Veronica E. Connor Middle School Moving-up Ceremonies took place in the Grand Island High School auditorium on Thursday evening, June 23, 2005. The processional of the 8th grade Class of 2005, numbering 246, entered the auditorium while the middle school orchestra, under the direction of Miss Deb Remson, played Pomp And Circumstance.
The following received awards.
President’s Education Award for Educational Excellence (Gold):
Zachary Adams, Kelli Adreon, Lee Becker, Amy Bidell, Allison Boron, Kyle Clayton, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Darren DelSignore, Korey DiMatteo, Amber Duda, Mary Egloff, Melissa Fargino, Gregory Feathers, Julia Figliotti, Ashley Fike, Kelsey Foote, Rachel Gaydosh, Samantha Gieselman, Zachary Gilbert, Andrew Ginsburg, Kaitlyn Hardison, Craig Hooper, Kaitlyn Incorvia, Taylor Jackson, Benjamin Kuch, Drew Lazelle, Jacqueline Maitner, Matthew Major, Kelsey Mash, James McDonnell, David McMichael, Charlene Meyer, Alexander Neutz, Marvin Pawlowski III, Sarah Pici, Christopher Podlucky, Alexander Richter, Robert Rutland III, Kayla Salonek, Jennifer Schaber, Carly Schory, Sierra Seese, Carly Snyder, Sheree Tamaklo, Emily Thompson, Jordan Tripi, Evan Tsembelis, Kelly Williams, Arlene Wunsch and Tyler Zikuski.
President’s Award for Educational Achievement (Silver):
Natalie Agnello, Alexa Amato, Robert Amsdill, Kaitlin Arida, Courtnnie Booker, Conor Bryan, Danielle Bush, Maria Buyer, Simarjot Cheema, Aaron D’Angelo, Jason Davis, Jenna Fanara, Angela Fusco, Leah Gangloff, Kaitlin Hager, Meghan Haley, Michael Hillock, Joshua Kahn, Michael Karpie, Taylor Kaufman, Benjamin Kose, Charles Lavallee, Kristin Millar, Katie Nordvik, Genna Nuchereno, Joseph Oliverio, John Osberg, Kelsey Patterson, Destiny Perez, Susan Pioli, Joshua Prygon, Scott Quider, Victoria Schaber, Timothy Shantler, Kayleigh Shephard, Kaileen Shoemaker, Kuljit Singh, Alyssa Spada, Robert Tates, Brianna Wojnar and Amanda Zernickel.
100% on the New York State Intermediate English Language Arts (ELA) Assessment:
Kate Hardison, Jennifer Schaber
Top ELA Average for each of Mrs. Campbell’s classes:
Kelli Adreon, Allison Boron, Mary Grace Egloff, Rachel Gaydosh, Taylor Jackson, Joseph Oliverio, Sheree Tamaklo
Top ELA Average for each of Ms. Stevens classes:
Kelsey Foote, Angela Fusco, Samantha Gieselman, Genna Nuchereno, Kelly Williams
Top ELA Average for each of Mr. Miller’s classes:
Charles LaVallee, Christopher Podlucky
New York State Comptroller’s Achievement Award:
Lee Becker
Top Science 8 Average for each teacher:
Mr. Butcher: Amy Bidell
Mrs. Hegarty: Charles LaVallee
Mrs. Schaber: Joshua Kahn
Top Earth Science Average:
Sheree Tamaklo
Top Math 8 Average for each teacher:
Mrs. Pioli: Ashley Fike
Mrs. Slowinski: Kuljit Singh
Mr. Brodie: Joshua Prygon
Top Math A Average:
Charlene Meyer
Mathletes:
1st Place: Joshua Kahn
2nd Place: Charles LaVallee
3rd Place: Sheree Tamaklo
Top Social Studies 8 Average for each teacher:
Mr. Markham: Jennifer Schaber
Ms. Brooks: Samantha Gieselman
Ms. Brooks (Honors): Sheree Tamaklo
Mr. Feeney: Amy Bidell
Mr. Feeney (Honors): Charlene Meyer, Taylor Jackson
NYS Attorney General’s Triple C Award:
Rachel Gaydosh, Christopher Podlucky
Outstanding Foreign Language Student of the Year:
Simarjot Cheema - Spanish
David McMichael – French
100% on the New York State Foreign Language Proficiency Exam:
For Spanish: For French:
Tamara Bazan Darren DelSignore
Olivia Chopra Melissa Fargino
Leah Gangloff Evan Tsembelis
Rachel Gaydosh
Taylor Jackson
Taylor Kaufman
Kelsey Mash
Charlene Meyer
Alexander Neutz
Sarah Pici
Alexander Richter
Sierra Seese
Kayleigh Shepard
Sheree Tamaklo
Brianna Wojnar
Amanda Zernickel
Middle School Orchestra Awards:
Rookie of the Year: Evan Tsembelis
Tenacity Award: Amanda Zernickel
Most Improved: Amy Bidell
Outstanding Musician: Mary Grace Egloff
Musical Awards:
Rookie: Charles LaVallee
Spirit: Julia Figliotti
Best Actress: Allison Boron
Best Actor: Lee Becker
Aaron D’Angelo
Top Artists:
James McDonnell, Alex Richter, Sheree Tamaklo
Following the presentation of awards, each 8th grade student crossed the stage to receive a certificate from Principal Bruce Benson.
Connor Middle School Students Build Largest Ice Cream Sundae Ever - 2005
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Over 50 Connor Middle School students participated in building and eating the school's largest ice cream sundae ever. At a length of 50 feet, the ice cream sundae and all its toppings stretched the length of the Middle School cafeteria. The event, held June 9, 2005, was part of a youth mentoring initiative by the AZZ-set Development Group (named in honor of Zack Zarbo, a well respected Grand Island High School student who passed away in October 2004) in cooperation with GIFTS and the Community Enrichment Council.
Fourteen outstanding senior high students were chosen and trained in Asset development (The 40 Developmental Assets have been statistically proven to play a very key role in the positive development of young people.).
Equipped with their new knowledge and eager attitudes, these exemplary students headed up groups of four middle schoolers to create their portion of the sundae, each group with its own creative style. One group even created a working volcano, lava flowing, due in part to the high temperatures on what has been one of the hottest days so far this summer.
The focus for these mentors was on building positive identity and self-esteem, (only two of the 40 assets). The concept of youth mentoring itself was to create a venue for two other important assets, (as regarded by the Community Enrichment Council), namely, "Youth as a resource" and "Community values youth".
Admission of one dollar or a non-perishable food item went to benefit the Neighbors Foundation, giving the middle school students an opportunity to show that they are a valuable resource to the community as well. Thirty dollars and forty food items were collected.
Thanks and congratulations go out to all the students who participated in making this event a great success. We look forward to more events in the next school year and for the opportunity to help build a stronger generation of future leaders.
Connor Middle School French Students Meet Amherst Middle Pen Pals - 2005
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After corresponding with students from Amherst Middle School, eighth grade French students had the opportunity to personally meet their pen pals. A bus load of about 50 students arrived at Connor Middle School late in the afternoon on Thursday, June 2, 2005 and were welcomed by French teacher, Susan Trabert, and her class. The students had the opportunity to practice their French and also played games and activities with an international flavor. Students had fun learning how Chinese cookies are made.
Grilled Hot Dogs For Connor Middle Schoolers - 2005
Shown left is Mr. Ed Anker and Dennis Donovan, center.
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click for larger view
Once a year school lunch manager Dennis Donovan brings out the charcoal grill and cooks hot dogs for the high school and middle school lunch. Thursday, May 26 was the middle school's scheduled day and was nice and sunny, if a bit windy. Technology teacher Mr. Ed Anker was helping at the grill as the students filed past with their lunch trays. Mr. Donovan started the char-broiled hot dog tradition six years ago when he began his employment with the Grand Island school system.
Author Gordon Korman Visits Connor Middle School - 2005
Gordon Korman talking with students.
Click photos for larger view
The Veronica E. Connor Middle School welcomed author Gordon Korman to the media center on Monday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 17, 2005. This was a long awaited visit as Mr. Korman had to reschedule an earlier date due to the birth of a child.
Mr. Korman wrote his first book when he was 12 years old as a project for his ELA classes. "This Can't Be Happening At MacDonald Hall" was published in 1978 when Gordon was fourteen. Over twenty-five years later he has more than fifty middle grade and young adult novels to his credit.
Mr. Korman talked with the students about how he gets ideas, the publishing process and funny stories from throughout his career. The students seemed to enjoy the presentation as they listened very intently and laughed in all the right places.
Concerts Prove Island Musicians Are The Best - 2005
The school district's annual Spring String Kaleidoscope Concert was held in the high school auditorium Monday evening, May 16, 2005. String students from Huth Road and Kaegebein Elementary under the direction of Mrs. Kelly Robertson, started off the program with a small group of violinists performing "Swallow Tail Jig," a difficult piece for elementary musicians.
Miss Debra Remson directed the Connor Middle School String Orchestra, winner of a Gold at the recent NYSSMA Performance Evaluations. The students gave an outstanding performance of four selections ending with a purely delightful "Singing in the Rain."
The Senior High School String Orchestra, also directed by Debra Remson gave a superb performance. Lindsay Henderson played a difficult solo with ease during "Romance In F" by Beethoven. Soloist Vida Rostami was equally as good in the last piece, "A Gaelic Overture" by David O'Fallon.
The Connor Middle School spring concert featuring five band and orchestra groups was presented on Tuesday, May 17, 2005.
The Veronica Connor Middle School 6th Grade Jazz Ensemble, directed by Mr. Alex Hughes, gave a great overall performance with accolades to the percussion section who were strong and steady throughout. Deceiving is the size of these musicians and the talent they displayed.
The large 6th grade band, also under the direction of Alex Hughes, played well. The band's presentation of "Asheville overture" by A. McGinty showed good balance of the various instrumental sections.
The very serious Connor Middle School Orchestra members gave a repeat performance of the previous evening, for an appreciative audience.
Next on the program was Mr. Clarke Elliott's fabulous 7th/8th grade jazz ensemble, playing "Bringin' It On" and "Make Me Smile," the later receiving applause that went on forever.
Clarke Elliott, recently presented with the "Outstanding Band Director Award" at the NYSBDA Symposium, led the combined 7/8th grade concert and Viking bands in three numbers. The musicians certainly proved why they received a Gold with Distinction at the recent NYSSMA Performance Evaluations.
Parents of younger school district students are invited to an informational parent night for beginning instrumentalists at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2005 in the high school, 1100 Ransom Road.
Connor Middle School Eighth Grade Honor Students Recognized at Breakfast - 2005
Principal Bruce Benson presenting award certificate to 8th grade student Taylor Jackson
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The Veronica E. Connor Middle School Student Council hosted its annual 8th Grade Honors Breakfast on Friday, May 6, 2005 in the school cafeteria. The Student Council funds the breakfast and presents each student with a small memento of the occasion.
Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Ramming congratulated the fifty-six students who were invited to the breakfast, based on their achieving honor roll or high honor roll status for all three marking periods this year. Approximately half of the middle school faculty was also in attendance. Teachers Patty Myers and Kay Saunders are the Student Council Co-Advisors.
This year's 8th grade honor students are:
1. Kelli Adreon
2. Natalie Agnello
3. Lee Becker
4. Amy Bidell
5. Allison Boron
6. Simarjot Cheema
7. Kyle Clayton
8. Kaitlyn Czerwonka
9. Darren DelSignore
10. Amber Duda
11. Mary Grace Egloff
12. Melissa Fargino
13. Julia Figliotti
14. Ashley Fike
15. Kelsey Foote
16. Angela Fusco
17. Leah Gangloff
18. Rachel Gaydosh
19. Samantha Gieselman
20. Andrew Ginsburg
21. Kaitlyn Hardison
22. Kaitlin Incorvia
23. Taylor Jackson
24. Michael Karpie
25. Taylor Kaufman
26. Alexandra King
27. Charles Lavallee
28. Jacqueline Maitner
29. Matthew Major
30. Kelsey Mash
31. James McDonnell
32. David McMichael
33. Charlene Meyer
34. Alexander Neutz
35. Genna Nuchereno
36. Joseph Oliverio
37. Marvin Pawlowski III
38. Susan Pioli
39. Christopher Podlucky
40. Joshua Prygon
41. Alexander Richter
42. Jennifer Schaber
43. Sierra Seese
44. Timothy Shantler
45. Kayleigh Shepard
46. Kuljit Singh
47. Eric Siwicki
48. Sheree Tamaklo
49. Emily Thompson
50. Jordan Tripi
51. Lauren Whitney
52. Christopher Wilczek
53. Kelly Williams
54. Brianna Wojnar
55. Amanda Zernickel
56. Tyler Zikuski
GI Viking Wristbands Available From Connor Middle School Art Club - 2005
Left photo: Art Club member Kate Garten is shown on right.
Jodi Robinson Photo - Click for larger view
Veronica E. Connor Middle School art teacher, Andrew Dulak, has announced that the Middle School Art Club is currently selling royal blue wristbands sporting the words, GRAND ISLAND VIKINGS. They are custom made just for Grand Island schools and are currently available for students and staff. The cost is $2 each and part of the proceeds will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Mr. Dulak only has 1,000 wristbands which will be available on a first-come basis.
Business First Ranks Connor Middle School 11th out of 144 Schools - 2005
One of the reasons that Business First ranked Veronica E. Connor Middle School as #11 out of 144 schools in Western New York, has to be its students! Once again, this semester’s entrepreneurs from Mrs. Mary Jane Fonte’s and Mrs. Marcia McHenry’s Home and Careers classes put their Viking Value of “Be Responsible” into action by making donations to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Heart and Soul Soup Kitchen and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Funds were raised through the sale of baked goods sold outside of the cafeteria. In addition to learning proper interviewing techniques, resume creation, cover letter writing and application completion, Careers students learned that it is their responsibility as citizens of our school, community and country to reach out to those in greater need. Pictured below are each company’s advertising managers and the advertising campaign that helped to boost sales and allow for charitable donations.
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(left) Ryan Vertino and Jordan Dixon; Kelly Williams and Kaitlyn Czerwonka; James McDonnell and Kelsey Foote; Meghan Haley; William Kohler and Adam Helman; Ashley McCord and Lee Becker; Jeff Szczepaniak and Josh Prygon
Connor Middle School Honor Roll - April 2005
The following Veronica E. Connor Middle School students were named to the honor roll for the third quarter, 2004-2005 school year:
