F A L L •2 0 1 6

F A L L • 2 0 1 6

Published by the Board of Education for the information of the citizens of the West Seneca Central School District

Men’s USA Volleyball Wins Bronze Medal

in Rio!Read about the West Seneca

connection on page 2

Adam Lampman receives 2016 Skip Vonsik Memorial ‘Big Guy’ Scholarship Skip Vonsik’s death came as a surprise. The 1976 West grad was tragically killed in an automobile accident, and his friends and family, led by Jim Renzi and Joe Vona, wanted to keep his memory alive. They decided to put together an annual golf tournament, which brings back over 40 years of West alumni from all over the country to raise money for recognition of student athletes who resemble Skip through the Skip Vonsik Memorial “Big Guy” Scholarship. Vonsik was affectionately known as “Big Guy” even though he was not the biggest player on the football, hockey or baseball teams at West. He was not the best player or the one who received all the accolades, but was the player that every team needs: the one who always puts the team first and give all they have. Each year the W Club proudly gives out the scholarship and recognizes dozens of students who dedicate themselves in the offseason. The 2016 scholarship recipient is Adam Lampman, who was a member of West’s football, wrestling and baseball teams. “Every man who coached him, every teammate, and every person in the stands can attest to Adam’s character and work ethic,” said Joe Cantafio, varsity club advisor. “I was fortunate to coach Adam and watch him grow into the tremendous young man and example he has become.” Lampman’s football accomplishments include being a two-time varsity Bleed Blue Award recipient, placing Honorable Mention for A South Division and being named to the Scholar Athlete Team. His wrestling accomplishments include being a four-year varsity starter, two-year captain and three-time All-ECIC athlete. He placed sixth in Section VI twice, honorable mention All-WNY and was named to the Scholar Athlete Team. He was the Akron and Ken-Ton Tournament Champion, had 80 career wins and was named the 2016 Most Outstanding Wrestler. He also was awarded the Pride, Integrity and Teamwork Award in 2014 and 2015 and is the Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Recipient. His baseball accomplishments include being the Honorable Mention All-ECIC I Pitcher, 2015 Most Coachable Award and being named to the Scholar Athlete Team. “Adam, going all the way back to his freshman football season, has always been a jack-of-all-trades kind of player,” Coach Mike Vastola said. “He always gave everything he had in practice and was ready to work every day. I cannot think of a better embodiment of the spirit of the Skip Vonsik award than Adam. On top of his contributions to the team, he is also a remarkable student and always displays exemplar character on and off the field.”

Financial Trust to open two branches at West Seneca High Schools For over 40 years, Financial Trust Federal Credit Union has been committed to being connected with the community and the West Seneca Central School District. Originally known as the West Seneca Teachers Credit Union, Financial Trust is passionate about giving back and educating their customers and local students in financial literacy. - continued on page 9

Alumni Activity

When did you first get introduced to volleyball?It has been a family sport for forever. My grandfather on my mother’s side played in the senior Olympics. Two of my older sisters played both in high school in a travel club and in college. A family friend of mine thought I could play volleyball so I did and I never really gave it up.

What are some of the accolades you received in high school?Not much. I was on the youth junior national team when I was younger but we never won anything. I think I was All WNY but I can’t really remember.

Did you go to college?I went to Penn State. I only went for three years though. After my junior year we won the NCAAs, I was Player of the Year for the NCAA, MVP of the East Coast Tournament of the NCAA Tournament and I got an offer to play professional after that so I took it.

How did you first get involved with the Olympics?The youth and junior programs was kind of like the USA Volleyball pipeline. I was selected for high-performance camp when I was 15. The next summer I was selected for the youth team. The next two summers I was on the junior team. Then after my junior year I was invited out to be on the men’s senior team but I was second team. I did a couple tournaments with them. Then the next year I was on the A team starting for the men’s team.

Did you ever dream about going to the Olympics or was it something that came upon you?When I was young, no. It wasn’t necessarily something I was goal-oriented towards. When I was playing professionally it was the next step. When the opportunity presented itself I thought, “why the hell not? Go after it. Try and do it.” It has been my life for the last eight years now. It’s crazy!

How did you do at the last Olympics in London?We lost in the quarter finals to Italy.

What was the biggest learning experience for you when you were there?There is a lot we took away from the games. Personally it was probably the management of my emotions involved with the management of physical stress that comes with the games. As much as you try to treat it as just another tournament to not get too hyped up about it, it’s not any other tournament. It’s the Olympics. It’s the largest stage in sports and there’s a lot that goes a long with that and a lot of things you have to manage outside of just the volleyball that can take away from your attention and focus on the court.

What is it like to be selected to represent the USA again this year compared to the London Olympics?Well it’s a different role for me this Olympics. I’m a little more of a leader, I’m no longer the young cub out there on the court. I have a lot more responsibility. It’s the same honor. It’s a lot of accomplishment. I’m really happy

From West Seneca to Rio If you watched the Olympics this summer, you probably spotted Matthew Anderson. The 6’9” volleyball player graduated from West Senior in 2005 and has taken the volleyball world by storm. Before he left for his second Olympic games, Anderson was able to talk to Our Schools about his volleyball journey.

2 Our Schools / Fall 2016

Action photos courtesy FIVB

Alumni Activityto be on team again but as far as the determination to medal and be on the top of the medal stand at the Olympics, it’s another goal that has put something into perspective and focus and attainability that I can go out there and get.

What is a typical day in the life for you?Not very exciting. In the morning I’m up typically two to three hours before training just so I can eat breakfast and start drinking coffee and get my mind going and prepared to focus on what the training will be like in the morning, whether it’s weight training or just ball training on the court. Then it’s lunch. Then it’s hang out, get off my feet for an hour or two. Then it’s another snack and heading back to the court to have training for anywhere from two and a half to three hours. After that it’s rehab and then dinner and then it is bedtime. I wake up and do it all over again.

What’s your favorite Olympic sport outside of volleyball?Oh man, I’m excited to see golf this year. Basketball always has incredible athletes out there playing. I’m excited to see that baseball will be back in next Olympics. I think the track and field events and the swimming events, the individual ones have so much emotion. They put their all on the line and give it everything they have, and it’s crazy because it could be ten seconds and then it’s over. These guys are the top of the top and it’s really fun to watch.

How did time at West influence you to get you where you are today?Looking back now I believe I am a lot more mature than I was at the time. It puts things into perspective. My time at West was awesome. It was very care free in the grand scheme of things. It allowed me to experience different parts of life, a normal part of life. Growing up playing overseas, I watched teammates of mine who at age 12 were thrown into a volleyball institute essentially, where they’re more concerned with them playing volleyball than they are about them learning and developing as individuals. I learned a lot about myself, not at the moment but my realization after the fact of being able to explore those personal interests more so in high school. I’m from a really tight family so building relationships that are still just as strong today as they were when I was 14 years old is something I took away from it.

What advice would you give to other aspiring Olympians?Don’t give up. I’m fortunate that I was able to get on the team young, but I’m still playing with guys who are 38 years old and they’re still the cream of the crop. Never cut yourself out. Keep your head down and keep grinding.

continued on page 4

From students to staffDid you know many teachers and staff members working in the district are graduates of West Seneca schools? Take a look at just some of our many graduates:

Alissa Steele Fourth grade teacher at Northwood Elementary. Previously taught at Potters Road Elementary. East Senior Class of 1996. Favorite Teacher: Mary Martin. “She taught journalism and mass communication, which was my original major when I started college.”

Amanda (Albrechcinski) Guida Art teacher at West Elementary and Winchester Elementary. East Senior Class of 1992. Favorite Teacher: Michael Girage (Art, East Senior).

Ann D’Agostino Spanish teacher at East Senior, going into her 25th year of teaching. West Senior Class of 1986. Favorite Teacher: Mr. Tebo (Science).

Antoinette Asztalos Second grade teacher at Winchester Elementary. East Senior Class of 1973. Favorite Teachers: Mr. Stravino, Kathy Zilbauer and Mr. Rizzone.

Bonnie Pingitore General education and special education teacher at Northwood Elementary and West Elementary since 1997. West Senior Class of 1978. Favorite Teacher: Miss Gates (Second Grade).

Carolyn Domster UPK teacher at Northwood Elementary. Has been working for the district for 13 years. Attended Clinton Elementary, East Middle and East Senior. Class of 1996. Favorite Teachers: Mr. Paduano (Health), Mrs. Bauda and Officer Urbanski.

Carolyn (Loga) Gallagher Kindergarten teacher at Allendale Elementary for 14 years. Attended Allendale Elementary, East Middle and East Senior. Class of 1997. Favorite Teachers: Len Obstarczyk and Barb Bauda.

Carrie Wood Kindergarten teacher at Northwood Elementary. Attended Potters Road Elementary, West Middle and West Senior. Class of 1993. Favorite Teacher: Barbara Reed (Third Grade).

3Fall 2016 / Our Schools

Alumni ActivityCharlene Brooks Orchestra teacher (grades 5-12) on the East side of the district. Attended Potters Road Elementary, West Middle and West Senior. Class of 1999. Favorite Teacher: Nora Murnane (Music).

Colleen (O’Connell) Rozek Attendance clerk at West Senior. Has worked for the district since September 1992. Attended Bellwood, West Middle and West Senior. Class of 1976. Favorite Teachers: Mr. Alton York (Fourth Grade) and Mr. Jerry Heaton (Fifth and Sixth Grade).

Corrin Murphy Business teacher at East Senior, going into her 20th year of teaching at the school! East Senior Class of 1984. Favorite Teacher: Laura (Kozlowski) Moos. “She was not only my teacher but my mentor when I made the transition into teaching in the business department.”

Craig Ersing Math teacher at West Senior. Attended East Elementary, East Junior and East Senior. Class of 1994. Favorite Teacher: Paul Schweigerling.

Debbie (Buttino) Dalessandro Chorus and general music teacher at East Middle and West Middle. Previously taught at East Elementary. Attended Ebenezer, Potters Road Elementary, Allendale Junior and East Senior. Class of 1981. Favorite Teacher: Bill O’Shei. “I would also like to acknowledge all my music teachers over the years who gave me the tools and inspiration to become a musician and music educator.”

Deborah Wrazen Special education teacher (hearing loss and reading needs). East Senior class of 1976. Favorite Teacher: Ms. Leslie Holle (English).

Debra Wisniewski Seventh grade math teacher at East Middle. Attended Clinton Elementary, East Middle and East Senior. Class of 1991. Favorite Teacher: Mr. Frank Militello (Math Teacher, Grades 7 & 8). “When he retired, I was hired to replace him and I’m still teaching in the same classroom that he taught in!”

Diane (Eggenweiler) Meaney English teacher at West Senior. West Senior Class of 1984. Favorite Teacher: Peter Wolfe.

Deana Newberry Spanish teacher at East Middle going into her 26th year of teaching. East Senior Class of 1987. Favorite Teacher: Mrs. McCormick (Spanish). “She was an amazing teacher and a huge inspiration to me.”

Donald Benker Math teacher at West Middle since 2001. East Senior Class of 1996. Favorite Teacher: Paul Schwiegerling (Math). “He always made the lessons enjoyable, was always smiling and always knew how I did in my varsity baseball games. It made me feel great to know that he cared about me as an individual and what I loved to do.”

Elena (Karovski) Bell English teacher at East Senior for 15 years. Attended Allendale Elementary, West Middle and West Senior. Class of 1996. Favorite Teachers: Gerald Connolly (Sixth Grade) and Glen Begert (English).

Gregory Jubulis as been working in the science department at West Senior for 21 years. Attended Clinton Elementary, East Middle and East Senior. “My most influential teachers were Paul Maher, my French teacher, and Maria Willard, my social studies teacher.”

Hillary Ricotta Art teacher in district since 1987, presently at Allendale Elementary and Winchester Elementary. Attended Potters Road, West Middle and West Senior High, and attended her 40-year reunion this summer. Favorite Teacher: Jeannie (Michaels) Kolhagen (Elementary Art).

Jackie Pawelczak Spanish teacher at West Senior for 10 years. East Senior Class of 2002. Favorite Teachers: Deana Newberry (Spanish) and Beth Fernandez (Spanish).

Jennifer (Sullivan) Bell Physical education teacher at West Senior. East Senior Class of 1996. “I loved Mrs. Willard and Mr. Maher, my social studies and French teachers. I, of course, loved Miss Large, my PE teacher, as well.”

Jim Kuhn Health, physical education and coach at West Middle. East Senior Class of 1979. Favorite Teachers: John Schleifer, Tom Jackson and Tom Braun.

Joan (Capriotto) Lindy Currently working at West Elementary. Has been with the district for 16 years, previously working as an ALC aide. West Senior Class of 1973. Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Casey (Fifth Grade). “I learned how to spell and more importantly I learned I never wanted to smoke because of her. She smelled and her teeth were gold.” Joan’s grandfather went to Albany to fight to build her elementary school, Abbott Road School, and owned the first school bus!

Karen (Anderson) Liberatore Teacher aide at Clinton Elementary for 31 years. West Seneca Class of 1967. Favorite Teacher: Mr. Feely (Latin).

Karen (Grady) Jurek Chemistry teacher at West Senior. West Senior Class of 1993. Favorite Teacher: Rita Scott (Spanish).

Karen Lester Science teacher at East Senior. East Senior Class of 1976. Favorite Teachers: Albert Deney (Chemistry), Bob Keefer (Biology), James Costa (English) and Tony DiRienzo (English).

Kathy (Maderer) Rupert Senior accountant clerk in the district’s business office. West Senior Class of 1974. Favorite Teacher: Ken Kirk.

Katie DiLoro Eighth grade English teacher at East Middle. West Senior Class of 2000. Favorite Teachers: Ed Weidenbach (English) and Roseann Deni (Music).

Kelly Page School counselor at East Middle. Attended Clinton Elementary, East Middle and East Senior. Class of 1999. Favorite Teacher: Mr. K.

Kimberly McCartan Principal of Clinton Elementary. Attended East Elementary, Clinton Elementary, East Junior and East Senior. Class of 1989. Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Bichel (Kindergarten).

Laura Croglio Second grade teacher at Clinton Elementary, going into her 19th year at the school. Attended Ebenezer Elementary, East Elementary, East Middle and East Senior. Favorite Teacher: Mr. Militello.

Lauren Kirchmyer Community relations coordinator for the district. Attended Allendale Elementary, West Elementary, West Middle and West Senior. Class of 2009. Favorite Teachers: Kate Graham (Fifth Grade) and Diane Meaney (English).

Lindsay Wahler French teacher at West Senior. Also the French Club advisor and West Blue committee chair. Attended Allendale Elementary, West Middle and West Senior. Class of 2000. Favorite Teachers: Mr. Obstarczyk (Allendale), Mrs. Deni (West) and Mr. Behrns (West).

Lois Murtha Clerk typist at East Middle going into her 25th year with the school! West Seneca West Class of 1972. Favorite Teacher: Dennis Wojtasczyk (English) and Maureen Burns (Business).

Lydia Wrobel Librarian at West Middle. Attended Allendale Elementary, West Middle and West Senior. Class of 1996. Favorite Teacher: Mr. Krebs (English). “He taught the journalism class at West Senior and was the newspaper adviser. He retired a few years ago and was a tolerant, easy-going teacher who really cared about his students.”

Lynn (Busse) Comerford Fifth grade teacher at Allendale Elementary. Attended East Elementary, East Middle and East Senior. Class of 2000. Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Eschner (Fifth Grade).

Mari Cruikshank-Garry Speech therapist for WSCSD for 25 years. Also coached field hockey, softball, boys and girls volleyball and basketball. West Senior Class of 1986. Favorite Teacher: Monica Witman.

Matthew Bystrak Director of Pupil Personnel Services. Previously worked as Principal (West Middle), school social worker (West Middle, Potters Road, East Middle) and a teacher on special assignment (West Elementary). Attended Abbott Road Elementary, Allendale Elementary, West Middle and West Senior. Class of 1986. Favorite Teacher: Tim Marong (English).


Michael Kanick Seventh grade English teacher at West Middle. East Senior Class of 1997. Favorite Teacher: Mr. Weber (English, Grade 7).

Michael Riter Fifth grade teacher at Allendale Elementary. Attended Allendale Elementary, Allendale Junior and East Senior. Class of 1987. Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Sharon (Burgio) Warning.

Nancy Blaszak English teacher (seventh grade) at East Middle. Attended Clinton Elementary, Northwood Elementary, West Middle and East Senior. Class of 1979. Favorite Teacher: Mary Martin (English). “She was also kind enough to take me on as a student teacher years later!”

Patti (Gocella) Zygaj Fifth grade teacher at Winchester Elementary. Previously taught at Northwood Elementary. Attended Allendale Elementary, Allendale Junior and East Senior. Class of 1985. Favorite Teachers: Sandy Schneider (Fourth Grade), Gary Tebo (Seventh Grade), Dennis Rich (Seventh Grade), Ken Ferrie (Seventh Grade) and Michael Melerski (High School).

Philip Prynn Physical education teacher at Allendale Elementary. East Senior Class of 2003. Also the head boys and girls varsity tennis coach for East Senior and is the East boys varsity ice hockey head coach. “I am lucky enough to be coaching the same teams I played for!” Favorite Teacher: Ray Ball.

Raymond Ball Fifth grade social studies teacher at East Middle. Has been teaching elementary education in the district since 1988. West Senior Class of 1977. Favorite Teacher: Ms. Lates (English).

Rick Sutton Math teacher at West Senior. Previously taught at West Middle, East Middle, East Senior and the ALC program. Attended Allendale Junior and West Senior. Class of 1986. Favorite Teachers: Mr. Rich and Miss Mount.

Ryan MacKellar Assistant principal at East Middle. East Senior Class of 1996. Favorite Teacher: Mr. Palumbo.

Sandra (Wilkey) Boody Nurse at West Senior. Attended Ebenezer Elementary, East Junior and East Senior. Class of 1980. Favorite Teacher: Ms. Zilbauer.

Sarah (Piatko) Tanski Math teacher at West Senior since 2003. East Senior Class of 1999. Favorite Teacher: Mr. Moden.

Sheri Hawley Senior clerk at East Senior. East Senior Class of 1985. Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Gretalori (Fourth Grade)

Stacey (Mackowiak) Lutman Family and consumer science teacher at East Middle. East Senior Class of 2000. Favorite Teachers: Mr. Maher and Mrs. Koeppel.

Tammy (O’Keefe) Braunscheidel Elementary teacher in West Seneca since 1994 in various grade levels (currently second grade at Allendale Elementary, previously at Winchester Elementary and Potters Road Elementary). Attended Ebenezer Elementary, East Elementary, East Junior and East Senior. Class of 1988. Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Scholl (Second Grade). “She saw I had an abundance of study halls my senior year and placed me in a special education class to become a peer helper. It was there I developed a passion to become a teacher.”

Thomas Meaney Math teacher at West Senior. West Senior Class of 1985.

Tina Schoepflin Social worker at Clinton Elementary. Attended East Elementary, East Middle and East Senior. Class of 1995. Favorite Teachers: Mrs. Bowen and Ms. Tyson.

Tom Shriver Life skills (15:1) teacher at West Senior. East Senior Class of 1972. Favorite Teacher: Nancy Barnwell (Librarian).

Tracy McCabe Fourth grade teacher at Clinton Elementary. Attended East Elementary, East Junior and East Senior. Class of 1996. Favorite Teachers: Mr. Balon, Mrs. Felski and Mr. Hathaway.

Wendy Hudson Fourth grade teacher at Clinton Elementary. West Senior Class of 1988. Favorite Teachers: Mrs. Spoonley (Second Grade), Mr. Ferry (English) and Mr. Wojtasik (English).

West Seneca Board of Education Trustee Mary Busse was presented with the Diana R. Miller Service to Education Award at a dinner held June 2 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. The award was established by the Erie County Association of School Boards (ECASB) in 1981 in honor of the late Lancaster Board of Education member Diana R. Miller. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made contributions to the betterment of education and/or assisted ECASB in achieving its mission on behalf of public education. “This award is special to me and my family because my mother, Agnes Lillis, was on the West Seneca Board of Ed. at the same time Diana Miller was on the Lancaster Board of Ed.,” Busse shared. “These two great woman were both involved in the Erie Country and state associations. Their views and passion for public education for all children brought them together to become very close friends and colleagues. “When Diana became ill and passed away, my mother was with her and her family,” Busse continued. “In 1990, two years after my mother passed away, I ran for my first term on the West Seneca Board of Education to continue my mom’s legacy and passion for education for all children. My mother instilled in us how important it was to give back to the community that gave so much to you. This is why this award means so much to me and my family.” Busse has been part of the West Seneca Board of Education for 19 years, previously serving as president and vice president. She is the past president of ECASB, delegate on the ECASB, vice president on the Western New York Federal Credit Union, member of the Erie 1 BOCES Board, life-long member for East Seneca Ladies Auxiliary, member of the Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council executive board, advisory board member IT/Digital Media and member of the West Seneca Women’s Committee. She retired from West Seneca DDSO in 2011 after 37 years, but returned six weeks later per diem.

Busse presented with Diana R. Miller Service to Education Award


Exciting EducationWest Seneca Students Present Bioinformatics Research Students from West Seneca West and West Seneca East attended a capstone event at the University at Buffalo on May 20 to present their bioinformatics research project. This year-long research project was sponsored by the Western New York Genetics in Research Partnership with the goal of expanding exposure, career exploration and interactive projects in basic genome analysis and bioinformatics. The growing field of bioinformatics employs the power of computers and databases to analyze DNA and its protein products. Each student investigated the structure and function of a gene from a bacterium, Kytococcus Sedentarius. Their research findings were presented on a scientific poster and shared with over 200 students, teachers, researchers, professors and family members at the capstone event. Keynote speaker Dr. Norma Nowak of Empire Genomics emphasized the importance of bioinformatics in solving the root causes of diseases such as cancer. Bioinformatics can provide the tools that will lead to personalized medicine, implementing a cure that is specifically designed for an individual patient. Those students who participated also became knowledgeable of the opportunities in bioinformatics at the University at Buffalo and within health care facilities and companies in the Buffalo-Niagara medical campus.

Field Day! On June 16, the children at West Elementary participated in a fun-filled Field Day, organized by the physical education teachers and PTA. Pictured are kindergarten children from Mrs. Moran and Mrs. Simon’s classes participating in the parachute activity. Thank-you to all the parents, volunteers and teachers who made the day a success!

Clinton shows their character On Tuesday, June 14, Clinton Elementary had a “Character Celebration” with Kevin McCarthy. The entire school was outside for the concert with McCarthy, who spoke about Flag Day, citizenship and all of the school’s “Character Pillars,” along with singing and dancing to many popular songs.

Children’s author visits Winchester Author Matt Chandler visited Winchester Elementary on June 6 and 7 to talk to students in grades K-5 about how he got started in writing, the process he uses to write a book and what inspires him. At the end of his presentation, students had the opportunity to ask questions. Chandler brought books with him for students to purchase, which he also signed. One student from each class even had the opportunity to attend an ice cream party with him in the library!


Exciting EducationCurriculum Cabinet to improve schools When Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Ann Botticelli left West Seneca Central School District, some serious consideration went into what to do with her position. After a great deal of thought, the position was restructured and the Curriculum Cabinet was created. The cabinet consists of 11 members who have a specified area of study. In other words, each person has a specific subject to control verses one person handling every single subject. “We’re able to get right to the facts of what the people feel we need to address, what we need to work on and what’s going well,” shared Marge Borchert, recently retired principal of Allendale Elementary, Curriculum Cabinet facilitator and facilitator of science pre-K to grade 6.* There are two sets of members on the cabinet. The directors – Colleen Christmann (director of career and technical education, 9-12 academy program and staff professional development), Jonathan Dalbo (chief information officer, director of instructional technology, libraries pre-K to grade 12), Franco DiPasqua (director of math pre-K to grade 12 and applied science grades 7-12), Vincent Dell’Oso (director of physical education, health and athletics pre-K to grade 12) and Kristin Collins (director of special education pre-K to grade 12) – were already working in their area of study prior to joining the cabinet. The facilitators – Borchert, Holly Quinn (principal of Allendale Elementary, early literacy facilitator pre-K to grade 2), Kim McCartan (principal of Clinton Street Elementary, ELA facilitator grades 3-6), Ellen Stoeckert (assistant principal at West Senior, ELA facilitator grades 7-12) and Dana McManus (assistant principal at West Senior, world languages and ENL facilitator for pre-K to grade 12) – all interviewed to hold their position on the cabinet while also working in other positions in the district. Sandra Rizzo provides clerical support for the cabinet. Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month. When they officially formed in March, they decided to set up a faculty meeting at each of the nine schools in the district to introduce themselves and share what their goals are with the cabinet. What every member of the cabinet loves is there are multiple layers of collaboration involved. They get to not only work with one another, but talk to the teachers, Superintendent Mark J. Crawford and Deputy Superintendent Timothy Oldenburg.

“I really appreciate the wisdom and input from all my colleagues to bounce ideas off of,” Dalbo said. “I think it helps make better decisions with resources for me.” One large opportunity that unfolded from the cabinet was providing teachers the chance to share what their needs are. “I love hearing from teachers ‘Thank you for listening,’ ‘Thank you for being there for us.’ I think the teachers feel they have a voice at the table,” McManus said. “To have a group like this where there’s so much experience in education and life experience, it works very well to meet the needs of the instructors.” “We are blessed in that the superintendent is interested in collaboration and isn’t a top-down person, the school is supporting us and the teacher’s union is supporting us,” Borchert said. “There are a lot of people who really want this to succeed for the betterment of students because that’s what it’s all about.” DiPasqua said there are no areas of study being neglected anymore. Every area is being examined and a lot of eyes are on what’s happening in the district. The cabinet also reduced district spending and unified the district to be one West Seneca instead of having the feeling of there being an east side and west side of the district. There have already been vast improvements in areas including professional development, assessments, repairing materials in classrooms, and how to be more cost- and environmentally-efficient with central printing to name a few. “We’re looking at every single detail. You have a whole human being focused on one area versus one human being focused on all of these areas,” McManus said. “The one-band band is no longer a one-man band. We have a symphony orchestra coming together and producing something that’s really spectacular.” “Our ultimate goal is to improve the performance of the students,” Borchert said. “We’re all taking it personal. Each of us wants this to succeed and we want the performance of our students to improve and for it to be the best it can be.”

*Editor’s Note: the facilitator of science pre-K to grade 6 is now Franco DiPasqua and the Curriculum Cabinet facilitator is now Jay Brinker, principal of West Senior.

Celebrating science and social studies Students in fifth grade at West Elementary celebrated science by having teaching favorite experiment. Some of the creations included lightning, dry ice bubbles and rubber eggs. Pictured is one of the favorites, quicksand demonstrated by Thomas Wheeler. The fifth grade students also celebrated their year of social studies by visiting the Genesee Country Museum. Students interacted and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of working together to survive during colonial times. Pictured is Braden Chatwood testing out a pair of stilts, one of the many hands-on toys at the museum.


Exciting Education

Movin’ on up Eighth grade students from West Middle were treated to a “Moving Up Day” celebration on June 10. The day included a breakfast sponsored by the PTSA, an awards ceremony, a slide show put to music containing photographs of the students’ time at West Middle, and a variety of activities such as games and yearbook signing. The celebration was capped off by a dance for the eighth graders in the evening. This class was the first group of students to begin West Middle as sixth graders!

Teacher/Student of the Year East Senior is proud to announce Leah Barney as Student of the Year and Elizabeth Buesink as Teacher of the Year for the 2015-16 school year. They were recognized at a ceremony held after school on Thursday, May 26 in the school’s green and gold cafeteria. Every year, teachers vote for students they feel deserve to be recognized, and students vote for their favorite teachers. All who were nominated received a certificate as well as a pen (students) or lanyard (teachers). Barney and Buesink were also presented with a plaque.

The Class of 2016 from West Senior and East Senior held baccalaureate services in the month of June to reflect upon their journey in West Seneca Schools and celebrate the journey ahead of them. West Senior’s service took place on Thursday, June 2 at Trinity Lutheran Church and East Senior’s service took place on Tuesday, June 16 at Ebenezer United Church of Christ.

Baccalaureate services


Athletic Accomplishments

East student signs on with St. Francis University

The W Club congratulates Cameron Bartus on being selected as the 2016 Athlete of the Year. Each varsity head coach casted one vote and Bartus was selected from all of the talented Athletes of the Month for the 2015-16 school year. “Cameron is a rare combination of height, athletic ability, skill and discipline,” Coach Brett Widman said. “At 6’10” Cam moves very well and is well suited for the demands of Division 1 volleyball and beyond.” Bartus joined the West volleyball team his freshman year and quickly rose in the ranks of Western New York boys volleyball. Some of his notable accomplishments include: • 2014-2015 1st Team All Western New York • 2015-2016 1st Team All Western New York • School Record for Most Kills in a Single Season two years in a row, beating Olympian Matt Anderson • 2016 Team Captain • 2015 Clarence All Tourney Team • Nomination for All American Team • MVP 2014-15 • MVP 2015-16 • Three-Year Varsity Starter • Top 3 ranking in country for position • Top 50 ranking in country as a player • Division 1 Scholarship to Penn State University • USA A1 National Team 2014, 2015 After joining the Eden volleyball club, Bartus accelerated his development and was quickly noticed by scouts from around the country visiting schools like Peppperdine, UCLA and Penn State. He was the first 2017 recruit to sign to a Division 1 school after choosing Penn State, the 2008 national champion, following in the footsteps of former West grad Matt Anderson. He has trained with the USA volleyball high performance program at the A1 level for two years and was

W Club names Cameron Bartus 2016 Athlete of the Yearnamed one of the top 50 volleyball players in the United States, and the only player from New York State to appear on the list. Along with maintaining a high level of training with the Eden club and the USA program, Bartus has maintained an excellent academic standing. Along with the accolades outside of the interscholastic program, he was named a two-time member of the All Western New York Boys Volleyball Team, breaking Matt Anderson’s single season kill record with 518 in his junior year.

“I didn’t have the pleasure of teaching or coaching Cameron, but I followed his career here at West as a fan,” said Joe Cantafio, varsity club advisor. “For him to be compared to one of the best student athletes to ever come through West, Matt Anderson, I know he will be a tremendous success and make us all proud.” Bartus was offered scholarships by Penn State, Pepperdine and UCLA. He intends on studying civil engineering.

Jason Najm, a member of the Class of 2016 from East Senior, signed his letter of intent to play volleyball at St. Francis University in Loretto, Penn. on Tuesday, June 21. Najm played volleyball for the Trojans all four years he attended the high school. ”I am really excited to continue playing volleyball at such a high level,” Najm said. “There aren’t many opportunities for men’s volleyball in the Division I collegiate ranks. To have a chance to compete with the best players in the country is certainly a humbling experience.” Najm has done well in the classroom, on the courts and in the community. He was consistently an honor roll student and participated regularly in numerous clubs, including masterminds and model UN. He played varsity tennis for the Trojans going back to middle school and was an active member of Boy Scout Troop 616, which is chartered out of Northwood Elementary. “I look forward to representing West Seneca East, the West Seneca Central School District and all of West Seneca while playing for Head Coach Michael Rumbaugh at St. Francis,” Najm said.


Connecting with the Community

– continued from page 1

They are involved with K-12 education by providing instruction and bridging the financial literacy knowledge students are learning about in class to the business world. They provide scholarships and internships to academy students, support the schools’ sports teams and Students of Excellence program, provide sponsorships for both East and West Senior High school graduation programs and many more supportive roles. Most recently, the credit union is excited to announce they will be opening up branches in the lobbies of both West and East Senior High Schools to give Academy of Business and Finance students real-world, hands-on learning opportunities while serving their members. “Financial Trust is submerged in the West Seneca culture and gives back by always striving to serve others which benefits our students, parents, teachers, administrators, school board members as well as other business professionals,” said Colleen Christmann, academy director and staff development facilitator. “It makes me very happy that our students are gaining the knowledge and experience to be successful and productive citizens. Many thanks to CEO John Morrison and Financial Trust Federal Credit Union for their dedication and support!” Financial Trust has always been willing to provide students with internships at one of the eight local branches. With the two new in-school branches, he hopes to further educate students in the district. “These kids will touch every area,” Morrison said. “They’re not in a room filing files, they’re put to work. They’re a customer service rep for a financial institution.” Morrison has been wanting to open a branch in the two high schools since before he was the CEO of the non-

profit credit union. There is currently a student-run branch located in Orchard Park High School, and it has been well-received by students, faculty, staff and parents. “Financial Trust will do fine whether or not there are branches in any school, but it’s about giving back and helping kids,” he said. “It’s all part of the culture and philosophy that we believe in. We’ll be educating students but also providing a service to the community. We’re breaking down the walls of the school to bring the real world inside. It’s very unique.” In order to be a teller in the branches at West and East, students must be members of the Academy of Business and Finance. Security parameters will be in place so the student tellers will not be able to see what is in the customer’s accounts, providing an extra comfort to teachers and staff. Besides teaching students valuable skills – communication, customer service, problem solving, money handling, working with others – the new branches will be a convenience to anyone in the schools who has or would like to open an account with Financial Trust. “They will be able to do banking right here while they’re at work,” Christmann said. “And the students can put on their resume that they were a teller.” “It’s a win-win. We know we are going to help kids and in the process make it a little easier on teachers and staff,” Morrison added. “It’s a no-brainer to me.” The school branches will be open during lunch periods, with a grand opening planned for the fall. To open an account, an interested customer simply has to stop in at any of the branches and make a deposit. To learn more about the credit union, visit the West Seneca branch at 4257 Seneca St.

Third and fourth grade students from Northwood Elementary spent the 2015-16 school year participating in service projects based on the seven habits through the school’s Lighthouse Club. Throughout the year, the club assisted with activities including Bald for Bucks and collecting snack and activity donations for Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. To be a member of the club, the students had to write a short essay about why they would be a valuable member of the club. A total of 20 students were involved in the club, meeting about eight to ten times between January and June to discuss the seven habits and talk about how they could be leaders.

“We brainstorm ways to give back and to make our community at Northwood a better place,” said Tanya Chirico, who just wrapped up her third year running the club. “Primarily the kids work in small teams creating posters and developing short presentations to promote our club’s initiatives. Participation always skyrockets once the Lighthouse kids have been out to the classrooms to talk about an event.” Not only does Northwood’s Lighthouse Club teach the kids how to be leaders, it teaches them how to work together for a common goal, how to appreciate differences of opinion, and how to make a difference and give back to the community. “The kids really seem to enjoy being part of this club, and I really enjoy facilitating it,” Chirico said.

Northwood’s Lighthouse Club gives back


Connecting with the CommunityEast Middle learns a lesson on appreciating America What do you take for granted in your daily life? The ability to flush a toilet? Having water readily available? Being able to go to a grocery store to pick up food? Having a washer and dryer to help clean your clothes? “You are lucky to be born in this country,” Mathon Noi shared with seventh and eighth grade students at East Middle School on Friday, June 10. “There are millions of people who want this opportunity. Since you have it, use it.” Noi was separated from his family during a Civil War in the South Sudan when he was a child. He was alone, fending for himself as a “lost boy.” He eventually made his way into school with other lost children hosted by the United Nations. One day, a member of the school presented the students with the opportunity of a lifetime, the chance to move to America. “For us it was like a dream come true,” Noi said. “We all said yes.” He moved to Rochester in November 2001. “I was 21 years old. I had never been to a house that had electricity. I didn’t know how to turn the light on and off.” That same year Fr. Ronald Sajdak from Buffalo saw a video about lost boys on “Dateline.” A little boy in the video caught his eye and he prayed for him for two years. As he prayed, he worked hard to give back to those in need and created the organization Reaching Out 2 Africa. From helping refugees move into their new homes in America to collecting money to build schools, wells and more in Africa, Sajdak wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to have a better life. While connecting with a group of lost boys from Syracuse, he met one who would eventually live with him. His name was Fidele Diing Dahn. One night at home, Sajdak and Dahn

began watching the “Dateline” special together. Dahn began to panic. “That’s me!” The little boy Sajdak prayed for was the 25 year old man staying with him. The students were able to hear from Sajdak and watch a video featuring Dahn and the journey from the South Sudan to America. Their stories connected to the book “A Long Walk to Water,” which they all read. “Reading ‘A Long Walk to Water’ has been an eye-opening experience for students, shared Nancy Blaszak, seventh grade English teacher. “Reading about people their own age who cannot go to school because they have to work in a factory, walk for hours on a daily basis to collect drinking water, or are displaced and living in a refugee camp without their family has significantly changed their limited view of the world. Not only have students learned to appreciate the privileges they previously took for

granted, they have developed a sense of compassion and desire to help those who are less fortunate than them.” In the months leading up to the presentation, the school raised money to donate to Reaching Out 2 Africa. The seventh and eighth grade students raised $570; teachers raised $380; student clubs including Student Council, Yorkers, National Honor Society and Drama Club raised $175; and the PTO raised $75. At the end of the assembly, the school presented Reaching Out 2 Africa a grand total of $1,200. “It’s amazing to see what a little fundraising here can do when it’s turned into Ugandan shillings,” shared Joan Ersing, Reaching Out 2 Africa’s executive director. “The war has ended in Sudan, but life has not changed,” Noi said. “My life has changed considerably since coming to the United States.”

West Seneca Central School District675 Potters Road

West Seneca, NY 14224-2683

Board of EducationKate Newton, President

Gwendolyn A. Phillips, Vice President Edmund M. Bedient, Trustee

Mary J. Busse, TrusteeJanice E. Dalbo, TrusteeCarol A. Jarczyk, Trustee

Dr. Lauren Nicholas, Trustee

Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Mark J. Crawford

Lauren Kirchmyer, Editor

Volume 46 - Issue 1


Documents

F A L L •2 0 1 6