Previous News
GITA Pride of the Island - May 2023
Each year the members of the Grand Island Teachers Association select students to be the recipients of PRIDE of the Island. This award is presented to recognize those students who make a positive contribution to the atmosphere of their classroom, their school and their community. Students who receive this award are consistently found to be: Positive, Responsible, Interested, Determined & Enterprising. Click HERE for the list of the 2023 recipients. Congratulations!GITA Pride of the Island - May 2022
Each year the members of the Grand Island Teachers Association select students to be the recipients of PRIDE of the Island. This award is presented to recognize those students who make a positive contribution to the atmosphere of their classroom, their school and their community. Students who receive this award are consistently found to be: Positive, Responsible, Interested, Determined & Enterprising. Click HERE for the list of the 2022 recipients. Congratulations!Proclamation for GI Teachers Association 70th Year in Service - February 2022
Members of the Grand Island Town Board and GI PTA.
The Grand Island Teachers' Association was honored on February 7, 2022 at the Grand Island Town Board Meeting. The GITA was founded seventy years ago and September 24, 2021 was proclaimed "Grand Island Teachers' Association Day" by the Town of Grand Island.
GITA Pride of the Island - May 2020
The Grand Island Teacher's Association is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2020 Pride of the Island Award. This award is presented each year to recognize those students who make a positive contribution to the atmosphere of their classroom, their school and their community. Students who receive this award are consistently found to be: Personable, Responsible, Involved, Diligent and Enterprising. Those who work with children everyday are aware of the great amount of patience, persistence and love involved with raising such a child. Parents should be commended for their efforts in motivating their child to put education above all other priorities in his/her life and to strive daily to be a well-rounded individual. Each member of the GITA is only allowed to nominate one student; thus, receiving this recognition is indeed something of which to be truly proud.Sidway School - Huth Road School - Kaegebein School - Connor Middle School - Senior High School
GITA Donates to GI Neighbors Foundation - April 2020
From left: GITA Vice President Michael Grosso, GITA President Mike Murray and Neighbors Foundation President David Conboy.
David Conboy receives donation.
On Friday, April 24th, Grand Island Teacher's Association President Mike Murray and Vice President Michael Grosso presented a donation to GI Neighbors Foundation President David Conboy. This donation will be used by the GINF to provide assistance, primarily food, to Grand Island families in need of support, especially during these difficult times we find ourselves in now. The teachers of the Grand Island schools were pleased to have a way to show their support for the families of Grand Island that are in need.2020 Hospice Bouquet Sale - March 2020
The Hospice Spring Bouquet Sale has marked the beginning of spring for 34 years in WNY. The Grand Island Teachers Association has participated for 27 of those years. This year, $3600 was raised selling bouquets. Organized by retired school teachers Linda Harbison and Debbie Beis, school chairmen are; GIHS - Megan Gaick, VCMS - Mary Jane Fonte, Huth - Jennifer Corbett-Centola, Sidway - Kim MacDonell and Kaegebein - Tricia McDonald. Along with the chairs, on hand to pass out flowers at Elderwood at Grand Island on Tuesday, March 3rd were, Penny Schmitt, Lynn Ackendorf, Jude Kuehne & Sarah Slaght with children Tyler & Kendall. The senior residents at Elderwood enjoy the flowers in the dining rooms and in their private rooms.
GITA Pride of the Island - May 2019
The Grand Island Teacher's Association is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2019 Pride of the Island Award. This award is presented each year to recognize those students who make a positive contribution to the atmosphere of their classroom, their school and their community. Students who receive this award are consistently found to be: Personable, Responsible, Involved, Diligent and Enterprising. Those who work with children everyday are aware of the great amount of patience, persistence and love involved with raising such a child. Parents should be commended for their efforts in motivating their child to put education above all other priorities in his/her life and to strive daily to be a well-rounded individual. Each member of the GITA is only allowed to nominate one student; thus, receiving this recognition is indeed something of which to be truly proud.See complete list.
GITA Present Scholarships - June 2018
From left to right: Janette DiLaura, John VanderMey, Taylor Gojmerac, President Mike Murray
The Grand Island Teachers’ Association presented the 2018 Meredith Scholarship to senior John Vander May and the Nancy Eberz and Kay Tyson Memorial Scholarship to seniors Janette Di Laura and Taylor Gojmerac.John VanderMey was presented the GITA/Richard S. and Edwina R. Meredith Scholarship. John is the son of Joan VanderMey, a 4th grade teacher at Kaegebein and Rev. Cal VanderMey. He received a one-time $1000 scholarship given to a graduating senior of a GITA member. John plans to continue his education at UB Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering School.
Nancy Eberz and Kay Tyson Scholarships are given in memory of former teachers from the GITA. Nancy Eberz, was a counselor at Grand Island. Nancy fulfilled a lifetime devoted to helping out children in the Western New York area. Kay Tyson taught Home Economics at the high school level for over 25 years. Janette DiLaura, daughter of Kathleen and John DiLaura, plans on continuing her education at Clarkson University. There she plans to pursue chemical engineering. Taylor Gojmerac, daughter of Brenda and Mark Gojmerac, plans on continuing her education at Niagara County Community College. There she plans to continue her education in the health career field. Each recipient received a one-time $750 scholarship.
The Grand Island Teachers’ Association would like to congratulate all these fine students on an outstanding career at Grand Island Schools. The committee would also like to recognize the other great candidates who applied. These candidates made our job that much more difficult. All of our candidates showed commendable academic achievement, community/school involvement and leadership skills. We wish them success on the road ahead.
GITA Pride of the Island - May 2018
The Grand Island Teacher's Association is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2018 Pride of the Island Award. This award is presented each year to recognize those students who make a positive contribution to the atmosphere of their classroom, their school and their community. Students who receive this award are consistently found to be: Personable, Responsible, Involved, Diligent and Enterprising. Those who work with children everyday are aware of the great amount of patience, persistence and love involved with raising such a child. Parents should be commended for their efforts in motivating their child to put education above all other priorities in his/her life and to strive daily to be a well-rounded individual. Each member of the GITA is only allowed to nominate one student; thus, receiving this recognition is indeed something of which to be truly proud.Sidway List
Huth List
Kaegebein List
Connor Middle School List
GI High School List
GITA Members Present Scholarships - June 2017
From left to right: Marlene Winkler, Ryan McDonald, Adam Frosolone and Hannah Mahon and President Mike Murray.
The Grand Island Teachers' Association members presented the 2017 GITA Scholarship and the Joan Droit and Patricia Hitcho Memorial Scholarship to seniors Adam Frosolone and Hannah Mahon. Each recipient received a one-time $1,000 scholarship. Adam Frosolone will be attending Cornell university, majoring in animal science. Hannah Mahon will be attending D'youville, majoring in nursing.Ryan McDonald was presented with the GITA/Richard S. and Edwina R. Meredith Scholarship. Ryan is the son of Tricia McDonald, a fourth grade teacher at Kaegebein. Ryan will receive a one-time $1000 scholarship to be used towards his college education. The Grand Island Teachers’ Association would like to congratulate all these fine students on an outstanding career at Grand Island Schools.
The committee would also like to recognize the other great candidates who applied. These candidates made our job that much more difficult. All of our candidates showed commendable academic achievement, community/school involvement and leadership skills. We wish them success on the road ahead!
Pride of the Island Recipients Announced - May 2017
The Grand Island Teacher's Association is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2017 Pride of the Island Award. This award is presented each year to recognize those students who make a positive contribution to the atmosphere of their classroom, their school and their community. Students who receive this award are consistently found to be: Personable, Responsible, Involved, Diligent and Enterprising. Those who work with children everyday are aware of the great amount of patience, persistence and love involved with raising such a child. Parents should be commended for their efforts in motivating their child to put education above all other priorities in his/her life and to strive daily to be a well-rounded individual. Each member of the GITA is only allowed to nominate one student; thus, receiving this recognition is indeed something of which to be truly proud. See list.GITA United Way Campaign - October 2016
The Grand Island Teacher's Association has completed their 2016-2017 United Way Campaign. Jennifer Corbett, the GITA's United Coordinator was pleased to announce that $8,258 was raised in this year's efforts. The United Way mission is to create opportunities for all. Money donated by the GITA will go to programs that support education, promote health and build a strong community.Pride of the Island Recipients Announced - June 2016
The Grand Island Teacher's Association is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2016 Pride of the Island Award. This award is presented each year to recognize those students who make a positive contribution to the atmosphere of their classroom, their school and their community. Students who receive this award are consistently found to be: Personable, Responsible, Involved, Diligent and Enterprising. Those who work with children everyday are aware of the great amount of patience, persistence and love involved with raising such a child. Parents should be commended for their efforts in motivating their child to put education above all other priorities in his/her life and to strive daily to be a well-rounded individual. Each member of the GITA is only allowed to nominate one student; thus, receiving this recognition is indeed something of which to be truly proud. See list.2016 Hospice Bouquet Sale - March 2016
Click photos for larger view
The Grand Island Teacher's Association has participated in the Hospice Bouquet Sale for 23 years. This year they raised $3,508.00 and now have a combined total of over $62,000. Co-chairs of the event are Linda Harbison and Deborah Beis. Building coordinators are: Kim MacDonell, Sidway; Tricia McDonald & Lynn Ackendorf, Kaegebein; Jennifer Corbett, Huth Road; Mary Jane Fonte, Veronica Conner Middle School and Karen Surdyke, Grand Island High School. On Tuesday, March 2nd, volunteers met at Elderwood at Riverwood to cut, sort, assemble and deliver bouquets to 81 residents and all the dining room tables. Helping at Elderwood were; Megan Gaick, Laurie & Nadelyn Cordero and friend Zoe, Ashley Stafford, Cindy Robinson, Mary Jane Fonte, Jennifer Corbett, Linda Harbison & Debbie Beis.Pride of the Island Recipients Announced - May 2015
The Grand Island Teacher's Association is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2015 Pride of the Island Award. This award is presented each year to recognize those students who make a positive contribution to the atmosphere of their classroom, their school and their community. Students who receive this award are consistently found to be: Personable, Responsible, Involved, Diligent and Enterprising. Those who work with children everyday are aware of the great amount of patience, persistence and love involved with raising such a child. Parents should be commended for their efforts in motivating their child to put education above all other priorities in his/her life and to strive daily to be a well-rounded individual. Each member of the GITA is only allowed to nominate one student; thus, receiving this recognition is indeed something of which to be truly proud. See list.2015 Hospice Bouquet Sale - March 2015
The Grand Island Teachers' Association has participated in the Hospice Bouquet Sale for 22 years. This year they raised $3,258.00 through dress-down days at each school. Co-chairs of the event are Linda Harbison and Deborah Beis. Building coordinators are: Kim MacDonell, Sidway; Tricia McDonald, Kaegebein; Jennifer Corbett, Huth Road; Mary Jane Fonte, Veronica Conner Middle School and Karen Surdyke, Grand Island High School. On Tuesday, March 3rd, 18 volunteers met at Elderwood at Riverwood to cut, sort, assemble and deliver bouquets to 81 residents and all the dining room tables.Pride of the Island Recipients Announced - May 2014
The Grand Island Teacher’s Association is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2014 Pride of the Island Award. This award is presented each year to recognize those students who make a positive contribution to the atmosphere of their classroom, their school and their community. Students who receive this award are consistently found to be: Positive, Responsible, Interested, Determined & Enterprising. Those who work with children everyday are aware of the great amount of patience, persistence and love involved with raising such a child. Parents should be commended for their efforts in motivating their child to put education above all other priorities in his/her life and to strive daily to be a well-rounded individual. Each member of the GITA is only allowed to nominate one student; thus, receiving this recognition is indeed something of which to be truly proud. See list of students.Elderwood Residents Receive Hospice Flowers - March 2014
Top: Mary Slovick and Christine Clendening. Bottom: Linda McGinn
Volunteers from the Grand Island Teachers Association has been supporting the annual Hospice Bouquet Sale for 21 years. The 2014 sale was in memory of Grand Island Orchestra Teacher Debbie Remson who passed away last fall. Teachers from all of the island schools together raised $3,612.00 through selling a standard bouquet or a tribute bouquet. For each tribute bouquet sold, a hospice patient also received a bouquet. The GITA has raised over $56,000 since 1994. On Tuesday, March 6th, the GITA gathered at Elderwood Healthcare Facility to arrange and deliver flowers to the residents. Over 100 arrangements were passed out to all the residents rooms and the dining rooms. The long-time coordinators of the flower sale are retired teachers, Linda Harbison and Debbie Beis. School coordinators are Christine Clendening-Sidway, Tricia McDonald-Kaegebein, Jennifer Corbett-Huth, Mary Jane Fonte-Middle and Tracy Beatty-High School.Pride of the Island Recipients Announced - May 2013
The Grand Island Teacher’s Association is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2013 Pride of the Island Award. This award is presented each year to recognize those students who make a positive contribution to the atmosphere of their classroom, their school and their community. Students who receive this award are consistently found to be: Positive, Responsible, Interested, Determined & Enterprising. Those who work with children everyday are aware of the great amount of patience, persistence and love involved with raising such a child. Parents should be commended for their efforts in motivating their child to put education above all other priorities in his/her life and to strive daily to be a well-rounded individual. Each member of the GITA is only allowed to nominate one student; thus, receiving this recognition is indeed something of which to be truly proud. See list of students.Pride of the Island - May 2012
See list.GITA Supports Hospice Bouquet Sale - March 2012
Left: Carmela Meli Right: Mildred Rusiniak and Clarice Jakubczak
GITA flower arrangers.
Photos by Jodi Robinson-Click photos for larger view
The Grand Island Teachers Association has supported the Hospice Bouquet Sale for nineteen years. This year the sale was in memory of Renee Luzi, a Sidway teacher who lost her fight against cancer in December 2011. Teachers from all of the island schools together raised $4,264.00 through selling a standard bouquet and a tribute bouquet. For each tribute bouquet sold, a hospice patient will also receive a bouquet. On Tuesday, March 6th, the GITA gathered at Elderwood Healthcare Facility to arrange and deliver flowers to the residents. The long-time coordinators of the flower sale are retired teachers, Linda Harbison and Debbie Beis.The following is a list of volunteers from the school district:
GIHS - Tracy Beatty, Megan Gaiek and Nancy Pioli
Middle School - Mary Jane Fonte
Huth Road - Jennifer Kropidlowski, Dana Papaj, Jill Gregson, Ann Agnello, Mary Kopf, Brittany Papaj, Linda and Dennis McGinn
Kaegebein - Tricia McDonald, Lee Burns, Kathy Andress, Kathy Chadwick, Lynn Ackendorf
Sidway - Kimberly MacDonell, Joelle Stapleton, Mary Slovick, Amy Stevenson, Karen Zirnheld
Pride Of The Island - May 2011
The Grand Island Teachers Association has announced the recipients of the Pride of the Island awards for 2011. Click Pride of the Island Recipients. Due to several students being left off the original list, the list has been replaced and is complete.Pride Of The Island - May 2010
Click High School Recipients
Click Connor Middle School Recipients
Click Huth Road Elementary School Recipients
Click Kaegebein Elementary School Recipients
Click Charlotte Sidway School Recipients
Pride Of The Island - 2004 - 2009
See previous GITA page.GITA Supports Hospice Bouquet Sale - March 2010
From left: Lauren Fonte, Andrea Nicolia, Kathy Fik, Diane Lipp, Charlene Burchfield, Jennifer Kropidlowski, Patti Kwarciak, Debbie Beis, Mary Jane Fonte.
