Blue Devils Dispatch

Dear Attica Families,

As we enter the final month of 2025, I want to extend my appreciation for your continued partnership and support. Beginning with this newsletter, we are excited to highlight the many clubs and organizations that enrich our school community. Each month, these groups will share updates on their activities, upcoming events, and any information they feel families will find helpful. We hope this new feature strengthens connections between students, families, and the vibrant extracurricular life of our high school.

Our Students of the Month for the month of November were:

• 9th Grade - Cassandra Hoffman
• 10th Grade - Gracelyn Hotchkiss
• 11th Grade - Josh Seipel
• 12th Grade - Keagan Clark

As we move later into the month, please remember that Winter Recess is December 24th through January 2nd.

Warmly,

Mr. Jansma

Students must be present in school for a FULL day to be eligible to participate in extracurricular school activities. (sports, clubs, etc..)

A medical note from your child’s doctor verifying an appointment is acceptable for participation.

Weather Changes & Appropriate Clothing

Temperatures can vary significantly in November. Please remind students to:

Dress in layers
Bring a jacket or sweatshirt
Wear appropriate footwear on cold or wet days
Being properly dressed helps reduce the risk of illness and ensures students are comfortable throughout the school day.

ALL medications require a doctor’s order to be on file (including Tylenol/ibuprofen).

Students are not allowed to carry medication unless approved by their

physician and school nurse.

When to Keep Your Child Home: continued reminders

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

• Vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours

• A persistent cough or difficulty breathing

• An unexplained rash

• Eye drainage or redness that may suggest conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Children should be symptom-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.

High School Science Club Brings Halloween Magic to 5th Grade Classrooms!

Just before Halloween, the High School Science Club brought a little mystery and magic to the 5th grade classrooms with two crowd-pleasing “spooky science” experiments.

First, students wowed the audience by using their “magic wands” to make a meter stick spin in a perfect circle—without ever touching it! Gasps and giggles filled the room as 5th graders tried to guess how the impossible suddenly seemed possible.

Next came a bubbling witch’s brew that magically shifted colors right before their eyes. The younger students eagerly shared their hypotheses, comparing ideas and trying to uncover the science behind the spellbinding transformations.

The 5th graders were thrilled to have special visitors in their classrooms, and the Science Club students loved seeing their curiosity ignite. It was a fun, festive visit that blended Halloween excitement with real scientific discovery—a perfect potion for learning!

High School Science Club Lights Up November With Colorful Chemistry

The High School Science Club continues to spark curiosity as it meets every other week in Room 159. During each meeting, members roll up their sleeves for hands-on experiments and plan exciting outreach events—like the annual Halloween demos and Elementary STEM Day—where they share the wonder of science with younger students.

This month’s experiments were especially dazzling. Students explored how different metals can create brilliant bursts of color when exposed to heat. These colors form what’s known as the atomic emission spectrum, essentially a “fingerprint” that scientists can use to identify substances. It was a bright and exciting reminder that even tiny particles can put on a spectacular show!

Advisors: Mrs. O’Donnell and Mrs. Winters

From Room 126 (Mr.Heck)

Getting ready for college and a future career starts with knowing your strengths, exploring different pathways, and building the skills you’ll use in the real world. This month we have been working towards those goals in Economics class. Students started by answering career development questions that center on asking the serious questions that face us all as we ask “What am I going to do for a living?” They researched 3 careers that they may be interested in pursuing and followed that up by exploring the paths they may need to take to achieve that career.

But being ready for your future isn’t just about academics—it’s also about understanding money. As you move toward adulthood, you’ll start to hear more about interest rates, loans, and investments. Knowing how credit scores work, how student loans and other borrowing can affect your future, and how investing early can grow your wealth gives you the power to make smart choices. With these tools, you can build a strong foundation for both your education and your financial future. This will lead us into a New York State inquiry that centers around the question “Why does the middle class struggle?” This is where your children will be approaching these questions and asking people that are in their lives how they have navigated these challenges. They will focus on healthcare, income, housing cost, childcare, and retirement. The goal is to develop solutions to navigate the economic challenges they may face as they transition into adulthood.

Business Department

Students in Career and Financial Management have been busy exploring the world of work and preparing for their future careers! We began with career exploration, where students researched a career of interest and created a presentation to share their findings. From there, we learned about how to find job opportunities, discussing the importance of job boards, networking, and reading job postings carefully.

Next, students focused on building strong application materials. They learned how to write professional resumes and cover letters, practiced completing a job application, and examined interview best practices, including how to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer situational questions confidently.

Students also explored employee benefits and how to compare job offers by considering salary, benefits, job responsibilities, advancement opportunities, location, company reputation, and job security. Finally, we wrapped up with a look at on-the-job paperwork—including completing an I-9 form, W-4 form, and direct deposit enrollment—to understand what’s required when starting a new job.

It’s been an exciting and practical unit, helping students gain the tools they’ll need for success in the workplace!

Ag Department

In late October, 8 of our FFA members proudly represented our school at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. Alongside more than 70,000 FFA members from across the country, our students participated in leadership workshops, educational tours, competitions, and inspiring keynote sessions focused on teamwork, agricultural innovation, and personal growth.

During the convention, students had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, explore career pathways in agriculture, and network with FFA members from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Highlights of the trip included attending the National Expo, participating in skill-building activities, and cheering on national finalists from around the country. Students also got to attend a rodeo where they met rodeo professionals, and saw performances from a variety of entertainers.

Students left with awesome memories, new perspectives, and an interest in trying new competitions. We are so proud!

Geometry students have been diving into classical compass-and-straightedge constructions this week! We explored how these geometric tools can create precise and elegant figures, and students practiced constructing angle bisectors to better understand symmetry and congruence. The photos show students hard at work applying these timeless mathematical skills in a hands-on, engaging way.

English 11 is finalizing their research papers in room 302 for the next few weeks. Students are utilizing databases on Library.fyi and Google Scholar to formulate an argument on various controversial social, political and environmental topics.

Mr. Sabatino’s and Miss Koepsell’s PE students recently concluded the Nitro Ball unit. Students have worked really hard at developing and refining their skills as well as learning how to communicate as a team and come up with strategies that would help their team be more successful. To culminate the unit, tournaments were held in each class and the winners are…

For the last couple of weeks, Financial Math class with Mrs. Stoldt has been learning how expensive it is to live independently via notes, class discussion, and projects. The students discussed that living on their own is a big step in life, and one of the first wake-up calls in realizing just how much it costs to keep a roof over their head. The research shows that renting can feel more manageable upfront, but one must have a deposit upfront and make monthly payments. They have come to the realization that those payments can add up fast depending on the area they are living in. We also discussed the cost of buying a house. They realized that this comes with long-term commitment, bigger upfront costs; like a down payment, and ongoing expenses such as insurance, taxes, and maintenance. Learning about these costs helps them realize that planning realistically, budgeting smarter, and figuring out what kind of independence fits their life and wallet.

Freshmen: Freshmen meetings are currently taking place. Each freshmen student is required to meet with their counselor to discuss 1st quarter grades, credits earned, future courses, and career plans. It's never too early to at least begin thinking about future careers.

Freshmen Tip of the Month: The end of the 1st quarter is the perfect time to begin to build small habits that set you up for success. Instead of making huge resolutions, pick one or two simple routines—like reviewing class notes for 10 minutes a day or checking your planner each morning. Small habits are easier to stick with and make a big difference by the end of the semester. A little progress every day prevents stress from piling up and helps you feel in control.

Sophomores: We toured BOCES on November 5 and it was a hit! So much to see in a short amount of time but still a great way to get a snapshot of the career and tech programs available. Interested students will have an opportunity to spend an hour in two sessions of their choosing in March. HOBY signups are happening now! Amazing leadership opportunity for students in 10th grades, click here for more information or call Ms. Frongetta at ext. 1628

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Juniors: Juniors are encouraged to stop by and chat with Mr. Gardner about their future endeavors. Mr. Gardner can help students find ways to visit colleges, look into trade schools, meet with military recruiters, etc. Schedule a meeting with Mr. Gardner to get the process started.

Junior Tip of the Month: Junior year can get busy, but one of the smartest things you can do is strengthen the relationships that support your success. Connect with teachers—ask questions, participate, or stop by after class. These relationships can lead to better understanding, support, and future recommendation letters. Collaborate with classmates—study groups can boost your grades and reduce stress. Check in with yourself—building a healthy academic and personal balance is key.

Junior year is when your academic story takes shape, and having people who know your strengths (and can vouch for you) opens doors in your senior year and beyond.

Seniors: It's crunch time! College applications should be out by next week. If you haven't had a chance to see Ms. Frongetta, or you're worried about what to do next, make sure to stop in and make a plan. Everything is figureoutable!

If you have completed your applications, the link to complete your FAFSA is here

Not going to college? Still not sure what to do? We can help with that too! Great resource for career explorations Onetonline Take an interest inventory, see what jobs are going to be popular, and how much training you need to land that dream job.

The holidays can be magical but they can also be difficult for many families. Sticking to a routine, keeping kids in the loop with plans, and remembering to take care of yourself are just some of the ways to battle the stress. Click here to read the full article from the University of Rochester

The Attica Matching Band participated in the Attica Veterans Appreciation Parade on Saturday November 8th. It was a beautiful day honoring our local Veterans.

Our most recent Math Team competition was November 6th. Ath A-Team tied for first place with Oakfield-Alabama. Both A and B teams did very well. The A-Team's top scorer was Josh Kipfer, and top scorer for B-Team was Logan Armstrong. Many students scored personal best scores for the round. Our next competition is December 16th.

-There are opportunities for ALL students (not just NHS) to get service hours by ringing the Salvation Army bell at Tops, students can see Mrs. Peters for details.

-Any student planning to apply to NHS in February, when the invitations go out, will need at least 20 hours of documented community service.

-Winter Ball is being planned for Saturday, February 8th from 7-10pm.

Best Buddies Club Prepares for Christmas Event

Following a successful Halloween event, the Best Buddies Club is eagerly planning their Christmas celebration, scheduled for December 12th at the elementary school. Club members recently met to brainstorm activities and organize various stations for the event. They will reconvene on December 4th to assemble individual kits for the craft and cookie decorating stations.

Additionally, club members have been assisting Mrs. Pierce's students with their Basic Bites cart, delivering delicious treats to teachers throughout the school. It's a busy time for our students in the Best Buddies Club!

November 25- Teacher Appreciation Event

December 8- FFA Night Meeting 5:30-6:30 pm

December 5- Ag In The Classroom: Pine Tree & Cabbage

December 15-17 FFA Assisting with Secret Santa’s Workshop

December 6- Shop With A Cop

Student Government is preparing for decorating the halls for winter and our winter spirit week!

Hey! Did you know that the High School has its own Art Club? This club, advised by Art Teacher Ms. Steves, is a creative space where students come together to explore different artistic mediums, share ideas, and develop their skills in a supportive environment. Members might experiment with drawing, painting, sculpture, or mixed-media projects. We are a student led club where you can bring your own artwork to work on, or work on the project of the week. The club provides a relaxed, inspiring space for students to express themselves, learn from peers, and build confidence in their artistic voice. It’s also a great place to make friends who share a love for creativity and imagination. The club meets every Wednesday in room 324 during 5th and 6th period lunch. We also plan to meet two to three times a month after school. So stop in and check it out! Everyone is welcome!

Senior High Book Club is excited to announce the activities we are planning for December. We are starting off by collecting books for students who do not have the opportunity to have books at home. The book collection bin will be in the library. We need books for all ages. This will run from November to December 12th. Please feel free to send in a few new or gently used books to the high school. The next event we are planning is a movie night for our families and community members. The details are not finalized yet, but further information will be coming out soon. Keep a lookout for a date, the times, and the location to be posted.

The Connect Life club took a field trip to Connect Life Headquarters on Tuesday, November 18th. The club learned about organ and tissue donation and toured the blood lab. Students learned how they can become blood donors and the importance of signing up for the donor registry to help save lives. Connect Life club hosted a blood drive at the high school in November and will host a second one in March.

Scholastic Bowl will kick off their 2026 season with their first practice Tuesday, December 2nd. Meetings will be every Tuesday, during 6th period. Everyone is welcome! Meets begin in January.

Club America is a new club this year. It is driven by Turning Point USA and is a 24/7-365 grassroots

activist organization. The overall mission of Club America is to educate, empower, and organize.

• Educate students about the importance of freedom, free markets, and limited government.
• Identify student activists across the country who believe in limited government and individual liberty.

• Empower young activists by strengthening campus networks, attending conferences, and

  equipping them with the knowledge and strategies needed to make a difference in their

  community.

• Organize young activists in chapters and networks across the country.

• Mobilize students to get involved in activism, issue advocacy, public policy education, and

  
  

  grassroots organization.

• Register students to vote.

In the Attica chapter, we are looking at developing leadership skills and personal growth, building

community service and involvement, and rendering college and career readiness through the grassroots activism. We are empowering civic mindsets, experiences, and knowledge.

Our officers for the year are as follows: PRESIDENT- Robert Beck; VP – Jackson Beck; SECRETARY – Jace Anetrini; TREASURER – Samuel Dunlap.

On October 18th , a few of our members went to the Faith and Freedom Rally in Batavia and heard many speakers, including one of Attica’s alumni, Sunnie (Bifarella) Tobias as she spoke about her Hilton HS Chapter. Other speakers included Ayesha Kreutz (Fredrick Douglas Freedom Alliance), Nancie Orticelli (civic leader from Buffalo; Constitutional Coalition of Western NY), and Michelle Erdt (Snowbelt Field Rep for TPUSA’s Club America), just to name a few.

In our first “official” meeting, we worked on developing our Club America Constitution and discussed

ideas and plans for future activities as the year progresses. Attica’s Chapter presently has 20 students and are always looking for more to join!

The Attica Clay Dusters trap team completed their fall season at the end of October with a team dinner and awards. Kendra Meyer received an award for top shooter and highest varsity average. Gavin Carpenter received an award for highest junior varsity average and Chris Eddy Jr. received an award for highest novice average. The team had a great fall season with 13 members on the team, 4 of those being new members. During the off season the team is completing fundraisers for the spring season and brainstorming their community service project for the year. The team's next fundraiser will be Merle Maple 11/24-12/8. Anyone interested in joining the team should attend the next meeting on December 18th at 6pm in the high school library. Parents are welcome. If you have any questions please contact head coach Andrea Barrett at abarrett@atticacsd.org or 585-591-0400 ext. 2235.

-Senior/Kindergartner Elf Day is being planned for Thursday afternoon, Dec. 18th. Seniors should NOT be buying gifts for the kindergartners. The class will buy gifts for all students, so everyone gets the same. Any student still owing fundraiser opt-out fees will need to pay $25 towards their opt-out fees to participate, and before they will be allowed to sign for a kindergartner. Senior trip ideas will be discussed with students on this day and decisions will be made from voting.

-Caps and gowns for Graduation should have been ordered by now, but if not, please do so ASAP. Please refer to the following information from our Jostens rep (this information can also be found on Class of 2026 Google Classroom page (shared in September).

Hello Class of 2026 Seniors/Parents, IF YOU HAVE ORDERED ALREADY, THANK YOU AND THERE IS NOTHING MORE FOR YOU TO DO.

This contains everything you need to order your cap, gown & tassel, graduation products as well as class jewelry.
Please visit www.jostens.com to order. The cap, gown & tassel will be delivered to school and passed out in the spring. All other items will be shipped directly to your home.
Click to view Catalog

Quick order instructions:
1. www.jostens.com
2. Click shop your school & enter your school name
3. Click graduation
4. Popular packages that include cap, gown & tassel will show up first. Items other than cap, gown & tassel will be shipped to your home in approximately 2-3 weeks.
5. Scroll down to shop all graduation products
6. Cap, gown & tassel packages and individual items are listed (The most basic package of cap, gown and tassel is $46).
Any questions, please contact me directly at tom.mcgrath@jostens.com or call our office (716) 688-4077

Future Dates to keep in mind:

Prom: Thursday, June 18th at The Sterling at Arrowhead Golf Course in Akron, NY from 6-10pm (ALL past opt-out fees must be paid off in order to attend prom)

Seniors Awards Night: Wednesday, June 10th

Graduation: Friday, June 26th

What is SADD?

"Students Against Destructive Decisions" is a national nonprofit dedicated to the safety and wellness of all students. Using 40 years of expertise to facilitate education and engaging programming. SADD operates through school and community chapters (like student clubs) dedicated to advocating healthy decision-making. Here are the activities that students can be involved in for the month of November.

11.2 - 11.8: Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

11.20: Great American Smoke-Out

All throughout the month students will also be involved in making blankets to add to our donations to families in need at Christmas.

SADD is open to ALL students in grades 9-12 and meeting dates and times are always on the morning announcements. Please have students see Mrs. Janes if you are interested in joining the group!

Auditions 11/17 and 11/18

Rehearsals begin after school on 12/8

Family Fun Night Fundraiser 1/9 6pm-8pm

Show is 2/27 and 2/28

Mock Trial - an opportunity for students to learn about the legal system. Each team throughout NYS is given a case in which they prepare both the defense and the plaintiff (prosecution) side of the case. During competitions our defense will compete against another school's plaintiff (prosecution) and vice - versa. Attica is privileged to have Wyoming County Attorney Jennifer Wilkonson as our legal advisor.

Our first meeting is scheduled for November 24 at 3:30 in Room 256. The case will be available in early December, but will will begin some background knowledge. Snacks are provided!