Cortland Schools

District Newsletter, May 2025

From Mr. Edwards

Dear Students, Parents, Staff and our Greater Community,

Welcome to May and what I think we all hope is a month of sunshine, flowers, learning and fun. A significant part of my focus this May will continue to be on planning and preparing for our Annual Budget and Board of Education vote.

Our budget challenges continue to be a reality. As I write, we are still waiting on the State Budget to be voted on and approved. And whereas we have spent considerable time this year advocating for funding to support our students, the outlook is concerning. As you know, two significant processes determine the revenue side of every school's budget. NY State's Foundation Aid Formula and the Tax Levy Cap continue to create a dismal fiscal outlook.

At the same time that we wrestle with current and future budget concerns we also celebrate the many wonderful things going on during the month of May. Spring concerts are coming this month and next; many sporting contests are taking place; high levels of learning continue throughout the District; Teachers and Staff continue to care for the Cortland Community.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the well-being of our students and community. Please remember to exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, May 20.

Sincerely,

Bob Edwards

Weekly Blast

The Weekly News Blast features the Annual Budget.

Vitamin Z in Print

As crazy as it sounds, we are getting toward the end of the school year in regards to the Positivity Project and the weekly character traits. In the month of May we will be diving into “The Love of Learning”, “Cheering for Other People’s Success”, and “Leadership”. Through these lessons, we will deliver the message that it is important to; be a lifelong learner, celebrate other people when they succeed, and be a leader.

The students of the Cortland Junior High School have all of the qualities and character traits that we covered throughout the year. It is important that they know how much they are capable of.

Randall Performs Frozen Jr.!

Participating Sixth-Graders are preparing for their spring production of Frozen Jr., which will take place on Wednesday, June 18th at 6pm at Randall Middle School. Cost is $2 per person (free for ages 5 and under) Save the date! There will also be free school showings in the mornings on 6/16, 6/17, 6/18 at 9:45 a.m.

Upcoming Music Events

Senior High Instrumental Concert - Thursday, May 15th at 7:00 PM.
Senior High Band to New York City - Sunday and Monday May 18-19
Senior High Choral Concert - Tuesday, May 20th at 7:00 PM.
Smith Concert - Wednesday, May 21st at 6:00 PM
Barry Concert - Thursday, June 5th at 6:00 PM at Barry School
Junior High Concert - Wednesday, June 11th at 7:00 PM
JamFest - Thursday, June 12th at the Homer Center for the Arts

Social Studies Students Present at Smith Elementary ROAR Celebration of Women’s History Month

The 8th grade students in Mr. Gambitta’s class and Juniors and Seniors from Ms. Goodwin’s classes helped Smith Elementary celebrate Women’s History Month by giving presentations to the 3rd and 4th graders on March 31st. Mr. Gambitta’s student teacher, Miss Cummings, guided students through creating research-based slideshows on notable women and their contributions to society. The 8th graders presented their interactive and engaging slideshows to the 3rd and 4th graders.

Ms. Goodwin’s students researched and portrayed important women and presented key milestones for women in politics for the students.

Upcoming Athletic Events

For the most current information regarding upcoming athletic events, please go to schedulegalaxy.com and check out all of our Spring athletic teams including baseball, softball, lacrosse, outdoor track, boys tennis and unified basketball! We hope to see you there!

Congratulations, Sophia Catalano!

One of our students at Barry Primary, Sophia Catalano, has had her artwork selected to be published in an art anthology book that recognizes student creativity and artistic achievement! The 1st grade students entered a national contest, called the "Celebrating Art Competition". Each 1st grade student created an artwork to submit for judging; Sophia is the singular student from Cortland selected for publication! Her artwork will move on to the next round of judging, where she may potentially win "Best in Show" or "High Achieving Artist"! Please help us wish a warm congratulations and best of luck to Sophia as her artwork moves on; her hard work and artistic dedication has paid off!

Mid-State Family and Community Engagement Center

The Mid-State Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center works with schools, families, and communities across 51 districts in Central New York to support students with disabilities, from birth through age 22. As part of a statewide effort led by the New York State Education Department’s Office of Special Education, the FACE Center offers workshops, skill-building groups, and hands-on partnerships to help schools and families work together. A list of upcoming workshops are available here. Their mission is to improve equity, access, and outcomes for students with disabilities by promoting strong family and community involvement, supporting early childhood education providers, and helping educational organizations create more inclusive and effective systems. Learn more about the FACE Center here.

Unified Basketball

Come cheer on the Cortland Unified Basketball team! The following games will be held in the upstairs gym at the High School.

Tues 5/6 @ 5:00 vs. Jamesville- Dewitt
Tues 5/20 @ 4:00 vs. Homer *Senior Night*

You can also show your team spirit with Unified Sports gear. Store closes May 22!

Tiger Paw Awards

Several staff were presented Tiger Paw Awards at the April 21st Board of Education meeting.

Katie Swanson presents a Tiger Paw to Kristy Buchalla.

Juliann Quinn and Jordon Lilley present a Tiger Paw to Steve Shingler.

Katie Swanson presents Tiger Paws to Megan Bottle, Mary Kate Tiknor, Karen Matteson.

Every1Camp

Every1Camp is a free, one-day sports camp for children with intellectual or physical disabilities, staffed by NYS Certified Physical Education Teachers specializing in Adapted Physical Education, offering a safe and fun-filled day for children and their parents. For more information, please see the attached flier.