Veronica E. Connor Middle School
2017
PrincipalMr. John Fitzpatrick
Veronica Connor Middle School District's Web Page.
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Students Collect for Poppy Drive - December 2017
From left standing: Al Prame, Alan Lee, Peter Kuszczak, teachers Rob Henessy & Dawn Hayes, Ray DeGlopper, Rick Bonarek & Gary Duetschlander.
Kneeling: Pearl Sciolino-Coffey, Hannah Susman, Alex Shivers, Alicia Shivers, Aidan Payne, Aleksander Pyc, Liam Snyder & Avery Snyder.
Click photo for larger view.
A special project in honor of Veterans Day 2017 was held at Veronica Connor Middle School. Eighth grade Social Studies Teacher Dawn Hayes and teacher Rob Henessy organized a Poppy Drive to honor veterans and to help the Middle School Students learn more about Veterans Day and Grand Island WWII Hero Charles N. DeGlopper. DeGlopper, age 22, gave his life to save his platoon during the Battle of Normandy in La Fiere, France. Poppies were available in Social Studies Classes throughout the Middle School. A generous, $228 donation for the DeGlopper Park Expansion Project was presented to American Legion Commander Ray DeGlopper and American Legion and VFW members on Wednesday, December 20th.JV DECA Collect Gifts for Teens - December 2017
From left: JV DECA Advisor, Mrs. Mary Jane Fonte with members: Katelyn Giambra, Kiersten Brown, Samantha Hoerner, Hayley Pizur, Alexis Nguyen, Daniel Senn and Evan Walowitz.
At Family Fun Night is Grand Island High School DECA helper, Mikayla Elandt with JV DECA members: Angelina Beyer and Kimberly Swain.
In this holiday season, it can seem unfair to feel joyous when we are surrounded with those whose circumstances find them struggling to make ends meet. So, for the second year in a row, Connor Middle School's JV DECA joined forces with Dr. Brian Graham to collect gifts for teens in our own community as well as the city of Buffalo. Funds from the sale of frozen yogurt during VCMS's recent Family Fun Night allowed us to purchase items sold by entrepreneurs showing their wares that night. Additionally, many DECA families sent in items that they purchased for this cause while out doing their own family's shopping. On Christmas morning, some local teens will be treated with Buffalo Bills and Sabres hoodies donated by Towels in the Buff. Others will find warmth in Kozy Kaps, handmade hats, knit on a loom by seventh grader Reagan Fast. Also ready for delivery by Dr. Graham's pack of caring "elves" are dozens of gift cards, games, arts & crafts supplies, and bath products. In giving, we receive...We receive the gift of being able to think of others as they unwrap presents that they otherwise would not have been able to enjoy. VCMS Chess Club Takes Third Place - December 2017
From left: Arianna Nasca, Evan Walowitz, Tanner Hawley, Kaden Smith, Abi Selvakumar and John Paul Szczublewski.
In their first scholastic team chess championship this year, six chess club players from Veronica E. Connor Middle School took a third place award in the K-8 rated division. The players, who have all received United States Chess Federation (USCF) ratings, competed as a team December 2nd in the WNY Scholastic Team Championship at Pioneer High School. The team was comprised of Arianna Nasca, Evan Walowitz, Tanner Hawley, Kaden Smith, Abi Selvakumar and John Paul Szczublewski."There was some pretty serious competition with over 60 players representing schools from all over Western New York," said Susan Szczublewski, VCMS chess club advisor and co-coach. "This was our very first scholastic team championship and the students did an outstanding job representing Veronica E. Connor Middle School." The VCMS chess club, which has over 50 members in sixth-, seventh- and eight-grades, is busy practicing for its next WNY Scholastic Chess tournament, the Blizzard Bowl, in January.
Neighbor's Foundation Coin Drive - December 2017
In November, Connor Middle School held a fundraiser called "Give Change to Make a Change" for the Grand Island Neighbor's Foundation. The drive resulted in a donation of $380.00. The class that raised the most money received a Tim Horton's Donut party. This class was Mrs. Oursler's 6th grade ELA class. Within this class, one student stood out as a top contributor. Donating about 50% of Mrs. Oursler's total class donation was Averyanna Kehr. She donated her own saved money as well as raking leaves around her neighborhood in an effort to raise additional money. Every day Avery added new money to the donation jar helping the class to exceed $100.00.Connor Middle School 1st Quarter High Honor Roll - December 2017
6th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Brianna Barr, Jack Benns, Julia Bielec, Isabella Boyle, Alma Brown, Sabrina Butcher, Victoria Caizza, Brooke Caldwell, Trysten Cardin-Galeza, Samuel Castner, Douglas Crowley, Kathryn Czyrny, Mariella DiCarlo, Kaitlyn Dudek, Brigid Dugan, Meredith Ehlenfield, Gianna Genovese, Giovanni Granelli, Timothy Grant, Brady Hillman, Tyler Hoock, Alexandra Jensen, Grace Jones, Jacob Joseph, Rachel Joseph, Gianna Karnath, Brooke Kenney, Raven Khreis, Mikaela Kitchen, Patrick Kruse, Anna Kurtzhalts, Braeden Lenhard, Elijah Linenfelser, Kaleigh Lockett, Sarah Lysarz, Kyto Magee, Eszter Magyari, Jillian Manns, Hailey Martinez, Zainab Masoodi, Evan McMann, Addison McNulty, Tessa Morris, Georgiana Nowak, Brett Nowocien, Emma Oppedisano, Sierra Palumbo, Aidan Pax, Mylie Porter, Kristina Potenza, Aleksander Pyc, Megan Rebmann, Isidora Ristic, Torin Roth, Audrey Satterlee, Adam Schnell, Emma Schoenrock, Charlotte Steck, Ryan Stravino, Micaila Valle, Christian Vanini, Gabriella VeRost, Casey Walowitz, George Wenner, Brayden Willats, Luke Winarski, Alexandra Woloszyn, Catherine Zach, Ella Zaremski, Gerald Zientara
7th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Abigail Bentley, Jacob Berard, Samantha Buckingham, Andrew Burke, Elizabeth Carpenter, Berin Celik, Joseph Cicero, Nathaniel Cohen, Lauren Coombs, Natalyn Cordero, Anna Donlon, Caitlin Fay, Logan Fox, Aubrey Frank, Jackson Frey, Lauren Geyer, Kelsie Greene, Sophia Heffley, Zoe Heider, Samuel Jayme, Eden Johnson, Jessica Kam, Cameron Kitchen, Kathleen Krawczyk, Patrick Lepine, Phillip Lepine, Morgan Malush, Sydney Martin, Alana Miano, Mia Moran, Maia Nowak, Alena Panepinto, Megan Pinzel, Olivia Pratt, Matthew Rebmann, Gavin Rice, Matthew Rizzo, Maelee Roach, Wynonna Roberts, Ella Rudney, Olivia Ryan, Emma Schinnagel, Serenity Sikora, Ryan Smith, David Still, John Szczublewski, Grace VanderMey, Kayleigh Vanderzell, Patrick Whalen.
8th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Anthony Amato, Christina Anderson, Emily Andrews, Nathan Bender, Thomas Bender, Christopher Benns, Sophia Bobeck, Kiersten Brown, Noah DeCourcey, Francesca DePalma, Samuel Dulniak, Lucas Dunn, Leah Dylag, Brendan Ehlenfield, Adison Fike, Michael Foglia, Julianna Huber, Riley Joseph, Megan Lavis, Zachary Leng, Connor Lenhard, Noelle Linenfelser, Christopher Macro, Madisyn Martino, Elizabeth Morris, Alana Mosher, Arianna Nasca, Alexis Nguyen, Ian Pachura, Ethan Person, Hayley Pizur, Caralyn Reynolds, Ryan Sander, Morgan Santorio, Rebecca Schultz, Abishek Selvakumar, Alessandra Smith, Tereska Sorel, John Stravino, Victoria Thauer, Rebekah Thompson, Ava Todaro, Albert Wain, Evan Walowitz, Jessica,Whitfield, Aiden Zach.
Connor Middle School 1st Quarter Honor Roll - December 2017
6th GRADE HONOR
Phillip Belles, Emily Birtz, Andrew Bongiovanni, Tyler Boos, Owen Brockvescio, Alexia Bryant, Gianna Burruano, Lorenzo Buscaglia, Emilie Carrig, Nathan Cioppa, Jacob Clark, Emma Coburn, Ryan Coutu, Audrey Dickinson, Taylor Duscher, Tyler Dworak, Nissa Elahi, Madison Elandt, Samuel Fabiano, Brandon Farquharson, Gavin Firmstone, Nicole Forsey, Jenna Gorton, Kyle Haines, Jenna Hecht, Hannah Higuera, Roman Horvath, Ethan Hovey, Perrin Huff, Kailey Korkuc, Dominic Leone, Hollyn Lynch, Ava Marsala, Luecas Martin, Natalle Martineck, Joseph Martino, Olivia Mayer, LilyBeth Mazur, Nathan Meyers, Madalyn Montes, Gianna Mourgas, Kendyl Ode, Cooper O'Leary, Cameron Pachura, Nicholas Pilon, Gianna Potts, Dominic Pullano, Mavis Riley, Joseph Ruminski, Emma Santorio, Tucker Schoen, Pearl Sciolino-Coffey, Andrew Smith, David Squires, Ella Steinwandel, Sophia Todaro, Kyleigh Ulrich, Dean Urbaniak, John Vinkle, Annie Weng, Aleena Winslow, Jaimen Wright, Mackenzie Wright.
7th GRADE HONOR
Amanda Gula, Eric Hamm, William Hanlon, Chase Harding, Tanner Hawley Jason Hill, Jenalynn Hoy, Corinne Ireland, Katie Jaegers, Brady Jones, Julia Juntunen, Jasmeen Kaur, Harmanjeet Kaur, Kendall Keller, Edward Kwarciak, Ryan Lysenko, Samuel May, Caleb Meyer, Maria Novelli, Luke O'Brien, Carson Page, Giavana Panepinto, Christina Pietromicca, Arden Randle, Yun Ren, Megan Reynolds, Kosmo Sarigiannis, Alexis Schad, Alyssa Stockinger, Annabella Tippett, Marcus Tittle, Gabrielle Vecio, Colin Wilton, Erick Wittmann, Michael Zacher.
8th GRADE HONOR
Eva Ahne, Angelo Aiello, Madison Andrews, Kalen Baaith, Thomas Banas, Ashley Battaglia, Sophia Black, Kaylee Boyle, Kenneth Brodie, Mikayla Bukowski, Kayla Butler, Faith Caldwell, Natalie Carter, Giana Casullo, Marcus Celano, Jordan Choboy, Aidan Cioppa, Michael Coburn, Adiana Cotroneo, Seth Cox, Olivia Crowley, Zander Crvelin, Izabella DeGlopper, Caitlyn DeLong, Claire Dickinson, Renee DiLaura, Jake Dionne, Jenna Duquin, Tyler Figliola, Olivia Floro, Katelyn Giambra, Arman Deep Gill Kaci Gottler, Anna Hammond, Joshua Henderson, Jacqueline Heyden, Samantha Hoerner, Justin Horvath, Raistlin Huff, Alicia Hunt, Rebekah Jaenecke, Ashley James, Jacob Jayme, Ella Koslowski, Bethany Kulikowski, Molly Leggett, Joseph Lewis, Melanie Longo, Ethan Lysarz, Aidan MacNeil, Alivia Manzo, Faith Marsala, Hannah Martinez, Halie Martinez, Ryan McMann, Trinity Meinhart, Aidan Mingoia, Avery Mondoux, Hannah Moore, Callen Neeson, Olivia Nucci, Alexandra Oats, Riley Patterson, Sara Pearse, Michael Percival, Madison Piggot, Grace , Promowicz, Joshua Przystal, Ava Racz, Lauren Ratajczak, Samar Rizek, Ryan Saucier, Jackson Scalise, Mia Schiffmacher, Kira Seidel, Muhammad Shabbir, Finune Shaibi, Katherine Squires, Evan Steck, Sophia Steck, Kimberley Swain, Alex Szczepankiewicz, Lauren Tompkins, Brian Vanini, Sara Verso, Rayna Wallens, Hailey Watches, Lidya Weng, Celia Wood, Bailey Yung, Graham Zorich.
Connor Middle School 1st Quarter Merit Roll - December 2017
6th GRADE MERIT
Sarah Ahmed, Ayden Anguiano, Gurmehar Arora, Callee Bartolotta, Timothy Bentley, Galileo Beutler, Julianna Burgin, Caitlyn Butcher, Juliet Chadima, Ben Cipollitti, Noah Click, Lilliana Conway, Bennett Dulniak, Kaylee Fatta, Haley Gangloff, Katelyn Grant, Ian Greer, Landen Guadagno, Hunter Hall, Kayla Harper, Connor Hart, Joshua Hoover, Averyanna Kehr, Morgan Khadra, Sarah Klein, Scott LaMarco, Claire LeFevre, Tyler MacNeil, Fortune Macri, Haylie Mesmer, Kody Moore. Dylan Novak, Aidan Payne, Adia Porter, Tyler Robertson, Christopher Sadkowski, Justin Shores, Austin Shores, Robert Simon, Dylan Simpson, Avery Snyder, Lauren Soluri, Hannah Susman, Blake Thauer, Adrian Vazquez, Preston Whitfield, Ta'miah Wilkes.
7th GRADE MERIT
Ava Brandon, John Buchanan, Kaitlyn Burns, Brendan Carroll, Riley Chen, Emmalee Currie Miranda, DeCourcey, Rebecca Dilliot, Noah Farmer, Anthony Fratello, Mya Genovese, Christian Giddings, William Hofmeyer, Mackenzie Ingalsbe, Zander Inman, Alannah Kaifas-Concha, Samantha Klein, Sydney Knight, Lily Koslowski, Dylan Langa, Noah LeBrasseur, Kendyll Mack, Griffin Mahoney, Aidan Maroni, Joseph Martin, Olivia Martinez, Sean Mesmer, Kaylee Montana, Quinn Moran, Conner Morrow, Dylan Murray, Nicholas Nobilio, Cody Okelberry, Lindsey Olendorf, Jacob Pangborn, Kaylin Peterson, Isabelle Pezdek, Jason Porter, Maria Preston, Zachary Przybyl, Jackson Quinn, Evan Russo, Saleh Saleh, Madison Schneider, Jack Sharp, Kaden Smith, James Soto, Trinity Swart, Joshua Wozniak, Aubrey Zdarsky.
8th GRADE MERIT
Parker Aronica, Tristan Betterelli, Franceska Bongiovanni, Veronica Bonner, Samuele DeLorenzo, Kayleen DiCarlo. Thomas Dworak, Olivia Fox, Joseph Genovese, Gurkirat Gill, Lana Gondek, Leah Harper, Lily Hauer, Spencer Hecht, Graer Howell, Anna Hurley, Gurleen Johal, Jackson Jones, Jenna Kaiser, Payton Khadra, Noah Krathaus, Natalie Lopez-Castro, Brandon Lysenko, Karli Macrides, Joshua Mallabar, Carmen Masich, Jonathan Minton, Paige Moses, Nicholas Pawlak, Anna Pullano, Isaiah Reading, Alyssa Robertson, Daniel Senn, Jonathan Simpson, Carmen Sokody, Christian Taylor, Emily Thompson, Karina VeRost, Paul Wynne.
Connor Middle School Family Fun Night - December 2017
Connor Family Fun Night and Holiday Shopping Bizarre is on Friday, December 1st from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the school, 1100 Ransom Road. There will be vendors, entrepeneurship lane, games, raffles, food, cake walk and game tables. See Flyer.PTA Poinsettia Sale - November 2017
The Connor Middle School PTA is sponsoring their annual poinsettia sale from now until Monday, November 13, 2017. They have a selection of plants in a variety of colors and sizes, and wreaths for sale. The PTA helps to fund many projects taking place in the middle school classrooms. Order Form.
Connor Middle School & High School to Honor Veterans - November 2017
Grand Island Veterans are invited to an event to honor all veterans on Monday, November 6th. The event begins at the Middle School Little Theater with DeGlopper Post and GI Scout Color Guards, a bagpiper and veterans at 8:30 a.m. A parade will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run through the middle school and high school, ending in the high school cafeteria, capped off by a continental breakfast and music by the high school choral ensemble. If you are a veteran and would like to attend, please call the middle school at 773-8830, ext. 1403.JV Deca Regional Winners - November 2017
Principal John Fitzpatrick with 12 regional winners.
Natalie Carter & Alexis Nguyen.
Samantha Hoerner and Haley Pizur.
Kiersten Brown & Katelyn Giambra.
After three weeks of working lunches, just like real business professionals, thirty-one JV DECA members had honed their presentation skills and were ready for competition! Having chosen an existing or imaginary product, each team developed a visual and oral presentation and impressed the judges throughout their 20 minutes of presenting, Q&A and feedback together. Although each student was a winner because they improved their self-confidence and public speaking ability, only 12 students will be advancing to Regionals, here at GIHS on January 7th, 2017 in either Sales Demonstration or Wholesale Selling. These Regional Competitors pictured with Veronica E. Connor Middle School Principal, John Fitzpatrick are: Hannah Moore, Carmen Sokody, Bethany Kulikowski, Alana Mosher, Jonathan Minton, Megan Lavis, Riley Patterson, Evan Walowitz, Jack Stravino, Justin Horvath, Brendan Ehlenfield and Ian Pachura.Artist of the Month - October 2017
Riley Weber
The Art Department of the Grand Island Schools is proud to announce that Riley Weber has been named the first "Artist of the Month" for the 2017-2018 school year. Riley is a 13-year-old accelerated art student enrolled in the eighth grade at Connor Middle School.Riley's art teacher describes her as a meticulous student with an eye for detail; always seeking to improve her ability. She is an enthusiastic and eager art student always seeking to challenge herself and to create her very best work. Multitalented, Riley is an academic honor student as well as an artist and an athlete. She favors sculpture as her media of choice, and is encouraged and inspired by her family. Riley considers art to be important because "it adds color and creativity to the world so you can express yourself. Without art, the world would be very plain and colorless". Riley is a creative and hard-working young lady whose abilities and artistic potential mark her as extraordinary. The art department proudly recognizes Riley as their September "Artist of the Month" for the 2017-2018 school year.
Middle School JV DECA - September 2017
Hannah Martinez welcomes the Arnone Family to Huth Road School.
Josh Mallabar has fun with kids at the Apraxia Walk.
Natalie Carter and Gianna Casullo sell GI apparel at Caseys Counter.
Veronica E. Connor Middle School’s JV DECA has wasted no time in donning their royal blue t-shirts and supporting causes all over Grand Island and the United States. At the end of August, incoming Second Graders at Huth Road School were greeted with smiles and cheers as they learned the ropes of being in a new school.Friday Night Lights football games were a great venue for members to practice their business and marketing skills in the newly renovated Casey's Counter named in memory of George Casey, an avid supporter of DECA.
Taking advantage of the recent beautiful summer-like weather locally, many of these Eighth Graders also offered assistance at the Walk for Apraxia, in an effort to help spread knowledge of this condition and provide fun entertainment for the families involved. While our local weather has been delightful, thousands of others have been fighting to maintain their safety and homes in hurricane stricken areas from Texas to Florida and the Caribbean. In response, Student Services and JV DECA joined forces to sell refreshments at Open House to provide over $500 in proceeds to those facing devastation, enforcing the DECA Diamond Guiding Principles of Civic Consciousness and Social Intelligence. So much of the knowledge needed to be a contributing and contented member of society can be learned from the life lessons that participation in DECA provides)
VCMS 4th Quarter High Honor Roll - July 2017
6th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Mackenzie Barnicle, Jacob Berard, Samantha Buckingham, Andrew Burke, Julia Capage, Elizabeth Carpenter, Berin Celik, Joseph Cicero, Nathaniel Cohen, Lauren Coombs, Natalyn Cordero, Caitlin Fay, Logan Fox, Aubrey Frank, Jackson Frey, Natalie Fritsch, Lauren Geyer, Amanda Gula, Sophia Heffley, Zoe Heider, Jenalynn Hoy, Samuel Jayme, Eden Johnson, Jessica Kam, Jasmeen Kaur, Kathleen Krawczyk, Edward Kwarciak, Phillip Lepine, Patrick Lepine, Sydney Martin, Mia Moran, Conner Morrow, Maia Nowak, Luke O'Brien, Alena Panepinto, Megan Pinzel, Olivia Pratt, Matthew Rebmann, Matthew Rizzo, Wynonna Roberts, Ella Rudney, Olivia Ryan, Kosmo Sarigiannis, Serenity Sikora, David Still, John Szczublewski, Grace VanderMey, Kayleigh Vanderzell
7th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Eva Ahne, Angelo Aiello, Christina Anderson, Nathan Bender, Thomas Bender, Christopher Benns, Sophia Bobeck, Kaylee Boyle, Kiersten Brown, Faith Caldwell, Jordan Choboy, Aidan Cioppa, Seth Cox, Zander Crvelin, Noah DeCourcey, Renee DiLaura, Samuel Dulniak, Lucas Dunn, Brendan Ehlenfield, Michael Foglia, Samantha Hoerner, Justin Horvath, Raistlin Huff, Jacob Jayme, Riley Joseph, Bethany Kulikowski, Megan Lavis, Molly Leggett, Zachary Leng, Connor Lenhard, Noelle Linenfelser, Christopher Macro, Hannah Martinez, Madisyn Martino, Aidan Mingoia, Alana Mosher, Arianna Nasca, Olivia Nucci, Riley Patterson, Sara Pearse, Ethan Person, Madison Piggot, Hayley Pizur, Morgan Santorio, Mia Schiffmacher, Abishek Selvakumar, Muhammad Shabbir, Finune Shaibi, Alessandra Smith, Carmen Sokody, Tereska Sorel, John Stravino, Kimberley Swain, Rebekah Thompson, Ava Todaro, Albert Wain, Rayna Wallens, Evan Walowitz, Riley Weber, Lidya Weng, Jessica Whitfield, Aiden Zach, Graham Zorich
8th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Allan Benjamin, Martin Castner, Emily Cohen, Brooke Conway, Haley Coombs, Zachary Cramer, Polla Daghestani, Sarah Dodge, Brooke Eichel, Mara Ellsworth, Thomas Fabiano, Alison Gula, Margaret Hegarty, Riley Kane, Eleah Leng, Thomas Lockett, John Mandura, Abigail Marlow, Rose Meaney, Samantha Meierer, Ryan Pinzel, Mark Ramsperger, Kevin Rogoza, Hannah Schiffmacher, David Schnell, Amina Shaibi, Aaron Szczepankiewicz, Michael Valle, Alexander Wright
VCMS 4th Quarter Honor Roll - July 2017
6th GRADE HONOR
Dylan Andrews, Raj Arumugam, Paige Bedell, Abigail Bentley, Emma Besl, Alexandrea Caudill, Riley Chen, Gavin Cich, Alex Cownie, Riley Crosby, Riley Decker, Miranda DeCourcey, Rebecca Dilliot, Taylor Evans, Reagan Fast, Sara Fletcher, Madison Flory, Raquel Gagliardi, Angelo , Galoppo, Mya Genovese, Sara Glose, Kelsie Greene, Sarah Grover, Chase Harding, Tanner Hawley, Jason Hill, Katie Jaegers, Julia Juntunen, Alannah Kaifas-Concha, Harmanjeet Kaur, Sydney Knight, Lily Koslowski, Griffin Mahoney, Morgan Malush, Aidan Maroni, Samuel May, Sean Mesmer, Caleb Meyer, Alana Miano, Kaylee Montana, Dylan Murray, Josiah Neumann, Cody Okelberry, Lindsey Olendorf, Carson Page, Isabelle Pezdek, Jackson Quinn, Megan Reynolds, Gavin Rice, Maelee Roach, Evan Russo, Madison Schneider, Jack Sharp, Ryan Smith, James Soto, Sophia Steffans, Alyssa Stockinger, Annabella Tippett, Marcus Tittle, Gabrielle Vecio, Patrick Whalen, Michael Zacher, Aubrey Zdarsky
7th GRADE HONOR
Anthony Amato, Madison Andrews, Thomas Banas, Ashley Battaglia, Sophia Black, Veronica Bonner, Kenneth Brodie, Giana Casullo, Marcus Celano, Adiana Cotroneo, Izabella DeGlopper, Caitlyn DeLong, Samuele DeLorenzo, Francesca DePalma, Jenna, Duquin, Leah Dylag, Adison Fike, Lana Gondek, Kaci Gottler, Anna Hammond, Lily Hauer, Spencer Hecht, Joshua Henderson, Ashley James, Jackson Jones, Noah Krathaus, Joseph Lewis, Melanie Longo, Ethan Lysarz, Aidan MacNeil, Faith Marsala, Halie Martinez, Ryan McMann, Trinity Meinhart, Jonathan Minton, Hannah Moore, Elizabeth Morris, Isabella Munoz, Callen Neeson, Alexis Nguyen, Alexandra Oats, Ian Pachura, Michael Percival, Lauren Ratajczak, Caralyn Reynolds, Ryan Sander, Ryan Saucier, Jackson Scalise, Rebecca Schultz, Kira Seidel, Katherine Squires, Alex Szczepankiewicz, Victoria Thauer, Lauren Tompkins, Hailey Watches, Bailey Yung
8th GRADE HONOR
Connor Barnicle, Isabel Buckingham, Camille Burruano, Anthony Buscaglia, Alaina Cameron, Samuel Carpenter, Matthew Castellino, Joseph Ceccato, Joseph Christiano, Sara Cicero, Alyson Czerwonka, Cameron Davis, Ava DeFranks, Jack Dlugokinski, Jenna Doctor, Kaylin Frost, Cameron Greene, Carissa Hoover, Joshua Hunt, Dominick Kane, Edward Kanfoush, Zoe Kowalski, Savanna Lenze, Morgan Lynch, Ashley Maras, Madeline Maroni, Ryan Michki, Jacob Miller, Nicole Nguyen, Cecilia Nowak, Victoria Oldman, Elaina Page, Maya Pecoraro, Steven Pedlow, Mia Phillips, Morgan Proctor, Grace Samplinski, Lucas Seifert, Joseph Seifert, Arsal Shaheen, Yifan Shen, Zorica Simic, Elizabeth Smolkovich, Amanda Spaulding-Kellner, Lucas Tahara, Morgan Tollner, Nathan Wallens, Grace Wenner, William Worrall, Jenna York, Vivienne Zacher
VCMS 4th Quarter Merit Roll - July 2017
6th GRADE MERIT
Mustafa Ahmad, Ava Brandon, Kaitlyn Burns, Brendan Carroll, Michael Christensen, Emmalee Currie, Anthony Fratello, Christian Giddings, Natalie Gojmerac, Eric Hamm, William Hanlon, William Hofmeyer, Corinne Ireland, Manshaan Johal, Brady Jones, Cameron Kitchen, Joshua Koloshuk, Matthew Lavin, Michael Logar, Ryan Lysenko, Nycelle Mitchell, Quinn Moran, Maria Novelli, Jacob Ode, Giavana Panepinto, Jacob Pangborn, Kaylin Peterson, Arden Randle, Ransom Rohr, Saleh Saleh, Emma Schinnagel, Kaden Smith, Brooke Squires, Justin Vazquez, Colin Wilton, Erick Wittmann, Joshua Wozniak
7th GRADE MERIT
Parker Aronica, Franceska Bongiovanni, Kayla Butler, Natalie Carter, Michael Coburn, Olivia Crowley, Kayleen DiCarlo, Claire Dickinson, Thomas Dworak, Tyler Figliola, Olivia Floro, Victor Fritsch, Joseph Genovese, Katelyn Giambra, Arman Deep Gill, Gurkirat Gill, Jacqueline Heyden, Julianna Huber, Alicia Hunt, Mason Hutchins, Rebekah Jaenecke, Gurleen Johal, Jenna Kaiser, Natalie Lopez-Castro, Joshua Mallabar, Alivia Manzo, Grace Promowicz, Joshua Przystal, Anna Pullano, Ava Racz, Isaiah Reading, Samar Rizek, Alyssa Robertson, Jonathan Simpson, Evan Smith, Liam Snyder, Evan Steck, Madeline Tiedemann, Brian Vanini, Karina VeRost, Sara Verso, Celia Wood, Joseph Zherebilov
8th GRADE MERIT
Evan Ackerman, Erin Bailes, Tyler Baughman, Allyson Bellinger, Kelsey Burns, Grace Carey, Tristan Chaffee, Ian Cioppa, Bryahna Colbert, Makaila Elandt, Dominic Ford, Carolyn Ginsburg, Dominic Gramza, Tyler Grant, Brady Haines, Matthew Hanlon, Quinn Hart, Allison Hill, Celia Jackson, Cynthia Johnson, Taylor Kullerkupp, Hannah Lambert, Stephen Leone, Sean Leslie, YuLin Lu, Regan Lytle, Angelina Marinello, Griffin Miller, Alyssa Nelson, Charles Piggot, Hannah Pyc, Sarah Reeves, Jessica Robertson, Remington Rohr, Havvanur Savas, Peyton Shearer, Logan Sionko, Connor Tribby. Molly Tuohy, Edward VeRost, Jillian Wadell, William Wieberg
VCMS 8th Graders Recognized for Academic Achievements - July 2017
On Tuesday evening, June 20th, Veronica E. Connor Middle School 8th grade students were recognized for their academic achievements at a ceremony in the Grand Island High School Viking Theater. The program commenced with speeches by Rose Meaney, VCMS Student Council President, and Thomas Fabiano, VCMS Student Council Vice President, who chronicled memories of their three years at the MS on behalf of themselves and their classmates. Mr. Maxwell Pikula, Assistant Principal, welcomed parents, family members, and friends as well as Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Brian Graham, and Mrs. Lisa Pyc, Board of education President, to the ceremony. See award list.Middle School PTA Presents Two Honorary Life Membership Awards - June 2017
From left: Connor PTA president Jennifer Walowitz; Jayne Schaber; Kristen Thore.
The PTA Honorary Life Membership Award honors individuals who show exceptional dedication or who have made an outstanding contribution to the welfare of children. This service may be through school, business, community, or home. The dollars raised through the awarding of Honorary Life memberships go to support New York State's Twin Projects - providing scholarships to seniors who intend to become teachers and who will enroll in a state college, and the Jenkins Memorial Teacher Scholarship program for summer study.This year Connor Middle School PTA awarded two Honorary Life memberships. The award for Kristen Thore read as follows: "Since our honoree became a part of our VCMS PTA, we have all benefited from her organizational skills, her love of children and community, and her general enthusiastic way of always thinking outside the box. Did you know that she raised more than $600 for our PTA just by helping parents register their TOPS bonus cards for VCMS? She has organized many, many parent information nights and training sessions, including a well-received anti-suicide program. She is always positive, always energetic, and willing to do just about anything to get someone to come to a PTA meeting...including holding the meetings at a bowling alley! She is an inspirational and highly organized mother, friend, and leader. We congratulate Kristen Thore, as a PTA Honorary Life Membership recipient."
Science teacher Jayne Schaber's read as follows: "We are honoring someone who has taught at VCMS for more than 21 years and is best known for her dedication to the Grand Island science program, her high standards with students and colleagues, and her leadership within the communities she serves. She has helped the PTA by managing the "T" of our membership program - organizing and collecting from teachers and staff and encouraging staff involvement in our PTA. She has made many powerful and pointed suggestions that have benefited both parents and staff. Our honoree is always ready to step in and help wherever needed, with a focus on being a strong advocate of "green" programs for our environment. She gets our kids fired up about plastic and sustaining this world for their world. Please join in celebrating Jayne Schaber as an Honorary Life Membership recipient."
2017 Connor Middle School Modified Softball Goes Undefeated, Again - June 2017
Front row: L Coombs, F Caldwell, H Watches, A Bellinger, M Tollner
Middle row: A Hammond, Asst Capt. A Glemb, B Russell, K Gottler, O Crowley, E Page, K Suffoletta
Back row: Asst Coach K Boutet, Asst Capt.O Nucci, Captain H Coombs, S Dodge, S Knight, T Kullerkupp, Coach A Meaney
Missing: M Genovese
The Lovely Lady Vikings posted another undefeated season in 2017, making that two in a row. Their last loss came in May of 2015 to Eden - giving them 36 straight victories. This is their second longest streak of the millennium. They haven't lost to a Niagara Frontier League team since 2012. The girls were respectful to the game and their opponents at all times and were a pleasure to watch play. The girls averaged 18 runs per game while allowing an average of only five. The team batting average was a hair under .500 (.498) with an on-base percentage of .625. In the circle, the girls allowed a paltry 3.96 earned runs per game. This was a dominating squad who quietly went about their business.Seventh graders comprised seven of the 15 roster spots and were ready to play from the get-go. The group included three very capable pitchers, which is often the key to a team's success or failure. To have three in one grade level is a pleasant problem to have. Anna Hammond pitched very well in the circle for GI - leading the team in ERA at 1.91 and striking out almost 40% of the batters she faced. Haley Watches was another 7th grade pitcher who looked good in the circle. Haley is actually a bit of a speedster and we are expecting many stolen bases in the upcoming seasons. Yet another 7th grade pitcher was Kaci Gottler. Kaci was very difficult to face as she posted three wins and two saves for GI on the year with 35 K and an ERA of 2.00. Kaci, at the bat, posted a .571 batting average (BA) and 18 stolen bases. That is a good deal of pitching. Other seventh graders were players like Faith Caldwell, who often took the initiative to lay down bunts for hits, which is a foreign idea in this age of the long ball. It served Faith and the team well as it is often a lost art. Olivia Crowley played a good deal of third base. She seemed to have a knack for the spot. At bat, Olivia batted .529 and often came up with a hit at just the right time to extend the rally. Our final two seventh graders were Assistant Captains Alexis Glemb and Olivia Nucci. Alexis was the regular shortstop and a calming influence on the infield. Alexis tied for the team lead in doubles and was the only player this season not to record a strikeout while batting a robust .641. Olivia had a solid season at the plate with an on-base percentage (OB%) of .632 while trying to master a new position - catcher. Although seventh grade has three pitchers, what they lack is a full-time catcher. This is new wrinkle to GI Softball as "catcher" has often been the anchor of the program. Dating back to the turn of the century, there is a list of backstoppers that any team would be proud to call their own.
"Middle School Seniors", the eighth graders, were also stacked with exceptional softball players. Some were in their first school season but had been playing travel for years; others were grizzled veterans that can now say they are 27-0 in league play after two years of modified softball. One of our first year of school ball players was Taylor Kullerkupp, who played a solid outfield and posted a .474 BA with an OB% of over .600. Other rookie-seniors were Kendall Suffoletta and Elaina Page. Although there was fierce competition, Kendall was the winner of the prestigious 8th Grade Pitch Day Trophy - she’ll tell you all about it. Kendall also had 40 plate appearances, which may be a 20-year high. She made good use of those, batting .552 and posting a .675 OB%. Kendall played 2B and OF, with a stint at first. Elaina led the team in homeruns with three. Based on her plate appearances (31), she hit one about for every 10.33 PA - this puts her in some heady company: Babe Ruth was only at 11.76! Elaina played a stellar leftfield, runs like the wind, and hits the ball hard. We hope to see these two on JV next season.
Those long in the tooth numbered five... Sarah Dodge played a reliable first base and also hit the ball very hard. Sarah batted .462 on the season and ended the season with a clutch monster triple in the final contest that scored three. Allyson Bellinger has a bat ready for JV. She was always in the meat of the lineup and could be counted on for a quality at bat. Allyson was near the lead in almost all offensive categories rather than specializing in just one. She played a solid 2B and OF. Bri Russell was the workhorse of the circle - Bri posted 4 wins on the season and almost 27 innings of work. Bri struck out one of every four batters she faced. At bat, Bri tied for the team lead in walks (she probably knows the strike zone as a pitcher). And finally, Morgan Tollner and Haley Coombs were co-MVPs on the season. Haley was also a very organized Captain. To win in ball and stick games, it is often said you have to be strong up the middle - with our outstanding pitching, Haley behind the plate, and Morgan roaming centerfield, we were certainly all of that. Morgan led or tied in numerous offensive categories – she scored 23 runs, had two triples, 38 stolen bases, 12 walks, and tied Haley for the team OB% with a .757. That means that when they got in the batter's box, they both got to first base three out of every four times. That is impressive. Haley was a rock behind the plate. Her throws to any base are strong and impressive, but pickoffs to third are the most demoralizing to the opponent. Haley had 21 hits in 30 ABs with four doubles, a team high 20 RBIs and .700 BA. JV will be even stronger next season with this quality crew coming down the pike.
Many thanks to statisticians Lauren Coombs (head stats.), Maya Genovese, and Sydney Knight. They were at almost all practices and just about every game - very dedicated. Also, many thanks as well to Assistant Coach Kate Boutet. Kate was an old modified/JV/V player/star for GI back in the day and she had plenty of words of wisdom to pass along. Hopefully most of them were caught. The 2017 Grand Island Modified Softball Squad was a powerhouse in the field and at the bat. They seemed to enjoy playing with and for each other. The JV program is certainly receiving some players ready to start and perform and next year's modified group looks to pick up where this one left off. Go Lovely Lady Vikings - the best team in the Niagara River!
Middle School Choral Groups Shine! - May 2017
Singcopations.
Veronica Connor Middles Schools Choral groups "Singcopations" and "Men on Mondays" recently participated in the Darien Lake Competitive Music Festival. Both Groups received first place in their categories. "Men on Mondays" received the award for highest score for all Choral groups of the day. "Singcopations" is directed by Mrs. Caitlin Duffy and Mrs. Annalea Masiello. "Men on Mondays" is directed by Annalea Masiello.Eighth Grade Honors Breakfast - May 2017
The annual Veronica E. Connor Middle School Eighth Grade Honors Breakfast was held Thursday, May 11, 2017, in the middle school cafeteria. Students were honored for maintaining academic averages on the Honor Roll or High Honor Roll for the first three quarters of eighth grade. The breakfast was provided by the Connor Middle School PTA.This year, students celebrated their success with their peers, their teachers, and administration from the middle school and the district office. Veronica E. Connor Middle School Principal, Mr. John Fitzpatrick, made opening remarks and awarded certificates of academic achievement to the students. Also in attendance and sharing in the celebration were Dr. Brian Graham, Superintendent of Schools, and Karen Cuddy-Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Board of Education members were also invited. Dr. Graham congratulated the students and made closing remarks.
The following students were honored for their hard work and dedication to academic excellence: Allan Benjamin, Isabel Buckingham, Camille Burruano, Anthony Buscaglia, Alaina Cameron, Samuel Carpenter, Martin Castner, Joseph Christiano, Sara Cicero, Emily Cohen, Brooke Conway, Haley Coombs, Zachary Cramer, Alyson Czerwonka, Polla Daghestani, Cameron Davis, Jack Dlugokinski, Jenna Doctor, Sarah Dodge, Brooke Eichel, Mara Ellsworth, Thomas Fabiano, Kaylin Frost, Allison Gula, Margaret Hegarty, Allison Hill, Carissa Hoover, Joshua Hunt, Dominick Kane, Riley Kane, Edward Kanfoush, Eleah Leng, Savanna Lenze, Thomas Locket, Morgan Lynch, John Mandura, Ashley Maras, Abigail Marlow, Rose Meaney, Samantha Meierer, Ryan Michki, Nicole Nguyen, Cecelia Nowak, Victoria Oldman, Elaina Page, Mia Phillips, Ryan Pinzel, Morgan Proctor, Mark Ramsperger, Kevin Rogoza, Grace Samplinski, Hannah Schiffmacher, David Schnell, Joseph Seifert, Lucas Seifert, Amina Shaibi, Peyton Shearer, Yifan Shen, Aaron Szczpankiewicz, Lucas Tahara, Michael Valle, Edward VeRost, Nathan Wallens, Grace Wenner, Alexander Wright, Jenna York, and Vivienne Zacher.
The Academic Awards Ceremony recognizing students for their successful completion of the eighth grade academic program will take place on Tuesday, June 20, at 7:00 PM, in the Grand Viking Theater in the Grand Island High School. Congratulations, eighth graders!
Middle School 6th Grade Orientation - May 2017
Parents/Guardians of current 5th grade students who will be attending Veronica E. Connor Middle School for the 2017-2018 school year, are invited to attend an orientation on Thursday, June 8th at 6:00-7:30 pm in the High School Grand Viking Theater. The orientation is for adults only and will review the expectations, curriculum and characteristics of our middle school. You will have a chance to meet our administration team, school counselors, and even some 6th grade teachers. There will also be time scheduled to tour the building.VCMS 3rd Quarter High Honor Roll - May 2017
6th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Mackenzie Barnicle, Abigail Bentley, Jacob Berard, Emma Besl, Samantha Buckingham, Andrew Burke, Julia Capage, Elizabeth Carpenter, Alexandrea Caudill, Berin Celik, Joseph Cicero, Nathaniel Cohen, Lauren Coombs, Natalyn Cordero, Riley Crosby, Alex Dezutter, Caitlin Fay, Madison Flory, Logan Fox, Aubrey Frank, Jackson Frey, Natalie Fritsch, Lauren Geyer, Sara Glose, Amanda Gula, Sophia Heffley, Zoe Heider, Jenalynn Hoy, Samuel Jayme, Eden Johnson, Jessica Kam, Jasmeen Kaur, Kathleen Krawczyk, Edward Kwarciak, Patrick Lepine, Phillip Lepine, Morgan Malush, Sydney Martin, Mia Moran, Maia Nowak, Luke O'Brien, Megan Pinzel, Olivia Pratt, Matthew Rebmann, Gavin Rice, Matthew Rizzo, Wynonna Roberts, Ella Rudney, Evan Russo, Olivia Ryan, Kosmo Sarigiannis, Serenity Sikora, Ryan Smith, David Still, John Szczublewski, Grace VanderMey, Kayleigh Vanderzell
7th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Eva Ahne, Angelo Aiello, Christina Anderson, Thomas Banas, Ashley Battaglia, Nathan Bender, Thomas Bender, Christopher Benns, Sophia Black, Sophia Bobeck, Kaylee Boyle, Kiersten Brown, Faith Caldwell, Jordan Choboy, Aidan Cioppa, Seth Cox, Zander Crvelin, Noah DeCourcey, Izabella DeGlopper, Renee DiLaura, Lucas Dunn, Brendan Ehlenfield, Adison Fike, Michael Foglia, Lily Hauer, Joshua Henderson, Samantha Hoerner, Justin Horvath, Raistlin Huff, Jacob Jayme, Jackson Jones, Riley Joseph, Ella Koslowski, Bethany Kulikowski, Megan Lavis, Molly Leggett, Zachary Leng, Connor Lenhard, Noelle Linenfelser, Melanie Longo, Faith Marsala, Hannah Martinez, Madisyn Martino, Trinity Meinhart, Aidan Mingoia, Hannah Moore, Alana Mosher, Arianna Nasca, Alexis Nguyen, Olivia Nucci, Ian Pachura, Riley Patterson, Sara Pearse, Michael Percival, Ethan Person, Madison Piggot, Hayley Pizur, Morgan Santorio, Ryan Saucier, Mia Schiffmacher, Abishek Selvakumar, Muhammad Shabbir, Finune Shaibi, Alessandra Smith, Carmen Sokody, Tereska Sorel, Katherine Squires, John Stravino, Kimberley Swain, Rebekah Thompson, Ava Todaro, Lauren Tompkins, Rayna Wallens, Evan Walowitz, Riley Weber, Lidya Weng, Jessica Whitfield, Aiden Zach, Graham Zorich
8th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Allan Benjamin, Isabel Buckingham, Camille Burruano, Emily Cohen, Brooke Conway, Haley Coombs, Zachary Cramer, Polla Daghestani, Sarah Dodge, Brooke Eichel, Mara Ellsworth, Thomas Fabiano, Riley Kane, Eleah Leng, Thomas Lockett, John Mandura, Abigail Marlow, Rose Meaney, Samantha Meierer, Ryan Pinzel, Kevin Rogoza, Hannah Schiffmacher, Lucas Seifert, Yifan Shen, Aaron Szczepankiewicz
VCMS 3rd Quarter Honor Roll - May 2017
6th GRADE HONOR
Dylan Andrews, Raj Arumugam, Gavin Cich, Miranda DeCourcey, Rebecca Dilliot, Taylor Evans, Reagan Fast, Anthony Fratello, Raquel Gagliardi, Mya Genovese, Christian Giddings, Kelsie Greene, Sarah Grover, William Hanlon, Chase Harding, Jason Hill, Katie Jaegers, Brady Jones, Julia Juntunen, Harmanjeet Kaur Cameron Kitchen, Lily Koslowski, Matthew Lavin, Aidan Maroni, Sean Mesmer, Caleb Meyer, Alana Miano, Conner Morrow, Josiah Neumann, Lindsey Olendorf, Carson Page, Alena Panepinto, Giavana Panepinto, Isabelle Pezdek, Maelee Roach, Madison Schneider, Jack Sharp, Alyssa Stockinger, Annabella Tippett, Marcus Tittle, Gabrielle Vecio, Patrick Whalen, Michael Zacher
7th GRADE HONOR
Anthony Amato, Madison Andrews, Parker Aronica, Franceska Bongiovanni, Veronica Bonner, Kenneth Brodie, Kayla Butler, Natalie Carter, Giana Casullo, Marcus Celano, Michael Coburn, Adiana Cotroneo, Olivia Crowley, Caitlyn DeLong, Samuele DeLorenzo, Francesca DePalma, Claire Dickinson, Samuel Dulniak, Jenna Duquin, Leah Dylag, Tyler Figliola, Victor Fritsch, Katelyn Giambra, Kaci Gottler, Anna Hammond, Spencer Hecht, Alexis Hess, Ashley James, Noah Krathaus, Joseph Lewis, Ethan Lysarz, Aidan MacNeil, Karli Macrides, Christopher Macro, Halie Martinez, Ryan McMann, Jonathan Minton, Elizabeth Morris, Callen Neeson, Alexandra Oats, Joshua Przystal, Ava Racz, Lauren Ratajczak, Caralyn Reynolds, Samar Rizek, Alyssa Robertson, Ryan Sander, Jackson Scalise, Rebecca Schultz, Kira Seidel, Liam Snyder, Sophia Steck, Alex Szczepankiewicz, Victoria Thauer, Brian Vanini, Albert Wain, Hailey Watches, Bailey Yung
8th GRADE HONOR
Evan Ackerman, Anthony Buscaglia, Alaina Cameron, Samuel Carpenter, Martin Castner, Joseph Ceccato, Tristan Chaffee, Joseph Christiano, Sara Cicero, Ian Cioppa, Krystyna Colautto, Alyson Czerwonka, Cameron Davis, Ava DeFranks, Jack Dlugokinski, Jenna Doctor, Dominic Ford, Kaylin Frost, Alison Gula, Quinn Hart, Margaret Hegarty, Allison Hill, Carissa Hoover, Joshua Hunt, Dominick Kane, Edward Kanfoush, Zoe Kowalski, Savanna Lenze, Stephen Leone, Morgan Lynch, Ashley Maras, Madeline Maroni, Ryan Michki, Alyssa Nelson, Nicole Nguyen, Cecilia Nowak, Victoria Oldman, Elaina Page, Maya Pecoraro, Mia Phillips, Morgan Proctor, Mark Ramsperger, Grace Samplinski, David Schnell, Joseph Seifert, Arsal Shaheen, Amina Shaibi, Peyton Shearer, Amanda Spaulding-Kellner, Lucas Tahara, Michael Valle, Edward VeRost, Nathan Wallens, Grace Wenner, Alexander Wright, Jenna York, Vivienne Zacher
VCMS 3rd Quarter Merit Roll - May 2017
6th GRADE MERIT
Mustafa Ahmad, Paige Bedell, John Buchanan, Brendan Carroll, Riley Chen, Michael Christensen, Riley Decker, Noah Farmer, Sara Fletcher, Angelo Galoppo, Natalie Gojmerac, Eric Hamm, Daniel Hawkins, Tanner Hawley, William Hofmeyer, Mackenzie Ingalsbe, Manshaan Johal, Alannah Kaifas-Concha, Kendall Keller, Sydney Knight, Joshua Koloshuk, Noah LeBrasseur, Michael Logar, Ryan Lysenko, Griffin Mahoney, Alexis Martin, Nycelle Mitchell, Kaylee Montana, Quinn Moran, Dylan Murray, Cody Okelberry, Jacob Pangborn, Kaylin Peterson, Zachary Przybyl, Jackson Quinn, Arden Randle, Maisha Raphael, Megan Reynolds, Ransom Rohr, Mitchell Samplinski, Emma Schinnagel, Kaden Smith, James Soto, Brooke Squires, Sophia Steffans, Davine Winfield, Joshua Wozniak, Aubrey Zdarsky, Joshua Zherebilov
7th GRADE MERIT
Miles Coughlin, Jashanjit Dhillon, Kayleen DiCarlo, Joseph Dlugokinski, Thomas Dworak, Olivia Floro, Olivia Fox, Joseph Genovese, Arman Deep Gill, Gurkirat Gill, Lana Gondek, Jacqueline Heyden, Julianna Huber, Alicia Hunt, Anna Hurley, Mason Hutchins, Jenna Kaiser, Natalie Lopez-Castro, Joshua Mallabar, Avery Mondoux, Isabella Munoz, Christian Pendola, Grace Promowicz, Anna Pullano, Isaiah Reading, Shaan Sandhu, Jonathan Simpson, Evan Steck, Tyler Sykes, Emily Thompson, Matthew Urbaniak, Celia Wood
8th GRADE MERIT
Justin Archer, Connor Barnicle, Tyler Baughman, Allyson Bellinger, Kelsey Burns, Grace Carey, Matthew Castellino, Makaila Elandt, Dominic Gramza, Tyler Grant, Kameron Greene, Brady Haines, Isabella Harper, Celia Jackson, Jordan Jakuminiak, Ty Shawn Jennings, Hannah Lambert, Sean Leslie, Elisabeth Madigan, Hayden McLachlan, Jacob Miller, Griffin Miller, Nicholas Pachla, Madison Phinney, Charles Piggot, Hannah Pyc, Christian Quick, Sarah Reeves, Jessica Robertson, Havvanur Savas, Zorica Simic, Logan Sionko, Elizabeth Smolkovich, Morgan Tollner, Angelina Torres, Connor Tribby, Molly Tuohy, Jillian Wadell, Amanda Wellence, William Wieberg, William Worrall, Madison Zaccaria
District Art Show to be Held on May 15 - May 2017
Pictured with two pieces that will be on display are eighth-grade students Madison Phinney(L) and Morgan Proctor
Once again, works by hundreds of student artists will fill Grand Island High School's Viking mall as the Art Department of the Grand Island Schools presents their 19th annual district-wide art show. Students in grades K-12 have eagerly been preparing works in anticipation of the yearly event. Designed to showcase student achievement and spotlight the ways in which district students are meeting the rigorous NYS Art Standards for the Visual Arts in their classes, the show will open with a reception for artists and their families on the evening of May 15 from 6:30-8:00pm. Works in a wide variety of media will be on display. The public is cordially invited to view the students' work and to share in their teachers’ and families' collective pride as they view the unique artistic points of view, creative solutions, visual problem-solving and individual artistic voices on display.VCMS Student Artwork at Library - April 2017
7th grader Erin Fillmore holding her unconventional paper sculpture.
During March and April, several Veronica Connor Middle School students are having their artwork showcased in the community room at the Grand Island Memorial Library. March, which was national Youth in Art Month, consisted of 7th and 8th graders artwork including pastels, paintings, graffiti inspired art, optical illusion art, and more. This month, 6th and 7th graders are featured with a variety of mediums from drawing to paper marbling. Stop by the library to witness these fantastic artworks by our local middle school students! Teachers: Nora Klein, Drew Dulak, and Keri Schlageter.Connor MS PTA Hosts Suicide Prevention Event - April 2017
Connor Middle School PTA is hosting a Suicide Prevention Event on Wednesday, April 19th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 110 in the Grand Island High School.The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County will cover:Any adult is welcome to attend. Contact kristenthore@gmail.com with any questions. See flyer.
2017 Girls Modified Basketball Review - March 2017
Sitting: F Marsala, B Kulikowski, M Lynch, B Russell, E Koslowski, L Gondek, scorekeeper S Knight
Standing: Coach A Meaney, captain C Burruano, L Dylag, assistant captain O Nucci, C Nowak, Y Shen, C Ginsburg
By Coach Arthur MeaneyYour lovely Lady Vikings completed a successful season. They had a winning record (7-6), but more importantly they improved both individually and as a team. The girls will contribute in many ways to the future of Grand Island Girls' Basketball.
Our seventh graders worked hard all season. The game is much different than the driveway and the girls put in every effort to learn that in practice. Lana Gondek held her ground on the low post fighting for rebounds. Leah Dylag was also a forward, working on her post-up moves and trying to box out for rebounds. Faith Marsala was a guard who followed her player on defense and looked to give the quality pass on offense. Also guards were the Polish Points - Brittany Kulikowski and Ella Kozlowski. They just transferred here from Krakow Middle School (kidding!). Kulikowski (Koolio) was a ball of energy that applied her soccer marking skills to basketball, especially during a full-court press. She seemed never to tire and was an avid student of the game. Koslowski (Kosmo) was often used in practice as a model for how to play defense. Kosmo often had one of the opponent's best players to cover and did a formidable job. Kosmo also had a very smooth jumper that I'm sure we will see plenty of next season. Our final seventh grader was Olivia Nucci. Olivia led the team in scoring (76), free throws made and attempted, and fouls. Olivia was the assistant captain and played through some pain some varsity players might not play through. Olivia is a gamer and will easily become a GI Centurion (100 points) next season. This was a very strong campaign by Olivia, one you don't see often.
On the eighth grade side of the ledger, we had only two returners and four newbies. Carolyn Ginsburg joined the squad this year and missed a few games due to injury, but came on strong in the end. Carolyn recorded the only "old school three" of the season, doing so in the season-ending win at home versus Hoover. Yifan Shen also joined us this year. Yifan takes instruction very well - a coach's dream. She dutifully works at perfecting the information given to her. Yifan's game will pick up speed next year and we should expect good things from her on JV next season. CeCe Nowak was also in her first year. CeCe was a force down under the basket, collecting both offensive and defensive rebounds. CeCe was the team's fourth leading scorer and altered many an opponent's shot. Brionna Russell was the fourth 8th grade walk-on. You may be familiar with her excellent work on modified softball, but her basketball game is coming along. Bri has a very reliable shot and, like Yifan, when her game picks up speed she is going to be hard to stop. And finally, our two returners from last year - Camille Burruano and Morgan Lynch. Morgan was the third highest scorer (52) and was a calming influence at the point. Morgan's layups are almost automatic. Morgan really grew as a player this year and we can expect nothing but increased growth next year on JV. Camille was the captain of this squad and was the second highest scorer with 73 points. Camille often ran the point when she wasn't at the post. Camille rarely came off the floor as her energy and effort were an important piece to our competing in every game.
Overall, it was a very good season. There was a tremendous amount of growth and GI basketball is better for it. We should look forward to the applications of those lessons next campaign. Many thanks go out to scorekeeper Sydney Knight, who will be a player next season. She did an excellent job with the pencil, I expect she'll do an equally good job with the basketball. Also, many thanks to assistant coach Kate Boutet, a former GI player/team captain from "back in the day". Coach Kate was a great addition to the gymnasium, offering keen insight and instruction to any and all comers. Thanks to fans for another sellout season.
Crisis Intervention Meeting - March 2017
The Connor Middle School PTA is hosting a Crisis Intervention meeting on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at room 110 at Grand Island High School. See flyer.VCMS Students Youth In Art Month Display - March 2017
Amina Shaibi (ceramic sgraffito tile)
Ashley Maras (collage)
Ronny Lu (Niagara Falls pastel painting)
All eighth grade students.
There's much going on during the month of March for Connor Middle School art students. In addition to student recognition and displays within the building, student art work is displayed at the Grand Island Public Library. Works shown represent a small portion of the learning taking place by students during their art classes within the middle school. Cognitive, expressive and creative problem-solving skills are evident. Artworks that make interdisciplinary connections, engage students in visual problem solving and incorporate higher order thinking skills can be seen throughout the display and visually demonstrate the various ways in which middle-level learners meet the New York State Standards for the Visual Arts in their classes. Pastel paintings, pen and ink, graphite drawings, collage, graphic design, ceramic tile designs, op-art and watercolor paintings by seventh and eighth grade art students are featured.The display is an annual spring tradition for students at VCMS, in honor of Youth In Art Month. The observance began nationwide in 1961 as a collaborative effort between the Art and Craft Materials Institute, the National Art Education Association and the Council for Art Education in order to emphasize and make known the value of art education for all students and to support quality art programs within the nation's schools. Students at Connor Middle School will join thousands of other students across the US by participating in activities to mark the occasion. Among its many goals, Youth In Art Month seeks to direct attention to the value of art education as an important component of the total student experience and educational curricula within schools. Recognizing that art education fosters understanding which helps develop citizens of a global society, Youth In Art Month seeks to make communities aware of the divergent and critical thinking skills inherent in art-based learning.
The community is cordially invited to view the "Youth In Art Month" show, as well as a second display featuring the work of sixth and seventh grade students to follow during the month of April.
Yifan Shen K-12 "Artist of the Month" - February 2017
Each year, the Art Department of the Grand Island schools recognizes many of its top artistic achievers with the "K-12 Artist of the Month" award. Presented to ten students annually, the award highlights the varied accomplishments and achievements of district students who excel artistically and who creatively solve problems by using a wide variety of media to express and find their own unique artistic voices.
Eighth grade student Yifan Shen has been selected as the February 2017 Artist of the Month. A student at Veronica E. Connor Middle School, Yifan is currently enrolled in Studio In Art where she is earning high school credit while still in eighth grade. Yifan has been interested in art since she was four. She states, "art is important because I feel very accomplished when my experiences become reality and it's something I enjoy". Her mom, who Yifan lists as one of her biggest supporters and sources of artistic encouragement, has been a constant source of inspiration to this student. Yifan says that both her mother and grandfather are artistic; their example providing inspiration for this young artist.
Yifan is a meticulous student with a positive attitude. She is certain that art will always play an important role in her life and she is hoping to pursue a career either as a fashion designer or as a medical illustrator when she's older. A career in the medical field is also an option of interest. While facile and adept in a variety of media, Yifan finds most pleasure in working with pencil and watercolor. She is an expert calligrapher and accomplished young painter who likes the bright and fluid effects that watercolor brings to her work.
Yifan's art teacher cites both her positive work ethic and her tremendous attention to detail as two of the reasons why she was selected to be the recipient of this award this school year. She is an exceptional student. Her creative abilities and artistic potential mark her as extraordinary. The art department is proud to recognize Yifan Shen as their "Artist of the Month" for February, 2017.
VCMS 2nd Quarter High Honor Roll - February 2017
6th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Raj Arumugam, Mackenzie Barnicle, Samantha Buckingham, Andrew Burke, Julia Capage, Elizabeth Carpenter, Alexandrea Caudill, Berin Celik, Joseph Cicero, Gavin Cich, Nathaniel Cohen, Lauren Coombs, Natalyn Cordero, Riley Crosby, Reagan Fast, Caitlin Fay, Logan Fox, Aubrey Frank, Jackson Frey, Lauren Geyer, Kelsie Greene, Amanda Gula, Sophia Heffley, Zoe Heider, Jenalynn Hoy, Katie Jaegers, Samuel Jayme, Eden Johnson, Julia Juntunen, Jessica Kam, Kathleen Krawczyk, Edward Kwarciak, Phillip Lepine, Patrick Lepine, Morgan Malush, Sydney Martin, Alana Miano, Mia Moran, Maia Nowak, Luke O'Brien, Carson Page, Alena Panepinto, Megan Pinzel, Olivia Pratt, Matthew Rebmann, Gavin Rice, Matthew Rizzo, Wynonna Roberts, Ella Rudney, Olivia Ryan, Serenity Sikora, Ryan Smith, David Still, Alyssa Stockinger, John Szczublewski, Kayleigh Vanderzell
7th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Angelo Aiello, Christina Anderson, Nathan Bender, Thomas Bender, Christopher Benns, Sophia Black, Sophia Bobeck, Kaylee Boyle, Kiersten Brown, Faith Caldwell, Giana Casullo, Jordan Choboy, Aidan Cioppa, Seth Cox, Zander Crvelin, Noah DeCourcey, Renee DiLaura, Samuel Dulniak, Lucas Dunn, Brendan Ehlenfield, Michael Foglia, Lily Hauer, Joshua Henderson, Justin Horvath, Raistlin Huff, Jacob Jayme, Jackson Jones, Riley Joseph, Bethany Kulikowski ,Megan Lavis, Molly Leggett, Zachary Leng, Connor Lenhard, Noelle Linenfelser, Faith Marsala, Hannah Martinez, Madisyn Martino, Trinity Meinhart, Aidan Mingoia, Hannah Moore, Elizabeth Morris, Alana Mosher, Arianna Nasca, Alexis Nguyen, Ian Pachura, Riley Patterson, Sara Pearse, Michael Percival, Ethan Person, Madison Piggot, Hayley Pizur, Morgan Santorio, Mia Schiffmacher, Kira Seidel, Abishek Selvakumar, Finune Shaibi, Alessandra Smith, Carmen Sokody, Tereska Sorel, John Stravino, Rebekah Thompson, Lauren Tompkins, Albert Wain, Rayna Wallens, Evan Walowitz, Riley Weber, Lidya Weng, Aiden Zach, Graham Zorich
8th GRADE HIGH HONOR
Allan Benjamin, Isabel Buckingham, Camille Burruano, Alaina Cameron, Emily Cohen, Haley Coombs, Zachary Cramer, Sarah Dodge, Brooke Eichel, Thomas Fabiano, Riley Kane, Eleah Leng, Thomas Lockett, Abigail Marlow, Rose Meaney, Samantha Meierer, Victoria Oldman, Ryan Pinzel, Mark Ramsperger, Kevin Rogoza, Hannah Schiffmacher, David Schnell, Aaron Szczepankiewicz, Lucas Tahara, Michael Valle, Alexander Wright, Jenna York
VCMS 2nd Quarter Honor Roll - February 2017
6th GRADE HONOR
Dylan Andrews, Abigail Bentley, Jacob Berard, Emma Besl, Brendan Carroll, Riley Chen, Michael Christensen, Miranda DeCourcey, Alex Dezutter, Rebecca Dilliot, Taylor Evans, Sara Fletcher, Madison Flory, Natalie Fritsch, Raquel Gagliardi, Angelo Galoppo, Mya Genovese, Christian Giddings, Sara Glose, Sarah Grover, Chase Harding, Jason Hill, Corinne Ireland, Harmanjeet Kaur, Jasmeen Kaur, Cameron Kitchen, Sydney Knight, Lily Koslowski, Griffin Mahoney, Paul Mefford, Sean Mesmer, Caleb Meyer, Kaylee Montana, Conner Morrow, Dylan Murray, Josiah Neumann, Cody Okelberry, Lindsey Olendorf, Giavana Panepinto, Isabelle Pezdek, Jackson Quinn, Maelee Roach, Evan Russo, Kosmo Sarigiannis, Madison Schneider, Jack Sharp, Sophia Steffans, Annabella Tippett, Marcus Tittle, Grace VanderMey, Justin Vazquez, Gabrielle Vecio, Patrick Whalen, Erick Wittmann, Joshua Wozniak, Michael Zacher
7th GRADE HONOR
Eva Ahne, Anthony Amato, Madison Andrews, Parker Aronica, Thomas Banas, Ashley Battaglia, Franceska Bongiovanni, Kenneth Brodie, Kayla Butler, Natalie Carter, Marcus Celano, Michael Coburn, Adiana Cotroneo, Olivia Crowley, Izabella DeGlopper, Caitlyn DeLong, Francesca DePalma, Kayleen DiCarlo, Claire Dickinson, Jenna Duquin, Leah Dylag, Tyler Figliola, Adison Fike, Gurkirat Gill, Lana Gondek, Kaci Gottler, Anna Hammond, Spencer Hecht, Samantha Hoerner, Alicia Hunt, Mason Hutchins, Ashley James, Ella Koslowski, Noah Krathaus, Joseph Lewis, Melanie Longo, Ethan Lysarz, Aidan MacNeil, Karli Macrides, Christopher Macro, Nicole Malczewsky, Joshua Mallabar, Ryan McMann, Jonathan Minton, Avery Mondoux, Callen Neeson, Olivia Nucci, Alexandra Oats, Joshua Przystal, Ava Racz, Lauren Ratajczak, Caralyn, Reynolds, Samar Rizek, Alyssa Robertson, Ryan Sander, Ryan Saucier, Jackson Scalise, Rebecca Schultz, Muhammad Shabbir, Katherine Squires, Sophia Steck, Kimberley Swain, Alex Szczepankiewicz, Victoria Thauer, Ava Todaro, Brian Vanini, Karina VeRost, Hailey Watches, Jessica Whitfield
8th GRADE HONOR
Connor Barnicle, Tyler Baughman, Anthony Buscaglia, Grace Carey, Samuel Carpenter, Matthew Castellino, Martin Castner, Joseph Christiano, Sara Cicero, Ian Cioppa, Brooke Conway, Alyson Czerwonka, Polla Daghestani, Cameron Davis, Jack Dlugokinski, Jenna Doctor, Makaila Elandt, Mara Ellsworth, Kaylin Frost, Alison Gula, Brady Haines, Ryan Halliman, Quinn Hart, Margaret Hegarty, Allison Hill, Carissa Hoover, Joshua Hunt, Dominick Kane, Edward Kanfoush, Zoe Kowalski, Hannah Lambert, Savanna Lenze, Morgan Lynch, John Mandura, Ashley Maras, Madeline Maroni, Ryan Michki, Jacob Miller, Nicole Nguyen, Cecilia Nowak, Elaina Page, Mia Phillips, Charles Piggot, Morgan Proctor, Grace Samplinski, Lucas Seifert, Joseph Seifert, Amina Shaibi, Peyton Shearer, Yifan Shen, Connor Tribby, Molly Tuohy, Edward VeRost, Nathan Wallens, Grace Wenner, William Worrall, Vivienne Zacher
VCMS 2nd Quarter Merit Roll - February 2017
6th GRADE MERIT
Paige Bedell, Kaitlyn Burns, Emmalee Currie, Riley Decker, Michael Doctor, Anthony Fratello, Natalie Gojmerac, Eric Hamm, William Hanlon, Tanner Hawley, Mackenzie Ingalsbe, Brady Jones, Joshua Koloshuk, Noah LeBrasseur, Ryan Lysenko, Kendyll Mack, Nycelle Mitchell, Maria Novelli, Jacob Pangborn, Kaylin Peterson, Maria Preston, Arden Randle, Megan Reynolds, Mitchell Samplinski, Kaden Smith, James Soto, Brooke Squires, Aubrey Zdarsky, Joshua Zherebilov
7th GRADE MERIT
Veronica Bonner, Samuele DeLorenzo, Jashanjit Dhillon, Joseph Dlugokinski, Thomas Dworak, Khloey Ellis, Olivia Floro, Olivia Fox, Victor Fritsch, Joseph Genovese, Katelyn Giambra, Arman Deep Gill, Alexis Hess, Jacqueline Heyden, Graer Howell, Anna Hurley, Rebekah Jaenecke, Jenna Kaiser, Nicholas Karnath, Skylar Koschuk, Kyla Mack, Alivia Manzo, Halie Martinez, Joshua McMahon, Paige Moses, Ryan O'Grady, Christian Pendola, Grace Promowicz, Isaac Quick, Isaiah Reading, Shaan Sandhu, Daniel Senn, Alicia Shivers, Jonathan Simpson, Evan Smith, Liam Snyder, Evan Steck, Tyler Sykes, Alex Vazquez, Sara Verso, Celia Wood, Bailey Yung
8th GRADE MERIT
Evan Ackerman, Allyson Bellinger, Kelsey Burns, Joseph Ceccato, Tristan Chaffee, Krystyna Colautto, Ava DeFranks, Dominic Ford, Dominic Gramza, Tyler Grant, Kameron Greene, Isabella Harper, Celia Jackson, Jordan Jakuminiak, Ty Shawn Jennings, Stephen Leone, Sean Leslie, YuLin Lu, Elisabeth Madigan, Angelina Marinello, Hayden McLachlan, Sean McMann, Griffin Miller, Alyssa Nelson, Eleanor O'Brien, Nicholas Pachla, Maya Pecoraro, Steven Pedlow, Brionna Raiser-Russell, Sarah Reeves, Jessica Robertson, Ethan Schinnagel, Joseph Schnettler, Arsal Shaheen, Zorica Simic, Logan Sionko, Elizabeth Smolkovich, Callie Sommer, Amanda Spaulding-Kellner, Victoria Thompson, Morgan Tollner, Andrew Tomasula, Angelina Torres, Joshua Vizzi, Amanda Wellence, William Wieberg, Kaylee Woroniecki
Eighth Grade Career Exploration Day - January 2017
Grand Island Middle School students arrive at BOCES Center.
Left: Cosmetology Classroom. Right: Early Childhood Education classroom.
Culinary classroom.
Erie 1 BOCES Kenton Career & Technical Center held a Career Exploration Day on Wednesday, January 25th at the Center located on Two Mile Creek Road. 50 students from Connor Middle School got to experience the "Taste of Tech" tour. Other schools taking the tour that day were from Ken-Ton, Cheektowaga middle schools and Northtowns Academy. There are 30 career and technical programs available to high school students in Erie County. Some of the careers are Animal Science, Auto Collision, Auto Tech, Baking and Pastry, Building Trades, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice,
Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Health Careers, Sports Science & Welding. The BOCES Center has over 500 students enrolled in its programs.JV DECA Results - January 2017
Left: Isabel Buckingham. Right: Morgan Tollner and Grace Samplinski.
JV DECA had a successful showing at the January 8th DECA Regional Competition at Grand Island High School. Veronica E. Connor Middle School is fortunate to charter the only Junior Varsity program in Region 12. Competing against high school students from all over Western New York, Morgan Tollner and Grace Samplinski created beautiful entries in the Visual Advertising Competition qualifying to move onto DECA States in Rochester, NY in March. Special thanks goes out to their middle and elementary school teachers for honing their design skills.Due to attrition, Isabel Buckingham moved up the ranks in a highly competitive Sales Demonstration Event, also qualifying her for State Competition. Frequent public speaking opportunities at Board of Education meetings, as well as Student Council experience outside the classroom, have perfected the oral communication and problem-solving stressed by her classroom teachers. Much appreciation goes out to Fahim Mojawalla of Island Ship Center for meeting with our students during his busy shipping season to fan the flames of enthusiasm and introducing competitors to the rapidly changing world of marketing and sales. JV DECA serves to grow students professionally no matter where their future goals and dreams may take them.
NYS 529 College Savings Program - January 2017
The Veronica Connor Middle School PTA is hosting a NYS 529 College Savings Program on Thursday, January 12th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 110 at Grand Island High School. Visit www.ny529atwork.org to learn more about the Program, request an information kit and enroll online. See flyer.Dorothy Garcia- Middle School PTA Honorary Life Membership - January 2017
Dorothy Garcia is the recipient of a Connor Middle School PTA Honorary Life Membership award. She has been a part of PTA since her girls were at Sidway School. She has served in many roles on PTAs throughout Grand Island and has volunteered at numerous events, from cake walks to Family Fun nights. Most recently she served as vice president of Programs at Connor Middle School and also on the mini-grant and scholarship committees. Her service to children and youth includes volunteering as a Religious Education teacher at St. Stephen's Church. She has helped with many school and parish plays, and has been active on other committees and clubs. In her spare time she is a busy member of the Sandy Beach Yacht Club. Dorothy Garcia is a positive role model for so many children in the Grand Island School District and can be seen five days a week with a smile on her face at Kaegebein Elementary School as a lunchroom monitor. She is truly deserving of this award.
