Staff Bulletin '26-'27 Edition

2026-2027 Letter Day Calendar: This letter day rotation will determine your schedule for that calendar day. We are on a 10 day rotation (A-J). Click here.

Bell Schedule: Click here.

• November 1st - Guiding Coalition Meeting (3PM Room 311)
• November 2nd - Staff Meeting
• November 3rd - Building PLC Meeting

• November 7th - Fall Fun Fest (Flyer Attached)
• November 11th - No School in Observance of Veteran's Day
• November 12th - 8 go 9 Info Night (6PM) GPAC
• November 13th - End of First Marking Period
• November 18th - NJHS Induction Ceremony (6PM GPAC)
• November 24th - Horizon Night! 6 - 8 PM
• November 26th-27th (No School in Observance of Thanksgiving)
• December 11th - 2nd quarter 5 week Marking Period Ends.
• December 18 Grade Level Town Meetings: 6th Grade 8:30-9:00, 7th Grade 9:30-10:00, 8th Grade 1:20-1:50)
• December 23-Jan.1 Winter Recess (No School Prek-12)
• January 6 - 2nd PTSA Meeting

Here is the staff meeting schedule for the 2026-2027 school year.

Please note that District PLC’s have been renamed District Department meetings.

• Instructional staff should plan on attending all 4 identified district department meetings.

• Should district department meetings be canceled, staff will be notified.

• Staff meetings/Building PLCs do not count as PL hours

District Department Meeting Calendar

Morning Show Link:

Staff, We want to share your announcements on the Athena Middle School Morning Show. Please use this link to complete our NEW form this year. Each announcement you would like made needs to go through this form. The form will ask when you want the announcement read and for how long. If you would like to attach any images, you can also upload them onto the form. Moving forward in the school year of 2026-27, all announcements need to go through this form with a 24 hours turnaround time. For example, if you want an announcement on Tuesday morning, please send it Monday morning. I appreciate your understanding and if you have any questions or concerns please contact me.

The mission of the Athena Middle School community is to assure that all students experience success as they develop appropriate social skills and strive toward academic excellence. At ATMS, we incorporate Leader in Me to nurture student leadership, foster a culture of academic success, and help students learn and apply communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional skills.

Our goal is to provide integrated support, services and opportunities to students and families, working together for stronger and healthier communities.

PTSA Membership:

Follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/GreeceAthenaPTSA

Shop our online store https://greeceathena.memberhub.store/

ATMS Trojan TV Link:

Pledge at 8:05ish. I will then ask teachers to turn on the ATMS Trojan TV link:

• The link to bookmark to watch the live stream is https://www.youtube.com/@atmslivestream/live

• This link never changes, it will always bring you to the next/current live stream. If a you bookmark this link then you will always get to the most recent live version.

• After you go to the link, if you press the F key on your keyboard, it will go Fullscreen. The keyboard shortcut is the only way to go full screen while you're waiting for the live stream to start.

• To view previous live streams of morning announcements, users should use this link below. This link is shared with families through our Parent Bulletin. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2gbBuDZS2WGC5L7Htjc6MvG6K_ZN7YIX

• Teachers - turn on subtitles!!!

Check us out on X (Formally Twitter)

Athena MS Twitter- Check us out HERE: @GreeceAthenaMS

Hello Athena Team,

As we begin a new year, I want to again take a moment to say how grateful I am to be a part of such an amazing team. While I’ve had the chance to meet many of you in passing or in meetings, I’d love the opportunity to connect on a deeper level.

This form is an open invitation to schedule a one-on-one conversation with me, at your discretion.

Whether you’d like to talk about your role here at Athena, share ideas, ask questions, or simply chat about life outside of school, I’d be honored to get to know you better.

These conversations are completely optional and meant to be casual, open, and meaningful. If you're interested, just fill out the form, and we’ll find a time that works for you.

Looking forward to connecting more personally,

Todd

Athena Middle School Improvement Plan 26-27

Athena Middle School Lead Measure Score Board

Click on the link to view. Please feel free to see me or your building reps with any questions!

Click the attached link to find important committee information and the electronic whiteboards for BMT and SIT. Committee Flow Chart

Athena Middle School Whiteboard

Here is the important dates regarding report cards for the 25-26 school year!

Attached is a link to recognize an Athena Middle student who is showing exceptional effort, is performing at an outstanding level, displaying teamwork and/or is communicating positively with peers, staff or community members. Ms. Mullen and the admin team will recognize these students on Fridays in the cafeteria during lunches with a certificate.

Thanks for your consideration! Student Recognition Form

Click the picture for more Student Recognition Pictures!

As part of our continued celebration of the incredible people who make Greece Central such a vibrant, caring, and inspiring community, we’re excited to share December's Proud FM calls. Please watch this attached video that highlights some of the great people and proud moments we have here in Greece!

As a reminder, this new initiative invites students, staff, families, and community members to call our dedicated line at 585-966-5285 and leave a voice message recognizing someone who makes them Greece Proud. Whether it’s a student who shows kindness, a teacher who goes above and beyond, a supportive parent, or a local partner doing great work, we want to hear about them!

Proud FM is designed to foster morale, amplify appreciation and highlight the everyday moments of excellence, care, and pride that define our district. It’s a simple way to say thank you, spread some joy, and lift one another up, all while reinforcing our shared commitment to this year’s theme: We Are Greece Proud!

7:00 AM School Improvement Team Meeting

• Whiteboard Link (New Google Form)

• ATMS Charter 26-27

• School Improvement Team Agenda

7:00 AM Building Management Team Meeting

• Whiteboard Link (New Google Form)

• ATMS Charter 26-27

• Building Management Team Agenda

3:00 PM Guiding Coalition Team Meeting (311)

• Whiteboard Link (New Google Form)

• ATMS Charter 26-27

• GC Meeting Agenda

• ATMS students can only attend after school events/sports if supervised the entire time by their parent/guardian.

• This school year each high school has created their own athletics apparel store. Feel free to visit the websites and show your support! Athena Gear

• Spring Athletic Information (Grades 7 and 8): Click here.

• Spring Sports Shuttles: shuttle schedule

NEW: Events for the next two weeks 3/30-4/10 Click Here

(NEW): The district has updated its eligibility policy. Any student who has failed two or more classes for the year is able to try out for a fall team. If the student makes a team, they can participate in practices but may not play in a contest. The student will be placed in a mandatory study hall at the start of school and will be ineligible for a minimum of seven days. If the student is failing only one class in the new term after seven days, they will be deemed eligible to participate in games. Students will continue to be monitored until the next marking period checkpoint.

NOTE: Any passing grades obtained in summer school will supersede final grades from June.

Students are only allowed to stay after school if involved with an extracurricular program. In addition, students in grades 6-8 are not allowed to attend a sporting event unless supervised by their parent/guardian who need to be in attendance the entire time.

Bus arrives around 3:30 PM and leaves promptly at 3:45PM. Only students that stayed after for an after school activity are allowed to ride the late bus. Students receive a pass from their teacher/coach to ride the bus. Students that stay after for non-school related activities are not allowed to ride the bus. ATMS security and drivers will be checking passes. Ontario Bus will be providing transportation for our Secondary late runs. Athena will each have 3 buses.

• Students MUST have a signed bus pass and their address on it to help the driver to take students home

• Ontario Drivers will take students home by geographical area like Greece drivers did in the past.

• Athena Late Bus Routes

Transportation (Arrival/Dismissal):

• Front Loop: 255, 278, 286, 289, 297, 300
• Buses in back loop AM/PM: 500, 516, 526, 529, 530, 531, 538, 540, 541, 544, 552, 556, 565, 575, 578, 580, 581

Transportation Letters for 2025-2026, translated into 8 languages:

• 25-26 Private Parochial Charter Letter.docx

• 25-26 Opt In for Juniors and Seniors.docx

• 25-26 Childcare Letter.docx

• Please review this important Back to School Instructional Technology Bulletin from Technology Support Services!

Innive has worked with the District over the past few months to improve their widgets based on your feedback. With updated attendance and behavior widgets, we can now better track trends and patterns. Also, Iready and IRLA info has been updated to give buildings more current insights into their data. Click here for an indepth look and directions.

Students, please make sure you have a charged Chromebook when they come to school. In addition, all students, grades 6-8, will use a YONDR Pouch to secure their cell phone/smart watch during the school day. 7th and 8th graders returning to ATMS will use the same pouch they were assigned last school year. 6th graders received their YONDR Pouch the first day of school. The Yondr pouch is a tool GCSD is using to help mitigate the impact that social media and smartphone use is having on our children and teens. We are working hard to ensure that all digital spaces in our schools are positive, safe, and healthy for kids to explore. Making schools cell phone-free is not a punishment. The Yondr pouches are a tool that is being implemented to maximize educational time, improve academic achievement, and support mental health. By limiting distractions during the school day, we hope to limit the negative effects of social media and reduce harmful activities.

Chromebook Log-In:

Please click here for information that explains to students how to log-in on their GCSD Chromebook.

Individual student usernames are listed in Infinite Campus on their demographic page and can also be found by typing the student’s name in the “To:” field in a district email or after “@” in a Google doc comment.

Student initial passwords were reset to their 8 digit birthdate (mmddyyyy) on 8/22/24. (January 5, 2012 → 01052012). Students will be prompted to reset their passwords upon logging in. K-2 students continue to use Quick Cards.

• Do NOT assign passwords to students. Please refer to this Guide to helping students CHOOSE creating strong passwords, this editable Grades 3-5 Password Lesson- Nearpod and this Interland game for ways to help students pick strong passwords.

Students can reset their Google or network password through the school library, or via the form at bit.ly/greececsdstudent.

YONDR Pouches:

Click here for the GCSD YONDR Pouch policy.

NYS updates on Google use for students on District Issued Devices

• Please consider helping our Community Schools Team! We have 3 upcoming opportunities: (1) Pantry Donations needed, (2) Thanksgiving meal donations and (3) Fall Fest Volunteers

• Families: The Greece Neighborhood Navigation Center is hosting Just Cause for a Tenant Know Your Rights Training.

Jackie Mullen and Erin Defendorf have been working on a hygiene drive donation box for our students and is looking for more donations!

She has been creating hygiene care bags and are requesting donations of:

- deodorant

- shampoo

- conditioner

- soap/ body wash

- toothbrushes

- toothpaste

- hand sanitizer

- Chapstick

Donations can be dropped off in Ms. Welch's room.

Community Schools: Pantry donations needed!

Student Meal Pricing and Payment Options:

All Greece Central School District students will be eligible for a FREE nutritional breakfast and lunch during the 2024-2025 school year. All menus are available on the district’s website at www.greececsd.org.

For your convenience, money for a la carte or snack purchases can be deposited directly into your child’s school lunch account through one of the following methods:

• PREFERRED METHOD – Online Credits Card or PayPal account payment directly through MySchoolBucks.com. Parents who utilize this option can also use this link to receive student low balance alerts, food purchase history and additional critical information. MySchoolBucks does charge a nominal convenience fee for this service.

• Cash deposited directly at each cafeteria cash register.

• Personal check directly at each cafeteria cash register. ALL personal checks must include a minimum of two telephone numbers. (Reminders: A check must be for a minimum of $10.00. Any returned check will incur service charge penalties.)

Any remaining funds in a student account will be carried over to the next school year. To obtain a refund for a withdrawn or graduating student, a Refund/Transfer Request Form must be completed and submitted via email to freereducedapplication@greececsd.org. Unclaimed funds will then become the property of the District Food Service Department. Though ALL STUDENTS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE MEALS FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR, the district will still be including Income Data Collection Forms in each household’s welcome packets. Income Data Collection Forms are also available in each school’s cafeteria, main office and district website under the Food Service. Families who are not already directly certified are encouraged to complete and return the surveys. A few reasons are as follows:

• Completing the form helps the district secure additional funding for your child’s school. Such funding has been used to add low and no-cost programs like Girls on the Run, Robotics, Esports, community schools programming, Children’s Choir, AVID, and Early College High School.

• If the Federal Government releases future P-EBT Food Benefits Cards, families without a current income form might not be eligible for the benefit.

• Reduced fees for SAT, ACT, AP tests can not be granted to families if a current income form is not on file.

• Reduced tuition and fees for many of our college credit dual enrollment courses.

• Reduced fees within the NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse for athletics.

Food Pantry (by appointment only) - Please email food.pantry@greececsd.org or call 585-966-2288 for an appointment. Emergency food delivery available upon request.

Parent Helpline - Please call 966-2911 or email parent.helpline@greececsd.org with any

questions you may have regarding emergency food, summer supports, or Community Schools. Please allow up to two business days for a response.

Please take a look at our recently updated per diem mental health substitute list! We have onboarded many new staff who have backgrounds in counseling and social work who can fill in for a mental health staff absence. Reach out directly to the individuals on the list to ask about their availability!

• *NEW* Professional Development on Frontline for Pilot teachers

• Inquisitive - October 15th

• Mystery Science - October 22nd

• DOME Who to Contact - Reference for contacting our district office team

• Administrator's Guide for Integrated ENL Settings - Resource for ENL Co-teaching

• ENL PD sign-up 2025-2026 Staff Meeting Dates - For principals to sign up for ENL PD

Propio Phone Interpretation Greece CSD - Please note: Greece CSD has transitioned to using Propio Language Services for over the phone interpreting. The district is no longer using Real Time Translation (RTT) for interpreting services.

• October 2026 Department Newsletter

• Upcoming DOME Release Days:

• 11/4 - WL Vertical Team

• 12/3 - ENL WIDA Training

• 12/17 - ENL Vertical Team

• 1/13 - Spanish Teacher Curriculum Training

• 1/14 - ASL Teacher Curriculum Training

• 1/20 - Italian Teacher Curriculum Training

• Please see the 2026-27 WIDA Testing Updates for assessment dates and rationale.

“NEW” Book Study: Building a Positive Math Identity

Math website

Student Data Chats Pack

*There is a spiral review in eDoctrina (4-6 questions) at the end of each unit to use with students either after the unit assessment or on day 1 of the next unit. No paper copies, to support digital fluency.

Attached please find our opening of the school year faculty newsletter highlighting all updates: August 2025 PE & Health Newsletter

• Reminder: Many core 6-8 ELA texts are available in SORA for student highlighting, close reading, and home use.
• Seal of Civic Readiness 6-8: The Humanities Department is still in need of a Seal of Civic Readiness liaison for: Arcadia Middle, Olympia 6-8 and Odyssey 6-8. Please apply if interested ASAP. Building SOCR

• We have been working on layering in multiple-choice questions into the existing units over the summer and after school. These are NOT yet in eDoctrina, but are available for use as discussion questions, m/c etc. Visit the shared drive for curriculum, or click here:

  • 6th grade Scope and Sequence

  • 7th grade Scope and Sequence

  • 8th grade Scope and Sequence

Special Education Handbook: Click here.

The C.A.R.E.(Community Approach to Resourceful Engagement) Alert is a unique program offered by the Greece Police Department that promotes collaboration between police officers and the community, to improve communication with individuals who have special needs.

The program is designed to assist people in the community of all ages with Autism, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Mental Health and/or substance abuse disorders. Within our district, students with complex needs enrolled in self-contained special education classrooms would benefit greatly from this community service. By enrolling a loved one, you help ensure that GPD officers are informed about their communication preferences, potential triggers, and calming techniques before any interaction takes place.

Please click here for more detailed information regarding this important initiative created in support of Greece residents.

MULTILINGUAL EDUCATION:

• DOME Newsletter May 2 (Staff)

• Facts about the World Language Checkpoint A Exams

Testing Coordinators and ENL teachers- please review the Test Accommodations for ELL guidance document. ENL Teachers and Testing Coordinators should work together to complete the ELL Accommodations Planning Chart for their school.

Secondary Clubs - Please make sure that EVERY club advisor completes this form ONE TIME for each unique club. If you need any support, please let us know!

Extracurricular Clubs: Advisors, please complete this Google form: Secondary Clubs

Art Club:

Art Club meets Wednesdays in room 337. Join the Google Classroom (u3ptr7p7) to sign up for the first meeting on October 1st and see the list of scheduled meeting dates. In Art Club we do a variety of things: create collaborative artwork, work on personal artwork, play art games, and more. Art Club is for any and all students who want a safe and welcoming environment to engage in art making! Alyssa.Manou@greececsd.org

Greece Athena's History Club:

Explore the Roc! We will focus on learning about and traveling to local sites/ locations with historical and/ or educational connections. Past places include; we have explored have included the Susan B Anthony House, the George Eastman Museum, the Monroe County Courthouse, Mt. Hope Cemetery, the Charlotte Lighthouse, The Rochester Museum and Science Center, and more! We usually meet about twice a month. One meeting will be to learn about and plan for an upcoming trip, and the other meeting will be the trip. Announcements are made to let members know of meeting dates and times, so pay close attention as the dates vary depending on the schedule of our trips. We provide transportation to and from Athena, but we ask that families pick up students from Athena directly after our trips. Our goal has always been to run this club at no cost to students, so there will be a fundraiser or two to help fund our trips. Please see Dan Novellin in Rm. 328 if you are interested or have any questions or email: Alan. Novellin@greececsd.org.

eSports:

Mr. Stevens has started an eSports Club after school for students in grades 6-8. Join our Google Classroom - Npsp2x7 (eSports) / ross.stevens@greececsd.org

Greece Athena's Yearbook Club:

Students meet once a month to help with the yearbook by picking the cover, creating pages, taking pictures and hanging up posters. See Mrs. Leyendecker Rm. 328 with any questions. Please email Nancy.Leyendecker@greececsd.org

Greece Athena's Spanish Club:

Mrs. Diehl's Spanish Club will meet once per month in Room 334 until 3:30 to make cultural crafts, cook, and to complete fun and authentic activities. There is a sign up sheet and students may choose to attend whichever events interest them. Check with Mrs. Diehl for upcoming dates. Email Mrs. Diehl at Lori.Diehl @greececsd.org.

Ski and Snowboarding Club:

All students at Greece Athena Middle School are encouraged to join our Ski & Snowboard Club. The ski club travels to Swain Ski Resort on six weeknights during the months of January and February. No experience? No equipment? No problem! All transportation, lift tickets, equipment rentals, and lessons are included in the club's price. This is an amazing opportunity to get outside, be active, meet new friends, and begin a lifetime hobby. For more information, please contact Mr. Moore in room 339, 966-8904, Gabriel.Moore@greececsd.org.

Maker’s Club:

Are you in 6th grade? Do you enjoy using your imagination to create new things? Do you love to build things with your hands? This club will enjoy using various fun materials to create unique crafts throughout the school year! Please see or email: Janene.Swanson@greececsd.org

Cooking Club:

The goal of the cooking club is to empower students to create food items themselves and express individual styles. Cooking Club gives individuals the opportunity to create community through food. Please see Christine.Epping-Plaisted@greececsd.org

Yoga and Mindfulness Club: Mindfulness/Yoga Club: Click here for more details.

We’re excited to announce the start of our brand-new Yoga Club! If you're looking to de-stress, get moving, and improve your focus, this is the perfect place for you. Yoga club will meet on Wednesdays in room 354 with Mrs. Garlock & Mrs. Bailey-Clar. It's a great way to make new friends, stretch, breathe, and get centered. Hope to see you there!

Crochet Club: Learn to crochet household or clothing items! Crochet Club provides students a lifelong skill and hobby. Crochet Club is a place where students can relax and have a creative outlet after school. Please see Christine.Epping-Plaisted@greececsd.org

Positive Vibes:

This club is designed to help students reduce stress and develop healthy coping strategies. If you are interested please see Sherrie Welch or email Sherrie.Welch@greececsd.org

Italian Club: The Italian Club’s purpose is to share Italian culture and cuisine, language and heritage while fostering a sense of community with students. Please see Tamara Bugliosi-Gagliardi or email Tamara.Bugliosi@greececsd.org

Student Government: Athena Middle School's Student Government is made up of students from all three grade levels at Athena. This group represents students' interests in the building by organizing school spirit events and activities, organizing community service projects, and identifying ways to make our school community better. 7th and 8th grade Student Government representatives are selected at the beginning of the year through an application process, and 6th grade students are given the opportunity to apply in October. Once selected, we meet on Thursday mornings to plan our events and activities. Please see Mike McGrain in room 329 or email mike.mcgrain@greececsd.org.

Ski and Snowboarding Club:

All students at Greece Athena Middle School are encouraged to join our Ski & Snowboard Club. The ski club travels to Bristol Mountain on six weeknights during the months of January and February. No experience? No equipment? No problem! All transportation, lift tickets, equipment rentals, and lessons are included in the club's price. This is an amazing opportunity to get outside, be active, meet new friends, and begin a lifetime hobby. For more information, please contact Mr. Moore in room 339, 966-8904, Gabriel.Moore@greececsd.org.

HOMEWORK CLUB 2025-2026

We are open starting 10/1/2025

We're gathering student recommendations using a google form. Once we receive the referral form we will send the referring staff member the permission slip and behavior contract to be sent home with the student. Students will not be registered to attend until BOTH the permission slip AND behavior contract are complete and returned to a Homework Club Advisor to be processed. Students will be assigned one day until we see our enrollment numbers. Students are signed up for 5 weeks at a time. Advisors will reassess enrollment every 5 weeks.

To maximize the effectiveness of tutoring time, please send work you'd like the students to complete. You may also place student work, with student and teacher name, in one of our mailboxes. We will try our best! Thanks for your support.

https://app.smore.com/n/p1uj2

Professional Learning 4 - hour asynchronous course: Transition and Sound Practices for Classroom Focus - Expand your Inner Explorer toolset following the Safety Series with advanced sound and transition practices. Click HERE to read the flyer and register in Frontline.

Mindfully Navigating Menopause Retreat. Click HERE to read the flyer and register in Frontline.

Join the mindfulness team for a self-paced, 100% asynchronous professional learning opportunity on Don Miguel Ruiz’s classic, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. In this PL, educators will explore how applying these four timeless principles can help reduce stress, enhance communication, and foster personal and professional growth both inside and outside the classroom. Participants will earn 5 PL Hours upon completing the book and posting thoughtful responses to the discussion questions in Google Classroom. How to get started:

1. Register in Frontline.

2. Purchase the required book.

3. Email Andrea Antonetty to get access to the Google Classroom.

Once in the Google Classroom, you can complete the discussion prompts and coursework at your own pace. Deadline for all submissions: Thursday, October 15th at 8:00 AM.

Click HERE to see the flyer.

Are your students enjoying the Inner Explorer? Watch the video of students at Longridge singing the Inner Explorer theme song here: Video

Mindfulness activities to enjoy! Click HERE (Pre-K-12th grade)

Leader in Me: Leader in Me Scope and Sequence

Click here to see the many Leader in Me professional learning opportunities offered this summer included in person and asynchronous options for 7 Habits, Core 1, Core 2, and Core 3. This is updated training to the new 5.0 model and would be beneficial for staff new or familiar with Leader in Me!

Ready to elevate your classroom impact this year? The Office of Instructional Equity and Innovation is offering 6 individual instructional equity-related professional learning topics. Facilitated by the TOSA for Instructional Equity, Cameron Graupman. Each session is designed to equip teachers with high-leverage, research-backed tools to foster student-centered, rigorous, and culturally responsive learning environments. Topics include: Engagement, Active Processing of Information, Questioning, Feedback, Differentiation, Behavior Management. Click the link to sign up for the sessions that interest you.

Dr. Covey emphasized that "Habit is the intersection of knowledge (what to do), skill (how to do), and desire (want to do)." For those who have not yet participated in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People training, we are pleased to offer two in person one-day adult learning sessions: December 2nd, 2026 from 8:00 - 3:00 at the TSSF - room 170 or March 4th, 2027 from 8:00 - 3:00 at the TSSF - room 170. To register in Frontline, please click on the corresponding date you are attending. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Lori Quinn.

Struggling to reach guarded or resistant students? Join national author and nonverbal communication pioneer Michael Grinder alongside Krista Grinder-Dettloff for an interactive session on using body language to build deep student trust and lead with rapport instead of enforcement.

• When: Mon, Oct 19, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Check-in 3:30 PM)

• Where: In Person at Greece Transportation & Support Facility (1790 Latta Rd, Rochester, NY)

• Perks: FREE for NYS Educators | 2 CTLE/ PL hours | Free copy of Michael's book

• Click Here to Register Now

How do we leverage AI for differentiation while keeping student critical thinking at the center? Join national author and keynote speaker Dr. John Spencer for an interactive webinar on using generative AI as a time-saving partner without sacrificing student curiosity and depth. Walk away with classroom-ready strategies to balance tech efficiency with meaningful, high-impact learning.

• When: Mon, Oct 5, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Where: Virtual Webinar (Link emailed the morning of the event)

• Perks: FREE for NYS Educators | Earn 2 CTLE/ PL hours

• Note: Open to all—summer session attendance is not required!

• Click Here to Register Now

Looking for PL opportunities? Be sure to bookmark and frequently check our Instructional Tech page for Recommended PL! There you will find relevant webinars, certifications for digital tools, and much more! Also, don't miss the recent EdSurge webinar, where our very own Lynn Girolamo was a featured panelist: Beyond the Screen: Equipping Youth with Skills for the Digital Age.

Barb Morreale is on the GCSD PL Team. Feel free to reach out to Barb with questions regarding PL hours. Professional Learning Center / Professional Times Newsletter

• GCSD Digital Badge List for Professional Development click here.

• Instructional Technology PL:

• Instructional Technology Website

• Tools for Staff.

Recommended Tech PL

Special Education teachers Kylie Anderson & Kaylee Bennett will lead a book study exploring co-teaching with a UDL mindset. This book study is best suited for teachers who participate in a co-teaching model and are looking to deepen their understanding and implementation of UDL, while also ensuring they are effectively collaborating and co-teaching. This book will help teachers to explore and expand their mindsets and philosophical beliefs about how students learn, as well as provide tips and strategies that can be used in the classroom setting. Participants will be provided a copy of Elizabeth Stein's book, Elevating Co-Teaching with Universal Design.

Virtual sessions will take place on 10/1/26, 11/5/26, 12/3/26, 2/4/27 and 3/18/27. Please be sure to sign up for fall, winter and spring sessions (3 different links). Participants have the opportunity to earn a total of 10 PL hours (5 sessions and 5 hours of reading time). Under the new contract, teachers can earn compensation for up to 20 PL hours.

Different times are offered for elementary and secondary teachers, with elementary virtual sessions from 3:30 - 4:30 pm, and secondary virtual sessions from 2:15 - 3:15 pm. Please be sure to sign up for the session that works best for your teaching schedule.

Secondary Links:

Elevating Co-Teaching with Universal Design for Learning Book Study- Secondary (fall)

Elevating Co-Teaching with Universal Design for Learning Book Study- Secondary (winter)

Elevating Co-Teaching with Universal Design for Learning Book Study- Secondary (spring)

This school year each high school has created their own athletics apparel store. Feel free to visit the websites and show your support! Athena Gear

Our district-wide Alumni Spiritwear collection is now available, featuring unique Alumni shirts for each of our high schools to celebrate pride and legacy across the community. For every shirt purchased, $10 will be donated to support scholarships, student opportunities, community events and initiatives that strengthen connection and pride throughout our Greece schools. Order your shirts here.

Order Athena apparel at AO Design - click MEMBERS at the top and you will see the Greece Athena Schools option. All supplied locally from Athletic Outlet in Brighton. As always, we truly appreciate your support.

PTA Store: Shop our online store https://greeceathena.memberhub.store/

GTA members have $250 per person for the school year. Please email gabrielle.magnanti@greececsd.org with any requests. If something is from Amazon, Central Stores, Staples and/or any other vendor, please email the links for the items as well as the item number and quantities of the items needed.

• The Central Stores Catalog(s): Central Stores Catalogs

• If you need to submit a Courier Request, please use the link: Central Stores Courier Request

If you need to contact Central Stores, you can contact them at 585-966-2770 or by email at central.stores@greececsd.org. Staple pricing will be modified according to the discount provided by placing group orders. Free shipping is available for orders over $35.00.

We're excited to announce that we've added new items to our selections based on your valuable feedback! Your suggestions have helped us create a collection that better aligns with your needs and preferences for this school year. Click Here to view our catalog. New items for 2025/2026 are shaded in green.

If you are interested in a Masters or Doctorate in Education or Educational Leadership at a reduced tuition rate, please check out the St. John Fisher Information Session Opportunities. And remember, if you are a GCSD employee, most of the GCSD contracts offer tuition reimbursement as an employment benefit….check out your contract for more details.

Looking to start your degree? Check out Western Governors University (WGU) for flexible courses that work around your schedule. WGU is offering a $3,000 scholarship to help you reach your goals faster and for less money. Applications are open now through March 31st.

Apply Here: wgu.edu/newyearscholarship

Central Stores & Distribution is always happy to assist you with your courier needs!

To ensure proper coordination with our team, we kindly request a minimum of two days notice for all requests. Additionally, for any movement of boxes or items within your building, please contact your building custodian for assistance rather than submitting a courier request. You'll find the link to the courier request form below, along with a quick tutorial on how to complete it.

Tutorial on Submitting Courier Request

Click Here to Submit a Courier Request

Student Teaching, Field Observations and Interns:

Student Teachers/Interns for Fall 2023: If you are interested in having a Student Teacher/Intern for the Fall of 2023 please complete the form at this link. No teachers should be hosting student teachers/interns without going through this process.

Appliance and Prohibited Practices:

See the attached flyer for important reminders on appliance usage and prohibited practices.

GCSD Instructional Handbook:

For curriculum resources please visit our Instructional Websites

Updated Form: Name-Address-Telephone Change Form:

The Name-Address-Telephone Change form has been updated, new form.

EAP Resources:

EAP resources flyer. There are many wellness resources that people can take advantage of proactively. Staff are able to download the mobile app, (NexGenEAP), from the Apple App store and Google Play Store. This is a convenient way for employees to have access wherever they are in the country to initiate any of the services provided through NexGen EAP. The company ID for GCSD’s faculty and staff to register for NexGen EAP is: 9948. Caring for Yourself While At Work

Bree Health, the EAP Greece Central contracts with, has a wide variety of FREE resources available for all GCSD employees such as the following:

• 24/7 Mental Health Support

• Confidential Support for Families of Undocumented Immigrants

• Coping with News Cycle Stress and Political Unrest

• Dealing with Life in Troubled Times

• Legal Resources

• Life Coaching and Counseling Services

If you know of an employee that could benefit from support, please share the Bree Health flier with them. These services are 100% confidential for all employees.

NexGen EAP is Rebranding as Bree Health!
Here is the new EAP flyer for BREE Health, nothing is changing with the EAP program but its name.

Bree Health offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support your mental health and well being. The goal is to make accessing care as easy and effective as possible, so you can focus on what matters most. Examples of services offered are certified life coaching and counseling, legal & financial resources, employee discounts, health advocacy and so much more.

Medical Leaves:

Employees who are out of work due for more than five (5) consecutive days (non-COVID related) are required to provide a medical note attesting to the employee's inability to work and providing medical clearance BEFORE they return to active status. The notice should be submitted directly to the Benefits Office, who will inform the Supervisor of such absence. If you have an employee who has been out of work and you have yet to receive notification from the Benefits Office, please contact us, as many absences are recorded on a two-week delay, which impacts our reporting and contact with the employee.

Read and Write Resource: Link

Teachers, please use Read & Write, if not already, to support daily instruction. This is a great tool for students to assist with accessing content and supporting instruction!

Revised CRE Training:

Register for the Revised CRE Spring Training!

In response to your feedback, the exciting revisions include:

• Practical advice and focus on instructional moves

• Discussions about how CRE helps students from a variety of subgroups

• More time to process info with staff from a variety of schools

• Info on resources to navigate barriers to success as a CRE

Click the link on the flyer to register in Frontline