Pens for Troops

We are proud to recognize the outstanding service and craftsmanship of students in the C.W. Baker High School’s Technology Program who recently participated in the Turn for Troops initiative. Pens for Troops is a national program launched by Woodcraft in 2004 to honor active-duty and rehabilitating United States military service members.

Three students from Michael Malecki’s Materials Processing class – Cierra Hayes, Kathryn Sciarrino and Kyle Warga – are being recognized for their dedication and generosity. The students volunteered their class time to handcraft a total of 35 pens, which were donated in support of U.S. military service members.

This effort was made possible through the leadership and guidance of Mr. Malecki, whose dedication to hands-on learning and community service continues to inspire students to use their skills for the greater good. We commend these students and their teacher for exemplifying the values of service, collaboration and civic responsibility.

Their story will be featured in the American Association of Woodturners’ journal, American Woodturner, in February.

Board of Education Staff Spotlight:

Karen Pickard, Special Education Teacher at Ray Middle School. We are honored to recognize Karen Pickard for her outstanding work as a Special Education teacher at Ray Middle School. Her dedication to her students and their families is truly commendable. Karen consistently addresses students’ needs with confidence, compassion and professionalism. She fosters a positive and inclusive learning environment while maintaining clear, supportive communication with families. Her commitment makes a meaningful difference in the lives of her students and the school community.

Holiday Greeting Card Contest

The District Office held its annual Holiday Greeting Card Contest last month. The Superintendent assembled a team of judges to select 10 finalists out of the dozens of entries received. The artwork was placed on the district’s Facebook page for public voting during the Thanksgiving holiday. About 1,800 votes were cast. The winner and the finalists will be honored tonight. We thank everyone who participated. Our judges had a hard job selecting the finalists and they were very impressed with the level of talent and creativity in the entries.

Winner: Aurora Cazzolli, 4th Grade, Van Buren

Finalists:

• Amelia Cangro, 3rd Grade, Palmer
• Lauren Ciancaglini, 2nd Grade, Palmer
• Evelyn Daloia. 4th Grade, Van Buren
• Evan Guglielmo, Kindergarten, Reynolds
• Morgan Lacy, 5th Grade, Van Buren
• Addison Lunn, 5th Grade, Van Buren
• Rosie Riley, 3rd Grade, McNamara
• Kendall Segouin, 2nd Grade, Reynolds
• Maya Sheets, 5th Grade, Palmer

Girls Varsity Swim Team

Congratulations to the Girls Swim Team for winning the Section III Class A Team Championship.

Congratulations also to all the individual winners, including the following:

Section 3 Class A Champion in the 50 Freestyle Olivia McManus

Section III Class A Champion in the 100 Fly Olivia McManus

Section III Class A Champion in the 100 Back Ella Mekker

Section III Class A Champion in the. 400 Free Relay - Olivia McManus, Ella Mekker, Sage Premo and Brianna Cooper

Olivia McManus named Section III Class A Swimmer of Meet

Coach Christopher Ludden named Section III Class A Coach of the Year

Olivia McManus was the SCAC League Champion in both the 50 Free & 100 Fly

Olivia McManus competed at NYSPHSAA Girls Swimming & Diving Championships and placed 30th in the 50 Free and 19th in the 100 Fly!

Boys Varsity Golfer

Boys Varsity golfer Brayden Sheridan qualified for the NYS tournament to be held in May 2026 Coach: Jamie Cuyler (He was unable to attend.)

Board of Education Staff Spotlight:

The Board of Education recognized and honored School Nursing Supervisor Katie Cazzolli for the Staff Spotlight. Mrs. Cazzolli is recognized as an exceptional leader who consistently goes above and beyond to support the health, well-being and success of our students, staff, and the broader school community. One of Mrs. Cazzolli’s most impactful initiatives was her leadership in organizing two on-site immunization clinics in partnership with the Onondaga County Health Department and Drakos Urgent Care. These clinics, hosted on our main campus, provided NYS-required immunizations to all students – regardless of insurance status or access to a primary care provider. This initiative directly prevented school exclusion for numerous students and demonstrated Mrs. Cazzolli’s commitment to equity and access for all. Her advocacy didn’t stop with the immunization clinics. Through her efforts, the district will now be partnering with the Healthy Smiles NY program to provide free, in-school dental exams, cleanings, oral hygiene education, and sealants every six months at each elementary school. This program will be offered at no cost to families or the district, ensures ongoing preventive dental care for students, promoting long-term oral health and overall well-being.

CNY PGA Junior Tour Player of the Year

Brayden Sheridan, a sophomore at C.W. Baker High School, was named the CNY PGA Junior Tour Player of the Year in August. He was honored by the Board of Education with the Certificate of Excellence.