It’s here, Blue Devils - Homecoming Spirit Week has finally arrived!
We know you’ll bring the fits all week long!
We know you’ll bring the fits all week long!
We were thrilled to play host last week to the FFA State Officer Team!
Members of our Attica FFA welcomed the state officers with a continental breakfast, then led them on a tour of some of our district’s ag education offerings such as our high tunnel, the new mural, chickens and new outdoor learning space in the courtyard. Then, they played a friendly round of cornhole with the new boards in the courtyard.
“This was a great opportunity for our students to network with other FFA members from across the state,” said Attica FFA Advisor Alyssa Wright. “They came back with fresh ideas of competitions they’re excited to try, and new ideas for ag projects outside of class.”
(Photos courtesy of Alyssa Wright and Becky Sphar)
Members of our Attica FFA welcomed the state officers with a continental breakfast, then led them on a tour of some of our district’s ag education offerings such as our high tunnel, the new mural, chickens and new outdoor learning space in the courtyard. Then, they played a friendly round of cornhole with the new boards in the courtyard.
“This was a great opportunity for our students to network with other FFA members from across the state,” said Attica FFA Advisor Alyssa Wright. “They came back with fresh ideas of competitions they’re excited to try, and new ideas for ag projects outside of class.”
(Photos courtesy of Alyssa Wright and Becky Sphar)
Our elementary schoolers work hard at learning every single day, so it’s only fair they get some time to play hard too!
We popped into Mrs. Vilagy’s, Mrs. Haniszewski’s, and Ms. Mapes’ classroom this afternoon as their kindergarteners were in the midst of some well-earned free time.
Love seeing our youngest Blue Devils learning, sharing and playing together!
We popped into Mrs. Vilagy’s, Mrs. Haniszewski’s, and Ms. Mapes’ classroom this afternoon as their kindergarteners were in the midst of some well-earned free time.
Love seeing our youngest Blue Devils learning, sharing and playing together!
REMINDER: Our apple smoothie taste test is TOMORROW!
These sure-to-be delicious smoothies - made with fresh, New York apples, a touch of honey, orange juice and creamy yogurt - will be available for our students to try during lunches.
Will this delicious blend earn a spot on our special Friday breakfast menu?
We’ll need student feedback to decide, so encourage your kiddo to give the smoothie a try during lunch tomorrow!
These sure-to-be delicious smoothies - made with fresh, New York apples, a touch of honey, orange juice and creamy yogurt - will be available for our students to try during lunches.
Will this delicious blend earn a spot on our special Friday breakfast menu?
We’ll need student feedback to decide, so encourage your kiddo to give the smoothie a try during lunch tomorrow!
Today was a special day for our entire school district and especially at Attica Middle School.
While most of our students kicked off the 2025-26 school year earlier this month, 8th grader Blake Sidell was forced to postpone his first day of school as he recovered from the brain surgery he underwent at the end of August.
But today, that waiting came to an end as Blake made his triumphant return to school!
To help welcome him back, students and staff throughout our district wore the ‘Team Blake’ t-shirts they purchased this past summer.
“Jennawade Ball and Liz Crans, who’s on the Attica Youth Athletics board with me, came up with the idea for the ‘Team Blake’ shirts,” said Blake’s mom, Brittany Sidell, a food service helper at Attica Elementary. “I had no idea they were going to do it and saw the design for the first time when they went up for sale.”
The shirts sold like hotcakes, said Brittany, and when all was said and done, members of the Attica community bought nearly 500 of them!
“We felt a real outpouring of love in that sale,” Brittany said. “It was just such a big number and knowing we have so many people out there in the community thinking of Blake is very special and means a lot to our entire family.”
We couldn’t be happier to have Blake back and are blown away by the outpouring of support on display today from all corners of our Blue Devils family.
Welcome back, Blake!
While most of our students kicked off the 2025-26 school year earlier this month, 8th grader Blake Sidell was forced to postpone his first day of school as he recovered from the brain surgery he underwent at the end of August.
But today, that waiting came to an end as Blake made his triumphant return to school!
To help welcome him back, students and staff throughout our district wore the ‘Team Blake’ t-shirts they purchased this past summer.
“Jennawade Ball and Liz Crans, who’s on the Attica Youth Athletics board with me, came up with the idea for the ‘Team Blake’ shirts,” said Blake’s mom, Brittany Sidell, a food service helper at Attica Elementary. “I had no idea they were going to do it and saw the design for the first time when they went up for sale.”
The shirts sold like hotcakes, said Brittany, and when all was said and done, members of the Attica community bought nearly 500 of them!
“We felt a real outpouring of love in that sale,” Brittany said. “It was just such a big number and knowing we have so many people out there in the community thinking of Blake is very special and means a lot to our entire family.”
We couldn’t be happier to have Blake back and are blown away by the outpouring of support on display today from all corners of our Blue Devils family.
Welcome back, Blake!
We had a special visitor stop by today!
Willow, a 2-1/2-month-old Scottish Highlander, spent the day in Ms. Alyssa Wright’s agriculture classroom.
We stopped by during Wright’s high school animal sciences class to meet Willow and see how she was getting along with everyone.
Many thanks to the Meeder family for bringing Willow in today - she brightened many a day, ours included!
Willow, a 2-1/2-month-old Scottish Highlander, spent the day in Ms. Alyssa Wright’s agriculture classroom.
We stopped by during Wright’s high school animal sciences class to meet Willow and see how she was getting along with everyone.
Many thanks to the Meeder family for bringing Willow in today - she brightened many a day, ours included!
Our sophomores had an incredible day learning about the many career opportunities in agriculture during their field trip to Breezyhill Dairy Farms in Strykersville last week!
At Breezyhill, our student rotated through a variety of different stations centered on different career paths in the agricultural field such as:
• Marketing: Molly Haungs from Land Pro Equipment
• Finance in Agriculture: Meghan Rodwell from Tompkins Bank and Chad Heeb from Marquart Farms
• Nutrition Agronomy: Bob Kozlowski with Dairy Next and Kelsey Broughton with T&S Crop Service)
• Technology in Agriculture (Agronomy): Eric Nixon with Carolina Eastern Crocker and Benton Patchett with Pioneer Seed
• Technology in Agriculture (Equipment & Buildings): Kyle Norstad with Java Farm Supply and Brad Ansley with Seneca Dairy Systems
• Managing Your Herd in a Diverse World: Ben Colopy with Dairy Next and Margaret Quaassdorff with Cornell Cooperative Extension
Students also enjoyed special sessions in the milking parlor and a visit with a calf born at 11:05 a.m. during their time at the farm. Students who asked lots of questions and tried something new were entered to win four tickets to an upcoming Buffalo Bandits game.
A huge thank you to our wonderful hosts, Carolyn and Brad Almeter of Breezyhill Dairy, for opening your farm to our students and making this day possible, to Attica Partners for Agriculture for organizing the event and to all our presenters and partners for sharing their time and expertise to create such a worthwhile and informative day for our students.
(Photos courtesy of Erica Frongetta, Luke Simon, Alyssa Wright and Michael Jansma)
At Breezyhill, our student rotated through a variety of different stations centered on different career paths in the agricultural field such as:
• Marketing: Molly Haungs from Land Pro Equipment
• Finance in Agriculture: Meghan Rodwell from Tompkins Bank and Chad Heeb from Marquart Farms
• Nutrition Agronomy: Bob Kozlowski with Dairy Next and Kelsey Broughton with T&S Crop Service)
• Technology in Agriculture (Agronomy): Eric Nixon with Carolina Eastern Crocker and Benton Patchett with Pioneer Seed
• Technology in Agriculture (Equipment & Buildings): Kyle Norstad with Java Farm Supply and Brad Ansley with Seneca Dairy Systems
• Managing Your Herd in a Diverse World: Ben Colopy with Dairy Next and Margaret Quaassdorff with Cornell Cooperative Extension
Students also enjoyed special sessions in the milking parlor and a visit with a calf born at 11:05 a.m. during their time at the farm. Students who asked lots of questions and tried something new were entered to win four tickets to an upcoming Buffalo Bandits game.
A huge thank you to our wonderful hosts, Carolyn and Brad Almeter of Breezyhill Dairy, for opening your farm to our students and making this day possible, to Attica Partners for Agriculture for organizing the event and to all our presenters and partners for sharing their time and expertise to create such a worthwhile and informative day for our students.
(Photos courtesy of Erica Frongetta, Luke Simon, Alyssa Wright and Michael Jansma)
In accordance with Public Health Law and New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) regulations, all public schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) are required to test water outlets for lead. This includes every outlet currently used or that could potentially be used for drinking or cooking.
If lead is detected at levels above 5 parts per billion (ppb), equal to 5 micrograms per liter (µg/L), the NYS DOH requires schools to take immediate action to reduce exposure.
Beginning this week, we will conduct testing throughout our buildings. Any water outlet found to exceed the 5 ppb threshold will be removed from service immediately. We will then begin a remediation process to address and eliminate potential sources of lead. Once remediation is complete, the affected outlets will be retested. Outlets that meet the required standard will be returned to service.
The health and safety of our students, staff, and school community remain our top priority, and we will continue to keep you informed throughout this process.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Nowicki
Director of Facilities
If lead is detected at levels above 5 parts per billion (ppb), equal to 5 micrograms per liter (µg/L), the NYS DOH requires schools to take immediate action to reduce exposure.
Beginning this week, we will conduct testing throughout our buildings. Any water outlet found to exceed the 5 ppb threshold will be removed from service immediately. We will then begin a remediation process to address and eliminate potential sources of lead. Once remediation is complete, the affected outlets will be retested. Outlets that meet the required standard will be returned to service.
The health and safety of our students, staff, and school community remain our top priority, and we will continue to keep you informed throughout this process.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Nowicki
Director of Facilities
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Give it up for Attica’s own Rob Beck, who earned Genesee Region Player of the Week honors last week following his overtime goal against Wheatland-Chili on Sept. 12.
Rob’s score delivered the 1-0 win over the Wildcats and gave the Blue Devils their first win of the season.
Way to go, Rob!
(Photo courtesy of Luke George)
Rob’s score delivered the 1-0 win over the Wildcats and gave the Blue Devils their first win of the season.
Way to go, Rob!
(Photo courtesy of Luke George)
Get excited, Blue Devils, because our high school musical reveal begins this Friday, Sept. 26!
Each week, interested students can gather in the high school lobby at 8:15 a.m. and watch as the posters of potential musicals get taken down.
When there's only one left, students will know which musical our High School Drama Club will be staging at the end of February!
Some of the options include "Legally Blonde,” "The Addams Family,” "Wizard of Oz,” "Footloose” and "Little Women."
Which musical will it end up being? You’ll have to wait until the final reveal on Nov. 5 to find out!
Each week, interested students can gather in the high school lobby at 8:15 a.m. and watch as the posters of potential musicals get taken down.
When there's only one left, students will know which musical our High School Drama Club will be staging at the end of February!
Some of the options include "Legally Blonde,” "The Addams Family,” "Wizard of Oz,” "Footloose” and "Little Women."
Which musical will it end up being? You’ll have to wait until the final reveal on Nov. 5 to find out!
Name that staff member!
Over the past few days, teachers and staff in the high school have been working hard, trying to identify colleagues based on nothing else other than their baby photos.
“It’s been hilarious watching staff members sit there stumped during lunches trying to figure them out,” said Dustin Gardner, a counselor in the high school who organized the contest along with his fellow Spark Squad members.
Guesses are due at the end of school today, so we should know our winner soon - stay tuned!
Over the past few days, teachers and staff in the high school have been working hard, trying to identify colleagues based on nothing else other than their baby photos.
“It’s been hilarious watching staff members sit there stumped during lunches trying to figure them out,” said Dustin Gardner, a counselor in the high school who organized the contest along with his fellow Spark Squad members.
Guesses are due at the end of school today, so we should know our winner soon - stay tuned!
Our fresh connections club is thrilled to be back for another school year!
At their most recent meeting, club members prepared several varieties of salsa, including mild with cucumber, extra spicy, and a sweet-spicy peach salsa.
Students worked collaboratively throughout the meeting, modifying recipes by tasting and adjusting ingredients, sharing ideas and encouraging one another throughout the process.
The peach salsa was a particular crowd favorite, surprising everyone with its bold and fruity flavor.
Can’t wait for our next meeting - stay tuned!
At their most recent meeting, club members prepared several varieties of salsa, including mild with cucumber, extra spicy, and a sweet-spicy peach salsa.
Students worked collaboratively throughout the meeting, modifying recipes by tasting and adjusting ingredients, sharing ideas and encouraging one another throughout the process.
The peach salsa was a particular crowd favorite, surprising everyone with its bold and fruity flavor.
Can’t wait for our next meeting - stay tuned!
Our district’s health and safety committee came together last week for its regularly scheduled meeting.
Representatives from each of our three school buildings, Genesee Valley BOCES, the Attica Parent-Teacher Group, Attica Police Department and Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Health and Office of Emergency Services discussed the ongoing implementation of our district’s new safety plan, the state’s new ban on cell phones in schools and the status of the capital improvement project residents approved back in May of 2024.
We take the health and safety of our students and staff seriously and are lucky to live in a community that does the same.
Many thanks to all our committee members for their dedication and service!
Representatives from each of our three school buildings, Genesee Valley BOCES, the Attica Parent-Teacher Group, Attica Police Department and Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Health and Office of Emergency Services discussed the ongoing implementation of our district’s new safety plan, the state’s new ban on cell phones in schools and the status of the capital improvement project residents approved back in May of 2024.
We take the health and safety of our students and staff seriously and are lucky to live in a community that does the same.
Many thanks to all our committee members for their dedication and service!
Proud of our middle school students who participated in Project Sticker Shock yesterday!
“Sticker Shock is a national awareness campaign to educate the public and change attitudes about selling and serving alcohol to anyone under 21,” explained Mary Beth Brotherton-Hardie, a counselor in our middle school who accompanied students on a field trip to participate in the campaign. “The project organizes youth to place stickers on beer cases in local stores that carry a warning: ‘Providing alcohol to a person under 21 is a crime.’”
The ultimate goal of Project Sticker Shock, said Brotherton-Hardie, is to bring members of a community together to reduce underage drinking and its related problems.
Attica students traveled to Tops Market, BenGo’s and Dollar General in Attica and Walmart in Warsaw and placed the awareness stickers on dozens of cases of beer and other alcoholic beverages.
“It was a great day with a group of amazing students,” said Brotherton-Hardie.
Sixth grade students in Mrs. Glowny, Mr. Crowley, and Mrs. Marzolf’s class took advantage of this morning’s beautiful fall weather to dive into some exciting science, creating pumpkin volcanoes, making hypotheses and observing chemical reactions right before their eyes!
Mrs. Marzolf also brought in caterpillars for students to raise as monarch butterflies. Along the way, they learned about the butterfly life cycle and today had the special experience of releasing two butterflies into nature.
(Photos courtesy of Ryanne Glowny)
Mrs. Marzolf also brought in caterpillars for students to raise as monarch butterflies. Along the way, they learned about the butterfly life cycle and today had the special experience of releasing two butterflies into nature.
(Photos courtesy of Ryanne Glowny)
Mark your calendars, Attica Elementary, because your amazing kitchen crew is back at it and this time, they’re bringing the flavors of the fall season with a new taste test just for you!
On Friday, Sept. 26, students will get the chance to sample a BRAND NEW apple smoothie recipe during lunch!
Made with fresh, New York apples, a touch of honey, orange juice and creamy yogurt, we’ve got a feeling these smoothies are going to be a HIT with our kiddos!
Will this delicious blend earn a spot on our special Friday breakfast menu?
We need your feedback! Encourage your students to give it a try and help us decide.
Let’s make healthy and tasty choices together!
On Friday, Sept. 26, students will get the chance to sample a BRAND NEW apple smoothie recipe during lunch!
Made with fresh, New York apples, a touch of honey, orange juice and creamy yogurt, we’ve got a feeling these smoothies are going to be a HIT with our kiddos!
Will this delicious blend earn a spot on our special Friday breakfast menu?
We need your feedback! Encourage your students to give it a try and help us decide.
Let’s make healthy and tasty choices together!
Last school year, Jill Pierce and her students played a huge role in keeping our Mobile Farm Stand fully stocked — and this year, they’ve taken on a new role as our garden harvest crew!
These dedicated students are out in our high tunnel and garden spaces, harvesting fresh produce to keep both our middle and high schools supplied with fresh, seasonal vegetables.
After each harvest, Pierce’s students:
• Share a daily harvest report with our family and consumer science (FACS) program;
• Wash and prep the produce;
• Deliver it for classroom use; and
• Pass along any extras to our amazing food service team!
Thanks to their hard work, yesterday’s cafeteria offerings included:
• Coleslaw made with homegrown cabbage, and
• Tomato-cucumber salad featuring freshly picked produce.
And they didn’t stop there—while our animal science students were off on a field trip, this crew stepped in to take care of chicken chores too!
These students’ helpful hands and huge hearts make this hands-on learning experience impactful for everyone involved.
Good things continue to GROW at Attica!
These dedicated students are out in our high tunnel and garden spaces, harvesting fresh produce to keep both our middle and high schools supplied with fresh, seasonal vegetables.
After each harvest, Pierce’s students:
• Share a daily harvest report with our family and consumer science (FACS) program;
• Wash and prep the produce;
• Deliver it for classroom use; and
• Pass along any extras to our amazing food service team!
Thanks to their hard work, yesterday’s cafeteria offerings included:
• Coleslaw made with homegrown cabbage, and
• Tomato-cucumber salad featuring freshly picked produce.
And they didn’t stop there—while our animal science students were off on a field trip, this crew stepped in to take care of chicken chores too!
These students’ helpful hands and huge hearts make this hands-on learning experience impactful for everyone involved.
Good things continue to GROW at Attica!
During lunches yesterday, our middle and high school students had the chance to sample delicious New York apple cider from Red Jacket Orchards — and it was a HUGE hit!
Our cider-loving crew got to taste:
• Traditional Apple Cider
• Strawberry Cider
• Grape Cider
• Raspberry Cider
Over 500 samples were served, and our students couldn’t get enough!
A little about our friends at Red Jacket Orchards:
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Red Jacket is a family-owned orchard that’s been growing fruit and pressing fresh juice for over 65 years. Their ciders are cold-pressed, never from concentrate, and made with 100% New York State fruit — no added sugars or preservatives, just pure, delicious flavor!
We had just a little bit left over, and we’re excited to see what our creative food and consumer science program will do with it. They always turn seasonal ingredients into something special!
What better way to kick off the fall season than with a tall, cool glass of cider?
A HUGE thank you to Red Jacket Orchards for the awesome samples — we can’t wait to enjoy more of your incredible products!
Our cider-loving crew got to taste:
• Traditional Apple Cider
• Strawberry Cider
• Grape Cider
• Raspberry Cider
Over 500 samples were served, and our students couldn’t get enough!
A little about our friends at Red Jacket Orchards:
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Red Jacket is a family-owned orchard that’s been growing fruit and pressing fresh juice for over 65 years. Their ciders are cold-pressed, never from concentrate, and made with 100% New York State fruit — no added sugars or preservatives, just pure, delicious flavor!
We had just a little bit left over, and we’re excited to see what our creative food and consumer science program will do with it. They always turn seasonal ingredients into something special!
What better way to kick off the fall season than with a tall, cool glass of cider?
A HUGE thank you to Red Jacket Orchards for the awesome samples — we can’t wait to enjoy more of your incredible products!
During the first few days of school, Mrs. Audra Landis’s kindergarteners have been working on earning school supply badges by mastering the use of common school supplies like playdoh, scissors, glue, dice, markers, pencils and crayons.
“Students worked on activities such as using scissors to cut lines, rolling dice to find and color matching numbers, ripping paper to glue and create an apple, rolling play doh into different shapes, and so much more,” explained Landis. “Each time students earned a badge, they were so excited to add it to their own school supply badge certificate. They were proud to earn their last badge this week and can't wait to show their families!”
“Students worked on activities such as using scissors to cut lines, rolling dice to find and color matching numbers, ripping paper to glue and create an apple, rolling play doh into different shapes, and so much more,” explained Landis. “Each time students earned a badge, they were so excited to add it to their own school supply badge certificate. They were proud to earn their last badge this week and can't wait to show their families!”
Big day for Mrs. Sarah Stenson and her STEAM students down at Attica Elementary last Friday as the first of the Monarch butterflies they’ve been studying emerged from its cocoon - check it out over on our YouTube channel at the link below!
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q224StQVS6g
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q224StQVS6g
