Beth Pritchard’s seventh-grade art students at Emerson J. Dillon Middle School recently participated in the Syracuse Chiefs poster contest, sponsored by NY’s 529 College Savings Program.

Using their knowledge of the elements of art, the students designed posters around the theme of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game!” After a panel of judges reviewed submissions, EJD seventh-graders Sara Brunell and Shay Altman were selected as winners for the sixth-eighth grade category. Both students were honored on the field during the May 4 Education Day at the NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse. Brunell and Altman were awarded Chiefs hats, certificates of honor and four tickets each to a future game.

All submitted posters from Central New York students also were on display throughout the stadium.

EJD Middle School students Sara Brunell and Shay Altman were honored during a recent Syracuse Chiefs
baseball game for creating winning baseball-themed poster designs.

As part of a yearlong effort to pay tribute to injured servicemen and women, Phoenix students have raised $500 for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Members of the John C. Birdlebough High School Student Council adopted the Wounded Warrior Project as its charitable cause for the year. The project serves veterans who sustained injuries during military service on or after September 11, 2001.

According to Student Council advisor Lisa Spereno, students and the community have embraced the cause since the beginning of the school year. Council members sold Wounded Warrior Project bracelets and organized a faculty versus Air Force game to raise money for the organization.

Michael A. Maroun Elementary School students and parents were recently reminded that physical fitness can occur at both home and school.

The school’s annual Parents in PE day was recently held in both gymnasiums to showcase fitness units students participate in throughout the year, including: eye-hand skills, cooperative games, hunting and gathering games, balance and eye-foot skills, among several other activities.

Physical Education Teacher Alice Benjamin commended parents for their at-home support and encouragement for students to put forth their best effort. One goal of Parents and PE, she said, was to provide fun fitness ideas for families to do together. Students and their parents enjoyed a bean bag relay race, hunting and gathering net game of catch, climbing a rock wall, and bean bag push up floor hockey, among several other activities.

Chris Prenoveau, MAM PE Teacher, told parents that at the beginning of each class he and Benjamin greet and shake hands with each student, which also helps improve eye-hand coordination.

Michael A. Maroun Elementary Second Grader Brandon Slater, right, races against his father Jeffrey Slater,
left, during a bean bag relay race as part of the annual Parents in PE day at the school.

Hundreds of exceptional student-athletes from schools across the county united for a day of competition, friendship and fun as part of the Oswego County Olympiad Invitational.

The event, held May 12 in the track area outside of John C. Birdlebough High School, featured nearly 400 participants representing all nine school districts in Oswego County as well as the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation. Students competed in adapted events, field activities, distance races and infield games such as beanbag tosses.

The day got underway with a parade around the track and some words of encouragement from emcee Greg Callen, founder of Move Along Inc., who is paralyzed from the waist down. Callen spoke about the obstacles he had to overcome and how athletics helped him succeed.

“I found that the coaching, mentoring, life skills and qualities that I got through athletics and competition transferred right into my work and what I do today,” Callen said. “I can always go back to athletics and remember what that gave me … and how athletics gave me the perseverance and the integrity to continue to strive forward.”

The Olympiad embodied Callen’s message of perseverance, as students helped one another across the finish line, volunteers handed out ribbons, friends and family high-fived the participants, and the student-athletes beamed with pride.

“We are so proud of everyone who participated, volunteered and donated to make the second annual Oswego County Olympiad Invitational such a huge success,” said Phoenix teacher Angie Neiss, who helped organize the event. “It’s awesome to see everything come together for a fun-filled day.” 

Photos of the event can be seen on the Phoenix Facebook page. 

Students in grades seven through 12 at Phoenix Central School District recently had the opportunity to showcase their artwork at a District Art Show held at John C. Birdlebough High School.

Parents, teachers and peers came out to the school in support of their loved ones’ artistic endeavors. The school halls were filled with paintings, photography, ceramics and more.

Many of the pieces shown displayed artistic concepts that were learned in class. For instance, after viewing ancient Navajo and Tibetan mandalas, eighth-grade artists were inspired to create such symmetrical name designs. The students researched typography, patterns and color schemes to disguise their names into their designs.

One piece that was on display was the trophy from the 29th Annual Feats of Clay competition held in May. Over 20 schools participate in this event, which is hosted by Clayscapes Pottery and supported by Onondaga Community College and the Independent Potters Association. Each year, the winning team adds their own piece to the trophy that represents their school. Phoenix Central School District and West Genesee School District earned the honor this year.

Phoenix student Megan Rowe stands proudly with her impressive and diverse art collection.

John C. Birdlebough High School students showered their teachers with appreciation for their commitment to students throughout the school year.

Student Council President Sarah Hoag said the recent belated Techer Appreciation Day ice cream social in the JCB cafeteria was held in honor of all of the sacrifices teachers make to help each student succeed. Senior Tyler Gabriele expressed his gratitude to JCB staff members for allowing students to learn from their own mistakes, all while encouraging students to never give up.

Representatives from each high school class offered remarks and thanked teachers for both their academic and moral support. Awards were given to staff members for different categories of service: demonstrating loyalty, being role models, showing encouragement, dedication, motivation, commitment, mentorship, inspiration, endurance and school spirit.

Students surprised Kathy Lees with a lifetime presidential award for her 25+ years of service to the Phoenix City School District community. Outgoing Principal Gregory Molloy received a standing ovation as he was honored by students for helping them have a wonderful high school experience.

JCB Principal Gregory Molloy, right, speaks to students and staff members as he receives recognition from
students for helping them have a wonderful high school experience. Looking on are students Tyler Gabriele,
left, and Sarah Hoag, second from left.

Emerson J. Dillon Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society chapter recently welcomed 22 new members.

New members include: Isabella Allen, Shay Altman, Amaya Baker, Katelyn Carbonaro, Emma Clark, Tabitha Clark, Brielle DeRoberts, Elizabeth Dona, Alicia Durst, Francesca Goodell, Noah Gordon, Cierra Harvey, Alivia Lamphere, Miranda LaRobadiere, Jock Li, Andrew Quinn, Lily Roberts, Aiden Southworth, Tamika Stobart, Liam Sweeney, Aidan Trumble and Thomas Uhl.

For consideration into the prestigious group, each inductee must embody the following qualifications: scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. Candles representing those pillars were lit by EJD Principal Sue Anderson and NJHS newly inducted officers: President Sarah Thorn, Vice President Keva Newby, Secretary Violet Ameele and Treasurer Brigid Lawless.

Co-adviser Helen Abbott said the students have served as role models to classmates and within the community they “have revealed their true character.” Jennifer Mainville, co-adviser, introduced each student and their accomplishments.

All students have exhibited strong academic skills and a sense of community. Each seventh- and eighth-grade student also wrote a letter to a teacher or person who has been an inspiration to them, several of whom pinned the inductees.

Emerson J. Dillon Middle School newly inducted National Junior Honor Society members, in the front two rows,
display their recognition certificates as current and former members in the back row show their support.

Student safety is a top priority at Michael A. Maroun Elementary School.

Several fourth-grade students were recently recognizedby School Counselor Nora Germain for their participation in the AAA School Safety Patrol throughout the 2015-2016 school year. For their efforts, Germain rewarded the patrol members with celebratory pizza and snacks. All 16 members received a certificate of recognition and a pin.

Germain thanked students for their commitment to keeping fellow elementary students safe in the school hallways and the bus area. Student Cody Hager came up with the idea to expand safety patrol services into the afternoon after he witnessed several students running to their busses earlier in the school year.

Wearing their fluorescent yellow safety patrol belts, students wrote tickets to classmates who exhibited unsafe behaviors and German helped address each issue as it arose.

Students will continue with their safety patrol duties until the first week of June.

MAM Elementary School fourth graders celebrate their accomplishments as AAA School Safety Patrol members
throughout the 2015-2016 school year.

Talent was on display in the John C. Birdlebough High School auditorium as students recently took the stage for the eighth annual talent show.

The evening featured 15 acts ranging from comedy to music to karate. While all the student performances earned the audience’s approval, Meghan Lees’ rendition of “Stone Cold” received the most votes and she took home top honors.

In addition to Lees’ performance, other musical acts included Jose Cavelino on the drums; Zachary Thompson on the piano and vocals; the Melodica Club’s “Movie Medley”; vocal duets by Zack Van Gorder and Zach Thompson, Hannah Nicole Grabowski and Evan Logee, and Chloe Koegel and Ned Greenough; vocal performances by Emily Forget, Olivia Ripley, Trinity Hessler and Alyssa Harrington; and a musical comedy dubbed the “Nostalgic Sandwich Project.”

John C. Birdlebough High School students ages 16 to 18 may further develop their leadership skills by joining Enterprise Fire Co. No. 1 in downtown Phoenix.

Participation in the volunteer fire department’s Restricted Access Member (RAM) Program has afforded Phoenix Central School District students the opportunity to expand their education, leadership abilities and sense of community. Superintendent Judy Belfield said some of JCB’s most dedicated students have participated in the program and she wished more students became involved in the structured environment. Chief John L. McDonald said he would welcome more young adults into the program.

RAM participants must maintain a passing average in school and obtain positive comments from teachers. Although they may ride in the firetrucks to a scene, set up ladders and help with the hose line, RAM members cannot fight fires until they reach the age of 18. They may enroll in firefighting courses if they wish to become a full-fledged Enterprise member or if they would like to pursue other firefighting careers.

Their dedication to the local program may be rewarded as their graduation approaches, as McDonald said a few scholarships are awarded each year.

Pictured in the back row, from left, are: Austin Pierce, Zack Scribner and Austin McDonald. In front, from left, are Douglas Shaffer and Teona Draper. All students are from JCB, except McDonald, who attends G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton.

Phoenix Central and Fulton City school district students enjoy a break
from their duties as members of the Enterprise Fire Co. No. 1’s
Restricted Access Member Program.

Michael A. Maroun Elementary School fourth graders enjoyed a step back in time during the recent the 30th annual Canal Days celebration.

Students walked from MAM to the canal system in downtown Phoenix and then huddled alongside the Oswego River where they learned about life skills, recreation and craftsmanship in the 1800s and early 1900s from historians that were in period costumes. Hands-on experiences included candle making, stitching, kneading bread, churning butter and participation in old-time games with assistance from members of John C. Birdlebough High School’s Leadership Team.

The fourth graders and their guests toured Tug Seneca, a medium-sized tug boat of the New York State Canal System. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?” one student said as he walked on deck. The fourth-grade teachers and Phoenix Central School District Superintendent Judy Belfield mingled with the students during the morning event.

Teacher Rebecca Coffin said students were able to connect to the activities and information because they had been learning about the canal and its impact on trade, travel, communities and businesses throughout the state.

The New York State Canal System in Phoenix was home to the 30th annual Canal Days where Michael A.
Maroun Elementary School fourth graders learned about life during the 1800s and early 1900s.

John C. Birdlebough High School symphonic band and wind ensemble members showcased their musical talents for a packed auditorium during their recent spring concert.

Staple high school pieces and challenging arrangements were wonderfully performed by the symphonic band, while wind ensemble members beautifully executed arrangements based on popular movies. Student Emily Roberts served as guest conductor of the symphonic band for “Psalm 42,” a powerful faith-based musical adventure with a strong euphonium solo performed by Christian Johnson. Audience members also applauded and cheered for soloists Julie Yates, Bryon Halstead, Joshua Margrey and Brian Breen for their percussion skills during the challenging song, “Duelin’ Xylos.”

The wind ensemble’s take on music from “The Lion King,” “Into the Woods,” “The Incredibles,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and Guardians of the Galaxy” was well received, as several guests were humming along to the familiar tunes.

David Frateschi, director of both the symphonic band and wind ensemble, commended students for their dedication and commitment to the emotion, technicality and demands of music. Superintendent Judy Belfield, JCB Principal Gregory Molloy and several Phoenix Alumni Band and Phoenix Band and Colorguard Boosters, Inc. members joined Frateschi in honoring the 21 band members of the senior class and other accomplished high school performers.

Several students were recognized for their participation in the New York State School Music Association Solo Fest, junior high area all-state, senior high all-state band and orchestra, outstanding jazz musicians, conference all-state band, all-county band, all-county orchestra, New Hartford Jazz all-stars, instrumentalist merit, instrumentalist musicianship and the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) honor band.

Wall plaques were presented to the following students: Mattingly Gleason (Patrick Gilmore plaque), Jacob Simpson (Woody Herman plaque), Jacob Nicolini (Louie Armstrong plaque), Derick White (Leonard Bernstein plaque), Joshua Dievendorf (Quincy Jones plaque) and Jacob Nicolini (John Phillip Sousa plaque). Catherine Barnhart received the Parade Band Award and Jacob Nicolini received the Phoenix Community Band Award.

NYSBDA Most Improved awards were given to Joshua Dievendorf, Christian Johnson and Nina Lewis, while Jacob Simpson received the NYSBDA Outstanding Musician Award and Mattingly Gleason received the NYSBDA Outstanding Musician Award. Dievendorf was also awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award, while Abigail Venskus received the Music department KEY and Amanda Briggs received the Instrumental department KEY.

JCB students in ninth- through 11th- grade received the following awards: Rookie Award, Olivia Ripley; Flexibility Award, Garrett Frink; Musicianship Award, Emily Roberts; Outstanding Talent, Sean Sievers; and Outstanding dedication, Zoe Heckert. JCB awards for seniors included: Outstanding Dedication, Karly McCann; Outstanding Talent, Marisa Dona; Outstanding Talent, Jolene Zaia; Musicianship Award, Carolynn Woodside; and Outstanding Dedication, Caitlynn Cromp.

Phoenix Alumni Band Scholarships were awarded to Jacob Nicolini, Abigail Venskus, Christopher Nicolella, Joshua Dievendorf and Derick White. The Michelle Huntley-Rudy Scholarship was awarded to Ashley Johnson and the Mark Storrings Service Scholarship was presented to Joshua Dievendorf.

The Phoenix Band and Colorguard Boosters presented the following scholarships: Eileen Kinney Colorguard Award to Caitlyn Hahn, Phoenix Band and Colorguard Booster Club Scholarships to Marrisa Ellis and Derick White. Ashley Johnson received the Phoenix Firebird Colorguard/Winterguard Scholarship and Marisa Dona received the Michelle Paczos Memorial Scholarship. The Michael Hyla Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Derick White, who also received the Smokey Kizer Scholarship.

Joshua Dievendorf received the new Selfless Service Scholarship, which was presented in honor of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5540 to an awardee to demonstrated qualities found in military service members and veterans.

Principal Molloy and Superintendent Belfield also presented senior cords to senior Tri-M Music Honor Society members.

Members of the JCB wind ensemble perform during their recent concert, which also served as a salute to seniors.

Awards were distributed to student athletes at Emerson J. Dillon (EJD) Middle School and John C. Birdlebough (JCB) High School recently, recognizing them for high academic achievement.

Students must be passing three subjects as well as physical education to participate in school sports. The Academic Achievement Awards recognize students for attaining the highest grade point averages on the team.

The EJD students honored were Miranda LaRobardiere, Liam Sweeney, Thomas Uhl, Jock Li, Caitlin George and Francesca Goodell. The JCB students recognized were Gianna DeRoberts, Garrett Watkins, Emilie Hilliard, Kellen Arnold, Natalie Hart, Kristine Rowe, Alexis Smith, Mike Sadoski, Morgan Gravlin, Josh Margrey and Spencer Evans.

Phoenix Athletic Director Stephen Musso expressed his pride in each of students, mentioning their determination and hard work. He challenged those who participated in one or two sports to continue to improve and perhaps even tackle another sport.

EJD High Academic Achievement Award recipients Thomas Uhl, Jock Li and Caitlin George receive their plaques from Stephen Musso and Principal Sue Anderson. Not photographed, Francesca Goodell also received the High Academic Scholar Athlete Award.

EJD High Academic Achievement Award recipients. From left, Athletic Director Stephen Musso, Miranda LaRobardiere, Liam Sweeney and EJD Principal Sue Anderson.

JCB High Academic Achievement Award-winners Gianna DeRoberts, Garrett Watkins, Emilie Hilliard, Kellen Arnold, Natalie Hart, Kristine Rowe, Alexis Smith, Mike Sadoski, Morgan Gravlin, Josh Margrey and Spencer Evens receive their plaques of recognition from Phoenix Athletic Director Stephen Musso (right). DeRoberts, Watkins, Hilliard and Arnold received the Highest Overall Academic Achievement Awards.

The Phoenix Firebirds Sports Boosters Club will host its 28th annual Gary Russell captain and crew golf tournament on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at Rose Creek Golf Course, 344County Route 33, Central Square.

The event will begin that day with an 8:30 a.m. check-in and a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start. Each player’s $75 donation includes golf, cart, food and beverages. Throughout the tournament there will be drawings and special prizes, including a $10,000 hole-in-one prize.

Men’s, women’s and mixed teams are encouraged to enter. Foursomes are limited, so reserve your team today to guarantee a spot.

Proceeds will benefit the club’s projects and scholarship fund. For more information, or to register, contact Bob Patzke via telephone at 575-3317 or via email at creasemonkey@twcny.rr.com.

We are excited to announce that the Phoenix Central School District is now offering the convenience of online registration for athletics and clearance through FamilyID. 

FamilyID is a secure registration platform that provides you with an easy, user-friendly way to register for our athletic programs.  It will allow the district to be more administratively efficient and environmentally responsible eliminating the need for district nurses to complete, file, and store hundreds of documents. This program is replacing the current paper process.  You will no longer need to submit paperwork to the nurse or athletic office for sports signups and clearance. Everything will be completed online. 

Starting with the fall 2016 season, families must register through the FamilyID system prior to participating in any Phoenix athletic program.  Each student will need an up-to-date sports physical that parents/guardians can upload to the student’s profile. If your child has already completed their physical for the 2016-17 year with the school nurse, there is no need to have the student re-examined. However, you will have to register through the online system. Once registered, the system keeps track of your profile so you enter your information only once for multiple uses, multiple family members and multiple programs.Students not registered will not be permitted to participate. 

Registration is easy, simply visit the Athletic Registration page and follow the intructions.

Fall sports start dates:

JV/V:
Start Date – August 15, 2016
Registration begins/opens – July 18, 2016
***DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS August 10, 2016***
 
MODIFIED:
Start Date – August 29, 2016
Registration begins/opens – July 18, 2016
***DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS August 24, 2016***

Several Emerson J. Dillon Middle School Students have earned either gold or silver star honors on their report cards for Marking Period 4.

Students who achieved a quarterly average of 90 or higher, with no failing or incomplete grades, earned a gold star. Silver stars were awarded to students who achieved a quarterly average of 85 to 89.99, with no incomplete or failing grades. Gold and silver star recipients were treated to a special activity to honor their accomplishments. The following students will receive a certificate acknowledging their accomplishments:

Fifth-grade gold star recipients include: Kathryn AuClair, Chase Bacon, Isaiah Bergman, Allenmichael Borasky, Grayson Brady, Elisabeth Caltabiano, Liam Campanino, Solomon Campbell, Courtney Carter, Meghan Clothier, Reghan Conley, Dominic Croteau, Blake Duncan, Emily Dunn-Hulett, Hayley Dygert, Mark Eusepi Jr., Michael Farrar, Madison Fatcheric, Evan Fox, Damian Fratello, Zoe Gordon, Lindsey Goudy, Mia Graham, Kenidee Grover, Mallory Hess, Jason Hilton, Blake Hoyt, Mattie Hunt, Evan Isabell, Olivia Isabella, Alan Jacques, Conor Jones, Dylan Jones, Chase Kenner-Carbonaro, Morgan Lynch, Brooke McCann, John McDonald, Peyton Nichols, Tateum Patnode, Cody Perry, Logan Petrie, Lillianne Quinn, Hannah Reilley, Thomas Rose III, Sheriden Southworth, Zoey Stone, Ryan Thompson, Alexander Whaley, Austin Wilder and Sean Wood Jr.

Fifth-grade silver star recipients include: Ethan Bruno, Aiyannah Bukowski, Donnivan Bukowski, Jonathon Burgess, Peyton Callahan, Victoria Cerullo, Isaac Chesbro, Alexis Crandall, Milani Eldred, Natalie Fay, Robert Finch Jr., Shawn Froio, Anthony Guglielmo, Chloe Harvey, Riley Huntley, Brandon Ingoldby, Joseph Karasek, Lillian Maty, Mikayla Maxam, Jenna Moore, Jason Phoenix, Edward Pitcher, Sahara Sardo, Lillie Shaffer, Celia Tangorra and Julianna Williams.

Sixth-grade gold star recipients are: Sarah Andrews, Sarah Ashby, Virginia Bednarski, Adrianna Breckheimer, Gracie Britton, Thomas Checksfield, Kaitlyn Chesbro, Chloe Coughlin, Johnathan Dion, Isaiah Gordon, Joseph Green, Madisen Guerrero, James Hagg II, Jonah Hawthorne, Bethany Hook, Tye Hughes, Autumn Kelly, Maggie LaPine, Larissa MacDonald, Hannah McArthur, Jacob Neupert, Katelyn Pyzdrowski, Ariana Richway, Kylie Russo, Taylor Smith, Daniel Stellingwerf and Sean Stevens.

Sixth-grade silver star recipients are: Landon Armstrong, Noah Bartholomew, Stephen Beal, Masson Bell, Zackery Bennett, Mathew Bernard, Alissa Bova, Conner Calkins, Jake Charleston, Mary Crandall, Matthew Files, Dominic Germain, Mariah Gilligan, Alexandra Hopps, Alaina Hubbell, Jayde Jacobson, Willyam Jolly, Nicholas Joseph, Grace Landis, Nevaeh Lando, Grace McDonald, Max Morgan, Brady Munger, McKenna Neiss, Carter Norton, Carter Pinkley, Jarvis Piscitelli, Curtis Pitcher, Kelsey Redhead, Olivia Snyder, Chastity Thomas and Austin Wagar.

Gold-star recipients in seventh-grade include: Isabella Allen, Shay Altman, Emily Babbitt, Amaya Baker, Nicholas Bartlett, Ashleigh Besaw, Haley Bowersox, Sara Brunell, Chloe Calkins, Hannah Charleston, Emma Clark, Tabitha Clark, Sophia Crandall, Brielle DeRoberts, Alicia Durst, Alivia Eusepi, Francesca Goodell, Noah Gordon, Cierra Harvey, Nathan Kosakowski, Alivia Lamphere, Miranda LaRobardiere, Jock Li, Megan Lytle, Owen Lytle, Samantha McLoughlin, Zack Mills, Garret Morrissiey, Imari Piscitelli, Andrew Quinn, Tyler Redhead, Connor Roberts, Lily Roberts, William Semanchuk-Enser, Aiden Southworth, Nathaniel Sutter, Liam Sweeney, Zoie Tracy, Melody Trask,Sophia Trinca, Aidan Trumble, Thomas Uhl, Michael VanAuken Jr. and Mason Watkins.

Silver-star recipients in seventh-grade include: Natalie Brown, Kelsie Burgess, Hailie Dailey, Alexis Dryer, Ethan Fox, Hailey Fredericks, Zachary Green, Mattison Hess, Katherine Holbrook, Patricia Lamach, Jillian Loy, Hailey Maldonado, Robert Minard, Alex Olschewske, Keaton Renfrew, Brett Sears, Garrett Strang, Benjamin Thibault and Corinne Thibault.

Eighth-grade gold star recipients are: Emma Allers, Violet Ameele, Grace Arnold, Danielle Case, Cheyenne Cook, Jeffrey Cooper, Michael Dion, Elisabeth Dona, Darren Fischel, Caitlin George, Hailey Goudy, Allison Grabowski, Cassadee Handville, Trish Harris, Samantha Harrison, Keera Hazen, Carly Ingerson, Paige Isabell, Laila Jones,  Ann Joseph, Madison Kalt, Katelyn Kenner-Carbonaro, Jena Klimaszewski, Brigid Lawless, Julianna Lewis, Tina Li, Chloe Lytle, Amaya Malambri, Christian McKay, Alexandria Mills, Caitlyn Mitchell, Joseph Murphy, Savannah Neupert, Kelise Newby, Keva Newby, Skyler Patnode, Taylor Petrie, Ethan Remington, Aubrianna Renfrew, Leah Schlachter, Jacob St. Laurent, Tamika Stobart, Sarah Thorn, Nicole Tulowiecki, Teresa Uhl, Madison VanAuken, Grace Vestigo and Madison Watkins.

Eighth-grade silver-star recipients are: Olivia Bigelow, Mason Bresett, Jadan Bruno, Brianna Buonagurio, Alexis Capenos, Conner Cole, Jacob Cooper, Christa Delaney, Samuel Guthrie, Adam Hahn, Brianna Horn, Natalie King, Zaya Koegel, Lauren Kraft, Hailey Liscomb, Bradyn Lough, Matthew Maestri, Abigail Meaker, Brooke Palmer, Madison Pelton, Love Phillips, Vanessa Rivera, Lilly Salotto, Ayden Slack, Jacob Tangorra, Nicholas Vaverchak, Seth Watkins, Paige Weldin, Destiny Whitcomb and Elijah Young.

John C. Birdlebough High School freshmen were accompanied by upperclassmen as they explored the school during a recent freshman orientation.

After the guided tour, the students were tasked with navigating the hallways themselves to practice their bell schedules in preparation of the start of the 2016-2017 school year.

“You’ll get used to it after a couple of weeks,” one upperclassman told a nervous freshman.

From left, JCB sophomores Olivia Thrall and Megan
Hess, join freshmen Mackenzie Gleason, Carly
Ingerson, Jazmine Butler and Lana Brown on a tour
of the high school.

A class art project that began last year with students at Emerson J. Dillon Middle School made its impact across the globe this summer.

The Phoenix Central School District’s global reach stemmed from a project last spring spearheaded by EJD art teacher Ashley Modafferi. As part of the Memory Project, eighth-grade studio art students transformed photos of Peruvian orphans into hand-drawn portraits intended to help the children feel loved and to spread kindness throughout the world.

When the children in Peru received these portraits over the summer, a video crew was on hand to document their reactions. For Modafferi, the joy on the recipients’ faces was rewarding and heartwarming.

“I couldn't be prouder and more excited about this opportunity,” Modafferi said. “I had to share!”

Two Phoenix Central School District graduates began their freshmen semesters this fall with a financial boost from the Robert & Roberta Hurd Scholarship Fund.

Alex Brutcher and Morgan Stobart, members of the John C. Birdlebough Class of 2016, were the recipients of the scholarship. Brutcher received $40,000 to continue his education at Ithaca College, while Stobart was awarded $10,000 for tuition at Clarkson University.

The awards are part of a nearly $1 million bequest gift from the Hurds, alumni of Phoenix schools who wanted to give back to the community long after they passed away. Although Robert and Roberta graduated more than 70 years ago, their love of Phoenix and appreciation of their education journey left a lasting impact, which Brutcher and Stobart can attest to.

With the 2016-2017 school year underway, parents in the Phoenix Central School District had a chance to meet their child’s teachers and tour the elementary and middle schools during recent open houses.

At Emerson J. Dillon Middle School, students led their parents around the building, stopping in different classrooms and meeting with teachers in each academic area. Parents learned about classroom expectations and discussed their child’s progress and goals for the school year.

Much like the middle school open house, the elementary school was bustling with excitement during its open house Sept. 21. Families and students filled the halls and classrooms of Michael A. Maroun Elementary, eager to meet the teachers and check out various class projects. Students in the kindergarten wing practiced writing their name while older students read stories and showed off their work.

According to Principal Brett Doody, the open house always draws a large crowd to the building and provides an opportunity for parents to be engaged in their child’s learning. “It’s great to see such a turnout,” Doody said. “We’re looking forward to a great year.”