District News

In the photo from left to right are MTA President Joe Byrne, Paris Gordon, Roger Ribbeck, Danette Oakes of Filomena's Favorites, Barrett Root, and MCSD Superintendent Dr. Mark Kruzynski.

The Medina Teachers Association, the Medina School District, and the Medina Area Partnership are proud to announce the November selections for Students of the Month.  This award is a combined effort of these organizations to recognize students who go above and beyond to help teachers and fellow students succeed and enjoy school.  

Filomena’s Favorites has graciously sponsored the award for November.  This month students are being honored with this article and a yard sign from the MTA to celebrate their achievement. The yard sign was presented by Joseph Byrne, President of the Medina Teachers’ Association.  Dr. Kruzynski also presented the winners with a pen and pencil set from the school district.  In addition, Filomena’s Favorites presented each of this month’s winners with a gift bag with Della's Chocolates, a Mark's gift card, and additional goodies!

Nominated by Shannon Markarian of Oak Orchard was first grader Barrett Root.  Mrs. Markarian shared the following about Barrett. He is a kind, helpful, hardworking, and friendly student.  He is always there to lend a hand when someone is in need.  He was very excited to welcome a new student and help him learn classroom routines, find his way around the building, play with him at recess, and show him how to go through the cafeteria line.  He is a quiet learner who always does his best. 

From Wise Intermediate School, Karen Pane nominated one of her fourth-grade students, Paris Gordon. When Mrs. Pane indicated her reasons for nominating Paris, she shared that Paris acted quickly and helped save a classmate's life. As I was taking my class out for recess, a student started to choke. I was not aware of it. Paris thought quickly and yelled, "Mrs. Pane, this student can't breathe!  Mrs. Pane come quick; this student can't breathe!"  Because Paris alerted me, I was able to address the choking student, and he ended up coughing a hard candy out of his throat. One of the reasons her action was remarkable is because she said it reminded her of a time at her house when her mother told her to call 911, but she was too frightened to do it. After the paramedics arrived at her house, they taught her to be brave and take action. Paris learned from that experience and applied it to her classmate. I am so proud of Paris!

From the Jr-Sr High School, Roger Ribbeck, a senior, was nominated by Sara Kyle.  Mrs. Kyle reports that Roger is currently taking AP Calculus and doing an amazing job.  Roger completes daily assignments in a timely manner, often going above and beyond trying additional problems.  Because of his preparedness for class, he often supports his classmates in their learning.  He is kind, compassionate, and supportive of his peers - they feel comfortable leaning over to check with him if I am busy.  He often can be found in math conversations with his neighbors, discussing mathematical processes, concepts, and tricks.  He is confident yet humble and reflective.  If his practice contains an error, he strives to determine why and to remedy it (which also involves those great mathematical conversations).  Roger already has a plan for college - while he doesn't have all the pieces in place yet, he is researching and completing things to give himself an edge when leaving high school.  I am very thankful to have Roger as a student and am very proud of him.

Congratulations to this month’s winners! The MTA, MCSD, and the MAP will continue the Student of the Month program throughout the school year. Be on the lookout for the next honorees in the coming months. Look for posters in the windows of Medina businesses identifying them as proud supporters of this program. Who will be the next outstanding Medina student to be honored???

 

For many years Medina Junior-Senior High School English teacher Elizabeth Dickhut has toyed with the idea of writing her own novel, “Still Water”.  “Several years ago I was thinking about some students I had who had experienced losing a parent suddenly,” she explains.  “They were obviously going through a very hard time and I couldn’t help but think what was going on in the inside.  It inspired me to start writing about a group of boys who were friends and experienced that loss.” 

Mrs. Dickhut kept returning to her story throughout the years refining it until she felt comfortable enough to share with colleagues.  “I am so grateful to my coworkers and friends who took time out of their busy lives to read this and give me their honest feedback.  It really meant so much to me.”  Dickhut says “Still Water” is a story of loss and grief; but is also a story of hope, the kind that is rooted in friendship, family and forgiveness. 

 Another key element of the book deals with the romantic side of adolescence and the protagonist having feelings for one of his friend’s girlfriends.  “I do think young adults will really enjoy the story,” says Dickhut.  “I hope they see themselves in some of the characters.  I really want this book to be a teachable moment for some of them and I want them to know that their teachers do care about what is going on in their lives.”   

There were a couple more hoops to jump through before she could publish her book.  In “Still Water” two poems are referenced, “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry and Robert Frost’s “Going for Water”.  There is also a passage from the book “A River Runs Through It and Other Stories” by Norman Maclean.  “I had to get permission to use Maclean's and Berry's works, and I was so thankful to the estate and the publishing company to allow me to use them since they meant a great deal to me and to the story.  The Maclean estate sent along a nice compliment and said they found the story compelling and wished me the best of luck.”  She also designed the cover in Canva, something she really enjoyed doing. 

With her book getting ready to launch on Amazon on November 8^th, Dickhut says she can barely contain her excitement.  “I won’t lie, I am nervous, but it just feels awesome.  I have a real sense of accomplishment that I finished the book and people are going to get to read it.  It would be really great if I saw students here carrying it around since they inspired it.” 

To learn more about the book and Beth Dickhut, you can follow her on Instagram @elizabeth_d_writes.  “Still Water” will be available in paperback and Kindle formats. 

The Board of Education of the Medina Central School District is holding a Special Meeting of the qualified voters of said District for the Lee-Whedon Memorial Public Library Bond Vote on December 10, 2024 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. (noon) and 8:00 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom located at One Mustang Drive, Medina, NY 14103.  In the event of a weather or other emergency which necessitates the cancellation of the December 10, 2024 meeting, it will be held on December 17, 2024 at the same location and time. 

While not directly involved with the planning or design of the Lee-Whedon Memorial Public Library Capital Project, Medina Central School District is responsible for holding the vote and collecting and distributing the money to the library through school taxes.  Any questions about the design plans or budget should be directed to the Library at (585) 798-3430 or by clicking on the following link to their website:  https://leewhedon.org/about-us/library-expansion/

Click here for the Legal Notice that appeared in The Daily News and Lockport Union-Sun & Journal on 10/25, 11/8, 11/22, 11/29/24.

In the front row from left to right: Ruth Sanchez Cabrera and Symphoni Wilson.  In the back row from left to right: MTA President Joe Byrne, FFA President Austin Seefeldt, FFA Student Advisor Mason Eick, FFA Vice President Madison Farley, Avion Johnson, and Jr/Sr High School Assistant Principal Mollie Mark.

 

The Medina Teachers Association, the Medina School District, and the Medina Area Partnership are proud to announce the October selections for Students of the Month.  This award is a combined effort of these organizations to recognize students who go above and beyond to help teachers and fellow students succeed and enjoy school. 

Medina FFA has graciously sponsored the award for October.  This month students are being honored with this article and a yard sign from the MTA to celebrate their achievement. The yard sign was presented by Joseph Byrne, President of the Medina Teachers’ Association.  Mrs. Mark also presented the winners with a pen and pencil set from the school district.  In addition, Medina FFA presented each of this month’s winners with FFA t-shirts!

Nominated by Saira Borsching of Oak Orchard was kindergartener Symphoni Wilson.  Mrs. Borsching shared the following about Symphoni. She is a kindergarten student in my class and it's impossible to not love Symphoni and her infectious giggle. Even though the year has just begun, Symphoni has truly gone above and beyond. During the first few days of school, students in our class were struggling with the transition back to school. They were upset, crying, and it was a difficult time for them. Symphoni was constantly seen comforting those students that were struggling by walking with them, holding their hand, telling them it would be okay, and rubbing their backs to help calm them. Symphoni consistently is always cheering her peers on by telling them how well they are doing and giving them compliments to make them smile. Every time I read a story, Symphoni is the first student to let me know what a wonderful story it was and thanks me for sharing it with everyone. During the first full week of school, I was sick and had a hoarse voice and Symphoni said she was sorry I didn't feel well and wished for me to get better soon.  She would tell me each day that my voice was getting better. Symphoni's kindness has been such a light in our classroom!

From Wise Middle School, Tiffany Cree nominated one of her fifth-grade students, Ruth Sanchez Cabrera. When Ms.  Cree indicated her reasons for nominating Ruth, she shared that Ruth is a responsible, dedicated, caring 5th grade student. I have a bit of an advantage seeing Ruth’s growth as she was my student in 3rd grade as well. However, this has given me the opportunity to really see her flourish over the years. This week, Ruth ran against 7 other students competing for Student Council home base representative, taking the title. I encouraged my class to elect a student who was organized, responsible and a good communicator. Although Ruth is a bit more of a timid student, she has a unique way about her in spreading her kindness to all those around her. Her winning the election, was proof her classmates have trust in Ruth in leading them. Additionally, to Ruth’s amazing qualities she is bilingual. Speaking fluent Spanish at home, and English at school. Her love for her culture is strong, and as a class we are lucky to experience this through her. Without asking, she is helpful with my ESL Spanish speaking student at times of need. Ruth shows her selflessness on a daily basis, and I couldn’t be more proud to call her my student.

From the Junior-Senior High School, Avion Johnson, a junior, was nominated by Mr. Cavanagh.  Mr. Cavanagh reports that Avion was instrumental in alleviating a situation at the Jr-Sr HS between a couple of students. Avion, without a moment to contemplate his actions, he saw what needed to be done and jumped in to "save the day".  I am very proud of his actions!  He is a role model for what a person should do in a similar situation.  Avion has a natural instinct to help and assist others and I feel he is very deserving of this honor. Dr. Kruzynski added, “I hope Avion wins for the Jr-Sr HS.  It would be great if he did because what he did helped a ton.”

Congratulations to this month’s winners! The MTA, MAP, and the MCSD will continue the student of the month program throughout the school year. Be on the lookout for the next honorees in the coming months. Look for posters in the windows of Medina businesses identifying them as proud supporters of this program. Who will be the next outstanding Medina student to be honored???

 

 

 

REMINDERS ABOUT ATHLETIC EVENTS AT MEDINA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

The Medina Central School District is looking forward to an outstanding fall season. The district’s goal is to provide a positive and welcoming experience to our athletes, students, parents, fans, visitors, and officials. Please help us achieve this goal by following our expectations and contributing to a positive environment.

 

As a reminder, all students in grades PK-8 MUST be accompanied and supervised by a parent or responsible adult when attending a game.  This parent or responsible adult must supervise their children at all times.  Students in grades PK-8 will not be allowed into Vets Park without a parent or responsible adult.

 

Also, as a reminder, there should be no use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, or any controlled or banned substance on the Medina Central School District premises.   Additionally, vapes, “dab” pens, and e-cigarettes are not allowed on District premises.

 

We also want to remind fans to refrain from using profanity and making negative comments toward coaches, athletes, or officials.  Game supervisors and administrators will address inappropriate behavior.  The Medina Central School District and the New York State High School Athletic Association may prohibit unruly spectators from attending games.

 

Thank you for helping us maintain a positive, supportive atmosphere for all our student-athletes! 

GO MUSTANGS!

The Kick Start to Learning sessions are for incoming Pre-K and Kindergarten students to the Medina Central School District. 

Students will attend with a parent or adult caregiver for one hour, 1:00-2:00pm, at Oak Orchard Primary School on the following dates:

Wed, July 10

Tues, July 16

Thurs, July 18

Thurs, July 25

Mon, July 29

Wed, July 31

You can register to attend one, two, or all of the sessions HERE: 

Kick Start Registration 

 

Kick Start to Learning 2024 

Mr. Jody Sargent, Isabella Gray, Elaina Bitsas, Alexander Balaban, Mrs. Krista Lindke

 

 

 

 

 

Today, Medina Junior-Senior High School Business students competed and won top honors at the first-ever 43North Students to Startups Finals!  The event was held this morning at Seneca One Tower in Buffalo, NY. 

 

 

Students Alexander Balaban, Isabella Gray and Elaina Bitsas competed against nine other teams, most from larger districts, and came home with first place and $1,000 for their hard work and effort.  Their business idea, called Pets & Found was a subscription style app to help owners find their pets and partner with local veterinarians to develop a kind of animal patient portal to benefit both pet owners and veterinarians. 

 

 

43North is an accelerator program for seed-stage startups and has given over $5 million dollars annually into growing Buffalo’s startup ecosystem.  43North is excited to collaborate with educators to inspire entrepreneurship and innovation in their classrooms. 

 

 

“We are so proud of these students,” says Jody Sargent, the school’s Business teacher.  “We want to congratulate them for their hard work and effort as well as Business/Computer teacher Mrs. Krista Lindke who worked extensively to prepare these students for their success.”

 

 

You may just catch their story tonight on News Channels 4, 2 or 7.

The NYS Grade 3–8 assessments will take place on the following dates in the Medina Central School District. All assessments will be Computer Based (CBT). Please refer to the following parent information from NYSED. 

What parents should know about student participation under ESSA 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Wise Intermediate School: 

ELA - April 16 and 17 

Math - April 23 and 24 

Grade 5 Science - May 14

 

Medina Junior High School:

ELA - April 16 and 17 

Math - April 23 and 24 

Grade 5 Science - May 15