November

Dear Middle School Families,

It is hard to believe that November is already upon us! We are well into the first quarter of the school year, and our students and staff have been busy making the most of the many opportunities that make Attica Middle School such a special place.

We have already enjoyed a variety of exciting activities and events, including our Middle School Fun Nights, Student Council elections, Homecoming festivities, Red Ribbon Week, and Halloween celebrations, just to name a few. These experiences provide our students with opportunities to build friendships, develop leadership skills, demonstrate school spirit, and create lasting memories.

As we move further into the school year, I encourage families to continue having conversations with their children about their academic progress, daily experiences, and personal goals. Your involvement and support play an important role in helping our students succeed. Please remember to utilize the Parent Portal to stay informed about grades and academic progress as we approach the end of the first marking period.

Our building theme this year, "Connect with Kindness, Communicate with Grace," continues to guide our daily interactions. We encourage students to demonstrate kindness, respect, and understanding toward one another while taking pride in being part of the Attica Middle School community.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to express my appreciation to our families, faculty, and staff for their continued support and dedication to our students. We have much to be thankful for, and I look forward to the many exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Wishing you and your families a wonderful November and a happy Thanksgiving!

Mr. Paul Clark

Middle School Principal

Ruth Hess

Hannah Greis

Emma Muniak

Happy November, Middle School Families!

A Message from the Middle School Counseling Office – November 2026

As we move into November, it is hard to believe that we are already approaching the end of the first quarter! Our students have settled into their routines, developed friendships, and continued to grow both academically and socially. This is a great time for students and families to reflect on the start of the school year, celebrate successes, and identify areas for continued improvement.

November is a wonderful time to focus on gratitude, kindness, and positive relationships. Encourage your child to take a moment each day to recognize something they are thankful for, show appreciation to others, or perform a simple act of kindness. These small gestures can make a meaningful difference in creating a positive school environment.

As the first quarter comes to a close, we encourage families to review their child's academic progress through the Parent Portal. Conversations about grades, organization, study habits, and goal setting can help students take ownership of their learning. Remember, middle school is a time for growth, and challenges provide valuable opportunities to learn and improve.

With the holiday season approaching, we also recognize that this time of year can bring additional stress for some students and families. Please remind your child that asking for help is a sign of strength. Our Counseling Office is always available to provide academic, social, and emotional support.

Together, let's continue to "Connect with Kindness and Communicate with Grace" as we support our students in becoming confident, caring, and responsible young people.

Wishing all of our Middle School families a happy, healthy, and restful Thanksgiving!

Warmly,

Mary Beth Hardie

The following photos are from the Earring worship during our Halloween actvities. 10 students joined Mrs. Smith to learn the art of earring making. Crafting their own earrings out of thick watercolor paper, modge podge and earring findings! They did amazing!

November 2 - First Day of Modified Sports (Winter Season)

November 6 - 7th and 8th Grade Fun Night 6:00pm-8:00pm (Cancelled)

November 10 - Veteran's Day Assembly

November 10 - Student Council to Lastertron

November 11 - Veterans Day, No School

November 24 - 7th and 8th Grade Fall Dance

November 24 - 6th Grade Egyptian Museum

November 25-27 Thanksgiving Recess, No School

November 2 - First Day of Modified Sports (Winter Season)

November 6 - 7th and 8th grade Fun Night, 6:00pm-8:00pm (Cancelled)

November 16 - Art Club, 3:20pm-4:30pm

November 18 - Yearbook Club, 3:20pm-4:30pm

November 24 - 7th and 8th Grade Fall Dance, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Fall 2026

Dear Families and Community Members,

You may have heard about New York Inspires, New York State’s work to redesign the high school graduation and diploma system. As these changes begin to take effect, we recognize that understanding graduation requirements can feel confusing—particularly because students currently in our schools will not all graduate under the same set of requirements.

We are in a transition period.

For many of us, high school graduation was relatively straightforward: students earned required credits, completed required courses, passed required Regents examinations, and received a particular type of diploma. New York State is now moving toward a different system, and that transition will occur gradually over several graduating classes.

During this transition, students in different graduating classes may have different graduation requirements. The requirements that apply to your child will depend on when they entered ninth grade and their expected graduation year. To use the chart below, simply find your child's expected graduation year. This will show you which stage of New York State's transition applies to your child.

In Simple Terms:

● Students graduating in 2027 remain under New York State's current diploma requirements.

● Students expected to graduate in 2028, 2029, and 2030 are part of the transition toward the new system. Under the State's proposed timeline, students will continue to take Regents examinations, but the role those examinations play in earning a diploma will change pending NYS Board of Regents approval.

● Students graduating in 2031 and beyond will experience additional changes as New York phases in new credit requirements, seals and endorsements, and eventually the complete New York Inspires graduation system.

The Requirements Are Changing. Our Expectations Are Not.

One question families may understandably have is whether these changes mean that it will become easier to graduate from high school. The answer is no.

While the way students demonstrate that they are ready to graduate is changing, the expectation that students successfully complete a rigorous high school education is not. Students will still be expected to meet New York State learning standards, and demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed for life after high school that is outlined in the Board of Regents approved Portrait of Graduate. Parent

Historically, New York’s graduation requirements have placed their greatest formal emphasis on academic achievement—earning required course credits and demonstrating proficiency through State assessments. Schools have always worked to prepare students broadly for life after graduation; however, attributes such as communication, innovation, critical thinking, citizenship, and future-focused reflection, now articulated in the Portrait of a Graduate, have not been as explicitly reflected in New York State’s formal graduation requirements.

The new system seeks to broaden what counts as evidence that a student is truly prepared for what comes next. Academic knowledge remains essential, but students will increasingly be expected to apply that knowledge while also demonstrating the broader skills and critical attributes represented in the Portrait of a Graduate.

Put simply, having different ways to demonstrate learning does not mean having lower expectations for learning. It means broadening our definition of what it means to be prepared.

As New York moves toward the new system, the emphasis will increasingly be on students demonstrating what they know and what they can do with what they know in multiple ways. The goal is not to expect less from students, but to provide different ways for students to demonstrate that they have met New York State’s expectations for graduation.

Ultimately, a New York State high school diploma should continue to represent meaningful preparation for college, a career, the military, training, and the many other opportunities students may pursue after graduation.

What Does This Mean for My Child?

The new graduation system is being phased in—it is not changing all at once. As a result, students in different grades, even students within the same family, may have different graduation requirements.

We recognize that this can be difficult to follow, and we ask for your patience as New York State continues to develop and implement these changes and schools receive additional guidance.

Most importantly, you do not need to figure this out on your own. Our counselors, teachers, and administrators will work with students and families to make sure each student understands the requirements that apply to their graduating class and remains on track toward graduation.

We will continue to communicate with families as additional information becomes available from the New York State Education Department.

Thank you for your patience and partnership as we work together to support every student through this transition.

Sincerely,

Attica Central Administrative Team

Flu Season Is Here!

As we enter flu season, we would like to share a few friendly reminders to help keep our students, families, and school community healthy.

Flu Prevention Tips:

• Wash Hands Frequently: Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating and after coughing or sneezing.

• Stay Hydrated: Send your child to school with a refillable water bottle to encourage hydration throughout the day.

• Consider Flu Vaccination: Talk with your child's healthcare provider about scheduling an annual flu vaccination.

• Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Remind children to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue or their elbow.

• Get Plenty of Rest: Adequate sleep helps support a healthy immune system.

When Should Your Child Stay Home?

To help prevent the spread of illness, please keep your child home if they are experiencing:

• A fever of 100.4°F or higher.

• Vomiting or diarrhea.

• A persistent cough or other symptoms that interfere with their ability to participate comfortably in school.

Students may return to school when they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, have had no vomiting or diarrhea for at least 24 hours, and are feeling well enough to participate in school activities. Please follow any additional school health guidelines.

Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy learning environment for everyone!

November 14 – World Diabetes Day

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and November 14 is recognized as World Diabetes Day. This is an important opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes and the early warning signs in children.

Recognizing Early Signs of Diabetes in School-Age Children

Diabetes can develop in children and adolescents, and recognizing symptoms early is important. Although Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are different conditions, they can share several warning signs.

Signs Parents Should Watch For:

• Increased Thirst: Drinking more water than usual or frequently feeling thirsty.

• Frequent Urination: More trips to the bathroom, especially during the night.

• Increased Hunger: Feeling hungry more often than usual.

• Unusual Fatigue: Feeling tired or lacking energy despite adequate rest.

• Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without changes in diet or activity.

• Blurred Vision: Complaints of difficulty seeing clearly.

• Darkened Skin Patches: Dark, velvety areas of skin, particularly around the neck or armpits, which may be associated with insulin resistance.

Why Early Detection Matters

Some children with Type 2 diabetes may have few or no noticeable symptoms. If you observe any of these changes in your child, contact your healthcare provider for guidance and possible testing. Symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss should be evaluated promptly, as they may also indicate Type 1 diabetes.

Healthy Habits Make a Difference!

Encouraging regular physical activity, balanced meals, adequate sleep, and healthy hydration can support children's overall health and help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn!

As always, if you have any concerns regarding your child’s health for the 25-26 school year, please call Mrs. Cooley at 585-591-0400 extension 1214 or email at tcooley@atticacsd.org.

November News from the Blue Devils Cafe!

November is bringing some delicious excitement to our school cafeterias! We're looking forward to sharing new flavors and celebrating the season with our students!

Upcoming Taste Tests

• November 6: Grilled Cheese Bites

• November 20: Pumpkin Fluff

Students will have the opportunity to sample these tasty treats and share their feedback! We love encouraging students to try new foods and discover new favorites.

Thanksgiving Holiday Meal – November 19

We're serving up a special holiday meal featuring turkey and gravy with all the fixings! We look forward to celebrating the season of gratitude with our students over a delicious, comforting meal.

Important Reminder for Families

Please remember to complete and return your Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application to the Food Service Office if you have not already done so. These applications help our district to secure grant funding in various areas. For questions or concerns, please contact the Food Service Manager.

From all of us at the Blue Devils Cafe, we wish your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

“Feeding Kids is a Work of Heart!”

Mrs. Kayla George

Food Service Manager

585-591-0400 ext. 1195

The district is requesting that all student drop off and pick up for arrival and dismissal take place in the parent loop and that families no longer park along the side of the road on route 238.

Morning Drop-Off Procedures: (7:45-8:20 am) Cars should enter the parent drop off/pick up loop (far left loop) and continue to the designated drop off area. Once you enter the designated drop off area, please let your children out on the right hand side of the car, and have them cross utilizing crosswalk 29. All students being dropped off by parents will enter the school through door 29. Please proceed to exit the loop making sure to yield to any bus traffic. No vehicle traffic will be allowed in the Bus loop. There will be staff to direct students and traffic to ensure student safety.

Afternoon Pick-Up Procedures: (3:10-3:30 pm) Cars should pull into the parent drop off/pick up loop and line up along the median. Do not double-park in the far-left lane; this will enable cars to pull away once a student is picked up in the designated pick up area. Dismissal starts at 3:10 pm and exit doors 28-30 will be open. Students are able to use crosswalks 29 and 30 to cross to the parent loop to be picked up in the designated pick up area. All traffic must yield to busses at all times. There will be staff to direct students and traffic to ensure student safety.

We are aware that not all cars will be able to fit in the parent loop during our afternoon pickup. Once the lot is full we are asking all families to use the overflow lot off of route 238 adjacent to the stadium until the parent pick-up lot is no longer full. Students will also be encouraged meet any parents in the overflow lot as a walkway is connected to our secondary campus and the overflow lot. No cars will be allowed to park on route 238 during dismissal and will be monitored by our school resource officer and our local law enforcement agencies.

We thank you again for your cooperation with these changes to our procedures and look forward to promoting a safe environment for all of our students and families.