Vol. LXXXIX • No. 3 • February 2018 • A Publication of the Westhill Central School District

http://www.westhillschools.org

Hill & Vale

Scholastic Art Award Winners

Congratulations to OHMS artists who had their artwork selected to be in this year’s Scholastic Art Awards. Gracelyn O’Connell was awarded a silver key for her owl sculpture, Abby Miggiani received an honorable mention for her batik and Kate Heinrich also received an honorable mention for her ceramic piece. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the largest annual art competition in America, and the participating Central New York awards program has been honoring the creative work of junior/senior high school students for over 70 years. The program encompasses 13 Central New York regions, representing over 90 area schools. An exhibit of winning works is open through March 2, 2018 at OCC’s Whitney Applied Technology Center.

Abby Miggiani, Kate Heinrich and Gracelyn O’Connell

2February 2018

Walberta Park School

Kindergarten Students Study Penguins

Gymnastics Fun

The site-based team at Walberta Park is pleased to have West Side Gymnastics School providing classes this winter before school to our students. The children are enjoying using a springboard, learning tumbling, flips, cartwheels and handstands. Such a fun and healthy way to start the day!

Students in Mrs. Byrne’s class studied Martin Luther King, Jr. They learned that even though we may be different on the outside, we are all the same on the inside.

Learning About Differences

John Farrell, singer and songwriter, visited WPS. John writes and performs songs about working together. He engages students through singing and sign language. The students enjoyed his visit very much!

John Farrell Visits WPS

The kindergarten students at Walberta Park School are studying penguins. Students will be comparing their height to the height of an Emperor Penguin, learning about their cold home of ice and water, how the parents feed their young and many other interesting facts. Pictured is Mrs. Byrne’s class enjoying a Critter Cam video on Emperor Penguins.

3February 2018

First grade classes had the opportunity to visit “Hospital Land” located at Crouse Hospital’s Marley Education Center. Students learned about what an overnight stay at a hospital might be like. One of the Marley Education Center nurses conducted a play that the students participated in to show the students what would happen if they had to stay overnight in the hospital. The students then explored some medical equipment such as a wheelchair, crutches, stretcher, casts and stethoscopes. They also had the opportunity to tell the nurse about a personal medical story or experience from his or her own lives. Pictured are Madelynn O’Brien, Gianna Scheirer and Alex Zuckerman from Mrs. Stanton’s class.

First Grade Visits Hospital Land

During the month of December, WPS students collected over $300 in spare change to donate to a good cause. The money raised went to support the Syracuse Challenger Baseball team. This Little League baseball team supports children with special abilities so they can enjoy the sport of baseball. Accepting the donation is League Director, Mr. Cambareri, and Westhill employee, Mrs. Georgiadis, who is a parent volunteer with the league.

WPS Raises Money for a Good Cause

P2 Team TimeAt our last P2 Team Time, a brave group of 4th graders faced a team of teachers in a competitive game of Kahoot. Each question was a scenario focused on one of the strengths already taught this year. The 4th graders won the friendly match by answering all the questions correctly and quickly. Outside of P2 Team Time, students and teachers are reading books, doing activities and learning about new strengths. The hallways are filled with hard work and positivity!

Walberta Park & Cherry Road Schools

4February 2018

Cherry Road School

Bricks 4 Kidz

Third grade students took a field trip to Bricks 4 Kidz to expand their knowledge of motion. Students learned about how motion works, and then had to work together to create a motorized teeter-totter. It took the important character strengths of teamwork, curiosity and perseverance in order to complete the task. In addition, students had the opportunity to create a 3D model, mosaic or car that they could race down a track. In the end, each student created a small figure that they got to take home. The students had fun while learning at the same time! Thanks to W.E.S.T. for sponsoring this field trip.

This year, for the first time, the whole second grade is being exposed to a new science unit all about erosion. The unit comes from the Smithsonian and is very hands on for all students. Our second graders became engineers faced with solving real life problems. The students learned the effects water and wind have on our earth. The first few days of the unit focused on finding the best models to use for our in school erosion projects. We then tested our models to find out which worked the best under the real life conditions. In teams of 3, our scientists had to choose their top 2 materials and build a design to stop the sand from eroding. We had a variety of designs and the students were able to test each. We then added a castle on their hill and tried to stop the erosion of the castle. As many of the engineers watched their design succeed, their cheers could be heard all around the halls. The culmination of our experiment allowed the students to reflect on their own designs and dream about making changes for the future. It was awesome to see how the students applied their learning in such a practical way!

Erosion Projects

To earn their white belt in Recorder Karate, 3rd graders must read and play the notes “B” and “A” on their recorder, read and perform half notes, quarter notes, half rests, and quarter rests, understand and perform a multi-measure rest, and understand and perform a repeat sign! It takes a ton of character strengths to earn a white belt, including: Purpose, Bravery, Creativity, Hope/Optimism, Humility/Modesty (after they’ve earned it), Leadership, Open-Mindedness (to try something new), Perseverance, Perspective, Self Control and Teamwork!

Recorder Karate

5February 2018

Onondaga Middle School

Students of the Month

November5th grade: Austin Getz has become a responsible and organized as a student. He is on task and truly displaying great effort in the classroom.

6th grade: Cade Caloia is kind, caring, responsible and respectful. He is always doing the right thing and doesn’t hesitate to help his classmates out. Cade models the Positivity Project character traits on a daily basis. It is obvious that, to Cade, Other People Definitely Matter!

7th grade: Chloe Ward is a polite, kind and hardworking student. She constantly goes above and beyond with schoolwork and for others.

8th grade: Sofia Benderski is a great student and has a ton of school spirit! She is kind-hearted to others and accepting of everyone.

December5th grade: Emma Murphy is a very conscientious student. She is focused and very motivated in the classroom. She uses her time well. Her friendly and polite disposition make her a very enjoyable student.

6th grade: Molly Thompson is a very responsible girl in class and always willing to help out a classmate when needed. She listens very intently, completes all assignments and gives her best effort on every task she attempts.

7th grade: Sean Stephenson is a responsible student, who always contributes in class discussions and works well with others.

8th grade: Robbie Phillips is a good student who works hard in class. He has a great sense of humor and makes it a point to get along with everyone.

Onondaga Hill Middle School students are saving their money and taking advantage of our in-school banking program with Empower Federal Credit Union. Empower’s Teen Zone in-school banking program helps our students learn about the importance of saving. Every other Wednesday as students arrive for school, an Empower Federal Credit Union representative accepts students’ monetary deposits. Our Empower representative verifies all deposits and students receive special Teen Zone surprises to reward their positive saving habits. A receipt of their deposit is printed and mailed directly to home. Saving is important! If you would like your son or daughter to be a Teen Zone saver, please contact the main office for more information.

Are You a Teen Zone Saver?

6February 2018

Onondaga Hill Middle School

The 5th graders in Mrs. Feyerabend’s art classes have been designing and building self-portrait “superhero” sculptures that exemplify the character traits of our Positivity Project. The students brainstormed possible ways to help humanity, using their “super powers” while keeping bravery, honesty and hope/optimism in mind. These creative artists used wire, fabric, clay and paint to construct these wonderful artworks. Shown here with her superhero wire sculpture is Eva Tarolli.

Positivity Project in the Art Class

Mrs. Feyerabend’s 6th grade classes have just finished making plaster masks, inspired by masks from around the world. The students applied plaster strips to a classmate’s face and then the masks were built up into the desired designs. The artists used cardboard, aluminum foil and plaster to construct the 3D version of their plans. The masks were then painted and embellished for a beautiful outcome. Shown here is Patrick Sheridan plastering Vincent Amorese’s face.

6th Grade Art Gets a Little Messy

During IA, 7th graders, Charlotte Roth, Iris Markham and Katherine Bendall, shared their knowledge and experiences on the country of Italy to their fellow classmates. They spoke about many topics: holidays (Easter and Christmas), religion, foods (pasta and cheese), the Italian flag and it’s meaning, and famous landmarks (the Colesseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa). Iris has been to Italy in the past so she was able to tell us personal stories of her trip. In addition to seeing pictures of Italy, students also had the opportunity to eat Italian Butter Cake. Charlotte made these at home and they were very delicious. Some students even had seconds! Thank you Charlotte, Iris, and Katherine for sharing the Italian culture with us. Grazie!

Cultural Presentation on Italy

7February 2018

Onondaga Hill Middle School

OHMS is Filled With Hope

The Seikan Tunnel connects the island of Hokkaido with what other Japanese island? Brian Kenny and Alex Ososkalo, the 2 students who competed in the Championship Round of the 2018 National Geographic Geography Bee, both had the correct answer, which was Honshu. After a series of 3 questions, Brian Kenny was declared the OHMS school champion, and will now complete a written test to qualify for the State competition. Prior to the finals, a school-wide assessment was given, and the following nineteen students scored the highest for the right to compete in the final round. They were Vincent Amorese, Sydney Bistrovich, Travis Burkett, Mackenzie Caccamo, Cade Caloia, Danny Carkner, Bodie Centore, Nathan Donnelly, Phoebe Gumaer, Brian Kenny, Casey Knoll, Brady Mannion, Alvin Matthews, Clare McMahon, Sam Militello, A.J. Moore, Alex Ososkalo, Noah Rewakowski, and Jason Voltz. These students should be very proud of themselves as they all answered a variety of very challenging questions during the final rounds. Good luck to Brian as he continues on representing OHMS.

Geography Bee

“What is your Hope?” That was the question presented to our OHMS community. Our students and staff shared their “hopes” by participating in a community project ignited by our participation in the Positivity Project and the discussion of the character trait of Hope and Optimism. We are sure to have a bright future with all of the insightful hopes shared at OHMS!Thank you to everyone who participated in the Cherrydale

sale. The OHMS Parent Council was able to raise funds for our field trips, assemblies, dances, Moving Up Night, Bingo, etc. Thank you, Cathy Madigan and all the volunteers for your tireless work running the sale. Pictured here are some top sellers on their way to Pizza Hut for lunch.

Cherrydale Sale

8February 2018

OHMS Honor Roll 2017-2018 Quarter 2Grade 8 High Honor Adams, Alanna Michelle Albert, Nicolette Parody Argentieri, Francesca Eade Balduzzi, Sarah Marie Benderski, Sofia Stefana Bradley, William Theodore Burkett, Travis Michael Cardoso, Isabella Grace Carkner, Daniel Jeffrey Carrock, Daniel Peter Carroll, Delaney Rose Centore, Sofia Grace Colucci, Rachel Dhamoon, Harsimran Eckert, Jillian Elizabeth Elias, Angelina Rose Formica, Charlotte Marilyn Fountain, Kendall Marie Gangemi, Emily Jo Gorman, Emma Kathryn Gratien, Jonathan Daniel Greeson, Benjamin Robert Heinrich, Kate Rose Herrera, Mia Pilar Hunter, Claire Terese Johnston, Hannah Rose Jones, Isabella Katherine Kenny, Brian Anthony Lyons, Lauren Elizabeth MacCaull, Kyle Mahar, Liam Patrick Mannion, Brady O’Brien Mathews, Alvin McGlynn, Ella Marie McMahon, Clare Caitlin McQueeney, Julia Noel Miggiani, Abigail Chloe Milham, Julia Pauline O’Connell, Gracelyn Ostuni, Jordyn Rae Pens, Quinn Maria Rewakowski, Noah Daniel Rosenberger, Kyle Joseph Russell, Julia Marie Sampo, Isabella Grace Satalin, John Ryan Starowicz, Hannah Louise

Grade 8 Honor Abedrabbah, Zarifeh Alberts, Alexandra Helene

Allen, Brian Alexander Allen, Corine Ceresa Battista, Kaylin Amanda Bova, Daniel Paul Burdick, Tyson Douglas Case, Amanda Mary Castracane, Anthony Michael Cook, Molly Katherine Czyz, Sean Dadey, Catherine Dowd, Katherine Patricia Dubaniewicz, Alexandra Frost, Evan Allen Grooms, Riley Kathryn Gross, Dominic J. Heffernan, Ryan Daniel Huggins, Levon Johnson, Luke Patrick Kilaru, Narmada Sai Kirkby Jr., Rodney Knoll, Charles James LaFex, Nicholas Laufer, Nolan Daniel Loose, Kassidy Rae Maglisco, Anthony J Mahoney, Patrick Bernard Mesa-Espinosa, Angie Metzgar, Quinton Khan Moore, Anthony Moriarty, Megan Elise Mulholland, Brandon Nizam, Arman Sami O’Hearn, Kyleigh Elizabeth Ososkalo, Alex Panek, Sebastian Patrie, Colleen Theresa Pecheny, Natalia Pelsue, Matthew Thomas Phillips, Robert Procopio, Nathan Donald Rosati, Marisa Olivia Scheirer, Madison Arlene Schoonmaker, Cole Robert Schwartz, Christopher Brian Scott, Mia Sara Small, Jack Charles Stanton, John Thomas Thabet, Amin Thayer, Hannah Rose Thomas, Ben Sener Thornton, Aaron Patrick Thornton, Bridget Ann

Thornton, Lauryn Kathryn Townsend, Michael David Vanderhoff, Hailey J. Voltz, Jason Walsh, Abigail Elizabeth Winkler, Grace Breason Zerrillo, Gianna Christine

Grade 7 High Honor Abdelfatah, Gisele Ajagbe, Oluwafeyisore Bealer, Morgan Sierra Bendall, Katherine Jill Bergett, Alexis Rose Bistrovich, Sydney Elise Bleskoski, Julianne Terese Bolesh, Ashley Susan Caccamo, Mackenzie Erin Centore, Bohdan Patrick Cottrell, Abigail Mae Cusimano, Zantana Lorraine Delay, Kieran Michael Donadio, Alexandra Donnelly, Nathan Patrick Feliu, Kaelin Grace Gilhooley, Rachel Louise Gonnella, Olivia Goode, Aidan William Heise, Mackenzie Grace Holowinski, Olivia Marie Horner, Lizzie Hynes, Lee Michael Kelly, McKenna Eileen Kinsella, Lilyanna Klamm, Domenica Marie Lowery, Adelaide Margaret Lubel, Margaret Anna Markham, Iris Mary McQueeney, Lia Clare Nowicki, Justin Jacob Pawelczyk, Amanda Polcaro, Elizabeth Rogers, Sean Patrick Rose, Kennedy Elizabeth Roth, Charlotte Ryan, Aidan Christopher Scrimale, Nicoletta Rose Snyder, Mary Katherine Starowicz, Emmet Stephenson, Sean Michael Stiner, Lucas Marcos Taber, Bradyn Shea

Vaughan, Abbey Walker, Delaney Jean Young, Devin Thomas

Grade 7 Honor Alt, Leonard Angell, Jane Marie Antoine, Olivia Maive BenYehuda, Ella Blount, Tatianna Bryant, Keegan Michael Buckman, Carter Leon Carter, Ashley Knobel Clos, Mallory Margarete Colon, Gisselle Anais Cominolli, Nathaniel Conley, Shannon Marie Curtis, Julian Czaplicki, Kalista Jane Delia, George Dennee, Bridgett Rose Derrick, James Robert Dillabough, Karly Donegan, Ryan Flaherty Dwyer, Megan Freeman, Alyvia Noelle-Joy Gilmartin, Luke Gluz, Elizabeth Aulina Graf, Simon Michael Greeley, Emily Nicole Gwilt, Julianna Rose Hagrman, Katelyn Anne Hamlin, Aubrey James Heagerty, Finnbarr Houck, Natalia Kerr, Aiden Jay LoFaro, Nicole Martini, Garet Matthew McKeon, Madison Rose Militello, Samuel Militi, Vittoria Naughton, Ryan Neuman, Dakota Dayhngher Nicoll, Baillie Ortiz, Manuel Osorio, Anthony Pagano, Anthony Christopher Piedmont, Aiden Allen Rizzo, Alaina Marie Roesch, Teresa Rosenberger, Anna Kerr Savage, Luke James

9February 2018

PBL Package ProjectRecently, Mrs. Stanton’s/Miss Morrell’s science classes engaged in a PBL project to design a package for future delivery by drone. Using the scientific method and engineering principals, students designed, tested and revised prototypes to create efficient designs. Students incorporated scientific knowledge of Newton’s Laws of Motion, gravity and air resistance to build competitive designs. In Mrs. Prince’s ELA class, the students wrote persuasive letters to Amazon engineers explaining their designs and asking Amazon to choose their designs in future research. The experience was a huge success. Mrs. Stanton’s/Miss Morrell’s science classes would like to thank Mr. Kevin Fallis, owner of the Dewitt UPS store, for donating supplies to the project.

Grade 7 Honor ContinuedSchmitz, Hannah Elizabeth Sisson, Caitlin Kelly Sondej, Andrew Terrinoni, Natalie Marie Thabet, Ilham Thomas, Brady Charles Valenza, Zachary Daniel Villa, Emma Ward, Chloe Elizabeth

Grade 6 High HonorBattista, Megan Elizabeth Borne, Gavin Reed Caloia, Cade Anthony Campanella, Jack Salvatore Carroll, Alden Cognato, Nina Grace DeMore, Charles Deno, Peyton James Formica, Lauren Elizabeth Goodness, Hannah Grace Gratien, Joshua Daniel Gross, Adriana Jane Kaczor, Carrie Grace Knohl, Caitlyn Frances Knohl, Connor Anthony Kohanski, Morgan Emily Lancette, Alison Taylor Lopez, Cameron James Madigan III, Michael Francis Mahar, Owen Michael

McClave, Miley Andra McGlynn, Grace Elizabeth McMahon, Joseph John McPeak, Benjamin Alfred McPeak, Elizabeth Josephine Melvin, Margaret Ann Nagraj, Luciana Elizabeth O’Reilly, Andrew Pierce Panek, Augustine Plochocki, Alexander Rewakowski, Mary Katherine Robbins, Regan Elisabeth Rogers, Kathleen Margaret Roth, Helaina Elizabeth Smithers, Samuel Thomas Spasevski, Gianna Isabella Stiner, Mia Stephanie Stiner, William Patrick Terek, Julianna Marie Thompson, Molly Katharine Tjaden, Hannah Lynn Van Epps, Jack Brendan Young, Isabel Young, Liliana Zollo, Lauren Marie

Grade 6 HonorAlfieri, Madeleine Mae Allahar, Gabrielle Allen, Bridget Claire Amorese, Vincent Stefan Andrella, Kyle Andrew

Burdick, Bryce Griffith Carfagno, Sophia Ann Cassoni, Allyssa Clarry, Adam Cottrell, Catherine Grace Curley, Logan John Dabbiero, Joshua Anthony Dacko, Alexander Vladimir Darling, Damon Lukas DeSanto, Emma Dimovski, Sofia Maria Edlund, Shamus Vincent Enriquez, Grace Isabel Etoll, Owen Charlie Evans, Rachel Maffei Falcone, Taylor Kathleen Finnerty II, Sean P. Gacek, Chloe Genevieve Gray, Gracelyn Hogan, Jameson Patrick Johnson, Isabella Marie Johnston, Brendan Augustine Kleberg IV, David Dean Kleberg, Elena Rose Knoll, Caroline Olivia Kurgan, Michael Albert Langdon, Kameron Joseph Lasher, Ava Mary Leonardo, Isabel Christine MacLachlan, Nathan Willard Mahoney, Rosemary Maines, Owen Daniel

Martin, Nathan Medeiros Jr., Steven John Mueller, Elizabeth Joy Paetow, Emma Pens, Grady Alwyn Pettiford, Ni’Jhay Nichelle Phillips, Marissa Anne Raner, Tyler James Rinaldi, Emily Elizabeth Sainsbury, Katelyn Rose Sanborn, Kemery Elizabeth Schneider, Brynn Sexton, Keegan Parker Sheridan, Patrick Thomas Sherwood, Ryan Matthew Shewchuk, Lucas Isaac Smyth, Shay Thomas Sparks, Julia Marie Spencer, Taylor Anna Stanton, Jane Catherine Suddaby, Jackson William Taylor, Veronica Thomas, A’my Uday Thornton, Ellie Grace Walsh, Maggie Walters, Ava Madison White, Azaria Wilsch, Emma Kathleen Zema, Rose Marie

We’re excited to share that students from Westhill High School and Onondaga Hill Middle school will be hitting the road again this year as they travel to the Rochester Teen Book Festival this May. It will be their 4th time attending this incredible event held at Nazareth College. This experience offers our students the opportunity to connect with many award-winning authors. Our students and staff have been busy reading these authors’ books and they can’t wait to meet them in person. If you have a student that is in 7th-12th grade and they would like to join us, it’s not too late. Just have them contact Mrs. Fenner at the WHS library or Ms. Feeney at the OHMS library for more information. A big thanks to Mrs. Karen McPeak for submitting this grant and to the Westhill Educational Foundation for supporting it.

Upcoming Teen Book Fest

OHMS Honor Roll 2017-2018 Quarter 2

10February 2018

Author to Visit OHMSWe are so excited to announce that author Alan Gratz will be visiting our school on May 21st this year! Alan Gratz is a New York Times bestselling author of many award-winning books for young readers. His book, Refugee, was recently named to the New York Times Notable Middle Grade Children’s Books of 2017. This book also won the Sydney Taylor Award for 2018. Refugee is a gripping tale of three young teens: Joseph, a Jewish boy in the 1930’s; Isabel, a Cuban girl in 1994 and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015. This story will leave you on the edge of your seat as you follow their harrowing journeys in search of refuge. There are some of his books available for borrowing at the OHMS library, and we would also like to give our students the opportunity buy his books before the visit. If you would like to purchase one of his books for your student, the order forms will be available in their homeroom and on the OHMS library website. This awesome opportunity is being supported by a Westhill Educational Foundation Grant. Let’s get reading!

All County HonorsFive Westhill High School 9th grade instrumental music students were selected to the Onondaga County Music Educators’ Association Senior High All County festival ensembles, and performed in these ensembles on January 26 and 27 at Eagle Hill Middle School. Raeann Curley (Clarinet) and Emily Madigan (French Horn) represented Westhill in the Junior High All County Orchestra and Angelo Carr (Trombone), Vincent Tarolli (Trombone), and Colin Walker (Bassoon) performed in the Junior High All County Concert Band.

Seven Westhill High School band students were selected to the Onondaga County Music Educators’ Association Senior High All County festival (grades 10-12), that was to be held January 12 and 13 at Liverpool High School; unfortunately, a winter storm canceled the rehearsals and performance. Despite not performing, we are so proud of our students for making the All County Rosters. Congratulations to Shannon Celeste (Euphonium), Jacob Fricano (Alto Saxophone), Alaina Kenny (Flute), Grace Lesselroth (Piccolo), Natalie Lyons (Trumpet), Zach MacCollum (Percussion), and Emily O’Reilly (French Horn) on your honor! These students were selected from hundreds of auditioning musicians from all across Onondaga County.

Media Marketing ProgramOn January 17, Westhill High School senior, Alex Ladstatter, was on the air at WCNY’s Travel Auction. He provided viewers with information on trips that were auctioned up to the highest bidder. The proceeds went to support public television. Alex is currently a student in the Media Marketing Program in collaboration with WCNY and New Visions.

Onondaga Hill Middle & Westhill High Schools

11February 2018

Young Musicians Project

On January 24, more than 40 Westhill instrumental music department eighth and ninth grade band students from OHMS and WHS traveled to Liverpool High School to perform as a part of the Young Musicians Project, sponsored by the Central Winds Music Educators’ Wind Ensemble. Our Westhill students were joined by other student-musicians from the Liverpool, West Genesee, Oswego, Fulton, Phoenix, Fayetteville-Manlius and Cicero-North Syracuse music programs and masterclass teachers and conductors from the Westhill, Oneida, East Syracuse-Minoa, Fulton, Fayetteville-Manlius, Liverpool, Syracuse City and Phoenix school districts.

Our students rehearsed in like-instrument chamber ensemble masterclasses (flute, clarinet, double reed, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba/euphonium, horn, and percussion ensembles), in large instrument family ensembles (brass/percussion ensemble and woodwind ensemble) and performed a concert for a great crowd of family and friends at the end of the evening. Westhill teacher, Mrs. Erin Tapia, coached the Flute Ensemble and conducted the Woodwind Ensemble. We are so proud of our musicians for their hard-work, beautiful playing and leadership throughout the evening, all while proudly representing Westhill!

Over winter break, Character Education members (Ahlam Thabet, Annie Fitzgerald, Paige Agostini, Sana Nizam, Lauren Holstein, Liz Kessler, Hannah Abraham, Amani Abraham, Lennah Abraham, Grace McMahon, Mr. McMahon and Advisor Mrs. Weinsztok) delivered winter clothing donations to newly settled refugees at Community Care of Syracuse. Our hearts were filled with joy as we helped suit community members with the 200 winter coats that were collected! All 4 schools participated in this collection, and as a result, we delivered 9 industrial sized bags filled with coats, hats, socks, mittens and boots. A special thank you to Mrs. Burrows and the OHMS Student Council for taking this on as a special task. In the past decade, Syracuse has welcomed nearly 10,000 refugees from all over the world. Most resettled refugees arrive with the bare necessities, which likely won’t include appropriate winter clothing. It was apparent from the smiles on their faces that they truly appreciated our help. Our initiative to help others extends behind the walls of our school. “We rise by lifting others.”- Robert Ingersoll

Community Care of Syracuse operates every Saturday from 12-2 pm, located next to the North Side Learning Center at 501 Park Street. All donations (clothes, toys, furniture, appliances, mattresses, etc.) are accepted. Pick up can also be arranged. For more information please contact: Ellie Abraham at: communitycaresyr@gmail.com.

Community Compassion

Westhill High School

12February 2018

Grade 12Alcaro, Timothy James Bardenett McDowell, Luke Bleskoski, David Edward Bobbett, Mary (Molly) Jane Bryant, Emma Kaitlin Carrock, Emma Winifred Celeste, Shannon Margaret Centore, Noah Henry Clancy, John Allen Conan IV, Donald Francis Coolican, Noelle Marie Costello, Brian Andrew Costello, Christopher John Cunningham, Zierra Dadey, Sean Patrick Delano, Margret Anne Derrick, Cassandra Leigh Diefendorf, Leah Marie Dorfman, Hannah Elizabeth Durand, Julia Erin Dwyer, Kevin Patrick Eassa, Benjamin Neil Elmer, Morgan Maureen Feliu, Alexander William Felter, Liam Andrew Fergot, Samuel Devlin Gacek, Paige Alexandra Geer III, John Stuart Grabda IV, John Francis Griffin, Matthew James Gwilt, Jonathan Robert Helfeld, Kayla Diane Hisert, Matthew Carl Hoyne, Owen Michael Jones, Madeleine Olivia Karleski, Katelyn Ann Kelly, Patrick Lundy Kenny, Alaina Catherine Kenyon, Mackenzie Matthew Lantinga, Abigail Virginia Larrabee, Brooke Ann Lasher, Katherine Brianna Laszlo, Michael David Lavigne, Isabella Rhyse Lesselroth, Kathryn Brenna Lyons, Natalie Claire Markham, Clayton John Marshall, Joshua Anthony Matukas, Owen Patrick McAnaney, Maura Rose Mikus, Haley Anne

Niezabytowski, Cal Michael O’Reilly, Megan Rivet Owens, Zachary Michael Pirong Jr., Richard Daniel Puglisi, Luke Emmet Ringwood, Emma Claudine Robb, Cailey Loren Sgroi, Sophia Mary Smith, Taylor Marie St. Amour, Amanda Brooke Ten Eyck, Tyler Timothy VanBuren, Samantha Fall Vigliotti, Angela Marie Walker, Donovan William Watt, Evan Daniel Zawadzki, Edward

Grade 11Adams, Stephen Thomas Antonacci, Jacqueline Taylor Argentieri, Camille Ann Bistrovich, Justin Patrick Blossey, Walker Cole Brown, Bianca Tiara Adriana Caloia, Dino (DJ) Joseph Caron, Kevin Jacob Case, Anthony James Cassidy, Ariel M Chaddock, Thomas Henry Coats, Megan Christine Coman, Patrick Thomas Coolican, Haylei Marybeth Corning, Andrew Matthew Cortez, Camryn Ashleigh Cunningham, Elana Zonea’ Czyz, Joseph Walker Daigneau, Elena Lorene Dashley, Samuel Logan DeMatties, Noah Robert Dhamoon, Jaideep S. Edgar, Abigail Jean Etoll, Chatarina Quinn Gasky, Jack Michael Gedney, Montanna Patton Gilmartin, Ryan Patrick Graves, Sydney Lee-Ann Hart, Sydney Meris Heinrich, Brigid Walsh Herne, Adam Robert Hofmann, Alyssa Marie Hurteau, Claire Hynes, Zoe Marie

Kane, Jessica Joan Kelly, Quinn Conall King, Nathan Howard Krahling, Caitlyn Victoria Lougen, Danielle Andrea MacCaull, Kendra Marie Malone, Carmen Jared Martin, Mackenzie Maureen Mathews, Anila McCloat, Thomas Michael McPeak, David Joseph Milham, Brandon Alexander Miller, Caroline Ann Nowicki, Madelyn Savannah Rewakowski, Brendan James Rey, Nico Carmine Rey, Olivia Margaret Robb, Liam Jonathan Roberts, Jacob Douglas Robinson, Adam Nicholas Roesch, Daniel Patrick Russell, Lauren Maureen Salanger, Lauryn Anne Shampine, Emma Rose Shattell, Jeremy Robert Spinek, Shannon Nolan Stensland, Grace Eleanor Thomson, Aubrey Michaela Usev, Andon Toni Waleski, Maya Rose Washburn, Daniel William Watts, Imani Ane Wiezalis, Ashley Elizabeth

Grade 10Aboushanab, Amal Abraham, Moneer Dean Ajagbe, Oluwafeyisayo Amaya, Adam Anthony Bendall, Lauren Elizabeth Bogan, Phillip Mason Bradley, Jackson Thomas Broader, Maeve Caitlin Bryant, Rusden Patrick Cannucciari, Arden Rose Carroll, Mikayla Noelle Coman, Thomas Kevin Cundall, Geoffrey Robert Daniul, Rachel Marie Davis, William DemperioDerrick, Chelsea Lynn Domanski, Alyssa Rose

Durand, Ryan Jay Falcone, Stephanie Marie Ferrara, Michael Patrick Fountain, Spencer Francis Fricano, Jacob Steven Fricano, Nathan Lawrence Frost, Sophia Ilene Galante, Sara Marie Geer, Reilly Erwin Gere, Jenna Gibson, Mary Louise Gilhooley, Rebecca Sue Grabda, Christopher Heffernan, Ashley Nicole Helfeld, Benjamin Holstein, Lauren Elizabeth Hunt, Margaret Fitzgi Hunter, William Daniel Kelly, Kevin Allen Kessler, Elizabeth Anne Kinney, Garvin Thomas Knapp, Jack William Larrabee, Jenna Kathryn Lasher, Julia Estelle Lesselroth, Grace Ann Lyons, Allison Mary MacBain, Scott Matthew MacCollum, Zachary James Mahoney, Alice Margaret Mannion, Quinn Patricia Marshall, Lauren Elizabeth Masterpole, Ellie May McIntyre, Caitlyn Kirkpatrick McMahon, Grace Helen McNitt, Riley Jordan McPeak, Eamon Andrew McQueeney, Aline Nicole Miggiani, Josiah Ethan Moran, Mackenzie Rose Murphy, Ryan Rebecca Nizam, Sana Noor O’Hearn, Trevor Daniel O’Reilly, Emily Brennon Olesh, Yuliya Patrie, Shawn Michael Peck, Caitlyn Marie Prebish, Ian David Puglisi, Kyle Bernard Redmond, Megan Alanna Remillard, Will Clemo Ricks, Janae MichelleRolince, Ryan Charles

WHS Honor Roll 2017-2018 Quarter 2

13February 2018

Grade 10 continuedRomeo, Nina Rose Rudnick, Ciarra Michelle Satalin, Meghan Teresa Savage, Michael Patrick Schwartz, Sarah Catherine Sexton, Brianna Odell Sheridan, Hannah Riley Sheridan, Sarah Mae Smolen, Victoria Rose Sullivan, Molly Grace Thabet, Ahlam Vaughan, Katherine Mary Wheelden, Madelyn

Elizabeth Grade 9Agostini, Paige Elizabeth Alam, Nailah Banga, Harshdeep Singh Barcza, Rylee Madison

Bealer, Madison Jean BenYehuda, Boaz Bergett, Luke Jeffrey Blossey, Emma Margaret Bobbett, Jack Stewart Bolesh, Olivia Kathleen Britt, Michael Philip Caron, Sophia Terese Carr, Angelo Carroccia Centore, Henry Joseph Clancy, Ryan Michael Clayton, Kyle Thomas Curley, Raeann Brooke D’Agostino, Hannah Grace Delano, William Carl Dorfman, Cassie Grace Felter, Aidan Thomas Felter, Tess Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Anne Kate Graves, Kelsey Leann

Griffin, Myles Alexander Grooms, Griffin Richard Herne, Daniel Steven Hunt, James Edward King, Benjamin John Langdon, Sophie V. LaParne, Katherine Grace LaVeck, Jade Lynn Locke, Kassadi Lougen, Justin James Madigan, Emily Drew Malone, Cristian Michael Markham, Ella Marie McMahon, Maggie Rose McPeak, Katherine Anne Mechowski, Emma Kelly Niezabytowski, Cameron Nowicki, Kylie Sierra Powers, Jackson Lewis Raus, Emma Elizabeth

Rinaldi, Hailey Marie Robb, Ava Kathleen Robbins, Makenna Elise Rubino, Christian James Rubino, Sophia Rose Ryan, Maeve Janice Shanahan, Madison Reilly Tarolli, Vincent Matthew Terrinoni, Ashley Rose Thomas, Madison Alexis Thomas, Myshaun Myron VanBuren, Matthew Jeffrey Vigliotti, Andrea Lynn Walker, Colin Patrick Wiezalis, Amanda Kelly Wilsch, Mairead Norine Wisner, Taryn Anne Yeates, Jack William Zawadzki, Jake Evan Zollo, Brooke Olivia

Academic Decathlon By Jake Czaplicki

On January 20, 2018, Westhill High School hosted the United States Academic Decathlon regional competition with four teams in attendance. All four teams, Westhill, Tully, West Genesee and Cazenovia, took a series of seven tests in seven different subject areas: math, science, literature, music, art, economics and social science, along with SuperQuiz, very similar to Final Jeopardy but in many rounds. This year’s overall theme for the Decathlon was Africa, and the novel every student had to read was Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. Westhill had several team members win individual awards. Medalists include: John Clancy (12) with a gold medal in social science and literature; Victoria Smolen (10) with a gold medal in literature, art and science along with a silver metal in math and literature; Danielle Lougen (11) with a bronze in social science; Zierra Cunningham (12) with a bronze in literature; Cami Cortez (11) with a silver in math; Annie Fitzgerald (9) with a silver in economics; Jake Czaplicki (11) with a silver in music; David Carpenter (11) with a gold in science and a bronze in social science; and Mackenzie Moran (10) with a bronze medal in literature and science. Brooke Larrabee (12), Margaret Hunt (10), James Hunt (9), Paige Agostini (9), and Quinn Etoll (11) also competed in the competition and contributed to Westhill’s 1st place victory. The team will be competing in the State competition at SUNY Brockport on February 24, hoping to pull out a win and be able to represent New York State for the National Competition in Frisco, Texas. Good luck Westhill!

WHS Honor Roll 2017-2018 Quarter 2

14February 2018

Coolican Wins Steeplechase Frassica Recognized

Martin Scores 1,000 Points

On January 22, junior, Mackenzie Martin, scored her 1,000 career point against the Mustangs of Marcellus. She is the 12th female basketball player at Westhill to reach this outstanding mark in her career, following her sister Delaney, a 2016 graduate. Mackenzie is a four-year participant at the varsity level who entered her junior season with 836 points. Mackenzie is a two-sport athlete at Westhill, and is a major contributor on both the volleyball and basketball teams. Congratulations, Mackenzie!

On January 28 at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino, the Central New York Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame honored senior, Corey Frass ica. Corey, center and linebacker for the Warriors, was awarded a $500 scholarship for his academic and athletic accomplishments throughout h i s f o o t b a l l c a r e e r . Congratulations, Corey!

In celebration of “Saint Nicolas”, a holiday celebrated on December 6 and also known as “le Petit Noël”, our Belgian friends sent us a package of goodies. Students got to sample “laquements”, a waffle-crêpe type of specialty from the Liège region. We are looking forward to meeting the Belgian students and teachers at the end of April. Many Westhill students have already been paired with their Belgian correspondents. If your family would like to participate, we still need about ten host families. The dates are April 28 (evening) until May 2 (morning). Please contact Mme Amerault our M. Zimmerman if you are interested.

Surprise Package from Belgian Students

Haylei Coolican finished strong at the New Balance Games held at the Armory Track and Field Center in New York City. She placed first in the mile steeplechase event with a time of 5:42.11. Haylei, a junior, is a three-sport athlete at Westhill participating in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track.

Westhill High School

15February 2018

Save the DateSenior Citizens’ Dinner & Concert featuring live music by Westhill Jazz Bands & The Central Winds Jazz Ensemble

Westhill senior citizens are invited to the 40th annual Senior Citizens’ Dinner and Concert on Wednesday, April 11 at Westhill High School. Senior citizens will enjoy a free complimentary dinner organized by the Westhill High School instrumental music department with assistance from parents and student-musician volunteers. The dinner begins at 6pm in the Westhill High School cafeteria. Complimentary tickets for Westhill senior citizens may be picked up at local senior centers or the Westhill High School main office.

Following the dinner, everyone is encouraged to attend the jazz concert held in Haws Auditorium at Westhill High School. The concert will start at 7pm and will feature scholastic performances by the Onondaga Hill Middle School and Westhill High School jazz bands. The concert will conclude with a spectacular performance featuring the newly formed big band, Central Winds Jazz Ensemble.

Thank you to the Westhill Educational Foundation for sponsoring the Central Winds Jazz Ensemble artists-in-residence clinic taking place during the school day on April 11 in addition to the much anticipated evening performance. Mark your calendars and join us for this fantastic celebration of music in our community!

Pictured is the 2017 Senior Citizens’ Concert at Westhill High School featuring The Central New York Jazz Orchestra.

Notice is hereby given that the annual inspection for 2017-2018 of the school buildings, concession stand, and bus garage of the Westhill Central School District for fire

hazards which might endanger the lives of students, teachers, employees therein, has been completed and the report

thereof is available at the district office located at Walberta Park Elementary School, 400 Walberta Road, Syracuse,

NY 13219 for inspection by all interested persons.

Westhill District News

Transportation to Nonpublic SchoolsFollowing the guidelines of Section 3635 of New York State Education Law, the Westhill Central School District is advising the parents of students seeking transportation to a nonpublic school that a written request must be submitted to the Westhill Board of Education by April 1st of the preceding year. New residents may submit their request after the April 1st deadline, but must do so within thirty days after establishing residence in the district. The school board may refuse to grant a late transportation request where additional expenses and new transportation arrangements would be necessary. A formal transportation request form may be received directly from the nonpublic school at the time of enrollment and must be completed and received at the Westhill Central School District prior to April 1, 2018.

On days in which public schools are scheduled to be closed, in accordance with the Westhill school district calendar, the district is not obligated to transport to the nonpublic schools. Under no circumstances may transportation be provided on legal holidays or Saturdays.

2018-2019 Budget InformatIon

March 26, 2018 ........School Budget Information Session in the WHS Auditorium at 7:00 pm

April 5, 2018 ............Absentee Ballot applications available in the District Office

April 16, 2018 ..........Tentative date for 2018-2019 budget adoption

April 16, 2018 ..........Board of Education candidate petitions due in the District Office (One Board of Education seat: James Wickersham whose term will expire on June 30, 2018)

April 27, 2018 ..........Budget newsletter is mailed to district residents

May 8, 2018 .............Public Budget Hearing in the WHS Auditorium at 7:00 pm

May 8, 2018 .............Deadline to request an Absentee Ballot Application be sent by mail

May 15, 2018 ...........Deadline to return completed Absentee Ballot Application by 5:00 pm

May 15, 2018 ...........Budget Vote/Board of Education Election in WHS Auditorium Foyer from 7:00 am – 9:00 pm

As stipulated by NYS Law, the following qualifications MUST be met, without exception, in order to cast a vote:

1. You MUST be a citizen of the United States.2. You MUST be at least 18 years of age.3. You MUST be a resident of the district for at least 30 days prior to May 15, 2018.

BOARD OF EDUCATIONWesthill Central School District400 Walberta RoadSyracuse, New York 13219-2214

Non-profit OrganizationU.S. Postage PAID

Permit No. 3523Syracuse, New York

BOARD OF EDUCATIONLisa M. O’Reilly, PresidentRoseanne Scrimale, Vice PresidentJames K. WickershamAndrew StarowiczPatrick Cassidy

The Westhill Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, sex or race in its employment practices or educational programs.

Westhill District News