Cassadaga Valley Central School District

Fitness Center hours on Presidents' Day, February 19th, and through February break (2/20 - 2/23): 5:00-7:30 AM and 3:00-7:30 PM

We have baby emus! Watch them live here!! https://live.myvrspot.com/player?udi=c3RyZWFt&c=Y3Zjc2RlZ2dz

Girls On The Run applications are being sent home this week. Please return them to the nurse's office to ensure a spot on the team. We are limited to 15 girls on the team so this is a first come first serve basis. We will always secure a spot for a girl that has not participated in the past. Applications are due 3/1/2024. Please contact the elementary nurse's office with any questions (716) 962-5195.

On Friday, February 9th, a group of students toured Purina and Refresco to learn about local manufacturing opportunities. While touring, students were briefed on all the careers available at their location. Students were amazed at the number of people employed at both facilities. Each student also left with swag bags from each business!

Our Spirit Days have been fun already! Here are a few pictures of Medieval Monday and Tropical Tuesday to get our week started right!

Recently, the 9th-grade honors Social Studies class at Cassadaga Valley, along with officers from the high school History Club, participated in a program sponsored by JCC called "Citizenship Day: A Global Perspective." This engaging event aimed to educate students on how to become better citizens and foster discussions about the Declaration of Human Rights. The day commenced with a presentation by Andrew Beiter, the director of The Summer Institute for Human Rights in Buffalo. Students were then organized into teams for a scavenger hunt, exploring local human rights organizations and pertinent issues. Following this, a discussion took place between our students and a panel of international students from JCC. This interaction allowed our high school students to pose questions and gain insights into human rights issues in different countries, as well as the perspectives of international students living in America. Representatives from South Africa, Ireland, and other nations participated in this enriching conversation. The program was made possible through the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Grant sponsored by JCC. Upon returning to Mrs. Richir's classroom, Cassadaga Valley students continued their engagement. They were tasked with creating posters focusing on a human right listed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Submissions included a description and title for their work, with JCC offering prizes for different grade categories (5-8, 9-12, and college students). Congratulations are extended to the following winners from Cassadaga Valley: "Know Your Right" by Aubre Bonasera and "Sonder" by Lily Green. Additional awards were given for outstanding work, including "Emotionless Means Colorless" by Anna Burlingame, "Equal Humans, Equal Rights" by Gabrielle Cunningham, "Every Person is Equal" by Addisyn Grissom, and "Bodies not Politics" by Catie Russell. The impact of this program has been evident in our students' expanded worldviews. It has encouraged them to look beyond borders, recognizing the interconnectedness of our world. The focus on citizenship and the potential for one person to make a difference has resonated with the students. By learning about human rights and other countries, they gain a greater appreciation for their freedoms and the opportunity to voice their opinions on global issues and human rights.

At 8:05 AM Cassadaga Valley Middle/High School went into a Hold In Place for a student medical incident. This medical incident is limited to one student. All other students remained in their extended homerooms until approximately 8:55 AM when the hold in place was lifted. A hold in place keeps students in the classroom with a teacher and limits students in the hallways.. A hold in place is temporary so medical attention can be given without disruption.

LAST CHANCE: Tuesday, February 13th will be the last day to purchase a yearbook. Orders can be made at www.jostens.com or brought to Mrs. Bennink in Room 125. Cash and Check (made payable to Valley View 2024) will be accepted. The High School yearbook is $70 and the Middle School yearbook is $22.

The Key Club voted at their January meeting to honor the administrative staff in the business, guidance and main offices. Pictured here are staff from the district office holding their Valentine's goodies that were personally delivered by Key Club members!

The Key Club participated in Hugs for Soldiers at their recent February meeting. Founded in 2003, Hugs for Soldiers is based out of Duluth, GA. Their program is dedicated to offering comforts from home and brightening a soldier’s day with a care package, card or letter of encouragement. Their “adopted” troops, who are deployed thousands of miles away from home, need to be reassured that America cares about them. Hugs for Soldiers provide love and support for our nation's military who make daily sacrifices for the freedom America enjoys 🇺🇸🇺🇸

Congrats to all of our 2nd quarter Honor and Merit Roll students! https://sites.google.com/cvcougars.org/guidance-counseling-office/middlehigh-school-honor-and-merit-roll?authuser=0 Honor Roll 12th Grade – Eliza Andersen, Lucas Brown, Jorden Carlson, Hayden Carr, Nathaniel Case, Benjamin Elder, Caden Frost, Matthew Helwig, Elijah Higgs, Calvin Hilliker, Lauren Jasinski, Hunter Johnson, Gracelyn Kohler, Jonathan Lewis, Austin Main, Lucas Martin, Eric McKeown, Michael Myers, Ace Pierce, Robert Polley, Merrick Samuelson, Monica Snyder 11th Grade – Emiley Anderson, Hailey Anderson, Charlotte Couchman, Naomi Johnson, Ariana Main, Hailey Myers, Derrick Runge, Autumnskye Seagrave 10th Grade – Danny Callentine IV, Summer Cieplinski, Mya Cusimano, Elizabeth Daughenbaugh, Denza Fanara, Austin Gloss, Jasmine Gugino, Addison Helwig, Alexa Jaquith, Isabella Jaquith, Morgan Johnson, Cameron Katilus, Keyamari Keys, Georgiana Knott, Jordynn Main, Lilleean Meacham, Brandi Meder, Payton Meder, Adrianna Myers, Brianna Myers, Gabriel Myers, Adabella O'Hara, Katarina Pattison, Gavin Penhollow, Shea Richerson, Ashlynn Smith, Alyssa Snyder, Aaron Steen, Xabrina Szablewski, Grant Zahm, Zoe Zuech 9th Grade – Aubre Bonasera, Noah Brandt, Anna Burlingame, Jackson Crowell, Gabrielle Cunningham, Makayla Edson, Mia Fanara, Cameron Fitzgibbons, Lilly Green, Addisyn Grissom, Natalie Hallett, Jakob Higgs, Breonna Hopkins, Jakob Huling, Chloe Lundberg, Connor Main, Angelica Mullen, James Mullen, Lilliana Payne, Lillian Phillips, Isadora Pryll, Cathryn Russell, Stefan Schafer, Skyler Szablewski, Jocelyn Wintersteen 8th Grade – Pheobie Brandow, Alicyn Debo, Skyleigh Debo, Marsal Fenton, Cadence Fitzgibbons, Anastazia Hale, Dawson Harper, Brody Hawkins, Makenzie Lahnen, Reese McKay, Kristyn McVey, Eden Miller, Emma Nickerson, Alexis Pattyson, Benjamin Petry, Blake Sam, Kianna Sanchez, Kadence Swanson, Cheyanne Weaver 7th Grade – Alex Anderson, Caleb Anderson, Jaidyn Briggs, Nora Brown, Anthony Clark, Sophie Conti, Cole Daughenbaugh, Madison Debo, Mason Debo, Marli Deyell, Brionna Doland, Julissa Evans, Kayden Hallett, Gabriella Hubler, Chelsea Johnson, Quinn Johnson, Eliana Katilus, Kailee Lacki, Matthew Lawrie, Bridget McQuiggan, Nora Nopper, Alea Runge, Maliyah Stone, Preston Swan, Zayelah Swierkosz, Dalphne TenPas, Evelyn Winton 6th Grade – Gemma Andersen, Antonio Bonasera, Olivia Burlingame, Cooper Davis, Summer Debo, Colton Frost, Hannah George, Niall Guayasamin, Anthony Hamernik, Sydney Hawkins, Kristen Heath, Makayla Hopkins, Elora Kelley, James McChesney, Lydia Petry, Emily Pierce, Noah Troxell, Amilya Wolnik Merit Roll 12th Grade – Riley Brooks, Bianca Chamberlin, Gregory Edson, Destiny Flagg, Lily Harkins, Andrea Johnson, Cheyenne Johnson, Ean Kelley, Blaine Percey, Tristan Pierce, Miranda-Lee Ryen, Lily VanValkenburg 11th Grade – Journey Alaimo, Morgan DeGolier, Javonte Hackett, Aliyah Hopkins, Summer Johnson, Collin Powers, Charles Taylor, Cadence Thompson 10th Grade – Gavin Blair, Ryley Clutter, Jazmin Debo, Destiny Kelley, Tristan Reese, Kali Richerson, Gavin Skinner 9th Grade – Carter Anderson, Gabriel Cleveland, Suzanne Dewyea, Logan Farnham, Caleb Gierlinger, Ginx Griffith, Mattea Hilliker, Maddison McLane, Melanie Myles, Alex Serrano, Syeed Shabazz, Shaedon Swierkosz, Ruby VanValkenburg 8th Grade – Mathew Chrispen Jr, Nathan Cieplinski, Aiden Frost, Taylor Lahnen, AngelLee Little, Faith McVey, Austin Myers, Katreena O'Rourke, Drake Rhoades, Peyton Senear, Jaden Skinner, Connor Thompson 7th Grade – Ryan Anderson, Mikayla Carlson, Khloey Carr, Jaydyne Crowell, Emmalyn DeGolier, Elaina Frary, Jayden McEntire, Isaac Meacham, Melonie Payne, Jannah Rullon, Salena Sendall, Quinn Smith 6th Grade – Bentley Brown, Bre'Ahna Carr, Payton Davis, Cameron Eggleston, Jackson Frangione, Lauralye Gelencser, Ryker Jarvis, Lucas Mcalister, Atlas McCann, Maddison Near, Noah Paxton, Riley Szukala, Cora Wojcinski

It is National School Counseling Week and we would like to thank our school counselors, Ms. Heather Nocero, Ms. Amy Raynor, Mr. Jacob Wilcox, and Ms. Marie Torrey for their dedication and unwavering support of our students! This special week provides recognition for school counselors who implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by American School Counselor Association, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. The 2024 theme is "School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused."

Congratulations to our SES Cougars with Character for January!! Great job!! https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HDmrFU7n2AcMdnGQIP2xZ4HEX_-FUeN8nzv4QcElZ8A/edit?usp=sharing

Erie County Association of School Boards (ECASB) is hosting a prospective School Board Member workshop on Saturday March 23rd at Erie 1 BOCES for any potential school board candidates to gain a better understanding of what being a school board member entails. Anyone interested in attending this workshop should contact ECASB at (716) 821-7297 or ssummers@e1b.org. If you're interested in running for the School Board, petition packets are available upon request by emailing Melissa Wilson, District Clerk, at mwilson@cvcougars.org or calling (716) 962-5155 option 1. Petitions are due no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, April 22, 2024.

Congratulations to the following middle schoolers: Emily Kieley, Cora Wojcinski, Julianna Wieczorek, Hadley Green, Kailee Lacki, Alex Anderson, Izabella Ulinger, Jaden Skinner, Eden Miller, Dawson Harper, Faith McVey, Connor Thompson and Alexis Pattyson! Their artwork was selected to be in the 2024 Middle School Juried Art Show at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University. There will be an opening reception for these students and their families on February 13th from 4-6 PM.

Spirit Week 2024! Take a look at each day's theme for February 12 - 16: 2/12 - Medieval Monday 2/13 - Tropical Tuesday 2/14 - Wild West Wednesday 2/15 - Time Traveler Thursday 2/16 - Class Color Friday

The 2023-24 Boy's Bowling team is headlined by a trio of seniors that have been starters since the team's inaugural season (2021-22). Calvin Hilliker (All-Division 1st Team - 2x, 2nd team 1x ), Matthew Helwig (All-Division 1st Team - 1x, 2nd team 1x) and Hayden Carr have all played pivotal roles in the success of the program over the past 3 years. Returning from last year is much improved senior Caden Frost. Newcomers to this years' team that will be leading the way in the future are Jordan Swanson (Junior), Matthew Runge (Junior) and Gavin Penhollow (Sophomore). This team will forever hold a special place for me and Cassadaga Valley history because of the undertaking of 2 amazing young men. Prior to the 21-22 season, Calvin Hilliker & Matthew Helwig put in an extraordinary amount of time and effort to follow all the necessary steps to create a bowling team. In just 3 years, their achievements have led to the addition of a Girl's and Unified bowling teams. It is incredible that the creation of 3 sports programs can be directly linked to the accomplishments of these remarkable student athletes. From the bottom of my heart and speaking on behalf of the entire Cougar Community, thank you for everything. Without Calvin & Matt none of this would be possible. - Coach Dando

The whole Cassadaga Valley school community would like to celebrate Emiley Anderson on her 1,000th career point for our Lady Cougars Basketball Team! 🏀🏀Emiley embodies hard work, dedication, and quiet confidence in everything that she does. We are so proud to have her as a member of our team! Congratulations on this exceptional accomplishment! 🏆

The Cassadaga Valley Girls Bowling team, entering its second year of existence, is full of youthful energy as all members are underclassmen. Leading the way is Emma Nickerson (8th Grade) who currently holds a top 5 average in the division. Returning starters from last year's inaugural squad are Addison Helwig (Sophomore) and Mattea Hilliker (Freshman). New additions to the team include Xabrina Szablewski (Sophomore) and Katreena O'Rourke (8th Grade). Given how young the team is and how rapidly they all are improving, the future looks very promising. It is a pleasure to coach such a wonderful group of young ladies. 🎳 Go Cougars!!! - Coach Dando

January is School Board Recognition Month! We'd like to take this opportunity to thank our School Board members for their dedication and service to our students, staff, and community! We're very grateful for the countless hours they volunteer to help our school district and children!