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Veronica E. Connor Middle School
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2000-2003
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Veronica E. Connor Middle School Website

Principal
Mr. Bruce F. Benson

Fundraiser At Connor Middle Duct Tapes Vice Principal Guidotti

Jodi Hayes Robinson Photos
   A very successful fundraiser took place Monday, December 22, 2003 at Connor Middle School for eighth grader Michael Dinsmore who has multiple disabilities. The goal was to help buy a wheelchair lift for the family van. Each grade in middle school was given the opportunity to duct tape Vice Principal Carl Guidotti to the cafeteria wall during their lunch periods. By buying strips of duct tape at $1 each, the students were giving to a great cause and also having loads of fun. The total raised was $695. The 6th grade class earned the most but were unsuccessful in getting Mr. Guidotti to stay stuck to the wall. The 8th grade managed to strategically place their tape and were successful in keeping him suspended without support. There were many cheers by the 8th grade students and it was proclaimed a very successful fund-raiser overall.
   For those still interested in donating, checks may be made out to MSADD (Middle School Students Against Drunk Drivers) and sent in to the attention of Laura Murray, Connor Middle School, 1100 Ransom Road, Grand Island, NY 14072

Connor Middle School Plans Fundraiser
   Middle School Students Against Drunk Driving (MSADD) are sponsoring a fundraiser on Monday, December 22, 2003 to benefit a student with multiple disabilities. Eighth grade Connor Middle School student Michael Dinsmore has multiple disabilities and the money raised will be used to get a wheelchair lift for the family van. Vice Principal Carl Guidotti has offered himself to be duck taped to the cafeteria wall. Contributors are asked to purchase a length of duck tape for $1. The hope is by the end of the third lunch period, Mr. Guidotti will be fully suspended. "Remember your dollars on December 22 and help a good cause."

Connor Middle School “No Parking” Signs - 2003
   Grand Island School District officials are reminding parents to please obey the “No Parking” signs in front of Connor Middle School. Failure to do so is dangerous to students entering and exiting school buses, and could result in a traffic ticket for parents.
   Connor Principal Bruce Benson said the parking lot in front of the Middle School is now for buses only.
   “We have designated a drop off site for parents that will not interfere with the buses. Parents picking up or dropping students off may use the front high school parking lot or the parking lot in front of the District Offices, then students can use the sidewalk to walk in front of the buses to the middle school’s main entrance.”
   When leaving the drop-off zone, parents should proceed around the high school parking lot and exit onto Ransom Road.

Connor Middle School Holiday Concert - 2003
Veronica Connor Middle School will present its Holiday Concert 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2003 in the Grand Island High School Auditorium. The concert will feature 7-8th Grade Band, 6th Grade Chorus, 7th Grade Chorus, String Orchestra and the "Singcopations," a select vocal group.

Middle School Honor Roll - November 2003
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the honor roll for the first quarter, 2003-2004 school year:

High Honor Roll
Grade 6: Emily Bolles, Steven Boyle, Luke Burkhart, Alexandra Buscaglia, Michael Chauby, III, Jordan Dudish, Kearney Erhard, Nicholas Ernst, Hillary Figler, Lauren Fonte, Sara Grana, Susan Head, Tara Hook, Maxwell Kilb, Joel Klock, Lauren Kucharski, Stephen LoPresti, Elizabeth Lorence, Jonathan LoTempio, Jr, Megan McInerney, Lianne Montagna, Christopher Moody, Nicholas Russo, Christopher Stessing, Jameela Syed, Caitlin Taylor, Samantha Tilkins
Grade 7: Allison Boron, Simarjot Cheema, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Mary Grace Egloff, Melissa Fargino, Julia Figliotti, Leah Gangloff, Rachel Gaydosh, Kaitlyn Hardison, Taylor Jackson, Kelsey Mash, Alexander Neutz, Joseph Oliverio, Joshua Prygon, Carla Schory, Carly Snyder, Sheree Tamaklo, Jordan Tripi, Kelly Williams
Grade 8: Bailey DeGlopper, Rebecca Donnelly, John Gannon, Kelcie Hanaka, Alexander Hultgren, Amber Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Kaitlyn Little, Samuel LoPresti, Adam Masse', Jeremy Meyer, William Newsome, Jessica Sturniolo, Nicholas Taylor, Shana Wierchowski
Honor Roll
Grade 6: Alyssa Accardo, Kaitlyn Affuso, Richard Amantia, II, Jonathon Anderson, Stephanie Aronica, Elisabeth Asbach, Kimberly Asbach, Catherine Aughey, Stephanie Aughey, Jeffrey Bellanca, Katelyn Belter, Patrick Brady, Lisa Braun, Mary Elizabeth Britten, Nathan Busch, Kenneth Cerrillo, Benjamin Certo, Brittany Cieri, Joseph Collins, Courtney Cox, Anthony Darpino, Lena Deb, Sarah Dolan, Kara Dudley, Maria Edel, Marwa Eltagouri, Joseph Fischer, Victoria Fleming, Rahsanica Ford, Alexander Fry, Anthony Genova, Jill Greinert, Maria Guidotti, Kelly Hooven, Krystin Hoppel, Timothy Howley, Zachary Kelly, Kristy Knickerbocker, Brian Kulak, Kori Loder, Daniel Major, Daniel Mathes, Aman Mattu, Keran Mattu, Liam McCabe, Nicole McGuire, Alexandra Morell, Andrea Nicolia, Jared Northrup, Erika Osberg, Ryan Osvath, Sarah Palazza, Deanna Paternostro, Breanne Rafferty, Michael Rayhill, Alexander Re, Ashley Rutland, Kaitie Samland, Jonathon Seaman, Spencer Seese, Taylor Segarra, Keith Skelly, Jamie Sobieski, Michael Sperrazza, Rachel Starr, Rachel Surdi, Scott Suszczynski, Timothy Symington, Maria Todaro, Patricia VeRost, Eric Weigold, Sarah Young, Travis Zukic
Grade 7: Zachary Adams, Kelli Adreon, Natalie Agnello, Robert Amsdill, Lee Becker, Amy Bidell, Kyle Clayton, Aaron D'Angelo, Darren DelSignore, Michaeline Dera, Korey DiMatteo, Amber Duda, Shane Eddy, Jenna Fanara, Gregory Feathers, Ashley Fike, Kelsey Foote, Samantha Forysinski, Angela Fusco, Samantha Gieselman, Zachary Gilbert, Kaitlin Hager, Adam Helman, Scott Holler, Jenna Hutzler, Joshua Kahn, Michael Karpie, Alexandra King, Benjamin Kose, Benjamin Kuch, Drew Lazelle, Nicholas Lovetro, Carolina Luciani, Jacqueline Maitner, Matthew Major, Eric Manuszewski, Nicholas Marmino, Charlene Meyer, Genna Nuchereno, Sarah Pici, Susan Pioli, Christopher Podlucky, Alexander Richter, Michele Rossi, Robert Rutland, III, Kayla Salonek, Jennifer Schaber, Sierra Seese, Timothy Shantler, Kayleigh Shepard, Kuljit Singh, Alyssa Spada, Emily Thompson, Nicholas Vitello, Kaitlyn Wardour, Lauren Whitney, Brianna Wojnar, Arlene Wunsch, Amanda Zernickel
Grade 8: Steven Accardo, Giovanna Andolina, Alma Aponte, Nicholas Argy, Danielle Asbach, Jessica Bakkila, Tyler Baldes, Chelsea Baran, Alexander Battaglia, David Benko, Teighlor Bennett, Kelsey Borgeson, Lindsey Boyle, Jasmeet Brar, Lauren Braun, Lauren Brindisi, Kahla Cerrillo, Jeremy Chopra, Kelly Cich, Jennifer Ciechoski, Jaclyn Coe, Cassandra Coffey, Matthew Collins, Taylor Cool, Theresa Covatto, Ashley Curry, Alexandra Davis, Tiffani Dickinson, Caitlyn Driscoll, Christopher Eley, Jacob Ferrante, Brandon Fetzer, Marc Gerfin, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Nicholas Hall, Cathryn Hilliard, Jennifer Huber, Matthew Huber, Joshua Kaplan, Richard Karpie, Reid Kashmanian, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Todd Kunze, Matthew Little, Shawna Long, Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Courtney McCoy, Lindsey Miller, Danielle Nash, Nichole Nash, Christian Nestark, Jessica Oyer, Jordan Paolucci, Brittany Papaj, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Vernique Pitner, Anthony Poupalos, Caitlin Radecki, Matthew Riley, Carrie Schooping, Riley Sexsmith, Aleem Shariff, James Sica, Brandi Skill, Theodore Slipko, III, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Nicole Tambe, Scott Thompson, Jr, Kristin Toellner, Jordan Toth, Nicholas Vallina, Roman Velletta, Alexander Webb, Alexandra Weiser, Kacey White, Noah Yanicki, Matthew Zarbo

Middle School Merit Roll - November 2003
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the merit roll for the first quarter, 2003-2004 school year:
Grade 6: Patrick Antonelli, Adam Asbach, Alissa Bailey, John Bass, Kelsey Bettinger, Jovana Bichler, Christina Borden, Eric Breier, Brett Brennan, Anthony Bruno, Jason Caldwell, Julianna Capizzi, Kaitlyn Chapin, Krystal Chapin, Seana Chirico, Harold Clark, Kathryn Cobello, James Cooke, Samantha Darby, Kayla Deuble, Brett Dlugosz, Renee' Doermer, Logan Drost, Kate Garten, Mary George, Christopher Gibney, Anthony Grande, Amy Grenke, Chelsea Hall, James Heberlein, Zachary Hughes, Emily Incorvia, Shaughn Irving, Maryjean Jacobs, Courtney Justus, Matthew Kasprzycki, Nicholas Kelly, Jacob Killian, Savanna Kustra, Michael Larry, Joshua Little, Nicholas LoManto, Scott Ludwig, Michael Lydle, Sara McNulty, Hayley Metro, Angelo Mole, Michael Montaldi, II, Christopher Mornelli, Courtney Papaj, Michael Phillips, Jessica Randhawa, Elizabeth Restey, Robert Schiffhauer, Stephen Shackelford, Margaret Shonitsky, Allison Snell, Thomas Sommer, Kelly Stark, Kasey Sumner, Kaitlin Symula, Jessica Tambe, Kristin Wegrzyn, Sara Wilczek, Nicole Winter, Aria Yanicki, Rebecca Zimmerman
Grade 7: Joseph Aladeen, Alexa Amato, Kaitlin Arida, Sean Benninger, Conor Bryan, Maria Buyer, Olivia Chopra, Allison Cislarski, Dustin Coryn, Jason Davis, Robert DeMita, Natalie Dommell, Joseph Edel, Nicolette Fadel, Brianna Fetzer, Caroline Garrigues, Amanda Geis, Andrew Ginsburg, Krista Goff, Adrian Grant, Meghan Haley, Chris Harper, Craig Hooper, Alexandra Imperi, Kaitlin Incorvia, Taylor Kaufman, Brittany Keel, Joseph Khreis, Erin Krieger, Beau Lapp, Charles Lavallee, Matthew Ludwig, Christian Martinez, James McDonnell, David McMichael, Andrew Mrzygut, Nicholas Muoio, Davis Nelson, Shawn O'Rourke, John Osberg, Marvin Pawlowski, III, Destiny Perez, Craig Perno, Scott Quider, Lance Robinson, Rachel Rogers, Michael Rustowicz, Victoria Schaber, Nicole Serra, Eric Siwicki, Sara Stenzel, Jeffrey Szczepaniak, Robert Tates, Aimee Tredo, Ryan Vertino, Matthew Violanti, Allison Walker, Christopher Wilczek, Shaun Winter, Joseph Zarbo, Tyler Zikuski
Grade 8: Alexandra Armusewicz, Chelsea Bergmann, Ellen Betterson, Jared Billica, Timothy Boorady, Thomas Breier, Brandon Caldwell, Courtney Catalano, Molly Clingersmith, Richard Cribbs, Shannon Curry, Daniel DeMarco, Bryan Deuble, Meghan Dollard, Julia Fleming, Thomas Gebhard, Bethany Gebhart, Shari Geblein, Carly Hall, Matthew Helf, Lea Hinaman, Kory Holzle, Sean Joseph, Nathaniel Keefe, Alexandria Kelly, Jeremy LaBarre, Maria Lorence, Eric Madia, Morgan Majewski, Kurt Makowski, Nicholas Martinez, Stephen Mathes, Jr., Samantha McCollum, Lauren McGowan, Ashley McGuire, Craig Meaney, Walaine Melendez, Amber Meyers, Sara Orsolits, Lauren Quattrini, Jordan Ricigliano, Scott Ross, Patrick Sexton, Damanpreet Singh, Shawn Speidel, Nicole Stickl, Michael Symington, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Patrick Winters

Around The World At Connor Middle - November 2003

Kathleen Ganz Photo - Click photo for larger view.
Connor Middle School offered flavors from around the world, as parents and students experienced food, dance, culture and art from other countries during International Night on Friday, November 21, 2003. Hula dancers Kayleigh Shepard (left), Jordan Dudish, Stacy Cich, Samantha Darby, Sara Wilczek and Meghan Mahiques practice their steps in the school corridor before their demonstration began.

Middle School Students Invited To Audition For Stage Play - 2003
   Auditions for the St. Stephen's Parish Players children's production, "Hound of the Clackervilles," are being held at St. Stephen school from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2003 and from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th. The stage play, produced by St. Stephen's Parish Players, is a mystery and a comedy! Children in grades 3 through 12 from all Island and off-Island schools, including Connor Middle School, are welcome and encouraged to audition.
   No prior acting experience is required. For a copy of the script or for more information, call Linda Burkhart at 774-0447.

International Night 2003
   International Night at Veronica E. Connor Middle School will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2003 in the Ransom Road school.
   Admission is free and the public is welcome. The evening will feature a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy and participate in. Those attending will have an opportunity to learn an international dance, watch a cultural demonstration, play games, or learn an international craft. International foods may be sampled in the cafeteria for a small cost. School clubs and merchants will be selling their handicrafts and International Theme Baskets will be raffled during the evening. "We hope to see you there."

Connor Middle School PTA Sponsors Bookfair

Jodi Hayes Robinson Photos
The Connor Middle School PTA sponsored a Scholastic Book Fair on October 22-23, 2003. The event took place in the Library Media Center and all English Language Arts classes visited throughout the school day. The fair featured popular, young adult literature and a book basket raffle.

Connor Middle School Fall Concert A Gift To Full House - 2003
By Teddy Linenfelser
   The Connor Middle School music department presented a top-notch concert to a full house Thursday evening, November 6, 2003 in the Grand Island High School auditorium.
   Longtime Island music teacher Clarke Elliott directed his Connor Jazz Ensemble in several easy listening pieces. Opening the program with a Beatles song, "A Hard Day's Night," gave it an excellent start with the professional looking students moving in precision as they raised and lowered their horns to the rhythm and seemed to enjoy every moment. Gorgeous would describe the ensemble's rendition of "Can't Help Falling In Love" with excellent trumpet solos by Sam LoPresti and Alex Webb. The percussionists are to be commended, especially the student on tom tom for the "T.M.I. (Too Much Information)" number.
   Mr. Elliott also directed his well rehearsed concert band. The 100+ seventh and eighth grade students ended their part of the program with the Theme from "New York, New York," a winner from the moment the kids began to play their first notes of the introduction. The beautiful flute section, the brass and woodwinds' contribution and the entire band holding steady during that famous slowed rhythm section pointed out just how talented and well trained this group is.
   Miss Debra Remson, in a smart looking black velvet dress and totally enjoying herself, directed the middle school string orchestra's four selections. Their concert performance was truly a credit to their teacher and the music they produced was more for sitting back and enjoying than taking any time to critique. It is truly an inspiration to hear this talented group of middle school string students who first performed as 4th grader several years ago.
   Mrs. Annalea Masiello directed the 8th grade chorus made up of nearly 100 young voices. The perfect balance of boys and girls was obvious during their first song "A Distant Shore." They also sang the fun song, "Do Wah Diddy Diddy," and ended their part with "For We Wish You Music." During the last song, the girls in the soprano section came across very well, hitting some especially high notes to perfection.
   Miss Jennifer Roess, part of the middle school faculty since September 2003, directed the huge sixth grade band, starting off with a march that included a snappy drum solo. The clever "A Prehistoric Suite," that includes four short movements, gave all instrumentalists, especially the trombone section, a chance to shine, and the band's last piece, "I Will Follow Him," included great percussion and was an enjoyable ending to the concert.

Connor Middle School Fall Concert - 2003
   Veronica Connor Middle School will present its fall concert on Thursday, November 6, 2003 in the Grand Island High School Auditorium. The concert will featured the Jazz Band and 7-8th Grade Band under the direction of Mr. Clarke Elliot, the 6th Grade Band under the direction of Miss Jennifer Roess, the Connor Middle School Orchestra under the direction of Miss Deb Remson and the 8th Grade Chorus directed by Mrs. Annalea Masiello. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Meet The Lunch Ladies - 2003

Caroline Lavango, cook-manager, Veronica Connor Middle School in her scary apron.
Click photo for larger view.
Story and Photo By Jodi Robinson
   Mrs. Caroline Lavango started out working at the middle school kitchen as a substitute in 1987 and it didn't take long for her to become full time. Starting in 1988 she was in the dishroom, then worked as a server. Five years ago she became assistant to head-cook Emily Papai, who "taught her everything she knew." When Mrs. Papai died in 2000, Caroline was asked to become head-cook. Caroline still uses her mentor's recipes in her quest to produce over 350 lunches each day.
   Caroline grew up in Niagara Falls and moved to Grand Island with her family in 1976. When her youngest was in fifth grade at Huth Road Elementary, she decided a part-time job would work out well. For sixteen years she has been taking care of the middle school students at lunch time. The favorite student entrees include tacos and chicken finger subs. On these days over 400 plates will be consumed. Pizza is also always a favorite. At home, her husband Vito and three grown children enjoyed meat and potatoes and pasta every Thursday and Sunday.
   Caroline made the point that she has a "good crew." Her seven fellow workers are "very helpful." It is a "happy place, where everyone gets along." Mrs. Lavango has spent many years as a volunteer with the High School PTSA, and she also ran the Academic Awards Program.

In The Style of Georgia O'Keefe - Connor Middle School Artwork - 2003

Click for larger view
Jodi Robinson Photo
    "Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven't time, and to see takes time-like to have a friend takes time." Georgia O'Keefe
   U.S. painter Georgia O'Keefe (1887-1986) was one of the founders of Modernism and is well known for her flower paintings and scenes of the American South-West. Students of Nora Klein's eighth grade "Studio in Art" Classes at Connor Middle School have been studying the work of the American artist, and have created pastel emulations of flowers in O'Keefe's distinctive style. They, like O'Keefe, have attempted to make their works both representational and abstract.
   "Where I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest."

Middle School's MSSADD Holds Run For The Island 2003

Jodi Hayes Robinson Photos - Click photos for a larger view.
    MSSADD, Middle School Students Against Doing Drugs, is an organization at Veronica Connor Middle School which helps to promote a drug and alcohol free environment. This year's Run for the Island on Thursday, October 23, 2003 was a great success with over 40 students signed up to participate. Connor Middle School's MSSADD raised $1,500 to help local charities.
   MSSADD meets weekly and members organize fundraisers for charities, and events in school, and just get together to talk and play games. There are 20 students involved in MSSADD who are very dedicated and committed to helping their school. Adult advisers are Laura Murray and Marlaine Kaniecki.
    Top fund raisers included Alex Richter, Samantha Green, Destiny Perez, and Katie Nordvik. First place finishers for the 1 1/2 mile run were Joe Connors and Liann Montegna. Other top finishers included Lee Becker, Shaughn Irving, Kearney Erhard, Billy Koller and his sister, Laura Koller.
   "We are very proud of all of the participants," a MSSADD spokesman said.

Attention Middle School Parents - 2003
   October 9, 2003 . . . The search is on to find our top youth volunteer. If your child or you know of a middle school student that has made a positive difference through a volunteer activity during the past year, please encourage them to apply for a chance to be selected as Connor Middle School's honoree in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program.
   Our selected honoree would advance to state level judging and have an opportunity to win $1000, an impressive silver medallion and a trip to Washington DC, next May. Applications are available in the Student Services Office. The deadline for all completed applications is October 31, 2003. The applications are lengthy, so please encourage your child to pick up an application and return it early.

Connor Middle School's First Day - September 2003

Click for larger view and more students.
Kathleen Ganz Photo
Veronica E. Connor Middle School opened to grades 6th through 8th for the 2003-04 school year on Wednesday morning, September 3, 2003. An open house for parents will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 17 and middle school picture day is scheduled for Thursday, September 18. A Welcome Back Dance for 8th grade students is being held at the school on Friday, September 26.

School Supply Lists Available - July 2003
   School supply lists for Connor Middle School are available in the Middle School office. Summer office hours at 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

8th Grade Moving Up Day - 2003
   Eighth grade students of Veronica Connor Middle School received certificates of promotion to 9th grade at a Moving Up Ceremony held on Monday, June 23, 2003 in their honor. Mrs. Peggy Koppmann, retired principal from Huth Road Elementary School, was the featured speaker. Principal Bruce Benson welcomed parents, family and friends. Eighth grade student Rhianna Wing sang an acapella version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and processional music was provided by the string orchestra under the direction of Ms. Debra Remson. The following students received awards during the ceremony:

Mrs. Diane Rumsey, 8th grade Spanish teacher, honored Courtney Donovan as Outstanding Foreign Language Student in Spanish.

Ms. Sue Trabert, 8th grade French teacher, honored Matthew Ward as Outstanding Foreign Language Student in French.

Students who received 100% on the Foreign Language Proficiency Exam in French are Amanda Arki, Thomas Minarcin, Matthew Ward and Bessie Zhang.

Students who received 100% on the Foreign Language Proficiency Exam in Spanish are Courtney Donovan, Cassidy Hogrewe, Jaime Justen, Abram Morgan, Sarah Mye, Jon Schutrum and Sydney Seese.

Ms. Debra Remson, 8th grade instrumental strings teacher, honored the following students for orchestra.
Award for Tenacity - Lauren Aughey
Award for Most Improved Musician - Alexandra Angelo
Outstanding Section Leader Award - Vida Rostami
Outstanding Musician - Stephanie Cartwright.
Awards for this year's Connor Middle School musical, "Annie, Jr.," were presented to Rookie of the Year, Julie Pangborn; Best Actors, Vincent Covatto and Forrest Smith; Best Actresses, Stephanie Cartwright and Rhianna Wing.

Mr. James Randles, 8th grade social studies teacher, awarded certificates to Traci Aladeen and Sarah Mye for achieving 100% on the New York State Achievement Test in Social Studies.

Mr. William Brodie, 8th grade mathematics teacher, presented high average awards to Nicole Morgan, William Lewandowski, Karen Figliotti, Kong Chen, Kayla Mornelli, and Sarah Mye. An award for 100% on the New York State Intermediate Math Assessment went to Sarah Mye.

Ms. Jan Stevens, 8th grade English teacher, gave out awards to students who were the top scorers in The National Language Arts League Contest. They are Traci Aladeen, Jennifer Freiermuth, Erin Hanel, Cassidy Hogrewe, Emily Khan, Ashley Kippley, Cassandra Lange, Samantha Miller, Sydney Seese and Bessie Zhang. Each student received a certificate or recognition.

Winners of the Buffalo News Spelling Bee were Cassandra Lange, who received a Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, and Traci Aladeen, runner-up, who received a certificate.

Ms. Jayne Schaber honored Rachael Kaplan for earning 100% on the Earth Science Regents Exam.

The Triple C awards, given for Courage, Character and Commitment to education, community and classmates, were awarded to Vincent Covatto by Mrs. Mary Jane Fonte, 8th grade Home and Careers teacher and to Caroline Boron by Mrs. Susan Campbell, 8th grade English teacher and team leader.

Mr. Carl Guidotti, Assistant Principal, announced the Presidential Academic Silver Awards.

Mr. Bruce Benson then named the recipients of the Presidential Gold Awards for Academic Excellence.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of the Certificates of Promotion to the 8th grade students by Bruce Benson.
The evening was capped by a reception, sponsored by Connor Middle School PTA, and held in the Senior High Cafeteria.

Middle School Honor Roll - June 2003

The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the honor roll for the fourth quarter, 2002-2003 school year:

High Honor Roll
Grade 6: Zachary Adams, Kelli Adreon, Allison Boron, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Darren DelSignore, Michaeline Dera, Amber Duda, Mary Grace Egloff, Melissa Fargino, Julia Figliotti, Leah Gangloff, Rachel Gaydosh, Michael Karpie, Benjamin Kose, Matthew Major, Joseph Oliverio, Susan Pioli, Robert Rutland, III, Jennifer Schaber, Sheree Tamaklo, Emily Thompson, Jordan Tripi, Nicholas Vitello, Kelly Williams
Grade 7: Giovanna Andolina, Chelsea Baran, David Benko, Kahla Cerrillo, Alexandra Davis, Bailey DeGlopper, Tiffani Dickinson, Rebecca Donnelly, Christopher Eley, Brandon Fetzer, Anthony Genco, Cathryn Hilliard, Alexander Hultgren, Amber Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Joshua Kaplan, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Kaitlyn Little, Samuel LoPresti, Adam Masse', Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Jeremy Meyer, Theodore Slipko, III, Kimberly Snell, Jessica Sturniolo, Nicholas Taylor, Jordan Toth, Kacey White, Shana Wierchowski, Matthew Zarbo
Grade 8: Traci Aladeen, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Lauren Aughey, Alicia Barnaby, Juliana Burkhart, Vincent Covatto, Courtney Donovan, Brett Fiedler, Karen Figliotti, Shannon Howley, Emily Kahn, Rachael Kaplan, Cassandra Lange, Sarah Mye, Vida Rostami, Lindsey Samland, Jonathan Schutrum, Sydney Seese, Joshua Snyder, Zachary Tondera, Yiyu Zhang Honor Roll
Grade 6: Natalie Agnello, Robert Amsdill, Lee Becker, Maria Buyer, Simarjot Cheema, Allison Cislarski, Kyle Clayton, Christopher Colan, Aaron D'Angelo, Korey DiMatteo, Shane Eddy, Joseph Edel, Jenna Fanara, David Farbo, Gregory Feathers, Ashley Fike, Kelsey Foote, Samantha Forysinski, Angela Fusco, Caroline Garrigues, Samantha Gieselman, Zachary Gilbert, Andrew Ginsburg, Krista Goff, Kaitlyn Hardison, Adam Helman, Scott Holler, Craig Hooper, Jenna Hutzler, Kaitlin Incorvia, Taylor Jackson, Joshua Kahn, Taylor Kaufman, Alexandra King, Erin Krieger, Benjamin Kuch, Beau Lapp, Drew Lazelle, Timothy Lewis, Nicholas Lovetro, Carolina Luciani, Jacqueline Maitner, Nicholas Marmino, Christian Martinez, Kelsey Mash, David McMichael, Alexander Neutz, Genna Nuchereno, Shawn O'Rourke, Marvin Pawlowski, III, Sarah Pici, Christopher Podlucky, Joshua Prygon, Alexander Richter, Lance Robinson, Kayla Salonek, Carla Schory, Sierra Seese, Nicole Serra, Timothy Shantler, Kayleigh Shepard, Kuljit Singh, Eric Siwicki, Carly Snyder, Kaitlyn Wardour, Lauren Whitney, Brianna Wojnar, Arlene Wunsch, Joseph Zarbo, Tyler Zikuski
Grade 7: Jessica Bakkila, Tyler Baldes, Alexander Battaglia, Teighlor Bennett, Jasmeet Brar, Lauren Braun, Jennifer Ciechoski, Jaclyn Coe, Cassandra Coffey, Matthew Collins, Caitlyn Driscoll, John Gannon, Bethany Gebhart, Marc Gerfin, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Nicholas Hall, Kelcie Hanaka, Jennifer Huber, Richard Karpie, Reid Kashmanian, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Todd Kunze, Eric Madia, Courtney McCoy, Lindsey Miller, Danielle Nash, Nichole Nash, Jessica Oyer, Jordan Paolucci, Brittany Papaj, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Anthony Poupalos, Carrie Schooping, Riley Sexsmith, Aleem Shariff, James Sica, Brandi Skill, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Scott Thompson, Jr, Kristin Toellner, Nicholas Vallina, Alexander Webb, Alexandra Weiser
Grade 8: Adam Bakula, Karen Bellanca, Erin Bonaquist, Caroline Boron, Evan Busch, Heather Buzzelli, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Anna Cislarski, Kiel Clarke, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Kristin Duggan, Emily Eisenberger, Kate Endres, Ashley Fabio, Nicole Fischer, Joseph Fusco, Daniel Gadawski, Thomas Greiner, Cassidy Hogrewe, Jaime Justen, Ashley Kippley, Matthew Lang, Christopher Larry, Ryan Link, Elise Loiselle, Dianne Maerz, Justin McInerney, Matthew McKenna, Jarrad Mendel, Thomas Minarcin, III, Dana Mitri, Andrea Monaco, Abram Morgan, Kayla Mornelli, Kimberly Mulvey, Alicia Neutz, Patrick O'Donnell, Ian O'Rourke, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, Jessica Perry, Justina Potenzo, Amanda Richter, Tara Rogers, Justin Samland, Ryan Samland, Nicholas Shemik, Sara Slovick, Forrest Smith, Ryan Stanko, Donald Turner, III, Cassandra Ungaro, Matthew Ward, Bradley Weiser, Amanda Williams, Rhianna Wing

Middle School Merit Roll - June 2003
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the merit roll for the fourth quarter, 2002-2003 school year:
Grade 6: Joseph Aladeen, Alexa Amato, Kaitlin Arida, Sarah Bastian, Amy Bidell, Courtnnie Booker, David Britten, Conor Bryan, Brianna Busch, Olivia Chopra, Dustin Coryn, Jason Davis, Christie DeMaria, Robert DeMita, Nicolette Fadel, Shannon Farmer, Brianna Fetzer, Christopher Fiels, Kayla Gallagher, Amanda Geis, Kaitlin Hager, Meghan Haley, Brendan Hall, Chris Harper, Michael Hillock, Alexandra Imperi, Brittany Keel, Joseph Khreis, Charles Lavallee, Matthew Ludwig, Mia Magliazzo, Eric Manuszewski, James McDonnell, Amanda Meyer, Kristin Millar, Ryan Mock, Andrew Mrzygut, Nicholas Muoio, Davis Nelson, Katie Nordvik, Erin O'Brien, John Osberg, Destiny Perez, Craig Perno, Travis Perno, Lauren Priest, Rachel Rogers, Michele Rossi, Michael Rustowicz, Michael Scheid, Lee Schuster, Kaileen Shoemaker, Andrew Stange, Jeffrey Szczepaniak, Robert Tates, Lindsay Utnik, Ryan Vertino, Matthew Violanti, Allison Walker, Alexandra Whitford, Christopher Wilczek, Andrea Wilson, Drew Winkel, Shaun Winter, Zachary Winter, Amanda Zernickel
Grade 7: Steven Accardo, Nicholas Argy, Alexandra Armusewicz, Danielle Asbach, Ellen Betterson, Jared Billica, Timothy Boorady, Kelsey Borgeson, Lindsey Boyle, Devon Brant, Lauren Brindisi, Brandon Caldwell, Jeremy Chopra, Kelly Cich, Taylor Cool, Theresa Covatto, Shannon Curry, Daniel DeMarco, Casey Deuser, Dominick Farbo, Julia Fleming, Chelsea Fulle, Thomas Gebhard, Shari Geblein, Matthew Helf, Lea Hinaman, Ryan Hoople, Sean Joseph, Nathaniel Keefe, Jeremy LaBarre, Marissa Lange, Pasquale Lemme, III, Matthew Little, Shawna Long, Maria Lorence, Morgan Majewski, Kirk Manquen, Stephen Mathes, Jr., Samantha McCollum, George McCraith, Lauren McGowan, Ashley McGuire, Amber Meyers, Courtney Mulvey, Christian Nestark, William Newsome, Lauren Quattrini, Matthew Riley, Patrick Sexton, Shawn Speidel, Nicole Stickl, Michael Symington, Nicole Tambe, Roman Velletta
Grade 8: Benjamin Angelo, Carolyn Asbach, Rebecca Asbach, Ryan Ayers, John Berger, Christopher Bidell, Erik Billica, Arielle Brzezinski, Krista Burzynski, Christine Call, Samantha Chambers, Kong Chen, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Karen Coughlin, Stacey Cyman, Vincent Daniels, Michael Davis, Paul Dhand, Joshua Doermer, Matthew Eddy, Erik Eggleston, Robert Elsaesser, Timothy Fargino, Jennifer Freiermuth, Colin Gallagher, Bianca Genova, Bridget George, Erin Hanel, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Paul Holler, Andrea Howard, Julia Juron, Jared Kazmierczak, Kristen Kobza, Jessica Kuehne, Dustin Lange, William Lewandowski, Jr., Lawrence Loveless, Jr., Jacqueline Lunick, Patrick Madia, Nicole Morgan, Connor Neff, Kelsey Nordvik, Sean O'Brien, Lindsey O'Farrell, Shannon Quinn, Christopher Rajczak, Ashley Ray, James Rayhill, David Rosati, Peter Schaber, Adam Schopp, Matthew Scibilia, Bryan Segarra, Ajit Singh, Michael Sobieski, Victoria Strada, Joseph Strano, Kristen Swan, Kristina Waz, Keith Wegrzyn, Philip Wendt

Connor Middle School Holds Honors Breakfast

Jodi Hayes Dodd Photos - Click photos for larger view
Fifty-seven eighth grade students were honored May 9th, 2003 at a breakfast given in recognition of their high academic achievement. Each student was awarded a certificate by Veronica Connor Middle School Principal Mr. Bruce Benson, who was also keynote speaker. Along with the students, in attendance were school faculty, administrators and district administrators. Dr. Thomas Ramming, Superintendent of Schools, addressed the students, praising their hard work and continued effort. Dr. Karen Karmazin, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and Mr. Carl Guidotti, Assistant Principal of the middle school, were also on hand to offer congratulations. The Connor Middle School Student Council, advised by Mrs. Kay Saunders and Mrs. Patti Myers, sponsored the event. The eighth grade team of teachers organized the Breakfast to honor their students. Listed below are the student honorees.


	Traci Aladeen		Alexandra Angelo	Amanda Arki
	Lauren Aughey		Adam Bakula		Alicia Barnaby
	Karen Bellanca		Juliana Burkhart	Samantha Chambers
	Anna Cislarski		Kiel Clarke		Vincent Covatto
	Brian Dolan		Courtney Donovan	Brett Fiedler
	Karen Figliotti		Nicole Fischer		Joseph Fusco
	Cassidy Hogrewe		Shannon Howley		Jaime Justen
	Emily Kahn		Rachael Kaplan		Ashley Kippley
	Matthew Lang		Cassandra Lange		Christopher Larry
	Elise Loiselle		Diane Maerz		Justin McInerney
	Matthew McKenna		Thomas Minarcin III	Dana Mitri
	Andrea Monaco		Kayla Mornelli		Sarah Mye
	Alicia Neutz		Sean O'Brien		Patrick O'Donnell
	Ian O'Rourke		Julie Pangborn		Valerie Paris
	James Rayhill		Amanda Richter		Vida Rostami
	Justin Samland		Lindsay Samland		Ryan Samland
	Jonathan Schutrum	Sidney Seese		Nick Shemik
	Sara Slovick		Joshua Snyder		Zachary Tondera
	Donald Turner III	Cassandra Ungaro	Yiyu Zhang

Middle School Honor Roll - May 2003

The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the honor roll for the third quarter, 2002-2003 school year:

High Honor Roll
Grade 6: Zachary Adams, Kelli Adreon, Allison Boron, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Darren DelSignore, Michaeline Dera, Amber Duda, Shane Eddy, Mary Grace Egloff, Melissa Fargino, Julia Figliotti, Kelsey Foote, Rachel Gaydosh, Michael Karpie, Benjamin Kose, Jacqueline Maitner, Joseph Oliverio, Joshua Prygon, Robert Rutland, III, Jennifer Schaber, Sheree Tamaklo, Emily Thompson, Jordan Tripi, Nicholas Vitello, Kelly Williams
Grade 7: Giovanna Andolina, Tyler Baldes, Chelsea Baran, David Benko, Kahla Cerrillo, Cassandra Coffey, Bailey DeGlopper, Rebecca Donnelly, Christopher Eley, Anthony Genco, Alexander Hultgren, Amber Hultgren, Joshua Kaplan, Samuel Kilb, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Ashley Koerntgen, Kaitlyn Little, Samuel LoPresti, Adam Masse', Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Jeremy Meyer, Anthony Poupalos, Theodore Slipko, III, Jessica Sturniolo, Nicholas Taylor, Jordan Toth, Shana Wierchowski, Matthew Zarbo.
Grade 8: Traci Aladeen, Alexandra Angelo, Amanda Arki, Alicia Barnaby, Vincent Covatto, Courtney Donovan, Brett Fiedler, Karen Figliotti, Shannon Howley, Rachael Kaplan, Cassandra Lange, Andrea Monaco, Kayla Mornelli, Sarah Mye, Tara Rogers, Vida Rostami, Lindsey Samland, Sydney Seese, Nicholas Shemik, Sara Slovick, Joshua Snyder, Zachary Tondera, Yiyu Zhang.
Honor Roll
Grade 6: Natalie Agnello, Robert Amsdill, Kaitlin Arida, Lee Becker, David Britten, Olivia Chopra, Kyle Clayton, Christopher Colan, Aaron D'Angelo, Robert DeMita, Korey DiMatteo, Joseph Edel, David Farbo, Gregory Feathers, Ashley Fike, Samantha Forysinski, Angela Fusco, Leah Gangloff, Amanda Geis, Samantha Gieselman, Krista Goff, Meghan Haley, Kaitlyn Hardison, Adam Helman, Scott Holler, Jenna Hutzler, Kaitlin Incorvia, Joshua Kahn, Taylor Kaufman, Joseph Khreis, Alexandra King, Benjamin Kuch, Drew Lazelle, Nicholas Lovetro, Carolina Luciani, Matthew Major, Nicholas Marmino, Christian Martinez, Kelsey Mash, James McDonnell, David McMichael, Andrew Mrzygut, Alexander Neutz, Marvin Pawlowski, III, Sarah Pici, Susan Pioli, Christopher Podlucky, Alexander Richter, Lance Robinson, Michael Rustowicz, Kayla Salonek, Carla Schory, Lee Schuster, Sierra Seese, Nicole Serra, Kayleigh Shepard, Kuljit Singh, Carly Snyder, Kyle Spratford, Matthew Violanti, Allison Walker, Kaitlyn Wardour, Lauren Whitney, Drew Winkel, Brianna Wojnar, Arlene Wunsch, Joseph Zarbo, Amanda Zernickel, Tyler Zikuski.
Grade 7: Nicholas Argy, Alexandra Armusewicz, Jessica Bakkila, Alexander Battaglia, Teighlor Bennett, Lindsey Boyle, Jasmeet Brar, Lauren Braun, Lauren Brindisi, Jennifer Ciechoski, Jaclyn Coe, Matthew Collins, Taylor Cool, Shannon Curry, Alexandra Davis, Daniel DeMarco, Tiffani Dickinson, Brandon Fetzer, John Gannon, Bethany Gebhart, Marc Gerfin, Ashley Green, Nicholas Hall, Kelcie Hanaka, Cathryn Hilliard, Jennifer Huber, Amanda Jaeger, Sean Joseph, Richard Karpie, Reid Kashmanian, Todd Kunze, Shawna Long, Eric Madia, Stephen Mathes, Jr., Courtney McCoy, George McCraith, Lauren McGowan, Lindsey Miller, Danielle Nash, Nichole Nash, Jessica Oyer, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Carrie Schooping, James Sica, Brandi Skill, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Michael Symington, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Scott Thompson, Jr, Kristin Toellner, Nicholas Vallina, Roman Velletta, Alexandra Weiser, Kacey White.
Grade 8: Lauren Aughey, Adam Bakula, Karen Bellanca, Erin Bonaquist, Caroline Boron, Arielle Brzezinski, Juliana Burkhart, Heather Buzzelli, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Samantha Chambers, Anna Cislarski, Kiel Clarke, Joshua Doermer, Brian Dolan, Kristin Duggan, Emily Eisenberger, Kate Endres, Ashley Fabio, Nicole Fischer, Jennifer Freiermuth, Joseph Fusco, Daniel Gadawski, Colin Gallagher, Thomas Greiner, Cassidy Hogrewe, Paul Holler, Jaime Justen, Emily Kahn, Ashley Kippley, Jessica Kuehne, Matthew Lang, Christopher Larry, William Lewandowski, Jr., Ryan Link, Elise Loiselle, Lawrence Loveless, Jr., Dianne Maerz, Justin McInerney, Matthew McKenna, Jarrad Mendel, Thomas Minarcin, III, Dana Mitri, Nicole Morgan, Alicia Neutz, Sean O'Brien, Patrick O'Donnell, Ian O'Rourke, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, Justina Potenzo, James Rayhill, Amanda Richter, Justin Samland, Ryan Samland, Jonathan Schutrum, Matthew Scibilia, Bryan Segarra, Forrest Smith, Ryan Stanko, Joseph Strano, Donald Turner, III, Cassandra Ungaro, Matthew Ward, Bradley Weiser, Amanda Williams.

Middle School Merit Roll - May 2003
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the merit roll for the third quarter, 2002-2003 school year:
Grade 6: Alexa Amato, Anthony Aughtmon, Sarah Bastian, Sean Benninger, Amy Bidell, Conor Bryan, Brianna Busch, Maria Buyer, Jesse Carpenter, Allison Cislarski, Dustin Coryn, Jason Davis, Christie DeMaria, Natalie Dommell, Nicolette Fadel, Jenna Fanara, Shannon Farmer, Brianna Fetzer, Christopher Fiels, Caroline Garrigues, Zachary Gilbert, Andrew Ginsburg, Adrian Grant, Kaitlin Hager, Chris Harper, Michael Hillock, Cody Hogrewe, Craig Hooper, Alexandra Imperi, Taylor Jackson, Brittany Keel, Haroon Khawar, Joseph Koch, Erin Krieger, Beau Lapp, Charles Lavallee, Timothy Lewis, Matthew Ludwig, Mia Magliazzo, Eric Manuszewski, Jessica Martina, Daniel McKenna, Amanda Meyer, Davis Nelson, Edward Nowak, Genna Nuchereno, Erin O'Brien, Shawn O'Rourke, John Osberg, Destiny Perez, Craig Perno, Travis Perno, Lauren Priest, Scott Quider, Rachel Rogers, Michele Rossi, Richard Ryder, Michael Scheid, Timothy Shantler, Eric Siwicki, Jeffrey Szczepaniak, Lindsay Utnik, Justine Vanthoff, Alexandra Whitford, Christopher Wilczek, Shaun Winter, Zachary Winter.
Grade 7: Steven Accardo, Danielle Asbach, Ellen Betterson, Jared Billica, Timothy Boorady, Kelsey Borgeson, Brandon Caldwell, Jeremy Chopra, Kelly Cich, Theresa Covatto, Ashley Curry, Bryan Deuble, Casey Deuser, Andrew Donahue, Caitlyn Driscoll, Dominick Farbo, Joel Ficorilli, Julia Fleming, Thomas Gebhard, Shari Geblein, Nicole Goelz, Ryan Hagen, Matthew Helf, Lea Hinaman, Ryan Hoople, Matthew Jones, Nathaniel Keefe, Marissa Lange, Matthew Little, Maria Lorence, Morgan Majewski, Kurt Makowski, Brenna McCabe, Ashley McGuire, Walaine Melendez, Amber Meyers, William Newsome, Jordan Paolucci, Brittany Papaj, Lauren Quattrini, Matthew Riley, Scott Ross, Riley Sexsmith, Aleem Shariff, Damanpreet Singh, Alexander Webb, Patrick Winters.
Grade 8: Safah Ali, Benjamin Angelo, Carolyn Asbach, Ryan Benninger, Christopher Bidell, Erik Billica, Anthony Borelli, Evan Busch, Kong Chen, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Jessica Coughlin, Karen Coughlin, Michael Davis, Paul Dhand, Courtney Donner, Mark Eberhard, Matthew Eddy, Erik Eggleston, Sara El Houssieny, Robert Elsaesser, Timothy Fargino, Bianca Genova, Bridget George, Erin Hanel, Lamar Hogan, Andrea Howard, Julia Juron, Jared Kazmierczak, Chelsea Kendra, Kristen Kobza, Dustin Lange, Jacqueline Lunick, Patrick Madia, Alex Missert, Abram Morgan, Kimberly Mulvey, John Naumovich, Connor Neff, Christian Nole, Kelsey Nordvik, Brian Nusstein, Lindsey O'Farrell, Kyle Oursler, Jessica Perry, Kevin Pifer, Robert Potter, Shannon Quinn, Christopher Rajczak, Ashley Ray, Sarah Rivers, David Rosati, Peter Schaber, Alysse Schuster, Michael Sobieski, Jordan Stickl, Kari Suszczynski, Kristen Swan, Keith Wegrzyn, Philip Wendt, Rhianna Wing.

Connor Middle School Teachers Bald For Cancer Awareness

Jodi Hayes Dodd Photos - Click group photos for larger view
Group photo from left: Craig Davis, Mike Zuch, Jim McIntyre, Drew Dulak, Ed Anker, Ray Hartman, Bill Brodie, Henry Carney and Chris Simpson (not pictured). Student Becky Goelz is shown shaving the heads..
Teachers from Connor Middle School and Grand Island High School on Thursday, April 3, 2003 had their heads shaved as an opportunity to raise awareness and support of the fight against cancer. All monies raised will be donated to the Roswell Park Cancer Research Center in Buffalo.
Those interested in supporting the teachers' "Bald-A-Thon" are encouraged to send a donation to Roswell Park (checks only) by April 9, 2003. Mail to: Bald-A-Thon, Connor Middle School, 1100 Ransom Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072.

Standing Ovation For Connor Middle School's "Annie, Jr."

Jodi Hayes Dodd Photos - Click photos for larger view
   Connor Middle School students received a standing ovation for their production of "Annie, Jr." on Tuesday evening, April 2, 2003 in the Grand Island High School auditorium. Co-sponsored with a grant from the Grand Island Foundation, the week-night performance drew a near full house.
   The cast, whose ages ranged from 11 to 14, showed the best in our youthful middle school population and a lot of talent that's bound to get even better with every theatrical production these students may take part in.
   Eighth grader Rhianna Wing, as "Annie," was most professional, speaking her lines and singing her songs as if she'd been playing the part from day one. The voices of Daddy Warbucks, played by 8th grader Forrest Smith, and "Annie" were a good blend, especially in the "Together At Last" number. Alexandra Davis, a very youthful Miss Hannigan, gave an outstanding performance and was perfect for the part. Musical numbers, a dozen all together, were given long and loud applause.
    Showmanship award? Sixth grader Allison Boron, who played "Tessie," the little orphan in the lilac colored bathrobe! A tip of the hat to the entire cast (click for cast) and especially to music teacher Debra Remson, who did her usual fantastic job of directing the play.

Connor Middle Medieval Costume Day

(above) Jodi Hayes Dodd Photos - Click photos for larger view

(above) Julie Dee Photos - Click photos for larger view
Connor Middle School's annual Medieval Costume Day, Friday, March 14, 2003 began just before 10 a.m. when the students entered the high school auditorium. Queen Oursler* declared the day open and the parade of costumes began. The students dressed up as kings, queens, noblemen, noblewomen, princesses, peasants, executioners, monks, nuns, knights, Robin Hood, and jesters. An annual project for all Middle School students includes the research of a medieval topic, the writing of a paper, an art project, and giving an oral presentation. The students look forward to the completion of the project and the day of Medieval dancing, music, beautiful costumes and the parade. The photo below showing the Medieval dancers was submitted by English Teacher Kathy Ginty. Click for larger view.

*Mrs. Nicole Oursler is a sixth grade teacher at Connor Middle School.

Musical Notes
Music teacher Debra Remson of the Veronica Connor Middle School and her student teacher, Katherine Cierlicki, will be co-chairing the Erie County North Junior High Orchestra Festival at Hoover Middle School, Buffalo, on March 14-15, 2003. Chairing a festival requires working closely with the conductor, Mrs. Nanci Bailey from Frontier Central School District. It means getting music together, sending it to all students and their teachers, fielding phone calls for cancellations and lost music, supervision at the festival, seating auditions and sectional rehearsals, then collecting and returning music after the festival is over. This is Miss Remson's sixth time chairing. In previous years Martin Allen (Grand Island High School) and Clarke Elliott (Middle School) have chaired the Junior High Band Festival, Carolyn Lokken (High and Middle) has chaired the Senior High Choir Festival and Sarah Russo (Middle) has chaired the Elementary Festival.

Island Schools Students Chosen for All County Festivals

Connor Middle School News - March 2003
By Amy Margaret Bidell
   Connor Middle School students started the year 2003 off with a carnation sale. Carnations cost $1.00 each. All profits went to Childrens Hospital. The sales reached up to $1,100 and it was for a good cause!
   Students will be performing their spring musical, Annie on the high school stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2003. Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the door.
   The sixth grade students in Teams B and E went to see the play The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe during the last week in January 2003. They traveled to the Theater of Youth in Buffalo. The four main characters, Edmund, Lucy, Susie, and Peter explore the land of Narnia. Unfortunately, the White Witch puts a spell on Edmund, and his brothers and sisters must save him!

Middle School English Class Studies Famous People - 2003

Click for larger view.
Mrs. C. Kimmerle's 7th grade Reading/Writing class at Connor Middle School was given an assignment of studying a famous person in history, writing an essay on the person and finally, coming to school dressed as that person. Among this group of students is John Bidell (left) who dressed as Adolph Hitler on his wedding day.

Middle Schoolers Rehearse For Annie
   Veronica Connor Middle School students, under the direction of Debra Remson and student director Amanda Jaeger, are rehearsing on a daily basis for the "Annie" production they will offer on the Grand Island High School stage 7 p.m., April 1, 2003.
   Rhianna Wing has been chosen for the part of "Annie." The orphans will be played by Caroline Boron, Krysta Burzynski, Rebecca Donnelly, Alexandra Angelo, Allison Boron and Alexandra Armusewicz.
   Also Ashley Fabio, Jacqueline Lunick, Lindsay Miller, Lindsey Samland, Kacey White and Amanda Zernickel.
   In other major rolls are Alexandra Davis (Miss Hannigan), TJ Slipko (Bundles McCloskey), Aaron D'Angelo (Apple Seller), Anthony Genco (Dogcatcher), Robert Rutland (Lt. Ward), Stephanie Cartwright (Grace Farrell), Nick Tomkins (Cecille), Julie Pangborn (Annette), Carolyn Asbach (Mrs. Greer), Theresa Covatto (Mrs. Pugh), and Forrest Smith (Oliver Warbucks).
   The cast also includes Alicia Barnaby, Alexandra Imperi, Amber Myers, Nicole Morgan, Kaitlyn Wardour, Taylor LaFavre, Vincent Covatto, and Dianne Maerz.

Scott Quider Recognized For Volunteer Service

   Scott Quider has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a New York Certificate of Excellence from the 2003 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. Scott, nominated for this award by Veronica E. Connor Middle School, is a 6th grade student.
   Presented annually by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people across America for outstanding community service activities.
   Scott earned his award by collecting pop can donations. He then used the refund money to purchase bags of potatoes to be donated to the Friends of the Night People. Overall, Scott has raised about $350.00 that was used to purchase 3,000 pounds of potatoes, providing meals to 12,000 people. Scott says that he has "gotten the joy of helping other people and making a difference in the environment." He "would encourage other young people to help needy people because one person can make a difference."
   Applications were distributed through all middle and high schools, and organizations such as Girl Scouts, 4-H, American Red Cross chapters and YMCA's last September. After Scott was selected as a Local Honoree, he moved on to the state level. Judges selected State Honoreers, Distinguished Finalists and Certificate of Excellence recipients. Volunteer activities were judged on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort and personal growth.
   "Congratulations to Connor Middle School's Scott Quider for his dedication to helping his community. May his perserverance and altruism be an example to all," a Middle School spokesman said this week.

Middle School SADD Raises $3000 To Benefit Jadon Russell Garman's Family

John C. Bidell Jr. Photo
Members of the Grand Island M.S.S.A.D.D. (Middle School Students Against Doing Drugs) raised over $3000 through a Bowl-a-thon held at Island Lanes Monday, February 10, 2003. This year the club decided to give the money to The Jadon Russell Garman Foundation. The Island baby, who turned one last week, has just received a liver transplant and will stay in a Pittsburgh hospital, along with his parents for possibly three months while he recovers. SADD advisors are Mrs. Murray and Mr. Sauer.

Middle School Honor Roll - February 2003

The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the honor roll for the second quarter, 2002-2003 school year:

High Honor Roll
Grade 6: Kelli Adreon, Allison Boron, Amber Duda, Shane Eddy, Mary Grace Egloff, Julia Figliotti, Kelsey Foote, Rachel Gaydosh, Taylor Jackson, Drew Lazelle, Joseph Oliverio, Jennifer Schaber, Sheree Tamaklo, Jordan Tripi, Nicholas Vitello.
Grade 7: Giovanna Andolina, Tyler Baldes, Chelsea Baran, Alexander Battaglia, David Benko, Lauren Braun, Kahla Cerrillo, Alexandra Davis, Bailey DeGlopper, Rebecca Donnelly, Christopher Eley, Cathryn Hilliard, Alexander Hultgren, Amber Hultgren, Amanda Jaeger, Joshua Kaplan, Samuel Kilb, Ashley Koerntgen, Kaitlyn Little, Samuel LoPresti, Adam Masse', Ashley Mazurkiewicz, Jeremy Meyer, Anthony Poupalos, Carrie Schooping, Theodore Slipko, III, Jessica Sturniolo, Scott Thompson, Jr, Jordan Toth, Kacey White, Shana Wierchowski.
Grade 8: Alexandra Angelo, Vincent Covatto, Karen Figliotti, Shannon Howley, Rachael Kaplan, Cassandra Lange, Dianne Maerz, Andrea Monaco, Sarah Mye, Vida Rostami, Lindsey Samland, Sydney Seese, Sara Slovick, Joshua Snyder, Zachary Tondera, Yiyu Zhang.
Honor Roll
Grade 6: Zachary Adams, Natalie Agnello, Alexa Amato, Robert Amsdill, Kaitlin Arida, Sarah Bastian, Lee Becker, Simarjot Cheema, Olivia Chopra, Kyle Clayton, Christopher Colan, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Darren DelSignore, Michaeline Dera, Korey DiMatteo, Melissa Fargino, Gregory Feathers, Ashley Fike, Samantha Forysinski, Angela Fusco, Leah Gangloff, Samantha Gieselman, Krista Goff, Kaitlyn Hardison, Adam Helman, Scott Holler, Craig Hooper, Jenna Hutzler, Kaitlin Incorvia, Michael Karpie, Joseph Khreis, Alexandra King, Benjamin Kose, Erin Krieger, Benjamin Kuch, Nicholas Lovetro, Matthew Ludwig, Jacqueline Maitner, Matthew Major, Nicholas Marmino, Christian Martinez, Kelsey Mash, James McDonnell, David McMichael, Alexander Neutz, Sarah Pici, Susan Pioli, Christopher Podlucky, Joshua Prygon, Alexander Richter, Lance Robinson, Michele Rossi, Robert Rutland, III, Kayla Salonek, Carla Schory, Lee Schuster, Sierra Seese, Nicole Serra, Kayleigh Shepard, Kuljit Singh, Eric Siwicki, Emily Thompson, Allison Walker, Kaitlyn Wardour, Alexandra Whitford, Lauren Whitney, Kelly Williams, Drew Winkel, Brianna Wojnar, Arlene Wunsch, Joseph Zarbo, Amanda Zernickel, Tyler Zikuski.
Grade 7: Joseph Amsdill, Nicholas Argy, Jessica Bakkila, Teighlor Bennett, Kelsey Borgeson, Jasmeet Brar, Lauren Brindisi, Jeremy Chopra, Kelly Cich, Jaclyn Coe, Cassandra Coffey, Matthew Collins, Shannon Curry, Daniel DeMarco, Casey Deuser, Tiffani Dickinson, Caitlyn Driscoll, Dominick Farbo, Brandon Fetzer, Julia Fleming, John Gannon, Shari Geblein, Anthony Genco, Marc Gerfin, Ashley Green, Ryan Hagen, Lea Hinaman, Jennifer Huber, Richard Karpie, Ryan Killian, Matthew Klock, Matthew Little, Eric Madia, Lauren McGowan, Lindsey Miller, Danielle Nash, Nichole Nash, Jessica Oyer, Brittany Papaj, Michelle Paternostro, Alexandra Peters, Aleem Shariff, James Sica, Brandi Skill, Kimberly Snell, Rebecca Sobol, Alicia Sommer, Michael Symington, Joseph Tanbakuchi, Kristin Toellner, Nicholas Vallina, Roman Velletta, Alexander Webb, Alexandra Weiser, Matthew Zarbo.
Grade 8: Traci Aladeen, Benjamin Angelo, Amanda Arki, Carolyn Asbach, Lauren Aughey, Adam Bakula, Alicia Barnaby, Karen Bellanca, Juliana Burkhart, Stephanie Cartwright, Samantha Chambers, Anna Cislarski, Kiel Clarke, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donovan, Erik Eggleston, Robert Elsaesser, Kate Endres, Brett Fiedler, Nicole Fischer, Joseph Fusco, Cassidy Hogrewe, Jaime Justen, Emily Kahn, Ashley Kippley, Matthew Lang, Christopher Larry, Elise Loiselle, Justin McInerney, Matthew McKenna, Jarrad Mendel, Thomas Minarcin, III, Dana Mitri, Abram Morgan, Kayla Mornelli, Alicia Neutz, Sean O'Brien, Patrick O'Donnell, Ian O'Rourke, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, James Rayhill, Amanda Richter, Tara Rogers, Justin Samland, Ryan Samland, Jonathan Schutrum, Nicholas Shemik, Ryan Stanko, Donald Turner, III, Cassandra Ungaro, Matthew Ward, Philip Wendt, Amanda Williams.

Middle School Merit Roll - February 2003
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the merit roll for the second quarter, 2002-2003 school year:
Grade 6: Joseph Aladeen, Anthony Aughtmon, Emily Bakkila, Sean Benninger, Amy Bidell, David Britten, Conor Bryan, Brianna Busch, Maria Buyer, Allison Cislarski, Caitlin Cook, Dustin Coryn, Aaron D'Angelo, Jason Davis, Robert DeMita, Natalie Dommell, Joseph Edel, Nicolette Fadel, Jenna Fanara, David Farbo, Brianna Fetzer, Amanda Geis, Jordan Gibson, Zachary Gilbert, Andrew Ginsburg, Adrian Grant, Kaitlin Hager, Meghan Haley, Chris Harper, Michael Hillock, Cody Hogrewe, Stephanie Hunt, Alexandra Imperi, Jennifer Kane, Taylor Kaufman, Jonathan Kearney, Haroon Khawar, LeAnna Kozlowski, Beau Lapp, Charles Lavallee, Carolina Luciani, Mia Magliazzo, Eric Manuszewski, Jessica Martina, Daniel McKenna, Kristin Millar, Brittany Moran, Andrew Mrzygut, Nicholas Muoio, Davis Nelson, Katie Nordvik, Edward Nowak, Genna Nuchereno, Shawn O'Rourke, John Osberg, Marvin Pawlowski, III, Craig Perno, Travis Perno, Lindsay Pieri, Lauren Priest, Scott Quider, Kathryn Raiser, Rachel Rogers, Michael Rustowicz, Richard Ryder, Michael Scheid, Timothy Shantler, Carly Snyder, Kyle Spratford, Jeffrey Szczepaniak, Robert Tates, Lindsay Utnik, Justine Vanthoff, Christopher Wilczek, Andrea Wilson, Zachary Winter.
Grade 7: Steven Accardo, Alexandra Armusewicz, Danielle Asbach, Ellen Betterson, Jared Billica, Timothy Boorady, Lindsey Boyle, Haley Breier, Thomas Breier, Brandon Caldwell, Christopher Carter, Jennifer Ciechoski, Taylor Cool, Theresa Covatto, Ashley Curry, Meghan Dollard, Andrew Donahue, Thomas Gebhard, Bethany Gebhart, Nicole Goelz, Mallory Griffiths, Nicholas Hall, Kelcie Hanaka, Matthew Helf, Sean Joseph, Reid Kashmanian, Nathaniel Keefe, Todd Kunze, Desire' Link, Shawna Long, Maria Lorence, Morgan Majewski, Kurt Makowski, Stephen Mathes, Jr., Brenna McCabe, Courtney McCoy, George McCraith, Ashley McGuire, Amber Meyers, Christian Nestark, William Newsome, Jordan Paolucci, Lauren Quattrini, Matthew Riley, Roxanne Rizek, Scott Ross, Riley Sexsmith, Patrick Sexton, Joseph Shanor, Damanpreet Singh, Shawn Speidel, Patrick Winters.
Grade 8: Rebecca Asbach, John Berger, Brandon Bettinger, Erik Billica, Erin Bonaquist, Anthony Borelli, Caroline Boron, Arielle Brzezinski, Evan Busch, Heather Buzzelli, John Certo, Kong Chen, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Lianna Connors, Stephanie Cope, Jessica Coughlin, Michael Davis, Paul Dhand, Joshua Doermer, Courtney Donner, Corey Dudish, Kristin Duggan, Matthew Eddy, Emily Eisenberger, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Jennifer Freiermuth, Daniel Gadawski, Colin Gallagher, Bianca Genova, Bridget George, Erin Hanel, Meghan Higgins, Lamar Hogan, Paul Holler, Julia Juron, Jared Kazmierczak, Kristen Kobza, Jessica Kuehne, Dustin Lange, William Lewandowski, Jr., Ryan Link, Lawrence Loveless, Jr., Alex Missert, Nicole Morgan, Kimberly Mulvey, John Naumovich, Connor Neff, Christian Nole, Jessica Perry, Kevin Pifer, Justina Potenzo, Shannon Quinn, Sarah Rivers, David Rosati, Adam Schopp, Matthew Scibilia, Bryan Segarra, Forrest Smith, Michael Sobieski, Jordan Stickl, Joseph Strano, Kristen Swan, Bradley Weiser, Rhianna Wing.

Attention All Middle School Girls!
By Mark Webb
All Middle School girls get ready to enjoy a good suntan, great ice cream, and some softball fun! For 6th, 7th,and 8th grade girls, Intramural Softball is the way to go! The fun begins after school on April 23, 2001, in the Middle School café! Be sure to attend because teams and captains will be picked, and you can always count on Mr. Mac to coach. No yellow card or physical is necessary, and you can also do other school sports on other days. So be there or be square!

Middle School Snacks!
By Mark Webb
   Veronica E. Connor Middle School-made snacks on Middle School made snax! At the Grand Island Middle School Mrs. Fonte’s and Mrs. Cox’s 8th grade careers classes are making snacks! The 8th grade students break up into groups and come up with a snack idea they think will sell. Most are reasonably priced and are loaded with flavor. Some of these tasty treats, which are sold during the children’s lunchtime, are Farmer Worms Mud Cups. Cost is $.75 a cup and consists of gummy worms and broken Oreo cookies. Their motto is “We dig down into the dirt to make you happy!" Other treats are Dough Boy delights, which are $.50 for two. A Dough Boy delight is basically only an Oreo covered in chocolate, with sprinkles. The rest of these crazy (in a good way) snacks range from Ice Cream Cone Cakes to last year's favorite, Puppy Chow. It looks like the Middle School will have a large and tasty variety of treats this year, so remind your Middle School son/daughter to buckle up those taste buds!

Author Visits Connor Middle School

Bradley Weiser has his copy of a Willo Davis-Roberts book signed during author visit at Connor Middle School.
Story and photo By Barbi Lare

   A large mobile home was parked out behind the Connor Middle School last week. The vehicle brought author Willo Davis Roberts to visit the students at the school to described her work, telling the young people how and why she became an author of books for young people and to describe some of the more than 95 books that have been completed by the author.
    She described how the title comes first, most of the time.
   She writes because of several factors, not the least of which is the money, she told the students. Her stories are based, many times, on family events and character involvement. When questioned about which of her books was her favorite, she commented that the one she was working on at the time was usually her favorite. And she loves working on the computer. And when she is not writing, her favorite activity is reading.
    Mrs. Roberts signed books for those who brought them along and she was treated to a luncheon with a selected group of students.
    The mobile home permits her to go where the action in her writings takes place. It is easy for her to relate to the subject matter that way.

Mardi Gras 2001
By Mark Webb
   The Grand Island Middle School kicked off Mardi Gras celebrations with a bang. A Mardi Gras dance was held at the Middle School on the 23rd of February. Tickets were four dollars each, and only the 7th and 8th graders were allowed to attend. The price included unlimited pizza, bubblegum, pop, and free Mardi Gras necklaces and masks. Kiss 98.5’s DJ Mike Setlock provided the music for the dance, which included some various slow dances.
   The vigilant chaperones were, of course, the teachers. As a result, none of the Mardi Gras mayhem seen in Philadelphia and Seattle was in evidence.
   One 7th grade student remarked that he really enjoyed the music and thought the dance was all in all ok. Let Mardi Gras end, and Lent begin!

Middle School Honor Roll
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the honor roll for the second quarter, 2000-2001 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 6:Traci Aladeen, Alexandra Angelo, Karen Bellanca, Kiel Clarke, Erik Eggleston, Nicole Fischer, Justin Hubert, Rachael Kaplan, Ashley Kippley, Matthew Lang, Dianne Maerz, Matthew McKenna, Jarrad Mendel, Andrea Monaco, Abram Morgan, Sarah Mye, Ian O'Rourke, Julie Pangborn, Robert Potter, Vida Rostami, Justin Samland, Lindsey Samland, Ryan Samland, Sydney Seese, Sara Slovick, Joshua Snyder, Zachary Tondera, Cassandra Ungaro, Yiyu Zhang
Grade 7:Christopher Benko, Timothy Blonski, Lauren Campbell, Shawn D'Angelo, Chelsea DeGlopper, Timothy Lavallee, Michael LoFaso, Ashley Marien, Robert Michaels, Joseph Orsolits Jr., Katharine Rogers, Jeremy Siehnel, David Sipos, Kevin Sobol, Dana Szczepaniak, Matthew Winkel
Grade 8:Matthew Battaglia, Erin Dent, Patrick Donnelly, Kathryn Figliotti, Natalie Fischer, Amanda George, Lindsay Henderson, Sara Hilliard, Justine Kirsch, Juliane Rees, Melissa Roach, Corrine Stolzenburg, Robert Sugar, Sofia Syed, Sarah Tanbakuchi, Kari Tondera, Devon Toth, Adam Ungaro
Honor Roll
Grade 6: Benjamin Angelo, Amanda Arki, Carolyn Asbach, Lauren Aughey, Adam Bakula, Alicia Barnaby, Christopher Bidell, Erin Bonaquist, Anthony Borelli, Caroline Boron, Juliana Burkhart, Krista Burzynski, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Samantha Chambers, Ryan Chrostowski, Lianna Connors, Jessica Coughlin, Vincent Covatto, Daniel Davis, Paul Dhand, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Courtney Donovan, Corey Dudish, Kristin Duggan, Mark Eberhard, Kate Endres, Ashley Fabio, Timothy Fargino, Brett Fiedler, Karen Figliotti, Bianca Genova, Cassidy Hogrewe, Emily Kahn, Jared Kazmierczak, Sabooh Khan, Kristen Kobza, Jessica Kuehne, Cassandra Lange, Dustin Lange, Christopher Larry, Elise Loiselle, Lawrence Loveless Jr., Jacqueline Lunick, Justin McInerney, Dana Mitri, Kayla Mornelli, Alicia Neutz, Patrick O'Donnell, Lindsey O'Farrell, Kyle Oursler, Valerie Paris, Shannon Quinn, Christopher Rajczak, Ashley Ray, James Rayhill, Amanda Richter, Tara Rogers, Peter Schaber, Jonathan Schutrum, Bryan Segarra, Nicholas Shemik, Forrest Smith, Michael Sobieski, Kari Suszczynski, Donald Turner III, Bradley Weiser, Amanda Williams, Rhianna Wing, David Winter
Grade 7:Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Carissa Bailey, Ryan Breier, Wesley Burkman, Lauren Chopra, Ian Clark, John Connors, Lauren Culp, Casey Dahlstrom, Christopher Damiani, Monique Dhand, Katie Dlugosz, Steven Doermer, Mary Duff, Caitlin Dwyer, Rebecca Fetzer, Jessica Fike, Mallory Fulle, Russell Gaiser III, James Geblein, James Glownia, Stephanie Hall, Marcellus Hogan, Brian Joseph, Lauren Kalisz, Paul Kashmanian, Ryan Kucharski, Andrew Lang, Catherine Lewis, Sarah Lipp, Allison Makowski, Christina Manning, James McCoy Jr., Lucas Mesmer, Lee Miller, Derek Moody, Steven Mrzygut, Kayla Nash, Andrew Nawotka, Eric Quattrini, Caitlyn Quider, Christine Ray, Jessica Remmes, Erich Skelly, Nicholas Thompson, Brendan Waddington, Christopher Webb, Marcia Wilbert, Zachary Zarbo
Grade 8:Amanda Albertsson, Julie Amato, Corey Angelo, Lindsay Aronica, Patrick Blum, Kate Bonaquist, Amy Boutet, Alyssa Bowerman, Kelly Carter, Brian Choi, Ryan Clarke, Renee' Collins, Geoffrey Crossley, Dana D'Angelo, Shayna DiMatteo, Jill Endres, Joshua Gerace, Robert Glownia, Robert Goris, Meaghan Grotz, Alicia Harrison, Steven Kane, Gretchen Kiehl, Nicole Koerntgen, Steven Kopf, Paul Kramer, Lisa Kurpiewski, Arianna Labe, Mary Lacki, Stephanie McGowan, Maureen McInerney, Jenna Meyer, Stacey Monaco, Justin Piershalski, Emily Pifer, Alissa Pioli, James Poupalos, Toni Quagliana, Yasmin Raza, Jeffrey Rebmann, Nicole Roach, Michael Schimley, Meher Singh, Matthew Slovick, Nicole Tates, Phillip Thompson, Daniel Victor, Timothy Watts, Erik Zito

Connor Middle School Merit Roll
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the merit roll for the second quarter 2000-2001 school year:
Grade 6:Safah Ali, Rebecca Asbach, Ryan Ayers, Ryan Benninger, John Berger, Brandon Bettinger, Erik Billica, Arielle Brzezinski, Evan Busch, Cory Butler, Heather Buzzelli, Christine Call, Anna Cislarski, Lauryn Clingersmith, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Stephanie Cope, Michael Coty, Nicholas Culp, Thomas Cunningham, Stacey Cyman, Michael Davis, Megan DenBeste, Joshua Doermer, Robert Elsaesser, Stacey Foote, Colin Gallagher, Bridget George, Christopher Goulet II, Thomas Greiner, Alex Gutt, Erin Hanel, Lamar Hogan, Paul Holler, Julia Juron, Chelsea Kendra, Ryan Link, Joseph Mash, Corey McGowan, Alex Missert, Nicole Morgan, John Naumovich, Connor Neff, Kelsey Nordvik, Sean O'Brien, Kevin Pifer, Abigail Richards, Andrew Rogers, Michael Scappechio, Micah Smith, Ryan Stanko, Jordan Stickl, Victoria Strada, Joseph Strano, Kristen Swan, Melissa Thompson, Matthew Ward, Kristina Waz, Philip Wendt.
Grade 7: Stephen Beatty, John Brucato, Wesley Brzezinski, Michael Cancilla III, Cassondra Carlson, Joseph Ciechoski, David Cole, Tucker Coryn, Carlos Darby, Luke DeLuca, Breanne DeMarco, Justin Dowd, Julie Drozdowski, Dane Fernandez, Ashleigh Frieday, Joshua Gavlock, Alexander Grande, Ryan Gratton, Kaitlyn Grebenc, Benjamin Greenwood, Ashley Harrison, Beth Huffnagle, Toni Kaufman, Ryan Keifman, Ben Kim, Christopher King, Matthew Kuch, Cristina LoVullo, Dana Ludwig, Courtney Mikac, Mercedes Miles, Christopher Miller, Chad Moran, Nathan Morey, Natalie Mucci, Jessica O'Brien, Elyse Ripellino, Francisco Rodriquez II, Stephanie Russo, Melinda Savage, Melinda Schultz, Andrew Sharpe, Andrew Sonberg, Janice Sturtz, John Sukmanowski, Tonja Sutton, Mark Webb, Brittany Weber, Grade 8: Tamika Adams, Tanya Ambellan, Kelly Astridge, Shannon Barr, Kevin Bellanca, Joshua Billica, Kevin Buyer, Garrett Carlson, Alex Coates, Tiffany Coburn-Garlock, Rebecca Cunningham, Jason Everett, Jennifer Farrell, Amanda Finn, Thomas Geblein, Ryan Harvey, Stacey Helf, Justin Helman, Beth Huber, Brian Judkins, Kelly Knickerbocker, Catherine Kulak, Adrienne LaLiberty, Mark Larry, Kevin Laurendi, Gregory Lazelle, Robert Lorence, Christina Maddi, Jason Manijak, Nicholas Mann, Alex Marien, Christina Maroulis, Matthew Masse', Victoria McCraith, Andrew Missert, Timothy Moriarty, David Nardozzi II, Paula Nuchereno, Jennifer O'Donnell, Nicole Patterson, Ashley Pearce, Elizabeth Pfohl, Noelle Pietras, Poonam Randhawa, Joel Ricigliano, Theodore Royal, Robert Rumsey, Jessica Samland, Tracey Schmidt, Tracy Scott, Jacqulene Sondel, Scott Stanko, JennaBeth Stockman, John Stoneham, Frank Strano, Heather Thompson, Alicia Vetter, Amanda Webb, Stephen Weigold, Emily Winters, Scott Xie, James Zilliox

Explorers May Be Dead But They Are Alive And Well At The Middle School
By Mark Webb
On January 23rd, a massive project for the entire 7th Grade team D was started. Every child was given his/her own Great Explorer to research—Balboa, Columbus, Desoto, Ponce DeLeon, Magellan, Amerigo Vespucci and others. Students are now doing their own exploring of these brave men’s daring deeds and reporting what they find. Note cards, references, outlines, rough draft, and a final paper are all required in this project that stretches over a month and a half. The final paper is due March 5th. Diane Meyer, a student at the Middle School, commented, “I think it’s great that we get to learn about new people.” It seems this will be a long, but beneficial project for team D of the 7th grade.

Terra Nova Reactions!
By Mark Webb
   Grand Island Middle School 7th graders, last week, took a New York State standardized test. It was called Terra Nova and included Science, Math, Language Arts, and Social Studies.
   Here are some of the students’ reactions. Matt Winkle stated, “The hardest section was probably English, but the easiest was Math. My favorite - Social Studies!” Casey Dahlstrom acknowledged that for him, at least, the Math section was the easiest, and the Language Arts was the toughest of all. Last but not least, Ahmad Alkhatib declared that the Terra Nova was relatively easy.
   The sections of this test were designed to see if anyone was struggling in certain learning areas. It appears these 7th graders will do fine.

Valentine’s Day Bowl-A-Thon!
By Mark Webb
The students of the Veronica E. Connor Middle School will go on an after-school trip on February 15, 2001. This trip will be to our local bowling alley, Island Lanes. The activity is designed to raise money for Kids Escaping Drugs. Students will be asked to collect money on a pledge form for this program with a minimum amount of $10.00 required per student. This will cover pizza, pop, the price of bowling, bowling shoes, and prizes of Media Play gift certificates to those who raise the most money. Students attending will be taken home on the 5:45 late bus after the event. Students who misplace the permission slip needed to receive the pledge form will be responsible for paying the $10.00 minimum. If all goes as planned, this promises to be a very exciting trip.

Carnations For Sale
By Mark Webb
This week at the Middle School, a special sale has gone into effect. From the 16th through the 19th, the Middle School will be having its annual Valentine’s Day Carnation Sale. This will be held during all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade lunches. For one dollar a carnation, all students will be able to purchase these beautiful flowers. This price also includes a specialized note written by the sender. Along with the note the carnation will be sent directly to the selected person in his or her homeroom before classes start on Valentine’s Day. What a special and cheerful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Time To Order Yearbooks
By Mark Webb
Although it may seem early, Connor Middle School is now collecting orders for yearbooks. These yearbooks, that include the photos of all the Middle Schoolers, promise to bring fond memories for years to come. Orders are being taken during all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade lunches. Diane Meyer, a student at the Middle School, was quoted as saying, “Yeah, I like the yearbooks. It’s nice how people can sign it and how it brings back so many memories.” The yearbooks will be on sale through January 19th. Happy Memories!

Terra Nova Tests are Here!
By Mark Webb
Seventh grade students in Connor Middle School began taking the four-day-long Terra Nova Test this week. This is designed to test basic academic knowledge. Social Studies, Math, Science, and English will all be included. The Middle School did not have a choice in administering the test, as New York State requires it. Mrs. Johnston, who teaches 7th grade math, said with a little laughter, “Well, I don’t think they‘re that tough. I mean, I could pass it!” “Terra Nova tests are designed to let us know if any particular child is in need of help. This way, we can give them that help they need,” stated Middle School Counselor Ms. Bigenwald. To give out these tests costs the school thousands, but a child’s education is worth that, and much more.

Middle School Computers are Seniors
By Mark Webb
They’re old, they’re slow, they’re the Connor Middle School computers. Many teachers at the Middle School have the same opinions about this problem. Take Mr. Sherriff for example. He stated that 40% of the time the school’s system of connecting the computers is down. Also he remarked that even when the system is up, his computer is terribly slow. Another teacher exclaimed his computer is so slow, that out of a possible ten, its speed would be a two. He also had to say that he would only use his computer at the Middle School if there were no way he could use his computer at home. Out of all the computers in the school, his is a newer model. Mrs. Weidner had the same problems with her computer, but her printer is having trouble too. She stated, “ When I send a print job to the printer and its paper tray is full, it always says it’s empty.” These computers are old and should be replaced; some teachers don’t even have a cd-rom drive. Please have your child bring in your Box Tops for Education symbols from General Mills cereals to earn cash for the school. This may help the computer problem.

The Dogs Have Gone To Pot!
By Mark Webb
These last few years the Middle School has teamed up with law enforcement officers to create a procedure code-named "The Red Car Procedure." This process involves the officers and their pot (marijuana)-sniffing dogs. When this procedure is put into effect, the children may not leave their classrooms for any reason. This is because they may interrupt the dogs’ jobs. This year an experiment with a new idea was tried. Passive dogs were taken into a few of the children’s classrooms and sniffed in the aisles. Passive dogs do not bark like the regular sniffing dogs do when they detect something that smells like drugs. They are trained to sit down next to the source of the smell. These dogs will keep our schools free of drugs and make our community a much better place. The latest inspection was shortly before Christmas vacation. It was reported that nothing was found. That is great news, because that is the way it should be.

Connor Middle School Merit Roll
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the merit roll for the first quarter 2000-2001 school year:
Grade 6:Rebecca Asbach, Ryan Ayers, Brandon Bettinger, Erik Billica, Franklin Black, Arielle Brzezinski, Juliana Burkhart, Evan Busch, Cory Butler, Heather Buzzelli, Christine Call, Ryan Chrostowski, Anna Cislarski, Lyndsey Clingersmith, Stephanie Cope, Thomas Cunningham, Michael Davis, Megan DenBeste, Paul Dhand, Samantha Drexelius, Mark Eberhard, Matthew Eddy, Emily Eisenberger, Robert Elsaesser, Ashley Fabio, Karen Figliotti, Stacey Foote, Colin Gallagher, Bianca Genova, Bridget George, Christopher Goulet II, Alex Gutt, Erin Hanel, Kristen Kobza, Ryan Link, Lawrence Loveless Jr., Joseph Mash, Corey McGowan, Samantha Miller, John Naumovich, Connor Neff, Sean O'Brien, Kyle Oursler, Kevin Pifer, Justina Potenzo, Shannon Quinn, Christopher Rajczak, James Rayhill, David Santillo II, Michael Scappechio, Peter Schaber, Jonathan Schutrum, Micah Smith, Michael Sobieski, Ryan Stanko, Jordan Stickl, Victoria Strada, Kari Suszczynski, Kristen Swan, Matthew Ward, Kristina Waz and Philip Wendt.
Grade 7: Melissa Affuso, Vanessa Alvarado, Charlotte Booth, Sara Boulden, John Brucato, Wesley Brzezinski, Michael Cancilla II, Cassondra Carlson, Lauren Chopra, Catherine Cline, David Cole, John Connors, Tucker Coryn, Katie Crowley, Casey Dahlstrom, Carlos Darby, Monique Dhand, Justin Dowd, Jessica Fike, James Geblein, Alexander Grande, Ryan Gratton, Benjamin Greenwood, Matthew Guidotti, William Hall, Ashley Harrison, Beth Huffnagle, Ryan Keifman, Ben Kim, Christopher King, Jeffrey Krahel, Andrew Lang, Sarah Lipp, Dana Ludwig, Timothy McRae Jr., Courtney Mikac, Chad Moran, Natalie Mucci, Kayla Nash, David Nolf, Jessica O'Brien, Tiffany Pasqualichio, Cole Remmes, Stephanie Russo, Melinda Schultz, Andrew Sharpe, Andrew Sonberg, Jeffrey Stange, Janice Sturtz, John Sukmanowski, Tonja Sutton and Brendan Waddington.
Grade 8: Tamika Adams, Stephanie Ali, Tanya Ambellan, Corey Angelo, Kelly Astridge, Shannon Barr, Joshua Billica, Patrick Blum, Kate Bonaquist, Kevin Buyer, Garrett Carlson, Alex Coates, Tiffany Coburn-Garlock, Rebecca Cunningham, Jason Everett, Amanda Finn, Dominic Florio, Robert Glownia, Robert Goris, Collin Griffiths, Eric Hajnos, Ryan Harvey, Stacey Helf, Justin Helman, Jamie Holka, Beth Huber, Brian Judkins, Steven Kane, Kelly Knickerbocker, Paul Kramer, Lisa Kurpiewski, Adrienne LaLiberty, Mark Larry, Kevin Laurendi, Andrea Lewis, Robert Lorence, Christina Maddi, Jason Manijak, Alex Marien, Christina Maroulis, Matthew Masse', Victoria McCraith, Calvin Meaney, Christopher Mehltretter, Donald Minoian, Andrew Missert, Timothy Moriarty, David Nardozzi II, Jennifer O'Donnell, Patrick O'Laughlin, Ashley Pearce, Elizabeth Pfohl, Poonam Randhawa, Corey Ress, Joel Ricigliano, Robert Rumsey, Kyle Ruzich, Jessica Samland, Michael Schimley, Tracey Schmidt, Jacqulene Sondel, Scott Stanko, Shaina Starr, JennaBeth Stockman, John Stoneham, Frank Strano, Alicia Vetter, Timothy Watts, Amanda Webb, Emily Winters and James Zilliox.

Tift Farms Time!
By Mark Webb    The seventh grade of the Grand Island Middle School recently went on a field trip. This was to Buffalo’s Tift Farm Nature Preserve. This visit was in conjunction with the children’s latest subject at school, the Native American Indians. At Tift the children learned how the Indians made hides, food, and clothing. This was a special and unique trip for the students, as they were allowed to make corn meal cakes just the way Indians did hundreds of years ago and actually eat them! The students fed the wild birds that surround the property from their hands. There were also deer, ducks and squirrels. This trip was a two-day effort. Half of the seventh graders went on December 19th and the rest, on the 20th.
   Ahmad Alkhatib, a student attending the Middle School, was quoted as saying, "My favorite part was when we got to go outside to see the beaver dams!"
   Keep in mind this preserve is open to the public, and if you are interested in giving them a visit, call them at 825-6397.

Doors Galore
By Mark Webb
Last week at the Middle School a door-decorating contest was started. The goal is to have the most colorful and creative door in the entire school. The themes for these doors change every year the contest is held. This year's theme is "A Winter Wonder Land." Some of these doors range from a snowman to Christmas trees (shown above). So remember, as your child is wandering the halls at the Middle School, it's not a normal Middle School by far, but a winter wonderland!

Middle School Food Drive
By Mark Webb
Connor Middle School will will hold its annual Food For Friends Food Drive this week and continuing through December 13. Children are asked to bring in as many canned goods, personal care items, toys, and cleaning products as they can for the less fortunate of Grand Island. (Yes, there are some.) In some homerooms the child will receive extra credit for bringing in these items. Each homeroom has been assigned a goal of 50 items. If a homeroom reaches this goal, it will have its homeroom number listed on the morning announcements. Veronica E. Connor Middle School has to work hard this year to beat last year’s record of 4,000+ items! So remember how you are blessed and please contribute to the Food For Friends Food Drive.

The People vs. Johnny Cade 2000
By Mark Webb, Connor Middle School
There have been a number of court rulings at Veronica E. Connor Middle School. Mr. Zuch’s 7th grade Social Studies classes combined with Mrs. Lamb’s 7th grade English classes have created the ultimate Mock Trial experience. All five cases included Johnny Cade as the defendant, charged with the same crime. The students used the character of Johnny Cade from a book they were reading titled The Outsiders. Johnny Cade pleaded innocent to the charge of 2nd degree manslaughter. The prosecution fought hard, as well as the defense, but in the end only one would prevail. After three long, hard days of witnesses, testimony, and questioning, the Jury was sent to decide their verdict. In one class when the Jury returned, their ruling was unanimous: Guilty! The Honorable Judge Derek Moody (a 7th grader) then sentenced Johnny Cade to five years in prison and a two-dollar fine.

Middle School Honor Roll
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the honor roll for the first quarter, 2000-2001 school year:
High Honor Roll
Grade 6: Traci Aladeen, Alicia Barnaby, Kiel Clarke, Erik Eggleston, Nicole Fischer, Rachael Kaplan, Ashley Kippley, Dianne Maerz, Andrea Monaco, Abram Morgan, Sarah Mye, Robert Potter, Ryan Samland, Sara Slovick, Joshua Snyder, Cassandra Ungaro, Yiyu Zhang.
Grade 7: Christopher Benko, Lauren Campbell, Chelsea DeGlopper, Katie Dlugosz, Michael LoFaso, Ashley Marien, Robert Michaels, Joseph Orsolits Jr., Christine Ray, Katharine Rogers, Jeremy Siehnel, Dana Szczepaniak and Matthew Winkel.
Grade 8: Matthew Battaglia, Brian Choi, Erin Dent, Amanda George, Lindsay Henderson, Sara Hilliard, Mary Lacki, Juliane Rees, Sofia Syed, Sarah Tanbakuchi, Kari Tondera, Adam Ungaro and Daniel Victor.
Honor Roll
Grade 6: Alexandra Angelo, Benjamin Angelo, Amanda Arki, Carolyn Asbach, Lauren Aughey, Adam Bakula, Karen Bellanca, John Berger, Christopher Bidell, Erin Bonaquist, Anthony Borelli, Caroline Boron, Krista Burzynski, Stephanie Cartwright, John Certo, Samantha Chambers, Lianna Connors, Michael Coty, Jessica Coughlin, Vincent Covatto, Joshua Doermer, Brian Dolan, Courtney Donner, Courtney Donovan, Corey Dudish, Kristin Duggan, Kate Endres, Timothy Fargino, Brett Fiedler, Cassidy Hogrewe, Paul Holler, Justin Hubert, Julia Juron, Emily Kahn, Jared Kazmierczak, Sabooh Khan, Jessica Kuehne, Matthew Lang, Cassandra Lange, Dustin Lange, Christopher Larry, Elise Loiselle, Jacqueline Lunick, Justin McInerney, Matthew McKenna, Jarrad Mendel, Dana Mitri, Nicole Morgan, Kayla Mornelli, Alicia Neutz, Patrick O'Donnell, Lindsey O'Farrell, Ian O'Rouke, Julie Pangborn, Valerie Paris, Ashley Ray, Amanda Richter, Tara Rogers, Vida Rostami, Justin Samland, Lindsey Samland, Sydney Seese, Bryan Segarra, Nicholas Shemik, Forrest Smith, Joseph Strano, Zachary Tondera, Donald Turner III, Bradley Weiser, Amanda Williams and Rhianna Wing.
Grade 7: : Brandon Antonelli, Lauren Asbach, Carissa Bailey, Stephen Beatty, Timothy Blonski, Ryan Breier, Wesley Burkman, Ian Clark, Lauren Culp, Shawn D'Angelo, Christopher Damiani, Luke DeLuca, Breanne DeMarco, Steven Doermer, Julie Drozdowski, Mary Duff, Caitlin Dwyer, Dane Fernandez, Rebecca Fetzer, Ashleigh Frieday, Mallory Fulle, Russell Gaiser III, James Glownia, Christina Guzik, Stephanie Hall, Marcellus Hogan, Brian Joseph, Lauren Kalisz, Paul Kashmanian, Toni Kaufman, Ryan Kucharski, Timothy Lavallee, Catherine Lewis, Allison Makowski, Christina Manning, James McCoy Jr., Lucas Mesmer, Mercedes Miles, Christopher Miller, Lee Miller, Derek Moody, Steven Mrzygut, Andrew Nawotka, Eric Quattrini, Caitlyn Quider, Jessica Remmes, Elyse Ripellino, Melinda Savage, David Sipos, Erich Skelly, Kevin Sobol, Danielle Spancic, Nicholas Thompson, Christopher Webb, Mark Webb, Brittany Weber, Marcia Wilbert and Zachary Zarbo.
Grade 8: : Amanda Albertsson, Julie Amato, Lindsay Aronica, Kevin Bellanca, Amy Boutet, Alyssa Bowerman, Kelly Carter, Ryan Clarke, Renee' Collins, Geoffrey Crossley, Danna D'Angelo, Shayna DiMatteo, Patrick Donnelly, Jill Endres, Jennifer Farrell, Kathryn Figliotti, Natalie Fischer, Joshua Gerace, Meaghan Grotz, Alica Harrison, Gretchen Kiehl, Justine Kirsch, Nicole Koerntgen, Steven Kopf, Arianna Labe, Stephanie McGowan, Maureen McInerny, Jenna Meyer, Stacey Monaco, Paula Nuchereno, Nicole Patterson, Justin Piershalski, Noelle Pietras, Emily Pifer, Alissa Pioli, James Poupalos, Toni Quagliana, Yasmin Raza, Jeffrey Rebmann, Melissa Roach, Nicole Roach, Theodore Royal, Tracy Scott, Meher Singh, Matthew Slovick, Corrine Stolzenburg, Robert Sugar, Nicole Tates, Phillip Thompson, Devon Toth and Erik Zito.

If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.