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District Update

January 2025

District Update January 2025
District UpdateJanuary 2025
Dr. Zilliox 03-07-25

A Message from Dr. Z. A Message from Dr. Z.

ACCOLADES ACCOLADES

National Merit Scholar Finalist Awarded National Merit Scholar Finalist Awarded

Ben Feit, National Merit Scholar Finalist, accepts a certificate from High School Principal Darrin Paschke.
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Of the approximately 1.6 million students eligible for the National Merit Scholarship, less than 1% make it to the finalist stage.


Congratulations to Ben Feit, who has earned the prestigious distinction of being named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, by demonstrating exceptional academic achievement, dedication, and intellect.


The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most competitive academic recognitions in the country, with only a small percentage of students reaching this finalist stage. This achievement is a testament to Ben’s hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.


Ben’s success is not his alone—it is also a reflection of the support and encouragement he has received from his family. I’d like to acknowledge his parents, Neil Feit and Julia Wilson, for the role they have played in fostering his love of learning and intellectual curiosity.


I am privileged to present this certificate recognizing Ben Feit as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist on behalf of Fredonia High School. Congratulations, Ben! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to all the great things you will accomplish in the future!


(Story courtesy of Darrin Paschke. Photo courtesy of Braden Carmen, Observer)

Students Awarded for Artistic Interpretations Students Awarded for Artistic Interpretations

A trio of Fredonia high school students received awards for their entries into a contest, sponsored by SUNY Fredonia, that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Senior Erin Taverna, and Sophomores Caitlyn Molina, and Nella Darrell-Sterbak were honored at Rosch Recital Hall at SUNY Fredonia on Friday, January 31st for their artistic interpretation of this year's theme of "Freedom in Education".

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Erin Taverna accepts the award for her artwork "A Day To Remember" from Fredonia President Dr. Kolison.
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Caitlyn Molina accepts the award for her artwork "An Underpaid Blessing" with Fredonia President Dr. Kolison.

Coach Bertrando Adds 100th Win Of Coaching Career Coach Bertrando Adds 100th Win Of Coaching Career

Milestone win

Milestone win

WEST ELLICOTT - As he collected his belongings before leaving the visitors' locker room Tuesday night, after delivering his postgame comments, Nick Bertrando added one more bit of information. Fredonia's 60-47 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Division 1 boys basketball win over Southwestern was the 100th of his coaching career.

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BUILDING UPDATES BUILDING UPDATES

WHEELOCK EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER WHEELOCK EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

This Doctor Makes House (Room) Calls! This Doctor Makes House (Room) Calls!

Dr. Cory Gotowka made a recent visit to Mrs. Kaminski's room. He is a pediatrician at UPMC Hammot in Erie, caring exclusively for children in the hospital. Dr. Cory talked to students about how to stay healthy and showed them how to listen to their heart with a stethoscope.

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Everything Is Just Ducky Everything Is Just Ducky

Monday, January 13th was National Rubber Ducky Day and PreK teacher Mrs. Foley knew just how she wanted to celebrate!

"When I was the runner-up for New York State Teacher of the Year I was given some money. I wanted to do something for Wheelock’s children and staff with part of that money. I decided to buy some Rubber Duckies for all as a reminder that childhood should remain innocent, imaginative, and playful in this fast-moving world."

Wheelock Celebrates National Rubber Ducky Day

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

"Let's Go Science Show" "Let's Go Science Show"

Mr. Swart Lends A Hand
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FES third graders attended the "Let's Go Science Show" a fun-filled production that teaches physics concepts through theatrically based experiments and demonstrations.


During the show, Mr. Swart was selected by the presenter to help demonstrate how soundwaves work and Mrs. Alguire's performance was 'electrifying'!

The 'Electrifying' Mrs. Alguire

MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL

FBI Visit FBI Visit

FMS held a special presentation for students about the importance of internet safety. FBI Agent Danielle Hockwater discussed online predators & extortion tactics, social media apps & privacy settings, and even shared some real-life cases covered both locally and nationwide.


After the presentation, Hockwater answered questions from students and gave them valuable resources should they need help.

Agent Danielle Hockwater talks to students during a recent FBI presentation.

HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL

Student IT Help Desk Student IT Help Desk

High School students who have an interest in Technology signed up at the beginning of the school year to be a part of this new program. During their study halls, they come down to the IT Office to help with the various projects and initiatives FCSD has based around technology. Some examples of the valuable work they do:


  • fixing broken devices

  • helping teachers in their classrooms

  • helping their fellow students

  • Creating support tutorials

  • taking online coursework to learn more about technology (We have partnered with Dell Technologies so the students can learn about fixing Dell devices and eventually earn a certificate towards Dell computer repair.)


These pioneering students will light the way for future students to become a Technology Support hub for future careers and employment skills.


(Story courtesy of Andrew Wheelock.)

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Students of the Month Students of the Month

February SOTM 2025

February SOTM 2025

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January SOTM 2024-25

January SOTM 2024-25

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MUSIC MUSIC

Advanced Music Recital Advanced Music Recital

Advanced Music students recently performed in their first recital of the 2024-25 school year. A replay of the livestream is available at the link found below.
https://www.youtube.com/live/Mgby6WYtPnY

Advanced Music students pose for a photo during their first recital of the 2024-25 school year.

Livestream Concert Replays

Fourth Grade & HS String Concert


All Band Concert


Music Department's Livestream Page: https://sites.google.com/a/fcsd.wnyric.org/music/live-stream-links?authuser=0

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS

'This is a big deal'

'This is a big deal'

ALBANY - Ten local girls will make history Thursday morning when they compete in the first-ever New York State Public High School Athletic Association girls wrestling championships at MVP Arena in Albany. While many of the athletes have competed in state tournaments at the club level, this will be the first time the state crowns [...]

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Fredonia Central School District

Fredonia Central School District

Congratulations to Fredonia Middle School state championship-bound wrestlers McKella Hodkin and Braelynn Wicks as they leave for Albany to represent Fredonia and Section VI in the first-ever NYS...

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Fredonia's Ryan Kelly qualifies for bowling states

Fredonia's Ryan Kelly qualifies for bowling states

CHEEKTOWAGA - Anthony Pratt and Ryan Kelly are heading to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association bowling championships. Pratt, a Southwestern senior, finished fourth and Kelly, a Fredonia junior, finished seventh at the Section VI Division 2 boys state qualifier held Thursday at AMF Airport Lanes.

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D/F/F's Krenzer takes 6th in 200 IM

D/F/F's Krenzer takes 6th in 200 IM

BUFFALO - Frewsburg/Southwestern/Jamestown/Falconer went undefeated in the relays at the Section VI boys swimming state qualifier Wednesday at Erie Community College's Burt Flickinger Athletic Center. Frewsburg/Southwestern/Jamestown/Falconer sophomore Landon Frederes, senior Conner Dean, junior Grady Moore and junior Miles Moore won the 200-yard medley relay in 1:34.39, more than 4 seconds faster than second-place Orchard Park.

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Another battle

Another battle

As Landon Hooks dribbled out the final seconds of Monday night's Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Division 1 basketball game, his teammates on the Southwestern bench stood up in unison. The Trojans had plenty to celebrate. Chase Hartnett scored 26 points, Gavin Milner added 15 and Southwestern's new-found 1-3-1 zone defense put on a clinic en route [...]

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Fredonia/Forestville/Silver Creek girls pin Sweet Home wrestling 33-20

Fredonia/Forestville/Silver Creek girls pin Sweet Home wrestling 33-20

FREDONIA - Pins from McKella Hodkin, Bryleigh Wicks and Kimberly Bauer propelled the Fredonia/Forestville/Silver Creek girls wrestling team past Sweet Home 33-20 on Thursday evening. Hodkin defeated Kendra Carter in 0:48 at 145 pounds, Wicks pinned Tali Perry in 0:35 at 185 and Bauer picked up her win over Angel Gonzalez in 1:58 at 235.

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Bugaj, Waterman, Wronski lead Steelers to victory

Bugaj, Waterman, Wronski lead Steelers to victory

The Dunkirk/Fredonia Steelers varsity hockey team added its second tally in the win column on Saturday evening, outlasting visiting Orchard Park 7-5 in the WNYHSCHL White Division. The Steelers opened the scoring in the first period when Emmett Williams assisted Brayden Bugaj at the 15:14 mark to take the early 1-0 lead.

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Hillbillies take down Dunkirk wrestling 64-6

Hillbillies take down Dunkirk wrestling 64-6

FREDONIA - Powered behind five pins the Fredonia/Silver Creek/Forestville boys wrestling team defeated Dunkirk 64-6 in Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Division 1 action on Tuesday. Recording pins for the Hillbillies (2-0) are Mayson Simmons at 116 pounds, Julian Ocasio at 131, Cameron Ingram at 152, Gillian Capitano at 215 and Curtis Vanmeer at 285.

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Fredonia boys take down Falconer in OT

Fredonia boys take down Falconer in OT

FREDONIA - Good teams win games even when they don't play their best. By that notion, Fredonia might be pretty good this season. The Hillbillies improved to 3-0 on the young season while picking up the team's first league win of the year against the Falconer Golden Falcons, 58-55 in overtime, in a Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic [...]

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Record swims from Krenzer

Record swims from Krenzer

AMHERST - Trenton Krenzer turned in quite a performance at a triangular swim meet at Sweet Home High School on Friday. Representing the Dunkirk/Forestville/Fredonia team, Krenzer broke the Dunkirk record (set in February 2024) as well as the Fredonia mark (set in 1979) in the 200-yard individual medley, posting a time of 2 minutes, 6.16 [...]

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C South's best

C South's best

Salamanca's perfect run through the Section VI Class C South league has garnered the Warriors plenty of postseason awards. Senior quarterback Maddox Isaac was named the league's Offensive Player of the Year, while seniors Zachary Trietley and Cory Holleran were named co-Defensive Players of the Year.

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Hillbillies pin Southwestern in CCAA D1

Hillbillies pin Southwestern in CCAA D1

FREDONIA - Fredonia/Silver Creek/Forestville used four pins and took advantage of three forfeits to beat Southwestern 52-15 in Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Division 1 wrestling Tuesday at Fredonia High School Issiah Ruiz (131 pounds), Cannon LeGrano (145 pounds), Gillian Capitano (215 pounds), Rocco Muscarella (108 pounds) all had pins for the hosts.

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Fredonia boys bowling sweeps Dunkirk, girls edge Marauders 3-1

Fredonia boys bowling sweeps Dunkirk, girls edge Marauders 3-1

FREDONIA - Ryan Kelly's 198-212-558 and Daniel Cook's 175-220-550 led Fredonia to a 4-0 sweep of Dunkirk in Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Division 1 boys bowling at Lucky Lanes on Wednesday. Luka Paoletta added a 189-518 for the Hillbillies (11-1), who had a team linescore of 776-887-834-2,497.

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Cooking buckets

Cooking buckets

OBSERVER Staff Reports FREDONIA - The Fredonia boys basketball team hosted Buffalo Culinary for its first home game, but it was the Hillbillies who were cooking as they rolled to a 94-30 nonleague victory on Monday evening. Colin Luce paced Fredonia with 20 points and six rebounds, Ashton Putney hit four triples to score 18 [...]

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Ruiz goes undefeated for 'Billies at St. Francis Duals

Ruiz goes undefeated for 'Billies at St. Francis Duals

HAMBURG - The Fredonia/Silver Creek/Forestville wrestling team put itself to the test this past weekend making the trip to the VinLouie's St. Francis Duals, going 2-6 as a team, but with some strong individual performances. Issiah Ruiz shined brightest for the Hillbillies going 8-0 in the 131-pound bracket posting six pins, Rocco Muscarella went 7-1 [...]

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IN THE NEWS IN THE NEWS

Fredonia's Kane granted tenure, Smith to retire

Fredonia's Kane granted tenure, Smith to retire

The Fredonia Central School District granted tenure to another of its teachers at the most recent meeting of its Board of Education. Nicole Kane has been awarded a tenured position at the Elementary level. Kane, an Elementary Computer Teacher, has professional certifications in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2), Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), and English to [...]

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Fredonia Middle School lists second quarter honor, merit rolls

Fredonia Middle School lists second quarter honor, merit rolls

Fredonia Middle School has announced its honor and merit rolls for the second quarter at the middle school. Eighth Grade Honor Roll - Colin Abbey, Mason Alguire, Lola Anderson, Benjamin Brautigam, Clint Dinshah, Emelia Domenico, Casey Doolittle, Madelyn Ferguson, Elizabeth Garaas-Johnson, Kaiden Goff, Louis Gugino, Aaron Hartung, Ila Hawk, McKella Hodkin, Megan Ivory, Nathan Kelly, [...]

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Fredonia approves additional retirements

Fredonia approves additional retirements

The Fredonia Central School District will have plenty of vacancies to fill by next school year as a wave of retirements were recently approved by the Board of Education. Among the recently approved retirements were Beth Merwin, High School Social Studies Teacher; Lisa Forbes, Grade 5 Teacher; and Randy Penharlow, Mechanic II/Groundskeeper.

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'Small warning' Zilliox addresses recent fiscal 'stress' report

'Small warning' Zilliox addresses recent fiscal 'stress' report

The Fredonia Central School District was recently deemed "susceptible to financial stress" in a report last month by New York state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox reacted to the designation at a recent Board of Education meeting. "This isn't news to us," Zilliox said.

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Paschke ready to retire at Fredonia

Paschke ready to retire at Fredonia

Darrin Paschke is as Fredonia as it gets. He grew up in Fredonia, went to Fredonia schools, and has spent his entire career in the orange and black. At the end of the school year, that career comes to a close. Paschke had his letter of resignation for the purpose of retirement approved at the [...]

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Fredonia encouraged by Hochul's proposals

Fredonia encouraged by Hochul's proposals

Recent comments by Gov. Kathy Hochul left the Fredonia Central School District feeling optimistic about what is to come. Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox highlighted recent figures shared by Hochul that benefit schools across the State, including a 4.7% increase in school aid. Hochul is eyeing an increase of $1.5 billion in foundation aid, which [...]

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