By Michael Nocella

The Weedsport Elementary School fourth-grade class recently published a book titled “Endangered Species of New York,” which can be found online here:

“Endangered Species of New York”

A QR code to the book can also be found at the Beaver Lake Nature Center after the class took a field trip there before Thanksgiving break. 

Led by teachers Shantel Dolph and Cristin Racha, the book and field trip came together in two parts. First, Mrs. Dolph led the way with the book, which was a social studies book project. Given the content and subject matter of the book, it then perfectly aligned for Mrs. Racha to get involved as well.

“As the science teacher,” Mrs. Racha said, “I found that this field trip perfectly aligned with our fourth-grade science standards. In our curriculum, we focus on understanding the internal and external structures of organisms and how these adaptations support their survival in various habitats. Visiting Beaver Lake provided the students with an invaluable opportunity to observe and interact with real-life examples. They were able to see and touch different animal structures, such as fur and webbed feet, which directly relate to their learning about adaptations in nature.”

Mrs. Dolph elaborated on the origins behind putting the book together in the first place.

“Normally the students research a species and make a poster to present to class,” she said. “This year we have more time in our schedule and wanted to do something bigger with more of a purpose. With the help of Karen Schaub and Jonathan Schillace, we came up with the idea of making a book on Canva. The shift from a traditional poster presentation to creating a book on Canva provided a more interactive and creative platform for the students to express their findings.”

“By researching the reasons behind endangerment,” Mrs. Dolph continued, “solutions for protection, and the importance of preserving biodiversity, they gained a deeper understanding of the subject. We began researching and even had a zoom call with a woman from the DEC who works in the endangered species program, this provided a real-world view of conservation efforts. The students worked so hard to find out why their species were endangered, what we can do to help, and why it matters if they become extinct. The students engaged in a meaningful and impactful project that not only enhanced their knowledge of endangered species but also fostered a sense of responsibility for the environment.”

As for the field trip, it was the first time the trip had been conducted – but both teachers hope it’s not the last. Students were part of a comprehensive presentation from a Beaver Lake Naturalist that included insights to local animals such as beavers, deer, fishers, porcupines, owls, foxes, and more via hands-on artifacts and interactive games.  

“This is the first year for this field trip,” Mrs. Dolph said. “I would be thrilled to repeat it next year following the revision of the Endangered Species book. It would be wonderful to have each subsequent class of students update the book annually, allowing it to be continuously displayed in the reading room at Beaver Lake.”

Mrs. Racha noted that the way in which the Beaver Lake Naturalist was able to engage with the students made the field trip a great experience.

“I believe the students particularly enjoyed the hands-on experiences,” Mrs. Racha said, “such as touching and exploring the various animal structures. This interactive aspect made the learning more memorable. They learned about the unique adaptations that different animals possess and how these features aid their survival in specific environments. The excitement of seeing these structures in person likely deepened their understanding and appreciation for the subject.”

Mrs. Dolph agreed.

“The hands-on portion kept them the most engaged,” she said. “The times when they were able to get up and get their bodies moving to understand just how far a deer can jump and to see how a beaver can see above the water were not only fun but educational and brought the understanding to an age-appropriate level.”

Both teachers also agreed it was an experience they would be thrilled to replicate in the coming years.

“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in making this field trip possible,” Mrs. Racha said. “It not only enriched the students’ educational experience but also fostered their curiosity about the natural world. I look forward to more opportunities like this that can further bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-life experiences.”

The post Weedsport 4th Graders Pen ‘Endangered Species’ Book and Take it To Beaver Lake appeared first on Weedsport Central School District.

By Michael Nocella

Weedsport Senior Ayla Stark has known she wants to be an elementary teacher for quite some time. So when she got the chance earlier this year to be a teaching intern for her aunt, Weedsport Elementary School teacher Alyssa Crough, it was a no-brainer.

The concept of a teaching internship within the district was a first, so it was a natural fit to pair Ayla in her aunt’s classroom.

“This is actually the first time an internship like this has happened at Weedsport,” Mrs. Crough said. “We are working as a team with the principals, counselors and high school teachers to create this internship. I knew Ayla was interested in becoming a teacher, and asked if it was possible for her to gain real life experience her senior year by working in my classroom each day.”

Ayla said an opening in her senior year schedule made the push for the internship possible in the first place.

“My senior year schedule was filled with study halls, so instead of taking more classes, I was curious if an internship would be a possibility,” she recalled. “I worked with Mrs. Monell, Mr. Cowin, Mrs. Bradtke, Mrs. Crough, and Mrs. Austin to come up with this internship that no one has done before to get first hand experience teaching elementary students.”

Ayla and Mrs. Crough said the experience has been tremendous so far. They both hope it is something that can be replicated for future students in the coming years.

“I love the experience so far,” Ayla said. “The Weedsport elementary facility has welcomed me with open arms. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the students’ love of learning and watching them work through difficulties and succeed.”

“My favorite thing about this experience,” she continued, “is building relationships with the students and watching them learn and grow. Another one of my favorite things about this experience is the confirmation that elementary teaching is truly my passion.”

Mrs. Crough broke down the different responsibilities the internship has tasked Ayla with.

“At this point, Ayla has been doing a lot of observation to see what being a teacher entails,” Mrs. Crough said. “Ayla runs a center during our reading time where she works with groups of students on answering various writing prompts, using correct handwriting and sentence structure. Ayla also works with small groups of students to practice a variety of skills from reading memory words to practicing the spelling patterns of the week. Ayla also walks around the room during whole group instruction supporting all students. As the year goes on, Ayla will start to become responsible for more tasks.”

With the midway point of the school year approaching, both Ayla and Mrs. Crough are looking forward to challenging Ayla with more responsibility in the latter half of the year.

“I started off the year,” Ayla said, “observing in Mrs. Crough’s classroom and have started working individually and in groups with students. By the end of the school year my goal is to be able to develop a lesson plan and teach it under the guidance of Mrs. Crough. I complete a journal entry daily to reflect on my personal progress and what I’ve learned.”

With the internship going so well on both ends, it certainly seems like the internship could have staying power even after Ayla graduates. Mrs. Crough would certainly welcome another senior who was aspiring to be a teacher if the opportunity was there again.

“The internship has been fantastic so far this year,” Mrs. Crough said. “This hands-on learning experience has been a win for all involved. I have learned that it is so important to have future teachers in the classroom getting real life teaching experience. There is so much more that goes into teaching than what is taught in college.”

Ayla said watching her aunt in action has been not only educational, but very rewarding as well.

“One of the best parts of this experience,” she said, “was getting to see her not just as a relative, but as an amazing and caring teacher. She has been so helpful teaching me how to help the students and how her classroom works.”

“I would encourage any student who wants to be an elementary teacher to do this,” Ayla continued, “especially as a senior who is going to college to pursue this career, having this opportunity has given me a head start in learning what elementary teaching is all about.”

The post Senior Ayla Stark Thriving in First-Year Elementary School Teaching Internship appeared first on Weedsport Central School District.

Thanks to everyone that helped to make our annual USO Show a huge success! We are truly honored to have such an amazing community connection to our veterans!

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Weedsport’s rate of 94% was ranked first in Cayuga County, ahead of six other districts during the 2022-2023 year — the most recent year for which data is available from the NYSED. The 94% figure would have the district tied for second place when ranked amongst Onondaga County.

Weedsport Superintendent Gregory M. Stone was excited about the district’s achievement.

“We are incredibly proud to announce that Weedsport CSD has achieved the highest attendance rate in the entire county,” he said. 

“This accomplishment is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our teachers, support staff, counselors, and administrators who have worked tirelessly to build and maintain positive relationships with our students and families,” Stone continued. 

“At the heart of our success,” he noted, “is the understanding that student attendance is one of our highest priorities, as we know that chronically absent students face an exponentially higher risk of dropping out of school. This outstanding attendance rate directly correlates with our academic achievements, reflecting the commitment of our entire community to the success of every student.”

Stone was quick to point out that while 94% was “great,” there was still room for improvement — and that will be something the district continues to strive towards.

“Our work does not stop here,” he said. “We remain committed to improving our attendance rate and will not rest until we reach 100%. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to this significant milestone, and we look forward to continuing our collective efforts to support our students’ success.”

Weedsport’s attendance achievement comes on the heels of more academic success, as NYSED data revealed in the spring that the district scored above the state average in every Regents exam subject for the 2022-2023 Regents exams.

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There was a minor change to November 25^th as far as the attendance of students. Elementary students will not attend that day due to Parent/Teacher Conferences, and the Jr.-Sr. High School Students will attend as a normal school day.

Click here for: 2024-2025 WCSD SCHOOL CALENDAR

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We have some exciting news to share about our athletic offerings.  Weedsport will be moving JV and Varsity volleyball to the fall season.  I wanted to explain the rationale behind this difficult decision so that you are aware of the district’s reasoning.  

• The New York Public High School Athletic Association recognizes volleyball as a fall sport.  Winter volleyball is not played outside of Section 3. 
• There are only 3 class C schools remaining in the winter season which would force us to play larger schools and travel longer distances.
• This move allows us to play more “like-sized” schools.  
• During the winter season, our students in other sports will be able to end practices earlier due to gym availability (less 7:30-9:30 PM practices).
• Modified volleyball will still be in the winter season, allowing opportunities for our younger student-athletes to try multiple sports.

We understand this change will impact some more than others but feel it was necessary to make everyone aware.  We hope this decision will allow as many students the opportunity to be involved in athletics as possible.  Be on the lookout for a Parent Square in July for more information on fall athletics.  Thank you and GO WOLVERINES! 

Robert Piascik
Athletic Director

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