September Welcome Back Newsletter

 Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 2024-25 Northville CSD school year! I hope your summer was more peaceful and relaxing. We had a well-attended summer enrichment program, and the youth summer program offered students many activities and Thursday field trips, all effectively managed by the new director. 

Mrs. Feldman-Kohl shared this picture from one of her rafting adventures this summer. It definitely resonated with me on the morning of August 16th. This summer, we replaced the unit ventilators in almost every classroom in the school as the final task in our current capital project. What a ride it has been! I walked the building on the 16th and was thankful that our facilities staff was coming in early, working late, and putting in Saturdays to prepare our building for the first day of school. I want to thank the staff who have been patient and flexible in moving from room to room to do their work this summer. This project was more involved than I'd expected -- definitely one of those "Wait, what?" teaching moments I will never forget!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 

We welcomed our children and families to the 2024-25 school year with an ice cream social on Tuesday and a smooth entry into the school year on Wednesday. As always, we are so grateful to our transportation department and bus drivers for their support all year long! (Videos sometimes take 2 clicks to view.)

LOOKING AHEAD

We held our staff symposium on August 27 and 28, followed by the Board Retreat on August 29th. We continue focusing on math, reading, and communication, with writing being a significant area of emphasis this year. 

Our teachers engaged in professional development sessions and collaborative planning during the symposium to align our instructional strategies with these priorities. The Board Retreat allowed us to discuss long-term strategic goals and how they support our academic focus.

Another critical focus will be ensuring that all students are engaged and committed to excelling in-class work, assignments, and assessments. We will be providing support both during the school day and after school to help our students feel capable and confident as they tackle their work.

I will share learning spotlights and student work throughout the year, highlighting these focus areas.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Our soccer teams had their first practices on August 26th. My husband and I look forward to joining our neighbors on the sidelines to cheer for our student-athletes.

NORTHVILLE'S RING OF FIRE 5K SOCCER TOURNAMENT 

The Boys' Varsity Soccer Tournament will be played here at Northville!
The logo was created by Northville CSD.

• Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024
•  5:00 pm  Corinth vs. Galway
•  7:00 pm  Doane Stuart vs. Northville
• Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, 
• 5:00 pm Consolation Game
• 7:00 pm Championship Game

NEW CAFETERIA OFFERINGS

Northville CSD breakfast and lunch programs received national recognition from our Healthy Meals Grant thanks to our cafeteria, administrators, and teachers championing these efforts. 

We will have two new items on our rotating breakfast/lunch menu for the 2024-25 school year -- a waffle creation station and strawberry, banana, and blueberry smoothies. We also want to add our homegrown spinach and other greens to the smoothies. 

If you are interested in trying out these new offerings, we welcome you to do a taste test -- just let us know, and we will make a plan. Our facilities staff enjoyed a pre-opening taste test!

NORTHVILLE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION & ARTISAN'S FOR EDUCATION

Thanks to our Northville Educational Foundation, we are enjoying new opportunities to connect! Our Alumni Soccer Game is one of my favorite yearly events. Let's Shine Bright is a new event for our young students - bring your pumpkins, which will be displayed on the walking path around the soccer field, listen to a spooky story, and enjoy a treat! Artisans for Education will host their first Artisan Fair in the Northville CSD gymnasium with a diverse group of artists sharing their creations, demonstrations, and sweet treats to enjoy while you browse.

CONNECTING AND COMMUNICATING

Please sign up for our ParentSquare communication platform to stay informed about our school's varied activities and events. From sports competitions and artistic performances to club meetings and special events, ParentSquare is your go-to source for all school-related information. By making this a daily habit, you'll ensure you and your child don't miss out on exciting opportunities or important announcements. 

Ms. Fitzgerald posts to Northville CSD Parent Square daily to inform us about the numerous events that make our school and extended community such vibrant, welcoming spaces. Her efforts are essential to maintaining our strong sense of community. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages.

We're always eager to support the organizations that contribute to our community's well-being. If you're involved with a community event you'd like us to promote, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help spread the word. 

If you would like to meet with me in person or virtually, just email or call to schedule a time during the school day or after your work day. 

Be sure to visit our website to keep up with district news: https://www.northvillecsd.org/.

Dr. Sarah A. Chauncey, DPS-IM 

Superintendent of Schools

schauncey@northvillecsd.org

Work: 518-863-7000 x4120

Cell: 845-304-8791

April - May Newsletter

Dear Friends,

As we welcomed the months of April and May, our school community was abuzz with excitement and activity. These two months were filled with numerous events that showcase our students' talents, achievements, and growth. Our dedicated staff has worked tirelessly to create enriching learning experiences that challenge and inspire our students to tackle tasks across the curriculum. As we approach the end of the school year, we are especially thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of our 12th graders, who are eagerly anticipating their graduation. This milestone marks the culmination of their hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering support of their families and our school community. On June 21, we invite you to join us in congratulating our graduating seniors and wishing them success in their future endeavors. This newsletter captures a sampling of the many events in our school! This is a long one--keep scrolling.

Please sign up using this link to receive notice of the following week's events via email and/or text.
And here's a little news story that came across my feed this morning published at New Jersey 101.5.

BREAKING NEWS!! Karla Hill Breaks Record!
Congratulations to Karla Hill, who made it to the States at the track meet on May 31. She cleared 5' 4" -- the previous record of 5' was held by Northville's Board of Education President, Carolyn Wilcox. Ms. Wilcox has been following Karla's journey and responded with a congratulatory text message when she learned about Karla's achievement.

LEARNING SPOTLIGHTS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Writing

Our elementary grade students learned and wrote about insects, arachnids, and animals. This informational writing is just one genre that children engage in from grades K-12. The following are selections of this writing at each grade level.

Kindergarten Examples

1st Grade Examples

2nd Grade Examples

Trout Release ~ Mr. Hammons' Class

Another successful trout release experience for our students under the direction of Mr. Hammons! Thank you to Mr. Jason Kemper, Director of Planning for Saratoga County, who shared, "I had some Northville kids this morning for Trout in the Classroom; they had a blast."

MIDDLE / HIGH SCHOOL 

The Amazing Math Race ~ Ms. Harris, Ms. Luey, Teachers, and Administrators

The Amazing Math Race is back! Students raced around the school answering math questions, completing a 'roadblock' physical challenge, and trying to have the fastest time! I participated in this exciting evening with students fully engaged with their teammates to solve challenging grade-appropriate problems. The energy, laughter, and fun created a joyful evening of learning and collaboration. Thank you to all who contributed their time and support.

Women's History Month Infographics - 8th Grade ~ Ms. Suders & Ms. Kohl

During Women's History Month, our talented 8th-grade students showcased their creativity by crafting detailed infographics to illustrate the remarkable achievements and lives of influential women throughout history. These informative and visually inviting works of art are displayed in the hallway, creating an engaging and educational exhibit for all to appreciate. To provide a glimpse of their projects, we have compiled slides highlighting his students' work honoring the legacy of women who have made a lasting impact on our world. Per Ms. Suders, "The students choose the women blindly from a bucket full of choices. I compiled choices to include both well-known and little-known women. It consists of women noted for their accomplishments in sports, the arts, science, and everything in between. It was also important to me to include women of different races, ethnicities, and religions. Some students were disappointed when they first chose the woman they would be researching, but I am always pleased to see that turn into excitement about what they have learned and pride in the project they have created. "

Science Research Evening ~ Ms. Dickinson & Ms. Lazinski

On April 24, the 15th annual Science Research Symposium was held at NCS. Sophomore students Leah Valovic, Alaina Cherry, Sal Pagano, Sophia Edwards, and Landon Frasier presented a scientific article that inspired their upcoming research. Juniors Connor Dickinson and Ahymya Thompson presented a methodology they designed for their research project. Seniors Landon Lent and Savannah Riggi each presented a complete science research project they developed, tested, and analyzed over three years. Keira Mackey also presented a research article on May 8. Great job to all of our students!

NYS ArcGIS Online Competition ~ Ms. Dickinson

Maeve Curley won the NYS  ArcGIS Online Competition for U.S. High School & Middle School Students with her StoryMap on the Road Salt project we did. While the class did the project as a whole, Maeve worked with Ms. Dickinson on using ESRi's tools to enter data and add it to a map. We have yet to figure out how to add the data given to us from the Village, but we are working on that for next year. This year was pretty basic because of the deadline and our unfamiliarity with the competition.   There were some things she couldn't include based on the competition rules.   She won a $100 Amazon gift card, and we can get her picture tomorrow morning to include in the newsletter. Congratulations Maeve! Be sure to see her work at this link.

Foundations in Business Microcredential ~ Fulton Montgomery Community College & Northville CSD

Beginning 2024-25, Northville CSD is partnering with Fulton Montgomery Community College to offer the first Microcredential partnership between a community college and a high school in New York State. This effort, led by Principal Ratti and our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Izzo, offers our students an opportunity to take four business courses beginning in 10th grade. The courses include Course 1 - Principles of Business (Currently CFM); Course 2 - Essentials of Entrepreneurship (Personal Finance/Financial Literacy); Course 3 - Business Communication (ELA 12); and Course 4 - Capstone Internship. 

Trip the State Capitol ~ Mr. Karbowski, Mr. Ratti

Students from the senior class visited the State Capitol in Albany on May 15. Students who took Participation in Government with me this year and the Girls' Varsity Basketball team members went to the New York State Capitol building. We had the opportunity to tour the building with James Corl from Senator Mark Walczyk's office and Matthew MacDonald from Assemblyman Matthew Simpson's office. Both the students in my Participation in the Government class of the Girl's Varsity Basketball team were introduced in the New York State Assembly during their open session. Before the open session, we were presented with a joint resolution from the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly, establishing January 30 each year in New York as 'Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution.' Last year's seniors wrote letters to both Senator Walczyk and Assemblyman Simpson regarding this, passing the Bill in February. The Girls' Varsity Basketball team was also presented with a Proclamation for their state championship run this past season.

Holocaust Blanket ~ Ms. Bevington & Mr. Karbowski  

Thanks to social studies teacher Mr. Karbowski, Holocaust survivor Ruth Mendel visited Northville on May 15, 2023. When Mrs. Bevington and Mrs. Bogart's 7th-grade classes met with Ms. Mendel, they could not have known how much mutual love and respect they would have for each other. This year's 8th-grade students signed and sent a copy of the novel Resistance to Mrs. Mendel, which details the story of teenage Jewish resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II. Mrs. Mendel continues to communicate her fondness for Northville, saying she has never experienced such an outpouring from a school before. As a result, Mrs. Mendel has decided to speak with leadership at the United States Memorial Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., to display the blanket the NCS students created and gifted to her last spring. It is genuinely humbling to see our students' hard work, love, and respect be considered for such an honor!

100th Anniversary of the Northville - Lake Placid Trail ~ Mr. Hoffman

Mr. Hoffman's students are creating "memorabilia" to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Northville - Lake Placid Trail. These keepsakes, including pins, magnets, walking sticks, and more,  will be available on June 1 during the celebration. Below, you will see some of the pieces in the design stages. Proceeds from sales will support the Northville CSD!

Signage for the Northville Police Department ~ Mr. Frederick & Mr. Hoffman

Mr. Frederick's student teams, with the support of Mr. Hoffman, prepared samples of signage for the Northville Police Department office. Mayor Eckert, Town Supervisor Mr. Groff, and Chief of Police Richardson visited to review draft prototypes. The team then shared their input with the students to design the final versions. 

J.V. Baseball Team ~ Mr. Cole

On Sunday, the J.V. baseball team volunteered to help the Little League prepare their fields for the upcoming season. We are working hard to build this baseball program from the ground up!!

SAANY Award Breakfast ~ Ms. Reidell

Congratulations to our own Tammy Reidell, Elementary Principal, who was selected to receive an Excelsior award from the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) Region 6. The Excelsior Award is awarded to individuals whose dedication and exceptional contributions throughout their careers have made a difference for children and their school community. 

HFM BOCES School Library System  ~ Ms. Brown & Ms. Bieniek

On May 2, HFM BOCES School Library System held a luncheon where retiring librarians and Library Support Stars were honored. Congratulations to Ms. Brown on her commitment to the profession and to Ms Bieniek for being recognized as a Library Support Star. "This new award is given to recognize thehard-workingg support staff needed in the school librar,y supporting the school librarian and assisting students so that the librarycano function fully for the whole school community." Ms. Brown spoke to Ms. Bieniek's expertise and efforts to support the management of the library and to assist all of our students. Ms. Brown, you will be missed. We enjoyed hearing your colleagues speak about your 36 years of service excellence and your willingness to support other school librarians.

Congratulations to Our Track Team - Coaches Hillary Habla and Jon Goodemote

The following was shared by Ms. Clapper. If you haven't heard, our Boys' Track and Field Team are Sectional Champions, and our Girls are Sectional Runner-Ups! If you are interested, I'm including individual results from last Friday. The way the sectional meet works is athletes earn points for their team with a 1st-6th place finish in an event, and they earn an individual sectional patch for a 1st-3rd place finish and a ribbon for a 4th-6th place finish. Congratulations to all the athletes and coaches, including Hillary Habla and Jon Goodemote!

Here are our Northville students' individual results:

• Amy Williams- 2nd place- pentathlon 
• Landon Frasier- 5th place- pentathlon 
• Karla Hill- 2nd place- 100m hurdles
• Lillian Chamberlain- 5th place- 100m hurdles, 2nd place- 400m hurdles, 5th place- triple jump
• Eric Gutowski- 1st place (Sectional Champion)- 400m hurdles, 4th place- 110m hurdles, tied 2nd place- high jump
• Caitlin Clapper- 2nd place- 100m, 2nd place- pole vault, 3rd place- 200m
• Izzy Colon- 5th place- 400m, 2nd place- 200m
• Nick Bellitti- 4th place- 800m
• James Pertell- 2nd- long jump, 2nd place- triple jump
• Samantha Schumacher- 4th place- pole vault

Relay results:

• Caitlin Clapper, Izzy Colon, Ahmya Tompkins, Karla Hill- 1st place (Sectional Champions) and set the Northville School record with 51.74
• James Pertell- part of the 1st place (Sectional Champions) 4x100m relay
• Isaac Derstine, Nick Bellitti- part of the 4th place 4x800m relay
• Samantha Schumacher Lillian Chamberlain- part of the 3rd place 4x800 relay
• Izzy Colon- part of the 2nd place 4x400m relay
• Erik Gutowski, James Pertell- part of the 1st place (sectional champions) 4x400m relay

Also competing in the meet were Sophia Edwards, Leah Valovic, and Noah Manzer. The Mayfield kids also did great, and several school records fell during this meet (I only included the one I know for sure.)  Any of our kids who earned a 1st or 2nd place finish now get to compete at the State Qualifier meet this Thursday and Friday in Guilderland. So be sure to wish them good luck if you see them!

The Lightning Thief - Ms. Boyle, Cast, Musicians, Families, and Crew

Thank you to everyone who made this year's spring production of  The Lightning Thief an enchanting experience. This production's dedication, effort, and passion make us all so proud. Ms. Boyle, our incredibly talented students, the skilled musicians, and the entire behind-the-scenes crew who tirelessly work to bring these productions to life are a powerful testament to the commitment required to attain excellence in any undertaking. 

2024 Promenade

Thank you, Shannon Fitzgerald, for always being there to capture these precious moments.  

AND A FEW MORE NOTABLES:

• If you have a moment, look at the front of the school - the cornice painting makes a big difference. The gold paint has been refreshed in the school name lettering. Thanks to our grounds crew and Scott Fitzgerald, who stepped up to refresh the front door paint.
• I watched soccer games at Prospect Field on Mother's Day. The fields are in great shape, and the fencing installed by our facilities staff addresses the issue of balls being kicked out of the field space. 
• Our second Healthy Meals Microcredential kicked off with fifteen community members in attendance. I am grateful to Jill Harris and Becky Bieniek for developing the course. I have homework for next week's meeting. One of our attendees got a seed donation from her employer, Walmart. Thank you!

If you would like to meet with me in person or virtually, just email or call to schedule a time during the school day or after your work day. 

Be sure to visit our website to keep up with district news: https://www.northvillecsd.org/.

Dr. Sarah A. Chauncey, DPS-IM 

Superintendent of Schools

schauncey@northvillecsd.org

Work: 518-863-7000 x4120

Cell: 845-304-8791

February-March Newsletter

 Dear Friends,

Celebrating Dr. Seuss

Welcome to the February-March Superintendent's Newsletter. The past couple of months have been exciting for our students as they demonstrated their abilities in the classroom, in academic competitions, the arts, and on the basketball court. 

Our students showcased their creativity in the Odyssey of the Mind competition, had their artistic creations selected for display at the Paul Nigra Center, and participated in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Festival (more to come). The basketball season was a highlight, with our girl's varsity team making it to the final state competition. Their teamwork, tenacity, and sportsmanship made our school and community, Northville, proud - see more below, including a beautiful video created by our own Nurse/Coach, Kalkbrenner.

While we've enjoyed some spring-like weather recently, we've also had our fair share of late winter snowstorms, providing a few wintry blasts before the season changes. As we move into spring, we look forward to our students continuing to bring their passion and talents to their academics and extracurricular activities. 

SIGN UP FOR EVENT NOTIFICATIONS!

ParentSquare notification groups are available for community members and alumni who want to keep up with events happening at NCS. LINK TO SIGN UP.

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL

Congratulations to the Girls Varsity Basketball team. Head coach Mr. Zullo and coaches Ms. Kalkbrenner, Ms. Kallen, and Mr. Goodemote for their extraordinary achievements this season. Thank you for taking us along on this remarkable journey to the State Championship game. Observing our young women's tenacity and persistence on the court has been an absolute joy. Their sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication were evident in every game! A special recognition goes to Coach Zullo for his leadership and mentorship. He recently organized a celebratory dinner for the team and their families. During the event, Coach Zullo took the time to honor each young woman individually, sharing thoughtful reflections that showcased his understanding and commitment to their personal development. His words revealed not only his expertise as a coach but also his genuine care for the well-being of his players. Coach Zullo also highlighted the camaraderie and teamwork he recognized in this team. His coaching, support, and kind words will have an impact beyond the basketball court. Ms. Kalkbrenner, Mr. Goodemote, and Ms. Kallen's consistent presence and encouragement were invaluable in celebrating wins and learning from losses. We are fortunate to have you all on our team! Enjoy this video of the season highlights created by Ms. Kalkbrenner. 

Video produced by Nurse/Coach Kalkbrenner

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND

Congratulations to our Odyssey of the Mind Teams & Staff who supported our students. Northville teams that placed 1st at the regional competition are headed to the New York State Tournament in Syracuse in April. 

• The NightLife and K & 1st grade OM teams had an excellent first Odyssey experience.
• Drive-in Movie - Division I and Division II - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade teams earned 2nd place.
• The Tech-No-Art - Division I and Division II - teams of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders earned 1st place.
• The Rocking World Detour - Division I and Division II - team comprised of a 2nd grader & 5th & 6th graders earned 1st place. The 7th grade team also earned 1st place!

FABRICATION LAB ~ Mr. Hoffman

Many thanks to Abby and Danielle for their excellent craftsmanship in building a new shelf for my office. Taking just a few rough specifications, they constructed a beautifully functional piece. The shelf is perfect, but they went above and beyond by incorporating our wood falcon mascot details on each end. Their attention to functional and aesthetic design has made my workspace more organized and visually appealing. Our students learn so much in our fabrication lab; this shelf showcases the blending of design and functionality!

SOLAR ECLIPSE - Ms. Harris, Ms. Dickinson, and Ms. Lazinski

Thank you for sharing an informative presentation on the solar eclipse with our students, staff, and the community. Your focus on safety, providing safety glasses, and inviting children and families to make viewing devices was appreciated! The interactive elements allowed us to better understand and visually experience what happens during the eclipse in an engaging way. Your passion for science and education was evident. Learn more here Link, and view live broadcasts on April 8th from 1 pm to 4 pm EDT here Link.

POSTER CONTEST - Ms. Sedon & Ms. Jackson 

Please join me in congratulating our talented student artists who were selected as winners in their grade divisions for the ARC Lexington Center Disability Awareness Poster Contest. This year's theme was making our communities more accessible to those with disabilities. Our school also won on a regional level for having submitted the largest number of posters. For this, we win a concert by the band FLAME - date and time TBD)

LEARNING SPOTLIGHTS

ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL 

BOOK BUDDY READING ~ Library Media Specialist, Ms. Brown
The Read for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) encourages reading during February and fundraises for RMHC of the Capital Region (Albany). We had an Elementary School kickoff assembly, and Ms. Brown, our library media specialist, visited each Middle School ELA class to introduce and promote the program. The Buddy Reading part of the program began on January 31st, partnering students in 6 different middle school ELA classes with students in the 7 PreK through second-grade classes. Each student read with a "buddy" for 15-20 minutes. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL 

CUPCAKE WARS - Ms. Suders

Cupcake Wars is the final project for Ms. Suders' Baking and Flavor Profiles Unit. Students learned about flavor profiles and how they can be combined to make more flavorful food. Students also learned baking techniques like measuring, mixing, and recipe reading. For the cupcake wars project, students were put into pairs to create a cupcake. They were asked to combine at least two complementary flavor profiles and find a recipe that matched their ideas. Once they had their recipe, they created a shopping list, price analysis, and a written summary of their cupcake and why they chose their flavors. At the end of the project, each group presented their final product to a panel of judges, and the winning team received a plaque designed by Mr. Fredrick's Tech Math class. (I had the pleasure of judging -- the yummiest job ever!)

HIGH SCHOOL 

ROSCA de REYES January 6th ~ Ms. Thomarie

Ms. Thomarie shared the following. Throughout the Spanish-speaking world, January 6th is THE BIG DAY! It is the day that the Three Kings deliver gifts to children, traveling by camel or horse and leaving gifts in the children's shoes, very much like the modern tradition of Santa. It is traditional to eat a rosca with your family. Each person takes a turn cutting a slice of the sweet bread. Whoever finds the figurine in their slice “wins” and is supposed to host the next party on February 2nd, Candlemas. Spanish students were given crowns for their efforts. Spanish 3 & 5 baked the roscas.

CHEMISTRY - Making Ice Cream & Oreo Phases of the Moon ~ Ms. Lazinski

In March, I had the pleasure of visiting Ms. Lazinski's Chemistry Class, where the students were engaged in making ice cream. Ms. Lazinski took the opportunity to explain the chemistry principles involved in the process - learn more in the video below.

Students used Oreo cookies to explore and visualize the lunar cycle. Each Oreo served as a model of the moon, with its cream filling representing the lunar phases, from the new moon to the full moon and everything in between. By carefully removing portions of the cream to mimic each phase, students gained a hands-on understanding of the moon's transitions. Our teachers are experts in using a blend of learning and fun to help students grasp concepts.

FOUNDERS DAY THANK YOU!

Thank you to the PTO, staff, administrators, and students for making our second Founders Day a success. We had over 90 attendees this year. I was approached by numerous community members who expressed their thanks. They were delighted by the activities and performances. From admiring student artwork to gaining insights into local landmarks from our knowledgeable seniors, the event offered something for everyone. The voices of our choir and the performance of the middle school jazz band were uplifting. The theatrical skit from The Lightning Thief was delightful and the perfect tickler for the upcoming performance. The opportunity for attendees to engage in friendly conversations with our students who served refreshments was particularly special and appreciated. Thank you to all who donated and prepared the food, as well as to our dedicated, technology, facilities, and cafeteria staff, whose efforts ensured an inviting, beautiful setting for the evening!

If you would like to meet with me in person or virtually, just email or call to schedule a time during the school day or after your work day.

Be sure to visit our website to keep up with district news: https://www.northvillecsd.org/.

Superintendent of Schools
schauncey@northvillecsd.org
Work: 518-863-7000 x4120
Cell: 845-304-8791

Dr. Sarah A. Chauncey, DPS-IM 

January 2024

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the January edition of my Superintendent's Newsletter! The days have been frigid, but our classrooms are toasty and buzzing with various activities and engaging learning opportunities. From exploring the wonders of science --- dissecting frogs, building circuits, identifying the parts and functions of the human body, diving into literature and rich discussions, drawing, painting, and making music -- our students are enjoying new experiences on their educational journey. Our staff are continually finding creative ways to bring learning to life for our learners.

Beyond the classroom, our basketball teams are talented and unstoppable on the court, our theater program is preparing for an upcoming performance, and our clubs are meeting regularly. Extracurricular activities enhance our student's school experience and foster a sense of community and belonging.

Looking ahead, we have some exciting events on our calendar. These events are wonderful opportunities for us to celebrate our students and community. We encourage all families to stay connected and involved in our school's activities. Your support and participation significantly contribute to the positive atmosphere that makes Northville CSD such a special school. Remember, even if you do not have a student in our school, you can sign up for notifications of events via email and text - CLICK HERE TO GET NCS UPDATES!

LEARNING SPOTLIGHTS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 

Martin Luther King, 2nd Grade,  Ms. Pratt & Ms. Flickinger

Students learned about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and shared reflections on his work on a beautiful bulletin board. Below is an interactive version of the board!

Learning About Electricity, 4th Grade,  Mr. Clapper's Class

During my visit, I was impressed by the students' enthusiasm and creativity. They assembled their circuits, connecting wires and batteries, and eagerly shared what happened to their light bulbs. One team joined two batteries to determine if multiple batteries would produce a brighter light. It was a joy to witness our students engaged in hands-on learning and discovering the fundamentals of electricity. Before this hands-on activity, students experienced circuit building using TinkerCad, an online virtual design platform that students use to digitally create circuits in a safe environment. From the digital experimentation, they engaged in the hands-on experience I observed. The next step will incorporate coding to control the circuit boards using Microbits and Arduino Boards. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL 

Leitner Boxes & Retrieval Practice, 7th Grade, Ms. Bevington

"A Leitner Box, also known as a Leitner System, is a method for efficient learning and memorization, often used for studying flashcards. Developed by the German scientist Sebastian Leitner in the 1970s, it's a form of spaced repetition learning. The system uses a series of boxes or compartments to organize flashcards based on how well the learner knows each one. Cards answered correctly are advanced to the next box, which will be reviewed less frequently. Incorrectly answered cards are moved back to the first or previous box, ensuring more frequent review. This method capitalizes on the psychological spacing effect, ensuring that information is reviewed and reinforced at optimal intervals to promote long-term memorization." (1) 

Ms. Bevinton shared that students practice Pan 1 "daily" for 5-8 minutes. Starting with Pan 1,  If they get the card right, it moves to loaf Pan 2. Loaf Pan 2 is practiced at a different interval, for simplicity, every 2 days. When they master them, they move them to level 2 and eventually level 3 (the farthest loaf pan). I gave my 7th graders a test on the terms we have created for our Leitner boxes since October. Here is the first result. I plan to test more times to see if the Leitner method is improving their retention long-term! This first test didn't count as a grade, and I asked them to skip any questions they didn't know to eliminate possible correct answers from guessing.

In general, the data is positive. Over two and a half months, with Christmas break in there and the fact that we haven't had much time the last few weeks to study the boxes, it shows they retain information. When we study in class, it's generally 8 minutes (usually a solid 5) before moving on. So, given those factors... It's working! 

Here are two video clips of students explaining the process. 

HIGH SCHOOL 

Environmental Science, 10th Grade, Ms. Dickinson

I had the pleasure of visiting Ms. Dickinson's 10th-grade class to hear her students' well-informed arguments regarding preserving and restoring historical monuments in Northville. Samantha Saldino, Fulton County Historian, was in attendance, listening and asking follow-up questions. This project aimed to engage students to incorporate their understanding of weathering and clImate into their research, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. Students worked in groups of four, fostering teamwork and collaborative problem-solving. Their arguments had to include a historical overview of the selected monument, weathering factors, climate change, an assessment of its current state, and a detailed proposal for its preservation or restoration. They considered factors such as historical relevance, community impact, and financial feasibility. The students also had to anticipate potential questions and responses. Their research and the presentations were impressive, reflecting their dedication and the practical guidance of Ms. Dickinson. 

Ms. Dickinson is currently working with the Water Insecurity Correction Coalition with her Ecology Class, learning about the impacts of road salt on the local environment. She has collaborated with Kevin Templin in the Facilities Department and Dan Reidell, village Highway Superintendent, to track road salt use in the village and its impacts on both the Little Lake and Great Sacandaga Lake. This weekend, a story map showcasing student work will be shared at the Adirondack Town Hall Tour in Saranac Lake.   This can be found here.

More exciting news about our students and Ms. Dickinson is highlighted in a recent article in the Adirondack Explorer Magazine, "Youth-led nonprofit ramps up Adirondack programming around road salt's impacts on water supplies." Click this link to read.

Spanish Class, Ms. Thomarie

"Tortillas, a staple in Mexican cuisine, have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Originating with the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica, tortillas were traditionally made from maize (corn) and formed the basis of the Mesoamerican diet. With the Spanish colonization of the Americas, wheat flour was introduced, leading to the creation of flour tortillas. Today, tortillas are not only a key component in many traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas but have also been adopted and adapted into various culinary traditions around the globe." (2)  See Ms. Thomarie's Tortilla Recipe Here.

THE ARTS

Theater Productions ~ Ms. Boyle

Join us for our Spring Musical, the Lightning Thief.

Ms. Boyle, a first-grade teacher, embarked on her educational journey with a passion for children's theater, nurtured throughout her high school years. Initially aspiring to become a drama teacher, she pursued early childhood education in college, aiming to merge her love for theater with extracurricular programs for young learners. Upon her arrival at Northville, she observed a need for more theatrical opportunities for elementary students, a gap she was determined to fill. In 2018, Ms. Boyle produced "Seussical Kids," her first play, marking the beginning of a series of successful elementary theater productions. Over the years, she has produced six plays, each resonating with the energy of our young performers. The year 2021 brought a new challenge and a shift in her career trajectory: an opportunity to oversee the Middle and High School theater programs. Despite her initial comfort with younger age groups, encouragement from peers across districts played a role in embracing work with our older students, expanding her influence in theater education to encompass grades K 12. Under her guidance, the theater program has become a cornerstone of student development and community engagement. Students learn the invaluable skill of collaboration, committing to daily practices over three months, culminating in performances that consistently attract full houses. Community involvement is robust, with contributions ranging from set construction and costume design to fundraising and promotional efforts. A notable enhancement to the program has been the collaboration with local musicians, bringing a dynamic element to productions like "Footloose," which featured a live band. 

Cast Reading Lightning Thief Script

Ms. Boyle's commitment to professional growth and excellence led her to the Broadway Teachers' Workshop in New York City in the summer of 2023. Here, she gained insights from industry experts in various theatrical disciplines, including set design, choreography, stage combat, and vocal techniques. This experience honed her skills and provided a global perspective through interactions with educators from diverse regions like Japan, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. Her most significant takeaway from this experience was a deeper understanding of theater as a dynamic, evolving art form. This reinforced her belief in the power of theater to engage and communicate with audiences, a philosophy she passionately imparts to her students. Ms. Boyle's journey reflects her unwavering dedication to enriching public school theater.

Art ~ Ms. Sedon and Ms. Jackson 

COMMUNITY LEARNING

Healthy Meals Community Microcredentials ~ Ms. Harris & Ms. Bieniek

Thanks to our own Ms. Harris and Ms. Bieniek, we offered our first community microcredential 

Micro-Credential 1: Living a Healthy Lifestyle – Nutrition, Lifestyle Choices, and Well-Being

Topics include Examining the relationship between diet and health. Understanding nutrients, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Overview of digestion, absorption, and storage of nutrients. Food supplementation and community nutrition. Carbohydrates, Lipids, Weight Management. The role of primary food groups. Students will develop a nutrition plan for a variety of life stages. Basic Cooking Techniques to prepare healthy meals. Thirteen community members completed the requirements to receive a microcredential certificate from Fulton Montgomery Community College. We are looking forward to the second course, which will offered in the spring.

Coming Spring 2024 - Micro-Credential 2: Farm to Table:  Growing, Harvesting, and Preparing Healthy Foods 

Topics include Plant life cycle, planting medium, planting from seed, propagation, hydroponic growing systems and techniques, environmental requirements for proper growth, pest pressure and management, and harvest techniques. The role of primary food groups. Students will develop a nutrition plan for a variety of life stages. Basic Cooking Techniques to prepare healthy meals.

TALENT SHOWCASE

I will highlight more of our talented staff in the coming months.

Ms. Nordyke ~ Biathlon in Italy

Ms. Nordyke, a former Olympic biathlete, recently competed in the Winter World Masters Games 2024 in Lombardy, Italy. The biathlon event was in the town of Vermiglio. The event is for athletes between the ages of 30 – and up. Held every four years in different locations, it attracts athletes from many countries, including France, Germany, Finland, Czechoslovakia, Slovenia, and Norway – athletes were there from as far as New Zealand and Japan! Biathletes from New York were joined by competitors from Washington, California, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. Besides biathlon, athletes are also there to compete in various sports – hockey, curling, downhill skiing, figure skating, and Nordic skiing. Ms. Nordyke is sharing her experience with students and staff to encourage people of all ages to stay active and play! Click Here to See a Video!

Ms. Filkins ~ Baker Extraordinaire

These are all baked goods, including the tray!

Ms. Filkins is an accomplished baker whose amazing goodies have been enjoyed by our Northville staff over the past few years. I had Ms. Filkins make all of my Christmas cookies this year. They were beautiful and delicious! 

Ms. Filkins recently entered The Greatest Baker competition "...ending in 9th place [in the nation]" and is still running for the Critic's Pick award, but that winner won't be crowned until the official end of the competition, and that date is February 9th.

Ms. Angus ~ Marges's Miniature Memories

Honoring a Family Member

Marge's Miniature Memories

Ms. Angus is a talented artist who designs miniature displays that honor the memories of loved ones. The process starts with an interview to understand the departed's unique stories and cherished moments. Ms. Angus then meticulously crafts each element of her miniatures, infusing them with a sense of special moments and personal history. Through her art, she creates an intimate tribute, allowing families to hold onto precious memories in a beautifully artistic way. Her work is not just a display; it's a heartfelt celebration of life and love. Each memory box begins with carefully selecting artifacts. Some elements are handcrafted. On average, memory boxes take approximately a month to create.

If you would like to meet with me in person or virtually, just email or call to schedule a time during the school day or after your work day. 

Be sure to visit our website to keep up with district news: https://www.northvillecsd.org/.

Dr. Sarah A. Chauncey, DPS-IM 

Superintendent of Schools
schauncey@northvillecsd.org
Work: 518-863-7000 x4120
Cell: 845-304-8791

(1) OpenAI. (2024). Explanation of the Leitner Box system. ChatGPT.

(2) OpenAI. (2024). Background of Tortillas. ChatGPT.