Wolfpack News

Welcome to the October edition of the Wolfpack News. As autumn's crisp air descends upon our campus, it mirrors the transformative experiences our students are going through. The first set of report cards have been mailed home, marking a pivotal moment for both students and parents. This is the time when the academic efforts of our students are unveiled, revealing their dedication and hard work over the past months. As the leaves outside our school windows turn vibrant shades of red and gold, it's a symbolic reminder of the growth and progression happening within our high school community.

Simultaneously, the excitement of college acceptances is in the air, with seniors eagerly checking their mailboxes and emails for news of their future endeavors. The anticipation and hope surrounding these acceptances add a layer of optimism to our school atmosphere. It's a season of reflection, growth, and decision-making; mirroring the beautiful changes happening in nature around us. In this October newsletter, we'll delve into the many facets of high school life, providing insights and updates that capture the essence of this transformative time in our students' lives.

We're excited to announce our September Athletes of the Month! Sarah Colgan, a standout Girls Soccer player, demonstrated extraordinary skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship on the field. Meanwhile, Kurt Akins, a Boys Cross Country athlete, impressed with his determination and leadership. Both athletes exemplify the dedication and excellence we value at our school, making them deserving recipients of this honor. Congratulations to Sarah and Kurt!

The 9th-grade field trip to Orenda Springs was nothing short of awesome! Our students had the incredible opportunity to work together in their homerooms, fostering teamwork and a strong sense of community. Through various activities and challenges, they built bonds, learned to rely on each other, and created lasting memories. It was a day of growth, laughter, and unity; reinforcing the importance of teamwork in their educational journey.

The upcoming Parent Conference Day on November 20th (from 12:30 - 8:00) is an essential event for fostering effective communication between parents and teachers. The counseling office will proactively reach out to families that teachers request conferences, ensuring that parents are provided with opportunities to discuss their child's progress and address any concerns. If you are interested in a conference please reach out to the counseling office at 315-889-4110. We look forward to a productive and insightful Parent Conference Day on November 20.

We are excited to share that the induction ceremonies for the National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) at our high school have been a resounding success this year. These ceremonies serve as a testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our students to both their academic pursuits and their contributions to the community. Induction into the NHS and NJHS is a prestigious honor, recognizing not only academic excellence but also leadership, service, and character. It is a symbol of the values we hold dear at our school. We congratulate the newly inducted members and look forward to witnessing their continued growth and positive impact on our school and the broader community.

During our opening week grade level assembly, an important and timely topic was addressed - the distinctions between bullying and conflict. It was a valuable discussion that aimed to empower our students with the knowledge to recognize and respond to challenging situations effectively. By understanding the key differences between bullying and conflict, our students can better navigate their relationships and contribute to a more respectful and harmonious school environment. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere where open dialogue and empathy are at the forefront, ensuring that our students are equipped to stand up against bullying while also managing conflicts in a constructive manner. This assembly served as a crucial step in creating a safer and more inclusive community within our school.

In a display of unity and cultural exchange, our high school's college Spanish class recently came together with our English Language Learners to carve pumpkins. This cross-cultural collaboration allowed students from diverse backgrounds to bond over a shared Halloween tradition, transcending language barriers and forging new friendships. The event not only showcased the power of inclusivity and understanding but also the creativity and artistic talents of our students. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved to celebrate their unique cultural perspectives and learn from one another. We are proud of our students for creating such a welcoming and inclusive environment within our school.

Since COVID, school attendance has been an area receiving increasing attention. Being physically present is obviously critical to learning, growth and school connectivity. Furthermore, the impact of absenteeism is far-reaching: the research indicates that attendance in High School actually predicts post-school outcomes. Students who are considered “chronically absent” (10% or more of the school year) are more likely to:

-score lower on classroom tests and exit exams (Regents)

-have negative interactions with the justice system

-lower paying jobs and greater unemployment

-experience poorer mental health outcomes

Our Strategies:

Tier 1: proactive activities: rewards, positive postcards home, Positivity Project, personal communication with parents in ParentSquare or email; daily tracking late arrivals/early dismissals/absences; teacher phone calls home

Tier 2: parent/teacher meetings, small group interventions, counselor check-ins, incentive plans

Tier 3: agency referrals, weekly individual meetings with student, individual attendance plans

For this first marking period, 89 students had perfect attendance- that’s 40% the HS student body. Of those 89, a random student was selected and Allison Darling is the winner of this marking period’s drawing. (Wins a Prize: two tickets to Auburn MoviePlex 10). Every marking period, anyone with Zero absences is entered in the drawing for a prize and it starts over each marking period.

November 1 - Meet the Coaches winter sports

November 1 - Fall Varsity Sports Awards

November 3-4 - Middle School Musical

November 9 - Mid Marking Period 2

November 10 - No School Veteran's Day (Observed)

November 20 - No School students - Parent teacher conferences

November 21-24 - Thanksgiving Break

The senior trip destination has not been determined yet. However, funding for the trip has to start early. The first installment will be $60 and is due Friday, November 17th. This payment is nonrefundable and will secure your child's spot on the trip. Payments can be turned into Mr. Palmiotto and Mr. Wasilawski. The total cost for the trip will be determined by the destination and fundraising activities. Future installments will be adjusted accordingly.

We're thrilled to announce that our communication platform, ParentSquare, is in full swing this school year. Many important messages and updates have already been sent out via this convenient platform to keep you informed about school events, announcements, and more. If you haven't received these messages yet, it's crucial to ensure your ParentSquare account is set up correctly. ParentSquare is a vital link between our school and our supportive families, and we want everyone to stay connected seamlessly.

If you're having trouble setting up your ParentSquare account or need any assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our High School office. Our dedicated staff is ready to provide you with the guidance you need to get connected. We understand that effective communication is key to a successful school year, and together, we can ensure that no important message goes unnoticed. Stay engaged, stay informed, and let ParentSquare be your bridge to a well-informed and connected Wolfpack community!

Email: jdentel@unionspringscsd.org
Website: unionspringscsd.org
Location: 239 Cayuga Street, Union Springs, NY, USA
Phone: (315) 889-4110
Twitter: @UnionSpringsHS