In fact, Axel had such a lead heading into the race’s final stretch that he was able to coast across the finish line - literally!
Even more impressive? Axel set a new Attica Elementary School record in the event and was presented with a medal in honor of his achievement today during physical education class by Mr. Shawn Fromwiller and Mr. Anthony Ianni.
Way to go, Axel!
(Photos courtesy of Trisha Scripp and Shawn Fromwiller)
5th grader Aryanna Dick was nominated for student of the month by Mrs. Krystal Dominick.
“Ary is a true ray of sunshine! She comes to school each day ready to learn with a positive attitude and a cheery disposition! Ary is a good friend and LOVES to help others. She is very aware of others' needs and wants to help them in any way she can,” Dominick said. “Ary has made great academic gains this school year and become more confident in her abilities. Ary - thank you for being YOU!”
For the 6th grade, our student of the month is Sophia Schmidtk nominated by Mrs. Melissa Mitchell.
“Sophia has been working really hard all year,” said Mitchell. “She is focused in class and always wanting to take her time in order to do the best she can! Great job, Sophia!”
In the 7th grade, our student of the month, Noah Galland, was nominated by Ms. Jenelle Bauer.
“Noah’s always willing to help - especially if it is manual labor and putting something together,” said Bauer. “He is really working hard at focusing on his work and wants to make sure he is putting forth his best effort.”
Cayden Barone is our student of the month from the 8th grade. He was nominated by Mrs. Christine Meyers.
“Cayden consistently demonstrates strong academic dedication and brings a positive attitude to every class,” Meyers said. “His hard work and enthusiasm make him a standout in the classroom.”
Well done, Aryanna, Sophia, Noah and Cayden!
DON’T FORGET: Our 5th annual Wellness Fair is TONIGHT from 5 to 7 p.m. in our Attica High School Gym!
This free, family-friendly event will bring together over 20 local organizations dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of our students, families and community.
Whether you're interested in mental health resources, emergency services, nutrition or petting goats, there's something here for everyone!
We’ll also have some fun activities for kids, demonstrations and resource giveaways.
This is a great opportunity to explore local services, ask questions and enjoy time with your family and neighbors.
We hope to see you tonight!
Yesterday morning, Mrs. Julie Daley and Mrs. Stephanie Gietler brought some of their middle school student musicians down to Attica Elementary to display their talents and instruments for our fourth graders.
The purpose of this band and chorus recruitment is to allow the students in fourth grade to see and hear the instruments they can choose next year in 5th grade to begin and learn to play in the band and to learn a bit more about what to expect if they join middle school chorus.
Our fourth graders were able to listen to each instrument and hear them all play together for a few Disney songs.
We can’t wait to see this group of students become the next group of Attica Central School District musicians!
(Photos courtesy of Jill Farrell)
Stop by our Performing Arts Center Lobby - 3338 East Main Street Rd., Attica - from now until 9 p.m. to vote on our 2026-27 budget proposal and cast a ballot for our open Board of Education seats.
We’ll post results here tonight once polls close.
And don’t forget to fill out an exit survey after casting your ballot!
Make a plan, come vote and make your voice heard!
For the freshman class, our student of the month is Evelyn King, nominated by Mrs. Becki Peters.
“Evie is hard-working and dedicated to not only her school work, but everything she's involved in. She's very conscientious, and she plans ahead, checking in with her teachers when she knows she's going to be out,” said Peters. “She's stepped up as a freshman to take on a leadership role in FFA. Evie also plays soccer and with all those busy activities, she maintains good grades that will give her honor roll status this quarter.”
For the sophomores, Robert Manko is our student of the month. He was nominated by Mrs. Elizabeth Winters.
“Robbie is a pleasure to have in biology class. He actively participates during class and shows enthusiasm towards learning. He is conscientious about handing assignments in on time, and studying for assessments. Due to these qualities he performs well in the course,” said Winters. “Robbie also has a great sense of humor. I enjoy the respectful back-and-forth banter that occurs regularly during class. He is always smiling, which positively affects the learning and school environment.”
Anna George is our student of the month from the class of 2027. She was nominated by Mrs. Christine Meyers.
“Anna is an outstanding 11th grade student who consistently demonstrates what it means to work hard and lead by example. She takes pride in doing her work well every time, actively participates in class, and approaches every challenge with determination,” said Meyers. “Beyond the classroom, Anna is a dedicated athlete and a committed member of her community, volunteering regularly with her local fire department. Her kindness toward others, strong work ethic, and willingness to step up and take initiative make her truly deserving of Student of the Month recognition.
And last but not least, our senior student of the month is Tim Lamparelli, nominated by Mr. James Nash.
“Tim is the only senior in his Spanish class and has been a great role model for his underclassmen,” Nash said. “He always volunteers to answer a question and makes sure that his classmates sitting near him are understanding the material. He even walks them through it to help them. He's accidentally had this leadership role put onto him just by the seating chart and has really grown into it. It's been great to see him help those sitting around him get better at the subject material.”
Congratulations, Evie, Robbie, Anna and Tim!
Our 5th annual Wellness Fair touches down in our Attica High School Gym TOMORROW - Wednesday, May 20 - from 5 to 7 p.m.!
This free, family-friendly event will bring together over 20 local organizations dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of our students, families and community.
Whether you're interested in mental health resources, emergency services, nutrition or petting goats, there's something here for everyone!
We’ll also have some fun activities for kids, demonstrations and resource giveaways.
This is a great opportunity to explore local services, ask questions and enjoy time with your family and neighbors.
We hope to see you tomorrow!
In the past few weeks, progress has been made at our elementary and middle/high school buildings, along with ongoing progress at the outdoor kitchen, maintenance building and new elementary playground area. Multiple trades remained active across several key scopes as infrastructure, utilities and interior buildouts.
MKS (Plumbing):
• Installed underground drain piping at the Outdoor Kitchen.
• Prepared for core drilling at the new Elementary lavatory.
• Continued rough-in of Lavatory 103, including core drilling for water lines and completion of sanitary piping.
• Backfilled trench areas with stone and prepared for concrete infill.
Scrufari (Carpentry):
• Continued framing and installation of shaft wall construction at the second floor balcony / ledge area.
Ferguson (Electric):
Elementary School:
• Continued fire alarm wire pulling, completing second floor installations and beginning first floor work.
• Installed power conduit for the new Library electrical panel.
• Continued rough-in of Library electrical panel conduit from the basement.
Middle/High School:
• Continued fire alarm conduit rough-in throughout active work areas.
• Installed emergency power conduit, transformers, and panel provisions.
• Continued data cable pathway installation, including J-hook routing from HS Room 302 toward MS Room 241.
• Began pulling data cable to new rack locations while continuing buildout of new data racks.
Ingalls:
• Completed backfill operations at both the Outdoor Kitchen and Maintenance Building.
JDM Construction:
• Scheduled to be on-site this weekend to complete concrete flatwork pours for the Maintenance Building. Recent weather delays have impacted the pour, so this weekend work will help maintain overall project schedule. BCC will be on-site.
Occhino (Site)
• Completed final grading at both the Outdoor Kitchen and Maintenance Building sites.
Align Outdoors/Parkitechs:
• Mobilized and began stripping topsoil in preparation for new playground equipment installation at Attica Elementary School.
“As part of this grant, students began their learning right in our classroom by planting Norman and Nancy, our two hydroponic tower gardens,” said Edwards. “They planted a variety of vegetables and carefully observed the growing process over time, learning how plants can thrive using only water and nutrients.”
To extend this experience, students visited Fenton's Bloom and Basket, where they explored commercial agriculture practices, hydroponics, and sustainable growing methods. It was an exciting hands-on learning opportunity that helped students connect what they had been studying in the classroom to real-world agricultural practices.
“During our visit, each student also planted their own tomatoes, peppers, and basil in 5-gallon buckets filled with soil,” Edwards said. “They were thrilled to create their own mini gardens to take home and continue caring for.”
This grant provided an incredible opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of agriculture, sustainability, and where our food comes from. We are so grateful to Fenton's Bloom and Basket for welcoming us and helping make this experience so meaningful!
(Photos courtesy of Jessica Edwards)
Enter Wellness Week, a week’s worth of activities specifically designed to encourage relaxation, connection, and stress relief during one of the busiest times of the semester.
The week began with Threaded Together, where students created friendship bracelets while reflecting on the important connection between social interaction and mental health. The event provided a welcoming environment for students to unwind and express their creativity.
Next was Candy BINGO, held in the library, which reminded students that simple, low-pressure activities can still bring excitement and joy. With candy prizes and lots of laughter, the event created a fun study break for everyone involved.
Students also enjoyed Plant Your Peace in the courtyard, where they planted miniature plants to take home. Caring for something small can help reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a calming sense of responsibility, making it the perfect activity during finals preparation.
To close out the week, Comfort Crew welcomed animals from Hidden Valley Animal Adventure. Spending time with the animals gave students a chance to relax, smile, and de-stress before heading into the final stretch of the semester.
Student government was thrilled to see so many students participate throughout the week, and we hope Wellness Week served as a reminder to prioritize mental health, take breaks when needed, and support one another during the end of the year.
(Photos courtesy of Jocelyn Pierce and Dustin Gardner)
After researching and writing an essay, students created a project that reflected their writing.
The students also participated in a Medieval feast with special members of “royalty”!
(Photos courtesy of Ellie Durfee and Allison Cali)
Well done, Blue Devils - keep up the good work!
(Photo courtesy of Kristin Janes)
We think the camera clicking spooked him a little bit because he took off for higher ground near Tonawanda Creek.
Just another perk of country living!
At the conclusion of the hearing, we held a Q&A session, then opened the floor to candidates for our Board of Education to address the audience.
Our school budget vote and Board of Education election is Tuesday, May 19. Polls will be open from 1 to 9 p.m. in our Performing Arts Center Lobby, 3338 East Main Street Rd., Attica.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjCPTdMuzHw
On April 23, 2026, the district received a withdrawal of a candidate’s nominating petition. Pursuant to New York State Education Law, when a candidate withdraws a duly filed nominating petition within the time period specified, the time for filing nominating petitions for that office must be extended.
Accordingly, we extended the window for nominating petitions for the office of members of the Board of Education to Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m.
As the printing deadline for our annual budget newsletter preceded this new, May 8 deadline, the names of two declared candidates did not appear in the newsletter.
The following 7 candidates are seeking election to a Board of Education seat this year and will have their names appear on residents’ election day ballots on May 19:
• Pam Rudolph
• Bridget Landphair
• Brian Fugle
• Michael Janes
• Christopher Kelver
• Anthony Dyrbala
• Susan Herman
Our school budget vote and Board of Education election is Tuesday, May 19. Polls will be open from 1 to 9 p.m. in our Performing Arts Center Lobby, 3338 East Main Street Rd., Attica.
Make a plan, come vote and make your voice heard!
This annual publication has everything you need to know about our district’s budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year so you can make an informed decision on our budget vote day and Board of Education election later this month.
Our public hearing on this year’s budget proposal is set for Tuesday, May 12 at 5 p.m. in our
Middle/High School Cafeteria, 3338 East Main Street Rd., Attica.
Superintendent Dr. Kiel Illg will also be holding an additional budget information session from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 14 at Sheldon Town Hall, 1380 Centerline Rd., Strykersville.
This year’s vote is Tuesday, May 19. Polls will be open from 1 to 9 p.m. in our Performing Arts Center lobby, likewise at 3338 East Main Street Rd.
Make a plan, come vote and make your voice heard!
Link: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2319/Acsd/a802cd9a-9f21-4e0c-82e8-02cedb021064/Attica-2026-27-Budget-Newsletter-Final.pdf?disposition=inline
One of the perks of being an art teacher, said Attica middle and high school art teachers Tressa Smith and Laura Steves, is watching students grow and develop artistically while they’re in your classroom. But one of the best feelings is seeing a former student continue to have success when they grow up and head out into the “real world.”
That’s why the pair’s visit along with Attica Elementary School Art Teacher Sara Lewinski to the opening reception for Attica alumnus Eugene Sims’s new show, “Perform@tive,” last month in downtown Buffalo was so rewarding.
“To say that we were impressed with Eugene’s work would be a gross understatement,” said Steves.
Added Smith: “He’s an exceptional talent and one we’re all proud to say have passed through the doors of our classrooms.”
The show, which runs through May 12 at Beebe’s on the Square in Buffalo, features about a dozen of the 2013 Attica grad’s paintings and serves as a senior thesis for Sims, a graduate student in the University of Buffalo’s fine arts program.
Working primarily in oil paints, Sims’s show delves into what it means to be performative. In each painting, his self portrait takes on a different persona - a rebel, a jester, a hero - to create a narrative that generates discussion about how we present ourselves in the world.
“He was a very creative thinker,” said Smith. “He may not have had the skill you see in these paintings when he was in high school, but what he did have was the desire to think differently, take risks, work hard, and try his best.”
Back in high school, Sims’s preferred medium seemed to be cartoon caricatures, Steves recalled.
“He had a lot of energy and would be constantly thinking about all the different things he could do with assigned projects to make them his own,” she said. “These characteristics are what can make you a successful artist. Eugene is a testament to what hard work, determination, and pure grit can get you in life.”
Now if you find yourself reading this post, looking at the photos of Sims’s artworks and thinking to yourself, “Wow! His work is phenomenal - he must be one of a very small number of Attica alumni who have gone on to be successful in the arts,” we’d understand, but you’d be wrong!
“Off the top of my head I can think of former students who’ve gone on to be art teachers, tattoo artists, large-scale wood sculptors, digital film artists, museum curators, illustrators and estheticians,” said Steves. “And honestly, the list goes on.”
So for all the students - or parents of students - out there with a love of art, we hope Eugene’s artistic journey serves as a testament to where determination, encouragement, and hard work can get you.
“I actually brought the show up to my current middle schoolers recently and they were really interested to hear Eugene’s story and learn that an Attica student could go on to be a ‘real-life’ artist,” said Smith. “In fact earlier this week, they asked to see photos from the show and we had a great class discussion about his work as well as the prices they were listed for. They were super excited when I told them that, when we arrived at the show, a quarter of Eugene’s paintings had already been sold!”
Sims is slated to graduate later this month with his master’s of fine arts degree from UB.
Congratulations, Eugene, on this incredible show and your forthcoming degree - we can’t wait to see what you create next!
Pictured in the group photo from left are Whitney Kehl-Chamberlain (Attica Class of 2013), Attica Elementary School Art Teacher Sara Lewinski, Attica High School Art Teacher Laura Steves, Eugene Sims, Anthony Siracuse (Class of 2013), Attica Middle School Art Teacher Mrs. Tressa Smith and Matt Kantor (Class of 2013).
(Photo courtesy of Anthony Ianni and Shawn Fromwiller)
The NTHS honors the achievements of the top career and technical education students, provides scholarships to encourage the pursuit of higher education, and cultivates excellence in today’s highly competitive, skilled workforce. These students each met rigorous criteria set forth by this national organization.
Leadership, scholarship, skills, honesty, citizenship, service, and responsibility are seven attributes that an NTHS member must embody. The minimum grade point average for acceptance is 3.0. Students are also selected based upon credit hours completed, attendance, volunteer service, and membership in other student organizations.
New NTHS inductees from Attica were:
• Sophia Biniaszewski: Graphic Arts
• Maddie Burger: Conservation
• Dalton Burnham: Conservation
• Morgan Capen: Metal Trades
• Gavin Carpenter: Metal Trades
• Blake Donohue: EMT
• Anthony Grgurich: EMT
• Issac Herman: EMT
• Makayla Kurtowicz: Animal Science
• Luke Mest: EMT
• Dylan Mirrione: Conservation
• Noah Robinson: EMT
• Ethan Tober: Building Trades
• Nadia Wesolowski: Diesel
(Photos courtesy of Lyndsay Herkimer)
This nationally recognized credential highlights workplace skills in applied math, graphic literacy and workplace documents.
We had 7 students earn their certificates recently: Anthony Grgurich, Benjamin Wild, Boden Spink, Isaac Herman, Noah Robinson, Blake Donohue and Luke Mest.
