Board of Education Spotlight for January 11, 2021
Sydney McKenney and César Pérez MariñoC.W. Baker High School
The Board of Education and Acting Superintendent Joseph DeBarbieri honored C.W. Baker High School students Sydney McKenney and César Pérez Mariño. Sydney McKenney, 10th grade, and César Pérez Mariño, 11th grade, have been selected as participants in the 2021 Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PR/HYLI) - Syracuse/CNY Delegation. Many excellent candidates from throughout Central New York were considered. Being selected as a participant speaks highly of their leadership potential for future achievement. A key element of the Leadership Institute is the promotion and development of communication, leadership, and public speaking skills in Hispanic/Latino students across New York State. This program promotes the involvement of Hispanic/Latino students in public policy issues by learning about the legislative process. The PR/HYLI Institute will be conducted virtually this year in March 2021.
Technology Department at C.W. Baker High School
James Cuyler, Jeffrey Fortais, Matt Hudson, and Mike Malecki
The Board of Education and Acting Superintendent Joseph DeBarbieri honored the Technology Department at C.W. Baker High School: James Cuyler, Jeffrey Fortais, Matt Hudson, and Mike Malecki. The team was honored for adapting to the challenges of the pandemic with creativity and enthusiasm. Jamie Cuyler, Jeff Fortais, Matt Hudson and Mike Malecki helped teach Baker students a valuable lesson in helping others during the pandemic by leading students in a special desk making class project. The technology students designed and built foldable desks for remote learners in our elementary schools. Jamie Cuyler said his goal was to help students have "a little bit of normalcy as far as being able to have their space to learn and to study and be able at the end of the day to put everything away." The project was featured on NewsChannel 9.
Brian Wright
Director of Food Service
The Board of Education and Acting Superintendent Joseph DeBarbieri honored Brian Wright, Director of Food Service, for his leadership during the pandemic and dedication to making sure no child in our District goes without food. Brian secured a grant as soon as the pandemic hit in March 2020 that guaranteed all students in our District would have access to meals while we were learning remotely. He also secured grants to continue to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students for the current school year. Brian is dedicated to our students and is passionate about making sure they have healthy and nutritious meals. Brian was also instrumental in launching the Baker Cafe, a highlight for staff and students at the high school. Mr. DeBarbieri also honored the entire Food Service Department for outstanding work during the pandemic.
Julie Carpenter
Supervisor of School Nursing
The Board of Education and Acting Superintendent Joseph DeBarbieri honored Julie Carpenter, Supervisor of School Nursing. Julie was honored for her leadership in helping navigate the District through the challenges associated with COVID-19 cases in our schools. Since March 2020, Julie Carpenter has helped the District understand the complexities of COVID-19 and decipher the health protocols needed to keep our students and staff safe. We are grateful for her expertise and leadership during these uncertain times. Julie has played an integral part in our District's efforts to keep our school buildings open and our community safe. Mr. DeBarbieri also honored the entire school nursing department for outstanding work during the pandemic.
