Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District

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BERNE - KNOX- WESTERLO WINTER/SPRING 2013 CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BKW awarded for its ‘community connections’ On Thursday, Sept. 27, a group of young BKW elementary students stood proud as their school received a $5,000 check for its “Community Connections” program as part of the first Be the Change for Kids Innovation Awards at the University of Albany’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE). Designed to award districts that are sparking student interest in math, science and technology, BKW was also named an innovator for operating the program on a limited budget. BKW’s Community Connections program was implemented with less than $1,000, was one of three winners among 38 entries and the only elementary school winner. “We called on districts to marshal their resources, collaborate and look for new ways to deliver educational services,” said Thomas Nespeca, the president of the New York State <strong>School</strong> Boards Association (NYSSBA), the organization that co-developed the awards. “We asked them to show us innovative programs that can be replicated by other districts throughout the state at little cost to the taxpayer.” While BKW’s Community Connections program does this, it stands apart in one vital way: it relies on members of the community, harnessing their expertise to create a truly interdisciplinary and interactive learning environment. Throughout last year, the BKW second-grade teachers welcomed community volunteers into their classrooms, often requiring the teacher to plan their visits ahead of time and sync the volunteer’s demonstrations with the current lesson plan. For example, visitors from the local Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center BKW students, faculty and BOE members during the Innovation Awards event at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in Albany. came to BKW to talk about birds and trees during the second grade’s life cycle unit, and about fossils during their rock unit. Kathy Brown, a local hobbyist, came in to teach students how to make maple syrup in conjunction with a science lesson. “It’s so encouraging to use the resources in your own community,” said second-grade teacher Molly Tiffany. “It provides opportunities for students to connect to lessons in ways only your unique environment can supply.” “Providing these extension pieces to our lessons enrich the curriculum and really helps the material sink in,” said Michelle Pahl, another BKW second-grade teacher. “They also help us align our lessons to the common core standards.” While the award from CNSE and NYSSBA focused on curriculum geared toward math and science, the Community Connections program operates on an even wider scale, providing community volunteer connections in the arts and humanities as well. Last year, Mrs. Tiffany called on a former student, who travels to Tanzania to teach about music and conservation, to come back to BKW and help teach about geography and the arts. Ms. Pahl involved a close friend and fellow 6 educator who recently moved to Alaska to pair up pen pals for their students and connect the classrooms via video conferencing. Many local volunteers have also come through the classroom doors, showing students how to sew, act, and create online storybooks. The $5,000 award will be used to develop more programming opportunities like these throughout the entire elementary school and also increase field trips to more local places and continue immersing students in the community. The BKW PTA has also been an integral part in supporting the initial funding of Community Connections and will continue to be involved. Helen Lounsbury, a BKW Board of Education member, worked with the second-grade teachers and administration to write the submission for this award. “Over the years, BKW teachers have offered many innovative programs and received much recognition for doing so,” said Mrs. Lounsbury. “Recently, Mr. Tidd, Mrs. Tiffany and Ms. Pahl brought further honor and recognition to our <strong>District</strong> by becoming the first New York elementary school awardees for the prestigious Be the Change award. It was my pleasure to submit this nomination on their behalf.”
BERNE - KNOX- WESTERLO www.bkwschools.org CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BKW athletes break district records The athletes at BKW have been busy this year setting district records. Below are some of their amazing accomplishments. Congratulations! The BKW varsity golf team recently won its fifth straight WAC championship. Senior Courtney Tedeschi signs her letter of intent to Dupaul University for track and cross country. Pictured (from left to right) are Courney, her parents Maria and Matt and Coach Bill Tindale. Cross Country Courtney Tedeschi, Allie Tedeschi and Adam Forti all qualified for the State Cross Country Championships early in the school year. Senior Courtney Tedeschi won her fifth championship at the Guilderland Cross Country Invitational in September and placed fifth at the State Cross Country Championships. She became the first student in school history to qualify for the State Federation Meet of Champions. This meet welcomed the best runners of private and public schools, and Courtney placed 37th out of New York’s 255 best runners. In February, Courtney Tedeschi signed her Division 1 national letter of intent to Depaul University for track and cross-country [pictured below]. Girls Volleyball In October, Senior Gabriella Audino was honored with a medal as BKW’s all-star player for the Lady Dawgs [pictured above]. All-Star Gabriella Audino with girl’s volleyball Head Coach Jim Lemire. Girls & Boys Basketball In January, senior classmates and best friends, Liz Harvey and Garrett Pitcher, both became the all-time leading scorers in BKW basketball history for boys and girls basketball [pictured to the right]. The girls basketball team finished this season 17-1 and were the Western Athletic Conference champions. They also ranked 7th in New York Sate for class C! 7 Varsity Golf The varsity golf team won its fifth straight Western Athletic Conference championship this past fall. In November, selections for the WAC all-star teams included BKW’s Kyle Gibbs making the first team, and Connor McDermott making the second team [team is pictured to the left]. Varsity Cheerleading In December, the BKW varsity cheerleaders became the first team in district history to qualify for a national championship. In February, the varsity cheerleaders traveled to Orlando to compete against 500 other cheer squads from all over the country [see story on page 1]. BKW’s girls basketball team; this year’s WAC Champions. All-time lead scorers in basketball, Seniors Garrett Pitcher and Liz Harvey.
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Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District

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