Bird's Eye View
Hello Larries Community,
Welcome the April “Bird’s Eye View”! Each month we will:
Give you small snapshots of the great things that are happening here at SLC.
We may ask for a little help with some things to make our school community the most productive possible.
Our hope is you will read our newsletter each month, so we can continue to connect our great community with the students, staff, and programs that are here to help maximize our students’ futures.
As our May budget vote is fast approaching, we find ourselves looking for ways to continue improving the overall quality of the great education we offer here at SLC. We are looking to continue with a Dean of Students in the MS/HS along with adding a part time curriculum coordinator to grades K-5, where new curriculums in both reading and math are taking place.
Over the past two years, we had extra federal money given to us to provide both educational and physical summer activities for our students. Now that this money is gone, we are looking to find other ways to obtain the funds to allow these great “mini-camps” to continue. We are in the process of writing a few grants and hoping to reach out to all SLC Alumni, current local businesses, and current parents of SLC students, to see about helping to support these activities we all know are beneficial to our students. In total, the cost of running all the mini-camps each summer was approximately $50,000. Again, none of this money was from our taxpayers, but rather from the federal Covid dollars given to all schools in NYS. Parents were not charged to send their children to these camps. Some of the more popular camps over the past few years were: Pre-K Camp, Music Camp, Cooking Club, Book Club, Nature Camp, Softball Camp, SLC Sprouts (Greenhouse Camp), Soccer Camp, Basketball Camp, Golf Camp, and more! If you know of anyone that may be able to help with funding for these great camps for our SLC students, please let us know (crose@bfcsd.org). More detailed information can be shared upon interest and request.
Updates and Important Educational Dates:
- April 3rd: 1st & 2nd grade concerts in MS/HS Auditorium (6 & 7 pm)
- April 10th: 3rd & 4th grade concerts in MS/HS Auditorium (5:45 & 6:45 pm)
- April 18th-27th: Spring Break. Students and staff will return on April 28th. *FYI: If no other snow days are used this year, then April 17th will be a give back snow day.
- Be aware of your child's specific ELA & Math State Testing Dates for grades 3-8 in April and May along with Science 8 testing.
- April 30th: Instrument Petting Zoo for current 4th & 5th grade students with interest in playing next year
Shout-outs and Reminders:
- Congratulations to all those that have been recognized, in this April issue, for the outstanding work you are doing both here at SLC and at BOCES.
- Congratulations to our Class of 2025 Valedictorian - Hope McDonald and our Salutatorian - Jennah Strawser!
- Athletics: Best of luck to all our spring teams as they have been practicing daily to get ready for a great spring season! Dates and times for upcoming Spring sporting events can be found on our BFCSD website and app.
- A last reminder to all families with a “little one” getting to be school age. Both Pre-K and Kindergarten registrations are open. Information can be located on our Brasher Falls Central School District webpage under community/registration. You can also call 315-389-5131 ext. 29108 for more information. Please get your child(ren) registered sooner than later.
Please consider sharing this edition with any neighbors, relatives, friends, or alumni that would like to keep updated on what goes on at SLC.
Thank you for your continued support of our great district!
Christopher Rose
Superintendent
See Something, Say Something: Keeping Our School Safe Together
At St. Lawrence Central Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. A safe school environment allows students to learn, grow, and thrive without fear. While our school takes many steps to maintain a secure space, safety is a team effort—and we need your help!
We want to remind our school community that if you see something, say something. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a staff member, reporting suspicious activity is one of the most effective ways to help keep our school safe. Suspicious activity can include anything that seems out of place, such as unfamiliar individuals on campus, concerning social media posts, or behavior that makes you feel uneasy.
By speaking up, you can prevent potential problems before they happen. If you or your child ever notice something that doesn’t feel right, please report it immediately to a school administrator or a trusted staff member. No concern is too small when it comes to safety.
We also encourage open conversations at home. Talk to your child about the importance of being aware of their surroundings and reminding them that reporting concerns is not about getting someone in trouble—it’s about keeping everyone safe.
Together, we can ensure that our school remains a secure and welcoming place for all. Thank you for being our partners in safety!
Mrs. Zender, HS Principal, Behavior Intervention Team Chairperson
Mrs. LaBarge, MS Principal, District Safety Team Chairperson
It is with immense pride that we announce Hope McDonald as the Valedictorian for the Class of 2025. Hope, the daughter of Michael and Joyce McDonald, has not only excelled academically but has also demonstrated unparalleled dedication to her school, her community, and her athletic endeavors.
Throughout her high school years, Hope has embodied the qualities of an exceptional student and leader. She has earned the distinguished title of Academic All-Star for St. Lawrence Central High School, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence. Hope is an active member of both the National Honor Society and Tri-M, two organizations that demonstrate her dedication to education and service. Her achievements and involvement in these groups exemplify her strong work ethic and passion for making a difference in her community.
Hope's athletic prowess is equally impressive, having been named an Athlete of Distinction in all three of her sports—soccer, basketball, and softball. Her contributions to her teams have been extraordinary, with notable victories including a Class C championship in both softball (2024) and soccer (2023). As a tri-athlete, Hope has shown remarkable discipline and commitment to balancing her sports with her academic and extracurricular pursuits.
In addition to her athletic and academic accomplishments, Hope has demonstrated exceptional leadership. She currently serves as the President of both the Outing Club and Tri-M, as well as Secretary of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and Class of 2025. She is also a Treasurer of the Student Council and a member of the Yearbook Club, further illustrating her commitment to making a positive impact on her school community.
Looking ahead, Hope plans to attend SUNY Plattsburgh, where she will pursue a degree in Nursing with minors in Forensic Science and Spanish. Her long-term goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or a Forensic Nurse, with aspirations to one day open her own nursing practice.
Hope’s resilience and wisdom are evident in the advice she shares with future students: "Be engaged and don’t procrastinate. If you put in the work, you can achieve anything." Her dedication to both her studies and her community will undoubtedly lead her to continued success as she moves forward into her next chapter.
Congratulations, Hope, on this well-deserved honor. Your hard work, leadership, and perseverance inspire us all, and we are confident that you will achieve greatness in everything you pursue.
We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors!
It is with great pride that we announce Jennah Strawser as the Salutatorian for the Class of 2025. Jennah, the daughter of James and Gretchen Strawser, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence both academically and athletically, as well as in her leadership roles throughout her high school career.
For four years, Jennah has earned a place on the Principal’s List, a testament to her dedication and hard work in all of her studies. She has also been the recipient of various Outstanding Achievement Awards across multiple subjects, showcasing her well-rounded academic abilities. In addition to her scholastic excellence, Jennah has distinguished herself as an Athlete of Distinction in all three of her sports—swimming, basketball, and softball. She has received notable athletic honors, including being named to the Second Team All-Northern for two consecutive years (2024 & 2025), earning the Lisa Lane Award for swimming, and receiving the 2025 Sportsmanship Award for basketball. Jennah was also part of her softball team’s Class C Section X Championship wins in both 2023 and 2024. Her dedication to sports and her team-driven attitude have made her a respected and admired member of the athletic community.
Jennah has also demonstrated remarkable leadership throughout her time in high school. She currently serves as the Vice President of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Tri-M Music Honor Society, reflecting her ability to inspire and guide her peers. Additionally, she is the Treasurer of the Spanish Club, Yearbook Club, and Outing Club, further contributing to the school community in meaningful ways.
Looking toward the future, Jennah plans to attend Le Moyne College, where she will dual major in Business Analytics and Finance. She is also eager to study abroad during her college years, further expanding her horizons and experiences. Jennah was awarded the prestigious Presidential Scholarship at Le Moyne and will also swim on the college's Intramural Swim Team. Her dedication and passion for her studies are matched by her long-term ambitions and her desire to make an impact in the world of business.
Her advice to future students is both thoughtful and inspiring: "Not everything is going to be easy, and that's alright! Having failures is a part of succeeding. Don't get discouraged when things don't go exactly how you planned, and have fun! You're only here for so long, so enjoy every moment you can."
Jennah’s hard work, perseverance, and positive attitude will undoubtedly lead her to continued success in all her future endeavors.
Congratulations, Jennah, on this well-deserved honor. Your dedication, leadership, and accomplishments are an inspiration to all of us, and we look forward to seeing the amazing things you will achieve in the years to come.
Dear SLC Families and Students,
As we welcome the month of April, we’d like to share a few important updates, reminders, and a note of encouragement as we continue through the spring season.
April Reminders:
Scheduling Meetings: All scheduling meetings for the year are complete. Thank you to all the parents who have attended their child’s scheduling meeting. We appreciate your involvement in this important process.
Junior Scholarships: The junior scholarship applications were due Friday, March 28th, at 2:30 pm. Scholarship recipients will be announced during the high school awards ceremony in May.
Senior Scholarships: Seniors, don’t forget to stop by the Guidance Office to check out the scholarship binder, which offers a variety of outside scholarships available for all seniors to apply for. These scholarships are provided by outside agencies. Internal Senior scholarship application packets will be distributed in English 12 classes on Monday, April 14th, and will be due back by Friday, May 2nd, at 2:30 pm. These essay-based scholarships are selected internally by the SLC Scholarship Committee and will be announced at the graduation ceremony in June.
Career Fair Success: This month, our Seaway Tech seniors and Ms. Winters' English 12 classes participated in the Gateways Career Fair. We are so proud of how our students represented SLC and networked with local businesses and colleges!
As the school year begins to wind down, we encourage parents to reach out with any questions or concerns about your child’s academic progress. We’re here to help!
A Happy Note for April: Spring is a time for renewal, so we encourage everyone to embrace the season with positivity and hope. Whether setting new goals, or simply appreciating the little moments, you’ve got this!
Take care and reach out anytime. We are here for you!
Warm Regards,
Miss Bethel & Ms. Ruddy
Spring sports practices are underway, and games will be starting soon. This season is always a mad dash to squeeze in as many games as we can based on weather and official availability. If you haven't already done so, please upload the rSchoolToday App for your phone, and sign up for notifications. Whenever a game change is made, you will be notified immediately through this system.
Congratulations to Cheer and Coach Brault for their 7th place finish at States; great season ladies!
Fall Sports signups will be posted with physical education teachers when we return from spring break. Please keep an eye out for them and sign up as necessary.
You can find all sports schedules at sections710.org, or on our district website and app.
Hello Middle School Families,
Believe it or not, we are entering the final stretch of the 2024-25 school year! March can often feel like a long and challenging month, and statistically, it’s one of the most difficult times of the year for many.
As a quick update, our middle school counselors have completed annual meetings for students in grades 6-8. If you have any questions about your child’s academic plan or would like to check in, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their counselor.
With state testing and other important deadlines approaching, we want to share some healthy strategies to help manage stress and maintain well-being:
✅ Stick to a steady routine – Getting enough sleep, eating foods that fuel your body, and staying active can help you feel your best, stay focused, and keep your energy up!
✅ Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques – Take deep breaths, stretch, and when a task feels overwhelming, don’t be afraid to step away for a brief break. These moments of pause can help reduce stress and give you a chance to refocus. We also understand how social media can sometimes feel overwhelming, and many of us share that feeling. Setting limits on social media time or taking breaks from it can be a helpful way to recharge and focus on your well-being.
✅ Stay organized – Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and using an agenda or checklist can help make big assignments feel less overwhelming and keep you on track.
✅ Ask for help when needed – Open communication with teachers, counselors, and family members is key to success. Staying after school with a teacher can be a great way to catch up on missed work, get extra support, and check in on what’s being learned in class.
✅ Make time for fun and relaxation – Hobbies, outdoor activities, and connecting with friends can help recharge the mind.
Spring break is just around the corner! It’s the perfect opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy some well-deserved time off. 😊
As always, please feel free to reach out if we can offer any support to your child. We are deeply grateful for your patience and kindness as we’ve navigated transitions in our department this school year.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us support your child’s education.
Middle School Counseling Team
The SLC Comfort Closet is fully stocked!
If you need toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, etc., please send an email to mrutledge@bfcsd.org. You can also fill out a slip on top of the Comfort Closet in the Middle School. Students, we will even deliver to your locker! Families, please feel free to let Ms. Rutledge know via email or through your child, and we can arrange a pick up at school.
This is available for ALL STUDENTS and FAMILIES!
On March 12, 2025, students from the Extended Day Program, the IMPETUS program, and the Liberty Partnership Program attended the annual Pi Day celebration at Clarkson University.
The event provided an exciting opportunity for students to engage with a variety of Clarkson University student organizations while exploring the mathematical significance of Pi. Through interactive activities, hands-on learning, and, of course, delicious treats, students had a fun and educational experience celebrating this important mathematical constant.
The Lego Larries recently traveled to Clarkson to compete in the NY-Potsdam FLL Challenge. Four of our eleven team members attended their first event. Teams compete in three rounds lasting two and a half minutes each where they must complete as many challenge missions as possible.
Achievements:
Mission Completion: The Lego Larries were said to be the only team to successfully complete a mission involving the release of a lego model from a perch, its collection, and delivery to a specific location. They even managed to do it all as one program instead of in parts.
Zero Deductions: They were also the only team at one table to avoid any deductions for a round. The team also received zero deductions/penalties for the entire day.
Core Values Award: The Lego Larries exemplified the event's core values and received the Core Values Award.
Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
Impact: We apply what we learn to improve our world.
Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!
Invite: The Lego Larries have been invited to continue to the next level of the competition in MA or NJ later this year.
Innovation Project:
The team presented an idea for the Innovation Project aimed at addressing a problem with the ocean. They chose to design a deep sea exploration drone. Clarkson engineering students were amazed by how the simplified design could achieve so much. The team's idea was noted as “Commendable.”
The Omnis has a sturdy body made of solid rings to keep a balance between weight and maneuverability. Each blue orb represents a sensor for a different job. The sensors can operate independently and rotate constantly to provide movement by creating a flow of water through the drone at a chosen angle.
One of the students created the model in TinkerCAD while another student used a 3D printer to make a handheld model for demonstration. Their presentation amazed and inspired the Clarkson engineering students.
The FLL Core Values are as Follows:
Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
Impact: We apply what we learn to improve our world.
Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!
Hello SLC Families,
Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration is now open! Now is the time to register your child. Spots are limited in UPK and much of our planning for kindergarten hinges on numbers. In order to best prepare for your child's kindergarten experience, we request that you register them sooner than later. Per NYS regulations, we are required to hold a lottery to determine placements if we don't have enough spots of any given option (half or full day). Our lottery will take place on June 2, so any registrations that are not complete, with all necessary documentation turned in, by May 30 will not be included in the lottery.
Thanks to those who joined us for our family health and nutrition night on Wednesday, March 19. We made smoothies by peddling a bike to blend them, tried some new foods, and made salads and yogurt parfaits! This family night was a real treat! Thanks to Vanessa Hahn and Casey McFarland for their efforts in planning this event.
The NYS Assessment Schedule at SLC Elementary is as Follows:
- Grade 4 ELA - May 1 & 2
- Grade 3 ELA - May 6 & 7
- Grade 4 Math - May 8 & 9
- Grade 3 Math - May 13 & 14
Dates to Know:
- Spring break will be from Friday, April 18 through Friday, April 25. Please plan accordingly, as there will be no school.
- May 5-9 is Teacher Appreciation Week.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Colterman
Hello Larries,
Spring is here! This month, we are learning about Integrity—doing the right thing even when no one is watching. We will read "Lying Up a Storm" by Julia Cook and Michelle Hazelwood Hyde. This story helps kids understand why honesty is important. Integrity is closely tied to trust. When we are honest and do what is right, others learn they can depend on us. Trust helps build strong friendships and makes our school and home feel safe and supportive.
What We Did in March:
March was a busy month in Life Lab!
Seaway Valley Prevention Council finished the Too Good for Drugs program for grades K-4.
Trooper Winters taught cyber safety to grades 2-4.
Renewal House taught Erin’s Law lessons to Pre-K through 4th grade about personal safety.
In third grade, we are working on positive self-talk. Students are doing a plant experiment (thanks to Ms. Ronnie in the Greenhouse!). One plant hears kind words, and the other hears negative words. So far, the kind words’ plant is growing better! This shows how words affect us and others.
Spring Break Ideas:
Here are some fun ways to enjoy the break:
Go Outside – Take a walk, ride bikes, or have a picnic.
Limit Screen Time – Play board games, read books, or do puzzles.
Try Something New – Bake cookies, draw, or plant flowers.
Be Thankful – Talk about things you are grateful for each day.
Stick to a Routine – Even a simple schedule can help kids feel calm.
Try a 5-4-3-2-1 Mindfulness Walk:
A grounding walk helps calm the mind and body. Here’s how to do it:
Look for 5 things you can see – Notice colors, shapes, and movement around you.
Find 4 things you can touch – Feel textures like grass, a tree, or your clothing.
Listen for 3 sounds – Birds chirping, wind blowing, or footsteps on the ground.
Smell 2 scents – Flowers, fresh air, or even a snack you have.
Think of 1 thing you are grateful for – A person, a pet, or something that makes you happy.
Have a great spring break! Let us know if you have any questions or need support.
Warmly,
Mrs. McFarland & Ms. White
Students in Mrs. Bryant’s third grade class have been having some fun learning this month. We did a week long unit on Vikings. They formed a longship and had to travel the seas alongside some Vikings. At the end of the math unit on fractions, they created their own pizzas and talked about what fraction of toppings they chose to put on their pizzas.
Teens & Deepfakes: A Growing Threat
Our Friends at Neptune Navigate recently shared this alert on Teens & Deepfakes: A Growing Threat to help everyone understand how deepfakes are harmful to our children and students.
A recent study by Thorn reveals that 1 in 17 teens has been a victim of explicit deepfake imagery, while 1 in 8 knows someone affected. Despite efforts to curb this misuse of AI, 2% of young people admitted to creating explicit deepfakes, often using apps easily downloaded from app stores.
These manipulated images, though fake, can have real emotional, psychological, and reputational consequences. It's crucial to talk to teens about the impact of deepfakes and encourage them to take action if they become victims. However, the study found that less than half of victims confided in their parents, and only 1 in 3 reported the abuse. While most teens say they wouldn’t ignore harmful content, 1 in 5 victims did nothing.
What to Do:
- Talk to your teen about the dangers of deepfakes.
- Encourage them to report inappropriate content to parents, police, or platforms.
- Empower them to take action rather than ignore the issue.
Deepfake abuse is a growing concern, and awareness is the first step in protecting our teens. By having open conversations, reinforcing the importance of reporting, and empowering them to take action, we can equip them with the knowledge and confidence to stand up against this harmful misuse of technology. For more information, please visit https://rb.gy/33irgz or
As always, if you have any questions, you can contact Mr. Welsh the district's Data Protection Officer via email at kwelsh@bfcdsd.org, or call the technology department at (315) 389-5131 ext. 29250.
Contact Information
Email: crose@bfcsd.org
Website: www.bfcsd.org
Location: 1039 State Highway 11C, Brasher Falls, NY 13613
Phone: 315-389-5131
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrasherFallsCSD