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Dewitt students enjoy a visit from the WWFD

10 Nov

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Here’s a quick — yet adorable — post about a recent visit from some real firefighters at Dewitt Road School.

About a week ago, the school’s first graders were treated to a lesson in fire safety from volunteers from the West Webster Fire Department. They got to see what a firefighter looks like all suited up, check out all of the tools on a fire truck, and even sit inside of the truck for a few minutes.

Many thanks to firefighters Phil Vanderlee, Pat Manfreda, and Gene Kohlmeier for taking the time to share this important information with these students.

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House of Hamill brings Irish music to Plank North

9 Nov

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Students at Plank Road North Elementary School were bouncing to an Irish beat on Wednesday as Rose Baldino and Brian Buchanan of the House of Hamill, a Philadelphia-based folk/Irish/rock group, spent the day conducting Irish music workshops.

Toe-tapping music filled the school all day as the musicians discussed different facets of Irish music, including the difference between a violin and a fiddle, and how to tell a jig from a reel.

Brian and Rose not only shared their exceptional musical talents with the students, but also an important lesson on perseverance, especially for anyone struggling to learn an instrument.

When he started playing the violin, Brian remembered, “I was terrible for a very long time. It sounds bad at first. It’s hard to make it sound good, but little by little you start getting better.”

At the end of each lesson, the musicians opened up the floor to questions. A lot of hands shot up, and a lot of the “questions” were more like very important (to a grade-schooler, anyway) informational-sharing statements (“My cat is named Pete!”). But several clearly showed the students had been listening, and were very engaged and entertained.  And when Brian and Rose challenged them to distinguish between a jig and a reel, they were pretty much spot-on.

Brian and Rose are visiting Plank North again today for more workshops, and will conclude their visit this afternoon with a school-wide concert.  Tonight, they’ll travel to Lovin’ Cup near the RIT campus, where they’ll perform from 8 to 11:00 p.m. Click here to see more information about that.

House of Hamill

Brian and Rose teach fourth graders the tempo difference between a jig and a reel as Plank North music teacher Sarah Rosenberry helps the students count out the beat. (Provided)

 

Below is a short clip of House of Hall playing for the students. Click here to see the video.

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Click here to see a short clip of Brian and Rose playing for Plank North students. 

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Webster’s Schlegel Elementary ranked top-10 in quality

2 Nov

 

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The faculty and staff of Webster’s Schlegel Rd. Elementary School

There’s some exciting news from our Webster schools today.

As reported in the Democrat and Chronicle in an article posted online Thursday, Webster’s Schlegel Road Elementary School was ranked as a top-10 school in Monroe County for quality.

The ranking, part of USA Today’s New York State School Quality Index, looked at several statistical factors, including a school’s diversity, class sizes, attendance and teacher experience levels. Those indicators, the article explained, attempted to capture

measures of a school’s environment that don’t necessarily show up in test scores or graduation rates. The best schools, by this measure, are not those with the highest passage rates on standardized tests, but those that both children and adults find to be pleasant places to spend their weekdays.

Schlegel Road Elementary landed at #10 on the elementary school list. The other nine included two city schools, two charter schools, two East Irondequoit schools, two Rush-Henrietta schools and one in Greece.

I am fortunate to work at Schlegel Elementary School, and can attest to the dedication and commitment that the teachers and staff there have for their students. I see the connections they make every day, the personal touch they have with each and every one of the students in their care. You can tell the kids like coming to school from the smiles on their faces and they way they skip through the halls.

Fostering that kind of atmosphere is a critical first step for every school before real learning can take place. That’s the kind of stuff that a lot of people don’t get to see, and is really hard to measure.

Then again, maybe not.

I congratulate all of my colleagues for the well-deserved recognition.

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Happy Halloween from the Schlegel Elementary library

30 Oct

I have the good fortune to work with a very creative librarian at Schlegel Road Elementary School. Jamie Palmer is passionate about picture books, and reads at least one every day to her classes, from pre-K to fifth grade.

To celebrate the joy of picture books, on the week leading up to Halloween every year she creates what she calls a “picture-book pumpkin” for each of those classes, depicting a character or characters from some of her favorite books.

I’m pleased to share this year’s crop of picture-book pumpkins with you. You might not be familiar with the books,  but I think you’ll appreciate the creativity.

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Creepy Pair of Underwear

Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds, the brand new sequel to Creepy Carrots!

Found

Found by Salina Yoon.

La La La

La La La by Kate DiCamillo

last stop on market street

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña.

Please Mr. Panda

Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony

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Snappsy the Alligator, by Julie Falatko. 

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More news from our local firefighters

25 Oct

IMG_6257xContinuing on what seems to be a Volunteer Fire Department theme this week, I’d like to share a few photos from a fun demonstration held for the students at Plank Road North Elementary School last week.

Several members of the West Webster Fire Department visited the school to present a lesson to the school’s first grade classes.

The students first learned about fire safety, home fire drills and how to “stop, drop and roll.” Then they were reminded that firefighters in full gear might be be kind of scary, but they’re always there to help, so children should not run away from them or hide.

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Firefighters crawl past the students, simulating what they might do at a house fire.

At that point, to demonstrate how a firefighter might enter their house or bedroom in case of a fire, three firefighters — dressed head-to-toe in their helmets, masks, air tanks and turnout gear — crawled their way into the cafeteria and past the students.

Some of the students were a bit startled and scared. But they quickly brightened up when the lead firefighter unhooked her tank, and removed her helmet and mask, revealing she was none other than the students’ music teacher — and Webster Volunteer Fire Department firefighter — Sarah Rosenberry.

After the inside demonstration was complete, each student was given his or her own fire hat and then went outside to see and learn about all of the equipment stored in a real fire truck.

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WVFD open house

And while we’re on the subject of firefighters, don’t forget about the Webster Volunteer Fire Department Open House this Saturday October 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the fire house on South Ave., during the village’s Trick or Treat Trail.

The trucks will be out for the kids to explore, there will be lots of equipment to check out, plus giveaways, refreshments, safety displays, demonstrations, and special activities for children of all ages.

Don’t miss this chance to check out the fire house and chat with our local first responders. Just look for the big fire truck with the ladder reaching all the way to the sky.

For more information, visit the WVFD Facebook page at facebook.com/ WebsterVolunteerFireDepartment.

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A thank you from the WCSD

22 Oct

I’m pleased to post this thank-you letter from the Webster School District following a very successful senior citizens’ dinner.

Webster Central School District celebrated the 46th Annual Senior Citizens’ Day on Thursday, October 19. Senior Citizens from throughout the community joined us at Webster Schroeder High School for a day filled with friends, superb student entertainment, wonderful door prizes donated by local merchants, and a delicious turkey dinner prepared by Webster CSD Food Service, served by some of our high school students. An additional 50 volunteers helped with bus loading and unloading, registration, and morning refreshments, and a contingent of elementary school students aided in the distribution of door prizes.

These One Webster festivities could not be possible without the generosity of so many!

Thank you to the following community businesses and organizations for their generous support of this special day: Trident Precision Manufacturing, Webster Community Chest, Webster Lions Club, Eggert & Coles, D.D.S., Webster Kiwanis Charitable Foundation, Stan Drabik, D.D.S., Bill Gray’s, Empire State Weeklies and the Webster Herald, Hegedorns Market, Kittelberger Florist and Gifts, Painting with a Twist, Schutt’s Apple Mill, Ann Kowal and Special Care Systems, LLC, Jerry Christopher and State Farm Insurance, Walmart, Webster Central PTSA, Wegmans, Jeff Scott and Willard H. Scott Funeral Homes, and various anonymous donors.

On behalf of the Webster Central School District and the Webster Board of Education, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to those listed above as well as to all who shared their time and talents with us on October 19. Thank you!

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Clarification from the PTSA

13 Oct

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Apparently there’s been some discussion in recent days on social media regarding a Meet the Candidates forum which was recently hosted by the Webster Central Schools’ PTSA.

The event, as I gather from the advance information that was distributed, was intended to be an informational give and-take between town residents and the candidates for Town Supervisor. Seems like a great opportunity to become better informed voters, and give our younger generation a taste of the voting process.

But apparently some people didn’t take it that way and there’s been some complaints. In response, the WC PTSA has offered this statement, which I am pleased to post.

We are aware that some Webster residents on social media pages have questioned the WC PTSA hosting a Meet the Candidates forum and we would like to take this opportunity to clarify our role in holding such events.

The PTSA held this event to provide an opportunity to the residents of Webster to meet the candidates and learn about their views. Both candidates and the Webster Community were invited to participate in this open forum event, and all questions were 100% audience driven. High School principals included this information in their weekly newsletter to encourage students to learn about their local government and its processes.

The event, like our annual BOE Meet the Candidates events, was a free, non-partisan, public event. It was not part of our monthly PTSA business meeting, which was held earlier that evening. It was moderated by a non-town resident and approved by the NYS PTA. For more information on NYS PTA, click here.

The PTSA is a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for the education and well being of every child. In accordance with our local and NY State bylaws, the WC PTSA does not endorse any political party or candidates. For more information on our mission and bylaws, please visit our website.

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The advance notice that appeared in school newsletters

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Webster Monday Mailbag

9 Oct

Let’s start today with some news from the library.

book sale flyerThe Friends of the Webster Public Library will sponsor their annual Fall Book Sale this week, starting Wednesday, Oct 11.

This is a new start day for the Friends, who traditionally had opened up the sale to members on Tuesday night. This year, members are invited to kick off the sale on Wednesday from 5 to 8:30 p.m., when the best of the best books are available for browsing and purchasing. Don’t fear — if you’re not a member but want to attend this special evening, you can purchase your membership on the spot.

The sale will be open to the general public on Thursday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and continues Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Then on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can grab a whole bag filled with book goodies for only $4.

The Webster Public Library will also be hosting a “get rid of your stuff” fundraiser on Saturday October 21. Drop off your no-longer-needed items at Savers in Webster between 9 a.m. and noon, at the thrift store’s donation drive-up at the west side of the building. Library volunteers will help to unload items.

​​The items that will be accepted include: clothes,​ ​bedding,​ ​towels,​ ​curtains, ​small​ ​electrical​ ​items​ ​and appliances,​ ​toys,​ ​games,​ ​stuffed​ ​animals,​ ​dishes, ​puzzles,​ ​sports​ ​equipment,​ ​jewelry,​ ​cutlery, baskets,​ ​ornaments,​ ​hand​ ​tools,​ ​and pots​ and pans.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Road. The entrance is at the rear of the plaza. Savers is located in the same plaza.

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The First Baptist Church of Penfield’s next Saturday Community Flapjack Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday October 21.

In recognition of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the church will donate alal proceeds from this month’s breakfast to Resolve of Greater Rochester, a group dedicated to intervening and preventing domestic and sexual violence against women.

The breakfast will run from 8 to 10 a.m. at the church, 1862 Penfield Road. It includes pancakes, pure maple syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, and more, all for just $5.00 per person.

For more information, log onto www.fbpenfield.org.

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The Friends of Webster Trails Hot Cocoa Hike will be on Saturday, November 4th at the Whiting Road Nature Preserve. The hot chocolate will be free, the moon will be full, and there will be a lot of new friends to meet.

Pre-registration is requested. For more information and to sign up, click here. You can also find information under the events section of the Friends of Webster Trails website.

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The annual Schlegel Elementary School Craft Show will take place Saturday November 4, form 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school, 1548 Schlegel Road.

This annual event will feature more than 60 vendors, sweet treats, concessions, and lots more. It’s a great way to kick off the upcoming holiday season.

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Veterans and active duty service members and their families are cordially invited to a complimentary dinner on Thursday, November 9 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Spry Middle School, 119 South Avenue, in the village of Webster.

Spry Middle School Student Council, Builders Club, and the Webster-Fairport B.P.O. Elks #2396 are sponsoring the dinner as a way of showing their appreciation.

Reservations are appreciated. Please call Ms. Ritzmann at Spry Middle School at 216-0093 to reserve a spot.

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I’ll be talking a little more about this event at a later date, since it’s still almost a month away, but I did want to let everyone know about the Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to benefit Edward Shuman Fight against Cancer.

Aside from some delicious pasta, the evening will include a 50/50 and gift basket raffle.

The event is being held at the Webster Assembly of God Church, 708 Hard Road, on Saturday November 11 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Cost is $10 for adults, $4 kids (3-12), and kids under 3 are free. Walk-ins are welcomed but RSVP’s are appreciated, so they can plan accordingly. For more information and to let them know you’re coming, log onto the event’s Facebook page.

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Run, Walk or Roll with me this Sunday

6 Oct

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OK, my friends, here’s something to get you up and moving Sunday morning. It’s great exercise with a lot of new friends, doesn’t cost too much AND will benefit a great cause.

It the 3rd annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K and 1 mile stroll to benefit Challenger Miracle Field. I ran this race in its first year, and so I can attest to how fun it is. And I’ll be there again this Sunday.

Great progress has already been made on Challenger Miracle Field, which is located behind Town Hall on Ridge Road. Games are already being played there, but there’s much more work to be done. Proceeds from this event will help finish off some final details and construct the Play with Possibilities Playground. These inclusive spaces will provide people with developmental, physical, or intellectual disabilities a barrier-free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

This all-inclusive family-friendly event encourages participants to run or walk, push a wheelchair, push themselves in a wheelchair, or participate with other assistive devices including adaptive bicycles and tricycles.

The courses start and end at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Road. Registration is open at 8 a.m. The 5K, including wheelchair athletes, will kick off at 9:30.  The 1-mile stroll will begin at 9:35. Packet pick-up and in-person registration will take place that morning. Prizes will be awarded, and the first 250 registrants get a free t-shirt, which you can wear proudly to show what a good person you are.

Cost is $20 for the 5K and $15 for the one-mile stroll, if you register online by Friday night. After that, in-person registration at the race will cost $30/$20.

IMPORTANT PARKING NOTE: 

Due to a conflict with an event being held at the high school, race participants are being asked to park at Willink Middle School just down the road at 900 Publishers Parkway. It’s only a short walk away, and the registration table will be moved to between the track and tennis courts to accommodate.

But it won’t matter. It’s going to be a beautiful day. Hope to see you there!

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Plank North receives huge donation

5 Oct
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Burlington representatives Lily Fernandez-Travieso and Nichole Kingston present the big check to Plank North principal Craig Bodensteiner in front of the whole school. (S. Rosenberry)

There was some incredibly surprising and wonderful news out of Plank Road North Elementary School Friday morning.

Burlington Stores, Inc., in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, donated $10,000 to the school, in celebration of the opening of its new store in BayTowne Plaza.

Two representatives from the new store presented the huge check to principal Craig Bodensteiner during the school’s monthly assembly, attended by all of the school’s staff members and students.

It was a total surprise. No one at the school aside from the administrators and front office staff knew about the donation. The cheers from the assembled crowd were loud and long.

Bodensteiner and assistant principal Heather Balsamo say they don’t know yet what the funds will be used for, but Balsamo did add that the donation “will benefit all of our students.”

Burlington makes a donation to a local school in each Grand Opening market to celebrate each new store location.

What an amazing business, what an amazing program. Clearly Burlington is committed to being a strong community partner, and I for one am going to show my thanks by shopping there.

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Several WCSD administrators were on hand for the presentation (provided photo).

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WCSD supervisor Carm Gumina taking one of his famous selfies with some Plank North teachers (provided photo).

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