The Hive

Dear Forestville Families and Community,

I hope that you had a wonderful summer! The new school year is off to a great start, and I would like to extend a warm Hornet welcome to our students, families, teachers, and staff. As we begin the 2025-2026 school year, I want to thank our community members for the continued support that you give to our school and our students.

Many exciting things are already happening in our district beginning with our annual bell ringing ceremony on the first day of school. Our students have participated in open house and spirit week at both the elementary and the MS/HS, numerous sporting events, a MS/HS band and chorus

concert, and Homecoming.

We are looking forward to the upcoming capital project as well as the clean green energy project

which will enhance and improve our school campus. Our aim is to create a welcoming, positive,

and safe environment for all students.

In August, the school board participated in our annual fall workshop. We focused on reviewing our

board goals and discussing educational initiatives. We spent time reviewing the progress our

district has made in the past year and considering new opportunities to continue to improve our

district. Our school website has recently been updated, and I encourage you to visit it at

www.forestville.com to find dates for upcoming school board meetings, important documents,

policies, and more.

Thank you again for being an integral part of the Forestville Central School family. Your dedication

and commitment to our school community is essential to the success of our students.

We look forward to a year full of great accomplishments and growth at FCS!

Sincerely,

Andrea Spengler

FCS Board of Education President

Dear Forestville School District Community,

As we begin the new school year, I want to thank our community for the ongoing support you continue to show Forestville. This past spring, our annual budget passed with an 80% approval rate. Your strong support allows us to maintain high-quality programs and continue investing in what matters most—our students.

Last year, voters also approved a capital project proposition that will significantly improve our facilities. The project focuses on key instructional and student spaces, including improvements to the elementary cafeteria, entrance, and main hallway at the elementary school; locker rooms in both buildings; and updates to the fitness center at the middle/high school.

This year, the district voters approved a clean green energy initiative at a remarkable 90% approval rate. This project will bring more efficient heating and cooling to many of our instructional spaces. Planning and design work is already underway for both projects and construction is scheduled to begin this spring and will continue through the 2026–2027 school year. Additional information will be available as we develop specific construction schedules.

While we look forward to the major facility upgrades that will take shape over the next two years, I want to recognize the outstanding work already happening behind the scenes. Throughout the summer, our facilities team focused on the details that make a big difference—fresh paint in classrooms and common areas, newly coated railings, and countless repairs and touch-ups that are often overlooked during the busy school year. Thanks to their dedication, our buildings look better than ever, and we appreciate their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for our students and staff.

Alongside these improvements, we remain strongly committed to academic growth. This year, one of our focus areas is to have our staff participating in professional learning focused on formative assessment—an instructional approach where teachers gather real-time evidence of student learning to adjust teaching and provide targeted feedback. This work supports more personalized instruction and allows students to take an active role in their own learning.

Finally, we’re excited to share that our district website has been completely redesigned. It now features a cleaner look, improved navigation, and easier access to the information families use most. Please take a moment to explore the new site at www.forestville.com when you have a chance.

Thank you once again for your continued partnership and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. We are looking forward to a great school year together!

Sincerely,

Dr. John O'Connor

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Forestville Families,

As the leaves begin to change and we settle into our school routines, I want to take a moment to share how proud I am of the start we’ve had together this year. The energy in our hallways, the joy in classrooms, and the dedication from both staff and families have made these first months of school a success.

We are thrilled to see students engaging in learning and working hard to meet their goals. Our PBIS expectations—being respectful, responsible, safe, and kind—continue to guide us each day. Teachers are recognizing students with Hornet Bucks/Class Dojo Points, and we will celebrate with our first Hornet Heroes event this quarter. Thank you for encouraging these positive behaviors at home, too—it truly makes a difference!

Fall has brought so much excitement—our Scholastic Book Fair and Open House were wonderful opportunities to connect with our families. We’ve also enjoyed Spirit Week and Penny Wars, thanks to our Parent Connection! Your role in these events makes Forestville Elementary such a special place for our students.

I want to thank you for being such strong partners in your child’s education. Whether it’s helping with homework, reading at home, or simply asking about your child’s day, these moments matter. Together, we are building a school community where every student feels safe, supported, and inspired to do their best.

Wishing you a wonderful fall season filled with family time, cozy moments, and continued growth for our students.

Sincerely,

Shauna McMahon
Elementary Principal

There’s something timeless about the start of a new school year in Forestville. Each September, our students, staff, and community come together at the historic bell tower to officially ring in another year of learning, growth, and tradition. This “Bell Ringing Ceremony,” a Forestville hallmark for well over a century, connects our current generation to the town’s earliest days.

The bell itself was purchased by a group of village ladies back in 1845—that’s 180 years ago! In those early days, its chime reminded children across the village that it was time to head to school. Today, it continues to remind us that education is still at the heart of our community.

This year’s ceremony was especially memorable. Senior Class President Anna Gilman delivered a heartfelt and inspiring welcome to both her classmates and the entire student body. Board of Education member Derek Case and Superintendent Dr. John O’Connor also shared thoughtful opening remarks, reflecting on Forestville’s strong traditions and bright future. The event concluded with Mr. Hagen and the school band performing our beloved alma mater—a perfect way to start the year together.

As of September 1, New York State requires all school districts to restrict student cell phone and personal device use during the school day. Many expected resistance, but I’m proud to share that Forestville students rose to the occasion with maturity and grace.

One student even told the Board of Education that the change has been surprisingly positive—she’s noticed more students talking, laughing, and playing games together in the cafeteria and library instead of sitting silently on their phones. While she admitted missing her music during study hall at first, she quickly adjusted and now enjoys the extra social interaction. This kind of self-awareness and cooperation speaks volumes about our students’ character.

This year’s Open House was one for the books—our best turnout in years! Families filled the hallways, reconnecting with teachers and exploring classrooms that had been beautifully prepared for the evening.

The Spanish Club set the tone early with a delicious cultural dinner, and the night wrapped up with a Fall Concert that left everyone smiling. Mr. Hagen’s band continues to grow both in size and skill, and we were thrilled to welcome Mrs. Pearson, our new District Chorus Teacher, who led the chorus in a wonderful debut performance. It was a proud moment for our music department and a reminder of how vibrant our student programs are.

A big thank you goes out to the Town of Hanover Highway Department for installing a new crosswalk and stop sign in front of the high school. This long-overdue improvement makes a world of difference for student safety. I’ve wondered for years why this wasn’t in place—and now, thanks to great teamwork, it’s finally a reality.

The first couple of months have flown by, and we’re off to a fantastic start. As winter approaches, please remember to stay tuned to local radio and television stations for weather-related announcements. The district will also send out All Call voice notifications—if your contact information needs updating, please reach out to the main office so we can keep you informed.

On behalf of the faculty and staff at Forestville Central, thank you for your continued support and for entrusting us with your children. Together, we’ll make this school year another one to remember.

Sincerely,

Daniel Grande
MS/HS Principal

Iris Muck, Anna Gilman, Ava Emke, Shianne Threlkeld, and Madison Hall

Photo credit: Sideline Images of WNY (Jon Neubauer)

Missing from photos: Boys Varsity Soccer, Jayden Core.

Ella Duliba

Photo credit: Sideline Images of WNY (Jon Neubauer)

Photo credit: Sideline Images of WNY (Jon Neubauer)

Leah Waite

Mr. Prinzi, with the help of Mrs. Fisher, Mr. Hagen, Mr. Pratt, Mr. Wright and Mrs. Britz revealed the 25-26 school musical. FCS students will be performing Bye Bye Birdie on March 19-21, 2026!

The year is 1958, and the much-adored rock-and-roll idol - Conrad Birdie - has been drafted into the US army. His songwriter and agent, Albert, and Albert’s secretary and girlfirend, Rosie, hatch a plan for a farewell performance, which they hope will help sell Birdie’s new song “One Last Kiss,” and ultimately save Almaelou Records from going under.

Their selection of super fan Kim MacAfee sends the wholesome enclave of Sweet Apple, Ohio into chaos. Kim’s boyfriend, Hugo, can’t take the humiliation of his lady love’s televised lip-lock. Rosie can’t take another minute of Albert’s distracted ways. And Sweet Apple can’t take its teens' riotous rebellion, inspired by the arrival of bad-boy Birdie. Will Sweet Apple ever be the same? Find out on March 19-21!

Please join us in Congratulating 8th grade student Kellan Pryll! Kellen entered a worldwide writing contest competition called "Integer," and his story, “The Dice," was chosen to be published in the Young Writers copy of the book!

Thank you to Chief Kyle Barthel and the Forestville Fire Department for taking the time to close out Fire Prevention Week at Forestville Elementary School. An assembly was held to discuss fire prevention and safety. A special shout out to Principal Mrs. McMahon who joined students in demonstrating their Stop, Drop and Roll techniques. After the assembly, some of the grades were able to go outside and meet with the firefighters and see their trucks and equipment.

Students in Mr. Jackson's 5th-grade class started off October with pumpkin painting.

The WNY Consortium of Higher Education visited Forestville High School! Juniors and seniors were able to learn about what the 19 colleges and universities have to offer, and help them make plans for their future after graduation.

Third-grade students completed a writing project focused on 9/11. The students had to interview someone who was alive during the event, and they created art with the words "September 11, Never Forget."

Our girls youth basketball teams finished up their second season this fall. We had 29 girls on three different teams. The program is an unofficial school team and is for girls in grades 3-6, with some second graders playing. Thank you to all the coaches who volunteered to help with this program. We look forward to next season. If you have questions about the program, please reach out to coach Ralph Jackson at rjackson@forestville.com.

What are the classroom critters? This was the driving question Mrs. Miller’s 7th graders asked themselves the first week of school. The critters located on leaves in glass containers set in the middle of each classroom table captured the students’ attention from the first week of school. The students observed and recorded the observations of the critters daily. Before long, the tiny wormlike critters began to look like black, yellow, and gold caterpillars.

Mrs. Miller gently picked up a caterpillar daily to place under the document camera for the purpose of measuring the length. Each day the caterpillars would grow as well as holes growing in the leaves. Before long, the caterpillars outgrew the containers, and Mrs. Miller placed them in a cylinder netting container.

A chrysalis soon formed. Before long, there were 10 chrysalises hanging from the top of the container. The students excitedly came into class each morning and headed straight to the container. A butterfly emerged, and Mrs. Miller tagged it and set it free out of Mrs. LeBaron’s third-floor window. This happened at the end of the school day on a Friday, so students didn’t see the first butterfly.

The following Monday, Mrs. Miller returned with the container full of monarch butterflies. The class was now able to answer the driving question. The tiny critters became monarch butterflies! The butterflies tagged for Project Monarch Watch (tracking project of monarch butterflies) were carefully placed in butterfly nets, and several students were selected to carry the nets outside as the rest of the class joined in on the fun. The butterflies were set free, perching on students’ hands for a short moment before fluttering off. Experiencing science first-hand was the perfect way to start off the school year for 7th-grade science students!

Students in Seventh-Grade Seminar are learning about stress and mindfulness. The students recently followed a yoga and meditation routine to help relieve stress in both the mind and body.

Ava Nearhoof and Alauna Sardineer want to make a difference in this world. They were inspired by reading "A Long Walk To Water," by Linda Sue Park in Ms. Matteson's class to create a website and fundraise for this cause.

Their website says, "It is important for our community to support Salva Dut's organization, Water for South Sudan, because access to clean water is a basic human right that many people in South Sudan still live without. Without clean water, communities face serious health risks from waterborne diseases, children are unable to attend school because they spend hours walking to distant water sources, and families struggle to grow food or maintain livelihoods.

"By helping Water for South Sudan, we can be part of a life-changing effort to bring safe, sustainable water sources to those in need. Clean water not only improves health and hygiene, but also empowers entire communities by giving them the foundation to grow, learn, and thrive. Our support can bring lasting change and hope to people who deserve the same basic necessities we often take for granted."

Board of Education

Andrea Spengler, President 716-725-4978

Jamie Gruber, Vice President 716-785-7876

Derek Case, Member 716-785-8959

Jamie Hebner, Member 716-785-8149

Michelle Merritt, Member 716-467-2469

Lindsey Ellis, Member 716-338-8292

Rachel Locke, Member 716-864-6087

Sophia Stewart, Student Board Member

Central Administration

John O’Connor, Superintendent 716-965-6539

Melody Voigt, Superintendent Secretary/District Clerk 716-965-6539

Kerrieann Pelletter, School Business Executive 716-965-6533

Kyle Barthel, Director of Facilities 716-965-6531

Sarah LoManto, Cafeteria Manager 716-965-6530

Wesley Wright, Director of Technology & Communications 716-965-6565

Kris Richter, Head Bus Driver 716-965-6550

Secondary School 716-965-2711

Daniel Grande, Middle/High School Principal

Sara Botticello, Middle/High School Secretary

Ashley Cross, School Nurse

Brianne Hazelton, School Counselor

Heather Jackson, Guidance Secretary

Melissa Press, Technology Integration Specialist

Elementary School 716-965-2742

Shauna McMahon, Elementary Principal

Brenda Schneider, Elementary Secretary

Aaron Bevill, Director of Special Education

Christine Bowker, CSE and CPSE Secretary

Nadine Donovan, School Nurse