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Webster community mailbag

6 Feb

I’d like to lead off today’s mailbag with some notes from our schools.

KN AP social mediaA big Webster welcome to Sarah Welsh, the new assistant principal at Klem Rd. North Elementary, a position she will officially begin in March.

Welsh has 12 years of educational experience as an elementary special education teacher in Penfield. While there, she also served as the extended school year program principal and as a mentor and instructional coach to new teachers.

Welsh received her undergraduate degree from St. John Fisher College and master’s degree from Brockport. She and her husband Casey live in Fairport.

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Spry Middle School’s annual charity basketball game is almost here. Game day is Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Spry Middle School gym, 119 South Avenue. The event basketballfeatures a tournament between the school’s houses (Red vs White vs Blue) for girls and boys in grade six and then seven and eight combined, followed by a competition knockout games for students and staff. The evening culminates with presentation of the Spirit Stick to the winning house.

Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased in advance at the school during Spry lunch periods February 24-28. Limited tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House of Rochester.

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The next Flapjack Benefit Breakfast hosted by the First Baptist Church of Penfield has been scheduled for Saturday Feb. 15 from 8 to 10 a.m. For $6 enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, real maple syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, and more. All February proceeds will go directly to help support Refugees Helping Refugees, an organization which seeks to foster the growth of Rochester’s refugee community by making them agents of their own advancement.

The First Baptist Church of Penfield is located at 1862 Penfield Rd., steps from four corners.

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Your next local opportunities to help save lives by donating blood are coming up next week.

Drives will be held Monday Feb. 10 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd. and on Tuesday Feb. 11 from 1 to 6 p.m. at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd.

It only takes about an hour, especially if you have an appointment, which you can make at redcrossblood.org. Or just stop in without an appointment. They’d love to see you.

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Looking forward to February Break, the Webster Public Library has all sorts of great programs for you and your kids.

  • Tuesday, Feb. 18, join a Book Swap Party from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 20 make some cereal box guitars from 11 to 11:45 a.m.
  • Also on Thursday Feb. 20, join me and my fellow instructors from Strike Back Martial Arts for Family Night and learn some martial arts, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 21, from 2 to 3 p.m., get your taste buds working at the Pop-Tart Taste-Off
  • Also Friday, continuing through Saturday Feb. 22, check out an N-Scale Model Train display. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Visit the library’s website for more information about all these programs. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd. 

And while we’re talking about the library, here’s a quick reminder that I will be there on Friday Feb. 21 from noon to 3:30 p.m. just hanging out, if anyone would like to come by and say hi. If you’ve ever had any questions about my blog, how I get my stories, or maybe have a story of your own to tell me about, I’d love to hear it.

I’ll be there with my computer, working on some blogs, so come on by!

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

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Webster teachers are “freezin’ for a reason”

30 Jan

polar plunge

We always knew that our Webster teachers are dedicated to our students. And if you’re not yet convinced, just check out what a bunch of them are planning to do in just a few weeks.

Almost a dozen teachers and staff members will be participating in this year’s Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 9.

I’m sure you’ve heard about this annual event. Basically, participants come together at Ontario Beach Park, strip down to their bathing suits (or tutus or Santa suits or whatever they choose to wear), and take a dip into the frigid waters of Lake Ontario. Some just run in and out, others dive head-first. Nobody stays in very long. (I can say that from experience as I did take part in this last year).

What is particularly amazing about this event is that all the participants RAISE MONEY for the privilege of doing this crazy thing. And this year, get this:

WTA

Our Webster Teachers Association (WTA) is currently the top fundraising team of the entire Plunge. 

Yep, as of this writing, the WTA team has raised a whopping $7,540, easily eclipsing the second place team. And the two tippy-top fundraisers of all? Lisa Foster ($2,670) and Bill Ambler ($2070), both teachers at Schlegel Rd. Elementary School.

All the proceeds, by the way, benefit Special Olympics. So all this craziness and fund-raising is helping out our district’s students big time.

The team has raised so much money that the folks at Special Olympics reached out to team captain Dan Crowley and offered to bus them over to the Plunge site. That’s VIP treatment for some real VIP teachers.

It is NOT TOO LATE to donate to the WTA team. Let’s keep them on top! Just click here to see all the team members. You can either donate to one of them, or to the entire team as a whole. In either case, our students will benefit.

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Last year’s WTA team of Polar Plungers.

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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

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Frozen comes to Willink!

26 Jan
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Kayla Keeling, Kristina Fisher

Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Sven from your kids’ FAVORITE movie, Frozen, will come to life on the Willink Middle School stage this coming Friday Jan. 31 and Saturday Feb. 1, presented by the Willink Drama Club.

You know the story. It centers on two sisters, Princesses Anna and Elsa, who rely on the powerful bond of sisterhood (and some fun new friends) to overcome danger.

Frozen Jr. will feature musical favorites including “Love Is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”, and “Let It Go,” some new songs from the Broadway production, plus magic, adventure and plenty of laughs. You’ll definitely leave the theater with a light heart and a song in your head.

More than 100 sixth, seventh and eighth graders have worked long and hard to bring this wonderful production to the stage, so let’s get out there and cheer them on! (Your kids will love you FOREVER.)

Here are the details:

Frozen Jr. will be performed at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway, on Friday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 1 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. Children 3 and under are FREE.

Tickets will be available starting Monday Jan. 27 through the Drama Club website.

Here are some shots from the recent dress rehearsal:

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Kayla Keeling, Kristina Fisher, Jamiee Schelkun and Faustina Compton

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Julia Walters and Veronica Leistman

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Lilly Benefante, Jamie McCarthy, Kayla Keeling and Kristina Fisher

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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

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It must almost be spring.

21 Jan

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It MUST almost be spring.

The reason I say that is that I recently saw a blast of flyers from organizers of the 44th annual Community Arts Day, the Webster School District’s annual student show-off day.

Community Arts Day is our school district’s annual show-off day. Students from every one of our elementary, middle and high schools will have artwork on display, including . sculptures, paintings, collages, sketches, and more. There are dance exhibitions, music concerts and martial arts demonstrations. There’s face painting, sand and candy art for the kids, a bake sale, craft vendors, community group exhibits, and food and drink concessions. Most everything (aside from the food, of course) is free, which makes this event an awesome family activity for a (what will probably be) a cold, wintry day.

Lots of details are still coming together, but here’s what the organizers need right now to help make this year’s event run smoothly:

Vendors:

Anyone interested in becoming a vendor or exhibitor for this year’s event can click here  for more information and a registration form. Cost is $25 for exhibitors, $50 for vendors.

Performing groups:

Got a music or dance group you’d like to see on stage at Community Arts Day? Click here for more information and to register. Cost is $25.

Talent Show performers:

The “Webster’s Got Talent” talent show is also one of the most popular attractions at Community Arts Day. Singers, dancers and musicians are invited to participate. Acts should be 2-3 minutes long. So get your act together and register by April 7 by clicking here.  If you have questions, email the talent show coordinator, Jakob@JakobHRothfuss.com.

Sponsors: 

CAD sponsorship levels have been established to help offset the cost of the event. Sponsors at all levels will recognized in signage at both hostess stations at the front and back entrances, on the website’s main page and in several other ways. Sponsorship levels are Bronze ($75), Silver ($125) and Gold ($250). If you’re interested, click here for more information.

Volunteers: 

This event does not happen without a large number of volunteers. There are several ways you can lend a hand, including donating store-bought baked goods for the sweet-treats sale or working a morning, mid-day or afternoon shift in one of the activity areas, lunch counter, arts and crafts, face painting and others. Volunteer sign-up will begin the first week of March. In the meantime, you can find out more by clicking here. 

Volunteers: 

I know this is repetitive. But it’s really important. Please consider helping out, and get your teenagers to join you!

Stay tuned for more information about this terrific family and community event.

 

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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

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Titans Hockey event a huge success

14 Jan

A quick update this morning from the organizers of the Webster Thomas hockey team’s recent Robert J. Smith Memorial Showcase. The event, held Saturday, featured four hockey games and benefited the American Cancer Society.

Word is, the event was “HUGELY successful.”  Through admission, raffles, a “chuck a puck” and apparel sales, the team raised thousands of dollars. 

Here are some photos from the evening, courtesy Deb Vent:

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The Robert J Smith tribute event included raffles and other contests.

The team’s next big event is its eighth annual Honor Our Heroes game to benefit CDS Monarch Warrior Salute. This will be a single game on January 31, when the Thomas Titans face Victor at 6 p.m. This event will feature a TV and gift card raffle, 50/50 and apparel sales. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens. Students, military and first responders are free with ID.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

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Webster Schroeder kicks off spring musical season

12 Jan

Rehearsals are well underChicago Graphic3 (1)way for the first Webster high school musical of the season, Chicago, presented by Webster Schroeder Musicals in four shows Feb. 6 through 10.

Set in Chicago during the Roaring ’20s, the story follows dancer Roxie Hart, who murders her lover and convinces her husband to take the rap. When he finds out he’s been duped, he turns on Roxie, who is convicted and sentenced to death row. There, she joins forces with another “Merry Murderess” in search of headlines and — ultimately — acquittal.

The high school version of the very popular movie and stage play has been adjusted slightly to be more appropriate. But have no fear; the performance will still be plenty powerful, complete with most of the songs, dances and stunning set pieces that you’ve come to know.

And c’mon, it’s a Webster Schroeder musical. These kids are blow-your-mind amazing.

Chicago will take the stage Thursday Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Friday Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday Feb. 8 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15 and available online at ShowTix4U.com, and at all area Wegmans.

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(L-R) Ava Massaro and Maggie Nagar (photo courtesy S. Nagar)

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Webster athletes well represented in AGR rankings

9 Jan
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Schroeder sophomore Sierra Doody made the AGR list in cross country. (Photo courtesy S. Webster)

The Democrat and Chronicle has just announced its 2019 All-Greater Rochester Team, and many Webster athletes have made the list.

This D&C has created this list for many years. This year, it includes 165 athletes and 12 coaches in 11 different sports.

Congratulations to these outstanding student athletes from Webster Thomas and Webster Schroeder who made the cut:

  • Football: Victor Snow, (Schroeder junior), and named to the second team, John Talen from Thomas and Travis Dear from Schroeder.
  • Boys soccer: Cameron Webb (Thomas senior)
  • Girls soccer: Anna Hewlett (Schroeder senior), and named to the second team, Emma Leonardo from Schroeder, Mikayla Morelli from Schroeder and Annika Monfort from Thomas.
  • Field Hockey: Emily Klein (Thomas senior)
  • Boys volleyball: Allister Spiegel (Thomas senior)
  • Tennis: Alexa Monrad (Schroeder junior) and Stephanie Romero (Schroeder senior)
  • Boys cross-country: Austin Schoen (Thomas junior)
  • Girls cross-country: Sierra Doody (Schroeder sophomore)
  • Girls golf: Ava Labelle (Thomas sophomore)
  • Girls swimming: Suzanne Sokolowksi and Dana Witte, both juniors.

There’s also a list of “honorable mentions” which has too many Webster athletes to include here.

The article has only been posted online so far, and can be found here. It will be published in the print edition on Sunday.

Congratulations to everyone who made the list! Keep up the good work; you make Webster proud.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

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Good hockey, great cause

27 Dec

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If you like hockey (or even if you don’t), and want to help support an awesome cause, I have the perfect event for you next week, on Friday Jan. 3 at the Webster Ice Arena on Publisher’s Parkway.

It’s the Webster Beats Brain Tumors benefit hockey game putting Webster Schroeder vs. West Irondequoit. The annual event has been organized for the last four years by Webster Schroeder grad Marshal Scheidt as his way of giving back to the URMC medical staff who saved his life.

Here, allow Marshal himself to tell his story:

When I was in high school at Webster Schroeder I was diagnosed with a large brain tumor my freshman year and I used my desire to play hockey again to keep my spirits high through surgery and rehabilitation. I was able to “beat the odds” and play the game I love again.

When the tumor grew back my senior year, I played the second half of the season knowing that there was a tumor on my brain and I would undergo surgery again after the year was over. The amazing doctors, nurses, and medical staff at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) saved my life and I’ve always wanted to give back. Without the game of hockey I’m not sure I would have been as motivated to go through everything that went along with surgery, rehab, and radiation.

Because of this I have created the Webster Beats Brain Tumors fundraiser (formerly Brockport Beats Brain Tumors). This is the fourth year we have hosted this event to raise money and awareness for brain tumors. … This is a perfect way to give back, and together, we can make this horrific experience a little easier for kids in the future.

After the game, everyone is invited to convene at Buntzy’s Sports Bar, 2235 Empire Blvd. for a concert by Dawgs For a Cauz, more games and prizes.

Marshal’s goal this year is to raise $7,000, which will be donated to the Brain Tumor Care Fund to support care for patients with brain tumors and their family members and caregivers during all stages of treatment.

There are several ways you can support the cause, even without attending the game:

  • Make out a check to University of Rochester Medical Center with “Webster Beats Brain Tumors” in the memo, mailed ATTN: Brooke Whowell, 300 E River Rd, Rochester, NY 14627.
  • Make a secure gift online at event.urmc.edu/braintumorcare
  • Donate a raffle item for the raffle. Email mscheidt27@yahoo.com to arrange pick up of donated item.
  • Attend the game on Jan. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Webster Ice Arena, 865 Publishers Parkway. All proceeds from the raffle and promotional items will be donated to URMC.
  • Celebrate at Buntsy’s at 8:30 with the Dawgs For a Cauz concert
  • Volunteer: Email Marshal at mscheidt27@yahoo.com for more information.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

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Sons of the American Legion step up to help our school children

20 Dec

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Here’s another nice story from our schools, but especially from one local service organization who is supporting them in a big way this holiday season.

The Sons of the American Legion Post 942 in Webster recently donated $3,000 to the Webster Central School District to completely wipe out the past-due balances of all the district’s students who owe money for free or reduced-cost lunches. About 200 students fall into that category, who since the beginning of the year have accrued about $2,600 in debt.

The district plans to use the excess funds to help a few other students who don’t qualify for reduced cost lunches but are still in  need.

Yesterday, Spectrum News visited Schlegel Rd. Elementary School to do a story on the donation. You can see that coverage here.

Also, I was honored to be on hand for the actual check presentation a week ago and will be featuring the donation in my Our Towns East Extra column this Sunday. So look for that in the D&C, or watch my East Extra Facebook page for that story.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

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The kids are getting out of school early tomorrow

19 Dec

Parents, please remember that the Webster Central School District will be conducting its annual Emergency Preparedness Early Release Drill tomorrow, Dec. 20.

Early Release Drill artStudents at every one of our Webster schools will be dismissed a little early and arrive home by bus a little early.

Tomorrow (Dec. 20) only, buses will leave the schools ate these times:

  • DeWitt Elementary School, 2:10 p.m.
  • Klem North Elementary School, 2:00 p.m.
  • Klem South Elementary School, 2:10 p.m.
  • Plank North Elementary School, 2:00 p.m.
  • Plank South Elementary School, 2:10 p.m.
  • Schlegel Elementary School, 2:10 p.m.
  • State Elementary School, 2:10 p.m.
  • Spry Middle School, 3:05 p.m.
  • Willink Middle School, 3:05 p.m.
  • Webster Schroeder High School, 3:05 p.m.
  • Webster Thomas High School, 3:05 p.m.

Also on this date, activity period at the elementary schools will run and will end 10 minutes early.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

 

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