Blue Devils Dispatch

Dear Attica Families,

As February wraps up, we have had many wonderful accomplishments to celebrate.

One of the highlights of the month was our High School production of The Wizard of Oz. We welcomed over 1/300 attendees across two performances this past weekend. Our students, representing multiple grade levels from across the district, did a truly outstanding job. From the performers on stage to the students working behind the scenes, it was a tremendous team effort and a performance our entire community can be proud of.

We are also excited to recognize one of our Indoor Track and Field athletes, Tim Lamparelli, who has qualified for the New York State Indoor Track Championship on March 6th. Tim achieved a personal best throw of 52 feet 1 inch to earn his spot at the state competition. He will compete at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. This is an incredible accomplishment, and we wish Tim the very best as he represents Attica on the state stage.

Coming up this month our ConnectLife Club is hosting their Spring Blood Drive on March 10th. At our last blood drive in October, we collected 28 units and helped save the lives of 84 local patients. Students will have the opportunity to sign up to donate beginning March 2nd. We look forward to another successful blood drive.

Some of our Students in grades 8-12 will also have the opportunity to attend GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare at GCC on March 20th. During this experience, students will engage in hands-on career exploration while learning about profitable and rewarding careers in the healthcare field. The day will include career workshops, "Medicine in Action" demonstrations, and a college and career expo. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in healthcare pathways to explore future possibilities.

Scheduling for next year is ongoing for our students. Our High School Curriculum Handbook is located here (https://www.atticacsd.org/o/ahs/documents/documents-and-forms/handbook-%2F-code-of-conduct/216110). Please take a look at all that we have to offer for our students.

Our Students of the Month for the month of February were:

• 9th Grade - JJ Perl
• 10th Grade - Rebekah Hess
• 11th Grade - Alyssa Elmore
• 12th Grade - Rachel Rickettson

Warmly,

Mr. Jansma

JV AND VARSITYSPRING SPORTS REGISTRATIONS ARE CURRENTLY OPEN FOR BASEBALL/SOFTBALL/TENNIS/GOLF/TRACK :

Must be registered on family ID and be approved prior to the start of practices on Mar 9, 2026.

All students that will be entering 12th grade in September 2026 are required to have 2 doses of the meningitis vaccine prior to the start of the school year. Notices have been sent if your child is in need of this second dose.

When to Keep Your Child Home:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in the past 24 hours

• Vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours

• A persistent cough or difficulty breathing

• An unexplained rash

• Eye drainage or redness that may suggest conjunctivitis (pink eye)

• Generally not feeling well enough to make it through a school day

• Children should be symptom-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.

ALL medications require a doctor’s order to be on file (including Tylenol/ibuprofen).

Students are not allowed to carry medication unless approved by their

physician and school nurse.

Please remember to send a note with your child verifying an early release or a late arrival. REMINDER: Students must be present in school for a FULL day to be eligible to participate in extracurricular school activities. (sports, clubs, etc..)

A medical note from your child’s doctor verifying an appointment is acceptable for participation.

Welcome March! We are thrilled that Spring is right around the corner! The cafeteria staff is gearing up for a month of delicious breakfasts and lunches for our students. This month’s menu features many favorite entrees such as Taco in a Bag, Chicken Mashed Potato Bowl, and Mac & Cheese.

Our Middle and High School Students will be celebrating “National School Breakfast Week” on March 2nd-9th. Our cafeteria team will be featuring some fun new breakfast products for students to try out. We look forward to hearing their feedback on what they would like to see added to our breakfast menu going forward. Additionally, students have the chance to participate in “Join the quest,” a school breakfast week promotion giving them the opportunity to win prizes, including an Amazon Gift Card. Students can pick up information on how to enter and play in the cafeteria! Good Luck!

As we do each year, Students will have the choice of a Reuben Sandwich on Tuesday March 17th in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. This month will also see some great taste tests coming back as we continue to participate in Farm to School education and utilize local produce to create healthy meals for our students!

Questions or Concerns regarding your child’s lunch account can be directed to the food service manager at any time.

Biology lab students recently turned the school into a real-world laboratory during a hands-on investigation of bacteria. Working in small groups, students swabbed everyday surfaces around the building, including drinking fountains, ice machines, lockers, copy machine screens, and even volunteered classmates, to see what microorganisms might be living there. The samples were grown on petri dishes, leading to a mix of curiosity, surprise, and friendly competition as students compared which cultures produced the most interesting results. The activity provided students with a vivid glimpse into how bacteria are everywhere, even on surfaces we use daily, and helped connect classroom lessons about microbes to real-life applications.

Students in Career and Financial Management have been busy this month participating in an interactive, real-life bill-pay simulation. Each student was assigned a career, received weekly paychecks, and was responsible for managing monthly bills that needed to be paid on time.

Throughout the simulation, students practiced budgeting skills by tracking money coming in and going out, organizing their finances, and planning ahead to make sure their bills were covered. To make things even more realistic, students drew “life event” cards along the way - some provided extra income, while others introduced unexpected expenses. Late fees were applied if bills were missed or paid late, reinforcing the importance of planning ahead.

This activity also sparked meaningful class discussions about different ways to keep track of bills, expenses, and income, including using calendars, budgeting apps, spreadsheets, and other organizational tools.

Overall, this engaging experience helped students build practical money-management skills while learning the importance of planning, organization, and financial responsibility.

Ms. Pierce’s algebra classes have been exploring transformations involving absolute value, quadratic, and piecewise functions. Using their graphing calculators, students have been investigating how adding, subtracting, and multiplying values within a function affects its graph.

Mr. Struzik’s ACE Public Speaking class recently analyzed a portion of the State of the Union address in preparation for crafting and delivering their own “State of the ________” speeches. Students explored the purpose and structure of the address, discussing how its format can be adapted to suit topics of their choice as part of their public speaking practice. The ACE Public Speaking course is a valuable elective opportunity offered through Genesee Community College, allowing students to earn three (3) college credits that may be applied toward an associate’s degree or transferred to another college or university after graduating from Attica.

English 9 is wrapping up their poetry unit with a poetry project. They will then start working on a research paper, which will take them until spring break.

ACE English recently did some group work using text details to create a map for the play Our Town. Based on the details provided in the story, the 9th graders voted on which map made by the seniors best represented the details provided. ACE English will continue to explore a few other short dramas this month as part of the spring semester's focus on writing in the humanities.

“Algebra isn’t just for passing tests—it’s for navigating real life.”

Students in Mrs. Pappalardo’s Math 10 class explored how algebra applies directly to real-life financial and scientific situations by using the compound interest formula to compare exponential growth and decay models. Through an engaging classroom activity called Compound Chaos, students applied their knowledge to practical scenarios that families encounter in everyday life.

Using algebra task cards, they solved problems involving house loans, car loans, credit card balances, and even how medicine breaks down in the body over time. These examples helped students see how mathematical models can predict both growth (such as savings or interest accumulation) and decay (such as loan repayment or medication metabolism).

This month in Physical Education, we continue to focus on building lifelong habits that support both physical and mental well-being. While students are active through games and structured activities, our larger goal is helping them understand how movement connects to overall wellness.

Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase focus in the classroom. At the high school level, students are balancing academics, extracurricular activities, jobs, and social commitments. Learning how to use exercise as a positive outlet is an important life skill. In class, we emphasize goal-setting, self-monitoring effort levels, teamwork, and respectful competition — all skills that extend beyond the gym.

Family Fitness Tip

Try a “20-Minute Movement Challenge” at home this month. As a family, choose one simple activity to do together a few evenings a week — a neighborhood walk, shooting baskets in the driveway, a quick bodyweight circuit, or even stretching while watching TV. The goal isn’t intensity — it’s consistency. Small, regular movement habits can improve sleep quality, energy levels, and overall mood.

Thank you for continuing to support healthy, active lifestyles. Our students consistently demonstrate effort, resilience, and sportsmanship, and we are proud of the positive habits they are building.

In our 12th Grade Economics class, students are currently studying globalization and its impact on the United States and the world economy. Through this unit, students explore how countries trade with one another, why businesses operate across national borders, and how global economic decisions affect workers, consumers, and governments. Using real-world case studies, trade data, and economic theory such as comparative advantage and supply and demand, students learn to analyze both the benefits and challenges of global interdependence. The unit culminates in a performance-based assessment in which students develop and defend a policy recommendation on a globalization-related issue, helping them build critical thinking, research, and civic reasoning skills essential for college, careers, and informed citizenship.

In our 12th Grade Participation in Government class, students are developing essential digital literacy skills to help them become informed, responsible, and active citizens. As part of this work, students learn how to evaluate the credibility of online sources, identify misinformation and bias, analyze social media’s influence on public opinion, and responsibly engage in digital civic spaces. Through real-world examples, research activities, and policy discussions, students practice fact-checking claims, distinguishing between reliable journalism and opinion, and understanding how algorithms shape the information they see. This instruction supports New York State Social Studies standards by strengthening students’ civic readiness, critical thinking, and media analysis skills—preparing them for college, careers, and thoughtful participation in our democracy. The unit will conclude with a performance based assessment that asks the essential question of “How do we Improve Education?” This instruction supports New York State Social Studies standards by strengthening students’ civic readiness, critical thinking, and media analysis skills—preparing them for college, careers, and thoughtful participation in our democracy.

Sophomores- I have started meeting with Sophomores on their plans for next year, course requests, and diploma options. Here is a snapshot of tentative courses offered for next year. I have also included the primary diploma options; Advanced Regents and Regents. If you would like to participate in this conversation or have questions, please reach out!

Seniors-We are talking all things Scholarship! A huge "THANK You" to the IT dept for adding the scholarship page to Quick Links on the main page of our website-www.atticacsd.org/Quicklinks/Scholarships. Save the Date-Senior Awards Night is Tuesday, June 9 in the HS Auditorium.

Did you know?

Here are some quick facts that you may not know about the High School Art Program:

1. There are 10 Art Electives offered to all High School Students! Regardless of skill level all students are encouraged to take any (or all) of the following half year classes: Drawing and Painting, Drawing and Painting 2, Creative Crafts, Sculpture, Ceramics, Computer Arts, Computer Arts 2, Art of the Video Game, Photography, Photography 2 (Pre-req: Photo 1)

2. In The Art of Video Game course, students learn how to code a basic video game using Python coding language. We also get to play retro video games on some days as well; some students find the original Super Mario Bros game quite difficult. Did you know that rubber ducks are also an important part of coding? And that there is a superstition that requires a specific “First Code” to be run before you start your coding adventure?

3. Photography 1 is a film based photography course, where we use 35mm film. Students develop their own film and print the photos in the dark room. Not many schools have a dark room facility available for students to explore this fascinating art medium. We are very lucky to have this resource available to our students.

4. In Ceramics, it is all about clay. Students transform this natural material into a variety of sculptural forms. Recently, the class completed their themed Tic Tac Toe boards (see examples from last year). At the end of the course they get to use the wheel to create their own three piece place setting of a plate, bowl, and mug.

5. And let’s not forget the less frequently offered courses of Computer Arts 1 & 2. With the rise of apps that ‘do the work’ for us, these courses teach students how to use the software that was the precursor to the filters they use on these apps today. These courses also examine the use of AI as it relates to graphic design, a hot button topic in today’s world.

National FFA Week was a great success for our chapter as we celebrated agriculture, leadership, and community involvement as part of the National FFA Organization. To kick off the celebration, our students partnered with Tractor Supply Company to create and set up an informational display. The goal of the display was to promote agricultural education, highlight the opportunities available through FFA, and educate community members about the wide variety of careers within the agriculture industry. Students worked together to design visuals, share facts about FFA, and explain how agricultural programs prepare young people for leadership and career success. It was a wonderful opportunity for members to advocate for agriculture beyond the classroom.

Students also designed agriculture-themed placemats that were distributed to The Prospector and Attica Hotel. These placemats featured information about FFA and how to find the awesome work we do online. By sharing these with community businesses, students were able to extend National FFA Week beyond our school walls and into the broader community.

During the school day, members helped build excitement by sharing agricultural trivia over the morning announcements. Students across the building had the chance to test their knowledge and learn new facts about the agriculture industry. In the middle school, we also hosted a “Duck Scramble,” hiding small ducks throughout the building for students to find. The activity encouraged participation, school spirit, and a little friendly competition.

National FFA Week provided our students with meaningful opportunities to practice leadership, creativity, and community outreach. We are proud of the hard work our members put into making the week both educational and fun for our entire school community.

Student Government wrapped up an electrifying pep rally on February 13th — and the sophomore class pulled off a huge upset! The energy was high, the crowd was loud, and fun was had by all.

Now, we’re gearing up for our next big event: the volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 7th. Get ready for some friendly competition and great teamwork.

Mock Trial meets on Tuesdays after school and on Saturday mornings.

This year's case: People v A. Carmen Erickson. A. Carmen Erickson has been charged with petit larceny (stealing about $143 worth of used cooking oil). Our lawyers (acting as both prosecution and defense attorneys): Beau Hyman, Abby Wilkinson, Trinity Wheatle. Our witnesses: Lauraeli Shaffer-Walko as Sal Thomas; Logan Armstron as Gale Burns; Elizabeth Gouinlock/ Lauryn Wescott as Terry Johnson; Liesel Hyman as A. Carmen Erickson; Tessa Dunlap as Bo Kerrik; Adriana Quinn as Billie Stewert.

Competition begins March 16 (held at either Wyoming Co. or Genesee Co. Court House) and March 18 held at either Wyoming Co. or Genesee Co. Court House) for preliminary rounds. Quarter finals and finals are March 23 (Gen. Co. Court House) and March 25 (Orleans Co. Court House). All competitions begin at 5:00 p.m.

- Interviews for potential new candidates will take place March 10th and 12th.

- NHS Induction for all new members will be on Thursday, March 26th in the auditorium at 6:30pm.

- All members need to continue to complete service hours, probation letters will be sent home for members who haven't turned in any of their required 20 hours for the year yet.

-A great time was had by all at Riverworks last month, pictures of the day can be found on the district's facebook page.

-Important upcoming dates to keep in mind:

Tuesday, June 9th - Senior Awards Night

Wednesday, June 10th - BOCES graduation

Thursday, June 11th - Senior Trip to Cedar Point - commitment and deposit forms will be coming home soon.

Thursday, June 18th - Junior/Senior Prom at The Sterling at Arrowhead Golf Course in Akron

Tuesday, June 23rd - Senior parade at elementary school and Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal @ 9am

Friday, June 26th - Graduation

Book Club continues reading the book series by Kara Thomas. The first book is called "The Cheerleaders", which is about a murder mystery that has happened in a High School with Cheerleaders. The sister of one of the cheerleaders who lost her life solves the case of who murdered whom. The second book, "The Champions", deals with the same high school just a few years later, with murders involving the football team. These books have brought about many intriguing discussions.

Scholastic Bowl completed their 2026 season. The team made it to the semi finals, but fell short by two questions to make it to the finals. Top scorers this season were Noah Robinson and Sam Dunlap. We would like to thank our seniors and wish them the best next year; Sam Dunlap, Beau Hyman and Boden Spink.

If you are interested in joining the Attica Clay Dusters registration is still open until March

23rd at 12pm. Please reach out to Andrea Barrett, Elementary school secretary if interested in

joining at abarrett@atticacsd.org or 585-591-0400 ext.2235. The team is open to any student in

grades 6-12 ages 12 and up. The team meets weekly from April 2nd through May 28th during

the competition season on Thursday nights at 6pm at the Attica Rod and Gun Club. Additional

practices are offered but are optional to attend. The cost to register is $40. Our year round

fundraising has allowed us to keep the out of pocket costs for families low with the only out of

pocket costs being registration fees and equipment students need to participate. Students must

have a safety certification to participate by April 2nd. This certification can be hunter education

or SAFE certification.

Our next meeting which is also a mandatory safety meeting for all members of the team

is March 26th at 6pm at the Attica Rod and Gun Club in Varysburg. This meeting is after

registration closes so if your child is interested in joining please reach out.

Connect Life is excited to host our upcoming blood drive on Tuesday, March 10th! Don’t miss your chance to help save lives. Sign up March 2nd–4th outside the cafeteria during 5th and 6th periods.

Students ages 16 and older are eligible to donate. (Reminder: 16-year-olds will need a signed parent permission form.)

Step up, roll up your sleeve, and be someone’s hero!

Get ready—Elementary STEM Day is just around the corner! The Science Club is gearing up for this much-anticipated spring tradition, where our high school Science Club members and Best Buddies students team up with Prospect students for an engaging, hands-on STEM experience.

Behind the scenes, excitement is building as the Science Club brainstorms this year’s activity, orders materials, assembles activity bags, and prepares for a day full of creativity, collaboration, and discovery. While the official date is still being finalized, one thing is certain: this springtime event is always a highlight of the year!

The Best Buddies club at the middle school is gearing up for an exciting spring event, packed with fun activities for all. In addition, they will collaborate with the Science Club to organize the annual STEM Day at the elementary school. Students are preparing science kits and will visit the elementary school in April for a day filled with educational and engaging science activities.