NorthStar Lights
North Syracuse Central School District's Electronic News
Hello North Syracuse Central School District parents, guardians, teachers, and staff,
January is designated as Wellness Month and as part of an effort to help schools explore different aspects of wellness, our SEL department organized an activity that I'd like to mention: Star Stamps. This past week students and staff were given blank "stamps" and were asked to draw or write on them their ideas to make their school feel more welcoming. When I asked myself the question, “what can I do to create a more welcoming environment at work?,” my first thought was, “why?” Why is it important to have a welcoming environment? I already knew the answer to that question but I posed the question during meetings I attended later in the week. I asked the groups of teachers, administrators and parents and they came to the same conclusion that I did. There is a direct correlation between welcoming environments and trust.
Trust is the bedrock upon which a thriving school community is built. When students, parents, teachers and staff feel welcomed and included, a sense of trust naturally flourishes. Trust empowers individuals to share their thoughts, provide feedback and actively participate in shaping the educational landscape that we aspire to have.
In the next few weeks, the Star Stamps created by our students and staff will be displayed at their schools. I look forward to checking them out and reading the thoughts and ideas shared on them. I appreciate everyone who participated in the activity and gave their thoughtful input.
Sincerely,
Daniel D. Bowles, Superintendent of Schools
The North Syracuse Central School District will begin accepting registrations for its Universal Prekindergarten program beginning Feb. 1, 2024. Applications are available online at www.nscsd.org and can be picked up and/or completed in person at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Rd.) in North Syracuse.
Applications received prior to March 1 will be placed into a lottery drawing for first enrollment. To be eligible for the district’s UPK program, children must live In the North Syracuse Central School District and be four years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024. There is no charge for district residents as the program is funded by the state, subject to the passage of the New York State budget. Children will be enrolled in programs at one of the following five locations based on their address or sitter location.
At their January 8 meeting, the North Syracuse Central School District’s Board of Education honored the following students:
- Thomas Wills, II - CNS
- Annalisa Emmi - CNS
- George Lonergan - CTE BOCES
- Battista Wood - CTE BOCES
Recently, Senator John W. Mannion and Assemblyman Al Stirpe requested North Syracuse Central School District submit students to be considered for the Presidential Scholars Award.
The Presidential Scholars Award is an annual honor bestowed upon approximately 25 high school students from across the country who demonstrate academic excellence, extracurricular involvement and stellar citizenship. Nomination requests are first sent to school districts and from there are advanced to the state’s education departments. After state education departments review the candidates, their nomination may be further elevated to the federal level.
Congratulations to the students on their nominations. The outstanding nominees were chosen because of their work ethic, academic attainment, artistic talent, school and community involvement and/or career and technical program accomplishments.
Each Year, thousands of students from schools across central New York audition to be members of various prestigious music ensembles where being the best of the best is celebrated. The music program in the North Syracuse Central School District has a strong history of nurturing successful and talented student musicians and this year’s crop of talent is among the most exceptional. More than 30 CNS musicians will take part in this weekend’s Onondaga County Music Educators Association All-County Music Festival at Liverpool High School and even more CNS students have been selected for inclusion in other elite music ensembles.
North Syracuse Central School District’s Director of Fine Arts Daryle Redmond has been working with the district’s music teachers to ensure that their students’ tremendous accomplishments are being celebrated. Some of those students were recently honored at a NSCSD Board of Education meeting and additional students will be recognized throughout the school year. Daryle recently said, “Our schools are so fortunate to have an incredible group of teachers dedicated to instilling musical passion and prowess in their students. The fact that so many NSCSD students are being selected for elite ensembles - with some in multiple areas - is a testament to that dedication.”
Click here to read the complete article and see student pictures.
Each year, the North Syracuse Education Foundation (NSEF) opens doors for NSCSD teachers to elevate their classroom learning environments by providing grants for programming and supplies not covered through regular district funding. Their initiatives not only support educators but also empower student-led projects that contribute to the community.
Community Builders Club at North Syracuse Junior High School:
In addition to supporting teachers, the NSEF extends its impact by supporting community partnerships. The Community Builders Club at the North Syracuse Junior High School is one of the groups receiving financial assistance through NSEF. The Community Builders Club is a co-educational service club providing students with opportunities to serve their school and community. This year, members have been working on a variety of projects within the community as well as their greater community. Advisor Kathy Carr says they work closely with local groups like North Area Meals on Wheels, the Town of Cicero, the Village of North Syracuse, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and more.
The Optimist Club of Cicero-North Syracuse is sponsoring an Essay Contest with a top award of a $2,500 college scholarship. Students under the age of 19 who live within the boundaries of the North Syracuse Central School District are eligible to participate. Entries for this year’s contest, “Optimism: How it Connects Us?,” are due by January 26, 2024.
Click here to read the complete article online and to download an application.
Thank you to Alicia Frisbie for sharing these great pictures of classroom collaboration. Alicia said that students from Ms. Hurry and Mr. Annichiarico's classes at Cicero-North Syracuse High School came in and played some homemade educational board games with her School-Age Development class. Students were able to practice their math skills, answer some fun trivia questions, and even learn about the human body. The students had a great time playing and getting to know one another. Great job working together! #NSBrighterTogether
North Syracuse Central School District
Email: webmaster@nscsd.org
Website: www.nscsd.org
Location: 5355 West Taft Road, Syracuse, NY, USA
Phone: (315) 218-2100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NSyracuseCSD/