Superintendent DeBarbieri's announcements for February 9, 2024

February 9, 2024

Dear Parents, Guardians and Staff, 

Happy Friday! I hope you are enjoying the sunshine and spring-like weather! I wanted to remind families that we are one week away from February Break. There is no school for students from Monday, February 19th to Friday, February 23rd. District offices will be closed on Monday, February 19th. 

I have a few announcements to share with you today:

Transportation Request: 

As we approach February break, we are facing a shortage of bus drivers due to medical leave and other absences. In an effort to ensure all students are transported to and from school in a timely fashion, we are asking parents and guardians for help on Thursday and Friday. If you are able to transport your child to and from school on February 15th and 16th, it would shorten our bus runs and help alleviate some issues caused by our reduced staff. If this is possible, please alert us by giving a note to your child’s bus driver. We do appreciate your help! 

We are continuing to hire in our Transportation Department. Please spread the word with your friends and family. Visit our human resources website to apply. 

BTAP tickets available now:

The Baldwinsville Theater Arts Program will present the senior production of Roald Dahl's "Matilda" the musical in March. The show opens on Thursday, March 7th and runs until Sunday, March 10th. Online tickets are available now at www.bvilletheater.com. Please use a desktop or laptop computer to order tickets as phones and tablets do not allow you to choose your seats. Tickets are no cost to the public. No online fees are assessed for free tickets. Learn more on our website. 

PRHYLI students honored: 

Two Baldwinsville students who were selected to serve as Syracuse delegates at the 2024 Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PRHYLI) were recently honored with leadership roles. 

Sofia Beck, a senior, was selected to serve in a specialty role as the Assistant Clerk (Democrats) at the PRHYLI Institute Mock Assembly in Albany, which will be held on March 9th to 11th. Kairi Rodriguez, a junior, and Isabella Clark, a senior, will also be representing the Syracuse delegation at the Mock Assembly.

Isabella Clark was named “Senior Delegate of the Year.” She will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. in June 2024. “Senior Delegate of the Year” is an esteemed role and recognizes Isabella’ commitment to making a positive impact and dedication to civic engagement. 

I am incredibly proud of these student leaders. These are both well-deserved honors for Isabella and Sofia! Congratulations!

Retirement: 

Elden Elementary School Principal Thomas J. Coughlin recently announced his retirement. He will retire at the end of this school year. Principal Coughlin has served as Elden's principal since the 2016-1017 school year. We congratulate Principal Coughlin on his upcoming retirement and wish him well. He will be dearly missed! 

Athletic Update: 

Congratulations to our Boys Indoor Track and Field Team who won the Section III Class AA Championship for the third consecutive year! 

Congratulations goes out to the following Boys and Girls Indoor Track and Field athletes: 

• Ryan Wilson placed first in the 3200 run (09:56.25)

• Paul Clark, Ryan Wilson, Zachary Arria and Noah Covert placed first in the 3,200 relay (1:32.35)

• Douglas Clark placed first in the Pole Vault (10-6)

• Camden Davis placed first in the Weight Throw (48-05)

• Kelsey Dwyer placed first in the Pole Vault (9-06) (personal record)

• Julianna Gingrich placed first in the Shot Put (33-02)

Sectional action continues this weekend and next week. Electronic ticketing is in effect for the following games:

• Boys Wrestling Sectionals are at the SRC Arena at OCC this Saturday, February 10th. Wrestling starts at 9:30 a.m. 

• Boys Diving Sectionals are at the Nottingham High School pool on Saturday, February 10th. Diving starts at 9:30 a.m. 

• Girls Bowling Sectionals are at the Flamingo Bowl in Liverpool on Sunday, February 11th. Bowling starts at 9 a.m. 

• Boys Diving State Quals are at the Nottingham High School pool on Tuesday, February 13. Diving starts at 2:30 p.m. 

• Boys Swim Sectionals are at the Nottingham High School pool on Wednesday, February 14th. Swimming starts at 9:30 a.m.   

• Boys & Girls Indoor Track & Field State Quals are at SRC Arena at OCC on Wednesday, February 14. The meet starts at 4 p.m. 

• Boys Diving State Quals are at the Nottingham High School pool on Friday, February 16th. Swimming starts at 2:30 p.m. 

Go Bees! 

Please continue to check ParentSquare, your email and our website, for important updates. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Dr. Joseph M. DeBarbieri
Superintendent of Schools