New faces, new boilers in Canastota schools

New programs aim to stop bullying, reward positive behavior

CANASTOTA >> The biggest changes in the Canastota Central School District this year, other than the new federal Common Core curriculum, are the many new and familiar faces entering the district this year. District facilities are also receiving an overhaul with the energy performance contract going into effect and few small construction projects being completed at individual buildings.

The high school will see a handful of new teachers: math teacher John Slater, English teachers Megan Thomas and Tina Davis, special education teacher Robert Stokes, part-time Spanish teacher Angela Bruno and substitute special education teacher Stacy Snow. Rachel Bergman will start at the Middle School as a sixth grade teacher and Rachel Mancarella will start as a third-grade teacher.

The district is also reestablishing two positions, bringing back speech therapist Elizabeth Cunningham and special education teacher Jennifer Ahlstrom.

“We are extremely happy to see the two of them returning,” said Superintendent Fred Bragan.

Canastota is also seeing three new faces in administrative positions, including middle school secretary Dianne Rice, high school secretary Maryann Peryer and high school assistant principal Christopher Rogers.

Canastota will also be putting the updated Dignity for all Students Act information on its website, Bragan said the district will be providing contact information and links for reporting bullying. In addition, the school is making use of two new programs, Oasys and

my Learning Plan which will help staff manage teacher evaluations and track state required development programs.

The school will also be implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, a new sys- tem that provides incentives for students showing character develop - ment and strong personal skills.

Bragan said that PBIS is a great way to encourage positive behavior in its students, offering them chances to be recognized for good behavior and earn rewards, such as ice cream socials, school store credit, and possibly a points system that will lead to further incentives, though the exact system is still being determined.

Additionally, the high school will be offering two new honors- level courses in social studies and English.

Bragan said that the new courses will of fer students higher instruction a nd provide a nice line for their college ap plications and high school transcripts.

Bragan said the district will explore more honors options if these succeed.

Robert Street Elementary School got new sidewalks for this school year as well, replacing the tarmac around the building with concrete.

The district’s current energy performance contract will be taking effect this school year as well, although Bragan was unsure when the new boilers and lighting systems would be installed.

The district is also in the process of putting together a facilities committee, a team of community members that will determi ne new construction projects or renovations for the district’s facilities in the future.

Braga n said that this group will look at current facilities for improvements and giving recommendations to the school board.

Community members interested in participating in the facilities committee should contact Tami Patane in the district office at 697- 6302.

Classes begin Thursday, Sept. 5.