board member, and his father Mike.

http://www.holleycsd.org/library

http://www.choosemyplate.gov



COunSELIng Newsby Kristina Mack, School Counselor

Attention, Seniors!Now is the time to be applying to colleges and registering again for the ACT and/or SAT. Make sure 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 page under the counseling tab on the district website if you would like further information on scholarship opportunities. The applications for many of the scholarships are located in the Counseling Office.

Big Brother Big Sister ProgramThe 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. 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.

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.

College Fair provides discussion opportunities

The Rochester Area College

Fair recently came to HCSD and provided seniors opportunities to chat with representatives from 10 area colleges and universities.

Before walking into the gym and moving from booth to booth, senior Brenna DeFelice had a college plan. Hoping to become a nurse, DeFelice looks to attend Genesee Community College after graduation and later transfer to the University of Rochester.

“I am taking some classes for college credit while still in high school and have received a George Eastman Leadership Scholarship,” DeFelice said to Michelle Thompson-Taylor, a senior admissions counselor at the University of Rochester.

Thompson-Taylor and the other admissions counselors at the event were able to be face-to-face with potential students and answer their questions. DeFelice found value in this.

“I’ve been asking questions about the application process and finding out more about the schools,” she said.

In attendance at the event were Genesee Community College, UR, Alfred State College, State University of New York Brockport, Keuka College, Roberts Wesleyan College, Finger Lakes Community College, St. John Fisher College, Monroe Community College, and Rochester Institute of Technology.

Senior Brenna DeFelice chats with UR Senior Admissions Counselor Michelle Thompson-Taylor during the College Fair.

Congratulations to the following seniors on receiving college acceptance letters. Seniors are encouraged to

provide copies of their letters to their school counselor and their names will be published in Dimension.

David SmithThiel College

Rachael SpychalskiMedaille College

Kaitlyn WolfeFinger Lakes Community College

Congratulations, seniors!



Holley students raise $705 for suicide prevention

During their Tuesday, Oct. 2 home game against Kendall, the junior varsity and varsity girls’ soccer teams hosted a Coaches vs. Cancer game. In addition to

supporting lifesaving American Cancer Society research, education and advocacy, the money raised by the Coaches vs. Cancer event will be used to support patient service programs in the county.

The girls on the teams sported pink jerseys and there was a booth set up to sell wristbands, rally towels and ribbons. The Holley Sports Boosters donated the proceeds from the game to the cause as well. Between the sales and boosters’ donation, the soccer teams raised $526.

Photos by Bruce and Associates

Prior to the game, the varsity girls soccer team posed donning pink and supporting the awareness efforts. (Front, l-r) Emily Skehan, Rachel Oliver, Claudia Passarell, Taylor DeSimone, Bailey Papaj, and Riley Sanger; (middle) Rachael Spychalski, Sarah Wharram, Lauren Jewell, Nicole Mauro, Ashley Bradoc, Emily Pearson, Monica Merlau, and Brenna DeFelice; (back) Morgan Zona, Jamie Zunft, Lexi Reyngoudt, Nicole Blackburn, Samantha Barniak, and Emily Kordovich.

HCSD girls’ soccer goes pink for a cause

Holley cheer squads finish first, third

Hip, hip, hooray for the Holley cheerleaders who competed at Cheerzone 2012 on Oct. 13. The Holley beginner squad finished

third in its division while the older C squad earned a first-place title at the competition, which was held at Lyndonville.

Members of the beginner squad are (front, l-r) Emily Marsceill, Ava Buzard, Angela Ortiz, Ruthie Patton, Isabella Thom, and Alleenea Blosenhauer; (back) Luminara Virgilio, Taylor Soule, Brooke Cairns, Marli Woods, Lily Sprague, Lydia Sprague, and Erin DeFrank.

The C squad consisted of (front, l-r) Kasey DeFrank, Allison Trowbridge, Emily Gemerek, Shashona MacPhee, Anna Cruz, and Kayla Smith; (middle) Abigail Tanis, Sabrina Blosenhauer, Hanna Cruz, Mikayla Famoly, and Jordan Gates; (back) Hailee Passarell, Harleigh Andrews, Alexis Blosenhauer, and Hailey Herring.

(L-r) Holley student Alexandria Edwards, eighth grade; Holley graduate James Edwards; Denise Wargo, their cousin; and Brendan Edwards, 11th grade; along with their teammates raised $705 for suicide prevention in the Out of the Darkness Rochester NY Walk benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The 3.5-mile walk was held on September 30 at Genesee Valley Park. The group walked in honor of Denise’s brother, Nicholas. For more information, visit www.afsp.org



Superintendent of SchoolsRobert C. D'Angelo

Board of EducationJohn Heise, PresidentBrenda Swanger, Vice PresidentSalvatore De Luca, Jr.Norman KnightDorothy MorganRobin SilvisKellie SpychalskiJohn C. Welch, Jr.Anne Winkley

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, [email protected]

Jen Gillan, 585-349-9071 [email protected]

Photography: Grace Griffee, Jen Gillan

Layout & Design: Lisa Mott

November 20121 Registration Deadline for 12/1 SAT

2 Registration Deadline for 12/8 ACT

3 SAT College Entrance Exam

4 Daylight Savings Time Ends – Set Clocks Back One Hour

5-9 Scholastic Book Fair, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., ES Room 49

6 Early Dismissal for Students – Staff Development

7 Story Hour – “Houses,” 10:30 a.m., Community Free Library Author Visit – Thomas Taber, “Orleans Battery,” 7 p.m.,Community Free Library

9 Veterans’ Day Assembly, 9:30 a.m., ES Int. Gym First Marking Period Ends

12 no School – Veterans Day

12-16 Food for Fines, Bring in Dry or Canned Goods and the Community Library will forgive your fines

14 PTSA Meeting, 4:30 p.m., ES Room 49 Story Hour – “Ducks,” 10:30 a.m., Community Free Library

16 ES Report Cards Sent Home MS/HS Report Cards Mailed Home

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

20 ES Fall Picture Retakes Early Dismissal for ES Students - ES Parent-Teacher Conferences National Honor Society Induction, 1 p.m., MS/HS Aud.

21-23 no School – Thanksgiving Recess

21 Story Hour – “Thanksgiving,” 10:30 a.m., Community Free Library

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

N ovember is parent-teacher conference time! At the Elementary School, conferences will be held Monday, Nov. 19 and Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. At the

Middle School/High School, conferences will be held Wednesday, Nov. 28 from 3-6 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 of the Holley Central School District, 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.

united in OrangeThe Middle-High School celebrated Unity Day on Friday, Oct. 12 in support of bullying prevention. Students and staff were encouraged to wear orange as part of a national anti-bullying event. Pictured, Instructional Aide, Holly Moore and eighth graders Claudia Drechsel (left) and Ryley O’Mara proudly wear their orange.

dimension - november 2012

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