Spring brings new beginning, new hires, and new spaces!

New Opportunities

Recently, the District participated in the Central New York Teacher Recruitment Days hosted by SUNY Cortland. This was the first time the District has taken advantage of this opportunity and it was a great success. 

Teacher candidates come to the Teacher Recruitment Days from thirteen universities and colleges to interview for two days with public school districts from across the state, the East Coast, and California.

We used this opportunity to do screening interviews for teacher candidates for anticipated openings in our District. 

In addition, the District also participated for the first time in the Cortland County Chamber of Commerce Showcase. 

Participation in this event gave us the opportunity to network with businesses that could provide employment, partnerships, and internships for our students. This event also allowed us to recruit for positions in our District as well as spread the good work for Dryden. 

Spring Demolition

As students and staff vacated the District for Spring Break, construction crews descended on the MS/HS building to begin a lot of the demolition related to the project that is difficult to do when school is in session. 

The demolition of the main kitchen connected to the MS cafeteria began this week as well as the demolition of the High School Locker Rooms. 

You can monitor the progress of the Capital Improvement Project by going to the District's website: www.dryden.k12.ny.us, clicking on About Us, and then clicking on the Capital Improvement Project button. You will find staging maps, architect renderings/plans, meeting minutes, and weekly updates. 

You can also monitor the progress of the project by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Middle School Variety Show

On Friday, April 12, the Dryden Middle School gathered in the Auditorium to watch their peers perform in the Variety Show. Middle School students spent the better part of March preparing for the show. Students and staff were treated to a fashion show, comedy routines, and a variety of musical acts performed by students and staff. 

This is the Third Annual MS Variety Show, and it has become a Middle School tradition. It is a lot of fun for the participants and the audience. 

A big thank you to Mr. Lee, MS/HS Biology Teacher, for coordinating and directing the show. In addition, the District would like to express its appreciation for the Middle School staff for supporting their students who performed in the show. Finally, a big thank you goes to Mr. Dobush from the Drama Boosters who did the lighting for the show. 

#Lion Pride Award

Recently, the #LionPride Award was given presented to Wilbur VanOstrand and Mark Burlew. Mr. VanOstrand and Mr. Burlew are Buildings and Grounds staff members who help support traffic flow during the MS/HS morning drop off.

They go above and beyond each morning greeting our families with a smile and a kind word while assisting students with all of their instruments, skis, athletic equipment and bags. 

There is not a valet service in the world that is better than the service that Mr. Burlew and Mr. VanOstrand provide during morning drop off.  

In addition, HS Social Studies teacher, Lori Welsh, was also awarded the #LionPride Award for all the work that she does above and beyond the call of duty not only for her students but for her colleagues as well. 

Ms. Welsh, Mr. VanOstrand, and Mr. Burlew are a credit to the District and make us proud to be part of the #LionPride. 

Shout Out! 

Elizabeth Sprout, a HS Art Teacher, was selected to participate in the prestigious Saltonstall Foundation April Break Teacher Retreat. 

She is spending Spring Break with other Art Teachers. This is an opportunity for Art Teachers to spend time with other colleagues and hone their craft. 

We are very proud of her and her art work. #LionPride

The "Be the One" Campaign Continues

The Dryden Central School District continues to participate in the Tompkins County "Be the One" campaign which focuses on the idea that every person deserves to have at least one stable, nurturing and healthy relationship. 

All of our schools have been talking with students about how they can "Be the One" for someone else as well as helping them identify the healthy and positive relationships in their worlds. 

Mrs. DePaull's Third Grade Class worked together to create the picture to the right with the "Be the One" Logo. Recently, our High School students traveled with Mrs. Mary Hicks, School Social Worker, to a youth summit that focused on aspects of the "Be the One" campaign. 

Our participation in this campaign will hopeful help to create networks of students and staff who feel supported by those individuals they interact with everyday. 

National Honor Society Inductions

Earlier this Month, a new cohort of students were inducted into the National Honor Society. 

The entire ceremony is run by the current members of the National Honor Society. The ceremony highlights the many accomplishments of each inductee which qualified them to be part of the National Honor Society. 

In addition, the ceremony honors the history of the National Honor Society. Students and families celebrate after the ceremony at a reception in honor of the new members.

Baseball Accomplishment

Congratulations to Sean Peck and the Dryden Lions Varsity Baseball Team for their win against Tully over the weekend! 

Sean threw a no-hitter and came one hit batter from throwing a perfect game.

 His performance earned him recognition from Prep Baseball Report-New York in their Super 16 performers from their weekend. 

New High School Principal

We are pleased and proud to announce that Mr. Kyle Colunio has been appointed to be the Dryden High School Principal. 

Mr. Colunio is a veteran public school educator having served as a Math and Science Teacher as well as Technology Integration Specialist. 

Mr. Colunio has two sons who are four and five years old. His wife is an Art teacher in the Watkins Glen Central School District. 

Mr. Colunio currently serves as an Assistant Principal in the Elmira City School District.

Mr. Colunio will begin working at the High School on June 3, 2019. He is excited to begin his service in the Dryden Central School District. 

 

Spring Has Sprung...Athletics, Concerts, and Improvement in the Dryden Central School District

Spring Athletics

The Spring Athletic season always has a hard start due to Upstate New York weather. 

Despite the rain, mud, muck and cloudy skies, the Dryden Golf  Team met with success at their first tri-meet last Friday. The meet was held at Elm Tree Golf Course against the McGraw Central School District and the Cincinnatus Central School District. The Dryden Lions came out on top! 

This past Saturday the Girls' Varsity and JV Lacrosse Teams took on Johnson City in the Southern Tier, and although they did not come out on top, we are proud of their  on the field of play! 

Baseball and Softball were not able to play their scheduled games on Friday due to wet weather, but we look forward to seeing them get their seasons started soon! As our athletes get started on their respective seasons, work continues on new softball and baseball fields. #LionPride 

Polar Plunge

On Saturday, March 23, 2019, several Dryden Central School District staff members participated in a Polar Plunge event on Cayuga Lake.

The money raised by our staff members for the Polar Plunge will be donated to the Special Olympics. We are proud of our staff and their work to support this cause, and we hope that they have thawed out at this point. 

#LionPride Award Winners

Our most recent #LionPride Award Winners have gone to students. 

Earlier in March, Cassavant Elementary lost power due to an area wide loss of service that impacted McClean, Groton, and Lansing. 

Students and staff at Cassavant bordered buses and headed over to their sister school, Freeville Elementary School, for the rest of the school day. 

The #LionPride Award went to the staff and students of Freeville and Cassavant for being flexible and keeping positive attitudes during the situation. 

Last week, Mr. Bacigalupi presented the #LionPride Award to the High School Student Leadership Team who serves Dryden High School in a variety of ways. 

 Most recently, they have taken on a project to improve the climate of the high school by stressing the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. The District is grateful to the work and the leadership that this important student group has shown.

Groundbreaking Event

On March 18, 2019, members of the Board of Education, representatives from TST BOCES, Campus Construction, Hunt Architects, and the Leadership Team gathered at the new Transportation Facility to officially break ground on the project. It was an exciting event! 

When the project is completed the District will host an open house for community members so everyone can see all of the improvements made to the District. We are appreciative of the community's support with the project. 

Work continues in the MS/HS as the construction of new choral and music spaces are being built in what was C-13. In addition, work in what will be the new cafeteria kitchen has begun in what was formerly A-11. 

You can catch up on all the latest with the Capital Improvement Project by following us on Facebook, Intsagram, and Twitter as well as going to www.dryden.k12.ny.us, clicking on "About Us", and then clicking on the "Capital Improvement Project" button. 

Function and Art

Students in Ms. Butts art classes benefited from a DYOF grant that allowed them to purchase materials to knit scarves, hats, and gloves for other children that were in need of these winter essentials.

Spanish teacher, Mrs. Rebecca Tice, also helped to knit some of the garments as well. Students at Dryden Elementary School were the recipients of this work. 

We are appreciative of the generous grants that the DYOF gives our teachers and students that allow us to give to our community! #LionPride.

March is "Music in our Schools" Month

The Dryden Central School District celebrated "Music in our Schools" Month throughout March. 

The month culminated in a concert  in the MS/HS Auditorium put on by the Lion Band from Dryden Elementary School, the Dryden Middle School Band, and the Dryden High School Concert Band.

All three bands performed together during the finale at the concert.  It is evident that many hours of hard work went into the concert. We are so appreciative of our Music Department and our student musicians! 

Stories with the Superintendent

In an effort to connect with our younger students as well as encourage reading for enjoyment, the Dryden Central School District is featuring a new program called "Stories with the Superintendent". 

Each Friday, a new storybook will be read by the Superintendent and captured on video. The video will be uploaded onto all three of the District's social media platforms-Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

You can catch up on the last two weeks of stories at anytime on any of the above mentioned platforms. You will find the superintendent reading The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak and Click Clack Moo by Doreen Cronin. Next week, we will be diving into some Pete the Cat! 

March comes in like a lion and leaves full of #LionPride

March comes in like a Lion and leaves full of #LionPride

Dryden has Heart

Last Friday, March 1, 2019, Cassavant, Freeville, and Dryden Elementary Schools gathered together in the gym at Dryden Elementary School to celebrate the 9th Annual "Dryden Has Heart" Assembly.

Throughout the month of February all three elementary schools collect canned goods and non-perishable food items to donate to the Dryden Kitchen Cupboard.

The three schools then come together at the end of Food Drive to celebrate this service to our community and present the donation to the Kitchen Cupboard in the form of a large "check". The assembly is spirited and focuses on taking care of each other and our community. This year the three elementary collected over 1,100 cans of food for the Dryden Kitchen Cupboard.

Mission, Vision and Core Beliefs

Earlier this month, teachers, parents, leaders, and board members worked with Sean Brady of Prism Decision Systems to develop an updated mission and vision as well as codify our core beliefs. This representative group worked for two days to do this work. 

The mission, vision, and core beliefs will be presented to the Board of Education at the April 8, 2019. Once they are adopted by the Board of Education, they will be presented to the staff and school community. 

With a clear mission and vision established, the District will be able to make decisions that align to our beliefs, what we aspire to be, and why we exist.  The District is very appreciative of all the effort that went into this important and thoughtful work. 

Unified Sports

Youth Activation Summit

For the first time ever, the District will sponsor a Unified Sports Basketball Team this year. Unified Sports allows students with a disability to participate in school sponsored athletics in a scaffolded and supportive structure that allows the students to be successful while competing against peers from other schools. 

A Unified Sports team is comprised of athletes who do not have a disability and athletes who do have a disability. All of the students on the team represent Dryden!  

At the end of February, members of the Dryden Unified Basketball Team traveled to the Youth Activation Summit  to learn more about how to support each other on the basketball court. We are proud of all of our Athletes.  #LionPride! 

Emily Miller  

Emily Miller-Track and Field Champion

The Dryden Central School District is very proud of 11th grade Emily Miller. Emily qualified to compete in the New York State Track and Field Championships in New York City on Staten Island on March 2, 2019. Emily competed in the 3000 m. She had a personal record while competing in this meet and placed 22nd overall in New York State. Emily, Coach Stuttle, and Coach Weaver exemplify excellence. Just prior to the State Championship Meet, Emily was presented with the District's #LionPride Award. 

Dr. Seuss Celebrations

On March 1, 2019, elementary schools throughout the District celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday. In the evening families gathered at Dryden Elementary School for Dr. Seuss Night. Students had the opportunity to read Dr. Seuss books and participate in games and activities related to some of Dr. Seuss' books. 

What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book? Maybe you enjoy watching Sam discover that he really does enjoy "Green Eggs and Ham". Perhaps you like the classic tale of The Cat in the Hat and watching Thing 1 and Thing 2 cause havoc while Mother is out. Who does not enjoy the rhythm and the rhyme of One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. Regardless of your favorite Dr. Seuss book, there is something for everyone at Dr. Seuss Night. Hope to see you again next year! 

The District is very appreciative of all the staff and community members who worked so hard to provide our students with this experience, especially Mrs. Van Tassel and Mrs. Brown who co-chair the Dr. Seuss Night at Dryden Elementary School. 

The Addams Family

They're creepy and they're kooky. Mysterious and spooky; They're all together ooky. The Addams Family! 

This past weekend the Dryden Central School District presented "The Addams Family: Musical". The community had the opportunity to attend Friday, March 7 at 7:00 PM and again on Saturday, March 8 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

The High School Musical is a proud tradition in the Dryden Central School District and a welcome relief to the long winter weeks preceding the performance. 

The play was directed by Music Teacher, Mr. Austin Matson. The orchestra was director by Band and Music Teacher, Ms. Liz DeGoff. 

The all student cast spent over ten weeks building sets, rehearsing, and pouring their heart and soul into this work while still maintaining their academic course load and participating in other activities inside and outside of school. The District is proud of our students and their performance. 

The District is grateful for the support of the Drama Booster Club as well as the many parents and family members who gave their time and energy to support the Musical. 

#LionPride Award Winner

This past Friday, the Superintendent of Schools, had the honor or awarding our Adaptive Physical Education Teacher, Krista Gillette the #LionPride Award for her continuous advocacy for all students in the Dryden Central School District. Ms. Gillette services students in grades PK-12. She has a positive and empowering attitude which is contagious. 

Ms. Gillette has been instrumental in bringing Unified Sports to Dryden as well as the founder of the Dryden Games. The Dryden Games is a regional athletic competition for students with disabilities. Ms. Gillette is always working to find ways for her students to access the world around them whether it be through athletics or helping them acquire the physical skills that will allow them to lead in an independent life. 

We are exceptionally proud of Ms. Gillette and lucky to have her as a member of our Team!

Capital Improvement Project Update

This past week site work began at the Mott Road site where the new Transportation Facility will be built. The new Transportation Facility will be a state of the art facility which will include two bus lifts and a bus wash. 

In addition to the Transportation Facility work, demolition work began at the MS/HS as well. The demolition work began in C-13 which will be converted into two music classroom and additional meeting space. Demolition work also began in the A Wing to prepare for the remodeled kitchen, remodeled MS cafeteria and construction of a new HS cafeteria. Consolidating the kitchen and cafeteria spaces in the MS/HS will allow the District to create efficiencies and the ability to provide better service for our students. 

You can find more detailed updates about the project at the District's website www.dryden.k12.ny.us and click on the Capital Improvement Project button. You can view updates as well as project meeting minutes. 

Next Phases of Capital Improvement Project

Over the last several weeks, the District, Hunt Architects, and Campus Construction have been coordinating bidding for the New Transportation Facility located on Mott Road and the work that will be done in the MS/HS building. We are very pleased to announce after a competitive bidding process, we are able to include all of the alternates planned for both phases of the project.

For the Transportation Facility, the alternates to this phase will include an additional hydraulic lift for a total of two lifts and an automatic bus washing system.

New Scoreboard at Volante Field 

For the MS/HS building, the alternates to the this phase will include new ceilings in the classrooms and hallways, remodeled Family and Consumer Sciences Kitchens, a MS/HS Nurses’ Suite, new LED   Football Field and Track stadium lighting, upgraded sound and lighting packages in the Auditorium, and an outdoor Athletic Facility. The outdoor Athletic Facility will include two team rooms, a concession stand, and Men’s and Women’s bathrooms.

We are appreciative of our community, the Board of Education, Hunt Architects, Campus Construction and our staff for all the work that has gone into planning this project. This is the largest capital improvement project that the District has embarked since the construction of the MS/HS building in the mid-1960s.

We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and patience as we work to build a better future for our students and community.

Snow Days

The Dryden Central School District had planned for four snow days for the 2018-2019 school year. It has been an active winter, and we have used all of our snow days.

If we need to use another day, April 15 which is scheduled to be a student holiday will be converted to a regular school day.

We are required to by New York State regulations to be in session for a total of 900 hours at the elementary level and 990 hour at the secondary level. We appreciate everyone's understanding as we balance safety and regulations. 

We Want Your Feedback!

It is that time of year again, when we are looking for your feedback on how we are doing. We are always looking for opportunities to strengthen our programming, instruction, and communication to provide a first class experience for our students, families, and community members. 

If you are a parent or caregiver for a student or students in the Dryden Central School District, please click on the following link to participate in our Family Engagement Survey. The survey is open until March 31, 2019. If you would like to anonymously fill out a hard copy of the survey, please contact your child's school's main office. They will send a blank hard copy for your to fill out and return to school.

QR Code for Family Survey

Here is the link and password: Dryden Central School District: Follow-Up Format: 2018/19 Family Engagement Survey DTSDE Version

Password: Dryden2019

Our Latest #LionPride Award Winners

Mrs. Decker and Ms. Balfour

Mrs. Decker and Ms. Balfour were awarded the #LionPride Award last week for their work in sponsoring and coordinating the "Bus is Us" event held at Dryden Elementary School on January 25, 2019.

Mrs. Decker is a Kindergarten Teacher at Freeville. Ms. Balfour is a Speech and Language Patho
logist at DES, CES, and FES. Mrs. Decker and Ms. Balfour facilitate a work group of staff members and representatives from community agencies such as the Southworth Library called "Talk Time".

"Talk Time" promotes the importance of language development for children from birth to school age. We are very to lucky to have such committed staff working for our students, their families and our community. 

Ann Marie Streeter nominated to represent Dryden on TST BOCES Board of Education

As you may know each component district in TST BOCES sends one representative to serve on the TST BOCES Board of Education. 

Ann Marie Streeter

Kathy Zahler has faithfully served the District in this capacity for many years, but she is stepping down from this role to embrace retirement. We are very appreciative of her efforts and service to our District. 

The Dryden Central School District and Board of Education is pleased to announce that Ann Marie Streeter was unanimously appointed by the BOE to serve a three year term as the Dryden Representative to the TST BOCES BOE. 

Ann Marie Streeter is a long time resident of the District. Ann Marie retired from the District in June of 2018 after serving as a Kindergarten teacher at Dryden Elementary School. Ann Marie is an active member of and advocate for many organizations that serve our community. We feel lucky to have her be able to continue to serve the District in this role. 

Please join us in welcoming back (though I do not think she ever left:) and congratulating Ann Marie! 

Show your #LionPride and #BetheOne for Someone

"Be the One" at Dryden Central Schools 

This past week, the Dryden Central School District along with many other school districts and other community agencies in Tompkins County kicked off the "Be the One" campaign. 

The "Be the One" Campaign focuses around the idea that everyone deserves at least one safe, nurturing, caring relationships. Throughout the week, students and staff have been discussing how they can be the one for someone else as well as identifying who is their one person they can depend on.

The District would publically like to thank Mrs. Hicks for all of her work in bringing the "Be the One Campaign to the Dryden Central School District. You can see more of the work that the District has done around this work on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram feeds.

You is your one? You are you the one for? 

Pack 46 Pinewood Derby

Pack 46 Pinewood Derby 

On February 2, 2019, the Pack 46 Boy Scout Troop in Freeville hosted its annual Pinewood Derby. Pack 46 consists of students who attend all three elementary schools. 

The Boy Scouts did an outstanding job engineering their cars. One scout even raced a school bus that he built in honor of Mrs. Sue Shaffer who served as a bus monitor in the Dryden Central School District before he unexpected death last month. 

In addition to their engineering skills, the Boy Scouts also demonstrated leadership, service to community, and sportsmanship throughout the Pinewood Derby. We are fortunate to have such great community agencies and opportunities to support our students.

Dryden Cheerleaders place First at IAC Competition. 

IAC Champs

Last Saturday, February 9, 2019, Dryden Varsity Cheerleading placed "First" at their IAC Competition.

They are off to sectionals in two weeks at Waverly. We are cheering for our cheerleaders.

We are very proud of their work and the honor that they have brought to the District. #LionPride

Varsity Boys' Swimming Place at IAC Meet

Last Saturday, February 9, 2019, Varsity Boys' Swimming participated in their IAC Meet and walked away with a great deal of "bling"

We are proud of our swimmers and the honor they have brought our District. Check out these pictures from the meet. 

State of the District, Saying Goodbye, and Honoring our Past while celebrating the Present

Saying Goodbye and Honoring our Friend and Colleague

Staff wore Crazy Hats in honor of Mrs. Sue Shaffer

Last week, we said goodbye to a long time staff member, Mrs. Sue Shaffer. Mrs. Shaffer died unexpectedly last week. Mrs. Shaffer was employed by the Dryden Central School District for almost 31 years. 

Through the years, Mrs. Shaffer served the District as an aide, playground monitor, bus monitor, and provided clerical support for Cassavant Elementary School and Freeville Elementary School. 

Mrs. Shaffer will be greatly missed by our entire school community. Mrs. Shaffer was a lover of crazy hats and in honor of Mrs. Shaffer and the legacy she leaves behind staff wore their best crazy hats last Friday. 

"State of the District" Address 

At the January 28, 2019 Board of Education Meeting, Mr. Bacigalupi, presented the "State of the District" Address. You can access the State of the District on the website and by using the following link: State of the District Address. 

State of the District Address

The address focused on the the District's goals to improve communication, consistency, accountability, trust and morale. Mr. Bacigalupi discussed steps the District has taken since July 1 to improve in these areas. 

Mr. Bacigalupi also discussed the tremendous pride the District has for the work that it does and the steps the District is taking to celebrate successes, honor its staff and students, and support its families. 

White Out Game and Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

The annual Varsity Girls and Boys Basketball "White Out" Games were held last Friday, January 25, 2019 against the Trumansburg Central School District. This is an exciting night and one full of tradition. The Girls Varsity Basketball Team celebrated their seniors at this game. The Boys Varsity Basketball Team will honor their seniors at their upcoming game on Friday, February 1, 2019. 

Dryden Lion Cheerleaders

As has become the tradition at this event, the Dryden Central School District honored its past and inducted five former athletes into the Athletic Hall of Fame. We are proud to announce that Daniel Holland from the Class of 2010, Jeff Humphrey from the Class of 1993, Michael Motsay from the Class of 1980, Jackie Sutton Court from the Class of 2004, and Joey Motsay from the Class of 1981 are our most recent inductees. Please join us in celebrating their

Senior Varsity Girls Basketball Players

accomplishment! #LionPride

Superintendent Coffee Break

Superintendent Coffee Break

Please join the he Superintendent of Schools for the Dryden Central School District for a Superintendent Coffee Break at the Southworth Library from 5-7 PM on Monday, February 4, 2019.  This is an opportunity for the public to share their concerns, give feedback, and discuss issues with the Superintendent. This is the second scheduled Coffee Break of the 2018-2019 school year. These events will be scheduled throughout the year at different times and in different venues to reach as much as the school community as possible. 

New UPK Dryden Lions

As many of you know, the District was awarded a grant from the state to open a new UPK section which is housed at Dryden Elementary School. The section has 18 students who are four years old. This is a full day program, and we are proud to give more children in our community the opportunity to attend UPK in their District. 

These students started school this past Monday, January 28, 2019. Our long time staff member, Ms. Sue Davis joins her colleague Ms. Erin Preston as the newest UPK teacher. Ms. Davis and Ms. Preston were awarded the #Lion Pride Award this past week for all the work they have done to prepare this new classroom. 

Scholastic Art Awards

Dryden Scholastic Art Award Recipients

The District is pleased to announce that many of our Dryden High School students were honored through the Scholastic Art Awards this past week. 

Many Dryden students were Gold and Silver Key recipients for their work in Drawing, Photography, Animation, Film, and Painting.

 Dryden students walked away with approximately 34% of all of the awards given. We are proud of our students and teachers for their work.