Last week’s Fresh Connections Club meeting was full of energy, creativity, and delicious flavors!
The kids had an exciting time experimenting with fresh fruits and vegetables while learning about the benefits of healthy eating through juices. In addition to juicing, club members also had a fun craft activity - making citrus-inspired magnets with positive messages.
The session started with a short discussion on the health benefits of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Students were then divided into small groups and given instructions on how to cut and prep the ingredients for the juicers. Students then selected ingredients and tried different combinations, including:
• Green Detox Juice (green apples, cucumber, spinach, lemons, fresh ginger)
• Tropical Sunrise Juice (oranges, pineapple, mangoes, and turmeric)
• Carrot-Apple-Ginger Juice (Carrots, apples, fresh ginger)
• Berry Blast Juice (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and oranges)
Each group took turns using the juicers, carefully adding ingredients, and watching their vibrant juices come to life. They were fascinated by the juicing process and enjoyed the hands-on experience.
Once all the juices were made, we had a taste-testing session where students could try different blends. Some kids were adventurous and loved trying new flavors, while others preferred the sweeter fruit-based juices. Everyone shared their thoughts, and then we made our own creation that was the favorite juice of the day!
After enjoying their fresh juices, club members participated in a fun craft activity. Each child received a round wooden magnet, which they painted to resemble citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. They then wrote positive and encouraging messages on them like "Squeeze the Day,” "You’re Simply the Zest" and "Stay Fresh & Positive!"
The magnets turned out beautifully and students were excited to take them home as a reminder of the fun and healthy habits they learned at the club!
Addie Day, Adda Luck, Evelyn King, Beau Hyman and Liesel Hyman, all members of our FFA chapter, traveled with advisor Alyssa Wright to Warsaw last week to compete in the FFA District 9 competitions.
All five of our members did an excellent job competing in the creed speaking competition.
In creed speaking, students have to memorize the FFA creed and answer three questions related to it. The creed teaches students to speak in a powerful, confident and professional manner in front of judges.
Addie placed first in the junior creed speaking division while Liesel took 6th. In the senior division, Beau took second. All three will be moving on to sub-states at Lyons High School in March.
Congratulations!
(Photo courtesy of Alyssa Wright)
The shoutiest of shout outs to our Middle School Students of the Month for December!
Holding down the fort for the 5th grade is Kallee Kirsch, nominated by Mrs. Heather Smith.
“Kallee is a cheerful and fun-loving kid who is always considerate and respectful of others. She encompasses the core values of our Middle School wholeheartedly, has integrity in all she does and takes on her responsibilities as a student very seriously,” said Smith. “Yes, her academics are high, but it is more than just that. Kallee is compassionate, trustworthy, and shows kindness to others. She is an all-around example of what the Blue Devil Pride stands for.”
Cheyenne Kazmierczak is our Student of the Month from the 6th grade.
“Cheyenne is so sweet, kind and includes all students in activities,” said Mrs. Ryanne Glowney, Cheyenne’s nominator. “One of her peers was upset recently and she quickly jumped in to help out.”
Mrs. Liz Kowalski nominated our 7th grade Student of the Month Lucia Eddy, who Kowalski described as a very hard-working student.
“Lucia keeps up with the pace of two AP classes and is a great leader in and out of the classroom,” said Kowalski. “She’s very organized, works hard as the vice president of Student Council and loves running meetings and giving input and ideas.”
Our 8th grade Student of the Month is Jasmine Santos Rios.
“She’s a hard-working student, works well with others and puts forth a lot of effort in class and outside of class,” said nominator Liz Kowalski. “She helps others during AIS class, as well.”
Congratulations to our Middle School Students of the Month!
A heartfelt thank you to our local farmers who, earlier this month, supplied us with a bounty of locally-produced food which we then distributed to families in need via our Attica Elementary School Backpack Program!
This food giveaway was made possible by the $50,000 New York Food for New York Families grant the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets awarded to our district in 2023.
Fenton’s Produce in Batavia supplied us with seasonal vegetables such as potatoes, squash, carrots, garlic, cabbage, Preston’s Farms in Albion sent us a variety of apples and Attica’s own LFH Cattle Company supplied packages of stew beef. We also included some recipes in each box of food so families can use the ingredients to make a meal together.
What a wonderful gift to enjoy these nutritious, local ingredients during the chilly winter months - a big thank you to all the farmers and community members who made this possible!
(Photos courtesy of Alicia Spoth)
REMINDER: There is no school tomorrow - Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 - due to New York’s new Lunar New Year holiday.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation establishing Lunar New Year as a public school holiday in September of 2023 and this is the first time districts across the state will have the day off.
“By designating Lunar New Year as an official school holiday, we are taking an important step in recognizing the importance of New York’s AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community and the rich diversity that makes New York so great,” Hochul said at the time. “It is not just a day off from school – it is an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate their own or different cultures and traditions.”
Tomorrow, in addition to enjoying the day off, we encourage our students and community members to take a moment and reflect on the vital role Asian Americans have and continue to play in the shaping of our nation.
Due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions this morning, Attica Central School District will be closed today - Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.
We are thrilled to recognize Todd Ford as our February Food Service All-Star! Todd is a dedicated and hardworking member of our team who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everything runs smoothly in our Middle and High School cafeterias.
Todd’s professionalism and commitment to excellence are truly remarkable. During the 2023-2024 school year, he played a vital role in the success of the smoothie line, ensuring the creation station was well-stocked and maintained, while guiding students through the process with patience and enthusiasm. Even when faced with the occasional mishap - whether it was a blender malfunction or a dropped cup - Todd always handled things with a positive attitude and a smile.
Students look forward to seeing Todd’s friendly face when they come through the line, and he has become a steady and comforting presence in our food service program. His excitement for new equipment and innovation has been instrumental in helping us take our food service program to the next level.
Additionally, Todd’s dependable contributions to our Summer Food Service Program showcase his dedication to providing excellent service year-round. We are grateful for his hard work, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to making our food service experience a success.
Congratulations, Todd - we’re lucky to have you as part of our team and appreciate all that you do. Keep up the great work!
By the end of the session, everyone had practiced important kitchen skills like chopping, seasoning, and safely using tools like the mandoline slicer. The students tasted each other’s creations, shared tips, and felt proud of their new cooking skills. They left excited to keep experimenting with root vegetables at home!
(Photos courtesy of Jenelle Bauer, Becky Sphar and Alicia Spoth)
Remember how our food service team is celebrating potatoes throughout the month of January?
Well, our first graders got in on the action last week with a fantastic Ag in the Classroom lesson from Attica Partners for Agriculture.
Kristen Hess led our students in a lesson about how potatoes grow. Then, students prepared potatoes for some homemade chips and sent them off to the cafeteria to be baked.
The lesson really came to life with the help of some amazing local partners - a special shoutout to Fenton’s Produce for growing the potatoes, and to our own Food Service Team for using their ovens to make some delicious homemade potato chips. Our incredible FFA Members also lent a hand to make this activity a huge success!
Want to try making these chips at home? Check out the recipe at the link below and a big thanks to everyone involved in making this fun and educational experience possible!
Link: https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/oven-baked-potato-chips/
(Photos courtesy of Alicia Spoth)
Our students had an exciting half-day visit to the Batavia CTE Center today!
During their visit, students selected their top two CTE programs and spent an hour in each, engaging in hands-on activities and exploring potential career paths.
Programs like Graphic Arts, Electro-Mechanical Trades, and Auto Body were among the many options that gave students a chance to dive into real-world skills and trades.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity for students to discover their interests and begin thinking about their future goals.
(Photos courtesy of Lyndsay Herkimer)
We’re thrilled to announce our district’s Best Buddies chapter is a 2025 recipient of the Excellence in Student Services Award from the Genesee Valley School Board Association!
Best Buddies is an international, non-profit organization that creates opportunities for elementary and middle school students with disabilities to build relationships with high school-age mentors. Through planned social events, the "Buddies" gain self-advocacy skills, increase social communication, inclusivity and connections in order to feel more secure and valued.
Our Best Buddies chapter is led by Laura O’Donnell, a high school science teacher, and Joy Stoldt, a high school special education teacher.
Attica representatives were presented with the award at the GVSBA’s annual Legislative Leadership Breakfast and Excellence in Student Services Awards at Elba Central Schools this past weekend
After the awards program, superintendents and educators from across the region were able to meet with Assemblyman Steve Hawley as well as Sen. George Borrello, Assemblymember Andrea Bailey and Chris Zeltmann, a representative of Sen. Charles Schumer's Office, to advocate and discuss current and future education issues.
O’Donnell is pictured in the photo above along with Attica Superintendent Dr. Kiel Illg, right, Sen. Borrello, left, and Assemblymember Bailey, second from left.
(Photo courtesy of Alecia Kaus)
If you know our School Resource Officer Deputy Sam West, then you know he’ll HATE that we’re about to say a bunch of nice stuff about him as our latest Attica All-Star!
West was nominated by Meaghan Matuszak, our Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, in recognition of the “incredible work he continues to do in building meaningful and supportive relationships with our students.”
“Deputy West has consistently demonstrated his commitment to our students’ well-being by fostering trust, offering guidance, and being a positive role model,” said Matuszak. “His interactions with students go beyond his official duties, making him a trusted figure within our school community. He has earned the respect of both students and staff alike by always approaching his role with warmth, understanding, and a genuine desire to help.”
Recently, Deputy West went above and beyond in a deeply touching way. Without seeking recognition, he purchased clothing and sneakers for a student in need—an action that speaks to the true essence of kindness and selflessness. This gesture not only addressed a material need but also sent a powerful message of care and compassion to a student who may have otherwise felt overlooked or unsupported. The impact of this quiet act can’t be overstated and is a reminder that, sometimes, the most meaningful support is given when we least expect it.
“Deputy West’s ability to connect with students and his dedication to their well-being extends far beyond the call of duty. His kindness and quiet generosity are making a lasting difference in the lives of our students, teaching them not just about safety, but about empathy, compassion, and community,” Matuszak added. “I can think of no one more deserving of being recognized as an Attica All-Star than Deputy West. His actions truly reflect the heart of our school and the values we strive to instill in our students.”
Congratulations, Deputy West, and thank you for all you do!
Due to inclement weather, the Regents exams that were scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 21st have been rescheduled to take place on Thursday, January 23rd.
The Regents exams that were scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 22nd have been rescheduled to take place on Friday, January 24th.
Have a good day and please stay safe.
DON’T FORGET about our TIES (Together Including Every Student) Bingo Night Meet and Greet tomorrow from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in our High School Library!
This will be a great opportunity to meet new friends and connect with others, learn more about the TIES program and how it fosters inclusion, get answers to your questions in a friendly, relaxed setting - oh, and play some bingo, of course!
Our Blue Devils Dispatch for January 2025 is live!
Each of our principals has created a parent newsletter specific to their school with the help of our teachers and staff - use the links below to read all three!
• Attica Elementary School January Newsletter: https://secure.smore.com/n/ep87b
• Attica Middle School January Newsletter: https://secure.smore.com/n/dvanq
• Attica High School January Newsletter: https://secure.smore.com/n/9rxw1-the-weekly-update-4
Due to the expected inclement weather conditions, Attica Central School District will be closed tomorrow - Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.
Enjoy your day off and stay warm, Blue Devils!
Good Morning,
The Attica Central School District Ski Club event scheduled for today January 20, 2025 is canceled due to the forecasted inclement weather conditions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kiel Illg
Superintendent of Schools
Last night, our Fresh Connections Club was positively BUBBLING with excitement as 16 young chefs in grades 5 through 7 gathered to explore the art of soup-making!
Under the expert guidance of instructors Becky Sphar and Melissa Brooks, the students worked in teams to create four delicious soups:
• Stuffed Pepper Soup
• Olive Garden’s Pasta Fagioli
• Creamy Tomato Soup
• Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Starting with “mise en place,” our budding chefs learned the importance of prepping and organizing their ingredients like pros. From chopping veggies to browning meat, cleaning chicken, and mastering the immersion blender, their culinary skills were on full display.
The best part? A shared tasting session where everyone sampled all four soups - yum! Students even reflected on their successes and brainstormed ways to level up for next time. What a delicious way to beat the winter chill!
Stay tuned for more flavorful fun when the Fresh Connections Club next meets to embrace their roots by turning veggies into treats!
Mark your calendars, Attica, for our TIES (Together Including Every Student) chapter’s upcoming Bingo Night Meet and Greet!
This will be a great opportunity to meet new friends and connect with others, learn more about the TIES program and how it fosters inclusion, get answers to your questions in a friendly, relaxed setting - oh, and play some bingo, of course!
The Meet and Greet is set for Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in our High School Library, 3338 East Main Street Rd., Attica.
From TIES participants, volunteers, families and those interested in the TIES program, everyone is invited to attend this exciting opportunity to hang out, have fun, and be part of something amazing. We can’t wait to see you there!
Questions? Contact our TIES Coordinator, Jennifer Rautenstrauch, at jrautenstrauch@atticacsd.org.
Members of our Fresh Connections Club crêpe-ed into the new year with a sweet (and savory) meeting last week!
Under the direction of instructors Becky Sphar and Jenelle Bauer, 16 students explored the art of making crêpes—learning the ins and outs of creating both sweet and savory versions of this delicious French classic. From whipping fresh cream to slicing strawberries, and even perfecting their crêpe-rolling technique, the club buzzed with creativity and teamwork.
Students rotated through kitchen stations to:
• Make the batter
• Create cream cheese fillings
• Slice fresh fruits
• Whip up fluffy cream
Topping their crêpes with powdered sugar, syrup, and more, our students experimented with flavor combos that were as fun to make as they were to eat!
Beyond the kitchen, we dived into the history of crêpes and their French origins, fostering curiosity about global cuisines.
A huge thanks to our instructors for leading this culinary adventure and to our students for their enthusiasm and teamwork! We’re excited to see what they’ll cook up next - literally!
