REMINDER: Attica Central School District Budget Vote – May 20, 2025

1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

High School Performing Arts Library (Auditorium Entrance)

We’re excited to remind our community that the 2025–2026 School District Budget Vote is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 20, and take part in this important opportunity to support our schools.

Why vote? Your vote directly impacts the future of our schools, programs, and student opportunities. It’s one of the most important ways you can support our students and help shape a strong, student-centered educational environment.

Can’t make it to the polls?
No problem! Contact the District Office at (585) 591-0400 to request an absentee or early mail ballot. Every vote counts, and we appreciate your participation!

To help you better understand what’s included in the proposed 2025–2026 school budget, check out these helpful resources:

Budget Newsletter – https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2319/ACSD/5573250/Attica_budget_newsletter_FINAL.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions – https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2319/ACSD/5609891/FAQ_Updated_Document_Proposed_25-26_Budget.pdf

Public Hearing PowerPoint & Recording – https://youtu.be/SvQ1NWzkEK4

If you have any additional questions, please know that our Superintendent, Dr. Kiel Illg, and our Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations, Meaghan Matuszak, are always available and would be happy to discuss the budget details with you. They can be reached by calling the District Office at (585) 591-0400.

Other opportunities to hear the budget presentation include:

Friday, May 9th - Hidden Valley Animal Adventure 12:00pm-1:00pm

Wednesday, May 14th - The Pine Lounge 10:00am-11:00am

Wednesday, May 14th - Attica Historical Society 4:00pm-5:00pm

Thank you for your continued support of the Attica Central School District. Together, we’re building a bright future for our students!

New York has enacted a statewide ban on cellphone use in K-12 public schools for the entire school day, from the moment students enter school until they leave. This "bell-to-bell" ban covers all public and charter schools, and extends to other internet-enabled devices like tablets and smartwatches. The policy aims to reduce distractions and promote mental health among students.

Key aspects of the ban:

• "Bell-to-bell" approach:
  Cellphones are not allowed in a student's hand from the moment they enter school until they leave.

• Device coverage:
  The ban applies to all internet-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.

• Exemptions:
  There are exceptions for students who need devices for medical reasons, translation services, or if they are part of an IEP or other specialized educational support.

• Enforcement:
  Schools are responsible for implementing the ban, including establishing policies, providing storage solutions, and addressing parent concerns about communication.

• Funding:
  The state has allocated $13.5 million to help schools implement the policy.

Rationale:
The ban aims to address concerns about student mental health, academic performance, and the potential for social media addiction.

The Attica Central School will convene a committee to update and revise, if necessary, the District's Code of Conduct, including language to address the new cell phone ban as described above. The District would like two students in grades 9 - 12, one 7th grade student, one 8th grade student, and two parents representatives to serve on the committee. If you are interested in participating on this committee, please call the High School office at 585-591-0400 or

email: tkopp@atticacsd.org

With warm weather finally here, Attica Central School would like to remind all students in grades 5-12 that it is the expectation that all students will wear appropriate clothing, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

The purpose of the dress code at Attica Central School District is to ensure a productive learning environment in which all students feel comfortable.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

On March 26, 2025 twenty-one students were inducted into the National Honor Society. Applicants must go through a rigorous process before they are nominated as candidates for this high honor. The four attributes that students must possess are leadership, character, service and scholarship.

This year’s inductees are: Aleah Brauen, Eli Crandall, Gage Domes, Blake Donohue, Alyssa Elmore, Sarah Florian, Anna George, Elizabeth Gouinlock, Elisa Guenther, Joshua Kipfer, Isabel Lahti, Hailey Mills, Michael Minter, Corrin Orlowski, Blakely Pratt, Alex Santos-Ros, Stephanie Silvernail, Colton Spink, Ethan Tober, Lauryn Wescott, Chase Woodrow.

On April 24, 2025 four students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Applicants must go through a rigorous process before they are nominated as candidates for this high honor. For acceptance into the NTHS students should have demonstrated scholastic achievement, skill development, good character, leadership, honesty, and responsibility. This year’s inductees are: Carrie Harris, Boden Spink, Benjamin Wild, and Peighton Richley. Congratulations!

Miss Pierce's Algebra classes have been studying quadratics and recently learned the quadratic formula.

The classes learned a song that goes to the tune of "Pop Goes the Weasel" and had a chance to sing it in front of the class to earn extra credit on their quiz. 80% of the students took advantage of this opportunity.

Students participating in FFA recently took an exciting trip to Letchworth State Park to practice

their forestry skills in a hands-on environment. The day was packed with engaging outdoor

activities that helped students deepen their understanding of natural sciences.

Guided by a DEC Officer, students identified animal skulls, pelts, and bird calls, gaining insight

into local wildlife. Another station led by the U.S. Fishing and Wildlife Services allowed students

to go fishing and use nets to sample aquatic wildlife. Our crew even caught a frog tadpole using

nets—an unexpected highlight! In addition to wildlife exploration, students learned about soil

composition, identified tree species, and practiced using Biltmore sticks to estimate tree height

and diameter.

It was a fun and educational experience that brought classroom lessons to life and showcased

the many ways forestry skills connect us to the natural world. It helped them prepare for our

upcoming competitions at the FFA State Convention in Syracuse.

Traveling to the NYS FFA Convention at the NYS Fairgrounds

Twenty students from our FFA chapter will be attending the New York State FFA Convention

held at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse. This exciting event brings together FFA members

from across the state to celebrate agricultural education, leadership, and achievement. All 20 of

our students will proudly represent our chapter by competing in a variety of FFA contests,

including Creed Speaking, Quiz Bowl, Forestry, Maple Production, and Tool Identification. We’re

looking forward to an inspiring and rewarding experience as our students showcase their

knowledge, skills, and dedication to the future of agriculture.

This past Tuesday, the High School Science Club and a crew of science enthusiasts headed over to the elementary school for an action-packed, fun-filled day! They helped over 400 young students unleash their creativity by designing and racing their very own Balloon Powered Cars. Imagine the hallways buzzing with laughter, shouts of joy, and the thrill of watching tiny cars zoom down the corridors!

Thanks to the teamwork of Mrs. O’Donnell, Mrs. Winters, Mrs. Pitkin and our dedicated Science Club members, around 175 kits were packed with everything needed for the big race. The day was a perfect mix of excitement, teamwork, and a little engineering magic — all while inspiring leadership and building strong relationships. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved and a fantastic way to show how fun and impactful STEM can be!

Just the other day, Ms. Steves’ photography 2 class took a creative step back in time–and into the mud—swapping digital cameras for a 35mm manual film camera. Armed with a roll of black-and-white film, the students ventured outside to capture the natural beauty surrounding their school and the nature trail.

This is not their first experience with film photography. Students have just completed a unit on still life and product photography using a digital camera. So now we are finishing out the year by revisiting our trusty film camera and black and white film. Unlike modern digital cameras, manual film cameras require a hands-on approach: adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and focus entirely by hand. Students quickly discovered that composing a shot takes more than just a quick click—it’s about understanding light, timing, and intention.

A lot of thought must go into each photo. You can’t just take 100 pictures and pick your favorite. You have to wait, look, and really see what you’re photographing.

The project is aimed to teach students both technical skills and an appreciation for the slower, more deliberate process of analog photography. This specific unit is focused on harnessing the beauty of nature, and using the camera to capture it as best they can. After shooting, students will develop their own film and then their own photos in the darkroom, watching their images slowly emerge—another moment of magic that is lacking in today’s digital world.

Ms. Steves hopes to showcase some of the student’s work at the upcoming Budget Vote on May 20th. Make sure you stop and take a look at all of the artwork that will be displayed from all of our buildings while you are out casting your vote.

The Wyoming County Mental Health Department has developed a comprehensive website that gives information on all things health and mental health. One thing you can do on the site is take an assessment to determine if you are angry, lonely, anxious, stressed etc. There is a tab titled "Learning Lab" which has apps, podcasts and videos on goal setting, improving communication, yoga, mindfulness, and many other topics. The community resource page is what I am most excited about. Everything from finding a pediatrician, to mental health support, sexual assault services, public health AND a page where you can find ALL local food pantries in our area. If you have a second to browse the page you will not be disappointed!

This school year is winding down quickly! Information will be mailed home about next school year: medication orders, health office information, immunization schedule.

Medical notes, medication orders, PE excuses DO NOT CARRY OVER TO THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR. These must be renewed each year.

Continued reminders:

Spring Allergies - As flowers bloom and trees begin to bud, allergy season is upon us. Symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses are common. Here are a few tips to help manage allergies:

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days.
  
  

• Encourage hand washing to remove allergens from the skin.
  
  

• Talk to your healthcare provider about allergy medications if necessary. These medications are not available from the health office.

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT SCHOOL YEAR: All 9th and 11th graders will need to have a current physical on file for the school year. As well as any student participating in sports.

Incoming seniors will need to have their second dose of meningococcal vaccine prior to starting school in September. Please check with your primary physician if your student is up to date.

Students in PE class participated in an archery unit. Students learned how to shoot the bow at different distances. We ended each class with a competition to see who was the best archer. PE students of the month for March were Alanna Blackshire

Please click the link below to register and reserve your tickets.

Seniors: It's not too late to apply for scholarships- they are still out there! You do not have to go to college to get scholarships!! Follow this link to stay up to date on different scholarships: https://www.atticacsd.org/o/ahs/page/scholarships Do you know about the Excelsior Scholarship?! More info here: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/find-aid/nys-grants-scholarships/excelsior-scholarship-program

Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen: Report cards and course requests were mailed home this week. If you have any questions please email or call. Reminder, students need 22.5 credits to graduate and are now expected to maintain 6.5 credits in their schedule each year. Risk of failure reports were also sent home to any students who are in danger of failing a course required for graduation. Summer school will be in Batavia again this year, however the district will no longer be able to provide transportation. Regents exam schedules will be going out soon to include local exams, review sessions, and regents test dates. Here is a link to the state schedule in the meantime.

Regents exam schedules will be posted soon to include local exams, review sessions, and regents exams. The last day of classes will be June 12 and local exams will be the 13th and 16th. Transportation will continue and breakfast and lunch will be served through June 24. If your child does not have a test, they do not have to be here, however, they are allowed to stay in the cafeteria while they wait for their test or bus home.

What has happened?

• Senior Decision Day was on May 1st. Seniors, no matter where they are off to after graduation, were celebrated. Seniors were able to get professional photos taken, write letters to staff who have helped them along the way, write letters to incoming freshmen, and enjoy cupcakes.

• Lunch n' Learn with a representative from Attica's Auto & Collision. Students learned about the auto industry. **photos included from both events

What's coming up?

• Wyoming County Youth Council opportunity for students ages 13-21, application here

• Lunch n' Learn is Wednesday, May 21. NYS Troopers will be on hand to discuss careers in Law Enforcement and Cyber Crime investigation

• Friday, May 23 and Monday, May 26: Memorial Day Weekend- No School!

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