education

National Grid was recognized Friday by the WNY Tech Academy at Byron-Bergen High School as the Business of the Year for the company's support of the program, particularly for the $25,000 National Grid had already donated to the student's greenhouse project. On Friday, executive Ken Kuwaja and Paul Gister delivered another $50,000.

The student-conceived project involves building a greenhouse and starting a business to grow greens and farm tilapia in a hydroponic environment.

Kelly Yates, pictured with Principal Thomas Schulte, was named Mentor of the Year.

Students named Professional of the Year: Samantha Lucki, Petyon Penders, and Evan Harter.

On Thursday, the Kiwanis Club of Batavia held its annual luncheon recognizing the Top 10 academic students of Batavia High School.

Top Photo: Ryann Stefaniak (first row, left), Madison Dedman, Pierce Corbelli, Kristen Gloskowski, Emily Caccamise (back row, left), Lyndsay Debo, Brianna Bromley, Karissa Kesler, Tracy Lin, Julia Spiotta. Spiotta is top in her class.

The annual music awards went to Eryn Dunn for Outstanding Service in Chorus, Zak Jantzi for Outstanding Service in Orchestra, and Elise Hoerbelt for Outstanding Service in Band.

Karissa Kesler and Emily Boldt received Citizenship Awards. Besides the plaques, Kesler and Boldt received $1,000 each.

Below, a submitted photo from last week of the Top 10 students from Notre Dame High School.

Mary Vandenbosch (first row, left), Hannah Gualtieri, Faith Falkowski, Meghan Stella, Elizabeth Fuentes, Gemma Bochicchio (back row, left), Daniel Bergman, Samuel Bowman, Bella March, and Mary Warner.

Press release:

Spring has arrived, and with it comes Genesee County Farm Bureau’s annual event -- Kinderfarmin'! This year, Kinderfarmin’ is being held Wednesday, June 5th, at Reyncrest Farm in Corfu.

Kinderfarmin’ attracts kindergarten students from every district in Genesee County and brings more than 600 students, as well as, teachers and chaperones together at a local dairy farm for hands-on learning stations and tours.

The event has been happening for more than 40 years and has become a staple for classrooms across our county. This winter, Kinderfarmin’ was even recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation as an “Event of Excellence."

The bureau partners with more than 15 local businesses and organizations and more than 40 volunteers to provide a unique experience that is both fun and educational for all ages. They aim to highlight all the effort that goes into making our favorite dairy products, like milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and, of course, ice cream!

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, June 5 Time: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Reyncrest Dairy

9666 Allegany Road (Route 77)

Corfu, NY 14036

Voters in the Batavia City School District will be asked on May 21 to approve a budget of $50,518,573, with a projected increase in the tax levy of 2.93 percent.

The Board of Trustees approved the proposed budget Tuesday night, following a public hearing, sending it to the voters for final approval before the 2019-2020 school year.

Spending in the district will drop 3.20 percent, or more than to $1.6 year-over-year if voters approve the budget.

The proposed tax rate is $22.06 for 2019-2020, up from $21.67 this year.

Voting will take place on Tuesday, May 21, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Robert Morris building and Batavia High School.

As part of the public hearing, Superintendent Chris Dailey, in his final budget hearing with the district (he's taken a job with the Gates Chili Central School District) shared a good deal of detail about the district.

This year, there are 2,377 students enrolled, and though the district provides free breakfast and lunch to all students, under government guidelines for free and reduced-price lunches, 59 percent of the district students qualify.

The attendance rate is 95 percent. Dailey said that is the highest in the area.

"It doesn't hurt that students know they are getting two free meals a day," Dailey said. "They know they're going to eat at least twice." 

There are 259.4 teachers in the district, 122 teachers aides and clerical employees, 39 maintenance staff, four assistant principals, four principals, five people in IT, 24 in nutritional services, and seven in the central office.

The BHS graduation rate is 92 percent. That is, again, one of the highest in the area, Dailey said.

In the coming year, the district will add a Batavia police officer as a school resource officer.

Some of the programs in the district that are not mandated by the state but that Dailey said the community demands:

• Kindergarten
• K-12 art classes
• K-5 music
• Instrumental lessons starting in the third grade
• School plays and musicals
• AP and college credit courses
• Athletics
• Extracurricular clubs
• A college and career center
• Small class sizes
• Teachers' aides

At Tuesday's school board meeting, the Board of Trustees of the Batavia City School District honored three students with certificates of appreciation for being good students and good classmates.

Top photo: Dominic Darch and Board President Pat Burk.

Amelia Tripp

Sophia Lawrence

Press release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Monday the launch of a new Thruway Authority Skilled Trades Scholarship Program, aimed at recruiting qualified students pursuing a career in the trades and increasing workplace diversity.

The Thruway Authority will collaborate with New York State schools offering programs in various trades such as carpentry, electrical, HVAC and plumbing, and provide students the opportunity to jumpstart their career with the Thruway Authority while gaining valuable on-the-job skills training.

Ten students will be selected in the pilot program this year to work in each of the Thruway Authority's maintenance divisions across the state.

"Scholarship and mentor programs are critical to developing and retaining employees in highly skilled trades and establishing a future workforce for our state," Governor Cuomo said. "This program is a valuable workforce development tool that will open new doorways for young New Yorkers so they have the chance to thrive in today's economy."

"The new Thruway Authority Skilled Trades Scholarship is a great workforce development tool, providing on-the-job training for specialized trades jobs," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made the announcement.

"Students will work with mentors to receive their education and training, and when they complete the program, have a career with the Thruway Authority along with opportunities for advancement. We want to make sure all New Yorkers have the access and resources they need to be trained in the trades and fill these high-skilled jobs across New York State."

Students enrolled in vocational/technical programs, or accepted for enrollment at a trade school or college-level program, can apply for the scholarship program. Applicants are required to submit an employment application and provide two letters of recommendation. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee, which will interview and select the qualified candidates this summer.

Selected applicants will be awarded $1,000 toward their education while joining the Thruway Authority workforce to apply their skills. As full-time Thruway Authority employees, the participants will be eligible for the Thruway Authority's tuition reimbursement program to further fund their education expenses.

During the program, participants will continue to attend classes and obtain the necessary qualifications for progressive levels of the program. With proper training and experience, the candidates will be appointed to a journey level trade position with the Thruway Authority once they meet the minimum qualifications.

Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, "This pilot program is a unique opportunity to recruit a diverse workforce and jumpstart a student's career. We encourage qualified candidates to apply for this program and join the many men and women currently working in a skilled trade with the Thruway Authority."

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III said, "Supporting careers and education in the skilled trades is of tremendous value to our communities and to the economy. I applaud the Thruway Authority for seeing the value in providing scholarships in the skilled trades field and for investing in these students."

Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli, chair, Assembly Transportation Committee, said, "The Thruway Authority Skilled Trades Scholarship Program is a great opportunity for students to explore the vase field of trades that are needed in Upstate New York. The skills learned through the trades will serve these individuals as a wonderful foundation for their entire career."

The deadline for students to submit an application is May 31. Interested students can find out more information about the program and apply at thruway.ny.gov/scholarship.

Press release from Senator Mike Ranzenhofer:

State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley have called on the Governor to restore funding for local Ag Academy, through a program of targeted education funding, referred to as “Bullet Aid.”

“I was very disappointed to see cuts to various agriculture programs," Ranzenhofer said. "The Genesee County Ag Academy provides a unique opportunity to students who are looking for a hands-on experience in agriculture education.

"I am hopeful that the Governor realizes how crucial these programs are and allocates the necessary funding. We are respectfully requesting $100,000 for the Genesee County Agriculture Academy, through the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership."

“New York’s agricultural industry is one of the strongest in the nation, having been realized through a robust and consistent investment in young aspiring farmers and producers in our state budget," said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia). "To cut funding that empowers future generations of young people interested in farming would devastate the industry and hinder our labor pool. Genesee County is undoubtedly a production hub in our state and the Genesee County Agricultural Academy is the centerpiece of teaching and innovation.

"The $100,000 we are seeking for this institution is readily available through discretionary bullet aid and I implore Gov. Cuomo to make the right decision for New York agriculture.”

This agribusiness program began through funding that Senator Ranzenhofer secured in 2013. Since then, the program has received funding in the budget through local agriculture assistance. For the first time in recent history, the Governor has $5 million to be given out at his discretion, for local education programs.

The 2019-20 budget was passed on April 1st.

Fourth-grade students at John Kennedy School this year were given a straightforward message, "If there's not the business in Batavia that you want, make it." So they researched how to write business plans, came up with ideas for the businesses they would like to see locally, and then, today, pitched those business ideas to a group of community leaders.

The people who listened to the ideas had "Cook's Cash" (named after JK Principal Amanda Cook) to invest in their favorite business concepts. The winner will be announced at an upcoming Genesee County Business Education Alliance breakfast.

Last week, the Collegiate Science Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) at Genesee Community College held a free STEM Conference and Exhibitor's Fair bringing together local businesses, faculty, current GCC students and community members in the name of science technology.

In addition to local STEM businesses at the Exhibitor's Fair, GCC faculty and students from the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Math, and health-related fields hosted informational tables to teach guests about their programs of study and career and learning opportunities in their respective fields.

The educational components and professional realms of STEM industries collaborated for the Exhibitor's Fair to promote the targeted industries, discuss career/employment opportunities and provide insight on the changing trends in the STEM workforce.

Conference attendees were able to attend specialized workshops on topics such as: Computer Aided Drafting and Design: Mapmaking; Scratch Combo - Computer Programming for Gaming Simulation; Making STEM a Reality and more!

"We are excited about the success of our first CSTEP Exhibitor's Fair," said Jamie Schultz, project coordinator for CSTEP at Genesee Community College "and really looking forward to working with our students and partners for next year's event."

With the success of this year's event barely behind the committee, plans are already underway at GCC for the 2020 CSTEP STEM Conference and Exhibitor's Fair.

Photo, front row: Kyra Konopski (kneeling) and Mia Hampton; back row: Shelby Bridge, Brianna Gilliat, Faith Jones and Danielle Mason.

Submitted photo and press release:

Batavia Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) students recently attended the New York State HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Leadership Conference, which was held in Syracuse earlier this month.

Six Health Dimensions students participated in this event, which included more than 300 students who represented New York State schools and BOCES. As a result of this competition, five of the students qualified to attend the 42nd annual national HOSA Conference, which will be held in Orlando, Fla., in June.

The students, their competitions, and their placements are:

• Kyra Konopski, a junior from Le Roy CS – two awards -- First Place in Nutrition; Second Place -- Healthy Living
• Shelby Bridge, a junior from Byron-Bergen CS – Second Place -- Personal Skills
• Brianna Gilliat, a senior from Elba CS – Third Place -- Healthy Living
• Mia Hampton, a junior from Le Roy CS – Third Place -- Home Health Aid
• Faith Jones, a senior from Caledonia-Mumford CS -- Third Place -- Personal Skills​

The Health Dimensions Program is offered at the Batavia CTE Center. Health Dimensions students engage in a challenging hands-on approach in the health care field. Participants experience and provide the "human side" of client care at local health care facilities.

All Health Dimensions students spend time in local facilities working collaboratively with staff members, residents, and patients. Students may choose to shadow medical professionals from many disciplines.

About the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

It's a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.  

Press release:

Following statewide and national support for his legislation that would expand MERIT scholarships to protect spouses and dependents of military members who lose their lives in the line of duty and provide them free college tuition and room and board, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is continuing his push for the legislation to become law this year and has launched a national petition to garner support.

“Gold Star families have heard the herald of bipartisan support from state lawmakers in both parties, along with Gov. Cuomo and even President Trump, following the defeat of my bill in committee last week,” Hawley said. “I will continue leading the effort to see that our military receive the benefits they deserve as they carry the tremendous sacrifice of losing a loved one in the line of duty.

"I am confident we can get this legislation passed this year and hopeful that this is the beginning of an era where veterans’ issues transcend political divides and we all can play a part in honoring our brave service members and veterans.”

To sign the petition calling for Hawley’s Gold Star Families Bill to become law please use the link here.

State Democrats defeated Hawley’s proposal (A.2991) in the Assembly’s Higher Education Committee due to the perceived cost it would impose outside of usual March budget negotiations. Assembly Democrats passed a $27 million package giving free college aid to the children of illegal immigrants in late January of this year.

Press release:

On Tuesday, April 9, Byron-Bergen students in grades three through seven gathered for a surprise assembly at the Jr./Sr. High School. They were treated to a special performance and conversation with Rochester-based electro hip-hop violinist Svet Radoslavof, or Svet, as he is known professionally, demonstrated his considerable talents on his electric violin, shared some of his experiences including his performance on "America’s Got Talent," answered student questions, and gave out lots of high fives.

As the assembly commenced, Beethoven’s "Fur Elise" filled the room. Then, from behind the curtain, Svet emerged and performed a modern interpretation of the iconic piece. Next, he performed a medley of pop rock hits during which he jumped off the stage and danced through the audience to cheers and applause. After this performance, Svet shared his story with the students emphasizing the importance of education and hard work.

“You have to go to school,” said Svet, who chose to skip his initial opportunity to appear on "America’s Got Talent" to take a final exam. “Study hard because, one day, you guys are going to succeed. You guys are the leaders of tomorrow so school is the most important thing.”

Svet was not the only one performing on the stage that day. He was invited to be a judge along with Elementary Music teachers Bob Lancia and Karen Tischer in a Byron-Bergen’s Got Talent skit. Hosted by sixth-grade teacher Megan Wahl, several faculty members took to the stage to demonstrate their talents. Christopher Chapman, Lara Ezard, Taylor Haupt, Heather Painting, Ken Rogoyski, and Heather Young delivered comedic talent routines before making way for two very talented students. Genevieve and Solomon Smith performed a contemporary dance to Keala Settle’s "This is Me" from "The Greatest Showman" to uproarious applause from their peers.

For a finale, Svet performed an original composition accompanied by a group of Byron-Bergen faculty commonly referred to as the Byron-Bergen House Band or The Hives. The Hives consists of Christopher Chapman, Bob Lancia, and Karen Tischer with a special guest appearance from Jr./Sr. High School Band teacher Kevin Bleiler.

“The assembly generated lots of enthusiasm,” said Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High Assistant Principal Scott Bradley. “Svet is very engaging and delivered a good message to our students.”

“It was an amazing experience for everyone,” said Elementary Assistant Principal Betsy Brown. “I want to thank fourth-grade teacher Alyson Tardy for taking the initiative to reach out and invite Svet to share his music and story with our students. I’m so glad she did!”

Svet is a native of Bulgaria but immigrated to Rochester with his family at the age of 11. He began playing violin at 3 and continued his studies at the Eastman School of Music. He went on to study Economics at the University of Rochester.

Press release:

What is a GMO? And perhaps more importantly, should you be worried about them? GMOs, or genetically modified organisms have found their way into most of the foods we consume -- from plants and vegetables to animal products such as meat, milk, honey and seafood. So, where can you as a consumer, farmer, gardener or everyday citizen, get information and learn about the variety of perspectives on GMOs?

The Genesee County Farm Bureau and the Science Department at Genesee Community College have partnered to present "Genesee County Talks GMOs" from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 in Room T102 of the Conable Technology Building on GCC's Batavia Campus.

This event is completely free and open to all ages from the entire community!

Guests will see a free screening of "Food Evolution," written and produced by Trace Sheehan and Scott Hamilton Kennedy, and narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson. "Food Evolution" is an impactful examination of the world's current, yet vastly varying, views on GMOs, and the risks we take every day in believing or not in the information we are presented with.

Then, listen in as three local panelists share their experiences and perspectives in dealing with this important debate. The panel will include:

• Alex Harris, of Harris Farm and East Coast salesperson for Brotherton Seed
• Emily Reiss, organic farmer in Erie and Genesee counties
• Kent Williams, district sales manager at Hubner Seed

Anyone interested in learning even more about how food is produced is encouraged to explore GCC's Food Processing Technologies program (FPT). GCC recently received a highly sought-after State University of New York (SUNY) needs grant and completed significant upgrades to student laboratories and equipment to provide the most up-to-date learning experiences.

GCC's FPT program was designed not only to prepare students to enter the workforce immediately, but to position them perfectly for a seamless transfer into a four-year degree program at any number of institutions both within and outside of the SUNY system. Learn more about GCC's Food Processing Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree or contact Admissions@genesee.edu today.

The Alumni Affairs Office at Genesee Community College has invited the entire community to a Luau being held on Friday, May 10, at 6 p.m. in the College's Richard C. Call Arena.

The Luau is being thrown by GCC's Nursing Program Alumni Committee and all proceeds from the event will go to GCC's Nursing Alumni Scholarship, which helps to eliminate financial obstacles ensuring every qualified Nursing Program student can and will succeed.

Tickets to the Luau cost just $30 per person and include appetizers, dancing and chances to win big with door prizes and a cash raffle! A cash bar will also be available. Tickets are only on sale until May 3 -- so contact the Alumni Affairs Office at alumni@genesee.edu today. You can also get your tickets and RSVP online here. 

Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest tropical attire for a chance to win Best Costume, which will be awarded at the end of the evening. Emceeing the event will be Scott Gardner, GCC Class of '98 Alumni Hall of Fame inductee who will introduce guest speakers Shari McDonald, GCC Class of '79, current vice president and chief nursing officer at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, and Claire Gardner, future GCC Class of '19 and Presidential Scholarship recipient.

In addition to attending the luau, there are opportunities to sponsor the scholarship at a number of levels. The sponsorship opportunity detail is available here and includes commitments of $100 - $3,000 and includes in-kind support for those wishing to customize their sponsorship. All sponsorship levels include a variety of benefits from free advertising to photos, and GCC Foundation recognition.

All sponsorships must be submitted by April 20 for full recognition.

"Without the support of these community members, so many students would not have the opportunity to reach their educational goals," said Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield. "These scholarships mean the difference between going to college or not for some of these students." 

The Nursing Program Alumni Committee is honored to receive scholarship support from:

Our Silver Level Sponsor:

• Corfu Veterinary Clinic

Our Titanium Sponsors:

• Advanced Auto Collision
• Michelle and Karl Grohs

Our Bronze Sponsors:

• Hart's Insurance Agency
• Trini Kuzmicki
• Sinclair Pharmacy
• Summit Family Dental, Warsaw

Our In-kind Supporters and Donors:

• Amber Lantern
• Alyssa Cutcliff, LMT
• Assessment Tech Institute
• Barb's Barber Shop, Warsaw
• Bud's Deli
• Dr. Dale Deahn
• Daniels Family Chiropractric
• East Hill Creamery
• Envision Salon
• First Choice Travel
• Genesis Salon, Warsaw
• Harrington's Produce and Market Café
• Healing Hands Massage and Spa Warsaw
• Jeffery E. Erickson Law Firm
• Laurel Sanger
• Lindsay Gerhart
• Laurie's Restaurant
• Michael Tomaszewski
• Morluski's Polish and Italian Cuisine
• Perry Shopper
• Revival Salon
• Stellar Spirits and Wines
• Tompkins Bank of Castile, Warsaw
• Tops Friendly Market, Warsaw
• Vertical Café, Warsaw
• Warsaw Penny Saver
• WCJW Radio
• WGCC Radio
• Yancey's Fancy
• Yummies

Trevahn Wright, left, with Batavia HS Principal Paul Kesler, and Madeline Dennison graduated from high school at the Batavia City Schools Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday night.

Both recently completed their course work and passed their regent's exams making them eligible in April to receive their degrees.

The annual All-County Music Festival is underway and began with a performance this afternoon by the Elementary Chorus, Middle School Band, and Senior High Chorus at Batavia High School.

The performances followed rehearsals yesterday and this morning at the high school.

Next Saturday, April 6, at 2 p.m. there will be performances by the Elementary Band, Middle School Chorus, and Senior High Band at Attica High School. It is located at 3338 E. Main St. in Attica.