Volume 44 Issue IV March/April 2020 BLACKHAWK BULLETIN OXFORD ACADEMY & CENTRAL SCHOOLS Superintendent’s Message SIGN UP TODAY! For a school district, social media can be fertile ground for expanding communication with the community it serves. People now are able to carry some of the most powerful information gathering and communication devices in their pockets all day, every day. This makes it imperative that the school be able to communicate and push out relevant informa- tion to parents and community members at a moment’s notice. We have several means available to keep the Greater Oxford Community in the loop with respect to what is going on in our schools; however, we have found our Facebook page to be most effective by far. Currently, we have 1,636 followers and we would like more. We would like to encourage every member of the com- munity to sign up and follow us on Facebook. The page is called Oxford Academy and Central School District. We want to reach out and communicate with everyone. Community members, businesses, government represen- tatives, parents and guardians, alumni, etc., will all find relevant information on our Facebook page. Visitors can expect to view photos, updated information on student learning, school events, sports, meetings, school budget and much more. Please sign up and join today! And if you already have, please pass this message along to others who may not have or show them how to join. We have much to offer and our students and staff are very proud of their accomplishments. May we all share in the successes of our Blackhawk Nation together! Board of Education: Timothy O’Brien, President; Julie Gates, Vice President; Betsy Locke, John Godfrey, Nathaniel Emerson Superintendent of Schools: John T. Hillis Oxford Village Tree Board Grows Plans for the Future While trees remain dormant for the winter, the Oxford Village Tree Board has been active; holding several meetings since the beginning of the New Year. A tree planting and maintenance plan is being established and reviewed, the Village code is being updated, new deciduous tree species are being contemplated for availability and planting, a tree grant decision is pending, and the research of a hard-working high school senior is helping to make it all possible. Trees in the Village increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify the community, but the planting orchestration requires careful planning, funds, and vision. For this, there is the Oxford Village Tree Board. The Board members: John Godfrey, Jeanie Petersen, Gray Stevens, Sandy Dain, and Jean Curtis, have met with the honorable Village of Oxford Mayor Terry M. Stark, four times already this year, and more meetings are planned. The Mayor developed a Tree Manage- ment Plan that is being reviewed by the Board and the DEC, and the results of a Tree Grant application is pending. In addition to the Board, Oxford Academy High School senior and future landscape designer, Bryan Huggins has been attend- ing the Board meetings with valuable research he has compiled. Bryan, who has been working with Mayor Stark, is a participant of the school’s Work-Based Learning Program. He has been col- lecting information on every tree in the Village such as the type, location, and size, entering the details in an Excel database as well as at the USDA’s Forest Service website, i-Tree. Much of this information will be instrumental in the Tree Management Plan, determining new planting locations and updating the Village Tree Code—Chapter 266. Funds permitting, interesting tree varieties such as historically accurate species for the area as well as bird and butterfly attract- ing trees will be added to the Village forest. Areas of the Village subject to flooding could become a Floodplains Forest, where hardwood trees thrive in the high mineral soil of the Chenango River’s low lands creating a complex environment for wildlife. Meetings, research, and finalization of the Tree Management Plan will continue and, come spring, the Village will reap the rewards. continued on the next page
Transcript
Volume 44 Issue IV March/April 2020
BLACKHAWKBULLETIN
OXFORD ACADEMY & CENTRAL SCHOOLS
Superintendent’s MessageSIGN UP TODAY!
For a school district, social media can be fertile ground for expanding communication with the community it serves.
People now are able to carry some of the most powerful information gathering and communication devices in their pockets all day, every day. This makes it imperative that the school be able to communicate and push out relevant informa-tion to parents and community members at a moment’s notice.
We have several means available to keep the Greater Oxford Community in the loop with respect to what is going on in our schools; however, we have found our Facebook page to be most effective by far. Currently, we have 1,636 followers and we would like more.
We would like to encourage every member of the com-munity to sign up and follow us on Facebook. The page is called Oxford Academy and Central School District.
We want to reach out and communicate with everyone. Community members, businesses, government represen-tatives, parents and guardians, alumni, etc., will all find relevant information on our Facebook page.
Visitors can expect to view photos, updated information on student learning, school events, sports, meetings, school budget and much more.
Please sign up and join today! And if you already have, please pass this message along to others who may not have or show them how to join. We have much to offer and our students and staff are very proud of their accomplishments.
May we all share in the successes of our Blackhawk Nation together!
Board of Education: Timothy O’Brien, President; Julie Gates, Vice President; Betsy Locke, John Godfrey, Nathaniel EmersonSuperintendent of Schools: John T. Hillis
Oxford Village Tree Board Grows Plans for the Future
While trees remain dormant for the winter, the Oxford Village Tree Board has been active; holding several meetings since the beginning of the New Year. A tree planting and maintenance plan is being established and reviewed, the Village code is being updated, new deciduous tree species are being contemplated for availability and planting, a tree grant decision is pending, and the research of a hard-working high school senior is helping to make it all possible.
Trees in the Village increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify the community, but the planting orchestration requires careful planning, funds, and vision. For this, there is the Oxford Village Tree Board. The Board members: John Godfrey, Jeanie Petersen, Gray Stevens, Sandy Dain, and Jean Curtis, have met with the honorable Village of Oxford Mayor Terry M. Stark, four times already this year, and more meetings are planned. The Mayor developed a Tree Manage-ment Plan that is being reviewed by the Board and the DEC, and the results of a Tree Grant application is pending.
In addition to the Board, Oxford Academy High School senior and future landscape designer, Bryan Huggins has been attend-ing the Board meetings with valuable research he has compiled. Bryan, who has been working with Mayor Stark, is a participant of the school’s Work-Based Learning Program. He has been col-lecting information on every tree in the Village such as the type, location, and size, entering the details in an Excel database as well as at the USDA’s Forest Service website, i-Tree. Much of this information will be instrumental in the Tree Management Plan, determining new planting locations and updating the Village Tree Code—Chapter 266.
Funds permitting, interesting tree varieties such as historically accurate species for the area as well as bird and butterf ly attract-ing trees will be added to the Village forest. Areas of the Village subject to f looding could become a Floodplains Forest, where hardwood trees thrive in the high mineral soil of the Chenango River’s low lands creating a complex environment for wildlife. Meetings, research, and finalization of the Tree Management Plan will continue and, come spring, the Village will reap the rewards.
continued on the next page
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continued from the previous pageVisit http://treeboard.oxfordny.com/ to learn more about the
Village of Oxford Tree Board. Contact the Tree Board through the Village Hall at: (607) 843-2512 or email: [email protected]
Article and picture submitted by: Jeanie Petersen, Community Relations
L-r: Jeanie Petersen, Gray Stevens, Oxford Mayor Terry Stark, John Godfrey, and Sandy Dain.
Seated is student Bryan Huggins. All attended a Village Tree Board meeting February 5.
(Photo by Shelly Marks)
The Oxford Blackhawk FundTAX DEDUCTIBLE ACCOUNT
Inspired by the need to address limited state aid financial resources, Oxford Academy is excited to partner with com-munity members and The Community Foundation for South Central New York to announce the Oxford Blackhawk Fund.
The Oxford Blackhawk Fund provides resources that support Oxford Academy students. If encouraging students to meet their unlimited potential, giving back or paying it forward is of interest to you, donating to the Oxford Blackhawk Fund is an exemplary way to make a lasting impact on educational experiences.
The Fund is a separate organization administered by three community members and two school employees who are directly involved with IC2 (Innovative Community Col-laborative). This dynamic group meets weekly supporting a variety of activities, programs and ideas that extend beyond the classroom.
Donations can be made by visiting https://www.oxac.org/BlackhawkFund.aspx, going to www.oxac.org, clicking on the DISTRICT tab then the BLACKHAWK FUND and following the instructions on the screen and/or by complet-ing the enclosed form. Payroll deduction is also available for district employees. All donations are tax-deductible.
If you have any questions, please inquire at the District Office or call 607-843-2025, ext. 4040.
Hall of DistinctionThe Oxford Academy and Central School District takes
great pride and honor in announcing the 2020 honorees for its Hall of Distinction. Congratulations to Margo Barrows (1994), James Markovich (1994), Colonel Matthew Redding (1986), Heather Shattuck (1997), and John Tracy (1986).
These honorees have made a variety of outstanding contributions either to the broader community by making a difference in the lives of others, to their profession through achievement in their chosen fields, and/or to the school while accomplishing significant achievement as a student at Oxford Academy.
On Friday, July 24, these prominent members of the Oxford Academy and Central School extended community will be celebrated at a social/dinner and an award ceremony opened to the general public. Please save the date. More information will be forthcoming.
The Oxford Academy Hall of Distinction Coordinating Committee encourages community members to make a nomination for inclusion into the Hall of Distinction. Criteria and nomination forms can be found on the Oxford Academy website at www.oxac.org (click on the DISTRICT tab and then HALL OF DISTINCTION). Nominations are due by November 1 of each year.
Please Save the Date!
Tick InformationDear Parents/Guardians:
Ticks transmit bacteria, therefore, removing ticks within 24-hours of the time they attach to the skin reduces the chance of getting Lyme disease. Although a bullseye rash is a common sign of Lyme disease, about 20% of infected people do not get a rash but may have symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue. Knowing the symptoms helps you to get treatment early.
If a tick is found on your child at school, you will be notified. You may or may not need to pick up your child. Each case will be handled with communication and teamwork.
If you find a tick at home the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the removal process to be, use a fine tipped tweezer to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and give a steady even pull pressure to remove the tick. You may want to save the tick and record time and date of removal. After removal be sure to clean the area with soap and water and to keep an eye on the site for follow-up care.
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Warner Paints LiveLocal artist Ryan Warner donated his time and artistic skill at
this year’s Cooler-Gate party before the Varsity Girl’s senior night game. Throughout the tailgate party, onlookers were able to watch in amazement as Ryan created his version of the Blackhawk.
After the show, the Blackhawk was put on display in the gym for the crowd to enjoy. Thank you Ryan for donating your talent once again to help make our school and community great.
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From the Primary PrincipalThe second trimester is well underway and we
have had so many wonderful things going on in the Primary School. These include: our penny drive to help the Animal Relief Efforts in Australia raised over $1,000 which was organized by Ms. Glozik’s class; Zach Chesebro and Grace Page received awards for their significant contributions of $50 and $235, Mrs. Glozik’s class won 1st place in the New York State Agriculture in the Classroom Top Cut Beef Contest, 3rd and 4th grade students were honored at the Binghamton Devils game for Excellence in Education, 141 students participated in our winter break reading challenge and taped me to the wall, all our classes participated in the Read Across America challenge and got to slime me for reading enough minutes to stretch across America, Mrs. Kappauf’s class collected milk jugs and built an igloo, many students participated in our Greatest Show and Tell, and our students exchanged Valentine’s throughout the building. If you had a chance to take part in any of these events in the Primary School I am sure you got to see the amazing things our students, faculty, and staff are doing. I want to thank everyone who came to any of these events to support our students; I know they truly appreciate it. It is great to have such amazing support from the community for everything that hap-pens in the Primary School!
Davis Hinman, Grace Page, Christopher Hernandez-Proppe, Abel Banner, Lucas Calixto, Savannah Dunagan, Allison Johnson, Trinity Lehmer, Delaney Carey
CITIZEN OF THE MONTHNatalie Stone, Calista Kappauf, Harper Caron
CHARACTER EDUCATION AWARDSBrooke Fowlston, Sawyer Gebo, Sylvester Pierson,
Allen Hill, Mila Tucker, Hunter Doolittle, Siena Ellis, Paityn Moore, Madilyn Williams, Abigail Ryan
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High School RecognitionNOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANUARY
Natalie Barrows,Chase Henry
Denali NebelJillian Finch
Liam O’Brien
Taylor Smith
Troy Marshman
Matt Roach
Lilie Horton
Brennan Finnegan, Regan Finnegan
Kaylin Tefft
Outdoor Education Class Participates in Archery
During the month of February, the high school outdoor edu-cation class participated in an archery unit with the assistance of middle school PE teacher Tim Paden. Mr. Paden was able to shuff le his schedule around and volunteer his time to teach the art of archery. Mr. Paden is an expert marksman and has been teaching archery to his students for more than 10 years now. Students learned the history of archery, parts of the bow, and proper shooting technique. The outdoor education class would like to thank Mr. Paden for his contribution to our program.
MS PrincipalThe last few months the middle school has been very busy.
We have held two incentive days where students could earn the right to participate. The first one was based on attendance, and 98% of our students earned their way to play. The second one was based on behavior and 82% of our students earned their spot in the incentive day events.
Our students have been busy positively representing Oxford Academy in many endeavors. The chorus sang at the Bingham-ton Devils game and our band will also be playing at a Devils game. Our 8th grade toured the DCMO BOCES Career and Technical facility. All of our winter sports; boys and girls bas-ketball, wrestling and indoor track had very successful seasons with great participation numbers. Our 5th and 6th graders who participated in Oxford Youth Sports also had great numbers and were very successful. Two middle school students will be representing OXAC at the national RoboRave competition in California, our Winter Guard continues to impress in multiple competitions and Meeya Cummings will represent Oxford MS in the Regional Spelling Bee Competition in Oneonta. There is a lot of positive things occurring.
State testing will be in March and April. ELA testing will be computer based on March 24-25. Math will be paper based April 21-22. Our goal in the middle school is to have 100% par-ticipation. We feel that State exams are a good way for students to practice taking a structured exam in a formal setting. It is an opportunity for them to show what they know and practice test-taking so they will be comfortable when they get to high school and have to sit for required Regents exams. Students cannot opt out of Regents exams.
We are looking forward to a great spring in the middle school.
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High School ArtThe holiday musical concerts also held a High School art show. See the great work! All of the High School artists have continued
to create wonderful work this winter. The pictures tell the story!
The basketball banner for Varsity Boys’ senior night was created by Naiomi Smith
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Erin Howard Wins MAC Championship
Erin Howard continues to break records and impress on the lanes. Erin competed at the MAC Championships on February 4th at Sunset Lanes in Kirkwood and ran away with the title. Erin bowled a 652 series including a 246 in the 3rd game. Last season Erin broke the Oxford Academy single season high average record finishing with a 183. Improving upon that this year, Howard again broke the record with a 190 average over the course of the season. Erin heads into sectional play and will try and repeat last year’s feat by winning the Section IV Championship and make the NYS Team. Great job and good luck in post season play!
Erin is pictured with coach Frank Ross
The following students have shown outstanding effort and achievement during the first quarter of the school year. To be eli-gible, a student cannot have any incompletes or grades below 70 on their report cards.
HIGH ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT—An average of 92 or above and no grade below 70 in any subject.
Grade 5—Amani Amin, Abbie Converse-Evans, Teagyn Demuth, Jennavieve Denz, Miley DePew, Josephine Donnelly, Conner Dunagan, David Dunckel, Lilah Ehly, Degan Endress, Deana Ferreira, Kayla Figary, Jayne Fleury, Madelyn Heier, Reagan Long, Gabrielle Palmer, Liam Philippone, Liam Pohli, Abigail Polaro, Aubrey Rickard, Paige Rickard, Breanna Rogers, Elizabeth Vincent, Madison Weeks
Grade 6—Blake Barrows, Flanna Calkins, Rosi Chapman, Peyton Cummings, Sofia Ferreira, Abigail Forsythe, Alexander Gould, Dixie Gray, Charlotte Heier, Liam Henry, Addison Hinman, Elizabeth Ingraham, Colette Kappauf, Emerson LaMonica, Kate Mackisoc, Aiden Mellem, Dakota Miles, Charles Miller, Kassidy Miller, Olivia Oliver, Bennett Paden, Cole Pecka, Emmalee Reiss, Nicholas Richette, Margaret Rovente, Abigail Stone, Allison Thomas, Isaac Utter, Logan White
Grade 8—Connor Crane, Meeya Cummings, David Ferreira, Gerald Hornbeck, Elizabeth Knapp
Middle School 20-Week Honor/High Honor Roll 2020
Thank You!
Knights of Columbus of Greene donate new boys coats. Last year they
donated girls coats. Thank you!
Non Profit OrgU.S. Postage
P A I DPermit #18
Norwich, NY13815
DC
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Prin
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Serv
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Oxford Academy & Central SchoolOxford, New York 13830
Current Resident Or
ECRWSSBOXHOLDER
HS Teacher of the MonthDECEMBER
Nicole Crandall
JANUARY
Corbin Henry
MARCH 6 No School—Staff Development Day 9 UPK and 4th Grade Cap and Gown Picture Day 9 Spring Sports Begin 13-14 Musical Production & Art Show, OAPAA, 7:00 p.m. 20 PS/MS Early Dismissal, Parent/Teacher Conferences (Dismissal times: MS-11:30 a.m./PS-11:45 p.m. ) 20-21 All-County Spring Festival Concert, S-E, 3:00 p.m. 20-21 RoboRAVE 23 PS/MS Early Dismissal, Parent/Teacher Conferences (Dismissal times: MS-11:30 a.m./PS-11:45 p.m. ) 24-27 NYS ELA Tests, Grades 3-8 26 District Choral Concert & Art Show, OAPAA, 7:00 p.m. 29 Oxford Academy Scholarship Program Phone-a-thon 30 BOE Meeting, MS Conference Room, 6:00 p.m.
APRIL 6-13 No School—Spring Recess 20 BOE Meeting and BOCES Vote, MS Conference Room,
6:00 p.m. 20-23 NYS Math Testing, Grades 3-8 21 College Fair at Norwich, YMCA, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
MAY 4 BOE and Annual Budget Information Meeting,
MS Conference Room, 6:00 p.m. 8-9 NYSSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival, Norwich HS 12 Kindergarten Screening 14 Kindergarten Screening 18 HS Concert & Art Show, OAPAA, 7:00 p.m. 19 District Budget Vote, HS Media Center, 1:00-9:00 p.m. 19 MS Instrumental Concert, OAPAA, 7:00 p.m. 20 Science Performance Test, Grades 4 & 8 21 District Art Show, 6OTS, 4:00-6:00 p.m. 22 Blood Drive, HS, 9:00 a.m. 23 Junior Prom 25 No School—Memorial Day 28 3rd & 4th Grade Spring Musical, OAPAA, 6:00 p.m. 29 UPK-2nd Grade Spring Concert, OAPAA, 8:30 a.m.
Important Dates
Make Roads to Buy Your 2020 Yearbook!
Our staff is wrapping things up for this year’s yearbook and it is looking awesome!
The cost is now $55 plus tax = $59.40Don’t wait as the price goes up on April 11, 2020.
ADVERTISING AND SENIOR RECOGNITION ADSThe deadline for the advertising ads, and senior recognition
ads is March 20, with no exceptions. Please submit your photos and wording to Melissa Gross and she will put it together for you or send her what you have designed.
Yearbook distribution day is always in late-June. We will keep you posted.
Sincerely,The 2020 Yearbook Crew
THE BLACKHAWKFUNDOXFORD ACADEMY AND CENTRAL SCHOOLS
You can support innovative programs and initiatives that directly benefit students at Oxford Academy through the Blackhawk Fund administered by the Community Foundation of South Central New York.
Tax-deductible donations create a funding stream to support worthwile initiatives without passing costs to taxpayers.
You can give back, pay it forward, and make a lasting impact on students' educational experiences at Oxford.
Thank you for opening doors for OXAC students of all ages.
John T. Hillis, OXAC SuperintendentDave Emerson, Oxford Community Member/Business OwnerTerry Stark, Mayor, Village of OxfordGrayson Stevens, Retired OXAC Superintendent/Community MemberHolly Abbott, OXAC Teacher/Community Member
EASY PAYROLL DEDUCTION$_________ One time total amount$_________ Per pay period
BILL ME for my total gift of $______________
One time
Monthly
CASH or CHECK $_________ (attached)Check # _______________
