Bird's Eye View

Hello Larries Community,

Welcome to our community digital newsletter, the “Bird’s Eye View”! Each month we will continue to:

• Give you small snapshots of the great things that are happening here at SLC.
• Ask for a little help with some things to make our school and community the most productive it can be.

Our hope is you will follow us every month, so we can continue to connect our great community with the students, staff, and programs that are here to help maximize our students’ futures.

A few reminders of important educational dates:

• Thursday, February 8th, from 5-7 pm in the high school library, our HS counselors will hold a FAFSA lab. Any student or family member who would like assistance filling out the FAFSA financial aid form is welcome and encouraged to attend this session.

• Thursday, March 7th, at 5:30 pm in the Elementary School there will be a UPK Information Night. Please be aware that the selection process for full versus half day slots must be done by “lottery”. More specifics on this, and other information will be available at this time.

A few shout outs and reminders:

• Congratulations to all those that have been recognized, in this February issue, for the outstanding work you are doing both here and at BOCES.

• Ticket information for this spring’s Drama Club presentation of, Fiddler on the Roof, will be out shortly. Production dates are set for March 1st and 2nd.

• Shout out to our All County band and chorus students that performed this past weekend and their teachers for the great preparation they provide them.

• Our student-athletes continue to show great efforts during this winter season. February will be “playoff month” for all of our Varsity Athletic Teams, final competitions for Cheerleading, and final games for JV and modified sports. Please enjoy these final indoor events. Dates and times for events can be found on our BFCSD website and app.

• Another reminder to all families with a “little one” getting to be school age. Both Pre-K and Kindergarten registrations will begin at the end of this month and at the beginning of next month. Please be on the lookout for the information and get your child(ren) registered sooner rather than later, please.

• The week of February 5-9 is National School Counselor Appreciation Week. We’d like to thank our seven counselors for the patience and guidance they provide day in and day out.

• February 15, is National School Resource Officer (SRO) Day. We would like to thank Mr. Daggett for the hours of dedication he provides helping to keep our district safe, and so much more.

• It is that time of year when we are asking for anyone wishing to substitute (teachers, assistants, aides, cafeteria staff, and cleaners) in our district to please reach out to 315-389-5131 ext. 29108 for more information.

Thank you for your continued support of our great district!

Christopher Rose

Superintendent

Dr. Aileen O'Donoghue recently visited SLC during a half-day and shared her vast knowledge of the Solar Eclipse with all staff. It was a great learning experience for all. Thank you, Dr. O'Donoghue, for sharing what to expect during the solar eclipse with us!

Dear Middle and High School Parents,

In both the Middle and High Schools, we have noticed another increase in students getting access to vapes. We have had middle school families confirm that they have found out that their children were buying them using Cash Apps, or by tricking their parents into buying them because they aren’t aware of what they were purchasing. This link has an article and a video explaining how students are buying vapes, and making it look like they are purchasing other items.

Negative Impact of Vaping in Kids:

Is your child struggling with behaviors and mental health? Could they be vaping? Have you tried everything and cannot determine how to support them? Here are some ways that vaping can impact your child. Brains do not fully develop until age 25, so high uses of nicotine can cause many issues in a middle school or high school child.

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Low Impulse Control

• Difficulty with Focus and Paying Attention

• Difficulty Learning

• Difficulty Managing Emotions

STEERED STRAIGHT:

On Thursday, February 8th the SLC Middle and High Schools will be hosting a presentation for students, staff, and families. Please see the information below regarding the presentation and how you can get more information! Families are invited to the MS/HS cafeteria at 6:00 pm on Thursday for their Parent Academy.

What And Who Makes Steered Straight Different?

Steered Straight is a 17-year proven program that does not explain drug prevention at school assemblies but TEACHES the reality of drugs and devises a prevention message the students implement themselves within their school system.

Steered Straight has become the number one booked program in America with assemblies focused on drug education prevention. The program is primarily based on the uniqueness of the messenger, someone who has suffered the consequences of negative decisions. They have found that youth instantly identify with Michael DeLeon, or another of the speakers, as a changed, motivated teacher with a real-life story to tell.

Steered Straight does not simply educate students about the harmful nature of drugs and alcohol, but provides the reality and deadly impact it can and will have on their lives. They remove the concern parents have on how to help their kids and replace it with active solutions.

We have found that the “just say no” message has not worked, nor will discipline and scare tactics. To actively achieve students wanting to stop using whatever substance, on whatever level and on their own, is the only method. However, it takes an engaging and powerful message. Michael DeLeon and his team delivers that. Here is more information on the Parent Academy and the Parents Coaching Corner.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your building principal.

Mrs. Zender and Mrs. LaBarge

Congratluations to the following students who were recognized as Students of the Month for November, December, and January! The character traits were Kindness, Effort, and Accountability.

Makayla Collins, Kailee LaBier, Sophia Hartson, Trinity Jacobs, Zoey Murray-Barney, Jace Sweet, Bella Fedonick, Caitlin Lawrence, Madison Henry, Abe Snell, Jennah Strawser, Arianna Barber, Emma Montgomery, Flynn Snell, Lucas Crump, Jayden Wagner, Atreau Rawson, Emileigh MacDonald, Kalissa Young, Alexis Larabay, David Bishop, Tanner Gordon-Snyder, August Simcox, Kollin Cartin

A new semester is underway! It's that time of the year when we meet individually with each student to discuss their progress and make plans for the upcoming year. Below is information for you based on your child's grade level.

Grade 12: Congratulations! You're halfway there! As we enter this phase, some students may start experiencing "senioritis." If you haven't seen it yet, remind your child that they are almost at the finish line, and encourage them to make the most of these final days of high school.

As a reminder, we are hosting a FAFSA Lab on Thursday, February 8th, from 5-7 pm in the High School Library. Please ensure you bring a Chromebook or laptop and have already created an FSA ID before attending.

Grade 11: We are finishing up individual meetings with our 11th-grade students! A big thank you to all the parents who joined us for these sessions. For those planning to attend college, we have encouraged them to start exploring college options now to be ready for applications in the fall. Many colleges remain test-optional, but a strong performance on an SAT or ACT exam can still be advantageous. If your child plans to take an exam, we recommend doing so before the end of their junior year, allowing time for a retake in the fall if necessary.

SLL BOCES is offering a free SAT/ACT workshop; please refer to the attached flyer for more information.

Grade 10: We have just sent out our letter announcing 10th-grade meetings, which will begin next week. If you are interested in joining your child for this meeting, please reach out to Julie Jenkinson in our office, and she will schedule it for you. Students interested in the Career and Technical Education programs at Seaway Tech had the opportunity to meet with counselors and visit the facility in December. Slots are limited for these programs, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, students must be on track with graduation requirements at the end of 10th grade to be eligible.

Applications will be available in the Guidance Office starting Monday, January 29th, with a deadline of February 15th.

Grade 9: Individual meetings for freshmen will be starting soon! We will begin meeting with freshmen in early March. Once we have exact dates, parents will receive a letter inviting them to join us, if interested.

This time of year can be challenging for many of us as we navigate the cold weather, lack of sun, and mid-winter blues. If your child is facing challenges with their classes, encourage them to stay after school with their teachers during the activity period. The smaller group support can make a significant difference! Remember, we are here to help; please reach out to us if you have any concerns.

Best,

Rachael Huntley (A-K) & Michaela Bethel (L-Z)

The SLC Drama Club will present the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof on Friday, March 1st and Saturday, March 2nd at 7 pm in the high school auditorium. Enjoy the work of more than 60 middle and high school students, and help support their efforts. Concessions will be available at intermission.

Tickets will be on sale to the general public on February 17 at www.showtix4u.com. Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults- $12
• Seniors 55+ & Students- $10
• Ages 5 and under- $5

In high school Studio Art classes, they are working on a ceramics unit. They were making face cups and traditional tea bowl forms. The students were learning how to model clay and to glaze their finished pieces.

In Design and Drawing for Production class, students used the coding robots called Sphero Bolts, as a means of motion. They designed battlebots using limited supplies. They used the battlebots to compete against each other to pop a balloon.

In the upper level Art courses, students are doing a variety of artworks, some students are doing stained glass, some are depicting visual images tied to a song, and the students in Ceramics are doing larger face jugs.

The winter sports season is nearing playoff time. Some dates to be prepared for are below (all dates are subject to change). The boys varsity basketball team and the cheer team's senior night will be Tuesday, February 6th. The boys varsity basketball team's first playoff game will be Tuesday, February 13th. Cheer sectionals are Sunday, February 11th. The girls varsity basketball team's senior night will be Thursday, February 8th and their first playoff game will be Friday, February 15th. The varsity hockey team's senior night will be Monday, February 12th and their first playoff game will be Tuesday, February 20th.

Congratulations to the Cheer team on their first place showing in the small division in the Sectional Qualifier! Good luck to the team in Sectionals on February 11th!

The Annual Coaches vs Cancer Basketball Festival with Brushton-Moira Central was a huge success this year, raising over $4000! The money will be dispersed to people in our communities who are battling cancer and who are in need of assistance. The money can be used to help cover travel expenses, or whatever they see fit. As for the games, the JV girls team and the two SLC varsity teams won their games to even the day at 3 wins for each school. SLC retains the cup with the tie, as our district was holding the cup as the last outright winner. Therefore, cup will remain in the SLC trophy case for at least another year. Here is a link to some wwnytv coverage of the event.

You can find all schedules at sections710.org, or on our district website and app.

We are happy to announce that SLC will again be participating in the NYS Clay Target League in the discipline of trap shooting. Any student at SLC who has reached 12 years of age by March 25, 2024, is eligible to join. No experience in the shooting sports is necessary. If you would like more information, to make a donation, to sponsor a student, or to just help out in any way please contact: Coach Chris Beckstead at 315-389-5887 or email 280rufus@gmail.com.

Congratulations to our MS students who were recognized at our January recognition ceremony! They were recognized for Gratitude and Kindness. The students were: Stella Todd, Joshua Morgan, Carson Exware, Zaine Miner, Jack LaBier, Josh Charleson, Hunter Wilson, David Brothers, Lane Snell, Greyson Gardner, Zachary Tebo, Alyiss Wells-Stevenson, Rozlyn Berry.

Eighth-graders in Mrs. Phelix's ELA class recently participated in the 8th annual Outsiders Day, which celebrates the classic coming-of-age novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Students dressed like Socs and Greasers, participated in an arm-wrestling "rumble", challenged themselves to memorize an important poem from the novel ("Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Robert Frost), and had some chocolate cake and Coca-Cola, both of which were important aspects of the plot. A "tuff" time was had by all!

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

-Helen Keller.

Thanks to the SLC Community, the Comfort Closet had over 300 items donated recently. The best part of this is that while putting the new items in the closet, three students came up and asked for "items." One student said "We are broke, so thank you! My hair won't smell like a wood stove anymore." Another said, "Chapstick is my favorite, and helps me not get cracked lips."

Any donations can be dropped at the main district office, or contact Michelle Rutledge at mrutledge@bfcsd.org to make arrangements. Thank you for your generosity!

The Extended Day 5th grade students had a great time bowling in Malone.

The Extended Day program brought the 6th grade students to Mr. Thibault's Massena Martial Arts studio. They were treated to a demonstration, and then to try some techniques for themselves.

Thank you, Mr. Thibault!

The Extended Day students had a fun Friday night! The kids and chaperones had a great time swimming, going to Sergi's for pizza, and then going to Clarkson to watch the men's hockey game.

The Extended Day 7th grade students baked blueberry muffins and English muffin pizzas after school.

In Middle School Art, we started the new year out with 5th grade learning how to sew, 6th grade drawing one point perspective rooms, 7th grade creating clay dream catchers, and 8th grade creating clay coiled mugs! More photos to come in the next newsletter when projects are completed.

Hello SLC Families,

We are officially halfway through the 2023-2024 school year. Time sure does fly when you're having fun! Speaking of fun, our school celebrate Global School Play Day last Friday, February 2nd. We chose to align this day with the 11:30 dismissal. The students participated in many fun activities in their classrooms. More information about this day can be found here.

On January 10, Mrs. LaBarge and I attended a statewide literacy conference. New York State is heavily in support of schools implementing the Science of Reading research in their practices. The good news is that we started this transition a year and a half ago, so we are right on track. This year we began schoolwide implementation of a new ELA curriculum, Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA). I believe that in my short three and a half years in my current role, I have witnessed educators and support staff face what were likely the most rapid and drastic changes in the field than ever before. To identify necessary curricular and instructional changes, as we were transitioning out of such a tumultuous (COVID) time, speaks volumes to the commitment that our staff will continually strive to do what's best for our students. Thank you to our teachers and support staff for all that you do, each and every day! Kudos to all of you on the excellent work we've done to this point, and that which is yet to come. I am excited to see increased academic progress as a result of these efforts. We will continue to have professional development around New York State's Literacy Initiative.

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration will be taking place soon (the last week of February). When you see the advertisements, please do not wait to register your child. Spots are limited in UPK and much of our planning for kindergarten hinges on numbers. In order to best prepare for your child's kindergarten experience, we request that you register them sooner than later.

Dates to Know:

• On Tuesday, February 6 we will have a schoolwide assembly with Jared Campbell (https://jaredcampbell.com/elementary-school/). Be sure to ask your child about the assembly when they get home on this day. Mr. Campbell usually brings lots of energy and the students enjoy his visit.
• Reminder: Character Ed Awards have been rescheduled for Friday, February 9. You would have received a letter in the mail to be invited to these.
• Mid-Winter Break will take place from Monday, February 19 through Friday, February 23.

Respectfully,

Mrs. Colterman

Happy February!

As we prepare for spring, we are increasing the number of groups we are doing. The groups cover a series of topics and skills, some of which include: social skills, coping skills, and friendship skills.

Our Character Trait of the month is social intelligence, we will be discussing this in Life Lab. Why does social intelligence matter? Social Intelligence is different from how “book smart” a person is. Social intelligence helps us build positive relationships. Timing is a big part of social intelligence. For example, someone who lacks social intelligence may tell a funny joke, but it may not be so funny, if they tell it at the wrong time. In other words, here are some synonyms you may recognize for the character strength in social intelligence: understanding, insightful, aware, and sympathetic.

February is International Boost Self Esteem Month. We encourage you to celebrate in your home. It's the perfect time to reinforce the importance of self-worth and confidence. Here are a few fun and easy activities you can try at home:

• Compliment Jar: Create a jar filled with uplifting notes. Encourage your child to pull out a compliment each day, building a daily dose of positivity.
• Artistic Affirmations: Get creative! Have your child draw or paint positive affirmations. Display their masterpieces proudly around the house.
• Mirror Messages: Place sticky notes with affirmations on the bathroom mirror. Each morning, your child can start the day with a boost of confidence (or washable marker!)

We hope you enjoy some fun self esteem boosters!

Mrs. McFarland and Mrs. White

The third week of January is always Data Privacy Week and the National Cybersecurity Alliance provided the following information to be shared with all school community members to help protect their personal data.

In the presentation, they shared suggestions to Take Control of Your Data, as they stated “your data is valuable. Even if you do not agree, many organizations and groups would pay top dollar for it, and they do not all have your best interests in mind. But you have the power to take charge of your data. This is why we celebrate Data Privacy Week!

The goal of Data Privacy Week is to spread awareness about online privacy and help people understand that they have the power to manage their data. Your online activity creates a treasure trove of data. This data ranges from your interests and purchases to your online behaviors, and it is collected by websites, apps, devices, services, and companies all around the globe. This data can even include information about your physical self, like health data – think about how an app on your phone might count how many steps you take. You cannot control how each little piece of data about you and your family is collected. However, you still have a right to data privacy. You can help manage your data with a few repeatable behaviors. Your data is valuable, and you deserve to have a say!”

Here are some simple tips that will help you manage your data privacy:

1. Know the tradeoff between privacy and convenience

Nowadays, when you download a new app, open a new online account, or join a new social media platform, you will often be asked for access to your personal information before you can even use it! This data might include your geographic location, contacts, and photos. For these businesses, this personal information about you is tremendously valuable — and you should think about if the service you get in return is worth the data you must hand over, even if the service is free. Make informed decisions about sharing your data with businesses or services:

• Is the service, app, or game worth the amount or type of personal data they want in return?

• Can you control your data privacy and still use the service?

• Is the data requested even relevant for the app or service (that is, “why does a Solitaire game need to know all my contacts”)?

• If you have not used an app, service, or account in several months, is it worth keeping around knowing that it might be collecting and sharing your data?

2. Adjust privacy settings to your comfort level

For every app, account, or device, check the privacy and security settings. These should be easy to find in a settings section and should take a few moments to change. Set them to your comfort level for personal information sharing; it is wise to lean on the side of sharing less data, not more.

You do not have to do this for every account at once, start small and over time you will make a habit of adjusting all your settings to your comfort. There are free resources like Manage Your Privacy Settings page that let you check the settings of social media accounts, retail stores, apps and more.

3. Protect your data

Data privacy and data security go hand-in-hand. Along with managing your data privacy settings, follow some simple cybersecurity tips to keep it safe. We recommend following the Core 4:

• Create long (at least 12 characters), unique passwords for each account and device. Use a password manager to store each password – maintaining dozens of passwords securely is now easier than ever.

• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever it is permitted – this keeps your data safe even if your password is compromised.

• Turn on automatic device, software, and browser updates, or make sure you install updates as soon as they are available.

• Learn how to identify phishing messages, which can be sent as emails or direct messages.

As always, if you have any questions, you can contact me via email at kwelsh@bfcdsd.org, or call the technology department at (315) 389-5131 ext. 29250.

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Email: crose@bfcsd.org
Website: www.bfcsd.org
Location: 1039 State Highway 11C, Brasher Falls, NY 13613
Phone: 315-389-5131
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrasherFallsCSD