Veronica E. Connor Middle School
2010
PrincipalMr. Bruce F. Benson
Veronica Connor Middle School District's Web Page.
Becky Symon, Cartoon Contest Winner - June 2010
Pictured are Mrs. Dawn Hayes and Becky Symon
Becky Symon, an eighth grader at Connor Middle School, has won second place in the middle school division of The Buffalo News' 2010 Editorial Cartoon Contest. Becky completed her editorial cartoon as part of an eighth grade social studies assignment. Becky's editorial cartoon was chosen from over 1,500 entries by nationally syndicated cartoonist Adam Zyglis. Becky and her teacher, Mrs. Dawn Hayes, recently attended a special reception held for the contest winners, where Becky was presented with $150 in prizes.A slideshow of this year's contest winners can be found at: http://galleries.buffalonews.com/photo.php?gname=gallery_1274891728.txt&item=1
Middle School Moving Up Day - June 2010
See "2010 Moving Up Day".Modified Softball Ends Yet Another Successful Campaign - June 2010
Pictured are (top) N. Argy, B. Little, L. Rogoza, E. Edwards, K. Kalman, E. Glose; (middle) Coach Art. Meaney, Captain J. Sheehan, A. Niland, J. Neff, Asst. Captain S. Whitman, G. Giambra, L. Geis; (bottom) A. Cutting, M. O'Leary
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The modified softball squad at Connor MS continued the program's winning ways with another undefeated season. The girls' work against their Niagara Frontier League counterparts was nothing less than dominant.The seventh grade "newbies" were a strong class of players. Alley Cutting led the team with 23 hits (two of which were powerful homeruns) and 18 runs batted in. Alley also pitched 12 innings without allowing a hit. Grace Giambra played a solid 2B/OF and batted over .300. Lauren Rogoza was a plus to the squad as well, with an on-base percentage (OB %) of over .400. Jenna Neff was strong throughout the year -- she had a batting average (BA) of almost .500 and was our leading pitcher, with 20 innings in the circle and an earned run average (ERA) of 0.70 (that is outstanding!). Meaghan O'Leary (C/2B) led the team with three doubles and tied for the RBI lead with 18. Leah Geis was the seventh grade MVP for the season -- she led the team in BA (.568), OB% (.667), and stolen bases (26). Leah threw out four attempting base stealers as catcher and had a 1.24 ERA from the pitching plate. Leah was a complete player with an outstanding attitude. Our Assistant Captain was Scarlett Whitman, who posted three wins and an ERA under 2.00. Also, Scarlett's OB% was over .500 while being a leader in the dugout and on the field.
The eighth graders, middle school "seniors", went 28-0 in their two seasons of modified softball -- a real accomplishment. Annie Niland was new to this group, but fit right in -- providing key hits, solid fielding, and a positive attitude. Emily Glose played an alert OF and had an OB% of almost .500. Kristy Kalman (2B/OF) tied for the team lead in walks (11), which led to her almost .500 OB%. Brittany Little played a solid catcher and posted an OB% of over .400. Emily Edwards (1B/OF) was very dependable in the field and also posted an OB% of over .400. Natalie Argy was the SS and MVP of eighth grade. Natalie was the leadoff hitter and led the team in runs scored, mostly due to her .500 BA and .600 OB%. She was a smart and informative shortstop. And finally, there was Captain Jillian Sheehan. Jillian was a very reliable pitcher who posted three wins on the season. Her familiarity with the strike zone may have given her an advantage at the bat -- she led the team with only one strikeout on the season. An excellent contact hitter and left-handed second baseman.
The girls' modified softball program continues its winning ways in the NFL because of the efforts put in by the players and their families all year long. The players dedication and love of the game combined with their parents' support have produced results of which all can be proud. Congratulations, Ladies.
Shakespeare For Kids Visits Connor Middle School - June 2010
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The Hampstead Stage Company from New Hampshire provided Veronica Connor Middle School (VCMS) students with a triple dose of Shakespeare for Kids by performing the tragedies of Henry V, Hamlet, and Romeo and Juliet on Thursday, May 27, 2010. Students from VCMS spent a delightful afternoon learning about Mr. William Shakespeare and his cast of characters. For most of the students, this was an introduction to the world of Shakespeare’s language, as well as to his works. Several of the students were even called up on stage to act out scenes in Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. The actor and actress, Alex and Stephanie, kept students alert and engaged throughout the play. After the performance, there was an extensive question and answer session for students which helped bring meaning to the story, the costumes and the life of an actor.
An added treat was the after school theatre workshop attended by thirty students from Veronica Connor Middle School. Students had the opportunity, in a smaller group setting, to work with professional, trained actors. Students were also introduced to vocal and physical techniques that allowed them to play a variety of roles. The workshop ended on a high note with students learning about stage combat from Shakespeare’s most famous play, Hamlet.
A special thank you goes out to the Veronica Connor Middle School PTA for helping to support this performance. Thanks to their generous financial support, students at VCMS were exposed to some of the theatrical works of one of the greatest English scholars ever known, William Shakespeare. The actors for Shakespeare for Kids definitely proved that Shakespeare can be fun!
Connor Middle School 8th Grade Honors Breakfast - May 2010
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The Connor Middle School 8th Grade Honors Breakfast was held Friday, May 14, 2010. Students were honored for maintaining academic averages on the Honor Roll or High Honor Roll for the first three semesters of the eighth grade. This year, students celebrated their success by enjoying a breakfast with District Superintendent, Mr. Robert Christmann, compliments of the Student Council. In attendance from Veronica E. Connor Middle School were Principal Mr. Bruce Benson, Assistant Principal Mrs. Eleanor Payne, and many teachers. Grand Island High School Principal Mrs. Sandra Anzalone, as well as Grand Island High School Assistant Principals Andres Arroyo and Jerry Parisi also joined the celebration. The following students were honored for their hard work and dedication: Brian Ailinger, Natalie Argy, Kali Aronica, Jacob Athoe, Marisa Atkinson, Griffin Atkinson, Michael Battaglia, Liana Buscaglia, Magdalyn Chauby, Aaron Cook, Quinton Corrao, Brian DeRubes, Jaskiran Dhaliwall, Matthew DiMura, Thomas Doctor, Sarah Dollendorf, Heavyn Dreher, Jenell Duxbury, Elizabeth Figler, Kevin Freedman, Emily Glose, Benjamin Goc, Bianca Gowanny, Andrew Grinchishin, Ashley Gugino, Steven Howard, Ciara Howley, Henry Huang, Amanda Jelonek, Zachary Jones, Addison Joslyn, Brad Kaminski, Kristina Kasprzycki, Julia Kelly, Emily Kernin, Stephanie Kowalak, Ashley Kroetsch, Julianne Lavallee, Justin Lavis, Brittany Little, Elizabeth LoBrutto, Emma MacIntyre, Johnna Marinello, Justin McCarthy, Austin McCoy, Brentyn Mendel, Elliott Michki, Anna Nicolia, James Osborn, Michael Paternostro, Jenna Paternostro, Zoann Pittman, Alessandra Price, James Pufpaff, Marissa Ruffolo, Maren Russell, Jillian Sheehan, Vincent Shores, Lucas Siebert, Lindsey Spiker, Tara Stewart, Christopher Swagler, Raymond Tafelski, Brock Tetreault, Timothy Utz, Lillian Von Reyn, Stephanie Voyzey, Christian Wallinder, Jadon Wegrzyn, Jackeline Wilson, Brigid Wilton, Nicholas Young, and Matthew Zabaldo.Spring Interview Day at Connor Middle School - May 2010
Pictured are (left) Dan Major and Chelsea Sinicki and (right) Mary George and Lindsey Spiker.
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The students in MaryJane Fonte's and Marcia McHenry's FACS classes were dressed and ready to interview for a job on Friday, May 21st in the VCMS Library. This "interview day" is a biannual event coodinated by these FACS teachers and Cheryl Chamberlain, business teacher at the high school. Junior and Senior Portfolio candidates are the interviewers as part of their competency-based, college portfolio requirements. This program helps both the younger and the older students challenge themselves for a job interview. Interviewing is a process and always a nerve wrecking experience and these teachers hope that this preparation will enable students to succeed in future interviews. For more information on career-based programs such as this please contact the GIHS Business Department at 773-8820.
Seventh Grade Student Is “Connor’s Monthly Master” - May 2010
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Pictured in her art class is seventh grade art student Kayla Conway who has been named Connor’s Monthly Master for May 2010. Kayla is an eager, meticulous and hard-working art student who can often be found in the art room during her scheduled class time as well as before school and during study hall. She is currently hard at work and the guiding force behind a large-scale seventh-grade mosaic which when completed, will adorn the walls of the middle school.Kayla has been interested in art from a very young age. She recalls with much fondness her kindergarten art experiences at Sidway with Mrs. Barnack. In fact, one of her very favorite art experiences was making a beautiful ceramic fish in grade one. Her current art teacher Ms. Nora Klein finds her creative, capable and talented as well. She is a student whose ability to express herself through visual media grows almost daily. Although capable in a wide variety of media, Kayla lists working with pencil as one of her very favorite things to do. She finds that with graphite, she is best able to manipulate the media and capture the detail that she sees in the world around her. A recently completed drawing of her shoe is among her favorite pieces.
Kayla comes from a creative family. She says that both of her parents are artistic and that they as well as her close friends, are proud of her accomplishments and eagerly encourage her in all of her creative and artistic endeavors.
Kayla hopes someday to find a job in a creative field. She’s unsure of the specifics but says that a job sitting behind a desk simply does not appeal to her. Says Kayla, “Art is fun and it is a way to express yourself”.
Kayla’s hard-work, ability to use visual media as a positive vehicle for self-expression and her unique, upbeat artistic voice distinguish her as a stellar art student. She is a seventh grade art star on the rise. It is a pleasure to recognize her and all of the unique artistic attributes that make her an ideal selection as the “Connor Monthly Master” for May.
Veronica Connor Middle School At NYSSMA - May 2010
Men On Mondays - Click for larger view.
For the third year in a row, Veronica Connor Middle School has won the prestigious award of "GOLD WITH DISTINCTION" at the NYSSMA Major Organization held last week at Williamsville East High School. The host of the festival shared with Director Annalea Masiello and the chorus that one of the adjudicators was "brought to tears, and wept" during their final number. In addition it was suggested that they submit a recording to be guest performers at the Winter NYSSMA Conference.In addition, the newly formed "Men On Mondays" all male chorus, and the first one in Middle School history, was awarded a "Gold" at the same NYSSMA Major Organization Festival.
Connor Middle School Honor Roll - May 2010
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students have been named to the honor roll for the third quarter, 2009-2010 school year:Grade 7 - Jessica Ackendorf, Ryan Allen, Joshua Barrett, Hannah Bastian, Carly Bernatovicz, Brianna Brandon, Giuseppe Campanella, Robert Carroll, Marissa Catanzaro, Natalia Christiano, Sara Cichon, Sara Colon, Kayla Conway, Lillian Cultrara, Nancy Dahlquist, Isabel Dengos, Shannon Driess, Eric Dudley, Joseph Egloff, Robert Ellegate, McLain Erhard, Austin Fisher, Katherine Fonte, Ashley Franz, Alexander Garey, Rebekah Gaydosh, Leah Geis, Kathryn Gentz, Marissa Gress, Kasandra Guyette, Carly Hand, Christian Hilts, Grey Johnson, Jacqueline Kehoe, Jack Kennedy, Marah Killian, Kurt Laschinger, Taylor Latvala, Nathan Marino, Colton McGraw, Michaela McMahon, Alexandra Miller, Robin Neary, Meaghan O'Leary, Alyssa Pelosi, Michael Podgorny, Brendan Pratt, Jenna Reinard, Eric Riederer, Andrew Riederer, Kaitlyn Rudney, Joseph Santa Lucia, Benjamin Shaw, Pushpinder Singh, Amelia Stepnoski, Laura Taylor, Corey Wilkinson, Timothy Winder, Emily Wolcott, Bennett Wright
Grade 8 - Michael Battaglia, Magdalyn Chauby, Quinton Corrao, Sarah Dollendorf, Jenell Duxbury, Kevin Freedman, Benjamin Goc, Ashley Gugino, Amanda Jelonek, Kristina Kasprzycki, Emily Kernin, Ashley Kroetsch, Justin Lavis, Emma MacIntyre, Griffin McGuire, Brentyn Mendel, Jenna Paternostro, Michael Paternostro, Vincent Shores, Tara Stewart, Christian Wallinder, Jackeline Wilson
Grade 7 - Alwareed Abdellatif, Abigail Armitage, Nicholas Bonora, Bradley Boreali, Alyse Borelli, Sierra Brooks, Vincent Bruno, Nicole Burley, Andrew Colautto, Caitlin Conlon, Julia Culbert, Enrico D'Abate, Abigail Dallessandro, Genevieve Davis, Katherine Diefenbach, Joseph Farrell, Morgan Finn, Halle FitzGerald, Andrew Fred, Graciana Giambra, Kyle Graves, Albert Grupp, Connor Harrigan, Sabrina Hausrath, Natalie Henderson, Alexander Hollatz-Guastella, Benjamin Jensen, Ryan Kennedy, Leah Killian, Khristian Kline, Jonathan Link, Thomas Major, Devlin McMaster, Matthew McNaughton, Nolan Miles, Madeline Mitchell, Jazmine Nijjar, Colin Osborn, Kelsey Percival, Devon Perri, Emilie Phinney, Jordan Piershalski, Michael Podlucky, Raymond Rott, Margaret Rustowicz, Colin Smith, Meghan Sonnenberg, Alexandra Sponn, Emily Szabo, Melissa Ullrich, Brian Verso, Scarlett Whitman, Apelasan Wigneswaran, James Wilson, Bethany Wynne, Brenna Young, Taylor Zoldowski, Jessica Zoldowski
Grade 8 - Brian Ailinger, Natalie Argy, Kali Aronica, Jacob Athoe, Marisa Atkinson, Griffin Atkinson, Samantha Bartolotta, Alicia Bianco, Kevin Borowicz, Liana Buscaglia, Emily Certo, Qian Chen, David Cich, Aaron Cook, Brian DeRubes, Sean DeRubes, Jaskiran Dhaliwall, Matthew DiMura, Thomas Doctor, Yousuf Eltagouri, Elizabeth Figler, Emily Glose, Bianca Gowanny, Andrew Grinchishin, Ryan Held, Nicolas Hernandez-Rojas, Steven Howard, Ciara Howley, Henry Huang, Zachary Jones, Addison Joslyn, Brad Kaminski, Julia Kelly, Mary Frances Koch, Stephanie Kowalak, Julianne Lavallee, Gabriella Liberatore, John Lillian, Brittany Little, Elizabeth LoBrutto, M Matthew Madigan, Alexandria Makowski, Vincent Malpica, Johnna Marinello, Justin McCarthy, Austin McCoy, Jacob McMahon, Elliott Michki, Wyatt Mock, Anna Nicolia, Aaron Noyes, James Osborn, Zoann Pittman, Alessandra Price, James Pufpaff, Daniel Ray, Marissa Ruffolo, Maren Russell, Kyle Schoener, Natalie Schultz, Derrick Schutrum, Jillian Sheehan, Lucas Siebert, Lindsey Spiker, Christopher Swagler, Raymond Tafelski, Brock Tetreault, Timothy Utz, Lillian von Reyn, Stephanie Voyzey, Jadon Wegrzyn, Brigid Wilton, Nicholas Young, Matthew Zabaldo
Connor Middle School Merit Roll - May 2010
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students have been named to the merit roll for the third quarter, 2009-2010 school year:Grade 6 - Jesse Arch, Christopher Aronica, Jacob Bass, Hayley Becker, Adam Beiter, Alexis Belstadt, Destiny Benjamin, Emily Bognar, Troy Brady, Zachary Breeden, Drew Callen, Jenna Corrao, Patrick Cramer, Colten Deuser, Sari Dickinson, Danielle Duck, Jordyn Fisher, Nicholas Giancola, Nicholas Gioeli, Taj Harris, Celeste Haynie, Matthew Hays, Joshua HusVar, Lydia Knope, Derek Konopski, Conner Lewis, Jacob Lindaman, Michaela Malesky, Nathan Newell, Kalista Nizialek, Daniel Otto, Julia Pino, Page Regan, Margaret Rennells, Chelsea Schmidt, Cassidy Siebert, Thomas Stedman, Elliott Steel, Matthew Studley, Lydia Tiedemann, Matthew Tollner, Evan Valint, Maxwell VeRost, Katherine Verso, Kurt Villani, Joseph Wagner, Eric Watt, Brianna Wik, Ryan Wilton, Kevin Zhang
Grade 7 - Elaina Bolles, Nicholas Brink, Alexa Calandra, Colin Carey, Alexandra Cutting, Jasmine DeLong, Anna DeMartin, Joyce Endozo, Alura Fike, Balraj Grewal, Nikolai Harper, Keegan Hirtreiter, Scott Holmes, Kimberly Huffnagle, Grant Johnson, Matthew Ladouceur, Austin Mahoney, Ryan Marlin, Mark McKenna, Alanna Mergel, Jacob Neumann, Nicholas Paolini, Anne Pilie, Amanda Proctor, Lauren Rogoza, Emilie Stinner, Jordan VeRost, Jordan Yamonaco
Grade 8 - Michele Aronica, Robert Augugliaro, Sukhdeep Bajwa, Natalie Baldassarre, Sierra Besl, Grace Bolton, Jack Boyko, Jacob Burford, Kirsten Burtch, Jon Busch, Ashley Butler, Bryce Callen, Amanda Cancilla, June Chadima, Brian Cooper, Thomas Corrao, Nicholas DeMita, Frank DeRubes, Jensen Dorey, Ashley Dragonette, Alexandra Dzielski, Kai Ellsworth, Shawn Fermoile, Tyler Ford, Emma Garten, Joseph Gioeli, Jack Gorman, Anthony Grana, Patrick Hall, Joseph Halpin, Vanessa Haynie, Alyssa Heitman, April Hippert, David Holler, Madeline Jackson, Kurtis Johnson, Shamus Johnson, Alexa Kalinowski, Jessica Keller, Michael Kleinschmidt, Kyle Krueger, Kathryn Lamarco, Nathan Link, Andrew Masiello, Benjamin Morrish, Catherine Navagh, Gregory Nicolia, Nicholas Pino, Macey Porter, Dominic Prine, Shannon Robillard, Grace Scherrer, Chelsea Sinicki, Jeremy Smith, Tanner Speer, Jacob Stromberg, Timothy Sutton, Emily Valint, Mia Villani, Madalyn Wright, Brandon York
Bald For Bucks - April 2010
Left: Sue Ohrum of Hizair Salon and Spencer Jon Zukic
Right: From left, Dana Simmons, Lydia Tiedeman, Alexis Wood and Jillian Schneider
Mom Marianne McMahon is proud of her son, Jake.
Middle school teachers Karen Grande and Jillian Schneider are proud of the students and what they have done with this year's Bald For Bucks. The event took place on Tuesday, April 13th, after school in the cafeteria. Four hair stylists from Hizair Salon volunteered to cut and shave the 48 students and four teachers who participated. The teachers feel that all of the students at Connor Middle School, both participants and non-participants, have learned from the event what it means to give back. The students, ages 11-14 years old, proved that they can make a difference. They are great models of what it means to be a hero. The school raised $12,361.55 for the Roswell Park Cancer Alliance, with donations still trickling in. The money benefits cancer research and the patient care programs that Roswell offers. The top fundraiser was 8th grader Jacob McMahon who raised $3,210. The second place fundraiser was 8th grader Chris Swagler who raised $2,710. Forty-eight students and four teachers participated.Connor Middle School Musical - March 2010
Photos are of the Tuesday evening, March 30 performance - click for larger view.
Photos are of the Wednesday evening, March 31 performance - click for larger view.
Connor Middle School students presented Once on This Island Jr. on March 30-31, 2010 in the Grand Island High School auditorium.Faculty members leading the cast were Bruce Benson (producer) and Annalea Masiello (musical director). Among those taking the leads were Jill Anderson, Christian Mason, Marissa Gress and Zachary Jones.
Connor Middle Hosts 7th Annual Bald For Bucks - Spring 2010
The 7th annual BALD FOR BUCKS fundraiser for Roswell Park Cancer Institute will be held at Veronica Connor Middle School on Tuesday, April 13, from 3:45 – 5:45 p.m.
There are many ways for students, faculty and staff to get involved. Some will ask for pledges for getting a buzz haircut or for donating 10” of hair to “Locks of Love” so hairpieces can be made for cancer victims who have lost their hair. Professional hair stylists will donate their time and skills to do the haircuts. Students can play in the basketball or KanJam tournament, try to score a goal in the “Pucks for Bucks” event, sing at the karaoke station or try their hand at guitar hero. There will be refreshments and plenty of fun as everyone helps raise money for a very worthy cause. In 2009 Veronica Connor Middle School raised $10,000 for Roswell in their Bald for Bucks event, the 7th highest in WNY. Anyone wishing to help out or donate prizes for the event can contact Karen Grande at 773-8830, ext 4124.
VCMS Art Students Celebrate “Youth In Art Month” - March 2010
Pictured with two of the works on display are eighth grade artists: Michael Battaglia and Ashley Butler.
March is “Youth In Art Month” and middle school students eagerly celebrate the occasion of this annual event by having prepared artworks for display within our Grand Island community. A wide range of two and three-dimensional works by over forty art students in grades seven and eight may currently be viewed throughout the month at the Grand Island Memorial Library on Bedell Road. Art teacher Nora Klein and her students cordially invite the public to view the display of artworks in the community meeting room of the library.
Artworks currently on display represent a small portion of the learning taking place by art students within the middle school. While the creation of artwork is a primary focus, students must also respond to and analyze works of art, get to know and use art materials and resources, and understand the cultural dimensions and contributions of the arts. The art program that our middle-level art students are engaged in encourages verbal and written reflection as they study the works of master artists and reflect upon their own creations. Cognitive, expressive and creative problem-solving skills are encouraged and supported by this curriculum which meets the New York State Learning Standards for the Visual Arts.
Included are student works in a wide variety of media. Vibrant landscape collages, line drawings, Op-Art designs, painting which abstractly and visually interprets jazz music, pastels inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, block-print self-portraits and ceramic tile works are among the varied works on display. All art pieces reflect student interpretations and solutions to a variety of visual problems presented to middle-level students in their art classes. The higher order thinking skills employed by young artists as they create artworks are evident in the unique and individual pieces on display.
Student artwork exhibited at the Grand Island Memorial Library is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Art Department of the Grand Island Schools and the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library. Since this school-community partnership first began in the Spring of 1996, hundreds of Grand Island's finest student artists have had the opportunity to display their two-dimensional and three-dimensional works professionally presented for public viewing at the library. The public is cordially invited to view Connor Middle School’s “Youth In Art Month” show and experience the unique artistic voices presented by our seventh and eighth grade students as they showcase their achievements, talents and abilities in this public forum. A second display featuring the work of Mr. Andrew Dulak’s grades six and seven students will follow in April.
Students included in the show are: Grade seven: Nick Bonora, Kayla Conway, Karli Deuser, Andrew Dyet, Adam ElHoussieny, Marah Killian, Khristian Kline, Mark McKenna, Jessica Patterson, Alyssa Pelosi, Annie Pilie, Emily Szabo, Matthew Wellence, Alex Zimmerman, Jessica Zoldowski; Grade eight: Robert Agugliaro, Natalie Argy, Michael Battaglia, Ashley Butler, Jacob Burford, Qian Chen, Tommy Doctor, Kai Ellsworth, Emma Garten, Emily Glose, Ashley Gugino, Steven Howard, Amanda Jelonek, Brad Kaminski, Jessica Keller, Kyle Krueger, Ryan Kubik, Liz LoBrutto, Johnna Marinello, Jesse Miller, James Osborne, Ali Price, Luke Siebert, Tanner Speer, Jacob Stromberg and Rebecca Symon.
Connor Middle School Musical - March 2010
Connor Middle School students will present the musical, Once On This Island Jr. in the Grand Island High School Auditorium on Tuesday, March 30 and Wednesday, March 31 at 7 p.m. Tickets at $5 are available at the door.
2010 Modified Girls' Basketball Season Is Success - March 2010
(top row) Coach A. Meaney, Scorekeeper H. LaMarco, K. LaMarco, A. Cutting, K. Stark, M. Villani, A. Kalinowski, Asst. Coach S. Senn, Asst. Coach A. Gilbert; (middle) Asst. Captain M. O'Leary, Captain M. Ruffolo, A. Niland, A. Weselak, G. Scherrer; (front) S. Whitman, K. Kalman, K. Deuser, J. Nijjar, K. Hazelet
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The 2010 Connor Middle School Girls' Modified Basketball season has come to a close and the girls showed great improvement across the board. Although their record was a bit less than they hoped for at seven and seven, individually the girls showed tremendous growth and ended their 2010 campaign with a hard-fought overtime win at Gaskill Prepratory of Niagara Falls.
This year's seventh grade crop of players had a number of quality additions, starting with guards Jazmine Nijjar and Karli Deuser. Jazmine had an excellent shot from the foul line that was extremely accurate. Karli played solid defense with a great deal of heart. Two forwards to join our squad this season were Scarlett Whitman and Alley Cutting. These two turned out to be a very dominant pair under the boards. Cutting's blocked shots and Whitman's rebounds made a difference on the season. Our Assistant Captain, Meaghan O'Leary, was also an important player on both ends of the court. She was a smart player who was often on the court at the end of the game.
This year's group of 10 eighth graders had only four returning players. Many of the new eighth graders stepped right in and became important contributors. One newcomer was Amanda Weselak, who brought a tenacious attitude towards defense as she consistently stuck to her "dance partner" like a cheap suit in a rainstorm. Newbie Annie Niland led the team in free throw percentage and brought some muscle to the low post. First timers Mia Villani and Kristy Kalman both brought a nose for the ball -- they often had an offensive rebound land in their hands which they then put in for GI. Rookie Kaitie LaMarco brought a solid, positive team attitude to every practice and every game. Katie was a real plus to the team. And finally, there was Grace Scherrer. Grace is the consumate competitor who does not like to lose. Right-handed Grace's left-hand layups were a thing of envy for most left-handed players. Grace is fundamentally sound and brings a desire to play that cannot be taught -- a real pleasure to have on your team.
Our four returning players included Kara Hazelet and Alexa Kalinowski, two solid guards with excellent shots from the perimeter. Alexa and Kara came in first and second in points, respectively. Kristen Stark was a force under the boards collecting rebounds and altering shots. She was a real team player. And, finally, there was Captain Marissa Ruffolo. Marissa has shown herself to be a hard worker in both practice and games, consistently trying to improve all aspects of her game. She was a team leader in both actions and words. Marissa will go far both on and off the court.
The numbers on the season might not have been what some had hoped for but, overall, thanks to Assistant Coaches Stephanie Senn and Alexis Gilbert, Scorekeeper Hannah LaMarco, and the players, the 2010 Girls' Modified Basketball Squad had a successful campaign of which Grand Island can be proud.
Connor’s Monthly Master - February 2010
Alessandra Price
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Pictured with two of her recent artworks is thirteen-year-old Alessandra Price, “Connor’s Monthly Master” for February 2010. Ali, an honor student at Veronica Connor Middle School, is an accelerated art student who, in addition to being a gifted young artist, is also a well-rounded young lady. She is enrolled in honors classes, plays percussion in the school band and swims.
Ali reports that she has been interested in art “forever”. She is inspired by other artworks and the world around her and she particularly enjoys drawing. Says Ali, “I like art because it is what I am good at and it is a fun way to express myself”. Ali makes jewelry in her free time and has had her work appear in art shows locally. She is also a creative and entrepreneurial young lady, displaying and selling her jewelry at the Lewiston Art Show last August.
Ali’s family takes pride in all of her creative accomplishments and they never fail to encourage her and inspire her efforts. One of her favorite art memories is painting a mural in her uncle’s home when she was just 10 years old. A creative gift must run in this family as Ali says that both mom and dad display artistic and creative attributes and abilities as well.
Ali has received many honors and much recognition for her artistic and creative abilities. She’s had her work displayed in district art shows yearly since elementary school, had works displayed at the Grand Island Memorial Library, been in local art shows and is a current recipient of the Connor Character Connection Award for the attribute of creativity. She’s consistently excelled in all of her art classes and is currently an accelerated art student taking Studio In Art and earning high school credit while still in eighth grade. Ali plans to take many more art classes when she begins high school next fall and she’s hoping to be either an architect or a veterinarian when she becomes an adult.
The VCMS Art Department proudly recognizes this student’s ability and unique artistic voice and proudly recognizes her as the “Connor Monthly Master” for February 2010.
Connor Middle School Honor Roll - Feb. 2010
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students have been named to the honor roll for the second quarter, 2009-2010 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 6 - Jill Anderson,Tori Aronica,Cailin Atkins, Adam Bahgat, Leora Bellia, Sarah Bellinger, Adam Bevilacqua, Jarod Brandon, Natalie Braun, Madison Brown, Caitlyn Bykowicz, Alexander Cancilla, Justine Cardone, Adam Dryfhout, Emily Eberhard, Mohamed Eltagouri, Benjamin Freedman, Ashley Giambra, Olivia Goc, Victoria Gruber, Maya Harper, Kali Hausrath, Briana Hollfelder, Leah Jasek, Samara Johnson, Joseph Kulikowski, Hannah Lamarco, Julia Lawley, Caitlyn Less, Brianna Little, Hope LoHouse, Holly Lutnick, Haley Melisz, Jason Miller, Emily Nobumoto, Michael Oldman, Ryan O'Neil, Chad Orsi, Joel Peppers, Maria Ramsperger, Sammantha Reynolds, Gabrielle Robinson, Emelie-jo Scheffler, Christina Serianni, Brendan Sheehan, Cameron Smith, Emma Smith, Lindsey Supparits, Laura Szczepankiewicz, Taylor Vanderzell, Camille Watt, Alex Whetham
Grade 7 - Jessica Ackendorf, Ryan Allen, Joshua Barrett, Hannah Bastian, Carly Bernatovicz, Brianna Brandon, Sierra Brooks, Giuseppe Campanella, Robert Carroll, Marissa Catanzaro, Natalia Christiano, Sara Cichon, Sara Colon, Caitlin Conlon, Kayla Conway, Lillian Cultrara, Enrico D'Abate, Isabel Dengos, Katherine Diefenbach, Shannon Driess, Eric Dudley, Joseph Egloff, Robert Ellegate, Austin Fisher, Katherine Fonte, Ashley Franz, Alexander Garey, Rebekah Gaydosh, Kathryn Gentz, Marissa Gress, Kasandra Guyette, Carly Hand, Christian Hilts, Grey Johnson, Jacqueline Kehoe, Jack Kennedy, Marah Killian, Leah Killian, Khristian Kline, Kurt Laschinger, Taylor Latvala, Michaela McMahon, Devlin McMaster, Nolan Miles, Alexandra Miller, Robin Neary, Alyssa Pelosi, Kelsey Percival, Michael Podgorny, Brendan Pratt, Jenna Reinard, Eric Riederer, Andrew Riederer, Kaitlyn Rudney, Margaret Rustowicz, Joseph Santa Lucia, Benjamin Shaw, Pushpinder Singh, Amelia Stepnoski, Emily Szabo, Laura Taylor, Melissa Ullrich, Apelasan Wigneswaran, Corey Wilkinson, Timothy Winder, Jessica Wing, Bennett Wright
Grade 8 - Natalie Argy, Michael Battaglia, Magdalyn Chauby, Sarah Dollendorf, Heavyn Dreher, Jenell Duxbury, Zachary Jones, Kristina Kasprzycki, Justin Lavis, Emma MacIntyre, Jenna Paternostro, Michael Paternostro, Jillian Sheehan, Tara Stewart, Jackeline Wilson
Honor Roll
Grade 6 - Benjamin Abbott, Clare Ahne, Eric Albrecht, Emily Augugliaro, Alexis Belstadt, Austin Blair, Aaron Bobeck, Thomas Botticello, Zachary Breeden, Andrew Carlson, Taylor Cecere, Cameron Colan, Alexis Conway, Patrick Cramer, Madeline Dallessandro, Colten Deuser, Michael Duda, Emily Dudziak, Ian Estenoz, Cydney Fairbairn, Rachael Farmer, Bridget Federico, Marissa Freedman, Sabrina Giordano, Alexa Graff, Madison Green, Daniel Grinchishin, Haylee Heitman, Rebecca Hennessy, Nicole Hollfelder, Shannon Holt, Kaitlin Hoy, Lovepreet Kaur, Julia Kavanagh, Jacob Kawecki, Sydney Keane, Derek Konopski, Michaela Kozek, Sarah Kustich, Sara Kwarciak, Samantha Lesinski, Kady Liesenfeld, Michael Mankowski, Aubrey McCoy, Tanner Morrow, Nathan Newell, James Niland, Nathaniel Nowocien, Zachery O'Neill, Carissa Parsons, Eric Pease, Jakob Ramallo, Hailey Randle, Chelsea Robillard, Mikayla Rosati, Amber Schwinn, Cassie Shickluna, Cassidy Siebert, Lindsey Spencer, Robert Stolfo, Angelia Strzalkowski, Brandon Surdi, Maxwell VeRost, Samantha Violino, Chancellor Warmus, Eric Watt, Hannah Wiktorowski, Kassidy Wozniak, Kevin Zhang, Spencer-Jon Zukic
Grade 7 - Alwareed Abdellatif, Abigail Armitage, Elaina Bolles, Nicholas Bonora, Bradley Boreali, Alyse Borelli, Vincent Bruno, Nicole Burley, Alexa Calandra, Andrew Colautto, Julia Culbert, Alexandra Cutting, Nancy Dahlquist, Abigail Dallessandro, Genevieve Davis, Anna DeMartin, Karli Deuser, Jared Eichel, McLain Erhard, Joseph Farrell, Morgan Finn, Halle FitzGerald, Andrew Fred, Zoanne Gebhard, Leah Geis, Graciana Giambra, Kyle Graves, Albert Grupp, Nikolai Harper, Connor Harrigan, Sabrina Hausrath, Natalie Henderson, Alexander Hollatz-Guastella, Ryan Kennedy, Jonathan Link, Thomas Major, Nathan Marino, Colton McGraw, Mark McKenna, Matthew McNaughton, Alanna Mergel, Madeline Mitchell, Jazmine Nijjar, Meaghan O'Leary, Colin Osborn, Nicholas Paolini, Devon Perri, Emilie Phinney, Anne Pilie, Michael Podlucky, Lauren Rogoza, Raymond Rott, Meghan Sonnenberg, Alexandra Sponn, Emilie Stinner, Jordan VeRost, Scarlett Whitman, James Wilson, Emily Wolcott, Bethany Wynne, Jordan Yamonaco, Brenna Young, Taylor Zoldowski, Jessica Zoldowski
Grade 8 - Brian Ailinger, Kali Aronica, Jacob Athoe, Griffin Atkinson, Marisa Atkinson, Natalie Baldassarre, Alicia Bianco, Jack Boyko, Jacob Burford, Liana Buscaglia, Ashley Butler, David Cich, Aaron Cook, Brian Cooper, Quinton Corrao, Frank DeRubes, Brian DeRubes, Jaskiran Dhaliwall, Matthew DiMura, Thomas Doctor, Alexandra Dzielski, Yousuf Eltagouri, Elizabeth Figler, Kevin Freedman, Emma Garten, Joseph Gioeli, Emily Glose, Benjamin Goc, Bianca Gowanny, Andrew Grinchishin, Ashley Gugino, Alyssa Heitman, Nicolas Hernandez-Rojas, Steven Howard, Ciara Howley, Henry Huang, Amanda Jelonek, Addison Joslyn, Brad Kaminski, Julia Kelly, Emily Kernin, Mary Frances Koch, Stephanie Kowalak, Ashley Kroetsch, Kyle Krueger, Kathryn Lamarco, Julianne Lavallee, Brittany Little, Elizabeth LoBrutto, Alexandria Makowski, Johnna Marinello, Justin McCarthy, Austin McCoy, Griffin McGuire, Brentyn Mendel, Elliott Michki, Anna Nicolia, Aaron Noyes, James Osborn, Zoann Pittman, Alessandra Price, James Pufpaff, Marissa Ruffolo, Maren Russell, Vincent Shores, Lucas Siebert, Tanner Speer, Lindsey Spiker, Christopher Swagler, Raymond Tafelski, Brock Tetreault, Timothy Utz, Lillian von Reyn, Stephanie Voyzey, Christian Wallinder, Jadon Wegrzyn, Brigid Wilton, Nicholas Young, Matthew Zabaldo
Connor Middle School Merit Roll - Feb. 2010
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students have been named to the Merit roll for the second quarter, 2009-2010 school year:
Grade 6 - Jesse Arch, Christopher Aronica, Adam Beiter, Emily Bognar, Troy Brady, Kyle Burns, Dominique Capizzi, Jenna Corrao, Allison DeMartin, Sari Dickinson, Daniel Dinsmore, Danielle Duck, Jayson Endozo, Chloe Evans, Lisa Fankhauser, Brenton Fischer, Jordyn Fisher, Nicholas Giancola, Nicholas Gioeli, Benjamin Graziano, Taj Harris, Joshua HusVar, Taylor Internicola, Sabrina Lemme, Edward Logel, Liana Lombardo, Cameron Mastykarz, Madison McNamara, Tiffany Melendez, Auston Niemann, Kalista Nizialek, Jake Nowak, Anthony Ormsby, Julia Pino, Michael Pyzynski, Mikayla Reading, Page Regan, Brandon Rivers, Heather Robinson, Chelsea Schmidt, Jake Schmidt, Maggie Schultz, Smeen Shah, Elliott Steel, Jeremy Steiger, Christina Sutton, Matthew Tollner, Evan Valint, Katherine Verso, Kurt Villani, Hannah Wessner, Ryan Wilton
Grade 7 - Ayman Abdellatif, Devan Aponte, Brian Brennan, Nicholas Brink, Colin Carey, Mariah Ciffa, Colton Czajka, Andrew Dyet, Ian Eisenberger, Joyce Endozo, Alura Fike, Jacob Foote, Jessica Foote, Ayannah Ford, Emily Fuoco, Nicolette Golden, Balraj Grewal, Keegan Hirtreiter, James Hodan, Joshua Horvath, Kimberly Huffnagle, Benjamin Jensen, Tamara Khairallah, Matthew Ladouceur, Alexa Lombardo, Austin Mahoney, Ryan Marlin, Jacob Matwijkow, Anthony Mosher, Jocelyn Mueller, Timothy Newbould, Ashley Niemann, Miranda Phillips, Jordan Piershalski, Drew Pitts, Amanda Proctor, Jordan Russo, Lydia Senger, Colin Smith, Armand Swanson, Mark Valle, Brian Verso, Alexander Zimmermann
Grade 8 - Rana Abdelal, Michele Aronica, Robert Augugliaro, Sukhdeep Bajwa, Alexander Baker, Samantha Bartolotta, Sierra Besl, Grace Bolton, Kevin Borowicz, Bryce Callen, Amanda Cancilla, Emily Certo, June Chadima, Qian Chen, Jason Cichon, Nicholas DeMita, Sean DeRubes, Ashley Dragonette, Kai Ellsworth, Shawn Fermoile, Tyler Ford, Jack Gorman, Justin Graesser, Anthony Grana, Patrick Hall, Andrew Hannah, Ryan Held, Christine Herman, April Hippert, David Holler, Amber Internicola, Madeline Jackson, Shamus Johnson, Alexa Kalinowski, Kristin Kalman, Jessica Keller, Michael Kleinschmidt, Gabriella Liberatore, John Lillian, M Matthew Madigan, William Madigan, Vincent Malpica, Andrew Masiello, Jacob McMahon, Eric McMasters, Wyatt Mock, Benjamin Morrish, Catherine Navagh, Gregory Nicolia, Anna Niland, Shane Paul, Daniel Ray, Emilie Rengler, Shannon Robillard, Grace Scherrer, Kyle Schoener, Natalie Schultz, Derrick Schutrum, Chelsea Sinicki, Jeremy Smith, Timothy Sutton, Emily Valint, Zoe Wilson, Madalyn Wright, Brandon York
“Artist of the Month” - Feb. 2010
Pictured with his pastel painting is James Osborne, February K-12 Artist of the Month.
The “K-12 Artist of the Month Award” is a way in which the Art Department of the Grand Island Schools collectively recognizes the varied and unique accomplishments of their many high performing artistic achievers. Students selected for recognition are those who perform well in their art classes and have distinguished themselves artistically by using the visual arts as an appropriate vehicle for self-expression and visual problem-solving and; who display the attitudes, behaviors and work ethic necessary for artistic success. These are students who set themselves apart as creative and artistic role models for their peers.
Pictured is fourteen-year-old James Osborne, an eighth-grade student at Veronica Connor Middle School. James is February’s recipient of the “Artist of the Month” award. He is a student who meets all the criteria for selection and one who has distinguished himself by creating unique and beautiful works in a variety of media. During his three years at the middle school, James’ artistic ability has been recognized by his teachers and by his peers. His work has appeared in school displays and at the Grand Island Memorial Library. He is currently enrolled in an accelerated Studio In Art class, earning high school credit while still in grade eight. James enjoys working in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, but is particularly skilled and adept with drawing.
In addition to his art ability, James participates in soccer and football. This student likes to be creative and to keep active and says that the things he does outside of school, particularly sports, serve as inspiration for him when he makes art. He has been interested in art since third grade and lists his parents among those who support and encourage him most in his artistic pursuits.
The Art Department is pleased to recognize this student’s unique and individual artistic accomplishments and wish him continued success in all of his future creative endeavors.
Connor’s Monthly Masters - Jan. 2010
Alyssa Pelosi and Jessica Ackendorf, “Connor’s Monthly Masters for December and January.
The Connor Middle School Art Department is pleased to announce Alyssa Pelosi and Jessica Ackendorf as Connor’s Monthly Masters for the months of December 2009 and January 2010, respectively. Both girls pictured here painting during a recent art class, are seventh grade art students at the middle school.
Alyssa and Jessica display much artistic potential and the work ethic necessary for success. Their innate abilities along with hard work and determination make them stand out as artistic role models for their peers. They take their lessons seriously, apply themselves fully and both young ladies strive for perfection; always putting forth maximum effort. Although they are skilled in a wide range of media, each student has her natural preference and style. Alyssa, preferring realism, favors pastel and pencil while Jessica prefers working and experimenting three-dimensionally with clay. Says Jessica, “I like art because you can’t really ‘mess up’. It’s your point of view and how you interpret things. Everyone can see art differently”. Both girls count their abilities to use art as a vehicle for self-expression as the main reason why they enjoy working visually. They take their inspiration from various places and trips to art galleries. Visits to MOMA in New York City and the Stanford Art Museum are early art memories which they cite as fondly as influences.
While Alyssa hopes to become an anesthesiologist when she’s older, and Jessica hopes to be a veterinarian, both students expect that art will always be an interest and avocation. The VCMS art department is pleased to recognize both young ladies for having distinguished themselves artistically and for using their creative abilities in a positive and affirming manner. It is a pleasure to recognize them as Monthly Masters
Attention Parents/Guardians of Eighth-Grade Students at VCMS - Jan. 2010
Ninth-grade is approaching quickly! From February 8 – 11, Mrs. Cordero and Mrs. Newman will be working with eighth-grade students from Veronica E. Connor Middle School to plan for their high school experience. To help ease student concerns about attending a new school, they will spend time discussing high school expectations, graduation requirements and choosing ninth-grade courses.Your child will be bringing home his/her ninth-grade course selection sheet along with the high school planning guide at the end of February. Please review the courses your child has chosen. If you’d like to make changes, you may do so and return to Student Services before March 26, 2010. At that time the high school will be sending a verification of the courses your child is signed up for.
If you or your child has any questions about high school, please call Student Services at 773-8837 or 773-8844 or have your child stop in to see Mrs. Cordero.
Photos are of the Wednesday evening, March 31 performance - click for larger view.
Pictured with two of the works on display are eighth grade artists: Michael Battaglia and Ashley Butler.
March is “Youth In Art Month” and middle school students eagerly celebrate the occasion of this annual event by having prepared artworks for display within our Grand Island community. A wide range of two and three-dimensional works by over forty art students in grades seven and eight may currently be viewed throughout the month at the Grand Island Memorial Library on Bedell Road. Art teacher Nora Klein and her students cordially invite the public to view the display of artworks in the community meeting room of the library.
Artworks currently on display represent a small portion of the learning taking place by art students within the middle school. While the creation of artwork is a primary focus, students must also respond to and analyze works of art, get to know and use art materials and resources, and understand the cultural dimensions and contributions of the arts. The art program that our middle-level art students are engaged in encourages verbal and written reflection as they study the works of master artists and reflect upon their own creations. Cognitive, expressive and creative problem-solving skills are encouraged and supported by this curriculum which meets the New York State Learning Standards for the Visual Arts.
Included are student works in a wide variety of media. Vibrant landscape collages, line drawings, Op-Art designs, painting which abstractly and visually interprets jazz music, pastels inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, block-print self-portraits and ceramic tile works are among the varied works on display. All art pieces reflect student interpretations and solutions to a variety of visual problems presented to middle-level students in their art classes. The higher order thinking skills employed by young artists as they create artworks are evident in the unique and individual pieces on display.
Student artwork exhibited at the Grand Island Memorial Library is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Art Department of the Grand Island Schools and the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library. Since this school-community partnership first began in the Spring of 1996, hundreds of Grand Island's finest student artists have had the opportunity to display their two-dimensional and three-dimensional works professionally presented for public viewing at the library. The public is cordially invited to view Connor Middle School’s “Youth In Art Month” show and experience the unique artistic voices presented by our seventh and eighth grade students as they showcase their achievements, talents and abilities in this public forum. A second display featuring the work of Mr. Andrew Dulak’s grades six and seven students will follow in April.
Students included in the show are: Grade seven: Nick Bonora, Kayla Conway, Karli Deuser, Andrew Dyet, Adam ElHoussieny, Marah Killian, Khristian Kline, Mark McKenna, Jessica Patterson, Alyssa Pelosi, Annie Pilie, Emily Szabo, Matthew Wellence, Alex Zimmerman, Jessica Zoldowski; Grade eight: Robert Agugliaro, Natalie Argy, Michael Battaglia, Ashley Butler, Jacob Burford, Qian Chen, Tommy Doctor, Kai Ellsworth, Emma Garten, Emily Glose, Ashley Gugino, Steven Howard, Amanda Jelonek, Brad Kaminski, Jessica Keller, Kyle Krueger, Ryan Kubik, Liz LoBrutto, Johnna Marinello, Jesse Miller, James Osborne, Ali Price, Luke Siebert, Tanner Speer, Jacob Stromberg and Rebecca Symon.
Connor Middle School Musical - March 2010
Connor Middle School students will present the musical, Once On This Island Jr. in the Grand Island High School Auditorium on Tuesday, March 30 and Wednesday, March 31 at 7 p.m. Tickets at $5 are available at the door.2010 Modified Girls' Basketball Season Is Success - March 2010
(top row) Coach A. Meaney, Scorekeeper H. LaMarco, K. LaMarco, A. Cutting, K. Stark, M. Villani, A. Kalinowski, Asst. Coach S. Senn, Asst. Coach A. Gilbert; (middle) Asst. Captain M. O'Leary, Captain M. Ruffolo, A. Niland, A. Weselak, G. Scherrer; (front) S. Whitman, K. Kalman, K. Deuser, J. Nijjar, K. Hazelet
Click photo for larger view
The 2010 Connor Middle School Girls' Modified Basketball season has come to a close and the girls showed great improvement across the board. Although their record was a bit less than they hoped for at seven and seven, individually the girls showed tremendous growth and ended their 2010 campaign with a hard-fought overtime win at Gaskill Prepratory of Niagara Falls.
This year's seventh grade crop of players had a number of quality additions, starting with guards Jazmine Nijjar and Karli Deuser. Jazmine had an excellent shot from the foul line that was extremely accurate. Karli played solid defense with a great deal of heart. Two forwards to join our squad this season were Scarlett Whitman and Alley Cutting. These two turned out to be a very dominant pair under the boards. Cutting's blocked shots and Whitman's rebounds made a difference on the season. Our Assistant Captain, Meaghan O'Leary, was also an important player on both ends of the court. She was a smart player who was often on the court at the end of the game.
This year's group of 10 eighth graders had only four returning players. Many of the new eighth graders stepped right in and became important contributors. One newcomer was Amanda Weselak, who brought a tenacious attitude towards defense as she consistently stuck to her "dance partner" like a cheap suit in a rainstorm. Newbie Annie Niland led the team in free throw percentage and brought some muscle to the low post. First timers Mia Villani and Kristy Kalman both brought a nose for the ball -- they often had an offensive rebound land in their hands which they then put in for GI. Rookie Kaitie LaMarco brought a solid, positive team attitude to every practice and every game. Katie was a real plus to the team. And finally, there was Grace Scherrer. Grace is the consumate competitor who does not like to lose. Right-handed Grace's left-hand layups were a thing of envy for most left-handed players. Grace is fundamentally sound and brings a desire to play that cannot be taught -- a real pleasure to have on your team.
Our four returning players included Kara Hazelet and Alexa Kalinowski, two solid guards with excellent shots from the perimeter. Alexa and Kara came in first and second in points, respectively. Kristen Stark was a force under the boards collecting rebounds and altering shots. She was a real team player. And, finally, there was Captain Marissa Ruffolo. Marissa has shown herself to be a hard worker in both practice and games, consistently trying to improve all aspects of her game. She was a team leader in both actions and words. Marissa will go far both on and off the court.
The numbers on the season might not have been what some had hoped for but, overall, thanks to Assistant Coaches Stephanie Senn and Alexis Gilbert, Scorekeeper Hannah LaMarco, and the players, the 2010 Girls' Modified Basketball Squad had a successful campaign of which Grand Island can be proud.
Connor’s Monthly Master - February 2010
Alessandra Price
Click photo for larger view
Pictured with two of her recent artworks is thirteen-year-old Alessandra Price, “Connor’s Monthly Master” for February 2010. Ali, an honor student at Veronica Connor Middle School, is an accelerated art student who, in addition to being a gifted young artist, is also a well-rounded young lady. She is enrolled in honors classes, plays percussion in the school band and swims.
Ali reports that she has been interested in art “forever”. She is inspired by other artworks and the world around her and she particularly enjoys drawing. Says Ali, “I like art because it is what I am good at and it is a fun way to express myself”. Ali makes jewelry in her free time and has had her work appear in art shows locally. She is also a creative and entrepreneurial young lady, displaying and selling her jewelry at the Lewiston Art Show last August.
Ali’s family takes pride in all of her creative accomplishments and they never fail to encourage her and inspire her efforts. One of her favorite art memories is painting a mural in her uncle’s home when she was just 10 years old. A creative gift must run in this family as Ali says that both mom and dad display artistic and creative attributes and abilities as well.
Ali has received many honors and much recognition for her artistic and creative abilities. She’s had her work displayed in district art shows yearly since elementary school, had works displayed at the Grand Island Memorial Library, been in local art shows and is a current recipient of the Connor Character Connection Award for the attribute of creativity. She’s consistently excelled in all of her art classes and is currently an accelerated art student taking Studio In Art and earning high school credit while still in eighth grade. Ali plans to take many more art classes when she begins high school next fall and she’s hoping to be either an architect or a veterinarian when she becomes an adult.
The VCMS Art Department proudly recognizes this student’s ability and unique artistic voice and proudly recognizes her as the “Connor Monthly Master” for February 2010.
Connor Middle School Honor Roll - Feb. 2010
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students have been named to the honor roll for the second quarter, 2009-2010 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 6 - Jill Anderson,Tori Aronica,Cailin Atkins, Adam Bahgat, Leora Bellia, Sarah Bellinger, Adam Bevilacqua, Jarod Brandon, Natalie Braun, Madison Brown, Caitlyn Bykowicz, Alexander Cancilla, Justine Cardone, Adam Dryfhout, Emily Eberhard, Mohamed Eltagouri, Benjamin Freedman, Ashley Giambra, Olivia Goc, Victoria Gruber, Maya Harper, Kali Hausrath, Briana Hollfelder, Leah Jasek, Samara Johnson, Joseph Kulikowski, Hannah Lamarco, Julia Lawley, Caitlyn Less, Brianna Little, Hope LoHouse, Holly Lutnick, Haley Melisz, Jason Miller, Emily Nobumoto, Michael Oldman, Ryan O'Neil, Chad Orsi, Joel Peppers, Maria Ramsperger, Sammantha Reynolds, Gabrielle Robinson, Emelie-jo Scheffler, Christina Serianni, Brendan Sheehan, Cameron Smith, Emma Smith, Lindsey Supparits, Laura Szczepankiewicz, Taylor Vanderzell, Camille Watt, Alex Whetham
Grade 7 - Jessica Ackendorf, Ryan Allen, Joshua Barrett, Hannah Bastian, Carly Bernatovicz, Brianna Brandon, Sierra Brooks, Giuseppe Campanella, Robert Carroll, Marissa Catanzaro, Natalia Christiano, Sara Cichon, Sara Colon, Caitlin Conlon, Kayla Conway, Lillian Cultrara, Enrico D'Abate, Isabel Dengos, Katherine Diefenbach, Shannon Driess, Eric Dudley, Joseph Egloff, Robert Ellegate, Austin Fisher, Katherine Fonte, Ashley Franz, Alexander Garey, Rebekah Gaydosh, Kathryn Gentz, Marissa Gress, Kasandra Guyette, Carly Hand, Christian Hilts, Grey Johnson, Jacqueline Kehoe, Jack Kennedy, Marah Killian, Leah Killian, Khristian Kline, Kurt Laschinger, Taylor Latvala, Michaela McMahon, Devlin McMaster, Nolan Miles, Alexandra Miller, Robin Neary, Alyssa Pelosi, Kelsey Percival, Michael Podgorny, Brendan Pratt, Jenna Reinard, Eric Riederer, Andrew Riederer, Kaitlyn Rudney, Margaret Rustowicz, Joseph Santa Lucia, Benjamin Shaw, Pushpinder Singh, Amelia Stepnoski, Emily Szabo, Laura Taylor, Melissa Ullrich, Apelasan Wigneswaran, Corey Wilkinson, Timothy Winder, Jessica Wing, Bennett Wright
Grade 8 - Natalie Argy, Michael Battaglia, Magdalyn Chauby, Sarah Dollendorf, Heavyn Dreher, Jenell Duxbury, Zachary Jones, Kristina Kasprzycki, Justin Lavis, Emma MacIntyre, Jenna Paternostro, Michael Paternostro, Jillian Sheehan, Tara Stewart, Jackeline Wilson
Honor Roll
Grade 6 - Benjamin Abbott, Clare Ahne, Eric Albrecht, Emily Augugliaro, Alexis Belstadt, Austin Blair, Aaron Bobeck, Thomas Botticello, Zachary Breeden, Andrew Carlson, Taylor Cecere, Cameron Colan, Alexis Conway, Patrick Cramer, Madeline Dallessandro, Colten Deuser, Michael Duda, Emily Dudziak, Ian Estenoz, Cydney Fairbairn, Rachael Farmer, Bridget Federico, Marissa Freedman, Sabrina Giordano, Alexa Graff, Madison Green, Daniel Grinchishin, Haylee Heitman, Rebecca Hennessy, Nicole Hollfelder, Shannon Holt, Kaitlin Hoy, Lovepreet Kaur, Julia Kavanagh, Jacob Kawecki, Sydney Keane, Derek Konopski, Michaela Kozek, Sarah Kustich, Sara Kwarciak, Samantha Lesinski, Kady Liesenfeld, Michael Mankowski, Aubrey McCoy, Tanner Morrow, Nathan Newell, James Niland, Nathaniel Nowocien, Zachery O'Neill, Carissa Parsons, Eric Pease, Jakob Ramallo, Hailey Randle, Chelsea Robillard, Mikayla Rosati, Amber Schwinn, Cassie Shickluna, Cassidy Siebert, Lindsey Spencer, Robert Stolfo, Angelia Strzalkowski, Brandon Surdi, Maxwell VeRost, Samantha Violino, Chancellor Warmus, Eric Watt, Hannah Wiktorowski, Kassidy Wozniak, Kevin Zhang, Spencer-Jon Zukic
Grade 7 - Alwareed Abdellatif, Abigail Armitage, Elaina Bolles, Nicholas Bonora, Bradley Boreali, Alyse Borelli, Vincent Bruno, Nicole Burley, Alexa Calandra, Andrew Colautto, Julia Culbert, Alexandra Cutting, Nancy Dahlquist, Abigail Dallessandro, Genevieve Davis, Anna DeMartin, Karli Deuser, Jared Eichel, McLain Erhard, Joseph Farrell, Morgan Finn, Halle FitzGerald, Andrew Fred, Zoanne Gebhard, Leah Geis, Graciana Giambra, Kyle Graves, Albert Grupp, Nikolai Harper, Connor Harrigan, Sabrina Hausrath, Natalie Henderson, Alexander Hollatz-Guastella, Ryan Kennedy, Jonathan Link, Thomas Major, Nathan Marino, Colton McGraw, Mark McKenna, Matthew McNaughton, Alanna Mergel, Madeline Mitchell, Jazmine Nijjar, Meaghan O'Leary, Colin Osborn, Nicholas Paolini, Devon Perri, Emilie Phinney, Anne Pilie, Michael Podlucky, Lauren Rogoza, Raymond Rott, Meghan Sonnenberg, Alexandra Sponn, Emilie Stinner, Jordan VeRost, Scarlett Whitman, James Wilson, Emily Wolcott, Bethany Wynne, Jordan Yamonaco, Brenna Young, Taylor Zoldowski, Jessica Zoldowski
Grade 8 - Brian Ailinger, Kali Aronica, Jacob Athoe, Griffin Atkinson, Marisa Atkinson, Natalie Baldassarre, Alicia Bianco, Jack Boyko, Jacob Burford, Liana Buscaglia, Ashley Butler, David Cich, Aaron Cook, Brian Cooper, Quinton Corrao, Frank DeRubes, Brian DeRubes, Jaskiran Dhaliwall, Matthew DiMura, Thomas Doctor, Alexandra Dzielski, Yousuf Eltagouri, Elizabeth Figler, Kevin Freedman, Emma Garten, Joseph Gioeli, Emily Glose, Benjamin Goc, Bianca Gowanny, Andrew Grinchishin, Ashley Gugino, Alyssa Heitman, Nicolas Hernandez-Rojas, Steven Howard, Ciara Howley, Henry Huang, Amanda Jelonek, Addison Joslyn, Brad Kaminski, Julia Kelly, Emily Kernin, Mary Frances Koch, Stephanie Kowalak, Ashley Kroetsch, Kyle Krueger, Kathryn Lamarco, Julianne Lavallee, Brittany Little, Elizabeth LoBrutto, Alexandria Makowski, Johnna Marinello, Justin McCarthy, Austin McCoy, Griffin McGuire, Brentyn Mendel, Elliott Michki, Anna Nicolia, Aaron Noyes, James Osborn, Zoann Pittman, Alessandra Price, James Pufpaff, Marissa Ruffolo, Maren Russell, Vincent Shores, Lucas Siebert, Tanner Speer, Lindsey Spiker, Christopher Swagler, Raymond Tafelski, Brock Tetreault, Timothy Utz, Lillian von Reyn, Stephanie Voyzey, Christian Wallinder, Jadon Wegrzyn, Brigid Wilton, Nicholas Young, Matthew Zabaldo
Connor Middle School Merit Roll - Feb. 2010
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students have been named to the Merit roll for the second quarter, 2009-2010 school year:
Grade 6 - Jesse Arch, Christopher Aronica, Adam Beiter, Emily Bognar, Troy Brady, Kyle Burns, Dominique Capizzi, Jenna Corrao, Allison DeMartin, Sari Dickinson, Daniel Dinsmore, Danielle Duck, Jayson Endozo, Chloe Evans, Lisa Fankhauser, Brenton Fischer, Jordyn Fisher, Nicholas Giancola, Nicholas Gioeli, Benjamin Graziano, Taj Harris, Joshua HusVar, Taylor Internicola, Sabrina Lemme, Edward Logel, Liana Lombardo, Cameron Mastykarz, Madison McNamara, Tiffany Melendez, Auston Niemann, Kalista Nizialek, Jake Nowak, Anthony Ormsby, Julia Pino, Michael Pyzynski, Mikayla Reading, Page Regan, Brandon Rivers, Heather Robinson, Chelsea Schmidt, Jake Schmidt, Maggie Schultz, Smeen Shah, Elliott Steel, Jeremy Steiger, Christina Sutton, Matthew Tollner, Evan Valint, Katherine Verso, Kurt Villani, Hannah Wessner, Ryan Wilton
Grade 7 - Ayman Abdellatif, Devan Aponte, Brian Brennan, Nicholas Brink, Colin Carey, Mariah Ciffa, Colton Czajka, Andrew Dyet, Ian Eisenberger, Joyce Endozo, Alura Fike, Jacob Foote, Jessica Foote, Ayannah Ford, Emily Fuoco, Nicolette Golden, Balraj Grewal, Keegan Hirtreiter, James Hodan, Joshua Horvath, Kimberly Huffnagle, Benjamin Jensen, Tamara Khairallah, Matthew Ladouceur, Alexa Lombardo, Austin Mahoney, Ryan Marlin, Jacob Matwijkow, Anthony Mosher, Jocelyn Mueller, Timothy Newbould, Ashley Niemann, Miranda Phillips, Jordan Piershalski, Drew Pitts, Amanda Proctor, Jordan Russo, Lydia Senger, Colin Smith, Armand Swanson, Mark Valle, Brian Verso, Alexander Zimmermann
Grade 8 - Rana Abdelal, Michele Aronica, Robert Augugliaro, Sukhdeep Bajwa, Alexander Baker, Samantha Bartolotta, Sierra Besl, Grace Bolton, Kevin Borowicz, Bryce Callen, Amanda Cancilla, Emily Certo, June Chadima, Qian Chen, Jason Cichon, Nicholas DeMita, Sean DeRubes, Ashley Dragonette, Kai Ellsworth, Shawn Fermoile, Tyler Ford, Jack Gorman, Justin Graesser, Anthony Grana, Patrick Hall, Andrew Hannah, Ryan Held, Christine Herman, April Hippert, David Holler, Amber Internicola, Madeline Jackson, Shamus Johnson, Alexa Kalinowski, Kristin Kalman, Jessica Keller, Michael Kleinschmidt, Gabriella Liberatore, John Lillian, M Matthew Madigan, William Madigan, Vincent Malpica, Andrew Masiello, Jacob McMahon, Eric McMasters, Wyatt Mock, Benjamin Morrish, Catherine Navagh, Gregory Nicolia, Anna Niland, Shane Paul, Daniel Ray, Emilie Rengler, Shannon Robillard, Grace Scherrer, Kyle Schoener, Natalie Schultz, Derrick Schutrum, Chelsea Sinicki, Jeremy Smith, Timothy Sutton, Emily Valint, Zoe Wilson, Madalyn Wright, Brandon York
“Artist of the Month” - Feb. 2010
Pictured with his pastel painting is James Osborne, February K-12 Artist of the Month.
The “K-12 Artist of the Month Award” is a way in which the Art Department of the Grand Island Schools collectively recognizes the varied and unique accomplishments of their many high performing artistic achievers. Students selected for recognition are those who perform well in their art classes and have distinguished themselves artistically by using the visual arts as an appropriate vehicle for self-expression and visual problem-solving and; who display the attitudes, behaviors and work ethic necessary for artistic success. These are students who set themselves apart as creative and artistic role models for their peers.
Pictured is fourteen-year-old James Osborne, an eighth-grade student at Veronica Connor Middle School. James is February’s recipient of the “Artist of the Month” award. He is a student who meets all the criteria for selection and one who has distinguished himself by creating unique and beautiful works in a variety of media. During his three years at the middle school, James’ artistic ability has been recognized by his teachers and by his peers. His work has appeared in school displays and at the Grand Island Memorial Library. He is currently enrolled in an accelerated Studio In Art class, earning high school credit while still in grade eight. James enjoys working in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, but is particularly skilled and adept with drawing.
In addition to his art ability, James participates in soccer and football. This student likes to be creative and to keep active and says that the things he does outside of school, particularly sports, serve as inspiration for him when he makes art. He has been interested in art since third grade and lists his parents among those who support and encourage him most in his artistic pursuits.
The Art Department is pleased to recognize this student’s unique and individual artistic accomplishments and wish him continued success in all of his future creative endeavors.
Connor’s Monthly Masters - Jan. 2010
Alyssa Pelosi and Jessica Ackendorf, “Connor’s Monthly Masters for December and January.
The Connor Middle School Art Department is pleased to announce Alyssa Pelosi and Jessica Ackendorf as Connor’s Monthly Masters for the months of December 2009 and January 2010, respectively. Both girls pictured here painting during a recent art class, are seventh grade art students at the middle school.
Alyssa and Jessica display much artistic potential and the work ethic necessary for success. Their innate abilities along with hard work and determination make them stand out as artistic role models for their peers. They take their lessons seriously, apply themselves fully and both young ladies strive for perfection; always putting forth maximum effort. Although they are skilled in a wide range of media, each student has her natural preference and style. Alyssa, preferring realism, favors pastel and pencil while Jessica prefers working and experimenting three-dimensionally with clay. Says Jessica, “I like art because you can’t really ‘mess up’. It’s your point of view and how you interpret things. Everyone can see art differently”. Both girls count their abilities to use art as a vehicle for self-expression as the main reason why they enjoy working visually. They take their inspiration from various places and trips to art galleries. Visits to MOMA in New York City and the Stanford Art Museum are early art memories which they cite as fondly as influences.
While Alyssa hopes to become an anesthesiologist when she’s older, and Jessica hopes to be a veterinarian, both students expect that art will always be an interest and avocation. The VCMS art department is pleased to recognize both young ladies for having distinguished themselves artistically and for using their creative abilities in a positive and affirming manner. It is a pleasure to recognize them as Monthly Masters
Attention Parents/Guardians of Eighth-Grade Students at VCMS - Jan. 2010
Ninth-grade is approaching quickly! From February 8 – 11, Mrs. Cordero and Mrs. Newman will be working with eighth-grade students from Veronica E. Connor Middle School to plan for their high school experience. To help ease student concerns about attending a new school, they will spend time discussing high school expectations, graduation requirements and choosing ninth-grade courses.Your child will be bringing home his/her ninth-grade course selection sheet along with the high school planning guide at the end of February. Please review the courses your child has chosen. If you’d like to make changes, you may do so and return to Student Services before March 26, 2010. At that time the high school will be sending a verification of the courses your child is signed up for.
If you or your child has any questions about high school, please call Student Services at 773-8837 or 773-8844 or have your child stop in to see Mrs. Cordero.
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Alessandra Price
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Pictured with two of her recent artworks is thirteen-year-old Alessandra Price, “Connor’s Monthly Master” for February 2010. Ali, an honor student at Veronica Connor Middle School, is an accelerated art student who, in addition to being a gifted young artist, is also a well-rounded young lady. She is enrolled in honors classes, plays percussion in the school band and swims.
Ali reports that she has been interested in art “forever”. She is inspired by other artworks and the world around her and she particularly enjoys drawing. Says Ali, “I like art because it is what I am good at and it is a fun way to express myself”. Ali makes jewelry in her free time and has had her work appear in art shows locally. She is also a creative and entrepreneurial young lady, displaying and selling her jewelry at the Lewiston Art Show last August.
Ali’s family takes pride in all of her creative accomplishments and they never fail to encourage her and inspire her efforts. One of her favorite art memories is painting a mural in her uncle’s home when she was just 10 years old. A creative gift must run in this family as Ali says that both mom and dad display artistic and creative attributes and abilities as well.
Ali has received many honors and much recognition for her artistic and creative abilities. She’s had her work displayed in district art shows yearly since elementary school, had works displayed at the Grand Island Memorial Library, been in local art shows and is a current recipient of the Connor Character Connection Award for the attribute of creativity. She’s consistently excelled in all of her art classes and is currently an accelerated art student taking Studio In Art and earning high school credit while still in eighth grade. Ali plans to take many more art classes when she begins high school next fall and she’s hoping to be either an architect or a veterinarian when she becomes an adult.
The VCMS Art Department proudly recognizes this student’s ability and unique artistic voice and proudly recognizes her as the “Connor Monthly Master” for February 2010.
Connor Middle School Honor Roll - Feb. 2010
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students have been named to the honor roll for the second quarter, 2009-2010 school year:Grade 7 - Jessica Ackendorf, Ryan Allen, Joshua Barrett, Hannah Bastian, Carly Bernatovicz, Brianna Brandon, Sierra Brooks, Giuseppe Campanella, Robert Carroll, Marissa Catanzaro, Natalia Christiano, Sara Cichon, Sara Colon, Caitlin Conlon, Kayla Conway, Lillian Cultrara, Enrico D'Abate, Isabel Dengos, Katherine Diefenbach, Shannon Driess, Eric Dudley, Joseph Egloff, Robert Ellegate, Austin Fisher, Katherine Fonte, Ashley Franz, Alexander Garey, Rebekah Gaydosh, Kathryn Gentz, Marissa Gress, Kasandra Guyette, Carly Hand, Christian Hilts, Grey Johnson, Jacqueline Kehoe, Jack Kennedy, Marah Killian, Leah Killian, Khristian Kline, Kurt Laschinger, Taylor Latvala, Michaela McMahon, Devlin McMaster, Nolan Miles, Alexandra Miller, Robin Neary, Alyssa Pelosi, Kelsey Percival, Michael Podgorny, Brendan Pratt, Jenna Reinard, Eric Riederer, Andrew Riederer, Kaitlyn Rudney, Margaret Rustowicz, Joseph Santa Lucia, Benjamin Shaw, Pushpinder Singh, Amelia Stepnoski, Emily Szabo, Laura Taylor, Melissa Ullrich, Apelasan Wigneswaran, Corey Wilkinson, Timothy Winder, Jessica Wing, Bennett Wright
Grade 8 - Natalie Argy, Michael Battaglia, Magdalyn Chauby, Sarah Dollendorf, Heavyn Dreher, Jenell Duxbury, Zachary Jones, Kristina Kasprzycki, Justin Lavis, Emma MacIntyre, Jenna Paternostro, Michael Paternostro, Jillian Sheehan, Tara Stewart, Jackeline Wilson
Grade 7 - Alwareed Abdellatif, Abigail Armitage, Elaina Bolles, Nicholas Bonora, Bradley Boreali, Alyse Borelli, Vincent Bruno, Nicole Burley, Alexa Calandra, Andrew Colautto, Julia Culbert, Alexandra Cutting, Nancy Dahlquist, Abigail Dallessandro, Genevieve Davis, Anna DeMartin, Karli Deuser, Jared Eichel, McLain Erhard, Joseph Farrell, Morgan Finn, Halle FitzGerald, Andrew Fred, Zoanne Gebhard, Leah Geis, Graciana Giambra, Kyle Graves, Albert Grupp, Nikolai Harper, Connor Harrigan, Sabrina Hausrath, Natalie Henderson, Alexander Hollatz-Guastella, Ryan Kennedy, Jonathan Link, Thomas Major, Nathan Marino, Colton McGraw, Mark McKenna, Matthew McNaughton, Alanna Mergel, Madeline Mitchell, Jazmine Nijjar, Meaghan O'Leary, Colin Osborn, Nicholas Paolini, Devon Perri, Emilie Phinney, Anne Pilie, Michael Podlucky, Lauren Rogoza, Raymond Rott, Meghan Sonnenberg, Alexandra Sponn, Emilie Stinner, Jordan VeRost, Scarlett Whitman, James Wilson, Emily Wolcott, Bethany Wynne, Jordan Yamonaco, Brenna Young, Taylor Zoldowski, Jessica Zoldowski
Grade 8 - Brian Ailinger, Kali Aronica, Jacob Athoe, Griffin Atkinson, Marisa Atkinson, Natalie Baldassarre, Alicia Bianco, Jack Boyko, Jacob Burford, Liana Buscaglia, Ashley Butler, David Cich, Aaron Cook, Brian Cooper, Quinton Corrao, Frank DeRubes, Brian DeRubes, Jaskiran Dhaliwall, Matthew DiMura, Thomas Doctor, Alexandra Dzielski, Yousuf Eltagouri, Elizabeth Figler, Kevin Freedman, Emma Garten, Joseph Gioeli, Emily Glose, Benjamin Goc, Bianca Gowanny, Andrew Grinchishin, Ashley Gugino, Alyssa Heitman, Nicolas Hernandez-Rojas, Steven Howard, Ciara Howley, Henry Huang, Amanda Jelonek, Addison Joslyn, Brad Kaminski, Julia Kelly, Emily Kernin, Mary Frances Koch, Stephanie Kowalak, Ashley Kroetsch, Kyle Krueger, Kathryn Lamarco, Julianne Lavallee, Brittany Little, Elizabeth LoBrutto, Alexandria Makowski, Johnna Marinello, Justin McCarthy, Austin McCoy, Griffin McGuire, Brentyn Mendel, Elliott Michki, Anna Nicolia, Aaron Noyes, James Osborn, Zoann Pittman, Alessandra Price, James Pufpaff, Marissa Ruffolo, Maren Russell, Vincent Shores, Lucas Siebert, Tanner Speer, Lindsey Spiker, Christopher Swagler, Raymond Tafelski, Brock Tetreault, Timothy Utz, Lillian von Reyn, Stephanie Voyzey, Christian Wallinder, Jadon Wegrzyn, Brigid Wilton, Nicholas Young, Matthew Zabaldo
Connor Middle School Merit Roll - Feb. 2010
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students have been named to the Merit roll for the second quarter, 2009-2010 school year:Grade 6 - Jesse Arch, Christopher Aronica, Adam Beiter, Emily Bognar, Troy Brady, Kyle Burns, Dominique Capizzi, Jenna Corrao, Allison DeMartin, Sari Dickinson, Daniel Dinsmore, Danielle Duck, Jayson Endozo, Chloe Evans, Lisa Fankhauser, Brenton Fischer, Jordyn Fisher, Nicholas Giancola, Nicholas Gioeli, Benjamin Graziano, Taj Harris, Joshua HusVar, Taylor Internicola, Sabrina Lemme, Edward Logel, Liana Lombardo, Cameron Mastykarz, Madison McNamara, Tiffany Melendez, Auston Niemann, Kalista Nizialek, Jake Nowak, Anthony Ormsby, Julia Pino, Michael Pyzynski, Mikayla Reading, Page Regan, Brandon Rivers, Heather Robinson, Chelsea Schmidt, Jake Schmidt, Maggie Schultz, Smeen Shah, Elliott Steel, Jeremy Steiger, Christina Sutton, Matthew Tollner, Evan Valint, Katherine Verso, Kurt Villani, Hannah Wessner, Ryan Wilton
Grade 7 - Ayman Abdellatif, Devan Aponte, Brian Brennan, Nicholas Brink, Colin Carey, Mariah Ciffa, Colton Czajka, Andrew Dyet, Ian Eisenberger, Joyce Endozo, Alura Fike, Jacob Foote, Jessica Foote, Ayannah Ford, Emily Fuoco, Nicolette Golden, Balraj Grewal, Keegan Hirtreiter, James Hodan, Joshua Horvath, Kimberly Huffnagle, Benjamin Jensen, Tamara Khairallah, Matthew Ladouceur, Alexa Lombardo, Austin Mahoney, Ryan Marlin, Jacob Matwijkow, Anthony Mosher, Jocelyn Mueller, Timothy Newbould, Ashley Niemann, Miranda Phillips, Jordan Piershalski, Drew Pitts, Amanda Proctor, Jordan Russo, Lydia Senger, Colin Smith, Armand Swanson, Mark Valle, Brian Verso, Alexander Zimmermann
Grade 8 - Rana Abdelal, Michele Aronica, Robert Augugliaro, Sukhdeep Bajwa, Alexander Baker, Samantha Bartolotta, Sierra Besl, Grace Bolton, Kevin Borowicz, Bryce Callen, Amanda Cancilla, Emily Certo, June Chadima, Qian Chen, Jason Cichon, Nicholas DeMita, Sean DeRubes, Ashley Dragonette, Kai Ellsworth, Shawn Fermoile, Tyler Ford, Jack Gorman, Justin Graesser, Anthony Grana, Patrick Hall, Andrew Hannah, Ryan Held, Christine Herman, April Hippert, David Holler, Amber Internicola, Madeline Jackson, Shamus Johnson, Alexa Kalinowski, Kristin Kalman, Jessica Keller, Michael Kleinschmidt, Gabriella Liberatore, John Lillian, M Matthew Madigan, William Madigan, Vincent Malpica, Andrew Masiello, Jacob McMahon, Eric McMasters, Wyatt Mock, Benjamin Morrish, Catherine Navagh, Gregory Nicolia, Anna Niland, Shane Paul, Daniel Ray, Emilie Rengler, Shannon Robillard, Grace Scherrer, Kyle Schoener, Natalie Schultz, Derrick Schutrum, Chelsea Sinicki, Jeremy Smith, Timothy Sutton, Emily Valint, Zoe Wilson, Madalyn Wright, Brandon York
“Artist of the Month” - Feb. 2010
Pictured with his pastel painting is James Osborne, February K-12 Artist of the Month.
The “K-12 Artist of the Month Award” is a way in which the Art Department of the Grand Island Schools collectively recognizes the varied and unique accomplishments of their many high performing artistic achievers. Students selected for recognition are those who perform well in their art classes and have distinguished themselves artistically by using the visual arts as an appropriate vehicle for self-expression and visual problem-solving and; who display the attitudes, behaviors and work ethic necessary for artistic success. These are students who set themselves apart as creative and artistic role models for their peers.Pictured is fourteen-year-old James Osborne, an eighth-grade student at Veronica Connor Middle School. James is February’s recipient of the “Artist of the Month” award. He is a student who meets all the criteria for selection and one who has distinguished himself by creating unique and beautiful works in a variety of media. During his three years at the middle school, James’ artistic ability has been recognized by his teachers and by his peers. His work has appeared in school displays and at the Grand Island Memorial Library. He is currently enrolled in an accelerated Studio In Art class, earning high school credit while still in grade eight. James enjoys working in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, but is particularly skilled and adept with drawing.
In addition to his art ability, James participates in soccer and football. This student likes to be creative and to keep active and says that the things he does outside of school, particularly sports, serve as inspiration for him when he makes art. He has been interested in art since third grade and lists his parents among those who support and encourage him most in his artistic pursuits.
The Art Department is pleased to recognize this student’s unique and individual artistic accomplishments and wish him continued success in all of his future creative endeavors.
Connor’s Monthly Masters - Jan. 2010
Alyssa Pelosi and Jessica Ackendorf, “Connor’s Monthly Masters for December and January.
The Connor Middle School Art Department is pleased to announce Alyssa Pelosi and Jessica Ackendorf as Connor’s Monthly Masters for the months of December 2009 and January 2010, respectively. Both girls pictured here painting during a recent art class, are seventh grade art students at the middle school.Alyssa and Jessica display much artistic potential and the work ethic necessary for success. Their innate abilities along with hard work and determination make them stand out as artistic role models for their peers. They take their lessons seriously, apply themselves fully and both young ladies strive for perfection; always putting forth maximum effort. Although they are skilled in a wide range of media, each student has her natural preference and style. Alyssa, preferring realism, favors pastel and pencil while Jessica prefers working and experimenting three-dimensionally with clay. Says Jessica, “I like art because you can’t really ‘mess up’. It’s your point of view and how you interpret things. Everyone can see art differently”. Both girls count their abilities to use art as a vehicle for self-expression as the main reason why they enjoy working visually. They take their inspiration from various places and trips to art galleries. Visits to MOMA in New York City and the Stanford Art Museum are early art memories which they cite as fondly as influences.
While Alyssa hopes to become an anesthesiologist when she’s older, and Jessica hopes to be a veterinarian, both students expect that art will always be an interest and avocation. The VCMS art department is pleased to recognize both young ladies for having distinguished themselves artistically and for using their creative abilities in a positive and affirming manner. It is a pleasure to recognize them as Monthly Masters
