Michael A Maroun Elementary School gave a proper surprise send-off to their retiring principal, Mary Stanton, at their last path to greatness character education ceremony of the year.

Secretly, the students and staff coordinated an outdoor picture in which each grade level wore a different color of the rainbow. Each class was lined up to form the image of a rainbow for a rooftop photograph. This picture was framed, signed and presented to Stanton at the school’s last path to greatness character award ceremony.

The morning started off as any other path to greatness character award ceremony. Maddison Hart and Blake Hoyt were selected from a random drawing as winners of new bicycles for displaying the character trait of citizenship. Each time a student displayed citizenship that month, their name was entered into the drawing.

“Citizenship is what the path to greatness is all about,” said teacher Desiree Moore. “Being respectful, being safe, following rules and working to solve problems within your community.”

Moore continued to share a video created by MAM students about the “buddy bench” that was installed on the playground. Being good citizens, some of the students noticed that other kids were lonely and had no friends to play with on the playground at times. Together, they came up with the idea for a “buddy bench;” a place where kids could sit if they were looking for someone to play with. The video encouraged the students to look out for each other and told the kids that if they saw someone on the buddy bench, they should ask them if they want to play.

Just as the ceremony appeared to be over, teachers brought out the framed Michael A Maroun Elementary rainbow photograph and presented it to Stanton as the kids started to sing “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles. Stanton said afterwards that she was completely stunned and taken by surprise, amazed by all of the efforts and coordination that went in to her goodbye present.

“My whole world has been with the kids,” said Stanton. “It was an honor to be their principal.” She encouraged the students to continue doing good deeds and to be a light for others.   

Maddison Hart, Phoenix student, receives a free bicycle for displaying citizenship.

Retiring Michael A Maroun Principal Mary Stanton receives a framed photograph of the entire school dressed in rainbow colors.

John C Birdlebough juniors and seniors received thousands of dollars in scholarships at their end-of-the-year awards ceremony.

Principal Gregory Molloy congratulated the students on their tremendous efforts and expressed his pride in the district in regards to the senior prank that occurred that morning; seniors surprised the teachers in the school parking lot and charged them each $1 to park their vehicle. The money raised was donated to Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse.

“There is something really special about Phoenix and this community,” said Molloy. He encouraged the seniors to always remember where they came from.

The Triple “C” Award is presented on behalf of the New York State Office of the Attorney General (Eric T. Schneiderman) and recognizes commitment of a student to better himself, his school and his community; Wyatt Parker was the recipient of this year’s award.

The Herff Jones, Inc. “Believe in You” Principal’s Award exemplifies the ability to combine academic excellence and exemplary leadership in school and community activities. The student leader honored this year was Maria Musumeci.

The following financial awards were also recognized:

 St. Lawrence University Book Award – Marisa Dona; Clarkson University Leadership Award – Kellen Arnold; LeMoyne College Heights Award – Emma Discenza; University of Rochester Xerox Innovation & Information Technology Award – Sarah Hoag; Wells College 21^st Century Leadership Award – Brianna Ball; RIT Computing Medal & Scholarship Awards – Mackenzi Berube and Jordan Jock; Student Sage Award Winners – Morgan Stobart and Abigail Venskus; University of Rochester Frederick Douglas & Susan B. Anthony Award – Jolene Zaia; University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Award – Jonathan Schmidt; University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award & Scholarship – Derick White; Clarkson University Achievement Award – Michael Sadoski; Elmira College Key Awards – Christopher Nicolella and Lauren Porter; Rensselaer Medal Award – Zachary Van Gorder. 

Principal Gregory Molloy presents phoenix student Wyatt Parker with the Triple “C” Award on behalf of the New York State Office of the Attorney General, Eric T. Schneiderman.

Valedictorian Olivia Uttamsingh

Phoenix senior Olivia Uttamsingh said she wants to be remembered by her classmates as someone who never wasted her time, which is one of the reasons she excelled in school and was named the valedictorian of the Class of 2015.

Olivia, the daughter of Catherine and Prakash Uttamsingh, has been involved in a bevy of activities throughout her four years at John C. Birdlebough High School. She was in several extracurricular clubs and school organizations that helped her explore the diverse opportunities available to Phoenix students.

“I would encourage the undergrads to get involved in the school and the community,” Olivia said. “There are so many options: music, drama, leadership, National Honor Society, student council. Don’t not do something and regret it later. Always take the opportunities that come your way.”

Olivia has seized many opportunities during her years of schooling and she is hoping to capitalize on even more opportunities at the University of Rochester, where she will spend her foreseeable future studying biomedical engineering. Ultimately, she said, she would like to move on to medical school and embark on a career as a pediatric surgeon.

While she is eager to begin the next chapter of her life, Olivia noted that her time in the Phoenix Central School District created memories that will linger with her forever. “The district has been really good about working with me to achieve my goals. My teachers and Mr. Hurlbutt (JCB guidance counselor) were all there to write recommendations for me during the application process,” she said. “I got to know the students and the teachers really well. It’s been a great school district to grow up in.”

Salutatorian Ashley Centner

With a strong internal drive to succeed, John C. Birdlebough High School senior Ashley Centner is not one to settle for mediocrity. Her work ethic has propelled her toward the top of her graduating class, and her 102.68 average earned her the distinction as salutatorian.

Ashley, the daughter of Rene and Christopher Centner, said her family and friends have always been there to encourage her to chase her dreams. She will go after those dreams at the University of Albany in the fall, where she will study biochemistry and molecular biology.

“I would love to work in a research lab in a hospital or go on to medical school,” Ashley said. “Maybe work with diseases and vaccinations.”

Although her passion for science will shape her career, Ashley noted that an English class at JCB was one of her most memorable experiences; not because of the subject but because of the teacher. Under the tutelage of KC Bechard, the salutatorian learned to love a class that she had previously detested. “Mrs. Bechard gave me constructive criticism and it’s something I really needed,” Ashley said.

In addition to being tested in the classroom, Ashley also took on athletic challenges and other extracurricular activities. She was a member of the basketball team and participated in school organizations such as student council, the principal’s cabinet, National Honor Society and leadership group.

As she prepares to embrace success in college and in her future, Ashley stressed the importance of having a strong sense of self and encouraged her classmates to do the same.

“Never give up on your dreams,” she said. “Don’t be afraid of what people think. Do what you want to do.”

Pictured are JCB High School valedictorian Olivia Uttamsingh (left) and salutatorian Ashley Centner.

As Emerson J. Dillon eighth-graders prepare to make the transition to high school, their teachers and administrators recently took time to recognize them for their accomplishments.

Hundreds of awards were presented during a morning assembly in the school cafeteria. Teachers recognized students in every area from athletics to academics. Some of the honorees were praised for their consistent marks throughout the year, some were congratulated for making significant improvement, and others were honored for their effort and perseverance.

In addition to awarding traditional certificates and trophies, the EJD Student Council and Parent Teacher Organization donated special prizes to students who had perfect attendance and/or received Gold Stars for all four years of middle school. Phoenix “Class of 2019” T-shirts were presented to perfect attendance award winners Gianna DeRoberts, Crystal Stobart and Mark Zogg.  The four-year Gold Star winners were: Annabelle Adams, Gabriella Allen, Marcus Berube, Erika Brown, Gianna DeRoberts, Hannah Gilbert, Declan Hawthorne, Megan Hess, Emilie Hilliard, Wendy Li, Ashley Margrey, Alayna Merrill, Olivia Ripley, Kristine Rowe, Mariah Sheirer, Crystal Stobart, Olivia Thrall, Joshua VanGorder, Garrett Watkins and Edward Zellar. These students were presented with Firebird fleece stadium blankets.

For the soon-to-be high school students, the ceremony was bittersweet as they reflected on their past achievements and looked forward to future success. Class president Garrett Watkins commended his classmates for making their mark on EJD.

The Phoenix High School Instrumental Music Program participated in the Darien Lake Festival of Music this year. The wind ensemble won first place in the AAA competition and the varsity jazz band won first place in the AA competition under the direction of music teacher David Frateschi. The symphonic band, under the direction of music teacher Joanna Young, received second place in the AA competition. The wind ensemble also received the “Grand Champion” award for best performance by a concert band out of all the bands participating with the high score of the day, 98. 

Phoenix Central School District employees were recently celebrated for many years of service. Those who have worked for the district for 15, 20, 25, 35 and 40 years were honored. Also recognized was Diane Galster who will retire in December.

Fifteen Emerson J. Dillon Middle School students recently participated in peer mediation training with New York State Unified Court System Certified Mediation Skills Trainer John W. McCullough. McCullough serves as executive director of New Justice Conflict Resolution Services Inc., Syracuse. Students were trained to make a difference by helping students that are in disagreements and guiding them in the resolution process.

The following students were selected by their teachers because they exhibited the personal qualities necessary to be a peacekeeper within the middle school: 5th graders: Grayson Brady, Mallory Hess, Alexis Izyk-Treece, and Logan Petrie; 6th graders: Sarah Ashby, Virginia Bednarski, Mathew Bernard, and Jeffrey Horner; 7th graders: Isabella Allen, Shayna Applebee (missing from photo), Jock Li, and Lily Roberts; and 8th graders: Dominick DeMong, Brigid Lawless, Madison Pelton, and Teresa Uhl. Peer mediators are advised by Raina Hinman.

Look both ways on the bottom step before you exit the bus! This was one of many reminders Michael A. Maroun Elementary first graders received as bus drivers Wendy Zogg and Joy Heckert reviewed bus safety.

Students packed into a bus, with more students waiting just outside its doors, to listen to Zogg give the following tips:

• Don’t stick your hands out the window
• Throw garbage away when the bus stops
• Do not walk while the bus is moving
• Walk 10 steps away from the bus as you exit so there is plenty of room for the bus driver to see you
• Do not cross the street until the bus’ red lights are on and the driver signals you to cross
• Avoid strings hanging from backpacks so you don’t get it caught in bus doors
• 
  

The student group was introduced to Zogg’s friend Henrietta who, at first, broke bus rules. Because the first graders paid close attention to the tips, they were able to help correct Henrietta.

Zogg said bus safety drills are held a few times each week for the first few weeks of school to ensure “students are safe when they load and unload the bus."

After six years of serving the Phoenix Central School District as its superintendent, Judy Belfield will retire at the end of the school year with plans to spend time with her family and remain an active contributor to the community.

As a lifelong educator, Belfield has mentored teachers, taught students and infused learning into the communities in which she has lived and worked. She hopes her years of service will be felt throughout the Phoenix community long after her retirement.

“I’ve learned so much since being hired as superintendent here in 2010,” Belfield said. “I have learned how to make a dollar extend beyond its elasticity. I have learned how to creatively fill budgetary gaps with minimal layoffs and maintain programs for the benefit of our students and our community. This district and this community have so many positive things happening.”

The list of “positive things” includes volunteerism, teamwork, service projects and other activities that unite Phoenix Central School District students with community groups and organizations. Belfield cited initiatives such as Blizzard Bags, food pantry donations, Salvation Army bell ringing, senior citizen activities and hosting the Oswego County Olympiad Invitational as points of pride.

“I am greatly appreciative of the volunteerism in our community,” Belfield said. “We have so many volunteers for everything. This is one of the few places I know of where the school district is the community.”

That community spirit will be an essential quality for Belfield’s successor. Other traits and characteristics will be outlined and established based on the results of a community survey, which is available here. The deadline to submit the online survey is 11 p.m. Oct. 30.

While the superintendent search process plays out, Belfield noted that her commitment to the district and its students will remain strong even after she retires.

“I still love my job,” she said. “I still love this community. My husband and I live here and we will still be in Phoenix. I am looking forward to spending more time with my family – my five grandchildren, two sons and my supportive husband, Mike.”

For Belfield, who stressed the importance of family support, she also said that the support from staff members and colleagues have contributed to the district’s overall success.

“I’m very thankful for the support I’ve had over the years,” she said. “I have an awesome administrative team, phenomenal teachers, a supportive board of education, and fantastic students with caring parents.”

For more information about the superintendent search and for updates throughout the process, please visit www.phoenixcsd.org or contact a board of education representative.

Student-athletes in the Phoenix Central School District excelled during the fall sports season, as several teams and individual athletes are gearing up for post-season play.

The girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer team both clinched playoff seeds after reliable play throughout the season. The girls are the 15 seed in their class for sectional play, while the boys’ team is ranked fifth.

According to boys’ soccer Coach Chris Prenoveau, the team’s 19-year playoff drought is over thanks to strong, consistent players and their supportive parents. Prenoveau said the current team is part of a large group that has practiced together since middle school. The 22-member team features six of eight seniors starting, nine juniors, four sophomores and one freshman.

Captain Kyle Demo led the team in summer soccer leagues during the off-season before continuing practice five-to-six nights per week throughout the regular season.

“We’ve never taken it so seriously,” he said. “We’ve grown closer together as a team. We’re more like family.”

That team mentality also served the boys’ varsity golf team well, as the team earned a league title. In addition to the teams that excelled, several individual athletes also qualified for sectionals. Phoenix will be represented in sectional play for girls’ tennis and boys’ golf, which each sent athletes to the post-season.

To catch an upcoming game, please visit our calendar of events, or find updates and results on the district’s Facebook page.

Phoenix Boys’ Varsity Soccer players Zach Schlachter, Kyle Demo, Josh Margrey, Chris Fisk and Jordan Jock work on their skills during a recent practice. The team will head to sectionals today, for the first time in the school’s history.

Phoenix Central School District students explored higher education opportunities at the Oswego County Counselor’s Association Fair hosted at Cayuga Community College Fulton Campus. Students got the chance to speak one-on-one with college representatives from all over the state including Onondaga Community College, the Rochester Institute of Technology, Onondaga Community College, St. Joseph’s College of Nursing, SUNY Oswego and many more. 

Although school was not in session, the parking lots surrounding the Phoenix Central School District’s Transportation Center were packed on a recent Saturday for the 10th annual Safety Expo.

Hundreds of Phoenix Central School District students, staff, parents and community members were on hand for the event, hosted by the district’s Transportation Department. The action-packed day featured giveaways, a bicycle rodeo, a rollover simulator, crafts, face painting, bus safety demonstrations and several other family-friendly activities.

“The families were able to learn about safety from many different perspectives,” said PCSD Transportation Supervisor Mary Gracey. “The event was a tremendous success and it would not be possible without the support of our employees and community sponsors.”

Donors, volunteers and other “driving” forces behind the event’s success were: Lapinske Farm, the Michael A. Maroun Parent-Faculty Organization, Miller’s Auto, Judy Belfield, Karl Seckner, John Allen, Mary Gracey, Gracey’s Excavating, Steve Musso, PCSD Operations & Maintenance, Phoenix Enterprise Fire Department, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, American Legion, J&J Collision and Sales, Phoenix Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5540, Abate, The Gingersnap Bakery, Phoenix Sports Restaurant, The Medicine Shop, Just Donuts, Byrne Dairy, Nice & Easy, State Farm, Lesnecky’s Green House, Price Chopper, Toys R Us, Bennett Racing, Sears Construction, Carol Touron, the New York State Police, AAA, Tammy and James, Gun Safety, Oswego County Traffic Safety Council, Caughdenoy Fire Deptartment, town of Schroeppel, CSEA, Henderson Dairy, Larkins Restaurant, Phoenix Police Department, PCSD Food Service, Mona Heck, RN, Menter Ambulance, Coast Guard, Earl Rudy, Child Advocacy Center, The Farm, Walmart, RFH’s, Tasswood’s Bakery, and the PCSD Transportation Department.

NHS is the premier organization established in 1921 to recognize outstanding high school students for their excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character. The 24 new inductees join 55 existing members of the chapter creating a large chapter, which represents a large percentage of the total student population, as pointed out by JCB Principal Greg Molloy.

JCB NHS Chapter adviser Angie Neiss talked about the characteristics of NHS and especially about the service aspect of the club. The students just finished their participation in the annual Phoenix community CROP Walk which raised over $1,000 for local food pantries, several blood drives are planned throughout the year, and in the spring, an Earth Day cleanup will take place in the community, to name a few of the service projects undertaken by the NHS.

Special guest speaker for the ceremony was School Resource Officer Ellie Brown who talked about the special relationship that her position offers to the students in the high school.

Honor Society President Mike Sadoski, along with fellow officers Jolene Zaia, Evan Logee, Derek White and Brooke Ensby participated in the ceremony and welcomed each new inductee as they were introduced before they received their NHS pin from Judy Belfield, Superintendent of Schools for the Phoenix Central School District.

New NHS inductees included: Kara Barrow, Alex Brutcher, Jordan Cole, Gabrielle Crandall, Emma Discenza, John Garofalo, Alyssa Goudy, Morgan Gravlin, Jessica Haresign, Natalie Hart, Zoe Heckert, Alexandra Hoag, Corinne Januszka, Emily McDonald, Catherine Musumeci, Lauren Porter, Lauren Schmidt, Sean Sievers, Alexis Smith, Haley Stellingwerf, Alisa Trudell, Kaitlin White, Jarrett Williams and Julianne Yates.

In closing, JCB Principal Greg Molloy called the members “the leaders of our school,” and encouraged them to continue to be positive role models for others in the school and community.

A vocal duet was sung by Meghan Lees and Alexis Bowering for the processional and recessional to open and close the ceremony. A reception was held for the chapter members and guests following the ceremony.

Caption:

JCB High School Principal Greg Molloy gives NHS inductee Catherine Musumeci a “fist bump” as she is congratulated during the recent chapter induction ceremony at the school.

The Phoenix Central School District is looking to hire substitute teachers and a teaching assistant to help provide quality education to the great students within our schools.

We are continuously accepting applications for substitute teachers for grades K-12. Candidates with a teacher certification issued by the New York State Education Department are preferred. The district also has a full-time probationary vacancy for a teaching assistant. Candidates for that position must possess a valid teaching assistant certification issued by New York State. All application materials for the TA position must be received by the district office by 4 p.m. Nov. 13.

For more information, click here.

Michael A. Maroun Elementary School students who exemplified leadership and responsibility were chosen by their teachers as members of the school’s safety patrol. The 12 fourth-graders will man an assigned post each morning, watching out for any unsafe behaviors that needed to be reported to administration as fellow students get off their bus.

Pictured are students Sara Ruetsch, Talan Baker, Degan Parker, Alexis Phoenix, Luke Zellar, Rylee Denslow, Margo Pritting, Macray Pelton, Cody Hager, Harliegh Greenleaf, Ethan Reynolds and Arlin Russo.

Members of the Michael A. Maroun Elementary School 2015-2016 safety patrol are ready to watch out for unsafe behavior of fellow students in school.

Phoenix Central School District students Chloe Calkin, Hailey Goudy and Marcus Berube were selected to participate in the New York State School Music Association Junior High Area All State Music Festival, held November 6 and 7 in Cortland.

Students in grades seven to nine were given the opportunity to join the band, chorus and orchestra based on their NYSSMA scores and teacher recommendations. A total 43 districts were represented, crossing several counties.

Calkins played the euphonium, while Goudy played the clarinet and Berube played the bassoon. Trumpet player Olivia Ripley also was selected for the event, but was unable to participate.

The concert program included Sedona by Steven Reineke, Rain by Brian Balmages, In the Forest of The King by Pierre LaPlante, and Gadget by Randall D. Standridge. While Yvonne M. Allen, a band director from the Horseheads School District, directed this year’s NYSSMA band, Phoenix Central School District band directors David Frateschi and Jim DeMauro supported their students throughout the music festival.

Phoenix Central School District is once again joining forces with the community for their annual holiday school food drive that will take place December 7 through December 16.

Last year, over 220 boxes were packed for families in need in the Phoenix community. Coordinator of the donations and High School Physical Education Teacher Angela Neiss encouraged all to donate even more this year.

Boxes and bins will be available at each school in the district for donation drop-offs and also at each winter concert. All non-expired food items are welcome, especially instant potatoes, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, soups, stuffing, tuna fish, etc.

The following are dates for the upcoming Phoenix concert schedule: 12/1/15 - MAM 3rd grade concert at 6:30 p.m. in the intermediate gym/café; 12/8/15 - 7th  and 8th  grade band/chorus concert at 7 p.m. in the JCB auditorium; 12/9/15 - 5th & 6th grade band/chorus concert at 7 p.m. in the JCB auditorium; 12/1515 - JCB Band and Chorus Concert at 7 p.m. in the JCB auditorium.

Phoenix students pack food boxes for those in need during last year’s holiday season. Please consider donating to this year’s cause; boxes available at each school in the district.

The annual Emerson J. Dillon Middle School Career Day provided students with opportunities to consider educational pathways needed to reach their desired careers.

About 30 professionals with careers in theater, architecture, cosmetology, dancing, radio, and firefighting, among other genres, spoke to students about how hard work and dedication is needed to be successful. All studentsin grades five through eight participated in three 40-minute breakout sessions.

Ann Pellegrino, pastry chef and owner of Gingersnap Cake Bakery in downtown Phoenix, encouraged students who are interested in culinary careers to pay attention in math so they can learn conversions of ingredients, in science so they understand what makes ingredients bind together, and English so they can read recipes and write to clients.

One student told Pellegrino a successful career will help him and other people make money to support themselves. Connecting academic purpose with career goals is a way to help students to plant seeds for the eighth-grade family and consumer science unit, according to School Counselor Andrew Quirk.  That helps students prepare for their high school and post-secondary academic careers.

“This is an attempt to get kids to broaden their horizons,” Quirk said.

EJD Sixth-grader Maurice Handy gives a treat to puppy Kimberly, as Guiding Eyes for
the Blind Dog Trainer Cynthia Swift engages with other students. Swift and nearly
30 other professionals were presenters at the school's recent Career Day, which aimed
to get students thinking about educational pathways for potential careers.