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Notre Dame: Ride for Camden

By Philip Anselmo

The Notre Dame Volleyball Teams are fundraising to defray costs for Notre Dame students who will be participating in this year’s missionary experience to Camden, New Jersey.  The girls have been bicycling in the “Ride for Camden” effort for the last couple of weeks.  Each girl is riding fifty miles and asking for sponsorships per mile.  If anyone would like to sponsor one of these athletes please contact Rhonda DiCasolo, Carolyn Babcock, or any of the Notre Dame volleyball players.  Pledges from a penny to a dollar per mile are welcome as are donations in any amount.  We hope to provide an opportunity for more Notre Dame students to attend the life-altering experience of a week at Camden’s Romero Center.  Our trips in the past have always had such a tremendous impact on our students and staff.  Thank you to all who have already sponsored a volleyball player.

Genesee Community College childcare center teachers awarded CDA credentials

By Philip Anselmo

From Genesee Community College:

Dorothy Smith of Batavia, NY, Lead Teacher for the Toddlers, and Stephanie Kellogg of Oakfield, NY, Lead Teacher for the Pre-K of Genesee Community College Association Child Care Center have been awarded a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in recognition of outstanding work with young children. The credential was awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, DC, which represents the early childhood education profession.

CDA is the only major national effort to improve early childhood education and care by evaluation and recognition of the skills of individuals providing care. The first Credential was awarded over 30 years ago, and now 49 states plus the District of Columbia include CDA in their childcare licensing regulations.

Today, parents who use early education and care are especially concerned about their children's welfare. With this in mind, as part of the CDA assessment process, every candidate for the CDA Credential is observed working with young children or families by an early childhood professional. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the ability to work with families to develop children's physical and intellectual capabilities in a safe and healthy learning environment.

The CDA Credential is having a positive effect on the quality of early childhood education and care. Its impact is evident in center-based and home visitor programs as well as family child care, the most common form of care for children under five years old.

"We are very proud of the commitment and dedication exhibited by Dorothy and Stephanie," Maggie Hagen said. "This effort and their new credentials continue our ongoing belief in developing the skills that foster quality service and care for our children."

For further information on CDA, contact the Council for Professional Recognition at 2460 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009-3575, (202) 265-9090 or (800) 424-4310. For further information on Genesee Community College Association Child Care Center call Maggie Hagen, Director, at 585-345-6833 or email: mkhagen@genesee.edu.

Boys and Books

By Philip Anselmo

From the Richmond Memorial Library:

*Boys and Books:* The GRO program of the Richmond Memorial Library will offer a parent workshop that addresses the gender literacy gap and offers suggestions to parents of boys for fostering reading. This program will be held at 7:00 on Thursday, November 6, in the Gallery Room at the library. To register, call 343-9550 extension 4. Limited child care is available.

Video: Learning to Legislate (Part Two)

By Philip Anselmo

Last month, the 4-H Student Legislator program got underway, and The Batavian was there when the local government interns sat with the Genesee County Legislature for the first time—check out our post to find out more about that. Last week, we followed along again. This time, the interns got together at the Genesee County Nursing Home, where a couple dozen county government staffers came together to talk about what they do and take questions from the interns. Everyone from the sheriff to the clerk of the legislature was present.

The first time we got together, I asked some of the interns what their first impressions were about the county, the government, the legislature, and most of them didn't yet know what to think. Well, they've seen quite a bit since then, including some tours around the county of sites such as the airport, the county highway department and the Holland Land Office Museum. So this time we connected, I asked them what they've been learning and what they hope to do with their new knowledge. 

Drawing classes at GCC

By Philip Anselmo

From GCC:

Pick up a pencil. Start with a line. See where it takes you. This is both an invitation, and the instructional challenge offered by local artist Diana ("Di-Di") Martin, who is leading a three-week, three-part drawing series at the Medina Campus Center intended for artists of all persuasions and levels of experience. From the novice to more experienced artist, the program will travel the road of the artistic masters while taking side trips for experimental techniques that provide creative freedom and flexibility to explore and expand individual skill and interest in drawing.

Among the topics Ms. Martin will introduce are: proportion; gesture drawing; composition principles; positive/negative space; Chiaroscuro; color; drawing what is seen versus drawing what the mind sees; visible ideas; and exploring the masters. Each class includes a demonstration as well as hands-on projects with plenty of assistance from the instructor. The artistic media choices include ebony pencils, or pastels, watercolors, or color pencils provided by the participants.

Part I of the three-part, three-week session starts Monday, November 17, and continues on Wednesday, and Friday, November 19 and 21. Part II is scheduled Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, December 1, 3, and 5, and Part III is Monday, Wednesday and Friday, December 8, 10, 12. All classes run from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. Each weekly part is just $10, or $30 for the entire program. Participants may register for one, two or all three parts. Advanced registration is requested, but not necessary.

Diana Martin is a local artist who spent a good part of the past two decades doing commissioned artwork, including a series of 36 baseball cards for Chicle Fantasy Company that was featured in Sports Illustrated. She teaches drawing and painting both privately and through organizations such as the Keenan Arts Center and GCC. Diana's studio, "The Drawing Room" is located at 936 Gwinn Street, just a short stroll from the Medina Campus Center.

Through her interest in taking computer classes from Genesee, a serendipitous arrangement of also teaching drawing developed. "There is such a wonderful group of people at the Medina Campus Center and the atmosphere is so positive that I am happy to be offering drawing classes and helping people with their own way of seeing the world," Diana said. "Sharing a vision of the world is a fantastic learning and growing experience for everyone."

For further information, or to pre-register, call the Medina Campus Center at 585-798-1688.

Rainy days make for good reading

By Philip Anselmo

Rainy days and chilly mornings don't make for garden walk weather. That's fine. Richmond Memorial Library has got you covered. Wednesday is a bit of a double feature at the library on Ross Street.

Author E. Robert Fussell will be stopping by in the afternoon for the next session of Books Sandiwched In, the library's literary lunchtime book chat. Fussell is the editor of Unbridled Cowboy, which is based on his grandfather's memoirs.

Anyone interested in hearing more about that book can stop by the library's Gallery Room at 12:10pm. The session runs until 1:00pm, and folks are encouraged to bring their lunch. Coffee, tea and cookies will be provided. This event is free, and all are welcome. Call (585) 343-9550 for more information.


Then, in the evening, the library will host its 100th Anniversary Celebration of Anne of Green Gables, from 6:00 to 8:00pm in the Gallery Room.

Activities for this event include a cookie baking contest, an old-time spelling bee starting at 6:00 p.m. and an intergenerational book discussion at 7:00 p.m.  Copies of the book are available at the front desk.  For information on the cookie contest and the spelling bee, please stop by the library or call (585) 343-9550, ext. 4.

Visit the library's Web site to find out more about these and other upcoming events.

Fall classes and programs at the Cornell Cooperative Extension

By Philip Anselmo

From the Cornell Cooperative Extension:
 
October 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Unwanted Pharmaceuticals Collection. Pavilion Fire Department, 11310 S. Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), Pavilion (1 mile south of Route 63). Residents will be able to dispose of unwanted, outdated and unused medicines, both prescription and over the counter drugs, FREE OF CHARGE and anonymously. Appointments are NOT required for this event. Residents from Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming Counties are eligible to participate. Sponsored by GLOW Solid Waste 1-800-836-1154.
 
October 6th through October 11th - National 4-H Week. 4-H is the only youth development program directly connected to the technological advances and latest research of Cornell University. 4 H members learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on projects in science, engineering and technology, healthy living, or citizenship. 4-H is one of the largest youth development organizations in America with more than 6.5 million young people ages 5-19, 538,000 volunteers, 3,500 staff and 60 million alumni. Learn more about the 4-H adventure at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.
 
October 7th at 5:30 p.m. - Achievement Night and Volunteer Recognition Event. Held at the Kennedy Building located on the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5 in Batavia. This is the perfect time to see what the best kept secret in Genesee County is all about. Join the 4-H youth, dedicated volunteers, and staff as they recognize the accomplishments of the past year.

October 9th at 6p.m. - Coffee and Dessert Series: “Putting Your Garden to Bed”. Held at the Extension Building. Your gardening tasks do not end with that killing frost.  There are many things you can do in your garden to assure gardening success next spring.  Let the Master Gardeners share their knowledge and tips with you. Other titles in the series include Spring Flowering Bulbs and Winter Birds. Cost is $10 per class and limited to fifteen participants per class. Pre-register at the Extension Center, 420 East Main Street in Batavia, visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu, or contact Gail Culver at 343-3040, ext. 132 for more information.
 
October 16th from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Anti-Rabies Immunization Clinic. LeRoy Village Highway Garage.  Offered by the Genesee County Department of Health. A $5 voluntary donation per dog, cat or ferret is requested to offset clinic expenses.
 
October 15th. Leadership Genesee Applications Deadline for 2009 – Applications are currently being accepted for the Class of 2009.  Application deadline is October 15th. For more information or to obtain an application, contact Program Coordinator Peggy Marone at 343-3040, ext. 118, stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia or visit the website http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu.
 
October 18 - Agriculture Career Camp - Careers Related to the Viticulture Industry & Field Crop Farms. This is the second in a series of opportunities for 7th - 12th graders to explore the many careers that agriculture provides. The cost is $5 per session or $30 for all seven sessions. To register or for more details contact the CCE Ontario County office at 585-394-3977 x 427. Or visit http://fusiongrant.org and click on "Ag Career Camp".
 
October 20th at 5:00 p.m. – Board of Directors Finance Committee Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
Tuesdays through October 21st - Positive Parenting Series – 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. The next series will begin November 4th. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
October 23rd at 6p.m. - Coffee and Dessert Series: “Spring Flowering Bulbs”. Held at the Extension Building.  Do you know when and how deep to plant your tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, etc.  What is the latest you can plant your spring flowering bulbs?  This program will give you the “ins and outs” of spring flowering bulbs. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and some dessert while learning about your spring garden! “Winter Birds” will be offered November 6th. Cost is $10 per class and limited to fifteen participants per class. Pre-register at the Extension Center, 420 East Main Street in Batavia, visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu, or contact Gail Culver at 343-3040, ext. 132 for more information.
 
Thursdays, October 2nd through November 13th - Positive Parenting Series – times vary. Held at the First Baptist Church - 5 East Main St. in LeRoy .  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
October 28th from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. Achieving Greener Communities through Civic, Private and Government Sector Innovation. Held at the Genesee River Restaurant, Mt. Morris, NY. This one-day conference of the Rural Learning Network of Central and Western New York will explore: The roles of local/regional/state governments, The contributions of citizens, civic organizations and public and private entities, The roles of research and innovation, The interrelationships among energy, land use, and climate change issues. For more information contact Jan at 585-343-3040 ext. 126 or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
Fridays through October 31st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Extension Educators at the Farmers’ Market.  Extension educators will be at the market Fridays throughout the summer and fall to offer hands on activities, food samples, soil testing and to answer any of your gardening, agriculture, 4-H and Youth Development or Nutrition questions. For a complete schedule of educators at the market call 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
November 6th at 6 p.m. - Coffee and Dessert Series: “Winter Birds”.  Held at the Extension Building. This presentation is back by popular demand. Did you know that there will be different birds at your feeders during the winter months?  Do you know that to feed them or how to identify them?  Let our “birding” expert, Jan Beglinger give you in-depth information on this subject, while you enjoy coffee and dessert. Cost is $10 per class and limited to fifteen participants per class. Pre-register at the Extension Center, 420 East Main Street in Batavia, visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu, or contact Gail Culver at 343-3040, ext. 132 for more information.
 
November 10th at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
November 10th, November 12th, November 17th, November 19th, November 24th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Spanish For (Ag) Working People. Instructed by Camy Sorbello. Learn enough Spanish in ten hours to improve communication with your Spanish-speaking agricultural employees. English-speaking managers & co-workers learn enough job-oriented basic Spanish that allows them to greatly improve job performance, workplace quality & business functioning. Camy's teaching method is suited to people who have little time to learn Spanish, as she uses simple phrases & a non-grammatical approach, with an emphasis on the words & language customarily used in each specific business or job function. Camy is a professional Spanish translator. To ensure the best learning experience, we will have a maximum of 20 participants. Cost is $125 per person (includes handouts). Register by November 3rd by calling 585-343-3040 ext 126 or stopping by the Extension office at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
December 4th at 6 p.m. Holiday Greens Workshop.  Join Consumer Horticulture Educator Gail Culver and the Master Gardeners for a fun-filled hands-on holiday greens workshop. Participants will  be able to make a Holiday Wreath or Holiday Centerpiece. This workshop will be held at the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5 in  Batavia. Cost is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. Contact Consumer Horticulture Educator Gail Culver at (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia or log on to http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.
 
December 9 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Agribusiness Economic Outlook Conference. Held at Cornell University, Kennedy Hall - David L. Call Alumni Auditorium. This year's conference will explore the theme of improved market access for New York farmers. The opening session, which will begin at 10 am, will examine emerging trends toward demand for local and regional food systems and emerging marketing and business opportunities in more distant markets. The theme of this portion of the program is Market Access for NYS Producers: Local and Long Distance Dimensions. For more information contact Jan Beglinger at 585-343-3040 ext. 126 or stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
2009 Agriculture Enrollment - This service provides subscribers with up-to-date information on trends in the agricultural sector by utilizing research-based knowledge from Cornell University. Included in this service, at no charge, are direct mailings of “emergency information” for commodities of interest to you and voting privileges at the Extension Association’s annual meeting to determine organization leadership. The deadline for enrollment in the 2009 agriculture information service is February 1, 2009.  Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at (585) 343-3040 ext. 126 or visit the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia for more information and enrollment packets.
 
4-H Participants - Please check the Extension website and refer to the monthly calendar for new and on-going events and deadlines. If you are interested in joining the 4-H program contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Eat SMART New York – This free, confidential program for food stamp participants and limited income individuals and families explores parenting strategies, healthy meal options, and ways to stretch food dollars.  For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the nutrition and parenting education program at 343-3040, ext. 134 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Master Gardeners – Get answers on everything from landscaping to pest management.  Free service. Call 343-3040, ext. 127, 10 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday or e-mail geneseemg@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Home Diagnostic Service – Genesee County Master Gardeners conduct on-site visits to diagnose plant and pest problems, test soil pH, advise homeowners on gardening practices and more.  Cost is $25 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour.  Fee includes informational packets, soil testing and diagnostic results. To schedule an appointment, contact Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Speakers’ Bureau – Providing talks on a variety of topics, such as wildlife, local bird life, organic gardening, landscaping and more.  Programs can be tailored to meet audience needs.  Fee is $50, or $25 for non-profits in Genesee and surrounding counties.  For more information call Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.

State considering turning School for Blind over to private enterprise

By Howard B. Owens

The D&C reports that the New York's Education Department is considering turning Batavia's historic School for the Blind into a private institution because the state cannot adequately run the institution.

The state Board of Regents will decide next week whether to seek letters of interest from private operators who could run the Batavia school. The change would require approval from the state Legislature and governor.

No recommendations have been made yet, said Rebecca Cort, a deputy commissioner.

"We do want to reassure people that we are not looking to close this school," she said. "In fact, it's just the opposite. We are trying to look long term and say, 'How do we continue to ensure the viability of a very viable program?'"

The 140-year-old institution's enrollment was once as high as 300 but is now just over 50. The population has declined largely because school districts have adapted to federal and state laws that require special-education students be mainstreamed into regular classrooms when possible.

The LoHud.com version of the story contains this:

Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, R-Batavia, said he is also trying to publicize the school. As for privatization, "I'm not sure that that's necessarily the route that we need to take at this point."

The school has about 150 state employees and a $10.3 million annual operating budget. It is one of two state-run schools. The other is the School for the Deaf in Rome, Oneida County.

On Tuesday, the Regents will discuss a report on the school by the Education Transformation Group. ETG, which was hired by the state, recommended operating a seven-day program and expanding admissions criteria to include students who are developmentally disabled and have a sensory impairment (vision and/or hearing loss) that makes it difficult to succeed in a regular classroom.

ETG is recommending the institution be privatized and become a state-approved school. Doing so would provide greater flexibility in who could be admitted, the report said.

The school was founded in 1868 largely to help Civil War veterans learn new skills. Here's a 1995 New York Times story that goes into some detail on the school's facilities and results.

Richmond Memorial Library: Classes this fall to get the most out of your computer

By Philip Anselmo

Richmond Memorial Library will offer several free classes this fall to help folks get the most out of their computer, whether they're looking to bone up onthe family history, spruce up their photography or turn their junk into cash. There are some real worthwhile opportunities here, so be sure to take advatage.

There is no cost to attend the classes. They will be held at the library at 19 Ross St. in Batavia. Call the library at (585) 343-9550, and dial 3 to register for the classes.

Classes:

Genealogy and Family History on the Internet - See some of the sources available online to assist you with your genealogical researach. Find access to census records, military records, passenger  and immigration lists, and even charts to record your infomation.  This is a three-part series. Taught by Kathleen Facer.
Tuesdays, September 30, October 7 & October 14 at 6 PM.


Digital Photography - "Everything you wanted to know about digital photography - because you asked." Bring your own camera and ask questions. Find out how to save, preserve, and arrange digital photos on your computer as well as looking at various options for viewing, including printing and slide shows. Taught by Jim DeLooze.
Monday, October 27 at 6:30 PM.


Buying and Selling on Ebay - Learn the ins and outs of buying and selling on Ebay.  Taught by Veronica Frost of Genesee County Job Development Bureau.
Tuesday, October 28 at 6 PM.


Upgrade vs. Repair - Should you buy a new computer or just update/repair the one you have? Learn the things to consider when making this potentially costly decision. Learn some of the software issues to consider, and don't forget the impact of antivirus and firewall software. Taught by Paul McCullough.
Monday, November 17 at 6 PM.

All class information provided by Richmond Memorial Library.

Home schooling at Richmond Memorial Library

By Philip Anselmo

Gensee County home schoolers can look to their local library as a central resource in their education this coming school year. Richmond Memorial Library has countless books and magazines for teachers that any parent, any patron, can check out and incorporate into their routine. This fall, the library will show itself ever more valuable as it kicks of a series of weekly home school programs hosted on site. Children ages 8-14 can participate in the hour-long classes that range in topic from United States geography to recycling and enivironmental awareness. Students interested in participating in the courses must register by September 26. Classes begin October 2.

Schedule of programs:

  • October 2: Getting to know your library resources.
  • October 9: Ecology. Read and discuss, The World that Jack Built, by Ruth Brown. Learn how to recycle envelopes.
  • October 16: Ecology. Read and discuss, The Great Trash Bash, by Loreen Leedy.
  • October 23: Ecology. Environmental Awareness Project: Write a classified ad inviting Community members to participate in a cleaner environment.
  • October 30: Ecology. Design and make an Earth Friendly bag.
  • November 6: Fifty Nifty United States. Part One: Music activity & research a state.
  • November 13: Fifty Nifty United States Part Two: Complete state report.
  • November 20: Just for fun. Learn the history and nutritional value of peanut butter. Make Homemade Peanut butter to take home!
  • December 4: Measurement. Part One: Read and discuss, How Big is a Foot?, by Rolf Myller. Decorate a ruler and measure away!
  • December 11: Measurement. Part Two: Using graph paper we will make a scale plan based on your measurements!
  • December 18: Holiday Craft and Party.

Contact Children's Librarian Sandra Gillard at (585) 345-9550 for more information. And, as always, be sure to check out the library's Children's Room blog and Web site for more fun facts and stories than you'll know what to do with.

Genesee Community College: Number 19 in "What Made Genesee County Famous"

By Philip Anselmo

Genesee Community College lands at Number 19 in the Holland Land Office Museum's countdown of "The Twenty-Five Things That Made Genesee County Famous." Museum Director Pat Weissend tells us that when the county first imagined building a community college — back in the early 1960s — county leaders had little hope that it would ever be a success. In fact, explains Weissend, the Board of Supervisors at the time didn't think enrollment would ever exceed 75 students!

Along came the Batavia Area Jaycees, who were a little dubious of the results, and they put  together a survey of their own. Here's what they found out:

1.        A community desire for a two year college

2.        The need for a community college

3.        The financial ability to support the college

4.        Favorable economic growth in the region

5.        Population Increase

6.        A sufficient student population for a college

When the first classrooms opened in September, 1967, the first class numbered 378 full-time and 243 part-time students. Today, there are about 6,500 students enrolled at the institution that now offers nearly 60 degrees and certifcates.

Visit the Holland Land Office Museum Web site for more information on Genesee Community College and the other things that made Genesee County Famous.

Pavilion teacher wins award

By Philip Anselmo

Pavilion Central School Pre-K teacher Betsy Collins was honored with the Partners in Education Award, the first of its kind bestowed by the students of Genesee Community College's Teacher Education program.

Students in the program nominated teachers as a way to recognize not only the important work teachers do in individual classrooms, but also the tremendous mentoring service they provide for future teachers.

"The mentorship students receive in these teachers' classrooms provides a relevant real-life experience that not only helps our pre-service teachers learn and practice valuable skills but also assists them in formalizing their decision and commitment to becoming a teacher," said Christine Belongia, Genesee's Teacher Education program coordinator. "We are so grateful to each and every teacher who generously opens his or her classroom to our students. The educational benefit is immeasurable!"

Call Christine Belongia at (585) 343-0055 ext.6278 for more information about GCC's teacher education.

Patrick Burk will head up School Boards Institute

By Philip Anselmo

Congratulations are in order for one of our favorite guest posters: Patrick Burk, president of the City of Batavia Board of Education.

Patrick was recently elected as the president of the Genesee Valley School Boards Institute, a nine county organization that represents over 70 upstate school districts.

From the press release:

The purpose of the organization is to promote and train school district support personnel in the areas of Food Service, Transportation, Teacher Aides, Safety & Security, Educational Clerical and Facilities. Training Conferences are held annually in these areas in the nine county area.

"I am pleased to once again be serving nine counties in Western New York as we strive to continually train our educational support employees," Burk stated. "It is by far an honor to be chosen to represent our member districts. This is just one way that we all can work together to improve and enhance our districts."

Schools driving Batavia's economic growth

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia's public schools are helping to drive local economic growth, according to observations by Ann Flynn, director of education technology programs for the National School Board Association.

Flynn was recently in Batavia and made these observations:

In driving around the community, I noticed that new commercial development was underway and after meeting the students, teachers, district staff, and board members, it was clear how the quality of the district's schools must surely contribute to that growth. Sixty-seven educators from 10 states joined me last week to gain a deeper understanding about how Batavia developed its vision and found the funding to create student-centered classrooms. A great example was seen during the visit to a middle school social studies class that had students working in three areas of the room: one group completing work sheets by listening to pre-assigned segments of campaign speeches on iPods; another group using an interactive white board with the instructor; and the remaining students working in pairs on a WebQuest with computers located in the rear of the room.

Throughout the visit, we saw excited, engaged students focused on their assigned tasks that encouraged them to think rather than simply recite facts. Although many factors impact an area's economic well being, the visit to Batavia, reminded me how critical it is for school board members to understand the role public schools play in a community's long-term economic health. It is evident that the city of Batavia is now reaping the benefits from years of thoughtful planning by school leaders.

One of the things that excited us about launching The Batavian in Batavia is the strong sense of economic vitality.  If the schools are helping to drive that, all the better for the community's long-term economic health. 

We certainly believe in education.  Education not only helps create entrepreneurs and a talented work force, but it also leads to a better engaged citizenry.  These are the things that make a community strong.

 

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