With the spirit of the season in full swing, area school districts have spent the past few weeks continuing to spread cheer with various projects, events and activities sure to get everyone into holiday mood before the winter break.
Meanwhile, some districts have their eye on the future as several are planning or in the process of capital improvement projects for their buildings and campuses.
ELLICOTTVILLEThe collaboration and connection being established in the STEM Program at Ellicottville Elementary showcase 21st-century learning. Students in fifth grade were able to lead the kindergarten students through a STEM project and share the final project, as a gift, at the traditional Senior Citizen Luncheon on Dec. 4.
GOWANDAThe STEAM team at Gowanda Elementary School thoroughly enjoyed a recent donation of 400 paint sticks from Mccormack’s Hardware for a Snowman Measuring Stick activity for students.
The generous contribution enabled the young Panthers to create rulers to measure snow in 1-inch increments. Once students completed their rulers, they could decorate their snowmen and take them home.
The STEAM team at Gowanda Elementary includes Mrs. Gominiak, Mrs. Rosier, Mrs. Bugehagen and Mrs. Mohr.
RANDOLPHRandolph Central School students are sharing holiday cheer with service members by sending personal care items, non-perishable snacks and handmade cards to troops stationed overseas.
This fall’s Blue Star Mothers care package collection saw 1,380 items donated — the most gathered since the first drive was held in 2021.
“It’s to cheer them up since they can’t be home for the holidays,” said teacher Stephanie Sample, who helped organize the drive with JCC Leadership Engagement students. “I know they said the cards are their favorite thing to get.”
The boxes were prepared this past Saturday with donations from across the region, and 1,211 care packages were sent out by Blue Star Mothers Lake Erie NY 4.
The Leadership Engagement class donated an ice cream party to the individual class that collected the most items. The winner was Sondra Lampson’s class at the elementary school.
WEST VALLEYWest Valley Central School District voters approved a proposed $6.1 million capital project by a 103-34 tally on Dec. 11. The project would address aging infrastructure and evolving educational needs. The project also includes a much-needed community playground, offering a safe, engaging space for children and fostering community connection. There is expected to be no additional tax impact.
