WEEKLY UPDATE #38

Following community feedback, the Board of Education has approved a revised budget proposal for a revote on Tuesday, June 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the High School Gym. This updated plan reduces the tax levy increase to 1.50% by making $500,000 in cuts to unexpected expenses—completely preserving all classroom programs. To learn more, a Revised Budget Hearing will be held on Monday, June 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the High School, and residents can use the new interactive calculator on the district website to view their exact school taxes.

Please note that if this revised proposal does not pass, state law mandates an automatic move to a contingent budget, forcing over $1.1 million in cuts. Because the district would be legally restricted to funding only "ordinary contingent expenses," these unavoidable reductions would unfortunately impact student-facing, non-classroom programs like field trips, modified sports, and student clubs. We encourage all families to stay informed, review the budget details on our website, and make your voice heard on June 16th!

Kaegebein was filled with patriotic pride on Friday as our school community came together to celebrate Flag Day! Students showed their school and national spirit by performing a wonderful selection of patriotic songs, with special performances from our talented band, orchestra, and second graders for their peers.

Adding to the celebration, Mrs. Pritchard led an engaging lesson teaching the students all about the history of our flag and how it has changed over time. It was a beautiful and educational event that gave everyone a great opportunity to show their patriotism!

Nine years ago, Mrs. Kwiatkowski started a wonderful tradition at Kaegebein—the annual 3rd-grade biome mural project! In an amazing full-circle moment, the very first group of students to paint these murals will be high school seniors next year. Mrs. Kwiatkowski loved having the opportunity to collaborate and share this special project with her colleagues again this year.

To create these vibrant masterpieces, students researched various animals and plants from different biomes across the globe, working together to design and create animals and plants to build a collective mural that beautifully represents each habitat. It is always a joy to see our students combine science, teamwork, and art to leave their mark on our school!

Kaegebein was bustling with entrepreneurial spirit this week as our brilliant fifth graders pitched their official Shark Tank projects to our second, third, and fourth graders! Working hard either independently or in teams, the fifth graders designed, developed, and marketed their very own original products.

The main goal? Win over investors! Our younger students took their jobs seriously as potential "Sharks," evaluating each product's uniqueness and viability. The students who secure the highest number of investors will move on to compete in the grand, culminating Shark Tank presentation next week.

From clever business plans to eye-catching marketing materials, the level of creativity and professionalism on display was incredibly impressive. Phenomenal job to all of our fifth-grade creators, and a huge thank you to our sharp second, third, and fourth-grade investors for helping make this event such a success!

Our fourth-grade classes had a fantastic time diving into local history this week with a collaborative, station-based learning experience all about the Erie Canal!

Each fourth-grade teacher led a unique, social activity focused on a different aspect of the canal's history, and students rotated through the classrooms to participate. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to experience hands-on learning, engage with different teachers across the grade level, and work together with their peers. Thank you to our incredible fourth-grade team for creating such an engaging and collaborative history lesson!

Last week, our students had an absolute blast participating in the "Big Foot Little Foot" activity during Physical Education class! It was the perfect opportunity for everyone to head outside, soak up some beautiful sunshine, and stay active together.

The kids brought tons of energy to the field, laughing and cheering each other on as they got their daily steps in. Thank you to our wonderful PE team for putting together such a fun, healthy, and engaging outdoor experience for our students!

Students in the classrooms of Mrs. Pellittieri/Mrs. Parillo/Mrs. Kropczynski and Mrs. DeGiulio/Mrs. Surace put on their engineering hats this week! Our young scientists dove into an exciting STEM challenge focused on structural engineering and design.

Students explored what makes a structure strong and stable. From there, they got creative, designing and building bridges. By putting their critical thinking skills to work and using a process of elimination to refine their designs, the students worked together to build the most stable structures possible. It was a fantastic display of innovation, teamwork, and perseverance!

Our fourth-grade students took a thrilling step back in time this week when educators from the Genesee Country Village and Museum visited Kaegebein! The special guests brought history to life by teaching our students all about traditional period games from the 1800s.

Students got hands-on experience playing with authentic 19th-century toys, including jack straws, puzzles, cup-and-ball, buzz saws and other classic games from the past. It was an amazing, interactive opportunity for the children to discover how young people entertained themselves long ago, making local history both fun and unforgettable!

The building was bustling with activity as the annual Parade of Graduates made its heartwarming return to the halls of Kaegebein! Decked out in their caps and gowns, our graduating seniors walked through the school to the sounds of Pomp and Circumstance, met by a roaring tunnel of cheers, handmade signs, and high-fives from our current students and teachers alike.

It was an absolutely wonderful and proud moment for our entire school community to see our former "Kaegebein kids" all grown up and ready to receive their diplomas. We wish the Class of 2026 the absolute best of luck on their next big adventure—you will always have a home here!

It was an absolute privilege to recognize the incredible work of three legendary Kaegebein educators at the District's Tenure and Retirement Reception. With over 100 years of combined teaching experience, Mrs. Chadwick, Mrs. Ahne, and Mrs. Michki were honored as they prepare for retirement. They have touched countless lives in our community, so please join us in wishing them the absolute best during their final days here at Kaegebein!

We also want to share a massive congratulations to our wonderful teachers who were recognized for reaching exciting career milestones that same evening. Congratulations to Mrs. Masker, Mrs. Pellittieri, and Mr. Nicolia on their well-deserved recognition! We are so incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion all of these educators bring to our school family every single day.

Due to the predicted rain this week, we postponed the final fire drill for next week. We always strive to maintain a safe, calm, and orderly drill environment to maximize student care and ensure everyone knows exactly what to do in an emergency.

Our students have done a wonderful job practicing these safety routines all year long! If you have any questions about our safety protocols or general school safety, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Howe. Thank you for your continued support in keeping Kaegebein safe and secure!

Thursday, June 18th - Field Day

Friday, June 19th - NO SCHOOL - Juneteenth

Monday, June 22nd - 5th Grade Moving Up Day @ 9:45am (GIHS)

Wednesday, June 24th - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - Dismissal @ 11:15am