HS November 2026 Tiger Tracks

Hello / Nya:wëh sgë:nö’ Tigers,

November gives us three meaningful opportunities to pause, reflect, and celebrate.

During Native American Heritage Month, we recognize and honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, including the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, an important part of our Akron community.

On Veterans Day, November 11, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed to protect our country. We honor their courage, dedication, and commitment.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded of the importance of gratitude and the many blessings in our lives. We give thanks for our families, friends, teachers, and the kindness and compassion that bring us together as OneAkron.

We also want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each of you. It is a privilege to partner with such dedicated families who share our commitment to the growth, development, and success of our students. Your continued support, involvement, and partnership make a meaningful difference in our school community.

As we move through this special month, let us continue to embrace a spirit of gratitude, kindness, and respect for one another.

Parent/Teacher Conferences – Save the Dates!

In the spirit of open communication and shared commitment to student success, we strongly encourage all parents and guardians to attend our upcoming Parent/Teacher Conferences.

Parent/Teacher Conferences:

• Tuesday, November 24 · 4:30 – 7:30 PM

• Wednesday, November 25th - 8:00 - 11:30 AM

Nya:wëh

Mr. Stephen Dimitroff - High School Principal

Mr. David Brick - High School Assistant Principal

November:

11.01 - 12.11 - The Akron Newstead Food Pantry (collection at school)

11.01 - 12.05 - Class of 2027 Fundraiser with Charleston Wrap / Wrapping Paper

11.02 - 11.06 - Dia de los Muertos

11.04 - BOE Meeting

11.04 - Leadership Summit (Akron Hosting)

11.06 - 11.07 Junior High NYSSMA at Akron

11.06 - First Marking Period Ends

11.07 - Class of 2029 Mattress Sale Fundraiser

11.07 - Lifeguard Certification Course

11.10 - PTA Meeting 6:15 pm

11.11 - Veterans Day - No School

11.16 - Winter Sports Begin

11.18 - BOE Meeting

11.18 - Report Cards online

11.19 - Connectlife Blood Drive

11.24 - HS Parent Teacher Conference 4:30 - 7:30 pm

11.25 - HS Parent Teacher Conference 8:00 - 11:30 am

11.26 - 11.27 Thanksgiving Recess - No School

Counselors are finishing up meeting with all seniors for their individual meetings. A review of their transcript and graduation requirements has been completed as well as college and career readiness. We will continue to assist our seniors with their post high school career plans as the year continues.Those seniors who plan to attend college need to make sure they submit their college applications and FAFSA in a timely manner.

Marking period one is always a good indicator of where students are headed academically. If students are failing, focus needs to be on working hard to turn things around before the year progresses. Students are reminded to utilize 9th periods working with their teachers for help as well as our academic learning center.

Representatives from surrounding colleges, including technical colleges, and recruiters from the Armed Service Branches continue their visitations during all lunch periods to be able to reach out to students and answer any questions they may have.

The class of 2029 will be holding the annual mattress sale!

Location will be in gym 3!

Come check it out. Go Tigers!

The Student Council will host to visiting schools, the first Leadership Summit meeting on

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Akron High School.

Looking for tiger apparel to show off your tiger pride? Find the perfect tiger apparel to represent your pride and spirit! Whether you're cheering on your team or showing your Tiger pride every day, we've got you covered.

Shop anytime! We are open 24 / 7

Check out our website at Tigers Innovations

Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!

Mrs. Cornell is running a contest with students, with connection to the new Art Aetherium Art Gallery in the town of Akron

Dear School Administrator,

This Thanksgiving holiday, Senator Gallivan is sponsoring a Thanksgiving Day Student Showcase.

The theme for this program is “What are you thankful for?”

Participating students will submit the following electronically to https://www.nysenate.gov/questionnaires/what-are-you-thankful in JPEG or PDF format:

1. Artwork
2. Short Essay
3. Original Poem

Students will receive a personalized certificate from their Senator.

To help promote this program, we are encouraging schools to order flyers (8.5” x 11”) about the Thanksgiving Day Student Showcase. All entries must be submitted by November 20, 2026, as the website will be closed after that date.

If you have any questions or would like to order materials, please send an email to nysenateprograms@nysenate.gov or call 518-455-2558.

This is a way for parents and students to share photos with yearbook staff, you can access this in the Button Link Below.

November Focus: Stress, Coping, and Mental Health

1. Understanding Stress:

   What causes stress (stressors)

   How our bodies and minds react to it

   The difference between positive (motivating) and negative (harmful) stress

   
   

2. Healthy Coping Strategies:

   Time management, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques

   Exercise, hobbies, journaling, and talking to trusted adults

   Avoiding unhealthy coping methods like withdrawal or risky behaviors

   
   

3. Introduction to Mental Health:

   Breaking down myths and stigma

   Recognizing signs of common mental health concerns

   Learning when and how to seek support for yourself or a friend

   
   

Healthy Habit of the Month: Practice Positive Self-Care

Take time every day to do one thing that helps you recharge—whether that’s listening to music, going for a walk, or spending time with supportive friends.

Community Service Reminder

Don’t forget—students must complete 5 hours of community service by the end of the school year. November is a great month to help out at local food drives or community events!

November 2026

I started reading “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Dr. Kimmerer is an Indigenous author from the Potawatomi nation. She also wrote “Braiding Sweetgrass” which was on the NY Times bestseller list for over 200 weeks and was translated into several languages. Her most recently published book, “The Serviceberry” is so appropriate for the Thanksgiving season - the natural season, not the shopping season. She really encourages us to consider how the natural world operates though a continuous cycle of sharing. It makes me think of my brother who forages for mushrooms. And it makes me think of my dad and how when it is cherry season, he eats cherries for the whole season. It is a cycle of obtaining natural items in their time. Not to hoard these gifts but to understand their cycle of abundance. So as we approach Thanksgiving, Dr. Kimmerer reminds us that true wealth comes from the quality of relationships (plant, animal and human) as well as community connections. Consider “The Serviceberry” as a Thanksgiving reader!

ART - Kenadee Jonathan

BAND - Audrey Garverick

BUSINESS - Alexander Olaf

CHORALE - Eliijah Reigle

ORCHESTRA - Samuel Reagan

ENGLISH - Lillian Leonard

SPANISH - Emsley Stuber

BOCES - Owen Kreher

HEALTH - Maya David

MATH - Makayla Sugg

PHYS. ED. - Christopher Blask

SCIENCE - Anna Bergman

SOCIAL STUDIES - Ryan Morgan

TECHNOLOGY - Alexis Salmon

Congratulations to the October Athletes of the week recipients:

Week of 5th - Clara Bogdan for Girls Varsity Soccer and Kylie Mangione

Week of 13th - Mackenzie Tomporowski for Girls Field Hockey & Kylie Mangione for Girls Volleyball

Week of 19th - Aleece O'Malley for Girls Cross Country and Quinn O'Malley for Boys Cross Country

Week of 26th - Kenadee Jonathan for Girls Volleyball and Brock Lamont for Boys Varsity Football

Featuring:

Homecoming Sports Video 2026

Pep Assembly and Powderpuff Videos

Akron News Show Season 3 Premiere

Senior Tigers Meet Kindergarten Cubs

and more!

Help support the athletes of Special Olympics New York by joining our Polar Plunge team!

This year's event takes place on Friday, December 4th at Woodlawn Beach State Park.

All Akron High School students are eligible.

To participate, join our team using the link below. Team members must raise a minimum amount of $125. Want to learn more? Talk to Mr. llardi or Clara Bogdan.

Dear Akron High School Families,

I am excited to introduce myself as the newest School Resource Officer and look forward to becoming an active part of our school community! I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside our students, staff, families, and school administrators to help create a safe, positive, and welcoming learning environment for everyone.

As Black Friday approaches, I encourage you to stay alert and take a few simple precautions while shopping. Busy stores, crowded parking lots, and increased traffic can create opportunities for theft and other safety concerns.

Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Lock your vehicle: Always lock your doors and close your windows, even if you will only be away for a few minutes.
• Secure your purchases: Keep shopping bags and valuables out of sight. If possible, place purchases in your trunk before traveling to another location.
• Stay aware of your surroundings: Avoid distractions while walking through parking lots and keep your phone and belongings secure.
• Park smart: Choose well-lit parking spaces when possible, and have your keys ready before returning to your vehicle.
• Protect your personal information: Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi, clicking unfamiliar shopping links, or responding to suspicious emails and text messages.
• Watch for scams: Shop through reputable retailers, verify website addresses, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Drive safely: Expect increased traffic, allow extra travel time, and remain alert for pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Shop with children safely: Establish a meeting place in case you become separated and remind children to seek help from store employees or uniformed officers.
• Black Friday can be an exciting start to the holiday shopping season. By staying alert, protecting your belongings, and looking out for one another, we can all help make the season safer.

Stay safe Akron and Go Tigers! (and Bills)

-Deputy Tyler Candler

Hit the slopes with the Ski & Snowboard Club this season! Whether you are a seasoned carver or hitting the snow for the first time, Ski Club is the perfect way to spend winter weekends with friends, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors.

Key Details & Helpful Links:

• Permission Slips & Registration Due by November 20th: All students must have a signed permission slip and insurance waiver to secure your spot on the bus! Turn this into either the MS or HS office.

  (Make a copy and download Permission Slip)

(Make a copy and download Insurance Waiver)

• General Information, Discounted Season Pass, & Schedule: Check out how to buy your lift pass, trip dates, departure times, and safety guidelines for the upcoming season. (Prices go up at the end of October)

  (View General Info & Lift Ticket Link)

• Ski Club Swag: Represent the club on and off the mountain! Custom hoodies, beanies, and tees are available for order for a limited time (Store Closes October 30th).

  (Order Ski Club Merch)

Have questions or need help registering? Reach out to Ms. Komo at [ckomosinski@akronk12.org] or Mrs. O'Malley at [comalley@akronk12.org]

The District has a dedicated phone line and email address in each building for a parent or guardian to report a child’s absence from school. Absences should be reported as early as possible to:

High School (716) 542-5009 OR

HSAttendance@akronk12.org

If the absence is reported by phone, the parent or guardian will receive an automated call from the district alerting and/or confirming the student’s absence. The student must present a note to the main office, signed by the parent or guardian indicating the date(s) and reason for the absence upon their return to school. If the absence is reported by email, the parent must indicate the child’s name, grade level, and reason for the absence.

Attendance can be the single most important factor in a student’s academic success. Akron Central School takes student attendance very seriously and works to assist students with poor attendance in both policy and practice.