Grand Island Central School District news page

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2007
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Community Education Summer 2007 - May 2007
    The Grand Island School District’s Community Education Summer 2007 session will begin on July 2. The brochures were distributed the week of May 14th to the elementary schools and Connor Middle School. The brochure and registration form is available online at k12.ginet.org. (click under the Departments and Svcs section) Call 773-8864 for additional information or if you would like a copy of the brochure mailed to you.

GI School Budget Passes - May 2007
    Grand Island voters passed the 2007-08 School District Budget ($47,390,798) on Tuesday, May 15, 2007:
Grand Island Budget Results
Proposition I - Passed
935 Yes
327 No
Proposition II - Passed
879 Yes
347 No
Board of Education Positions - 2 seats
Neil Seaman - 941
Thomas Franz - 959
   Propositions follow:
Proposition I
Shall the Board of Education of the Grand Island Central School District appropriate the sum of $47,390,798 for the 2007-2008 school budget as published
Proposition II
Shall the Board of Education of the Grand Island Central School District purchase three (3) 66-passenger school buses at an estimated cost of $110,000 each; one (1) 30-passenger BE school bus at an estimated cost of $81,000; one (1) 30-passenger BE wheelchair accessible school bus at an estimated cost of $94,000, and two (2) plow trucks at an estimated cost of $25,000 each and to expend therefore a total sum not to exceed $555,000 t be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property in the District and collected in annual installments as provided in Section 416 of Education Law, and in anticipation of such tax, obligations of the District shall be issued.
Proposition III
Elect two (2) members to the Board of Education.
1. Neil Seaman
2. Thomas J. Franz

District K-8 Art Show - May 2007

(left) Sidway School - 1st Grade; (right) Kaegebein School - Third Grade

(left) Huth Road School - Fourth Grade; (right) Veronica E. Connor Middle School - Eighth Grade

(left & right) Veronica E. Connor Middle School - Seventh Grade

From left: Helen Eckman, Toiréan Bryan, Hayley Keane, Zoe Dodd, Jenna DelSignore and Sara LaMarco. Sixth grade students with their artwork.
Jodi Robinson Photos - Click for larger view
   Hundreds of students, family members, teachers and art lovers of all sorts turned out to honor the artistic accomplishments of some of Grand Island’s finest young artists this past Monday evening when the K-8 Art Department of the Grand Island Schools presented its annual show: Art Inspired by 1000 Words.
   Throughout the school year, students enrolled in grades K-8 have been creating works in their art classes to this year’s theme. Ceramics, altered books, photography, tessellations, paintings, drawings and sculpture turned the foyer of the high school Viking Mall into a gallery-like setting in celebration of the arts. The various forms of creative problem solving and self-expression visually demonstrated the ways in which district students are meeting the rigorous New York State Standards for the Visual Arts in their art classes. As many of the pieces included in the display were based on poetry, stories, mythology and quotations, several standards from the English Language Arts curriculum were met as well. The display visually demonstrated the higher-order thinking skills abundant throughout the art curriculum and featured the creativity and artistic skill of students between the ages of 5 and 14.
   The show will remain on display during the week of May 14th, and the public is cordially invited to view it during that time. Participating are students of teachers: Theresa Barnack, Sidway School; Alexann Incao, Kaegebein Elementary; Peter Sloan, Huth Rd., Andrew Dulak and Nora Klein, Connor Middle School.

School Board Meeting Agenda -Monday, May 14, 2007
A School Board meeting will be held 7 p.m. Monday, May 14, 2007 in Room 108, Grand Island High School, 1100 Ransom Road. Click for School Board Meeting Agenda 5/14/07

Don't Forget To Vote Tuesday, May 15th
"Citizen's Guide To 2007-08 School District Budget" - 2007
   The Grand Island Central School District's current "The Bridge" publication lists "A Citizen's Guide to the Grand Island 2007-08 School District Budget." The Budget/Trustee vote takes from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2007 in the high school gym, 1100 Ransom Road. See "The Bridge" for complete information.

Emergency Evacuation Drill at GIHS, Connor Middle - 2007
   The students and staff of Grand Island Senior High School and Veronica Connor Middle School will participate in an emergency evacuation drill on Friday, May 18, 2007 to evaluate the effectiveness of procedures used during a real evacuation.
   The drill will begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. when students will be evacuated from the campus to sheltering locations. Grand Island Central School District officials have coordinated this drill with the Town of Grand Island and Emergency Services. Students will return to their respective classrooms at the conclusion of the exercise.
   In preparation for the drill, students will be informed of the exercise to ensure no one is alarmed or upset by the day’s activity. Signs will be posted in the vicinity of the school indicating that a drill is in progress. The intent of the signs is to prevent any undue concern or confusion regarding the drill. During the exercise there may be noticeable police presence in the area including a New York State helicopter, which will be used for observation. Temporary road blocks will be set up in the neighborhood as they would in a real scenario. Every effort will made to minimize any inconvenience to local residents during the drill.
   "The primary concern of Grand Island Central School District and the Town of Grand Island/Emergency Services is the safety of our children," a district spokesman said. "Emergency drills ensure our staff is prepared in the event of an actual situation and a crucial element of an effective plan is to practice the plan," she said. For further questions, contact the Grand Island Central School District’s Superintendent’s Office at 773-8801.

K-8 Art Department Presents: Art Inspired by 1000 Words - May 2007

(left photo) Eighth-grade art student Jaime Magaris displays her life-size tape cast sculpture, in progress.
(right photo) Eighth-grade art students Amanda Sutter, Jaime Magaris and Aren Shanor pause to smile while completing a tape-casting sculpture, in progress.
Click photos for larger view
   The K-8 Art Department of the Grand Island schools will hold an opening reception on Monday evening, May 14 in the Viking Mall for families, friends and teachers of the student artists included in this annual art show. This year’s show, Art Inspired by 1000 Words, will feature works which have been inspired by quotations, poetry and writing of all kinds.
   Included among the artworks on display will be altered books, sculpture, mosaics, ceramic tiles, collage, tessellations, paintings, drawings and prints.
   The artists’ reception will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the show will remain on view for the remainder of the week. The public is cordially invited to view the display to see the ways in which district students are meeting the vigorous New York State Learning Standards for the Visual Arts and share pride in the creative accomplishments of our kindergarten through grade eight artists.

Joint Town/School Meeting - 2007
   Members of the School and Town Boards held a joint meeting on Monday, April 30, 2007 at which time School District Superintendent Robert Christmann gave an update on the School Budget. The .6% increase is less by $70,000 than what it would cost were the budget to not pass and a contingency budget were to be put in place. He also gave an update on the current school building project that includes roof replacement this year. The project has been broken into four parts with the entire project to be completed by the end of 2008.
   The school and town will work together on Cable TV access for the school, athletic field assessment, insurance and purchasing. A grant has been applied for to study a joint town/school transportation center, however no announcement has been made yet.
   A Town/School Intermunicipal facilities agreement, written by the attorneys for the town, Hodgson Russ, was distributed. Both boards need to adopt it. It acknowledges the contributions of both the town and the school to the other's programs and eliminates the need for money to exchange hands for use of facilities.
   The next joint meeting is scheduled for July 30, 2007 (a fifth Monday).

School District Notice of Public Hearing, Budget Vote, Election - 2007
   The School District will hold a Budget Hearing for the purpose of presentation and discussion of the 2007-08 District budget at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2007 in the Veronica E. Connor Middle School Little Theater, 1100 Ransom Road, Grand Island, New York. Click for School Board Legal Notice
   There are two (3) three-year school trustee terms to be filled. The election and school district budget vote will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 in the Grand Island High School gym. Candidates for the two seats are Neil Seaman and Thomas Franz.

Grand Island Youth Lacrosse League Information - 2007
   The Grand Island Youth Lacrosse League for grades 3 through 8 will begin on May 20. Flyers with registration forms were distributed to the students at Kaegebein and Huth Road schools. Copies for Veronica Connor Middle School students are available at the school. For more information or to request a registration form, contact Grand Island Community Education at 773-8864.

School Board Report - April 24, 2007
By Jodi Robinson
School Board members present: Richard Little Jr., Neil Seaman, Glenn Bobeck, Myrna Blair, George Casey, James Hanna
Board members not present: Jeri Schopp
   Tuesday, April 24, 2007 . . .Director of Instructional Technology, Molly Talty gave a presentation at the beginning of the school board meeting on the TIF (Technology Integration Facilitators) program that is in place throughout the district. The three-year program is used to instruct at least 1-2 teachers per building in the use of instructional technology. The program is now in its fourth year. The teachers are trained in Smartboard, projectors, iPods and other technology tools in order to provide peer support in their buildings. In a recent assessment of the program, the TIF leaders said they enjoyed sharing their knowledge with other teachers and that there is more use of technology in the schools.
   The board paid special recognition to high school Senior Keith Wegrzyn. At a recent Keenan Center Art Show, Keith was honored with a Merit Award for photographic print. After a show at Villa Maria College, the print will be on display at the high school. The Grand Island UNICEF program was awarded a certificate of achievement for its efforts last fall. The program raised over $2000.00 and was one of the highest totals in Western New York. It was noted that not as many schools participate as in the past.
   The school board recognized the two candidates for election, Tom Franz and Neil Seaman. It was announced that Kaegebein third grade teacher, Janice Ahne, is newly tenured and the following are retiring at the end of the school year: Cynthia Berry, Patricia McGowan, Bev Molak, Susan Kupiec Lynn Mele Mary Therrien and Peter Sloan.
   Director of Instructional Technology, Molly Talty, conducted a survey with eighth and ninth grade students and among her findings was that 98.6% of students have computers at home. Sidway Principal Denise Dunbar is the head of an advisory board that has been formed for the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program that should be in effect for the 2007-2008 school year. The program will be 5 days a week and 45 children will be able to participate.
   Superintendent Robert Christmann started his report with an update on the 4th grade historic Grand Island field trip. There is a request of the Education Foundation to fund the Kaegebein portion of transportation as Huth Road school is covered by an anonymous donor. Mr. Christman noted that in the future any donations of any kind will be shared between both elementary schools for equal opportunity. The Veronica Connor Middle School was commended for beating its goal in the Bald For Bucks, Roswell Park fundraiser. Over $10,200 was raised, more per participant than any other school.
   The Pride of The Island Awardees announced recently will be sent a letter of commendation from the Superintendent and school board members. The YWCA will be running a full day summer program at Grand Island High School for ten weeks this summer.
   A newsletter is being printed and will be sent out soon with information regarding the upcoming budget. A budget presentation will be held at the Veronica Connor Middle School theatre at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 7, 2006. High School Principal Sandy Anzalone and Connor Middle School Principal Bruce Benson have planned a "Drug Awareness Night," an adults only presentation on April 30, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium for parents. This is part of a new collaboration between schools, community, town board and churches entitled "One Island, One Team, Drug Free."
   The district has received a FEMA payment to help defray costs of the October storm in the amount of $4,510.85. A safety drill/emergency evacuation is planned at the Veronica Connor Middle School and Grand Island High School on Friday, May 18, 2007. As part of the drill there will be a large police presence, including a NYS helicopter. Letters will be sent home to the parents prior to the drill. One of the goals is to observe student reaction during the drill. Extensive details will be made public before the drill takes place.
   The following school board meetings have been scheduled:

Monday, April 30, 2007- Joint Town and Board of Education Meeting.

Monday, May 14, 2007- Workshop (District Report Card, District Goals, Tenure Appointment for Review)

Tuesday, May 29, 2007- Regular Business Meeting (Tenure Appointments for Approval/Reception)

School Board Meeting Agenda - Tuesday, April 24, 2007
A School Board meeting will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2007 in the Grand Island High School, 1100 Ransom Road. Click for School Board Meeting Agenda 4/24/07

School District Requests Proposals For NYS Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program - 2007
   Tuesday, April 18, 2007 . . . The Grand Island Central School District is accepting Request For Proposals from pre-schools that reside in the Grand Island Central School District for half-day, 4-year old, pre-kindergarten programs for the fall of 2007. Please call Kathy Volk at 773-8818 for a proposal packet or you may download proposal materials from the Grand Island Central School District website at www.k12.ginet.org under “District News.”
   The district will fund approximately 45 students at one or more half-day off-site Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs. Applications are due June 1, 2007. Applications for parents will be forthcoming this July.

School Board
Candidates Announced - 2007
   Tuesday, April 16, 2007 . . .The school district has announced that the following candidates have handed in completed petitions for the available Board of Education seats:
Neil Seaman
Thomas Franz
   There are two (3) three-year terms to be filled. The election and school district budget vote will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2007.

Report of Board of Education Special Meeting - Wednesday, April 4, 2007
   Click for report of Special School Board Meeting 4/4/07

Board of Education Notice Of Special Meeting - Wednesday, April 4, 2007
   The Board of Education will meet today (Wednesday, April 4, 2007) at 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Board Conference Room. There is one agenda item only. "It is to increase the proposed budget by an amount equal to the increase that we just learned is in the state budget for UPK services," Schools Superintendent Robert W. Christmann said on the morning of April 4th. While the budget will go up by $49,033, the revenue from the new state aid to cover this will go up the same $49,033, he said. There will be no impact whatsoever on the projected tax rate, he said.
   "With some additional state aid in the final Legislative (vs. Governors) budget, we are able to project that the Grand Island School District tax rate increase for 2007-08 will be a maximum of .6% (originally it was .8%)," the Superintendent said. "We are pleased that with the additional UPK state aid we will be able to provide this free service for more Grand Island families at the preschools of their choice. It continues to be the case that the school district will not run its own UPK program for 2007-08 but will provide the funding for parents to use the services at the private preschools at no cost to the family for the half day program. Finally then, our corrected board budget figure will be $47,390,798 after the UPK adjustment is made today at 6 p.m. by the Board of Education," Mr. Christmann said.

Board of Education Notice Of Special Meeting - Monday, April 2, 2007
Board of Education
Notice of Special Meeting
Monday, April 2, 2007
Middle School Little Theater
7 p.m. until complete
BUDGET FORUM

School Board Report - March 26, 2007
By Jodi Robinson
   Monday, March 26, 2007 . . .Many students were honored at the beginning of the school board meeting. Sidway artwork chosen for the New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) Region One Teacher and Student Art Exhibition earlier in the month was on display. The students in attendance were recognized by Sidway art teacher Mrs. Theresa Barnack. The students are first graders, Steven Bachman, Thomas Cecere, Tess LaRiviere, and Thomas Thompson. Kindergarten students chosen are Anna DiBello and Trevor Samplinski. High school Scholar Athletes were also recognized from five of the eight winter sports teams. Included were boys swimming and diving, boys basketball, girls bowling, wrestling and girls basketball. Harkness students were also recognized as follows:

Harkness Career Center National Technical Honor Society Inductees:
Krista Burzynski - Cosmetology
Lauryn Clingersmith - Early Childhood Education
Lyndsey Clingersmith - Early Childhood Education
Karen Coughlin - Culinary Skills
Kelsey Nordvik - Early Childhood Education
Alysse Schuster - Culinary Skills
Shannon Tegler - Culinary Skills
 
Harkness Student of the Month
Robert Borden - Welding I
Dan Kilian - Welding II
Richard Boss - Culinary Skills I

Also recognized was Kaegebein teacher Susan Skrabacz who was named Educator of the Week by Channel 2 news. Mrs. Marian Farrell was named as the new school nurse at Sidway Elementary.
   Superintendent Robert Christmann spoke on the 3rd draft of the 2007-2008 school budget. During the next week the budget will continue to be evaluated before a Budget Forum and Adoption of the budget takes place in Connor Middle School on April 2 (see below) to see that "the budget meets the student needs" and a "conservative approach" was being used. The tax rate increase is projected to be a maximum of .8 %. The district is also in the process of getting more information on its website and out to the media regarding the interesting school activities happening every day. A grant has been accepted for additional security cameras to be placed in the high school and middle school thanks to Assemblyman Sam Hoyt. Also mentioned was NYS Gov. Spitzer's "Contract For Excellence" that will expect a higher level of accountability by the schools in order to accept state aid.
   A long discussion was held regarding a pre-K program for the Grand Island District. Over $60,000 dollars is available in aid to run the program. Due to the problem of busing and costs above this grant, a committee is being formed to discuss the feasibility of using the funds to send pre-K children to existing programs located on Grand Island through a lottery system.
   In the "Voice of the People" segment, Grand Island Historical Society President Curt Nestark challenged the school board to provide funds for the "4th Grade Tour" that has been enjoyed for over 15 years by students. The tour visits River Lea, Town Hall, and assorted historical sites on Grand Island each spring. Last year the society paid the $600+ cost of buses. This year an anonymous donor provided the needed funds for Huth Road Elementary students to attend, however, the other schools have not been as fortunate.
   The following school board meetings have been scheduled:

Monday, April 2, 2007- Budget Forum, Public Welcome - Middle School Little Theater - 7 p.m. Adoption of the budget to immediately follow forum.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - Regular Business/BOCES Budget/Trustee Vote - High School Room 108 - 7 p.m. meeting.

Monday, April 30, 2007- Joint Town and Board of Education Meeting.

School District Notice of Public Hearing and Budget Vote - 2007
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Grand Island Central School District (the "District") of the Town of Grand Island, Erie County, New York, will hold a Budget Hearing. Said Hearing shall be held for the purpose of presentation and discussion of the 2007-08 District budget and shall be held on Monday, May 7, 2007 at 6:30 p.m., Prevailing Time, in the High School/Middle School Complex, 1100 Ransom Road, Grand Island, New York. Click for School Board Legal Notice

School Board Meeting Agenda - Monday, March 26, 2007
A School Board meeting will be held 7 p.m. Monday, March 26, 2007 in the Grand Island High School cafeteria, 1100 Ransom Road. Click for School Board Meeting Agenda 3/26/07

All Island Jazz Concert An Enjoyable Evening - 2007

Connor Middle School 7th/8th Grade Jazz Ensemble
Jeff Stange Photo - Click for larger view
   The Grand Island School District's All Island Jazz Concert took place Wednesday evening, March 21, 2007 in the high school auditorium. The Huth Road Elementary Jazz Ensemble directed by Mr. Craig Poissant started off the program with the number, Don’t Knock My Socks.
   Mrs. Sarah Russo directed her Connor Middle School Six Grade Jazz group in playing It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing, Hey Jude and Theme from Spider-Man.
   The 7/8 Jazz Ensemble shown above performed Happy Together, James Bond Theme, Mack the Knife and Peter Gunn under the direction of Miss Shannon Smith.
   Mr. Martin Allen conducted the Friday Jazz Ensemble who played three selections: Blue Rondo a la Turk, My Funny Valentine and Good Grief and Gravy.
   Mrs. Carolyn Lokken's Vocal Jazz group sang Route 66, Love Is Here to Stay and Night Fever and were accompanied by Kelcie Hanaka, piano and Mark Gerfin, drums.
   The Wednesday Jazz Ensemble, directed by Mr. Martin Allen, performed You Lika’ Da Juice?, Get It On and Tiger of San Pedro.
   The concert was well received by a large and appreciative audience.

Choral Kaleidoscope Concert - 2007

High School Choir directed by Mrs. Caroline Lokken
Click photo for larger view.
   The school district's Choral Kaleidoscope Concert was presented on Thursday, March 8,2007 in the Grand Island High School auditorium. Music groups taking part were the Connor Middle School Sixth Grade Chorus directed by Susan L. Waters, Connor Middle School Seventh Grade Chorus directed by Annalea Masiello, Connor Middle School Eighth Grade Chorus directed by Annalea Madiello, Grand Island High School Choir directed by Carolyn Lokken, and the Grand Island High School Concert Choir directed by Carolyn Lokken. See Concert Program for the music presented and most appreciated by the large audience.

School Board Meeting Agenda - Monday, March 12, 2007
A School Board meeting will be held 7 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2007 in Connor Middle School Little Theater, 1100 Ransom Road. Click for School Board Meeting Agenda 3/12/07

Band Concert - March 2007
A band concert will be given 7 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2007 at Kaegebein Elementary School and will feature the seventh and eighth grade band students of Connor Middle School and the Grand Island High School Wind Ensemble.

School Board Report - "Smartboard Technology" - February 26, 2007
By Jodi Robinson
   Monday, February 26, 2007 . . .Two Veronica Connor Middle School math teachers and some students began this week's school board meeting with a very interesting presentation on "Smartboard Technology." This math program is used by the 6th and 7th grade students and is comprised of software, content and a large screen with projector. Math teacher Miss Sarah Bifaro and teaching assistant Mrs. Mary Howard described how the program made lessons more interesting and helped with special needs issues. It also is a great time saver between classes. The students have more confidence, are more motivated, abstract concepts are more concrete and the students remain more focused. The audience was given "remote control units" and participated as the students gave a demonstration on the workings of the program. Amazing!
   High school senior Cassandra Lange was mentioned as a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. A committee was formed to discuss the addition of a new preschool class that would be a half-day program. State aid would contribute to the costs. Assistant Superintendent For Finance Loraine Ingrasci reported that the preliminary figures of the 2007-2008 proposed budget are less than expected due to state aid and health insurance concessions. The major budget increases include a 15% increase in health insurance, an increase in FICA, Social Security and Workman's Comp, and a 4% increase in the BOCES program.
   Superintendent Robert Christmann spoke in his report that he had visited the Job Search Seminar held by the high school recently and was very impressed with the program and the community involvement. He also attended the Relay For Life Kick-Off and was very "inspired." In the future Mr. Christmann would like to increase the quantity and quality of communication between the staff and community.
   The following school board meetings have been scheduled:

Monday, March 12, 2007 - Workshop - High School Room 108 - 7 p.m. meeting.

TBA - Budget Forum, Public Welcome - High School Auditorium.

Monday, March 26, 2007 - Regular Business - High School Large Cafeteria - 7 p.m. meeting.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - Workshop/Budget Hearing - High School Room 108 - 7 p.m. meeting.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - Regular Business/BOCES Budget/Trustee Vote - High School Room 108 - 7 p.m. meeting.

Petitions For School Board Election Available - March 2007
   Petitions to run for the Grand Island Board of Education are available from Janet Schuster, District Clerk, beginning Monday, March 19, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. There are two (3) three-year terms to be filled.
   The qualifications to run for the Board of Education are: (1) you must be a citizen of the US, (2) you must be at least 18 years of age, (3) you must be a resident of the district for one year prior to the election, and (4) you must be able to read and write.
   Petitions must be returned to the District Clerk no later than 5:00pm on Monday, April 16, 2007.

Secondary Choral Kaleidoscope Concert - March 2007
   A Secondary Choral Kaleidoscope Concert will be given at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2007 in the high school auditorium. The concert will include Connor Middle School and Grand Island High School choirs: 6th grade chorus directed by Ms. Susan Waters, the 7th grade chorus and the 8th grade chorus both directed by Mrs. Annalea Maisiello. The high school Choir and the Concert Choir will also participate. The High School Choir will perform Worthy To Be Praised by B. Smith, The Lutkin Lord Bless You and Keep You, Farewell My Love and Danza. The Concert Choir will perform Ego Sum Panis Vivus by William Byrd, All Night All Day by Ken Berg, The Lord Is My Shepherd by Goodall and Set Me As A Seal by Renee Clausen. The High School choirs will be directed by Mrs. Carolyn G. Lokken and accompanied by Kelcie Hanaka.

School Board Meeting Agenda - Monday, February 12, 2007
A School Board meeting will be held Monday, February 26, 2007 in Connor Middle School, 1100 Ransom Road. Click for School Board Meeting Agenda 2/26/07 See link for times and locations for the Feb. 26th meeting.

School Board Report - February 12, 2007
By Jodi Robinson
   Monday, February 12, 2007 . . .The Board of Education meeting began with the announcement of the Kenton Career & Technical Center's Professionals of the Month. They are Ashley Curry, Kelsey Nordvik, Lauryn Clingersmith and Natalie Suppa. The Kenton Career & Technical Center's Students of the Month are John Bidell, Andrew Hooper, Shannon Curry, Kyle Kraft, Kris Haisch, Cory Butler, Justin Raiser and Shannon Tegler. In other "Good News," Sally Goris, president of the Grand Island Foundation announced the implementation of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Alumni from the classes of 1972, 1973, 1975 and 1976 were chosen as the first class of distinguished alumni. The criteria is to nominate individuals who have graduated at least ten years ago, who have distinguished themselves through professional achievement and/or contributions to society, providing a role model for current high school students, and concurrently promoting school spirit and pride in the school. The award ceremony will take place at 12:45 p.m. on April 20, 2007 in the Grand Island High School Auditorium. The entire student body will attend and the public is also invited.
   The board approved the minutes from the meetings of January 22 & 29th. Approved also were four field trips. The 2007 NYS Band Directors Association All-State Honor Band March 1-3 in New York City will cost the district $418.00 for the teachers attending and was already in the current budget. Money was raised by the students for all the field trips, and there is no other cost to the district. The High School String Orchestra will be in New York City April 20-22nd. The Varsity Girls & Boys Track and Field team will be at the University of Pennsylvania from April 27-29th, and the DECA Club will attend the NYS DECA Conference in Rochester on March 7-9, 2007. DECA advisor Cheryl Chamberlain announced that there are 21 students participating in Rochester and that the DECA Club is the fastest growing club in the high school.
   Assistant Superintendent For Finance Loraine Ingrasci gave an update on the Excel Facility Project. Phase I is due to start this summer after a bidding process with the repair of the Connor Middle School roof. The hope is to have Phase II moving towards completion by summer of 2008. The new school district Superintendent Robert W. Christmann stated that he has been "very impressed by staff at all the schools" and the community members he has met during his first week on the job. Superintendent Christmann's first day was a day off due to the cold weather. He also mentioned that he inherited an "outstanding" clerk in Janet Schuster, "an asset to the school district." School Board President Richard Little and member Myrna Blair noted that they had attended the High School Play "Beauty and the Beast" last week and thoroughly enjoyed the performances.
   The following school board meetings have been scheduled:

Monday, February 26, 2007 - Regular Business - Middle School Little Theater - 6:30 p.m. Tour - 7 p.m. meeting.

Monday, March 12, 2007 - Workshop - High School Room 108 - 7 p.m. meeting.

Monday, March 26, 2007 - Regular Business - High School Large Cafeteria - 7 p.m. meeting.

Schools Closed - February 19-23, 2007
Grand Island schools will be closed from Monday, February 19th through and including Friday, February 23rd for a mid-winter recess.

School Board Meeting Agenda - Monday, February 12, 2007
A School Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, February 12, 2007 at Grand Island High School, Room 108, 1100 Ransom Road. Click for School Board Meeting Agenda 2/12/07

"Meet & Greet" For New Superintendent - 2007

Robert Christmann
The Grand Island School District has announced a "Meet & Greet" for the school district's new Superintendent Robert Christmann. The reception will be held from 3-7 p.m. Monday, February 12, 2007 in the Grand Island High School foyer. A band concert will take place at 7 p.m. February 12th in the high school auditorium and a Board of Education meeting is being held in Room 108.

Superintendent's Day - No School - 2007
The Grand Island School District has announced Superintendent's Days schedule for Friday, February 2, 2007 and Friday, March 30, 2007 when schools will be closed. The dates are not printed in the school calendar.

School Board Report - January 22, 2007

(Left) Alicia Barnaby and Jessica Kuehne; (right) Coach Dave Bowman and Girls Soccer Players - Jude Kuehn Photos - Click for larger view
By Jodi Robinson
   Monday, January 22, 2007 . . .Director of Interscholastic Athletics Jon Roth began the evening's meeting by introducing the Scholar Athlete Award recipients. All ten varsity teams qualified this fall by achieving an overall average of 90%. Before the school board meeting, an ice cream social was served in the small cafeteria for the athletes and their parents. The athletes were given a pin and t-shirt at that time. Mr. Roth also mentioned that the Rotary Club of Grand Island has donated a $3,500 Swimming Pool Record Board that displays pool, school and Niagara Frontier League records. The Rotary Club also donated $4,000 towards the Huth Road School playground.
   Jessica Kuehne and Alicia Barnaby were awarded certificates for being ranked in NYS Class A Girls Soccer. This is the third year that they have both been ranked in NYS. Alicia was 2nd Team and Jessica was 3rd Team. They also were 1st Team All WNY for soccer for the third consecutive year. James Rayhill made 1st Team All WNY and 1st Team NYS for his efforts in varsity football.
   Announced at the meeting were Harkness December Students of the Month, Matthew Dommell for Computer & Robotics Technology 2 and Brian Foy for Cisco Networking Academy 2.
   Middle School Principal Bruce Benson read a letter in reply to an Island resident inquiring into the discontinuation of the middle school Viking Band. The letter addressed the issue of too few students eligible for the program causing it too be dropped. The program will be back next year if numbers warrant it. In the Voice of the People segment, a long-time school music program booster, spoke of reversing the decision to drop the Viking Band as he sees it detrimental to the high quality music program available at Grand Island schools. Another Island resident spoke of her fight to get her ninth grade student transferred to another class for lack of learning in her current ELA class.
   The following school board meetings have been scheduled:

Monday, January 29, 2007 - Joint Town & GICSD - High School Cafeteria - 7 p.m. meeting.

Monday, February 12, 2007 - Workshop - High School Room 108 - 7 p.m. meeting.

Monday, February 26, 2007 - Regular Business - Middle School Little Theater - 6:30 p.m. Tour - 7 p.m. meeting.

School Board Meeting Agenda - Monday, January 22, 2007
A School Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2007 at Grand Island High School Large Cafeteria, 1100 Ransom Road. Click for School Board Meeting Agenda 1/22/07

Board of Education Meeting Agenda - TUESDAY, January 9, 2007
A School Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. TUESDAY, January 9 at Huth Road Elementary School, 1773 Huth Road (6:30 p.m. tour Huth Road School). Click for School Board Meeting Agenda 1/9/07. Please note date change and location.