Perry Central School District

We're not crying...you're crying! 🐝❤️🎓
It seems like yesterday that we were welcoming this group into PES for the first time, marking the start of a journey of learning, growth, and achievement. Many came to us in September anxious to become Yellowjackets, but they've grown into confident soon-to-be kindergartners. Graduation Picture Day is just the start of the fun and celebrations planned for the upcoming months. #PrideInTheHive

PCS has another Youth Visual Arts Scholarship Award winner! Congratulations to Tessa Koronas....we look forward to her solo show next year after her apprenticeship. Tessa comes from a long line of PCS scholarship recipients, including Lydia Hadfield, Izzy West, Lauren West, and Emma Gifford. #PrideInTheHive

On Friday, the 5th grade History Club and Mr. Fahey hosted a Revolutionary War Wax Museum! Students spent the last several weeks learning about key figures like King George III, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. They showcased their knowledge at this fun event to help others explore this pivotal time in history. #PrideInTheHive

This morning, our HS Stand Up Club members and Mrs. Marusarz conducted their annual Say Something assemblies to remind students they are the "eyes and ears of PCS." The initiative, started by Sandy Hook Promise, aims to prevent violence in schools by educating students to recognize warning signs in their peers and reporting any concerns to a trusted adult or by using the the anonymous Say Something app. #PrideInTheHive

The HS Jazz Band and Select Chorus, under the direction of Ms. Privatera and Mr. Hirsch, performed musical showcases this morning for elementary and jr. high students. The goal was to get the younger students excited about music, instruments, and performing, as well as give them a glimpse of opportunities offered in high school by the Music Department. #PrideInTheHive

Our Perry FFA members, along with Mrs. Huttar, are visiting elementary classrooms to share the book "Seasons on the Farm" by Chelsea Tornetto in honor of Ag Literacy Week! Students also completed a fun activity with the special guests. The week is meant to help educate others about food systems, the importance of agriculture, and related careers. #PrideInTheHive

Fourth graders took a trip through Mexican culture thanks to visiting artist Karla Alcala-Slack. The dancer and musician was invited to PES by Cathie Wheeler, elementary music teacher, for two interactive performances. During yesterday’s visit, students were introduced to Mexican folk dances like “El Toro Mambo.” They learned that the special guest has been dancing since she was an 8-year-old living in Mexico City. Next week, students will be introduced to traditional Mexican music and have the opportunity to create their own with instruments. #PrideInTheHive

During last week's Literacy Festival, it was announced that the books for this year's "One Book, One School" initiative will be "Mr. Popper's Penguins" by Florence and Richard Atwater for the primary grades, and "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis for the upper elementary classes. Sixth graders were delivering the books to homerooms this afternoon.
Students will receive a book, along with an optional reading schedule. We're hoping families choose to read the books at home together. We will also be sending home information about a special movie day, so students and their special guests can see the cinematic version of the books. #PrideInTheHive

Last week, we caught Officer Spink starting the 10-week D.A.R.E. program with Mrs. James' high school students. He was recently certified and will be helping Mr. Masci bring the curriculum to both elementary and high school students. #PrideInTheHive

One of our favorite activities during Literacy Week has to be the buddy reading between younger and older students. We love seeing them connect over books! #PrideInTheHive

Jonah, Carter, Madison, and Mrs. Caccamise are having a great Close Up trip in Washington, D.C.! Yesterday they spent the day on Capitol Hill. What an incredible learning opportunity for these students! #PrideInTheHive

Aren't they the cutest Cats in a Hat that you've ever seen?!
In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, which was yesterday, and our upcoming Literacy Week, Mrs. Eberstein and Mrs. Norcross' UPK students celebrated one of their favorite books. #PrideInTheHive

Over the last several weeks, sophomores have been working with Mrs. Mehlenbacher, HS social worker, and Mr. May, PE/Health teacher, on completing the Teen Mental Health First Aid program in health classes. Since last school year, 50% of our students in grades 9-12 have been trained in this program. PCSD uses the Teen Mental Health First Aid program as a tool to help prevent teen mental health crises and promote teen wellness, peer support, and healthy development. Students learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends. The program gives teens the skills to have supportive conversations with their friends and get a responsible and trusted adult to take over when necessary.
Since 2021, thanks to the work of the District’s mental health team and a partnership with the Western New York Rural Health Education Center, nearly all school personnel have been trained in this program. By next school year, 75% of our high school students will be trained.
#PrideInTheHive

The JH technology shop was buzzing today! Several weeks ago, we told you about a partnership between PCS and the Bliss family from Elitsac, Inc. in Castile. All the hard work and collaboration came to fruition today as 5th graders built their very own toolboxes. The kits that each 5th grader used included lumber that was pre-cut and drilled by Mrs. Brant’s 8th grade technology students. Helping 5th graders build the toolboxes were PCS graduates Scott Cowie and Tyler Elliott, PCS maintenance staff Dave Wolfanger, Kris Goodell, Owen Bueller, Matt Townes, and Tony Kemp-Lewis, Mrs. Brant, Matt Draper from Elitsac, and Pam, Bill, and Jane Bliss. The experience was meant to expose students to the skilled trades and encourage them to explore hands-on technical careers.
Thank you to Mrs. Brant, the Bliss family and Elitsac, Inc., and all of the volunteers, as well as PrimeSource and Kircher Construction for providing some cool swag for our students to add to their toolboxes. #PrideInTheHive

Mrs. Sedivy's Engineering and the Environment students recently toured Morton Salt, where they witnessed every step in the mining, production, and packaging of salt. Next, they headed to Marquart Farms to learn about growing, sorting, and storing potatoes and how they are made into New York Chips. What a great learning experience for the class! #PrideInTheHive

We're 100 days smarter!!!
To celebrate, our youngest learners broke out their canes, suspenders, hair rollers, and gray wigs to dress up as their 100-year-old selves. Meanwhile, our 5th graders celebrated their 1,000th Day of School with fun activities, including writing a letter to their future self. The letters will be returned to students on their 2,000th Day of School in their junior year of high school. #PrideInTheHive

We love watching our students shine, and Saturday we had an opportunity to witness the hard work that Drama Club is putting into making this year's production of "Willy Wonka" a huge success!
While cast members work to perfect their lines, the crew is creating a world of "pure imagination." This is the first year that PCS has had an all-student stage crew to create, paint, and build all of the props and scenery.
We're excited for you to join us for a show (or two) on March 12 and March 13 at 7 pm, and Saturday, March 14 at 2:00 and 7:00 pm. Guests are encouraged to purchase their tickets online prior to the show. To purchase tickets: https://www.perrycsd.org/page/box-office

Juniors Hannah Rowley, Parker McGarvey, and Paige Roberts, and senior Sawyer West, have submitted their applications for an Empire Degree through the New York State FFA. This is the highest honor an FFA member can receive at the state level, and there are strict requirements to even be considered a qualified applicant. We're so proud of the hard work these students put into making our FFA chapter successful, as well as grow as leaders in their school and community. #PrideInTheHive

Perry FFA was well-represented at the District 9 Leadership Development Event this past weekend. Hannah Rowley and Sawyer West stepped out of their comfort zones to compete in the Extemporaneous Speaking event. Hannah also competed in the Senior Creed event. Hannah placed first in both events and will represent Perry FFA at Substates at SUNY Alfred. We're so proud of the hard work they put into preparing for this event, as well as their dedication to FFA! #PrideInTheHive

Our Career and Technical Education Department is partnering with Pam and Jane Bliss from Elitsac, Inc. in Castile to educate our students about the rewarding programs within the construction industry. Through the Toolbox Project, 5th graders will be working with members of our Operations and Maintenance staff, along with community members who work in the building trades, to construct their own toolboxes. Mrs. Brant’s 8th grade technology students have used their skills to create 54 kits that will be used for the project. We’re excited for this collaboration and the opportunity for our students to connect with local skilled trade workers. #PrideInTheHive