SRF CSD District Diary
December 19th, 2024
Grade 8 science students are integrating the New York State science learning standards using a phenomenon and three dimensional learning approach.
Projects they've worked on include catapult construction and newton cars. Both are phenomena to help students discover Newton's laws and were designed by students, trialed, and then readjusted following the design principles in the new science standards.
The basketball season kicked off with the boys varsity team hosting the Brady Frazier Classic on Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30. Other participating schools included Brushton-Moira, Norwood-Norfolk, and Salmon River.
Tournament Results:
Champions: Brushton-Moira
Second place: St. Regis Falls Saints
Third place: Salmon River
Fourth place: Norwood-Norfolk
Recent boys varsity basketball game results:
Dec. 2- Colton-Pierrepont: 69, St. Regis Falls: 31
Dec. 10- St. Regis Falls: 61, Norwood-Norfolk: 39
Dec. 12- St. Regis Falls: 52, Salmon River: 36
Dec. 16- St. Lawrence Central 82, St. Regis Falls 31
Get to know our band teacher… Ms. Lydia Geiger
Where she’s from
Near Rochester, N.Y.
Where she attended college
SUNY Potsdam.
Childhood memories
Vacationing in the adirondacks – camping, hiking, and canoeing.
She loves that after exploring the beauty of the adirondack mountains growing up, she’s now able to work and teach inside the adirondack blue-line.
What makes her happy to join the St. Regis Falls CSD family
Incredible support and collaboration among colleagues and the inspiring energy of the students.
The staff in the district are not only highly skilled, but also deeply committed to working together and supporting one another.
Sense of teamwork and shared dedication makes for an exciting and welcoming place to be.
Equally excited to work with such talented and motivated students who bring creativity, curiosity, and enthusiasm to the classroom every day.
Growing up, what did she envision for her career
Lydia dreamed of becoming a teacher; however, she became uncertain about the path she wanted to take. She explored various interests, gained new perspectives, and learned a lot along the way.
Ultimately, she’s grateful to be in her position as a teacher because she’s building meaningful relationships with her students and the connections and value of community combined with instructing music mean a lot to her. She creates a fun and welcoming environment with her students in the classroom, while they compose music together.
What drove her interest in becoming a teacher
Incredible music teachers who truly invested in their students every day and were inspired by the way they nurtured both their talents and growth.
Deeply grateful for the teachers who took the time to invest in her personal and academic development, shaping who she is today.
She’s excited and honored to be in a position where she can offer the same level of care, encouragement, and dedication to her own students.
The opportunity to give back is something she cherishes and is committed to supporting her students’ growth, just as her teachers did for her.
What is she most excited about for this school year
The incredible students she has the privilege of working with.
Each year, they bring a unique blend of creativity, curiosity, and dedication that makes the classroom experience so rewarding.
Looking forward to seeing how students will challenge themselves, collaborate with one another, and continue to grow both academically and personally.
Their potential is limitless and she’s eager to support them as they embark on their journey of learning and discovery.
It’s an honor to be a part of their educational experience and she’s confident this will be a year filled with achievement and growth.
Interests outside of work
Canoeing, hiking, and backpacking.
She’s excited to participate in more winter activities this year.
She has a dog named Yoda and he’s one of the best hiking and canoe buddies she could ask for. He has a best dog friend named Chewbacca that he has the opportunity to connect with each summer.
Become acquainted with our fifth grade teacher… Ms. Marianne Augenstein
Where she’s from
Westmoreland, N.Y. (Rome area).
Where she attended college
SUNY Potsdam for her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and english and master’s degree in reading.
Stayed because she had met so many friends and loves the area!
Professional background
Has taught for 20 years in North Country schools, including St. Mary’s School in Canton and Trinity Catholic School in Massena.
What makes her happy to join the St. Regis Falls CSD family
The staff, students, and families have been so welcoming, friendly, and helpful.
It didn’t take her long to feel that she fit in and is proud to be a St. Regis Saint!
Growing up, what did she envision for her career
Always wanted to be a teacher, ever since she was old enough to answer that question.
Always loved sharing what she knows with others and helping them to understand something.
Played school with younger kids on her bus in elementary school and even made up a school for her cat when she was a young girl!
What drove her interest in becoming a teacher
There are a lot of teachers in her family so it was natural for her to imitate their career paths.
Mom, grandma, two great-grandmothers, an aunt, and cousins are all teachers.
What is she most excited about for this school year
Thrilled to find a job teaching fifth grade, as it’s the grade level she’s taught for 20 years.
Excited to incorporate her love of creating with her students through cooking activities and sewing a quilt.
Also looking forward to teaching an after school Irish step dancing class after the new year.
Interests outside of work
Plays the piano, guitar, violin, and clarinet.
Loves to sing, knit, and sew.
Danced for many years and enjoys sharing that passion with her church and school.
LOVES to be outdoors hiking or canoeing.
Spends part of each summer volunteering at Camp Aldersgate in Brantingham.
Pets
Two playful, cuddly, tiger-striped cats, Georgie and Tucker, who are two-year-old brothers.
Learn more about our kindergarten teacher… Ms. Emma Thomas
Where she’s from
Potsdam, N.Y.
What makes her happy to join the St. Regis Falls CSD family
Drawn to the opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives and grow professionally.
Growing up, what did she envision for her career
She’s always wanted to be a teacher growing up.
She’d play school with her sister and fell in love with teaching.
What drove her interest in becoming a teacher
Her passion for helping children grow and learn.
Watching young learners gain confidence and show excitement when they discover new skills brings her so much joy.
Teaching gives her the opportunity to be part of their journey and that’s what motivates her every day.
What is she most excited about for this school year
To have her own classroom.
Watch her students grow throughout the year.
Interests outside of work
Spending time with family.
Shopping.
Pets
Two dogs, Fergie and Phoenix.
Sweethearts & Heroes returns to St. Regis Falls on Thursday, Jan. 23 and Friday, Jan. 24.
Students will participate in Circles.
Pat Fish is the Circle and B.R.A.V.E. Youth Leadership System Specialist and also published a great book this year, Boredom School: For Those Bored in School.