Superintendent's Messages for 2026-2027
Superintendent's Messages for 2026-2027
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Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
How time flies! It’s hard to believe we are already welcoming October. It feels like just yesterday we were opening the doors for the first day of school, and now we have already celebrated the announcement of the Baker’s Dozen, welcomed families to curriculum nights across our schools and our fall athletic teams and marching band are preparing for the postseason. There is certainly no shortage of excitement across our Hive!
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the members of our Facilities team for their ongoing commitment to keeping our schools and buildings safe, clean and welcoming for our students, staff and community. Today is School Custodian Appreciation Day, making it the perfect time to recognize and thank our custodial staff for all they do each day. Your hard work, dedication and care make a difference throughout our entire Hive!
I have a few announcements to share with you today:
Baker’s Dozen:
C.W. Baker High School proudly announced the Baker’s Dozen for the Class of 2027, celebrating 13 students who have distinguished themselves through academic achievement, leadership and involvement throughout their high school careers.
Congratulations:
- Rory Heywood — Valedictorian
- Anna Kelepurovski — Salutatorian
- Keira Bennett
- Benjamin Forman
- Rylee Butler
- Mira Nadzan
- Victoria Lee
- Gavin Butler
- Liam McOmber
- Olivia Battaglia
- Levi Schanzenbach
- Julia LeMay
- Lola Capone
Go Bees!
Commended Scholars:
Congratulations to Rory Heywood, Anna Kelepurovski and Benjamin Forman, standout members of the Class of 2027, who have been named Commended Students in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. This honor recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise and places all three of them among the top performers nationwide.
Marching Band:
The Marching Bees extend a huge thank you to our community for supporting the program and joining us for the Home Show last weekend! The Hive was buzzing, and thanks to our incredible community, the event was a success. The Marching Bees are back in competition this Saturday at West Genesee High School at 7:18 p.m. Go Bees!
Athletics:
- Boys Golf Sectionals will take place on Wednesday, October 7th at Drumlins Country Club.
- Our Girls Tennis team will be playing in the Section III Class A Team semifinals at home on Tuesday, October 6th at 3:30 p.m. If they win, Sectional Finals will be at home on Wednesday, October 7th at 3:30 p.m.
- Reminder: Registration on FamilyID for Winter I sports is now open. Winter I sports are girls volleyball for 7th and 8th graders and boys basketball for 7th, 8th and 9th graders. To sign up, please go to FamilyID to make an account and register. FamilyID registration for Winter I modified sports closes on Monday, October 19th and the first day is Monday, October 26th.
Please continue to check ParentSquare, your email and our website at www.bville.org, for important updates. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Go Bees!
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph M. DeBarbieri
Superintendent of Schools -
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
The Hive will be buzzing this weekend! Our main campus will welcome thousands of spectators on Saturday as we host two large community events.
The 74th Annual Baldwinsville Cross Country Invitational will take place in the morning, bringing more than 1,600 student athletes representing more than 65 teams to our campus.
Then, on Saturday evening, the Baldwinsville Marching Band Home Show will take center stage! The Marching Bees will perform alongside visiting bands for an exciting evening filled with music, school spirit and community pride. The Home Show begins at 6 p.m., and we hope to see you there cheering on the Bees!
We also have athletic contests taking place throughout the weekend. To all of our Bees competing, we wish you the very best of luck. You already make us proud! Go Bees!
I have a few announcements to share with you today:
Marching Bees:
Last weekend, the Marching Bees wowed the judges with a score of 80.7 and took home a first place finish in the National Class against some powerhouse teams at the Cicero-North Syracuse show. This week, they’ll be the hosts for our Home Show, welcoming 10 marching bands from across the region to the Hive.
The Home Show begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 26, and admission is free for Baldwinsville residents. Tickets will be available at the door for $12 for non-residents. Gates open at 5 p.m. Go Bees!
Winter I Modified Sports Sign Ups:
Registration for Winter I modified sports opens Saturday through FamilyID. Families can access FamilyID through the Athletics page on bville.org.
Winter I modified sports include:
- Girls Volleyball: Grades 7 and 8
- Boys Basketball: Grades 7, 8 and 9
Important Dates:
- Registration Opens: Saturday, September 26
- Registration Closes: Monday, October 19
- First Day of Practice/Tryouts: Monday, October 26
Please be sure to complete registration by the October 19 deadline.
Help Shape the 2027–2028 Budget:
We are beginning the development of the 2027–2028 District budget and are seeking community input through Budget Advisory Committees. Community volunteers will review specific areas of the budget and provide input on potential cost savings before budget components are presented to the Board of Education.
All committee meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. Visit our website for committee information, meeting dates and times and details on how to volunteer.
SockTober:
Throughout October, all of our schools will participate in SockTober, collecting new socks to donate to PEACE, Inc. in Baldwinsville. SockTober is a nationwide effort to help those in need by providing one of the most requested yet often overlooked essentials: socks!
Each school will collect new socks for men, women, children and babies. Every pair can help provide comfort, warmth and dignity to someone in our community this season.
Thank you to Van Buren teacher Emma Manning for organizing this meaningful way for our Hive to give back!
Please continue to check ParentSquare, your email and our website at www.bville.org, for important updates. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Go Bees!
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph M. DeBarbieri
Superintendent of Schools -
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
We are officially in full swing! After our first full week of school, it feels like we have all settled into the rhythm of the new school year and are already off to a wonderful start.
The beginning of a school year is always filled with excitement, new routines and plenty of moving pieces and this year is no exception. It has been wonderful to see our students back in our schools, learning, growing and getting involved in all that makes being part of our Hive so special. Thank you to our families and staff for helping make the transition back to school a successful one.
I want to remind families that there is no school for all students on Monday, September 21st for a Superintendent’s Conference Day. Enjoy the long weekend!
I have a few announcements to share with you today:
National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist:
C.W. Baker High School senior Victoria Lee has been named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, recognizing her outstanding academic achievement and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors academically talented high school seniors from across the country. As a Semifinalist, Victoria has the opportunity to continue in the competition for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships, worth about $24 million, to be awarded next spring. Victoria’s achievement reflects her hard work, dedication and commitment to academic excellence. Congratulations, Victoria.
Marching Bees:
Last weekend, our Marching Bees competed in Week One of the NYSFBC Conference at Jordan-Elbridge, finishing second in the National class with a score of 77.6! On Saturday, our Bees travel to Cicero-North Syracuse for Week Two! Go Bees! Next Saturday, September 26th, get ready for our Marching Band Home Show!
B’ville Spirit Wear Collection:
Earlier this year, we launched a community spirit wear collection to help make sure every Bee has the opportunity to show their school pride. Thanks to the generosity of our community, families can select gently used B’ville and school-specific clothing at no cost.
The program will continue throughout the school year, with clothing available upon request. Community members can also donate gently used spirit wear at collection bins located in each school. Learn more on our website.
Please continue to check ParentSquare, your email and our website at www.bville.org, for important updates. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Good luck to all student-athletes with games this weekend. Have a great weekend! Go Bees!
Go Bees!
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph M. DeBarbieri
Superintendent of Schools -
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
What a wonderful first week back in the Hive! Our buildings are once again filled with the energy of students learning, laughing, reconnecting with friends and settling into new routines. Thank you to our families and staff for helping make the start of the 2026–2027 school year such a positive one. We are excited for all that lies ahead and grateful to begin another year together as a community. Go Bees!
Today we also pause to remember September 11, 2001. This year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a milestone that invites us to remember the lives lost, honor the courage and service of so many and reflect on the importance of coming together as a community. That same spirit of togetherness is at the heart of what we do each day in B’ville.
I have a few announcements to share with you today:
Curriculum Nights:
Curriculum nights at our schools will be held over the next three weeks. These evenings are a wonderful opportunity for families to meet teachers, learn more about the year ahead and better understand how they can support their children’s learning. I encourage all of our families to make every effort to attend their school’s curriculum night and connect with the educators who will be working alongside your children this year.
2026 NYSSMA All-State Performing Ensemble:
We are proud to announce that the following Baldwinsville students have been selected for the prestigious 2026 NYSSMA All-State Performing Ensemble, which will be held December 3-6, 2026 in Rochester.
- Christian Almeida - Mixed Chorus - Tenor 1
- Chace Brumbaugh - Alternate - Tuba
- Jaxon Brundin - Alternate - Snare Drum
- Jefferson Esek - Alternate - Tenor 2
- Tyler Morgan - Alternate - Cello
- Liam Pallotta - Alternate - Snare Drum
- Rowan Reinagel - Alternate - Alto 2
- Levi Williams - Alternate - Snare Drum
Transportation
Regular dismissal times for secondary students will resume Monday, September 14, 2026. Thank you for helping us make the first week of school as smooth and successful as possible.
Calendar Reminder:
There is no school for all students on Monday, September 21st for a Superintendent’s Conference Day.
Let’s Go Bees!
Our Bees are back in action. Good luck to all student-athletes with games this weekend. You can check out our athletic schedule on our website. Good luck to our Marching Bees as they prepare for the first competition of the season, which will be held on Saturday, September 12th at Jordan-Elbridge.
Please continue to check ParentSquare, your email and our website at www.bville.org, for important updates. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Go Bees!
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph M. DeBarbieri
Superintendent of Schools -
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
As we begin a new school year, I want to welcome our students back to the Hive and remind them of what makes being a Bee so special. A new school year brings new opportunities, new challenges and new goals. It is a chance for our students to learn something new, discover a new passion, build new friendships and challenge themselves to grow.
As we look ahead, I want every student to strive for excellence, but not someone else’s definition of excellence. I want them to strive for their own. Excellence does not look the same for everyone. Not every student will finish the year with a gold medal, a championship ring, a prestigious award or a standing ovation. We are not all running the same race and our goals will be different. What matters is that each student continues to move forward, improve and grow.
For one student, success may mean earning a high grade or mastering a difficult concept. For another, it may mean stepping onto a stage, making a team, creating something new or finding the courage to ask for help. Sometimes the moments that make us most proud are the ones that happen quietly, when we see a child overcome something difficult, take a chance on themselves or become more confident than they were before.
Every challenge our students face will be different, but the opportunity is the same: to learn, to improve and to rise to whatever comes their way.
Throughout this school year, I hope our students set goals that challenge them and allow us to celebrate their progress along the way. When they face a setback, I hope they use it as an opportunity to learn. When something feels difficult, I hope they keep going. And when they succeed, I hope they take a moment to recognize how far they have come.
Our goal as Bees is not simply to be the best. It is to be better than we were yesterday. It is to continue learning, growing and supporting one another along the way. Excellence comes in many forms and every step forward matters.
I am excited to see what the 2026-2027 school year holds for our students. As we look forward to the opportunities ahead, we also know that a successful school year begins with a successful start.
With that in mind, we want to share a few important reminders and updates with our families as we prepare for the first week of school.
Early Dismissal for Secondary Students
To help support a smooth and efficient student dismissal process during the first week of school, secondary students in grades 6-12 at Ray Middle School, Durgee Jr. High School, and C.W. Baker High School will be dismissed early from Tuesday, September 8 through Friday, September 11, 2026.
Dismissal times will be:
- Baker High School: 1:50 p.m.
- Durgee Jr. High School: 2:10 p.m.
- Ray Middle School: 1:50 p.m. (Parent pick-up will remain at 2:30 p.m.)
This temporary adjustment will allow our school buses additional time to return to our elementary schools so they can begin PK-5 dismissal at approximately 3:15 p.m.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during the first few days of school as our students, families, bus drivers and staff get reacquainted with routes, schedules and procedures.
Regular dismissal times for secondary students will resume Monday, September 14, 2026. Thank you for helping us make the first week of school as smooth and successful as possible.
Required Forms
Two required forms for all families are available on ParentSquare. Please review and complete the following, if you haven’t already:
Back-to-School Questions
Our Back-to-School Quick Reference Guide is available on the homepage of our website. The guide includes helpful information about required forms, school supply lists, and other back-to-school details.
If you have questions about the Quick Reference Guide, website, The Hive or the District Calendar, please contact us at support@bville.org.
As we head into Labor Day weekend, I want to take a moment to recognize the many people whose hard work helps make our schools and our community stronger. This year, that work is especially visible across our campuses as construction crews, tradespeople and project teams continue building new spaces and improving the places where our students learn, grow and thrive.
Just as our students will spend this year building their knowledge, confidence and character, these dedicated workers are helping us build the future of our schools. Their work is a reminder that meaningful progress takes time, effort and a commitment to doing things well.
On behalf of our students, families and staff, thank you to everyone who is working to build, improve and care for our Hive. We are grateful for the many hands and countless hours that help make Baldwinsville a place where our students can continue to grow and achieve.
I wish all of our families a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. We look forward to welcoming our students back to the Hive on Tuesday, September 8.
Go Bees!
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph M. DeBarbieri
Superintendent of Schools -
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
The 2026-2027 school year is almost here! We are looking forward to welcoming our students back to the Hive on Tuesday, September 8th, and kicking off another great year together.
As we prepare for the first week of school, we want to share a few important reminders and updates with our families:
Early Dismissal for Secondary Students
To help support a smooth and efficient student dismissal process during the first week of school, secondary students in grades 6-12 at Ray Middle School, Durgee Jr. High School, and C.W. Baker High School will be dismissed early from Tuesday, September 8 through Friday, September 11, 2026.
Dismissal times will be:
- Baker High School: 1:50 p.m.
- Durgee Jr. High School: 2:10 p.m.
- Ray Middle School: 1:50 p.m. (Parent pick-up will remain at 2:30 p.m.)
This temporary adjustment will allow our school buses additional time to return to our elementary schools so they can begin PK-5 dismissal at approximately 3:15 p.m.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during the first few days of school as our students, families, bus drivers and staff get reacquainted with routes, schedules and procedures.
Regular dismissal times for secondary students will resume Monday, September 14, 2026. Thank you for helping us make the first week of school as smooth and successful as possible.
Public Notices
The Back-to-School edition of The Hive was mailed to district families last week. This publication includes important forms, notices, and information for the 2026-2027 school year, so please take a few minutes to review it.
The Hive is also available on our website.
In addition, two required forms for all families were shared through ParentSquare on Wednesday. Please review and complete the following:
Parents and guardians will also find opt-out forms available through ParentSquare.
Back-to-School Questions
Our Back-to-School Quick Reference Guide is available on the homepage of our website. The guide includes helpful information about required forms, school supply lists, and other back-to-school details.
If you have questions about the Quick Reference Guide, website, The Hive or the District Calendar, please contact us at support@bville.org.
We are counting down the days until we welcome our students back to the Hive on Tuesday, September 8, 2026!
Community Café:
Please join us for our first Community Café of the 2026-2027 school year, which will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1st at Durgee Junior High School in the cafeteria. Participants will learn how to get the most out of school communications. Guests will gather in small groups as we share ideas, perspectives and light refreshments. Registration is required. We hope you can join us as we explore questions that matter, build relationships and share our knowledge and ideas to help build, educate and empower our students!
Please continue to check ParentSquare and our website, www.bville.org, for updates. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
Enjoy these final days of summer and the last full week of summer break! We’ll see you back in the hive soon!
Go Bees!
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph M. DeBarbieri
Superintendent of Schools -
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
The 2026-2027 class lists, schedules and teacher assignments for students will be available in the Parent Portal of SchoolTool on Friday, August 21.
We encourage families to log in to SchoolTool today to ensure you have the correct username and password. Please access SchoolTool using the link on the district website at www.bville.org.
If you have trouble accessing your SchoolTool account, please contact your child’s school. If you need a SchoolTool password reset, you may email support@bville.org from the email address we have on file. Please include:
- Your name
- Your student’s name
- Your phone number on file
A password reset will then be generated for you.
If you need to update your contact information or have not accessed your SchoolTool account in the past, please contact your child’s school for assistance.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to scheduled maintenance on Friday, August 21, SchoolTool will be unavailable beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 21, for approximately three hours.
Bus Information
Bus information for the 2026-2027 school year will be posted in the MyRide K-12 app on Friday, August 21.
If this is your first time using the MyRide K-12 app, you will need your child’s student ID number, which can be found in your SchoolTool Parent Portal.
Instructions for setting up and using the MyRide K-12 app are available on the district website. If you have questions, please email transportation-office@bville.org.
We look forward to welcoming our students back for the 2026-2027 school year on Tuesday, September 8th!
Go Bees!
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph M. DeBarbieri
Superintendent of Schools -
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
I hope you are all enjoying a relaxing summer. For many families, this season is an opportunity to slow down, spend time together and create lasting memories before another exciting school year begins.
Although our classrooms are quiet for the season, there is still plenty of activity happening across our district. If you've been on our main campus recently, you've likely seen the tremendous progress taking place at C.W. Baker High School, where construction continues on our new gymnasium and swimming pool. Renovation work is also moving forward at Durgee Junior High School and Ray Middle School. Be sure to visit our website and social media pages to see the latest construction updates and photos.
We remain incredibly thankful for our community's continued support as we invest in our schools. These projects will provide safer, more modern learning environments and enhanced spaces for our students, staff and community for years to come.
Today marks the final day of our Building Upon Success Summer Enrichment Camps. Over the past two weeks, students have enjoyed engaging learning experiences, created new friendships and had plenty of fun along the way. Thank you to the dedicated teachers and staff members whose hard work made this summer’s camp such a rewarding experience. Our Extended School Year and reading programs will continue for two more weeks. Students are having a wonderful summer of learning. We invite you to visit our Facebook page to see photos highlighting the excitement from our summer programs.
While students are enjoying their break, our faculty and staff are hard at work preparing for another outstanding school year. We are excited to welcome students back on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Later in August, you will receive the district calendar and the latest edition of The Hive in the mail. Please take a few moments to review the newsletter, as it contains important information, required notices, and forms for the 2026-2027 school year.
As the first day of school approaches, please be on the lookout for important updates via ParentSquare and email from your child’s school and from me as we prepare for opening day. The 2026-2027 class lists, schedules, and teacher assignments for students will be available in the Parent Portal and bus information will be posted in the MyRide K-12 App on Friday, August 21st.
Helping every student begin the school year ready to succeed remains one of our highest priorities. Through our partnerships with community organizations, we are once again offering resources to support families as they prepare for the new school year. Information about requesting school supplies, vaccination clinics, and free back-to-school haircuts is available on our website. By working together, we can remove barriers, ease the transition back to school, and ensure every Baldwinsville student walks through our doors feeling prepared, confident and ready to learn.
I hope you enjoy the remainder of your summer and make lasting memories with family and friends. Have a wonderful August, and we look forward to seeing everyone in September.
Go Bees!
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph M. DeBarbieri
Superintendent of Schools