Students at Michael A. Maroun Elementary School are committed to increasing literacy in the Phoenix community by placing little libraries throughout the village.

MAM Teacher Desiree Moore said a group of students conducted research about access to books and found that some of their peers had never borrowed books and some had never been to a public library. After the students learned about a ‘little library’ that was near the public library, they were empowered to offer more little libraries so people could access books at places they visit or in more rural areas.

Little libraries are small, free-standing structures in communities that anyone can visit, select a book to take or borrow, and return at any little library location if they choose. People may also donate books to the little libraries.

The group of students wrote letters, asking people for donations, sought help from another class to help build little libraries and asked the Parent-Faculty Organization for a donation to be used for construction. Staff members were also asked to donate books to help fill the little libraries.

Two little libraries have been constructed and Moore has sought volunteers to help build a third little library.

MAM Elementary School students proudly display the
little library they developed to increase access to books
throughout the community. MAM Teacher Desiree Moore,
top right, helped organize the effort.

At Emerson J. Dillon Middle School, students have learned to embrace the school lifestyle, “Dillon Way.”

This means students in grades five through eight are committed to strengthening their teams, taking on challenges and embodying the school’s character education traits. EJD recently held a Fall Kickoff for the 2016 Dillon Way, a full-day event where teams showcased their banners, chanted, completed team-building exercised and challenges and participated in relay races and games.

Grade-level teams who exemplify the Dillon Way will earn points throughout the school year and whichever teams earns the highest amount will be rewarded with a celebration day in the spring.

Nicole Covell has always been data-driven.

A passion for strategizing led her to the Director of Data and Response to Intervention position within the Phoenix Central School District. Since her appointment in early 2016, Covell has immersed herself in data verification for state reporting, including requirements for teacher certifications. She also has spent much of her time analyzing PCSD data to help district officials identify areas needing improvement so more targeted instruction can take place.

The ultimate goal, she said, is for students to understand information and increase achievement.

Throughout several core departments, Covell has helped staff members develop action plans, which include participation in monthly data meetings and hosting professional development days to learn the best utilization of resources. Instructional specialists participate in those discussions, she said, so data is consistently reviewed throughout the district.

Data is compiled from state testing, labs, student work and several other structures.

Familiar with the greater PCSD family, Covell worked as district data coordinator through the Central New York Regional Information Center. She also was a math instructional specialist (K-5) in another school district after she obtained her undergraduate and master’s degrees. In 2014, Covell obtained her Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in School Building Leadership and School District Leader from LeMoyne College.

Nicole Covell, Phoenix Central School District Director
of Data and Response to Intervention, left, leads a
summer data training program for district math teachers.

New Phoenix Central School District employees recently attended an orientation to become more acclimated with the district policies and procedures.

Superintendent Christopher J. Byrne welcomed four new district staff members at the event before they explored professional learning opportunities from Robert Edwards, Director of Instruction and Personnel. All participants completed various activities, reviewed data collection processes, learned about technology applications and met several additional district employees.

The orientation concluded with a tour of the district with the following stops: Michael A. Maroun Elementary, Emerson J. Dillon Middle School and John C. Birdlebough High School.

Pictured, from left, are: Sarah Roberts, MAM and EJD social worker, Caryn Conway, PCSD speech and language pathologist, Sharon Hagadorn, EJD speech/language pathologist, and J.P. LaRosa, EJD eighth-grade social studies teacher.

For about an hour, Michael A. Maroun Elementary School fourth-graders became honorary members of the six nations that make up the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

In the midst of an academic unit on the Haudenosaunee people, the students represented the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora nations as part of the recent Merry-Go-Round Playhouse’s interactive performance of “There Once was a Longhouse.” Students sat around make-shift camp fires where they became acclimated with Native American customs and traditions.

The school’s intermediate cafeteria was transformed into a Haudenosaunee cultural experience, with a longhouse replica on stage. Separated into the six nations, students learned about the lifestyles of the Haudenosaunee people.

The three Playhouse actors invited select students to participate in a “game of skill” where they pretended to be hunters sneaking up on a deer. The students also cheered and clapped as they learned traditional Haudenosaunee dance and song.

Merry-Go-Round Playhouse actress Molly Siskin,
who portrayed a woman named Odankot, congratulates
fourth-graders Jacob Lindsley, Ezekiel Shatrau and
Angel Preston on winning a game during a play about
the Haudenosaunee people at MAM Elementary.

Emerson J. Dillon Middle School eighth-grade studio art students recently traveled to the Everson Art Museum in Syracuse where a docent showcased special exhibitions, the museum’s permanent collection, architecture highlights and ceramic pieces.

The students viewed famous works from artists such as Andy Warhol, Janet Fish and Adelaide Alsop Robineau. Using their sketchbooks throughout the tour, they recorded memorable details and chose their favorite work of art to formally critique in class using their knowledge of the Elements and Principles of Design. Teacher Beth Pritchard said it was exciting as an educator to watch her students analyze famous works by using art vocabulary and other knowledge learned in class.

The trip was made possible by the Richard S. Shineman Foundation Bus Fund, which was established in 2015 to subsidize bus transportation for Oswego County schools to engage in art museum experiences.

Eighth-grade studio art students from EJD Middle School
recently explored the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse.

Academic excellence was in the spotlight at a recent Phoenix Central School District Board of Education meeting, as high school student Brian Breen was recognized for his performance on the PSAT exam.

On hand for the recognition were Thomas Bailer, JCB Principal; Diane Breen; Brian Breen, Patrick Breen; Earl Rudy, PCSD Board of Education president; and Christopher Byrne, Superintendent of Phoenix schools.

Breen, a senior at John C. Birdlebough High School, was one of the nearly 1.6 million high school students who took the test last October. He scored among the best, which earned him the title “Commended Student” in the National Merit Scholarship program.

“We are so proud of Brian; he is a fine representative of the Phoenix Central School District,” said JCB Principal Thomas Bailer. “He excels in the classroom and is an all-around great student.”

The PCSD Board of Education honored Breen with a letter of commendation during an October meeting.

Several Emerson J. Dillon Middle School students were recently caught following the “Dillon Way,” by showing respect, kindness, courtesy and other attributes throughout the school hallways and classrooms.

For their efforts, all honorees were presented with gift certificates. The following students were recognized as September Dillon Way winners:  Holt Reed, Sabrina Haynes, Mariah Metot, Allen Borasky, Alivia Lamphere, Nick Merritt, Aiden Baldwin, Nathan Gaylord, Dominic Germain, Joey Abt, Alyssa Lantry, Jonathan Campbell, Danielle Loy, Zoe Green, Tyler Widger and Zoe Gordon.

EJD Middle School students beam with pride
after being recognized for following the “Dillon
Way.” Absent from the photo are Zoe Gordon
and Tyler Widger.

Phoenix kindergartners recently explored the world of paleontology during a virtual field trip to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

In collaboration with the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation, students in Mary Paye’s kindergarten class were connected to the museum through the Dino Dig videoconference. The interactive program featured a dinosaur expert who, through hands-on activities, demonstrated the fossilization process. Students learned about the job responsibilities of paleontologists, how fossils are made, and created their own fossils to keep and take home.

The lesson infused scientific discovery through the use of technology, which is one of Paye’s ongoing strategies to help reinforce each class discussion.

“(I strive to) enhance our classroom’s blended instruction, prepare students for continued use of technology in their classrooms and maintain student engagement and enthusiasm,” Paye said.

That strategy played out as students asked questions and were enthralled with the lesson throughout the videoconference.

Thirty John C. Birdlebough High School students were recognized for their scholarship, leadership, character and service as they were recently inducted into the National Honor Society.

Family, friends, teachers and Phoenix Central School District administrators filled the school auditorium to congratulate the students during a ceremony Nov. 1. NHS adviser Angie Neiss applauded the students for their accomplishments and said she is looking forward to working with the inductees in the future.

Assistant Principal Patrick Fitch echoed Neiss’ sentiments as the students prepared to take the NHS pledge. “This represents an extremely prestigious and honorable level of achievement,” Fitch said. “You have demonstrated the qualities of scholarship, leadership, service and character.”

After reciting the pledge, current NHS members introduced the inductees and welcomed them into the organization. Superintendent Christopher Byrne made the induction official as he presented the students with a pin signifying their membership into the NHS.

The newest members of the Phoenix chapter of the NHS join 50 existing members. This year’s inductees were Gabriella Allen, Keara Backus, Maggie Lee Basile, Marcus Berube, Erika Brown, Ashley Carbonaro, Gianna DeRoberts, Cahel Donovan, Matthew Francis, Hannah Gilbert, Declan Hawthorne, Nicole Henry, Megan Hess, Emilie Hilliard, Wendy Li, Ashley Margrey, Taylor Mattice, Jacob Murphy, Makayla Newvine, Olivia Ripley, Kristine Rowe, Hannah Sallis, Mairin Sgroi, Mariah Scheirer, Crystal Stobart, Olivia Thrall, Josh Van Gorder, Garrett Watkins, Sydney Young and Edward Zellar.

Students at John C. Birdlebough High School recently capped off Red Ribbon Week with nationally recognized speaker David Flood.

Flood infused humor and honesty into his motivational presentation. He touched on a variety of issues such as drug and alcohol addiction, parenthood, respect and compassion.

“We are all alike on the inside,” Flood said as he encouraged students to embrace their individuality. “Stop looking at people on the outside and starting looking on the inside.”

As part of his presentation, he encouraged students to be accepting of people who are perceived as being different. Flood challenged the group to ensure that no student ever eats alone at school.

The students accepted the challenge and pledged to carry on that theme throughout the school year.

Students in Carol Blackburn’s participation in government class at John C. Birdlebough High School gather for a group photo following a Veterans Day assembly. The students are joined by National Guard Staff Sgt. John Poyneer, Sgt. Erica Loucks and JCB Assistant Principal Patrick Fitch.

Patriotism and gratitude were on display at John C. Birdlebough High School as students honored members of the armed forces – past and present – during a recent Veterans Day assembly.

Upperclassmen in Carol Blackburn’s participation in government class hosted the program in the auditorium. American flags, a wreath and a modified battlefield cross were arranged on stage while students read poems, performed patriotic songs and honored local veterans in a video slideshow tribute.

“We feel strongly about recognizing our veterans,” Blackburn said. “Every year we host a ceremony and we’ve added to it over the years.”

This year’s assembly also featured two members of the New York National Guard. Sgt. Erica Loucks recited the Soldier’s Creed and Staff Sgt. John Poyneer discussed his appreciation for our servicemen and women as part of the ceremony.

Several hours before the polls closed on Election Day, students at Emerson J. Dillon Middle School had already selected Donald Trump as their choice for President of the United States of America.

The school’s library media center was recently transformed into a voting center, complete with a sign-in desk and voting privacy screens made by art students. At each voting station, students used a tablet to scan a QR code which brought up a Google Docs “ballot” with the names of Trump, Hillary Clinton, Jill Stein and Gary Johnson. Students in grades five through eight cast their digital ballot, with 423 votes for Trump, 100 votes for Clinton, 15 votes for Stein and no votes for Johnson. For their efforts, the students received an “I Voted” sticker.

Although the middle-schoolers are several years younger than the legal voting age of 18, Social Studies Teacher John Dalgety said their participation in the mock election showed their enthusiasm for learning about the electoral process. Teachers also spoke with students about how social media has affected the national election.

EJD Middle School Sixth-Grader Madison Coutchure votes in her
school’s recent mock election.

Emerson J. Dillon Middle School was buzzing with activity as students recently explored nearly three dozen job opportunities.

Career Day, organized by the guidance department, introduced students to employers and workers representing a variety of job sectors. Area business owners were on hand to discuss all aspects of their jobs, ranging from education to daily responsibilities.

“This gives the students a better understanding of the world around them and what they can do after graduation,” said counselor Katherine Barber.

Fifth- through eighth-graders completed a career profile and attended three sessions that best matched their interests. The sessions included health, law enforcement, the armed services, education, culinary, arts and entertainment, nuclear engineering, firefighting, veterinary science and more.

“By having so many different businesses and organizations available, students can really learn about the things they are interested in doing for a career,” Barber said. “They’re able to make those connections. It’s a great event and it gives the students some perspective – where they can see themselves in the future.”

Chinese culture was in the air as Phoenix third-graders recently learned about customs, diversity and selflessness during an arts-in-education performance.

Actors from Merry-Go-Round Playhouse were on hand to help students gain a better understanding of language, history and the arts through a performance of “The Magic Paintbrush.” Through the play, students learned about plot points and story themes while expanding their vocabulary and delving into Chinese culture.

“This play gives students the theater experience and is a nice way to incorporate the arts in education,” said actor Jason Coppenbarger.  “It ties into the curriculum, gives them a taste of a different culture and shows them the importance of selflessness and bravery.”

Students were captivated as they watched the folktale unfold in the cafeteria, which was transformed into a small Chinese fishing village for the performance. They followed the tale of artist Xiao Yu, whose magical paintbrush makes her work come to life. Although she uses her power to help her poverty-stricken community, Yu faces a moral dilemma when she is captured by the evil emperor and forced to choose between good and evil.

A dozen student musicians from the Phoenix Central School District recently joined elite company as they were inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

The national organization, dubbed Tri-M for “modern music masters,” recognizes students who excel in music class while also demonstrating character and leadership abilities. Members participate in various service projects, such as the Toys for Tots campaign, throughout the year as well.

According to Phoenix Tri-M chapter adviser Liza Grethel, the inductees are much more than talented musicians. “I’m very happy to welcome so many talented, positive, uplifting students to Tri-M,” she said. “They carry on the (PCSD’s) proud music tradition, they volunteer in the community and they do well in the classroom.”

Grethel and current Tri-M members congratulated the inductees as they took the pledge into the honor society. The inductees include Violet Ameele, Garrett Frink, Alyssa Goudy, Hailey Goudy, Hannah Grabowski, Zoe Heckert, Kaitlyn McArthur, Skyler Patnode, Emily Roberts, Sarah Thorn, Joshua VanGorder and Julie Yates.

“You are now in the unique position of being able to pass on the ‘torch of musical knowledge’ to colleagues and future beneficiaries of musical arts,” Grethel said. “May you represent Tri-M with pride and dignity as you continue to demonstrate the value of music in your life and share your gift with your school and community. Welcome to the Tri-M family.”

John C. Birdlebough student actors recently showcased their talents with a fall production of “The Curious Savage.”

The cast of 11 helped tell the story of Mrs. Savage, who inherits $10 million when her husband dies. The story follows the path of Mrs. Savage and her stepchildren as they battle over how the money should be spent.

“The characters are fabulous and there’s depth upon depth and layer upon layer in this story,” said director Brian Logee. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful story.”

Audience members were captivated as the student actors transformed into the complex characters and told the story of “The Curious Savage.”

Although the dominant mood of the play was comedy, Logee noted that the end result went beyond laughter. The audience left with a feeling that there is hope in humanity and kindness is not lost, he said.

Seniors in Lisa Spereno’s English classes at John C. Birdlebough High School recently brought books and characters to life through a variety of group projects.

As part of a war in literature unit, students read “Fallen Angels,” “Fearless,” “Unbroken” and “Johnny Got His Gun,” each focusing on different eras and battles throughout history. After reading their selected title, students worked in groups to showcase what they learned.

“The students really did a great job on their presentations,” Spereno said. “The group that did ‘Johnny Got His Gun,’ thought outside the box and acted out scenes, which was awesome.”

For senior Matt Vestigo, re-enacting scenes from the book was a unique but powerful project.

“We probably spent about 10 hours creating the scenes, rehearsing and brainstorming ideas,” he said, noting that the presentation helped reinforce what he read in the book. “The beginning was hard to follow and a bit confusing at times, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book.”

Phoenix students are learning much more than drawing and painting in Kathy Lambert’s classroom, as guest artist Dennis Pullen recently provided them with a lesson in perseverance.

Pullen, a quadriplegic painter who has received numerous awards for his work, met with Michael A. Maroun Elementary students to share his story about how he turned tragedy to triumph. Despite an accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down, Pullen refused to give up doing the things that make him happy. He holds a job, works to improve lives for people with disabilities and is a talented artist.

“We’re more alike than we are different,” he said to a class of fourth-graders. “Sure, we have some differences – I’m in a wheelchair – but there are a lot more ways we are alike. We all like to go on vacations, watch movies, go on rides, hang out with friends, play on the computer … lots of things.”

Academic excellence was in the spotlight at Emerson J. Dillon Middle School during the first quarter, as hundreds of students earned exceptional grade-point averages.

Those who achieved an overall average of 90 or better, with no failing or incomplete grades, earned a Gold Star certificate and an ice cream social. Similar recognition was given to the Silver Star winners, who posted an average between 80 and 89.99. Below are the winners by grade level.

Grade 5 Gold Stars

Peyton Aller, Lyla Barrow, Avery Bowman, Myah Burnham, Noah Bushnoe, Marissa Cacciola, Madalyn Carter, Owen Champion, Zoey Coleman, Ty Corey, Landon Crandall, Amelie Creighton, Gabriella Dates, Caitlin Dean, Sophie Delahunt, Anthony DeMarchi, Rylee Denslow, Marra DiGiovanni, Erika Dygert, Hunter Eldred, Gianna Ende, Mackenzie Fatcheric, Savannah Felix, Leland Frantz, Matthew Froio, Nathan Gaylord, Harleigh Greenleaf, Collin Gulliver, Haley Hammond, Sabrina Haynes, Donald Hook, Lincoln Kersey, Brandon Kimball, Cameron Kreis, Ava Kuropatwinski, Kaylen Lamphere, Beth Landers, Emily LaPine, Brycen LaRobardiere, Jason LaRonde, Zachary Lindsley, Lillian MacDonald, Lia McBurnie, Chase McElyea, Cayden McKay, Mariyah Metot, Jordyn Meyers, Claire Minney, Austin Moore, Alyssa Murphy, Caedance Myer, Degan Parker, Macray Pelton, Ellie Peterson, Alexis Phoenix, Gaige Pitre, Margo Pritting, Charles Quaco, Nathaniel Quaco, Jayden Rawson, Mason Renfrew, Ethan Reynolds, Nicholas Root, Sara Ruetsch, Arlin Russo, Lucas Stellingwerf, Alaina Sutter, Landen Thatcher, Chloe Thomas, Lukas Wooding and Luke Zellar.

Grade 5 Silver Stars

Emma Bova, Savannah Brown, Shane Byrne, Dakoda Capozzi, Charles Crandall, Tyler D’Arcy, Emma Dailey, Dakota Delaney, Jaylynn Dwyer, Abrielle Fayette, Mason Gollaher, Joshua Gullen Jr., Cody Hager, Parker Hall, Isabelle Hillman, Jason Jones, Koby Kitts, Sadiemae Maher, Hannah Morrison, Alissa Newman, Gerald Nolan III, Hunter Potts, Ryanna Rose, Logan Smallman, Nathan Worden and Miranda Young.

Grade 6 Gold Stars

Chase Bacon, Isaiah Bergman, Allenmichael Borasky, Elisabeth Caltabiano, Liam Campanino, Courtney Carter, Hayley Dygert, Michael Farrar, Madison Fatcheric, Evan Fox, Lindsey Goudy, Mia Graham, Kenidee Grover, Blake Hoyt, Mattie Hunt, Evan Isabell, Olivia Isabella, Alan Jacques, Conor Jones, Chase Kenner-Carbonaro, Morgan Lynch, Brooke McCann, Peyton Nichols, Tateum Patnode, Cody Perry, Logan Petrie, Lillianne Quinn, Hannah Reilley, Sheriden Southworth and Alexander Whaley.

Grade 6 Silver Stars

Joseph Abt, Grayson Brady, Solomon Campbell, Isaac Chesbro, Mackenzie Chetney, Christopher Clarke II, Meghan Clothier, Reghan Conley, Alexis Crandall, Blake Duncan, Emily Dunn-Hulett, Mark Eusepi Jr., Zoe Gordon, Mallory Hess, Merlin Lough, John McDonald, Jenna Moore, Edward Pitcher, Celia Tangorra, Ryan Thompson and Austin Wilder.

Grade 7 Gold Stars

Sarah Andrews, Landon Armstrong, Sarah Ashby, Stephen Beal, Virginia Bednarski, Mathew Bernard, Adrianna Breckheimer, Conner Calkins, Brendan Champion, Thomas Checksfield, Chloe Coughlin, Mary Crandall, Johnathan Dion, Mariah Gilligan, Isaiah Gordon, James Hagg II, Jonah Hawthorne, Jalyn Henry, Bethany Hook, Alexandra Hopps, Alaina Hubbell, Autumn Kelly, Lee Ketaily, Karson Kimball, Grace Landis, Maggie LaPine, Larissa MacDonald, Hannah McArthur, McKenna Neiss, Jacob Neupert, Katelyn Pyzdrowski, Kelsey Redhead, Ariana Richway, Kylie Russo, Taylor Smith, Chastity Thomas and Austin Wagar.

Grade 7 Silver Stars

Noah Bartholomew, Masson Bell, Alissa Bova, Ian Burgett, Kaitlyn Chesbro, Breannah Demo, Matthew Files, Charity Frantz, Brian Gibbs, Joseph Green, Maurice Handy, Nicholas Hanson, Jeffrey Horner, Tye Hughes, Zackary Hunter, Daren Jackson, Jayde Jacobson, Willyam Jolly, Nevaeh Lando, Dominick Mason, Grace McDonald, Cody McFall, Madeline Mills, Erick Moreira, Max Morgan, Brady Munger, Weston Murphy, Carson Newvine, Gabriella Payne, Carter Pinkley, Jarvis Piscitelli, Curtis Pitcher, Hanadi Sardo, Nicholas Sisera, Jacob Smallman, Olivia Snyder, Brooke-Lynne Springer, Daniel Stellingwerf, Sean Stevens, Gaven Sutter, Ella Tangorra and John Wallace.

Grade 8 Gold Stars

Isabella Allen, Shay Altman, Nicholas Bartlett, Natalie Brown, Sara Brunell, Chloe Calkins, Hannah Charleston, Emma Clark, Tabitha Clark, Sophia Crandall, Brielle DeRoberts, Alicia Durst, Hailey Fredericks, Francesca Goodell, Noah Gordon, Cierra Harvey, Mattison Hess, Nathan Kosakowski, Alivia Lamphere, Miranda LaRobardiere, Jock Li, Tori-Lenn Loosen, Megan Lytle, Owen Lytle, Zack Mills, Imari Piscitelli, Andrew Quinn, Tyler Redhead, Keaton Renfrew, Connor Roberts, Lily Roberts,  Mackenzie Shank, Aiden Southworth, Nathaniel Sutter, Liam Sweeney, Benjamin Thibault, Corinne Thibault, Zoie Tracy, Melody Trask, Sophia Trinca, Aidan Trumble, Thomas Uhl, Michael VanAuken Jr., Ashlyn Wallace and Mason Watkins.

Grade 8 Silver Stars

Chase Altman, Ashleigh Besaw, Haley Bowersox, Kelsie Burgess, Jonathan Campbell, Kaelyn Cartwright, Alexander Coons, Hailie Dailey, Alexis Dryer, Ethan Fox, Zachary Green, Katherine Holbrook, Braden Jolly, Amanda Justian, Lillyan Kingsbury, Patricia Lamach, Jacob LaRocque, Brianna Lenway, Danielle Loy, Jillian Loy, Robert Minard, Joseph Palmer, Roemello Rondinello, Brett Sears, William Semanchuk-Enser, Garrett Strang, Caitlyn Sutkus and Jada Wyatt.