More than 200 people attended the Batavia Kiwanis Club's auction and gala to raise funds for the Child Advocacy Center at Batavia Downs.

There were certainly a lot of laughs and some great deals were struck at the auction, which brought in more than $15,000.

The few somber minutes of the evening where just before the live auction when a video about the Child Advocacy Center turned the talkative room quiet. Watch the video below. It will give you a good idea of what the CAC is all about.

If you're unable to view the slide show below, click here.

A chimney fire is reported at 7392 Alleghany Road, Alabama.

An Alabama chief is on scene and may have discovered the fire.

Alabama fire units responding.

UPDATE 1:17 p.m.: Chief on scene believes he's got the fire knocked down. Alabama engines in route.

UPDATE 1:27 p.m.: Alabama fire back in service.

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There are possibly two people injured following an ATV accident in the area of 1780 Sumner Road, Darien.

Darien Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 1:23 p.m.: Darien's ambulance is transporting one patient to Strong. The other person did not require transport to a hospital. Darien Fire back in service.

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: Darien ambulance rerouting to UMMC.

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Coming off two disappointing seasons and starting the 2011 season 0-2, it would be easy to dismiss a game against Oakfield-Alabama as a bye week, but as any coach in the Genesee Region will tell you, there's no squad in the league that can be taken lightly.

There's no telling if the Fighting Irish took the Hornets a little less than serious coming into Friday night's league match-up, but O-A's young players certainly made a game of it.

The final score was 29-14, but the Hornets were never really out of it until the final minutes, and at the half looked like a team that could spoil Notre Dame's early season perfect record.

"They're very well coached," said Notre Dame's head Coach Rick Mancuso. "Brian (Palone) is doing a great job. That (Tommy) Manzella kid is a terrific quarterback. They're tough, there's no doubt about it. They spread you out all over, they throw the ball. I give them all the credit in the world. I thought they played very well tonight."

Palone said his team is young. They let the game get away from them when Nate Woods returned a punt 50 yards for a TD, making the score 15-14 following a two-point conversion.

"That changed the momentum," Palone said.

While Manzella showed he could still march his offense down the field -- he passed for 192 yards on the night on 27 completions -- the Hornets couldn't finish the deal in the red zone.

"Overall I fell like we were right in there," Palone said. "Our kids were fighting hard just like we ask them -- 'give 110 percent.' We’ve got a lot of sophomores out there. We’re just very young this year, so we’re going to make mistakes, but we’re just going to learn from our mistakes and improve."

The scoring started in the first quarter when Nick Taylor capped a Notre Dame drive with a 16-yard run.

But O-A's no-huddle offensive helped the Hornets get the momentum back and the defense was being pretty stingy, twice intercepting Tim McCulley.

Two O-A drives in the second quarter ended in TDs -- a three-yard run by Manzella and a two-yard pass by Manzella to Chris Nanni.

By the fourth quarter, Notre Dame's running game was nearly unstoppable. 

Taylor finished the game with 87 yards on the ground on 17 carries. Nick Conklin had 82 yards rushing on 11 carries.

ND's two fourth-quarter TDs were a five-yard run by Taylor and Woods hauling in a 25-yard pass from McCulley.

McCulley finished with 107 in the air on 16 completions.

Mancuso said his young team played two great quarters to start each of their previous games and then "sort of frittered it away" in second halfs, but Friday the team played better in the second half than the first.

"With a young group of kids like we've got, that's what you expect," Mancuso said. "I want to get us to the point where we're playing four full quarters of football."

As for O-A, which was shut out three times in 2010 on its way to a 0-7 season, following a 2-5 campaign in 2009, Coach Palone is disappointed in his team's 0-3 start, but he said he's seeing progress for the Hornets.

"I feel like this program is heading in the right direction," Palone said. "Every day and each and every game you can see that we’re improving. We’re hanging right in there with these teams now, where last year and the year before we weren’t right in there with the games. They were breaking the games wide open. This year, we're right there."

Prior to 1961, Batavia High's graduating classes held their commencement ceremony at Mancuso Theater, but in 1961, with a new high school built, school officials told the Class of ' 61 that its graduation would be at the new facility. 

There was talk of protest then, but it took the class a half century to actually pull it off.

As part of the class's 50th Reunion, class members walked from Batavia Middle School to the former Mancuso Theater, now City Church, and held a ceremonial commencement with current BHS Principal Christopher Dailey handing Jim Owen back his original diploma as a symbolic graduation. Dailey then delivered the same commencement speech delivered to the Class of 2011.

As I was leaving Le Roy yesterday, I saw this crop-duster flying over a field off Route 5.

In Le Roy for a bit yesterday afternoon, and I went down to Oatka Creek and saw an opportunity to snap this picture.

A suspect in one of the alleged burglaries over the summer in Batavia has been arrested, but police say the 55-year-old Batavia resident is not a suspect in other burglaries.

Paul C. Wapniewski was taken into custody following an investigation and indictment by the Grand Jury.

Wapniewski, a resident of 410 Ellicott St., Batavia, is accused of breaking into Delavan's Restaurant, 107 Evans St., on May 6.

Following arraignment in Genesee County Court, Wapniewski was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

He was charged with burglary, 3rd, criminal mischief, 2nd, and petit larceny.

There have been at least 10 other burglaries of businesses in the city this summer, but police say Wapniewski is not a suspect in those crimes.

Erin Nicole Richley, 20, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th.  Richley is accused of stealing more than $1,000 from Darien Lake Theme Park while employed there.

Kiwanis members in Batavia have compiled more than 200 items that will be auctioned off Saturday at Batavia Downs to help raise funds for the Child Advocacy Center.

The center provides assistance to children who are victims of sexual or physical abuse and helps with the investigation and prosecution of such crimes.

Kiwanis has set an ambition goal of raising $150,000 to help the CAC move into a non-rental location as a cost-saving measure in an era of tighter budgets and reductions in state and federal grants.

(See previous story).

Tickets for the event Saturday are $40 per person or $75 per couple. The event starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are available at the door.

After a jump, a list of the items available at the auction.

Bidding on a Brighter Future Gala 6 p.m. Sept. 17, 2011

1. Picnic Basket (Misc.) donated by gflannery -- value $25
2. Champagne Christmas basket donated by gflannery -- value $25
3. Christmas Basket and Delevan’s GC -- value $45
4. Music Basket (limited CD, Harmonica, etc.) by GF -- value $30
5. Precious Moment Basket donated by GF -- value $30
6. Christmas Basket donated by GF -- value $25
7. Christmas Plate/Sweet Esctacy Gift Certificate -- value $35
8. Misc. Kids Basket/$50 bond donated by First Niagara -- value $15
9. Valentine Basket donated by GF value $20
10. Misc. Kids Basket donated by CAC -- value $20
11. Misc. Kids Basket donated by GF -- value $15
12. Misc. Kids Basket donated byGF -- value $25
13. Points of Harmony Acupuncture Gift Certificate and basket -- value $60
14. Misc. Kids basket donated by CAC -- value $20
15. Precious Moments Basket donated by GF -- value $30
16. Photo Album/Candle/Precious Moments/misc. by GF -- value $25
17. Red Hatter Bear/Mother Basket/$20 Delevans GC -- value $40
18. Misc. Kids Basket donated by GF -- value $20
19. Misc. Kids Basket donated by CAC -- value $20
20. Misc Kids Basket donated byCAC -- value $15
21. Man's gift set mug/beer/hat/Buck knife donated by MF -- value $35
22. Misc. Kids Basket donated by CAC -- value $15
23. Misc. Kids Basket donated by CAC -- value $15
24. Precious Moments Basket donated by GF -- value $40
25. Precious Moments Basket donated by GF -- value $25
26. Precious Moments Basket donated by GF -- value $35
27. Princess Basket donated by GF -- value $20
28. Misc. Kids Basket donated by Flannery’s -- value $25
29. Pet Basket donated by Golden Oak Kennels -- value $75
30. Christmas Basket -- value $15
31. Longaberger Basket -- value $35
32. GCC Basket mugs/shirt -- value $25
33. Picnic Basket -- value $30
34. Fairy Basket -- value $15
35. Wine/Snacks -- value $35
36. Tastefully Simple donated by Deborah Snyder -- value $75
37. Buffalo Bills Basket
38. Chamilia Bracelet donated by Valle Jewelers -- value $115
39. 26” Men’s Mongoose Bike donated by Andre Dunlap NYSP -- value $200
40. Child Rocking Chair donated by Solar Giant -- value $30
41. Child Rocking Chair -- value $30
42. Child Rocking Chair -- value $30
43. Bank of Castile Snack Basket -- value $100
44. Hilton Head House, S.C. -- one week Nov. 5-12 -- value $7,000
45. Sea Glass Tower condo -- one week -- value $1,348
46. Carolina Grande Condo -- one week -- value $1,404
47. Country Comforts B & B, Keuka Lake -- one night -- value $115
48. Deep Blue Pool and Spa -- 4 person -- value $8,000
49. Seneca Niagara Casino bus trip and $35 free play for two -- value $130
50. Free Weight Machine donated by Affordable Floorcovering -- value $450
51. Beaded necklace and bracelet set donated by Batavia Peace Garden
52. Photography Gift Certificate -- value $150, donated by Robert Knipe
53. Bill's Auto: one-week stay at 5 bedroom, 3 bath condo in Myrtle Beach
54. D and R Depot -- 2 chicken pot pies every week for a year!
55. Pancake Breakfast Basket donated by Donna Lougheed -- value $40
56. Chest of lottery tickets, Gen. Co. Clerk's office staff  -- value $25
57. Cooler items donated by Bivona Child Advocacy Center -- value $40
58. Sofa donated by Max Pies
59. Seneca Niagara Casino bus trip and $35 free play for two -- value $130
60. YMCA membership 3-month membership
61. Stay and Play from Batavia Downs food/free play
62. Basket donated by Country Cottage
63. Shop Vac from Donna Ferry -- value $75
64. Party Lite basket from Tara Pariso -- value $50
65. Hardcor Audio -- car starter $270
66. Keurig coffeemaker and 4 boxes of coffee -- value $158
67. Wine/Cheese/Food basket
68. Wine/Cheese/Food basket
69. Wine/Cheese/Food basket
70. Wine/Cheese/Food basket
71. Terry Hills Golf 18 hole, Greens fee for two --  value $90
72. Terry Hills Golf 18 hole, Greens fee for two -- value $90
73. Vintage purse/Valle Jewelery donated by Larry -- value $150
74. Billy Idol album donated by Larry -- value $50
75. Mark Sanchez frame donated by Gary Maha -- value $300
76. Handmade jewelry donated by Mary Pat Magde -- value $100
77. Little Girls Birthday Party donated by From Toes to Bows -- value $40
78. Golf Bag donated by Waste Management -- value $150
79. Wine/Candle Basket -- value $40
80. First Birthday -- value $15
81. Wine/Glasses -- value $35
82. Sport Basket/Digital photo value$40
83. Deluxe Car Basket Donated by Ed Minardo -- value $70
84. Cooking Basket -- value $20
85. Christmas Basket -- value $20
86. Summer Pack -- value $20
87. Christmas Basket -- value $20
88. Salad Bowl -- value $20
89. Child Basket -- value $20
90. Eight bottles wine -- value $100
91. Johnson Guitar donated by Larry Friedman -- value $70
92. Adam Miller Basket -- value $ 30
93. Flower Basket donated by Pavilion, Leroy, Stafford Kiwanis -- value $30
94. Golf pack donated by Mike Flannery -- value $30
95. Wine Basket -- value $30
96. Baby Basket with personalized baby announcement frame -- value $80
97. Wine/Cake Basket donated by Frank Ciaccia -- value $100
98. Back-to-School Basket with Microscope -- value $ 50
99. Paris Hilton Bag donated by Days -- value $100
100. Guys T-Shirt and Beer Basket donated by Eastown Bev -- value $50
101. School Supply Basket donated by Judy Lamanna -- value $50
102. Christmas Mugs -- value $20
103. Garden Bag -- value $25
104. Snowman Basket -- value $ 30
105. Coffee/Chocolate Basket by Ler, Staff, Pav Kiwanis -- value $35
106. Girls night out by Ler, Staff, Pavilion Kiwanis -- value $60
107. The Color Salon Basket -- value $50
108. Chocolate/Wine Wyo. Co. DSS -- value $100
109. Godiva Basket donated by Boshart -- value $100
110. Lottery Ticket and $50 bill donated by Pat Corona -- value $52
111. Bathroom makeover gift basket from Sonya G. -- value $40
112. Victorinox Knife Set from Batavia Resturant Supply -- value $58
113. Harley Davidson Basket from Stan’s H.D. -- value $40
114. Two urns -- value $120
115. Japanese Maple from Pudgie's -- value $89
116. John Hodgins painting value -- $100
117. Chevall Mirror donated by Zeches -- value $89
118. Wine refrigerator from John Forsyth CPA -- value $800
119. Wortzman Sofa
120. four prints of Roy Mason paintings framed, from Pacinos
121. Five small gardens -- value $50
122. One large lamp from Attica Furniture -- value $150
123. Floor mirror donated by Mike and Norma Day -- value $300
124. School Basket donated by Santy's -- value $25
125. Delta Sonic donated by Santy's -- value $60
126. Handmade pottery donated by Practical Potter -- value $40
127. B&B Liquor w/glasses donated by Joan Ferry -- value $25
128. Breakfast Basket donated by Donna Ferry -- value $35.00
129. Perry Farmer’s Market by Megan Hauser -- value $25.00
130. Large dog bed donated by ARC -- value -- $60
131. Wine tray and chocolates donated by Donna Ferry -- value $50
132. Hand-painted glasses Stabell Studios -- value $50
133. Box of 25 cigars -- value $135
134. Godiva Chocolate Liquor, Tequila Rose w/chocolate – Joan Ferry -- value   $40
135. Dog Lover’s Bag from Donna Ferry -- value $35
136. Candle Basket  from Joan Ferry -- value $35
137. Terry Hills greens fees for 4 -- value $180
138. Gas grill w/cover Lowe's -- value $200
139. Bill’s merch. Donated by Oakfield M&T Bank -- value $50
140. Oliver's chocolate basket -- value $30
141. Four box suite seats for Buffalo Sabers game in Nov. 11 or March 12 -- value $500
142. One-year membership to BJ’s Wholesale Club
143. Fountain of Youth Organics gift bag w/kids art supplies
144. Gift basket of 31 bags donated by Greta Barnet -- value $48
145. Baking basket -- Pacinos -- valued at $25
146. Gevalia Coffeemaker and accessories donated by Days Inn -- value $50
147. Christmas lap quilt donated by Caroline Milligan -- value $200
148. Cathedral window lap quilt donated by Caroline Milligan -- value $250
149. Certificate for a handmade memory quilt donated by Caroline Milligan -- value $100
150. Original watercolor by Lucy Norton, Notre Dame student, value -- $50
151. Car detail kit -- value $50
152. (2) Treasures of Batavia Photos donated by St. James church -- value $80
153. Kindle and cover -- donated by Mary Ann Wiater/ Gen. Co. Bar Assoc. -- value 250
154. Tea and cookies -- Pacinos -- value $50
155. Spaghetti dinner -- Pacinos -- $25
156. Wine and sweets -- Pacinos -- value $25
157. Curves Basket -- value $50
158. B. Conable art work
159. B. Conable art work ES
160. Original Lorie Longhany drawing -- value $75
161. Original Lorie Longhany drawing -- value $75
162. Original Lorie Longhany drawing -- value $75
163. Original Lorie Longhany drawing -- value $75
164. Weekend at Beaver River Lodge -- Barry Miller -- value $400
165. ESL promotional items -- value $20
166. Hans Moller Jeweler sterling silver pendant -- value $80
167. YMCA three-month membership
168. Dog bed/grooming basket from DAS PetTails -- value $40

Gift Certificates

1. TF Brown-s -- $20
2. Alabama Hotel -- $25
3. Center Street Smoke House -- $20
4. Alex’s Place -- $25
5. Delevan’s -- $20
6. Spa by Artemis -- $50
7. Genesee Carquest -- $20
8. Village Inn -- two brunches -- $20
9. Darien Lake -- two passes -- $85
10. Rancho Viejo dinner for two -- $30
11. O’Lacy’s -- $20
12. O’Lacy’s -- $20
13. Tops Market -- $20
14. Continental School of Beauty -- $25
15. S & S Limo -- $50 off future rental
16. S & S Limo -- $50 off future rental
17. Batavia Tailors & Cleaners -- $50
18. Carlson's Studio -- $100
19. Sport of Kings -- $10
20. Sport of Kings -- $10
21. Twilight Meadows Restaurant -- $15
22. Twilight Meadows Restaurant -- $15
23. Twilight Meadows Restaurant -- $15
24. Mt. Morris Furniture -- $25
25. S & S Limousines -- $50 off future rental
26. Carlson's Studio -- $100
27. Kravings Kafe -- four $5 off coupons
28. Scooter's Family Restaurant donated by Gui’s -- $10
29. Scooter's Family Restaurant donated by Gui’s -- $10
30. M and M Meats -- $25
31. Radiance Spa -- $80
32. Blue Pearl Yoga -- seven classes -- $70
33. Select Collision Detail -- $175
34. Tops Market Gift Card -- $20
35. Oil Change donated by Santy's -- $30
36. Oil Change donated by Santy's -- $30
37. Bourbon & Burger Co. -- $25
38. First Choice Travel -- $250
39. Hot Head Salon -- $20
40. Red Osier -- $15
41. (3) Mark's Pizzeria gift certs good for one large pizza each
42. (2) Adult passes for Hidden Valley Animal Adventures -- $32
43. Lambert’s Design Jewelers -- $100
44. Larry’s Steakhouse -- $20
45. Gerace’s Hair Care Center -- $25
46. Alex’s Restaurant -- $15
47. The Mane Attraction -- $20
48. JCPenney -- $20
49. Alex’s Restaurant -- $20

A motorcyclist is lying in the roadway with injuries after striking a deer or trying to avoid doing so. The location is 9968 South St. Road in Pavilion, between Black Street and Telephone Road. He is conscious. He apparently "laid the bike down" in an effort to avoid the deer.

Mercy medics are responding along with Pavilion Fire Department. State Troopers are on scene.

UPDATE 1:05 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne from Buffalo and the landing zone will be just north of the accident scene on a knoll.

UPDATE 1:09 p.m.: This is a Batavia-based helicopter than was already in the air and homeward bound when this call came in. It has an ETA of less than 10 minutes to the accident scene.

UPDATE 1:18 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: Mercy Flight is headed to a hospital, didn't catch which one. The road is reopened. All units back in service.

City Fire is being asked to set up a landing zone for Mercy Flight at UMMC.

No word on the nature of the medical emergency.

Mercy Flight has a five- to eight-minute ETA.

UPDATE 11:19 a.m.: The landing zone is being moved to the Little League field.

UPDATE 11:26 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 11:35 a.m.: Mercy Flight is in the air.

Our rose of Sharon bushes range in color from red and white to lavender and red and one is pure white. We started them as small shoots no more than 18 or 20 inches in 2004. Today the largest stretch nearly nine feet. That's not surprising, being that they were planted over heaps of compost.

There was a time when most of the wildlife attracted to the rose of Sharon seemed to be Japanese beetles, which I crushed with relish. As the blooms became more prolific, the visitors became more pleasing to the eye. That was especially the case this year with butterflies, bees and hummingbirds visiting on a regular basis. In the above photo, a pollen-covered bumble bee begins to emerge from a rose of Sharon bloom.

An Eastern tiger swallowtail comes in for a landing... 

and spreads its wings. Don't know if it was gathering nectar or simply taking in the sun's warmth. Maybe both.

We've always enjoyed the rose of Sharon, one reason being they provide color from mid to late summer. Now, with their blooms fading, we know the summer is nearly over and the first frost just around the corner!

An accident at Main and Bank streets in Batavia is reportedly blocking traffic.

There are no injuries reported.

Meanwhile, Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding to an accident on the Thruway in the eastbound lane at mile marker 390 (near the Batavia off-ramp). There are reportedly minor injuries in that accident.

When I did the story on the Batavia Wastewater Treatment Plant I didn't get around to taking a walk on the nature trails off Donahue Road, behind the plant.

The trails are maintained by the treatment plant staff and open to the public for hiking (no hunting, trapping or fishing allowed).

This even, I took Pachuco for a walk and brought my camera along. To give you idea of what's there, here are a few of the photos I took.

Jeffrey J. Cervone, 43, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Cervone is accused of stealing a bottle of Bacardi from Mr. Wine and Liquor at 5 p.m., Wednesday. Cervone reportedly left the scene in a pickup truck, which was later stopped on Lewiston Road by a Sheriff's deputy. Cervone was a passenger in the truck and was placed in Batavia Police custody. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Scott G. Tooley, 26, of 199 S. Main St., Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Tooley is accused of pushing a woman to the ground while she was holding a child. Neither the woman nor the child were injured. The incident was reported at 10 a.m., Tuesday.

Rebecca Nicole Bethune, 22, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Bethune is accused of hitting another person in the head with her fist. The incident was reported at 2:10 a.m., Tuesday.

Jeffrey David Whitmore, 21, of Sandpit Road, Alexander, is charged with menacing. Whitmore is accused of pointing a shotgun at a person during a car repossession. The incident was reported at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday.

Michael Abdullah Jamil, 27, of School Road, Byron, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child, petit larceny and harassment, 2nd. Jamil was arrested following an alleged domestic incident at 5 a.m., Wednesday. Among the accusations are that he disabled a phone in an attempt to prevent a call to police.

A former Batavia resident who has had a few run-ins with the law the past couple of years is back in jail, this time with bail set at $15,000.

Robert J. Eppolito Jr., 29, of 61 Church St., Apt. #2, Le Roy, is being charged with one count of assault, 2nd.

Last night, Le Roy Police responded to multiple calls about a disturbance in the area of Bacon and Lake streets.

Eppolito is accused of striking another person several times on the head and face with his fists, knocking the victim to the ground and then kicking the victim in the face with his foot.

The victim reportedly suffered a possible eye socket fracture.

In September, 2009, Eppolito was accused of having sex in public with a woman and in a separate incident of slamming another woman against a wall.

Eppolito lived in Oakfield at the time.

In June, 2010, Eppolito was accused of endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd, while a resident on Maple Street, Batavia.

This past Monday, law enforcement officials were heard on the scanner chatting about Eppolito being released from jail that day.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the Chris Brown concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday.

Deparis C. Banks, 19, Pelham Road, New Rochelle, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance after being ejected from the venue.  Banks was jailed on $100 bail.

Candise J. McKeiver, 21, Parkway Drive, North Chili, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance after being ejected from the concert.

Passion V. Madlock, 22, Kerns Street, Buffalo, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance while being ejected from the concert.

Nicholas J. Macaluso, 19, Oak Street, Bellmore, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and possession of alcohol with intent to consume after allegedly punching a security guard in the head and being under age 21 in possession of alcohol.

The following people were issued citations for allegedly possessing alcohol under age 21:

Kathryn E. Ziolo, 19, Amsdel Road, Hamburg
Kayleigh J. Forger, 19, Lorric Lane, Spencerport
Paul F. Grabowski, 19, Eaglesfield Way, Fairport
Lauren E. Milione, 19, Wedgewood Road, Newton, Mass.
Michelle A. Kay, 19, Pratt Street, Reading, Mass.
Brandon M. Angelo, 18, Red Hickory Drive, Rochester
Jamie M. Szafranski, 20, Frederick Road, North Tonawanda
Shelby M. Visniesky, 19, Kelvin Drive, Tonawanda
Sarah S. Signorelli, 18, 17th Street, Niagara Falls
Tyler M. Pulli, 18, Upper Mountain Road, Lewiston
Morgan A. R. Chrysler, 18, Mount Hope Road, Lewiston
Crystal L. Jensen, 20, Maple Road, Williamsville
Sean P. Talty, 18, Londonderry Lane, Getzville
Ashley L. Dipietro, 17, Misty Lane, East Amherst
Courtney A. Davis, 18, High Manor Drive, Henrietta
Briana M. Julian, 20, Bronson Hill Road, Avon
Matti M. Kwietniewski, 18, Aldrich Place, Buffalo
Cameron J. Cirincione, 17, Licia Lane, Webster

Earlier this week, Batavia City Schools sent a letter to parents of students at Batavia Middle School notifying them that school has been placed on a "School in Need of Improvement" list by U.S. Department of Education.

This morning, Superintendent Margeret Puzio explained to The Batavian what the letter meant.

As part of "No Child Left Behind," passed in 2001, schools that receive federal aid must ensure certain "subgroups" perform adequately on standardized tests.

Subgroups are groups of students considered disadvantaged, such as students with disabilities, minority students, students who speak English as a second language. 

If a school has 30 or more students qualifying for a subgroup, then the school must meet the standardized test requirements for that subgroup in order to receive continued federal aid.

None of the elementary schools, with only about 300 students each, are large enough that any of the so-called disadvantaged groups have 30 or more students, but the middle school, with 500 students, does.

One such subgroup is students with disabilities.

Within the past year, the state stopped giving schools 34 bonus points on standardized tests for students with disabilities, also the raw score to pass the test has been raised, and the test has been made longer.

Puzio called this a "Bermuda Triangle" for school districts and Batavia isn't alone in falling into the trap.

Because the middle school's students with disabilities subgroup didn't meet the requirements of the standardized tests the last two rounds, the district was required to notify all parents of middle school students that the school is now considered a "School in Need of Improvement."

Also, in order to continue receiving federal aid, called Title I funds, the district must divert some of its Title I money into a program to help disadvantaged students, and in this case help students who are economically disadvantaged.

The district will be required to hire a contractor -- perhaps Sylvan Learning Centers -- to come in and offer tutoring and other help to economically disadvantaged students.

Participation by economically disadvantaged students is optional and entirely up to the parents of the students as to whether their children will participate.