The Hive

As we move toward the end of the winter season and enter the final months of the 2025–2026 school year, we are already actively planning for the 2026–2027 school year. District leadership continues to meet with departments across the district to develop a budget that supports our educational priorities while remaining fiscally responsible for our taxpayers. Our primary focus remains maintaining and enhancing our existing programs to best serve our students.

We firmly believe that preserving these programs is in the best interest of our students, families, and community. The annual budget vote will take place on Tuesday, May 19, in the Hornet Lobby at the High School from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We encourage all eligible voters to participate in this important decision.

In May 2024, our community overwhelmingly approved an $11.875 million capital project, and work will begin this spring. The project will span two years, with the majority of work during the first year focused on the elementary school. Planned renovations include improvements to locker rooms, the cafeteria, hallway ceilings and walls, and the main entrance. In addition, site work and parking lot replacement will take place at the high school this year. The remaining high school renovations will be completed during the second year of the project.

Also beginning this summer is the Clean Green Energy Project, which will provide upgraded heating and cooling systems in multiple areas of both the Elementary School and the Middle/High School. This project was approved by voters in October 2025. Work is scheduled to begin in June 2026.

Across the district, our faculty is engaged in meaningful professional learning focused on strengthening teaching and learning for all students. This work helps teachers better understand student progress and make timely adjustments to instruction that support academic growth. During the 2025–2026 school year, our instructional focus has centered on several key areas:

• Using data to guide instruction allows teachers to better understand how students are learning and where additional support may be needed. Information from classwork, projects, and assessments helps teachers tailor instruction to meet students’ needs more effectively and respond promptly to learning gaps or areas of strength.
• Formative assessments are ongoing ways teachers check how students are learning during a lesson or unit. They help identify what students understand, where they may be struggling, and what adjustments are needed so instruction can be tailored to support student success before learning gaps grow. Developing formative assessments, such as brief check-ins, tests and classroom activities, help monitor student learning throughout the year rather than only at the end. These tools provide timely feedback that allows teachers to adjust instruction early and help keep students on track for success.
• Alongside our instructional work, we remain focused on supporting students’ mental health and well-being. Recognizing that students learn best when they feel safe and supported, we are strengthening practices that promote social-emotional growth and overall wellness.

As we continue through the 2025–2026 school year, important work is underway across the Forestville Central School District. From capital improvements and our Clean Green Energy project to focused instructional initiatives, these efforts reflect our commitment to strong schools, responsible planning, and student success. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our district. For more information, please visit our website at www.forestville.com, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Sincerely,

Dr. John O’Connor

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Forestville Families and Community,

I hope that this newsletter finds you well! I would like to thank our students, families, teachers, staff, and community members for the continued dedication and partnership that makes our school an exceptional place to learn and grow.

Our school community has been busy with many exciting events occurring in both the Elementary and the Middle/High School including sporting events, concerts, classroom celebrations, spirit weeks, and Winter Ball. Our students are working toward academic goals and are participating in meaningful extracurricular activities. Our district has celebrated student successes and academic achievements with the induction of several students into the National Honor Society, recognition on the Honor and Merit Rolls, and presentation of the Hornet Award and Hornet Hero Award.

The Board of Education remains focused on supporting high quality instruction and student achievement, maintaining and improving our school campus to provide a safe learning environment, and ensuring responsible use of district resources. The Board of Education held budget workshops in January and February. Our next budget workshop will be on March 12 prior to the school board meeting. The budget workshops provide an opportunity for our superintendent and business executive to share budget priorities and goals. It also allows time for discussion, questions, and comments as well as reviewing the next steps in the budget process. The annual budget vote will be on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. I encourage you to visit our school website where you will find dates for upcoming school board meetings as well as meeting minutes, important documents, policies, and more.

Thank you again for the continued support you give to our school and our students. You are a vital part of the Forestville Central School family, and your support, dedication, and commitment to our school community is essential to the success of our students.

As we look ahead to the second half of the school year, we are excited to see the opportunities and great accomplishments of the students at FCS!

Sincerely,

Andrea Spengler

FCS Board of Education President

Photo Courtesy of Jon Neubauer (Sideline Images of WNY)

Photo Courtesy of Jon Neubauer (Sideline Images of WNY)

Photo Courtesy of Jon Neubauer (Sideline Images of WNY)

Photo Courtesy of Jon Neubauer (Sideline Images of WNY)

The 2025 Forestville Softball Team was presented with a championship banner for the gym on Friday, Jan. 30 during halftime of the boys basketball game. All of the players from the 2025 team were in attendance. 2025 team captains Megan Gruber and Jade Work and 2026 team captains Madison Christian and Carilene Sliwa thanked fans and community for their support during this historic season.

The team were 2025 CCAA Divisio 3 Champions, 2025 Section VI Class D Champions and 2025 Class D Far West Regional Champions. They made it to the State Championship tournament in Binghamton and ended up one of the top four teams in the state for Class D.

The 2025 Softball Team:

# 3 Jade Work - Catcher

#4 Megan Gruber - Pitcher

#5 Madison Christian – 3rd and 2nd base or infielder

#6 Alexandra Kerstetter – Right fielder

#7 Elizabeth Case - Left fielder

#9 Ava Schwerk – 3rd base or infielder

#12 Emily Lillie – Center fielder

#13 Emmie Brinkman – Right fielder

#16 Olivia Valentine - 1st base

#17 Carilene Sliwa - Short stop

#19 Kaylee Adamczak – 2nd base

#20 Emma Hodkin – 1st base or infielder

Head Coach - Brianne Hazelton

Assistant Coach - John Sliwa

Assistant Coach - Ryanne Dugan

On February 6, the Forestville boy's varsity basketball team celebrated a major milestone as Coach Jackson earned his 100th career victory win. This achievement marks a proud moment for our school community, as Coach Jackson becomes only the second boys basketball coach in Forestville history to reach this impressive milestone. Coach Jackson is currently in his 11th year coaching varsity boy's basketball at Forestville and his 16th year overall, combining his time at Forestville and Silver Creek. He began coaching at Forestville in 2010, spending nine successful seasons before moving on to Silver Creek for five years. This season marks his second year back at Forestville, where his leadership, dedication, and passion for the game continue to make a lasting impact on our student‑athletes. We are incredibly proud of Coach Jackson and his team for this outstanding accomplishment. Thank you to all the families, students, and community members who continue to come out and support our coaches and teams. Your support plays a vital role in the success of Forestville athletics.

Dear Forestville Families,

Winter at Forestville Elementary has been filled with meaningful moments, strong connections, and continued growth for our students. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share a few highlights from our school community.

I’d like to begin by thanking our families for the time and care you invest in your children’s education. The conversations held during Parent-Teacher Conferences reinforced how valuable our family-school partnership truly is. Your involvement helps us better support each child’s academic and social-emotional development.

One of the most memorable events of the season was our Winter Concert. Watching our students perform with confidence and pride was a true joy. A special thank you to Ms. Pearson and Mr. Hagen for guiding our students through weeks of preparation and for creating such a positive and memorable experience. Our students rose to the occasion and showcased their talents beautifully.

Parent Connection plays an important role in supporting our students and strengthening our school community. Through fundraising efforts and special events throughout the year, this dedicated group helps create meaningful experiences and memorable moments for our children. We are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and generosity of our current members. Parent Connection would love to welcome new parents and caregivers to join them and support this important work. Getting involved is a wonderful way to connect with other families and make a positive impact at Forestville Elementary.

This winter, we have also continued to strengthen our instructional practices across all grade levels. Teachers are using assessment data and classroom observations to identify student strengths, address learning gaps, and tailor instruction to meet individual needs. Through focused professional learning, collaborative planning, and targeted interventions, our staff remains committed to providing engaging, high-quality instruction that supports growth for every learner. We are especially focused on building strong foundations in literacy and math while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and a love of learning in all students.

As we move through the colder months, I also want to remind families that Forestville Elementary has a Clothing Closet available for students who may need winter items. Ensuring our children are warm and comfortable is important to us, and support is always available—please reach out if your family could benefit.

Forestville Elementary is a special place because of the people who make up this community. Thank you for your continued support, trust, and collaboration. We are excited to continue our work together as the school year moves forward.

Wishing you a safe, warm, and healthy winter,

Shauna McMahon
Principal, Forestville Elementary

March

• PARP Family Night- date and time TBD

• Elementary Spring Pictures and Kindergarten Graduation Pictures April 11th
• NYS ELA Assessment Grades 3-6

• Teacher Appreciation Week May 4th-8th
• PreK Parent Orientation May 6th at 5:00pm
• Kindergarten Parent Orientation May 7th 5:00pm
• PreK- Completed Registration Packets are due May 15th
• NYS Math Assessment Grades 3-6
• NYS Science Assessment Grade 5

• Kindergarten Screenings June 2nd and 3rd
• Elementary Spring Concert June 4 @ 1pm and 7pm
• Flag Day Celebration June 13th
• Elementary Field Day June 18th
• PreK Moving Up Ceremony June 23rd at 8:30am
• Kindergarten Graduation June 24th at 8:30am
• 6th Grade Graduation June 25th at 8:30am
• Last Day of School for Elementary Students June 25th

• Registration packets are accepted on a rolling basis.

• Please register your child for Kindergarten as soon as possible.

• Kindergarten Parent Orientation will be held Thursday, May 7th at 5:00 pm in the Elementary School.

• PreK Parent Orientation will be held Wednesday, May 6th at 5:00 pm in the Elementary School
• For children who will turn 4 years old by December 1, 2026
• Procedure
• Random Lottery Selection (if more than 18 applicants by cutoff date of May 15, 2026)
• Completed applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the due date (May 15, 2026).
• Parents may request an application packet at any point in the school year, beginning the first day of school.
• Applications will not be considered as part of the lottery if they are incomplete by the due date.
• If an application is submitted beyond the due date, your child’s name will not be entered into the lottery, and they may instead be placed on the waiting list.
• At the end of the day on the due date, one of two things will occur:
• If 18 or fewer children have applied, ALL applicants will be registered for the class.
• If more than 18 students have applied by the end of the day on the due date, all student applicants' names go into a random drawing and are chosen the following school day, numbers 1-18, as students who can enroll in the program.
• Students who are not chosen as 1-18 are identified as waiting list members 19, 20, etc.
• If openings occur (students leave the program, etc.) then the children (in number order) on the waiting list are called to see if they are interested in joining the UPK at Forestville. This occurs on a rolling basis, as openings become available throughout the school year.
• If applications come in after the May due date and there are no openings, those children are placed on a waiting list in order of receipt of completed applications.
• The district works with families on the waiting list to enroll their children at our Community Based Organization (CBO), Lake Shore Family Center, at no cost to the family. This ensures a high-quality instructional program for children prior to their Kindergarten year!

This year our Forestville Drama Team will be taking on the bubbly, satirical musical Bye-Bye Birdie. This show is set in the late 1950s, when rock ’n roll was turning teens into screaming fanatics. When teen idol Conrad Birdie is drafted into the army, his desperate manager schemes to stage a publicity stunt: Conrad will give one lucky girl a farewell kiss on national TV. The plan throws the quiet town of Sweet Apple, Ohio into chaos, poking fun at celebrity worship, generational clashes, and young love — with plenty of catchy songs and high-energy humor along the way. The show runs from March 19-21, 2026, 7:00 PM. Stop on in for a night of laughs, gaffaws, and chuckles, 1950s style.

Principal Characters:

Conrad Birdie …………………………………………… Silas Dzielski

Albert Peterson ……………………………………….. Jason Ellis

Rose “Rosie” Alvarez ……………………………….. Mya Alvarez

Kim MacAfee…………………………………………….. Emmie Brinkman

Mr. Harry MacAfee………………………………………… Jaxon Larson

Mrs. Doris MacAfee …………………………………… Angelyz Hodkin

Mae “Mamma” Peterson………………………………… Abigail Cook

Hugo Peabody………………………………………………… Silas Carpenter

Randi MacAfee………………………………………………… Emma Ruffo

Ursula Merkle……………………………………………… Meredith Stelmack

Sweet Apple Teens (Teen Chorus /Ensemble):

Ali Nearhoof,

Ava Nearhoof, Allison

DeMarie, Addison Croft,

Scarlette Weibel, Jacob

Core, Trinity Cochran,

Chloe Kessler, Lexi

Mederski, Serenity Stoll

This winter certainly reminded us what living in Western New York is all about. Between the cold temperatures and steady snowfall, spring feels especially welcome this year. As the days grow longer and the weather begins to warm, our school community is entering one of the busiest and most important stretches of the academic year.

One of the greatest strengths of our school is the partnership between home and school. When families and educators work together, students are better positioned to succeed. Regular attendance continues to be one of the most important factors in student growth and achievement. Each day in class matters, and consistent attendance helps students stay connected to instruction, expectations, and opportunities to learn.

As we look ahead to June, many of our students will be preparing for Regents exams. We encourage students to take advantage of Regents Review classes, stay after school for extra help when needed, and communicate with their teachers if they need additional support. Small, consistent efforts now can make a big difference later. Our teachers are committed to helping students feel confident and prepared when exam time arrives.

Spring is also an important time for planning the upcoming school year. Students will be working with Mrs. Hazelton to select courses that challenge them and support their future goals. We are proud to continue offering a range of Advanced Placement and Jamestown Community College (JCC) connection courses, along with many other opportunities for students to grow academically. We encourage students to challenge themselves and take advantage of these experiences as they plan their path forward.

Learning extends far beyond the classroom, and we hope students will continue to get involved in school activities this spring. Athletics, theatre, clubs, school dances, prom, and newer opportunities like the after-school gaming club, all help students build connections, develop confidence, and create lasting memories. These experiences are an important part of what makes school meaningful.

Spring is always a time of renewal and possibility in schools, and I look forward to seeing our students continue to grow, succeed, and support one another in the months ahead.

Sincerely,

Mr. Grande

MS/HS Principal

March

• MIOSMA Concert March 5th @ 7pm
• Q3 Progress Reports March 6th
• Spring Sports Begin March 9th
• Bye Bye Birdie March 19th-21st

April

• Spring Break April 2nd-10th
• Q3 Report Cards April 17th

May

• Junior-Senior Prom May 9th @ 6pm
• Spanish Honor Society Induction May 12th @ 7:30pm
• Spring Concert May 14th @ 7pm
• Class of 2027 Chicken BBQ May 19th
• Memorial Day Break May 22nd-25th
• Q4 Progress Reports

June

• Yearbook Dedication June 5th
• Class Night June 12th @ 7pm
• Academic Awards 15th
• Regents Exams June 17th-18th & 22nd-25th
• Juneteenth June 19th
• Graduation June 27th @ 2pm

The third and fourth grade Enrichment students were hard at work this winter creating designs for a new Peace Bridge. First, they studied different types of bridges and their design elements. Then they built various bridges to see their structural elements. The students worked in groups to use all they learned about the different bridge types, combined design elements from the ones they liked best, and built models for a new Peace Bridge. Finally, they drew a picture of what the bridge would look like in real life. Which do you think would make a great Peace Bridge?

The fifth and sixth grade Enrichment students were hard at work this winter. They worked in groups to brainstorm ideas for proposed improvements to our elementary building. Once they solidified their ideas, they created models of their designs. Each group wrote up a proposal to share with Mrs. McMahon. Their proposed changes include a less disruptive fire alarm, a pool, a STEM lab, and a new outdoor activity area with trampolines. We can't wait to see if any of these changes will be included in our next capital improvement project!

Mr. Greenough's and Mr. McLhinney's Middle and High School Physical Education classes took time this winter to go outside and, with equipment provided by BOCES, participate in cross‑country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding.

BOCES is running a Mario Kart Time Trial Competition. For Week 2, Leo Weibel won the fastest time. John Arcese wrote, "Congrats to Leo Weibel of Forestville, who clearly knows his way around Toad Harbor, running 6 seconds faster than the next best competitor." Luke Bittinger won the "67" award for week two-competitors win for having a score that ends in "67."

The Forestville Esports Team competed in the BOCES Mario Kart Time Trial Tournament on Friday, February 13th. Two students were recognized for their awesome performance! Levi M. won 1st place and Javien won 2nd place!

Multiple Forestville students have had the opportunity to participate in the Chautauqua County Music Teachers Association (CCMTA) Festivals this year. The CCMTA supports music education in Western New York, promoting student musical development. The Junior and Senior High Solo Festivals were held at Fredonia High School on Saturday, February 7th. Forestville was represented by 10 and six students respectively. In addition Kaylen Leary (not pictured) also performed with the All-County Junior Orchestra at the CCMTA Winter Festival on January 31.

Forestville junior, Kaylee Adamczak had the honor of being chosen to attend Zone 1 Senior High Area Allstate held at SUNY Fredonia on January 22. To be considered for this event, students learn a solo, perform before judge, and get ranked with other students in Zone 1. They are then placed in an ensemble; Kaylee was placed in Treble Choir and performed a concert. The singers in these ensembles are the best singers of Zone 1. Zone 1 includes Chatauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, and Niagara Counties. Congratulations Kaylee!

The fourth graders participated in flag education with American Legion members in January. They asked great questions and were excellent participants! They're also preparing to write their Fourth-Grade Flag essays for the countywide competition!

Congratulations to the students who were inducted into National Honor Society!

2025 Inductees:

Kaylee Adamczak, Eliana Cross, Ingrid Gibson, Noah Gruber, Tucker Merritt, Kaleb Mescall, Troy Muck, Sophia Stewart and Blake Waterman.

The inductees were honored and announced by a sponsor that they selected. Last year's inductees Ava Emke, Carilene Sliwa, Giulianna Patton and Ella Duliba provided the readings for the lighting ceremony. Special thank you to Ms. Feyes, NHS Advisor for organizing such a special evening.

The chilly temperatures did not deter the Silver Creek/Forestville Polar Plunge team from heading to Woodlawn Beach for their sixth year participating in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge.

The Silver Creek/ Forestville Polar Plunge team started in 2020 with only nine participants, but this year 64 people participated in the fundraising event, making it the largest team in the group’s history, many participating for the first time!

“For me as a parent, the Polar Plunge teaches kids unity, inclusion, courage, and resilience. It shows our school coming together as one, supporting one another,” Sarah Pfleuger, a parent of a Unified athlete, said.

The water was 43 degrees, and the air temperature was 29 degrees, but the group still paraded into the water to show their support for the Special Olympics.

“I am slowly getting warmer, but my heart is full,” Brenda Kerstetter, the Unified Liaison-Coach for Forestville, said after taking the plunge.

Each year, the Silver Creek and Forestville students have participated in the plunge, and they were a Top Ten Fundraising School, and this year was no different. The team came in fifth place overall in the Cool School Challenge and was once again the top fundraising school for Chautauqua County.

“Each year, we strive to raise more than the last year. Even though we are two small schools, combined we are still smaller than other schools in the area. The fact that we can raise over $13,000 in the past two years and over $50,000 in the past six years, just shows the heart of the students, staff and community from our districts to support our students and Special Olympics New York,”

Janet Decker, Silver Creek’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) advisor and Unified Coach, pointed out.

Ali Kerstetter, a sophomore at Forestville and a member of the Unified Bowling and Basketball teams, participated in her fourth plunge this year. When asked why she continues to participate in the Polar Plunge, Ali stated, “I have always enjoyed helping people, seeing the smiles on the other kids’ faces, and knowing I made a difference just warms my heart.”

The Cool School Challenge raised, in total, $249,731 for Special Olympics New York. Over the course of the three days, nearly $700,000 was raised to support students, athletes, and Unified programs.

Two seventh-grade Hornets won the Stranger Saga's writing competition for young writers! This is a worldwide competition based in England, and their work will be published in the new copy of the Stranger Saga's book! Congratulations to Ava Nearhoof and Amorra Barrett on becoming Forestville's new published authors!

Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf made a surprise visit to the Elementary School and delivered candy canes.

In December, our elementary school had the wonderful opportunity to spread holiday cheer beyond our building thanks to Ms. Bauer, who coordinated a special field trip to the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. This heartwarming visit marked the third consecutive year our elementary students created and shared handmade Christmas cards with the residents.

Students selected for the field trip were chosen by their classroom teachers based on strong academic standing and for consistently modeling our PBIS expectations—being respectful, responsible, safe, and kind. These students truly represent the best of our school community.

Mrs. Soffel also attended the field trip, along with several parent chaperones, helping to support students and make the visit a success. During the visit, students proudly delivered the homemade cards they had created, but the experience went far beyond card-giving. Students spent meaningful time with residents, engaging in conversations, listening to stories, and sharing smiles.

The joy it brought to the residents to have young visitors was truly beautiful to witness. Our students were outstanding ambassadors—kind, engaged, and thoughtful throughout the visit. Their ability to connect so naturally with the residents highlighted the power of compassion and community. This annual tradition continues to be a meaningful reminder of how small acts of kindness can make a big impact, especially during the holiday season.

The auditorium was packed for the Elementary holiday concert. Our students did a wonderful job bringing the holiday spirit under the direction of Ms. Pearson and Mr. Hagen.

Twelfth-grade Spanish Club members Ella Duliba, Chymerah Genovese, Anna Gilman, Iris Muck and Giulianna Patton visited some of the Elementary classrooms to teach them about the cultural celebration of Three Kings Day and the traditions around it.

Third graders learned about Christmas around the world in Social Studies. For each country they read about traditions they share, food they eat, and customs, and then compared them to others they have learned about. They have finished the North American continent and covered six other countries. When they did their Russian unit, they made stacking dolls and enjoyed a treat of Russian Tea Cakes. With Germany, they made gingerbread cinnamon ornaments, and had a special treat from Mrs. Wilson of sauerkraut and sausage, stollen and Lebhkuchen vom Blech. Later they will be enjoyed Scottish shortbread and a yule log as they traveled the world from the classroom.

We would like to send a huge shout out to the volunteers continue the tradition of Santa’s Secret Workshop sponsored by the Parent Connection.

Third graders in Mrs. Sprague, Ms. Booth and Mrs. Croft's rooms participated in a Turkey Trot with math facts. They had a relay race to the finish solving facts, turkey ring toss and turkey bucket toss, multiplication facts and addition facts.

Forestville Parent Connection surprised all the kids with a rubber ducky on National Rubber Duck Day! They put numbers on the bottom, and called 24 lucky kiddos to win some fun prizes like a football, fun pens, slime, some Shrek cards and more!

Dec. 11 was the 6-7th day of school! Elementary staff had a surprise treat for students when they dressed up with 6-7! 6-7 signs were EVERYWHERE!

Pre-K had a wonderful time riding their newly purchased tricycles from our partner, Quality Stars NY! Thank you to Quality Stars and Rep. Kathy Siragusa for your collaboration with Forestville UPK.

Board of Education

Andrea Spengler, President

Jamie Gruber, Vice President

Derek Case

Jamie Hebner

Michelle Merritt

Lindsey Ellis

Rachel Locke

Contact: boe@forestville.com

Central Administration

John O’Connor, Superintendent 716-965-6539

Melody Voigt, Superintendent Secretary/District Clerk 716-965-6539

Kerrieann Pelletter, School Business Executive 716-965-6533

Kyle Barthel, Director of Facilities 716-965-6531

Sarah LoManto, Cafeteria Manager 716-965-6530

Wesley Wright, Director of Technology & Communications 716-965-6565

Kris Richter, Head Bus Driver 716-965-6550

Secondary School 716-965-2711

Daniel Grande, Middle/High School Principal

Sara Botticello, Middle/High School Secretary

Ashley Cross, School Nurse

Brianne Hazelton, School Counselor

Heather Jackson, Guidance Secretary

Melissa Press, Technology Integration Specialist

Elementary School 716-965-2742

Shauna McMahon, Elementary Principal

Brenda Schneider, Elementary Secretary

Aaron Bevill, Director of Special Education

Christine Bowker, CSE and CPSE Secretary

Nadine Donovan, School Nurse