What are your student-athlete’s expectations of the college recruiting process? What are the realities of the college athletic evaluation? Someone needs to tell them. Someone who knows. 

Jack Renkens, a nationally acclaimed speaker and motivator, knows how difficult it can be for athletes and parents to navigate through this process. He has presented on the subject to thousands of high schools across the country. Funny, direct and passionate Mr. Renkens uncovers “the game” behind the scenes and shares current strategies. 

WHAT: “The Realities of College Recruiting”
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Monroe-Woodbury High School Auditorium

Session Information Topics

• Getting families realistic (level of play)
• NCAA Eligibility Center
• How college coaches recruit
• Clubs/camps/showcases
• How to market yourself (Don’t blame your coach!)

Mr. Renkens has spent 25 years as a parent, teacher, coach and administrator at the high school, junior and senior college levels. In addition to high schools, he has presented to numerous educational conferences, sports camps, club events and state AD conferences. Don’t miss this close-to-home opportunity to learn from him. 

October often brings with it the first documented cases of influenza – commonly known as “flu.” Please consider these facts and tips to help prevent the spread of flu.

Flu Facts

Influenza (the flu) is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses. There are many different strains of the flu virus, and they are constantly changing. These viruses cause illness, hospital stays and deaths in the United States each year.

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching something that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.

The flu can be very dangerous for children. Since 2010, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention estimates that flu-related hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years ranged from 7,000 to 26,000 in the United States.

How can I protect my child against the flu?

According to the CDC, the first and most important thing you can do is to get a flu vaccine for yourself and your child. Talk to your doctor.

• Vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

What can I do if my child gets sick?

Talk to your doctor early if you are worried about your child’s illness.

• Children 5 years and older without other health problems: Consult your doctor as needed and make

sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks enough fluids.

• Children younger than 5 — and especially those younger than 2 — and those of any age who have a long-term health condition such as asthma or diabetes are at greater risk for serious complications from the flu. Talk with your doctor.

What if my child seems very sick?

Seek emergency care or take your child to a doctor right away if he/she has any of the warning or emergency signs below:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids (not going to the bathroom or making as much urine as he or she normally does)
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Some people with the flu will not have a fever.

IMPORTANT!

Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or to cough into their sleeve, not their hand! Throw tissues in the trash after you use them.

Can my child go to school or day care if he or she is sick?

No. Your child should stay home to rest and to avoid giving the flu to other children or caregivers.

When can my child go back to school after having the flu?

Keep children home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) A fever is defined as 100°F (37.8°C) or higher.

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Learn more at www.cdc.gov/flu/

Your child has is learning a new language. That’s great news because studies have shown that people who study a language do significantly better on standardized tests, and there is mounting evidence that bi- and multi-lingual people are better at analyzing their surroundings, multitasking and problem solving.

But how are you to support your child’s language learning if you have no experience or exposure to their new language?  

This Parent Today article offers suggestions of language learning apps, strategies to increase your child’s exposure to their new language, and fun ways to integrate vocabulary practice into real-life situations.  

A free email newsletter produced by Capital Region BOCES, Parent Today helps parents play a more engaged and supportive role in their children’s education. In addition to age and development-appropriate topics with accessible, easy-to-implement tools and strategies, Parent Today also addresses current issues and developments in the education landscape.  

Imagine dancers on a stage performing modern choreographic movements. Now imagine physics students getting up on stage with the dancers to expand their understating of the laws of physics.

That is the experience that awaited students in Lisa Reece’s science research and Gina Buffardi’s physics courses at the Performing Arts Center, University of Albany on Oct. 3.

Equal parts lecture, demonstration, performance and discussion, the ChoreoPhysics program interplays science and dance to explore core physics principles such as vortex shedding, pendulum wave motion, reflection/refraction, centripetal force, symmetry breaking, projectile motion and quantum beats.

“As someone who has not taken physics, I did learn a lot about the principles of motion and that was very much assisted by the visuals of the dance,” said Annabel Field, a science research student.

Students were invited on stage to help demonstrate complex concepts using relatively simplified movements, such as weight sharing with the dancer. 

“It was an excellent way to bridge the sciences and the arts in a way that makes both concepts easy to understand,” student Lauren Lepre said.

ChoreoPhysics is jointly presented and performed by Professor Keith Earle of the University of Albany’s physics department, choreographer Ellen Sinopoli, and the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company.

“It really set a model for an ideal way to teach traditional concepts through the use of more creative means,” said student Henri Prevost.

Paying for college can be daunting, but there is help if you know where to look for it.

November is National Scholarship Month. This time of year many scholarship providers start posting new information and competitions for the next academic year, according to Scholarships.com. We encourage students and families to take some time to find scholarship opportunities for the current and coming academic years.  

Don’t think you qualify for a college scholarship? Think again.

College is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be outside your reach.

The cost to attend college has increased dramatically over the years. In 2000, students across the nation paid $3,508 in tuition and fees to attend a public 4-year university. Jump to 2018, and students are now paying $9,716 to attend the same universities.

That’s an increase of 176 percent – more than double the rate of inflation! If the same thing were to happen to milk prices, a gallon priced at $2.79 in 2000 would be $7.70 today.

Aside from tuition, there are added costs to consider: If you live on campus, you’ll need to pay room and board, furnish your dorm room and buy supplies. If you’re commuting to school, you’ll need a permit to park on campus and money for gas or public transportation to get you back and forth. And you could very well have to pay for rent, utilities and your own meals.

There are actually billions of dollars in scholarships out there. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education, colleges and universities award an estimated $46 billion in grants and scholarship money. Also, about $3.3 billion in gift aid is awarded by private sources such as individuals, foundations, corporations, churches and nonprofit groups.

There’s money out there. You just have to know where to find it.

While financial aid of all varieties is more available than ever before, each year there are about $3 billion in scholarship funds that go unclaimed in the U.S., often because there aren’t enough qualified applicants.

Make sure you fill out your FAFSA

Over $150 billion is given to college students annually via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The FAFSA helps determine student eligibility for work-study programs, grants or federal loans. Many colleges also require it for their own need-based or merit-based aid packages. Even if you think you wouldn’t qualify, complete your FAFSA application first. It’s often the key to unlocking other scholarships and financial support.

A NOTE ABOUT FILLING OUT THE FAFSA …

The FAFSA is more than just a one-page application form. It is an extensive report of financial information that requires quite a few documents, from your social security number to your parents’ tax returns, to complete. The form is released every Oct. 1. Before you think about beginning, there’s a handy checklist of all the documents and information you’ll need at www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/fafsa-checklist.

Who gives out scholarships?

In addition to government sources, there are a variety of opportunities.

• Colleges and Universities
• Military
• Individuals
• Communities
• Religious Groups
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Ethnic/Historical Organizations
• Businesses

How can you increase your chances for success?

Look for scholarships with smaller awards – think less than $1,000

Scholarships with smaller awards usually have fewer applicants, so your chances of winning may be higher. These scholarships can help with those added costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Receiving a few of these small awards can add up to big savings.

More work means less competition

Don’t avoid the scholarships that require a lot of work to complete the application. Mandatory essays, videos and/or special projects often lead to fewer people applying, creating a smaller applicant pool. This means greater chances of receiving an award.

Check frequently with your school’s counseling office

Schools regularly receive information on local scholarships, so check in with your counseling office monthly to see what scholarship opportunities exist. The counseling office can also provide resources and support throughout the application process.

Make it personal

Instead of applying for every scholarship that you may qualify for, apply for the ones that most fit your interests. The more personal and passionate your application is, the more likely it is your application will rise to the top of the submission pool.

Don’t introduce yourself in your essay unless you are told to

Many scholarship committees conduct blind readings. Essays with names or other identifiers are immediately discarded. Read the application directions carefully so you know EXACTLY what’s required.

Don’t use quotes

The best essays stand out from the crowd, so be original and use your own words, not someone else’s, unless the directions specifically state that you should use quotes from other sources.

Meet all the requirements

Make sure you answer every question accurately and meet every requirement. If the directions prompt you to list five things and you only list four, you could be disqualified.

Stick to the word limit

Get as close to the word limit as you can, but don’t go over. Exceeding the word limit could disqualify you.

Proofread

Typos and spelling and grammar mistakes could also get you disqualified. Make sure to proofread your essay at least twice, and ask someone else you trust to look it over as well.

Don’t give up!

Like most things in life, the most successful scholarship winners are those who keep trying. Find scholarships that you’re passionate about and keep applying.

Scholarships requiring essays of 1,000+ words rarely have more than 500 applicants, compared to the average 5,000 students who apply for scholarships with easier applications.

HELPFUL SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITES

• Fastweb.com
• Scholarships.com
• CollegeBoard.org
• CollegeNet.com
• ScholarshipMonkey.com
• Collegescholarships.org

A NOTE ABOUT SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS…

While playing sports is an excellent way to demonstrate you are a hard-working, well-rounded individual with experience as a member of a team, few students actually earn sports scholarships, as compared to the number who anticipate receiving one.

• Only about 2 percent of high school athletes win sports scholarships every year at NCAA colleges and universities
• In 2017, the average sports scholarship was less than $8,000 for women and less than $7,000 for men.
• 53 percent of the scholarships awarded are designated for four sports
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Track & Field

SCHOLARSHIP MYTHS

– You should begin searching for scholarships during your senior year.
FACT: Many scholarships have January deadlines, so begin searching for scholarships in the middle of your junior year.

– Scholarships are only for top scholars and athletes.
FACT: Many scholarships do not take into consideration a student’s grades or athletic ability/participation. Others are awarded to students who have earned less than stellar grades and have fewer achievements that they can document.

– You have to be a great essay writer to get one.
FACT: Following the instructions and addressing the essay question is often more crucial to your success than how eloquently you write.

– The scholarship application process is a one-time thing.
FACT: Look for opportunities every year, beginning in the fall, even if you’re already in college.

For more information, visit the Guidance Counseling Office webpage. 

WVHS science teacher Lisa Reece was one of 200 participants in this fall’s Research Teachers Conference in Washington, D.C.

Sponsored by the Society for Science & the Public, this annual weekend gathering is an opportunity for science research teachers at all levels of experience to share best practices and troubleshoot the challenges they face in supporting students in independent science research.

“One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill and meet with senate representatives,” Ms. Reece said. “We were able to express our concerns as research teachers and discuss the need for additional STEM resources to prepare our students for the careers of tomorrow.”

Conference topics included completing research in a high school lab, finding and placing students in summer programs, obtaining pre-approval for projects relating to humans and animals, combating plagiarism, reaching under-served students. 

As a result of the conference, this year’s science research seniors will be submitting their research to some very prestigious science competitions. These include the Regeneron Science Talent Search and Intel’s International Engineering and Science Fair, along with the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. 

As any parent of tweens or teens knows, finding opportunities to connect with them can be challenging. Parent Today has gathered some simple—and some creative—steps parents and caregivers can implement to open the lines of communication. Read the article.

A free email newsletter produced by Capital Region BOCES, Parent Today helps parents play a more engaged and supportive role in their children’s education. In addition to age and development-appropriate topics with accessible, easy-to-implement tools and strategies, Parent Today also addresses current issues and developments in the education landscape. 

Marking Period 1 Honor Roll, 2018-2019

Join us in congratulating our High School students on their academic excellence!

GRADE 9 SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Amelia Brown, Emily Cauda, Laura Cook, Sarah Davis, Michaela Germain, Arden Hallett, Laura Kaplan, Olivia Link, Sofie Minogue, Liam Nott, Danielle Vogt, Annabelle Wadeson

GRADE 10 SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Julianna Brown, Katerina Bucek, Mary Calandra, Alfonso Lagares De Toledo, Tyler Leote, Alyssa Monroe, Julia Mosier, Charlotte O’Connor, Cara Peddle, Austin Post, Sophia Romano, Katherine Smith, Adam Stanton, Simone Sullivan, Kelly Sullivan, Kristin Thompson, Casey Tully, Lian Walker, Kevin Walter, Jason Yang

GRADE 11 SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Nehal Ajmal, Anna Bennett, Judith Bennett, Conor Borthwick, Felicia Conneely-Nolan, Colm Davidson, Mason Day, Alyssa Disy, Alicyn Formica, Eleanor Glover, Nicholas Harris, Zechariah Janzen, Dara Jonkoski, Adam Lazina, Riley Mangieri, Rachel Manheim, Olivia Minogue, Claire Morrow, Kaia Pedone, Tristan Peterson, Charles Phelan, William Pinkham, Henri Prevost, Jennifer Rogers, Varin Sawh, Mia Silvestri, Madison Sirota, Sahara Walto, Courtney West

GRADE 12 SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Sarah Benedict, Sarah Benson, Bryant Berkowitz, Daniel Bilezikian, Daniel Brenner, Kelly Brozowski, Hannah Davis, Hannah Doiron, Ashley Emanuel, Annabel Field, Erin Flannery, Lauren Fox, Ava Ghobadian, Rachel Goldbaum, Danielle Goldbaum, Ashley Gonzalez, Matthew Hansen, Emma Jakubik, Paige Kent, Maria Klyshko, Georgia Krasniewicz, Kathryn Ksiazek, Ryan Lennon, Lauren Lepre, John Levitsky, Grace McGowan, Stephanie Menoutis, Natalie Paraschiv, Brian Reiber, Megan Repose, Zachary Ripp, Aine Ryan, Riley Schreibeis, Harsev Singh, Catherine Slaybaugh, Patrick Sliter, Kaeli Thompson, Madeleine Wadeson, Naya Winkelstein, Emily Ziegler

GRADE 9 MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Grace Amato, Emily Andryshak, Sarah Bender, Meredith Bender, Adam Berkowitz, Erin Carway, Jack Curless, Erin De La Mota, Savanna DeLucia, Matthew Doherty, Riley Dunleavy, Erin Eicher, Jenna Fiore, Zachary Garby, Ainsley Goldman, Olivia Gratzel, Kyle Gutierrez, Justin Hurd, Emma Kantor, Emma Kardell, Allison King, Max Kruger, Juliana Landru, Timothy Leonard, Jacquelyn Ludmerer, Jason Luhavalja Jr., Hannah Machingo, Analiese Maciel, James McGowan, Henry McKenna, Lauren McNamara, Noriah Nesmith, Madeline Nokland, Kathryn Pack, Sean Parkinson, Evan Parsons, Kyle Payne, Drew Powers, Samuel Randall, Maximillian Rivera, Shaaz Rizvi, Jessica Rodriguez, Brielle Rosario, Luke Rzeznik, Dominick Scotto, Luke Seibel, Raven Shaw, John Simon III, Abigail Singer, Julia Sirico, Stefanie Sommer, Jessica Tagg, Kelly Teskera, Stacy Wansor, Jaid Wazihullah, Aiden Woods, Jillian Ziegler, Julia Zottola,

GRADE 10 MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Mikayla Beauregard, Ella Becher, Oliver Bieling, Elizabeth Centorrino, Shirley Chen, Maegan Courcy, Olivia Demke, Kristen Desrats, Andrew Doiron, Gabrielle Donohue, Benjamin Durgin, Kayleigh Egan, Maximilian Feragola, Billie Finn, Ana Finucane, Gavin Fryer, Paul Gagliano, Madeleine Gawronski, Grace Haesche, Gabrielle Hale, Ava Hanley, Christopher Hansen, Ellie Hanson, Brayden Higgins, Jessica Malota, Brendan Manzi, Griffin McCarthy, Aislinn Mohyla, Abigail O’Neill, Analisa Perez, Julia Priebke, Bethany Riggio, Jake Sabatini, Alexandria Skafidas, Adrianna Thomas, Erik Vogt, Tyler Walters, Catherine Wegas, Felicia Wishnia, Jack Yioupis

GRADE 11 MAGNA CUM LAUDE

 Kyle Abramson, Isabella Astorino, Briana Bellone, Maximus Berryman, Madeleine Butchko, Julius Caraballo, Liam Carney, Malcolm Conley, Angela Cox, Natalie Daigle, Molly Davis, Natalya Diaz, Anthony Evangelista, Nadia Fayed, Liam Fomin, Alanna Garner, Ryan Ginley, Sophia Goff, Gabrielle Goodman, Stephanie Gratzel, Gwenyth Haesche, Vidar Hageman, Emily Henderson, Hannah Hennessy, Kevin Holder, Emily Hummer, Aidan Kleinman, Dylan Lancer, Shannon MacDougall, Tyler Markowitz, Vincent Michelini, Michael Moore, Grace Murphy, Devlin Olin, Jianna Oliveras, Angelina Olsen, Granger Ottley, Katherine Pfingst, Rachel Pittsenbarger, Matthew Poka, Sarah Post, John Prego, Eleanor Pyke, Gillian Rasenberger, Erica Rodrigues, Aiden Rosen, Nicole Ruggiero, Gabriella Rusek, Shannon Selvaggio, Karl Simon, Jamie Smyth, Gavin Tew, Jonathan Vargas, Mikayla Walsh, Ivy Qiong Yang, Wen Fen Yang

GRADE 12 MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Nicole Agbo, Emma Andoh, Alexis Andujar, Valerie Arenius, Nii-Ayi Aryeetey, Mackenzie Baird, Wakeley Banker, Zackery Bauman, Sophie Buckley, Michaela Calandra, Anahy Chinas Campos, Abigail Citarella, Marie Cook, Julianna Covarrubias, Karissa Crozier, Ryan DiCostanzo, Ashley Donnellan, Shayna Eckert, Alexia Ferguson, Aidan Finn, Alex Fogg, Mikayla Ford, Gabriela Gaibur, Abigail Gurvich, Kelly Hayden, Shannon Hegarty, Matthew Houlihan, Abby Housberg, Ioannis Kallopoulos, Mackenzie Kelly, Kayleigh Ketterer, Hayley Killin, Evalyn Kim, Audrey Knapp, Jeffrey Koff, Austin Komorsky, Rachel Landru, Margaret Lee, Marline Marchena, Kitzia Martinez, Gabrielle Martino, Kelly McCullough, Shannon McNally, Ariana Mendez, Francesca Micallef, Claire Neary, Lily Newkirk, William Odell, Kaylee Oelofse, Michael Ollert, Pilar Paez, AnnMarie Persad, Jillian Quinn, Lauren Ramirez, Hayley Roberts, Josephine Romano, Kayleen Schnorr, Justin Singh, Dallas Smart, Jacqueline Smith, Collin Stanley, Brittany Tagg, Patrick Tully, Ethan Tuomala

GRADE 9 CUM LAUDE

Luke Accardo, Naa Dedei Aryeetey, Molly Berman, Azia Bey, Maya Bieling, Noah Breedy, Shannon Castellanos, Gabriel Chermak, Meilei Cianfrocco, Kieran Currao, Jessica Donato, Emily Dorfman, Alexander Eberlein, Lindsay Evans, Regina Frantzen, Caswell Gluckstein, Gavin Glynn, Thomas Gorlachov, Finn Gormley, Grace Hennessy, Yhesh Kathuria, Samantha Killin, Natalie Kitchin, Sophia Klyshko, Kevin Kolacy, Ava Levitsky, Ashley Lopez, Kalen Luraschi, William Lynn, Sawyer Masefield, Gabriella Mastrantoni, Catherine Mattson, Erin Miller, Arden Montenaro, Jared Myruski, Nylah Nesmith, Ryan Nevins, Corbin Oelofse, Brendan Perez, Ashley Petreshock, Andrew Poje, Justin Prondak, Jack Quinn, Emilie Ramirez, Skye Rivera, Gregory Saucedo, Thea Silverstein, John Skafidas, Courtney Swingle, Jason Thomas, Haukken Thompson, Emma Thomson, Daniel Thorson, Luka Tomich, Michelle Torres, John Alexander Trazino, Nicholas Tyburczy, Olivia VanDunk, Lucia Vanella, Ayvia Vazquez  

GRADE 10 CUM LAUDE

Emma Aab, Gabrielle Aloia, Maya Antonelli, Olivia Benjamin, Payton Bethmann, Luc Boudreau, Nicole Brudnak, Lauren Bruzzese, Robert Cann, Lauren Casale, Franklin Cervone-Richards, Aidan Clatur, Esteban Colon, Bridget Corcoran, Sarah Corrigan, Andy Cristian Baez, Arely Cruz-Tenorio, William Danaher, Dennis Davidov, Nicole De La Mota, Luka Del Canto, Julianne Doherty, Jackson Dunkin, Madison Giardina, Drew Greco, Dylan Haggart, Sara Hand, Paetra Heeren, Aidan Henderson, Grace Hoey, Mina Horn, Deanna Ibbetson, Ava Irace, Nicholas Jackson, Daniel Jackson, Lyle Kamback, Daniel Keneally, Nathan Ketchum, Michael Libassi, Jade Liguori, Jack Tyler Lyman, Brian Marsh, Demitri Martinez, Emily McKevitt, Rory McTigue, Natalee Melendez, Sydney Mighty, Isabel Miller, Robert Nelson, Kailey O’Brien, Justin Orlando, Jenny Ott, Carolyn Palmer, Adreanna Pappas, Emmanuelle Patterson, Angela Racanelli, Jack Rampe, Jessica Repose, Joseph Rodriguez, John Rufrano, Nathalia Santana Hidalgo, Emma Sarmiento, Morgan Sheridan, Timothy Sikorski, Tegh Singh, Carly Slaybaugh, Leigh Anne Tannar, Ethan Tillinghast, Naydellin Torres, Andrew Townsend, Emma Tramontana, Emily Unger, Sophie VanDunk, Angelos Veloudos, Timothy Verboys, Kristina Vulich, Kevin Wark, Christopher Wilbur, Carly Younan

GRADE 11 CUM LAUDE

Savannah Acosta, Jaime Allen, Andrea Alquezada-Madero, Alexandra Aponte, Eduardo Avila, Annabel Boland, Deanna Bonsignore, Devin Boone, Jonah Bowen, Thomas Bowman, Ciara Browne, Maureen Byrne, Elias Chermak, Jade Chichester, Jessica Degennaro, Sophia Duggan, Caroline Fatta, Anna Ferrara, Alexandra Flood, Ryan Frischknecht, Andrew Gibel, Laura Glynn, Ruby Glynn, William Gormaley, Cormack Hallett, Owen Harrison, KrisAnthony Haughton, Caitlyn Higgins, Caroline Hoffman, Hannah Horowitz, Izabele Horowitz, Chloe Jamieson, Parker Kardell, Ryan Kerrisk, Catherine King, Alexis Kopczuk, Nina Lazina, Haiden Masefield, Tristen Mason, Michael Massa, Olivia Maylor, Kyle McDermott, Olivia McGee, Kirsten McGraw, Amanda Miller, Anaiya Montgomery, Tristan O’Regan, Christopher Palmieri, Matthew Percival, Mia Peros, Jordan Pinskey, Channing Prins, Meagan Ramirez, Genevieve Reilly, Destiny Reyes, Haylee Rivera, Larissa Rokeach, Lucas Samborski, Anthony Savino, Madelyn Schloicka, Simone Schultz, Matthew Sestrick, Stanley Smykowski, Nicole Thorson, Arielle Torres, Gabrielle Torres, Jacqueline Torres, Matthew Traverso, Caitlyn Unger, Leah Vasquez, Taylor Vicciardo, Luke Vignola, Daniel Walker, Kailee Yunker

GRADE 12 CUM LAUDE

David Aab, Malen Arroyo, Gregory Atamyildiz, Jonah Bevacqua, Jacob Branch, Cason Breedy, Kesline Brice, John Bruzzese, Anika Bucek, Jacob Burghardt, Edward Cabezal, Julia Cassidy, Jasmine Charlot, Miko Cianfrocco, Sophia Citarella, Alexandra Cleary, Patrick Cunningham, Egan Danaher, Larissa DiRienzi, Thomas Dunnigan, Zoe-Louise Fitzsimmons, Tyler Flood, Michael Gawronski, Melanie Gaynor, Alexandra Gorlachov, Mairead Grennan, Averie Helmrich, Imya Hemphill, Juliet Hennessy, Jillian Hernandez, Cheyanne Humphrey, Jason Jennings Jr., Quinn Ketchum, Angela Koulikov, Miles Krupin, Briana Lawrence, Isabella Lodato, Leiden Luraschi, Michael Mable, Nisa Masihuddin, Robert Maslanka, Sean McBride, Alexa Medina, Kaylei Mezzetti, Joseph Miller, Joseph Morales, Emily Moran, Mairead Mulvihill, Matthew Negersmith, Jamie Nunez, Aidan O’Connor, Richard Peddle, Julia Peters, Isabella Pevny, Dallas Pevny, Jeremy Platt-Strack, Christopher Prestia, Lea Priestner-Werte, Ian Quigley, Kathryn Quinn, Andrew Redman, Natalie Romero, Derek Samborski, Samuel Scaffidi, Jessica Schaechinger, Thomas Serritella, Gregory Sirico, Alyssa Sit, Luke Soto, Samuel Steng, Katarina Tomich, Sabina Vail, Naya Vazquez, Noah Velez, Amanda Vitale, Timothy Vreeland, Ashlin Zanne, Isabella Zayas

Three weeks into the school year and you’re still trying to organize the kids’ new schedules and routines. Are they keeping up with their homework assignments? Is Junior having trouble focusing and staying on task? Did Annie miss soccer practice yesterday? Is everyone doing their part to help around the house? Well, you know what comes next: There’s an app for that! This Parent Today article shares 10 of them. Find the right ones for your family. 

A free email newsletter produced by Capital Region BOCES, Parent Today helps parents play a more engaged and supportive role in their children’s education. In addition to age-appropriate topics with easy-to-implement tools and strategies, Parent Today addresses current issues and developments in the education landscape. 

Hannah Davis, Student-Athlete of the Week

Warwick High School is proud to recognize senior Hannah Davis as this weeks’ Allstate Student-Athlete of the Week.

A three-sport standout (volleyball, basketball and softball), Hannah has helped pace the Lady Wildcat basketball team to a 4 -1 start.  

She is a recipient of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and the University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award. Hannah was accepted to Cornell University this week where she will major in biochemistry at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.    

Hannah is an outstanding student with a weighted grade point average of 103.87.  Her course load includes AP literature and composition, AP biology, AP government, AP calculus and honors physics all for college credit. The past three years Hannah has been working with a mentor from Cornell Medical College studying breast cancer.

She is the Vice President of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society member and an active member of Students Against Destructive Decision (S.A.D.D.). 

Hannah is the daughter of Jeff and Sharon Davis of Warwick, New York. Her sister Sarah is freshman at WVHS and an outstanding student athlete.

The Eastman Theatre Kodak Hall in Rochester, New York.

CONGRATULATIONS to Warwick Valley High School musicians accepted into the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Area All-State and All-State performances this fall.

WVHS Treble Choir Area All-State performers

Area All-State

• Treble Choir: Alyssa Folkertsma (soprano 2), Eleanor Gover (soprano 1), Margaret Lee (soprano 1), Madeleine Wadeson (soprano 1)
• Mixed Choir: Daniel Brenner (bass 2), Viktor Galitzine (tenor 1), Haiden Masefield (soprano 2), Grace McGowan (alto 1), William Theodore Odell (tenor 1), Charles Phelan (bass 2), Ethan Tuomala (tenor 2)
  

  WVHS Mixed Choir Area All-State performers

• Orchestra: Paul Gagliano (violin), Melanie Gaynor (viola), Rachel Goldbaum (flute), Izabele Horowitz (violin), Abby Housberg (French horn), Dara Jonkoski (violin)
• Band: Granger Ottley (percussion)

All-State

• Vocal Jazz Ensemble: Ethan Tuomala (tenor)
• Mixed Chorus: Senior Daniel Brenner, bass 1)
  

  WVHS Orchestra Area All-State performers

• String Orchestra: Izabele Horowitz (violin 2)
• Alternate: Rachel Goldbaum (flute)

The 2018 All-State Solo Festival

Performing with an All-State ensemble is the highest state honor for student musicians. This year, close to 6,500 students auditioned at the NYSSMA All-State Solo Festival and only 889 were accepted into an ensemble. For strings, 1,061 auditioned, 185 were accepted; for vocal jazz, 136 auditioned, 24 were accepted; for voice, 3,371 auditioned, 408 were accepted. Selected singers and musicians from across New York State rehearsed together from Nov. 29 – Dec. 2. Hours of daily rehearsals culminated in a concert for each ensemble at the Eastman Theatre Kodak Hall in Rochester.

WVHA All-State ensemble performers

More about NYSSMA Area All-State and All-State competitions and festivals

Area All-State participants are selected from their Spring NYSSMA Solo Festival evaluations and represent the best high school musicians from the five-county area of Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Greene Counties. They rehearse together over the course of two days with a guest conductor and perform in a culminating concert on a Saturday evening in mid-November.

All-State performance ensembles are made up of seniors and juniors selected from the Spring NYSSMA All-State Solo evaluations. They represent the best from across New York State. They rehearse inRochester, New York, and perform at a WVHA All-State ensemble performers culminating concert in the city’s Eastman Theatre Kodak Hall in early December. Performing with an All-State ensemble is the highest state honor for student musicians.

Warwick High School is proud to select senior basketball player Harsev Singh as the Bill Garcia Allstate Student-Athlete of the Week. 

Harsev Singh, Student-Athlete of the Week

Harsev plays guard for the Warwick basketball team and has been a key contributor to the Cats’ 3 wins over Valley Central, Chester and Minisink. Harsev has played baseball and is considering coming out for the tennis team this spring.

Harsev is in the process of creating “Students Helping Hands,” a non–profit organization focused on student involvement in aiding the elderly. He carried a 102.5-weighted average this past quarter and has an overall average of 99.3 for his high school career. Harsev’s commitment to academics has afforded him many options next year. He plans to study on a pre-medicine track and become a doctor of orthopedics. 

Harsev is the president of the National Honor Society, Member of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and has served on the Student Senate and Model United Nations program. His class load includes AP Calculus, AP Literature, AP Physics. AP Physical Education and Chinese 5.

Harsev is the son of Sandy and Dr. Sandeep Singh. His brother Tegh is a sophomore at Warwick High School, and his sister Gursimar is a freshman at Syracuse University. 

Warwick Valley is a proud Senior Project high school. The Class of 2019 unveiled its senior projects during a ceremony in the school auditorium, on December 18, 2018. Introduced by program advisors Jeanine Fogler and Nick DiLeo, participating seniors were cheered by family members, faculty, district and school administrators, and keynote speaker Raymond Mark, a WVHS teaching veteran.

Raymond Mark, a veteran math teacher, delivers his keynote address.

Project-based learning and authentic performance opportunities, with real-life connections, are critical experiences for 21st century students. Offered to Warwick’s high school students for the fourteenth consecutive year, the nationally recognized Senior Project program raises learning standards through rigorous and relevant skill applications, and is the ultimate test of graduates’ preparedness for the real world.  

“The Senior Project has become part of our high school culture,” Mrs. Fogler said. “We know this from the feedback we receive from community members, from the teachers and administrators who volunteer their time to work with these students as mentors, and from the judges who come year after year and look forward to seeing the seniors present their projects at Senior Boards.”   

Participating students are required to create a college-level project, paper, portfolio and presentation, a.k.a. the 4 Ps. They elect their topics, secure mentors who are experts in their field of choice, engage in copious hours of research, planning and writing, and ultimately present their body of work before a board of judges in June. 

The Senior Project Announcement Ceremony is the students’ first opportunity to formalize their commitment to the program by speaking publicly about their individual projects.

Class of 2019 Senior Projects/Research Topics

David Ab – Short film/High School video & film courses
Jessica Bessler – Ballet costume design/Choreography
Anika Bucek – The novel/Violence and the media
Katryn Capone – Suicide awareness presentation/Suicide prevention
Alexandra Cleary – Eyes for the blind fundraiser/Guiding dogs and independent living
Kayla Datys – Lacrosse tournament/History of St. Jude’s Hospital
Ryan DiCostanza – Documentary on Warwick/Bias in mainstream media
Molly Hamling – Art show/Contemporary art and perception
Averie Helmrich – Humane Society event/Role of non-profit organizations
Katieann King – Welding an art piece/Public artistic expression
Briana Lawrence – National Kidney Foundation fundraiser/Importance of organ donations
Kelly McCullough – March of Dimes fundraiser/Survival of premature babies
Ariana Mendez – Body art and art show/Female sexualization
William Theodore Odell –  Film/Story telling
Kaylee Oelofse – Carpentry dog kennel/Relevance of carpentry
Isabella Pevny – Beautiful People fundraiser/Hiring of individuals with disabilities
Lea Priestner-Werte – Humane Society event/Animal abuse
Kayleen Schnorr – Dance and choreography classes/Therapeutic dance
Ashlin Zanne –  Vegan food event/Veganism as a healthier diet choice

CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to all WVHS Senior Project participants!

Mary Jane Lancer and Elaina Schlesinger were the Button Contest winners in 2018.

For fifteen years, No Name-Calling Week has been organizing K-12 educators and students to choose #KindnessInAction and reject name-calling and bullying in schools.

Leading up to celebratory activities designed to actively insert kindness into everyday actions, students at Warwick Valley Middle School are challenged to enter a No Name-Calling Week Button Contest.

How to participate in the Button Contest:

• Find the template sheet placed outside the main office for complete contest rules.
• Go to the Guidance Office to pick up a button template.
• Using the template, create a piece of original artwork that represents “Kindness in Action” – the central theme of No Name-Calling Week.
• Submit your entry no-later-than Friday, Jan. 18.

Two winners will be selected and their designs will printed as buttons. Buttons can be earned by turning in ROAR tickets. Questions? Stop by Guidance.

Founded in 2004 with Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, and evaluated GLSEN research, No Name-Calling Week was inspired by James Howe’s novel, “The Misfits,” about students who, after experiencing name-calling, run for student council on a No Name-Calling platform.

Warwick Valley Central Schools will be closed on Monday, Jan. 21, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

On Nov. 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill  designating a federal holiday honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to be observed on the third Monday of January.

A leader of the 1950s-1960s civil rights movement, Rev. Dr. King advocated for nonviolent civil disobedience to racial segregation, and was instrumental in the movement’s most momentous achievements, including the Civil Rights Acts of 1957 and 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Dr. King was also recognized internationally with the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize.

Our non-human friends at S.P.E.W. (Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare) are in need of help this winter. You can show your animal love by contributing any of the following items:

• Ground canned cat food
• Large dog biscuits
• Bleach
• Simple Green cleaner
• Paper towels
• Paper plates
• Heavy-duty garbage bags
• Dish detergent
• Cat beds

Items can be dropped off to the Room of Requirement – B5 – by February 15.

October often brings with it the first documented cases of influenza – commonly known as “flu.” Please consider these facts and tips to help prevent the spread of flu.

Flu Facts

Influenza (the flu) is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses. There are many different strains of the flu virus, and they are constantly changing. These viruses cause illness, hospital stays and deaths in the United States each year.

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching something that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.

The flu can be very dangerous for children. Since 2010, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention estimates that flu-related hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years ranged from 7,000 to 26,000 in the United States.

How can I protect my child against the flu?

According to the CDC, the first and most important thing you can do is to get a flu vaccine for yourself and your child. Talk to your doctor.

• Vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

What can I do if my child gets sick?

Talk to your doctor early if you are worried about your child’s illness.

• Children 5 years and older without other health problems: Consult your doctor as needed and make

sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks enough fluids.

• Children younger than 5 — and especially those younger than 2 — and those of any age who have a long-term health condition such as asthma or diabetes are at greater risk for serious complications from the flu. Talk with your doctor.

What if my child seems very sick?

Seek emergency care or take your child to a doctor right away if he/she has any of the warning or emergency signs below:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids (not going to the bathroom or making as much urine as he or she normally does)
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Some people with the flu will not have a fever.

IMPORTANT!

Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or to cough into their sleeve, not their hand! Throw tissues in the trash after you use them.

Can my child go to school or day care if he or she is sick?

No. Your child should stay home to rest and to avoid giving the flu to other children or caregivers.

When can my child go back to school after having the flu?

Keep children home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) A fever is defined as 100°F (37.8°C) or higher.

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Learn more at www.cdc.gov/flu/

You’re getting breakfast ready for the family, running late for work, when your third grader announces he doesn’t like today’s school lunch and asks you for a bagged lunch. Let him do it! In fact, tomorrow let the kids prepare their own breakfast, and leave the house feeling less stressed.  

This Parent Today article offers tips on how to get started and what to expect. You may be off to a bumpy start, but they’ll soon get the hang of it, and everyone will benefit.

“It’s empowering for children,” says clinical social worker, writer and parenting coach Carla Naumburg. “It helps them build confidence in themselves, it helps them feel connected to the family in a meaningful way, and kids really crave that.” 

A free email newsletter produced by Capital Region BOCES, Parent Today helps parents play a more engaged and supportive role in their children’s education. In addition to age-appropriate topics with easy-to-implement tools and strategies, Parent Today addresses current issues and developments in the education landscape. 

Zachary Goldstein, Student-Athlete of the Week.

Warwick High School is proud to select Senior Zachary Goldstein as the Allstate Student-Athlete of the Week.

A three-year starter for the varsity basketball team, Zach is 13 points away from becoming the second boys basketball player in school history to score 1000 points.

Warwick boys basketball is currently at 11-8 with a record of 6-1 in division. A win at home would clinch the Division II title on Tuesday night, Feb. 19.                  

A solid B student, Zach competes as a small forward for the Wildcats. At 6’5” tall, the senior captain possesses a deadly jump shot and has received interest from many colleges as a student-athlete. While yet undecided in his field of study, Zach has narrowed his college choices to Wilkes University, Kings College and Farmingdale.

Zachary is the son of Pam and Mitch Goldstein of Warwick, NY. His sister Samantha is a junior at Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island.