Acting Superintendent's announcements for January 27, 2023

January 27, 2023

Dear Parents, Guardians and Staff, 

I know how difficult this week has been for many of our students and staff, and I want to continue to urge our families to reach out if you need support. The healing process is different for everyone, but we are here to support each other. 

The funeral services for Ava Wood will be held this evening and Saturday morning at Word of Life Assembly of God, 12 E. Oneida St., in Baldwinsville. Calling hours are tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. and the funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Durgee and Baker principals have emailed families with advice from our guidance counseling staff for students planning to attend the services. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. 

The outpouring of support we have received from neighboring school districts, our community members and beyond is overwhelming and appreciated. I am personally moved by the level of support I have seen within our schools. Students and staff are supporting each other. We are proving once again that we are B’ville Strong. 

Maintaining our daily routines is also part of the healing process and there has been a lot happening this week, including Regents exams, sporting events and fun competitions. Here are a few announcements I have to share with you today: 

Robotics Challenge

Twenty-eight students from Elden Elementary, Van Buren Elementary and Ray Middle schools participated in First Lego League’s Challenge, a robotics challenge, last Saturday at Pine Grove Middle School in East Syracuse-Minoa Central School District. The teams competed against students from several local elementary and middle schools. First Lego League is an international, inquiry-based program that teaches students, ages 9-14, about science, technology and collaboration. The local challenge is in its second year and was organized by OCM BOCES. Our team from Elden Elementary School, which was led by coaches Kim Hunt and Melissa Demjanenko, won the Robot Performance Award. Congratulations Electribuzz! Great job to all the participants. Learn more about the robotics challenge on our website.

Tickets for “Little Women” go on sale soon

The Baldwinsville Theater Arts Program will present “Little Women” the musical in March and tickets go on sale next week! Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on March 9th, March 10th and March 11th. There will also be a show at 1 p.m. on March 12th. Tickets can be purchased online at www.bvilletheater.com beginning on Wednesday, February 1st. Tickets are $10, $12 or $15. 

2023-2024 Calendar

The Board of Education approved the school calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. Check out the calendar HERE.

Calendar Reminders:

• The Marking Period ends today. 
• Report cards will be available in the parent portal on Friday, February 3rd.
• There’s no school for students or staff and district offices are closed on Monday, February 20, 2023.
• February Break will be held from Tuesday, February 21st to Friday, February 24th.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have and regularly check our website for important updates. Have a great weekend. Go Bees!

Sincerely,

Joseph M. DeBarbieri, Acting Superintendent of Schools