NorthStar Lights

Dear School Community,

As we welcome the arrival of spring, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to our incredible Buildings and Grounds crew. This winter has certainly put them to the test, but they have risen to the challenge time and time again, ensuring that our school grounds were safe and accessible for our students and staff. Their dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed, and I know I speak for everyone when I say—thank you!

We have had our fair share of winter weather this season, using four of our allotted snow days. Fortunately, we still have two remaining, and we are crossing our fingers that Mother Nature will show us some kindness so we can hold onto those for the remainder of the school year. With spring officially upon us, we are hopeful that the worst of winter is behind us, and we can start enjoying some warmer temperatures and sunshine!

As we continue to grow and improve as a school district, I am asking for your valuable input. We have launched a Thought Exchange survey to gather feedback about the strengths of our district and areas where we can improve. Your thoughts and perspectives are essential in shaping the future of our schools, and I encourage everyone—parents, staff, students, and community members—to take a few minutes to share their insights. Your voice truly matters, and I appreciate your time and effort in helping us move forward.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and school district. It is because of this strong, engaged community that we are able to provide the very best for our kids. Let’s look ahead to a great spring filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities!

Warm regards,
Dr. Terry Ward
Superintendent of Schools

The North Syracuse Central School District’s Fine Arts Department is proud to bring the magic of Broadway to Central New York this spring with a fantastic lineup of school musicals! Audiences won’t need to travel to New York City to experience the excitement of live theater—our talented students are bringing beloved productions to the local stage. These performances showcase the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and volunteers, providing an opportunity for families and community members to enjoy high-quality theater right in their own backyard. Tickets for all productions are available on the district website through Hometown ticketing or can be purchased by clicking on the graphics below.

On Jan. 6, 2025, the NSCSD welcomed Dr. Terry L. Ward as the new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Ward is deeply committed to the district’s success and believes that collaboration is key to building a strong foundation. That’s why he wants to hear from students, families, educators, staff, and community members. Your feedback will help guide important decisions and ensure that NSCSD continues to thrive.

To gather stakeholder feedback, NSCSD is using ThoughtExchange, an innovative online platform that allows you to share ideas, consider different perspectives, and help inform future decisions. Unlike traditional surveys, ThoughtExchange enables the real-time, two-way exchange of thoughts and ideas, ensuring that the most important concepts rise to the top.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts through the ThoughtExchange which will be open through Monday, March 31.

Quick Tips for using ThoughtExchange:

• Enter as many thoughts as you wish into the exchange. Try to share one distinct idea per thought.
• Your thoughts will be shared with other participants, but not your identity.
• You will see and rate thoughts that others have shared. 5 stars = strongly agree, 1 star = strongly disagree.
• You do not need to rate all thoughts, though it’s recommended to rate at least 30.
• You have the ability and are encouraged to come back and rate additional thoughts.

Healthy Smiles is a government-funded dental program bringing free dental care directly to your child’s school. With no out-of-pocket costs for families, Healthy Smiles ensures that every child can access preventive dental care conveniently.

Program Highlights:

• No Cost to Families: Covered by Medicaid and private insurance—no child will be turned away.
• On-Site Care: Dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants and more, provided right at school.
• Convenient and Comprehensive: Your child will receive a checkup, preventive care and an oral health report without needing to leave school.
• Healthy Smiles helps ensure every child has a bright, healthy smile. Stay tuned for more details on how to sign up as the program approaches.

To learn more or to complete the necessary parental content form ahead of time, visit HealthySmilesNYS.com or call 718-689-7020. Printed copies of the consent form are also available in each elementary school health office. Parents/guardians can reach out to NSCSD Nursing Services Supervisor Peg Miller by email at mmiller@nscsd.org or by phone at 315-218-4153.

The North Syracuse Central School District is accepting registrations for the North Syracuse Early Education Program (NSEEP), both for the 2025-26 school year and for summer 2025 sessions. NSEEP classes are offered for children ages 3 and 4 years old.

In order to enroll your child in a full-day program for the 2025-26 school year, they must be three years old by 9/1/25. In order to enroll your child in a half-day program for the 2025-26 school year or in the 2025 summer session, they must be three years old by 12/1/25.

The NSEEP is a fully integrated program. Young children who have special needs participate in a child-centered and socially stimulating learning experience with their preschool peers. Visit the NSEEP website to learn more or download a registration form or call 315/218-2200.

By Daryle Redmond, NSCSD Director of Fine Arts and Co-Curricular

Music in Our Schools Month is a time to recognize the powerful role music plays in our students' academic, social, and emotional development. What began as an advocacy effort by passionate music educators and community leaders has grown into a national celebration, reinforcing the importance of music education as an essential part of a well-rounded curriculum. The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) has been a leading force in this movement, providing research and resources that highlight how music enhances creativity, critical thinking, and academic achievement.

Each March, NSCSD proudly joins this nationwide celebration, honoring the dedication and expertise of our music educators and the talented students they inspire. As NAfME emphasizes, music education goes beyond technical skills—it fosters self-discipline, teamwork, and cultural awareness. Whether performing on stage or learning in the classroom, students are given opportunities to explore, create, and express themselves in transformative ways.

Click here to read the complete article online.

The North Syracuse Dollars for Scholars online application process for CNS seniors is now open. If you know a senior who plans to further their education, please encourage them to apply.

To apply for a scholarship, students must first register and then complete an application. Students needing help completing an application are encouraged to visit the school’s Career Center. More information about applying is available on the CNS High School website by clicking on the Career Center link.

Please contact April Winters at 315-415-9298 or email aprilwinters@gmail.com for additional information.

Applications must be filed prior to April 1, 2025

As required by New York State Law, applications for bus transportation to and/or from charter, private or parochial schools during the 2025-26 school year, must be filed prior to April 1, 2025.

Applications may be picked up and returned to the North Syracuse Central School District Transportation Department, 5520 East Taft Road, North Syracuse, NY 13212. Applications can also be downloaded by clicking here. Please contact the Transportation Department at (315) 218-2107 for additional information.

Congratulations to the Cicero-North Syracuse High School Cheerleading team for earning this year's Section III Championship title! The CNS boys and girls track teams also earned their respective titles!

Cicero-North Syracuse junior Garrett Arnold was recently featured in Syracuse.com for rolling his fourth-career 300!

Elijah Ehret, an 8th grade student at North Syracuse Junior High School was mentioned in Syracuse.com for earning the right to compete in the final oral round of the Syracuse.com | Post-Standard Spelling Bee. The Bee is scheduled for March 22 at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

The North Syracuse Central School District Girls Wrestling team recently received the 2024-2025 John Arcaro Memorial Sportsmanship Award. The honor is presented by the Syracuse Wrestling Officials Association in recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, leadership and dedication. Coach Ryan Caraher and his athletes proudly accepted the award before the Section III Finals at SRC Arena on February 16. Click here to read the article on Syracuse.com.

Each year, the Optimist Club of Cicero-North Syracuse holds essay and oratorical contests, which give students opportunities to win money in their pursuit of higher education. This year's essay contest drew a record number of entries with more than 30 students submitting essays about how optimism has helped paved their individual roads to success.

On Monday, March 3, CNS Junior Optimist Club Advisor and Optimist International Foundation Representative, Bob Crabtree, met with student essay participants to present certificates of appreciation to all students and to formally recognize the top three writers. Tammy Harris, also a member of the CNS Optimist Club, helped Mr. Crabtree honor the students during a brief ceremony in the school's large group instruction room.

Click here to read the complete article online.

We love to share photos and videos from our students, families and teachers. If you're willing to share, please do! We'll be using your photos in this newsletter and other publications throughout the school year. Additionally, high resolution, horizontal photos will be considered for the District website. If you'd like to share pictures, please email them to our Communications Officer, Laurie Cook at lcook@nscsd.org.

The Roxboro Road Elementary School PTG recently held a Build-A-Stuffy event and captured some beautiful pictures thanks to Jacob Lax, a CNS graduate and amazingly talented photographer. Teacher Traci Buffa shared the pictures with her tremendous thanks to the school's PTG. Traci said that students had their choice of stuffing a polar bear, cat, or axolotl. Each "stuffy" came with a heart and a birth certificate. Fun fact...an axolotl is a paedomorphic salamander closely related to the tiger salamander. Thanks so much to Traci Buffa for sharing, to Jacob Lax for taking these amazing pictures and to the Roxboro Road Elementary School PTG for putting together an event that brought such joy!

The Kids Heart Challenge to benefit the American Heart Association has been a long-time event at KWS Bear Road Elementary School. This year's Challenge Assembly, celebrating the more than $5,000 raised for the Heart Association, was held on February 12. John DeHay, the school's Physical Education Teacher and event organizer shared a few pictures from the event and tells us that the gym was "electric" as staff members took whipped cream pies to their faces to help celebrate the students' accomplishment.

Cicero Elementary School Principal Mrs. O'Donnell shared the above picture and said that the school recently was visited by Cora, one of their own students who has been diagnosed with cancer. Cicero El. students and staff gathered together on the rainy day of Cora's visit to let her know that she is missed. What a heartwarming show of support! Great job eaglets and lots of get well wishes to Cora! Northstars are #NSBrighterTogether

Roxboro Road Middle School started a new recognition program for their music students in January and we want to thank Music Teacher Christian Jaquay for reaching out to recognize the students. The January students of the month were Sydney Fetterman (5th), Ellie Bowen (6th) and Lydia Saxby (7th).

The February students of the month, who received their certificates on March 2, are: Jayden Lian (5th grade), Micah Lucas (6th grade) and Michaela Noun (7th grade). Awards are presented to students in recognition of their musical abilities and dedication to the school's music department. Congratulations to all!

Katrina Wheeler is an English as a New Language Teacher at Smith Road Elementary School. She recently shared pictures of students celebrating Ramadan with big smiles!

The North Syracuse Central School District and our schools utilize ParentSquare for school to home and district to home communications.

Parent/guardian information is pulled from SchoolTool, the district's student data management system. All parents that have an email or cell phone in SchoolTool automatically have an account created in ParentSquare. ParentSquare training is available online for parents/guardians looking for additional information or online help and resources.

MARCH 8: Science Olympiad at North Syracuse Junior High School

MARCH 9: Spring Forward - Daylight Saving Time begins - Move your clocks ahead one hour

MARCH 10: Board of Education meeting at 6 PM at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Rd.) in North Syracuse

MARCH 13: Parent Conferences - Shortened school day for Grades PreK - 4

MARCH 14-16: Gillette Road Middle School Musical Annie Jr.

MARCH 15: 2025 Central NY Scholastic Chess Open at North Syracuse Junior High School

MARCH 19: Staff Workshops - Shortened school day for Grades PreK - 12

MARCH 21 & 22: Cicero-North Syracuse High School Musical Once Upon a Mattress

MARCH 24: Board of Education meeting at 6 PM at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Rd.) in North Syracuse

MARCH 28 & 29: Roxboro Road Middle School Musical Shrek Jr.

MARCH 31: Superintendent's Conference Day - No school for students

Website: www.nscsd.org
Location: 5355 West Taft Road, Syracuse, NY, USA
Phone: (315) 218-2100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NSyracuseCSD/