Cortland Schools

Dear Cortland City School District Community,

As Superintendent of Schools, I am excited to recognize Women’s History Month throughout the month of March. This annual observance offers us a valuable opportunity to celebrate the countless contributions and achievements of women who have shaped our society, advanced our communities, and enriched our lives. From trailblazing leaders and innovators to unsung heroes and advocates for change, women have been at the forefront of every aspect of our history, and their influence continues to inspire us today.

Beyond our universal reflection, I encourage each of you to personally acknowledge the women who have enriched your own lives. A brief analysis of leadership by women in Cortland City Schools reveals two District Office leaders, four Principals, two Assistant Principals, eighteen Department and Grade Level leaders, three Head Teachers, and nine Liasons and Coordinators. I am deeply grateful for the leadership and accomplishment of the women who work in District. They help raise us all up every day, and inspire our students to see themselves in leadership roles later in life.

Please join me this month in cheering on the women who lead us, who guide us, who support us and challenge and inspire us. #WeAreCortland

Bob

This Weekly Blast features the K-12 Art program.

Registration for JV and Varsity Spring Sports opened February 15th and will remain open until March 14th. Registration for Modified Spring Sports will open on March 8th and will remain open until April 4th. Please register as soon as possible in order to allow nurses enough time to review each registration and request any missing or expired information that may be needed to complete the process. Once the registration period is closed, you will need special permission from the Athletic Director for Mrs. Partigianoni to reopen it.

Remember, if an athlete is not cleared, that athlete is not eligible for participation until the nurse approves the registration in Family ID. If you have any questions, please visit our Athletics homepage at cortlandschools.org, reach out to Peggy Partigianoni at mpartigianoni@cortlandschools.org or Coach Beam at tbeam@cortlandschools.org. If you have any medical questions, please reach out to Vickie Myers, the High School nurse, at vmyers@cortlandschools.org or Melody Scanlon, the Junior High nurse, at mscanlon@cortlandschools.org, as they are the only ones who can access this information.

Once the Spring season gets started, Coach Beam will have a parent meeting sometime during the first or second week of the season and coaches will share the details of this meeting with all participating caregivers. We will have separate meetings for JV/Varsity and Modified supporters, but anyone is welcome to attend either meeting at their convenience.

• March 1st - Music Boosters Mattress Sale - 10am - 4pm in the upstairs gym
• March 13th - District Prism Concert - 7:00 pm and Basket Raffle - 6:00 pm
• March 15th - JSHS Orchestra Field Trip - arrive by 12:40 pm if you are attending.
• March 29th - NYSSMA @ Cortland High School.

On Saturday, March 15th, students in grades 9 and 10 danced the night away at the semi-formal dance! The dance was held from 7-9pm in the upstairs gym at the CJSHS. Students had a great time and made memories to last a lifetime.

Astrid and Alivia’s submissions showcase their artistic creativity and thoughtful interpretation of this important theme. The competition includes multiple judging rounds, with district winners advancing to the state level. The top winners will receive recognition and cash prizes, with their artwork featured on the New York State Unified Court System’s website.

We are incredibly proud of Astrid and Alivia for their dedication and talent. Stay tuned for updates as the competition progresses, and join us in cheering them on!

Students from Cortland High School recently showcased their artistic talents at the prestigious Scholastic Art Awards Show, held at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse.. This event, renowned for celebrating the creativity and skill of young artists, draws participation from high schools across the region, and Cortland High was proud to be among them.

The Scholastic Art Awards is a national competition that has recognized the work of young artists for nearly a century. The regional portion of the competition, hosted by Onondaga Community College, allows students to exhibit their artwork in a professional gallery setting and compete for honors including Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and Honorable Mentions. Winning a regional award can also qualify students for the national competition, offering further recognition and opportunities for scholarships.

Cortland High School students submitted a wide variety of artwork, ranging from painting and sculpture to photography and digital media. Their work reflected not only their technical proficiency but also their unique creative perspectives, capturing emotions, concepts, and stories through their chosen mediums.

Art teachers at Cortland High School played a crucial role in guiding students through the creative process and preparing them for the competition. They encouraged students to explore their artistic voices while honing their craft, providing both support and critical feedback.

The Scholastic Art Awards show is an inspiring event that offers young artists a platform to gain recognition for their hard work and dedication. It also serves as a valuable opportunity for students to engage with art in a public setting, fostering a sense of community among young creatives in the region.

Cortland High School students walked away with pride, knowing that their talents were not only appreciated but celebrated on a broader stage. Whether or not they received an award, their participation in the show marked a significant achievement in their artistic journeys.

For the students, this experience was about more than just recognition; it was an opportunity to reflect on their growth as artists and to continue pushing their boundaries. The faculty at Cortland High School expressed their pride in all the students who took part, praising their courage to share their work with the world.

Several staff members were presented Tiger Paw Awards at the February 25th Board of Education meeting.

Elementary students and their families are welcome to join the Science Honor Society students in the upstairs gym at the High School on March 28 from 6 - 8 p.m. for an evening of science demonstrations and activities. Stations include slime making, pond water critters, DNA fingerprinting, soap bubble painting, and more! Admission is free! CHS Athletic Boosters will have concessions available for purchase.