Our cast and crew have been working hard rehearsing over break and have been lucky to have lunches provided not only by some rock star moms, but by local businesses Nino’s Pizzeria and John & Mary’s - thank you for the support!
(Photos courtesy of Dustin Gardner)
This past week, crews focused on electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and control system upgrades to support the new space layouts.
Major building systems — including public address, clocks, and access controls — were successfully relocated and are fully operational.
Plumbing and ductwork rough-ins continue, and preparations are underway for upcoming sanitary work.
Parkhurst, a 2024 Attica grad, swims for NCAA Division I Cleveland State University and will be competing in the Horizon League Conference Championships in Indianapolis from Feb. 18-21.
His schedule of events is as follows:
• Wednesday, Feb. 18: 200-yard medley relay
• Thursday, Feb. 19: 50-yard freestyle and 200-yard freestyle relay
• Friday, Feb. 20: 100-yard breaststroke and 400-yard medley relay
• Saturday, Feb. 21: 100-yard freestyle and 400-yard freestyle relay
For a complete schedule of events, visit the Horizon League website at the link below.
And to stream Joe’s races via ESPN+, visit its upcoming events schedule, likewise at the link below. There is a fee to access the ESPN+ streams.
Good luck, Joe, and GO VIKINGS!
Horizon League link: https://horizonleague.org/tournaments/?id=110
ESPN+ link: https://www.espn.com/watch/schedule/
(Photos courtesy of Nici Parkhurst)
Our sixth grade students have been researching a person of historical significance in class over the past few weeks and today, they assembled in the Middle School Gymnasium to present their findings.
Museum-goers had only to push a button next to our students and they would recite a synopsis of their chosen historical figure’s life and accomplishments.
Thanks to all our visitors and well done to all our 6th graders!
More photos over on our Facebook page at the link below.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=100057106403663&set=a.1425881105992089
The purpose of this survey, which is accessible online at the link below, is to help members of our student grading committee better understand how well our grading and reporting practices communicate student learning to families.
Your feedback will help the district evaluate the clarity, consistency and usefulness of grading information and guide future improvements.
Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbk-6wShAnR4ELxovf3txQP3qnOwwsIvrCyhh1JcfU1kqfpg/viewform
In interested, please apply by Feb. 25.
More info over on our website at the link below.
Link: https://www.atticacsd.org/page/open-positions
Our varsity boys basketball team held its annual Teacher Appreciation Night earlier this week before its game against Pembroke.
Each team member was asked to select a teacher that is currently making or has in the past made a positive impact on their lives either in or out of the classroom. Chosen teachers were then recognized at center court with the student who’d selected them.
Sophomore Noah Sabatino chose James Nash, a high school Spanish teacher.
“I chose Mr. Nash because of the positivity he brings to his classroom. His good mood is contagious and will always cheer you up if you are having a bad day as soon as you step in his room,” said Noah. “Mr. Nash always tries his best to keep class fun, his class always feels like the shortest class of the day.”
Grant Nixon, a sophomore, chose high school physical education teacher Caleb Sabatino.
“I chose Mr. Sab because he is an amazing gym teacher who always has a positive attitude. He has helped me tremendously with my game and shaped me into the player I am today. Whether I’m doing well or struggling during a game or practice, Mr. Sab is always there to support me and help me understand what’s best for both me and the team,” said Grant.
Sophomore Jack Cusmano chose Becky Peters, a high school English teacher.
“I chose Mrs. Peters because she helped me improve as a student while still making her class fun and enjoyable for everyone,” Jack said. “She does a great job of explaining things clearly in a way that is easy to understand.”
William Franz, a sophomore, chose Jody Brydalski, a high school social studies teacher.
“Mrs. Brydalski is incredibly kind and caring. She is always positive and so nice to everyone. I look forward to coming to your class every day—it’s not just another class I have to get through,” William said. “You truly care about us as people, not just as students.”
Junior Jacob Zeilman chose Jeff Cusmano, our district’s athletic director and longtime varsity football coach.
“I have selected Mr. Cusmano for teacher appreciation night because he is one of the best football coaches I have ever had,” said Jacob. “Mr. Cusmano is always willing to help me become a better player overall.”
Blake Kines, a junior, chose High School Secretary Lisa Lukasik.
“I would like to thank Mrs. Lukasik for everything she has done for me throughout high school. She always finds a way to make me laugh,” Blake said. “If I am not having a good day she always encourages me to pick myself up and do better.”
Sophomore Justin Stockweather chose his sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Kayla Eick.
“I chose Mrs. Eick because she was an amazing teacher and always made class worth going to especially since the first couple years in middle school can be awkward or you can especially be nervous but every time I walked in it was just always so fun,” said Justin. “I wish I could have had her for a full year because she was one of my favorite teachers to have class with. Thank you Mrs. Eick.
Owen Walek, a junior, chose Jake Brauen, a teacher in his building trades program at Genesee Valley BOCES.
“I selected Mr. Brauen because he’s very hard working, not just as a teacher but also as a carpenter,” said Owen. “This might be surprising to him but I listen to him the most out of all my teachers. I'm looking forward to working with him next year.”
Senior Miguel Cebrian Pena chose High School Counselor Dustin Gardner.
“I would like to thank my host dad, who is also one of our school counselors. Many students go to his office during study hall because they feel comfortable talking to him,” said Miguel. “He always listens, gives good advice and makes people feel supported.”
Rocco Soccio, a senior, chose his aunt and first grade teacher at Attica Elementary School, Dylah Fagan.
“Even though she was never my teacher in school, she has always been a teacher in my life and has taught me many important lessons,” said Rocco. “She is patient, supportive, and always takes the time to help others understand and grow. Watching the way she cares about others and stays dedicated to what she does shows what a great teacher she truly is.”
Isaac Herman, a senior, chose high school teacher and library aide Kelly Gersitz.
“I picked Mrs. Gersitz because she has been a great person to have a conversation with at the end of the day and knows how to give good advice with many different situations,” Isaac said. “I always appreciate her fun loving attitude and kindness. Thanks for being there for all of us."
And finally, senior Josh Deihl chose Head Custodian JennyBee Rappold
“I chose Mrs. Rappold because she consistently goes above and beyond to take care of our school,” said Josh. “She puts in a lot of effort every day to make sure everything is clean, organized, and ready for students and staff. Her hard work helps create a positive environment for everyone. She truly deserves to be appreciated for all that she does.”
(Photos courtesy of Rob Beck)
After the scores from their third and final meet at Genesee Community College were added to the scores from their previous two meets this season, our mathletes found themselves in a dead heat with Byron-Bergen atop the 9-team league.
Both teams earned a total of 295 points across their three meets and were named co-Interscholastic Math Competition champions.
Even more impressive than our team’s co-, first place finish? The fact that they’ve done so for 8(!) straight years! Incredible!
Congratulations to this year’s middle school mathletes - eighth graders Karma Ollivierra, Eden Domes, Lucia Eddy, Ally Landphair and Faye Cannon and seventh graders Tatyana Ennis, Mason Pilc, Caden Morrison, Avery Nelson and Claira Deuel.
(Photo courtesy of Adam Landphair)
Team members Emma Hixon, Madelyn Meyer, Ellie Meyer, Amber Dykstra, Amara Brinkman and Claira Deuel tackled problem 5, this year’s performance problem.
The problem, “The Taller Tales of John Jivery,” tasked teams with creating and presenting a humorous performance about an original tall tale. The team was required to include in their tale a hero or heroine that performed an incredible feat, a unique explanation of how something began or came to be and a surprise for the audience. Team members also had to incorporate into their performance a visual weather effect to convey an emotion.
Our Division 2 Problem 5 team took second place with 268.02 points.
Also competing Saturday at Mount Morris Central Schools was:
• Our Division 2 Problem 2 team of Kayla Copeland, April Edwards, Ellie Keem, Phebe Wheeler and Charlotte Eddy, who took third place in the “Lost in OMERland” technical problem with 289.59 points.
• Our Division 1 Problem 3 team of Hannah Greis, Amelia Gallese, Madelyn Sabatino and Gavin Gross, who took second place in “The Epic Quest” classics problem with 327.10 points, missing out on first place by a mere 1.53 points!
Well done to all our incredible OMers and best of luck to Emma, jadelyn, Ellie, Amber, Amara and Claira as they prepare for the OM State Finals next month!
(Photo courtesy of Stacey Donahue)
Electrical (Ferguson)
• Data cabling and new pathways on the first floor (Main Office, Principal’s Office & Data Room 146)
• Fire alarm rough-ins on the third floor
• New emergency service conduit installed from the basement to the new Data Room panels
• Teamwork in action supporting framing and data relocations
Carpentry (Scrufari)
• Framing is officially underway for the new Nurses Suite and Behavioral Suite—walls are going up!
Plumbing (MKS)
• Core drilling completed for water venting and waste lines
HVAC (Danforth)
• Final unit ventilator duct connections underway
• Pipe crews returned over the weekend to wrap up remaining connections
As always, thank you for your continued support and patience as this important work continues.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out - we’re always happy to help!
Attica will have 3 teams competing tomorrow under the watchful eye of our OM coach, Mrs. Stacey Donohue.
The Division 2 team of Emma Hixon, Madelyn Meyer, Ellie Meyer, Amber Dykstra, Amara Brinkman and Claira Deuel will be tackling problem 5, a performance problem, which tasks teams with creating and presenting a humorous performance about an original tall tale.
The tale will include a team-created hero or heroine that performs an incredible feat, a unique explanation of how something began or came to be, and a surprise for the audience. Each event will be accompanied by a visual weather effect that represents an emotion.
The Division 2 team of Kayla Copeland, April Edwards, Ellie Keem, Phebe Wheeler and Charlotte Eddy will be taking on problem 2, the technical problem, which challenges teams to design, build and operate a Technical Trip Assistant only to find their voice-activated device has a few malfunctions that result in hilarity.
While they set out to explore a new place, the device gives a humorous answer to a question, wrong directions that take them to an unexpected location, and a silly translation. All props and backdrops must fit inside two suitcases.
And last but not least, our Division 1 team of Hannah Greis, Amelia Gallese, Madelyn Sabatino and Gavin Gross will face problem 3, the classics problem, head on.
For this problem, OMers will create an epic poem that details a team-created quest that is acted out in the performance. During the quest, the characters encounter an original beast, will rescue someone, and will overcome an epic challenge. The performance will use colors to help depict different settings.
Sixteen of Allein’s students picked the Seahawks to win while just 4 picked the Patriots.
Now Ms. Allein insists her Bills fandom had absolutely NOTHING to do with 4-1 ratio but, let’s be honest, we’d forgive her if it did!
Best of luck to both teams (but mostly the Seahawks) this Sunday!
(Photos courtesy of Alyssa Allein)
In the 5th grade, our student of the month is Landon Kilian, nominated by Ms. Tressa Smith and Mrs. Amanda Datzler.
Bauer cited Landon’s “exceptional integrity and quiet leadership values” as just a couple of the reasons she nominated him.
“Whether working in a group or independently, Landon consistently prioritizes doing what is right over what is convenient, demonstrating a level of character that inspires his peers,” Bauer said. “Landon has an innate work ethic and is always looking to do better in all he does. He leads by example, helps those who struggle and always volunteers to help in the classroom. He shows true leadership within his daily responsibilities and in his unwavering honesty and positive attitude. He is a true role model who truly embodies our school's core values.”
Datzler, Landon’s other nominator, said Landon “consistently demonstrates responsibility, kindness, and a positive attitude in the classroom.
“Landon comes to class prepared, works hard on all assignments, and is always willing to help out where needed,” Datzler continued. “Landon's respectful behavior and strong effort make them a great role model for his peers.”
In the 6th grade, our student of the month is Maiya Jackson. Marybeth Brotherton-Hardie nominated Maiya for her truthfulness, compassion, loyalty and strong, moral character.
“Maiya’s actions reflect the values we strive to encourage in our school community - honesty, respect, and kindness,” said Brotherton-Hardie. “She demonstrated that being a good friend means standing up for others and making responsible choices, even in challenging moments. I’m proud of Mya for setting such a positive example for her peers!”
In the 7th grade, our student of the month is Amara Brinkman, nominated by Ms. Jenelle Bauer.
“Amara is always willing to help other students,” said Bauer. “Recently, she was asked to show a new student around to her classes and Amara was so kind and welcoming.”
And in the 8th grade, Karma Ollivierre is our student of the month, nominated by Mrs. Julie Long.
“Karma is always smiling, incredibly polite, friendly and a role model for other students,” Long said.
Well while their cameras were rolling, ours were snapping photos - here’s a few behind-the-scenes shots from their August visit!
Many more photos over on our Facebook page at the link below.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=100057106403663&set=a.1419025420010991
The award was presented Jan. 24 during Genesee Valley BOCES’s annual Legislative Leadership Day at Letchworth Central Schools by State Senator Pam Helming and State Assemblyperson Andrea Bailey in recognition of our district’s Fresh Connections Club.
The club, which launched in 2024, brings middle school students together every couple of weeks after school to plant, harvest, prepare and enjoy food as a means of building connections to local ingredients and producers while gaining practical life skills through hands-on learning.
Club advisors Becky Sphar and Jenelle Bauer accepted the award last month alongside Attica Middle School Principal Paul Clark.
“Winning this award means a lot because it recognizes the heart of what Fresh Connections is really about,” said Sphar, a family and consumer sciences teacher. “The club exists to help students build meaningful connections to food, to their community, and to one another.
“The impact has been incredibly positive,” added Bauer, a special education teacher. “Students gain confidence, learn practical skills, and feel a real sense of belonging and pride in what they’re creating together.”
The club is currently supported through farm to school grant secured by the district and while the exact timeline and long-term funding plan are still being determined, the goal is to sustain the spirit and impact of Fresh Connections well beyond the grant period.
Sphar and Bauer also praised their fellow club advisors, teachers assistants Melissa Brooks and Bethany Smith, as well as Meaghan Matuszak, our district’s assistant superintendent of business and operations, for making the club such a success.
“Meaghan’s leadership in securing the funding for this program and the continued guidance and support she provides has been invaluable,” said the pair. “Just as important has been the encouragement from our administration, along with the support of parents and community members, whose involvement and belief in our students have truly helped the club grow and thrive.”
Our cast and crew are waist-deep in rehearsals ahead of opening night later this month.
There will be two performances on our Performing Arts Center stage. The first is Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. and the second is Saturday, Feb. 28, likewise at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $7 and will be available for purchase at the door.
So mark your calendars, Attica - we hope to see you… over the rainbow… later this month!
Heads up, Blue Devils - our Blue Devils Dispatch for February is live!
At the high school, you can read about how things are progressing with our students’ production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
At the middle school, learn about a recent recognition bestowed on our Fresh Connections Club.
And at Attica Elementary, see how our first graders went ice fishing for letter sounds.
All that and more at the links below!
• Attica Elementary School: https://app.smore.com/n/d7fne
• Attica Middle School: https://app.smore.com/n/tak90
• Attica High School: https://app.smore.com/n/m4e07
Dylan Walek was nominated from the 9th grade by Ms. Jocelyn Pierce and Mr. James Nash.
“Dylan has been doing amazing in all of his classes in 9th grade. He is polite and respectful to his teachers and peers, works hard to complete his work in class and during study hall and isn't afraid to ask for help to get the correct answer,” said Pierce “Before winter break, Dylan heard me out in the hall taking decorations down, solo, during my planning period. He came over and asked if I needed help and gave up his study hall time to help me finish removing our hall decorations.”
Added Nash: “Dylan is always making sure that he understands what's happening in class, and really wants to make sure he stays on topic. He's always focused in class and puts forth 100% of his effort.”
Our 10th grade student of the month is Aurelia Mangefrida, nominated by Mrs. Wendy Jerge.
“I nominated Aurelia for her exemplary study habits and dedication to academic excellence. Aurelia consistently demonstrates strong commitment to learning by thoroughly studying assigned material and completing all homework with care and punctuality,” said Jerge. “Aurelia approaches each lesson with focus and curiosity, ensuring a deep understanding of the subject matter. Her ability to manage time effectively and maintain consistent effort reflects an admirable level of self-discipline and responsibility. In addition to strong study skills, Aurelia shows enthusiasm for learning and takes initiative to clarify and master challenging concepts.”
Mrs. Elizabeth Winters nominated our 11th grade student of the month, Ava Maria Mazurkiewicz.
“Ava participates in class, follows instructions, completes assignments on time and is a pleasure to work with and teach in the classroom,” Winters said. “She uses class time efficiently and works well with others during class activities and lab. She is friendly and respectful. Due to these attributes, she is performing well in Biology class and should be proud of her accomplishments. Keep up the good work Ava!”
And our 12th grade student of the month, nominated by Mr. John Dickhut, is David Fialkowski.
“I nominated David for his hard work, and willingness to take additional math courses,” Dickhut said. “David is enrolled in AP calculus as well as financial math in his senior year. It is great to see a student taking elective courses to take advantage of the educational opportunities. David is always participating and asking excellent questions in my financial math class. It is a pleasure to teach somebody like David who is enthusiastic about learning.”
Congratulations, Dylan, Aurelia, Ava and David, on being named students of the month!
Through this hands-on activity, students practiced proper sample handling, learned how fecal floats are used in the livestock industry, and tried to identify common parasite eggs that can affect animal growth, productivity, and overall well-being. This experience gave students a realistic look at how farmers and veterinarians monitor herd health and make informed treatment decisions.
This lesson was student-driven, sparked by a request from one of our own students who wanted to gain a deeper understanding of how to manage the health of their livestock. By building the lesson around student interest and real-world needs, this activity reflects our school’s commitment to a student-centered approach—empowering learners to take ownership of their education and explore topics that directly connect to their goals, experiences, and future careers.
(Photos courtesy of Alyssa Wright)
