Parents and Guardians Greetings and Nya:wëh sgë:nö

As we wrap up the first month of the school year, I wanted to take a moment to share how wonderful it has been getting to know our students and building a positive, energetic start to the year.

From the very first day, our classrooms have been filled with curiosity, laughter, and a strong sense of community. Students have settled in beautifully, formed new friendships, and jumped right into learning. It has been truly rewarding to see their enthusiasm and growth already shining through.

This week has been especially exciting as we celebrate Spirit Week and the many homecoming festivities! The hallways have been bursting with school colors, creative dress-up days, cheering, and pure school spirit. Students have embraced every theme with so much energy and creativity, and the homecoming activities have brought everyone together in the best way. It’s been awesome to watch our school community come alive with pride and fun.

In partnership with Bank on Buffalo, ACS will host its annual Junior Financial Reality Fair on Thursday, October 1. This popular event gives students a hands-on dose of “reality,” showing them what it takes to manage everyday expenses in today’s economy.

Thank you for the support you continue to give from home. It truly makes all the difference. We’re so grateful to have such wonderful families as partners in this journey.

Nya:wëh

Mr. Stephen Dimitroff - High School Principal

Mr. David Brick - High School Assistant Principal

October:

1 - Homecoming *Induction Ceremony*

1 - Junior Financial Reality Fair

2 - HS Pep Assembly

2 - Homecoming Parade / Homecoming Football Game

7 - BOE Meeting

9 - WNY College Consortium

14 - Indigenous Peoples' Day (No Classes)

16 - PSAT *(8:00 - 12:00 pm)

15 - Ineligibility / Restricted Pass List Out

20 - Class Ring Day (During Lunches)

21 - Flu Shot Clinic (3:00 - 6:00 pm) HS GYM 3

21 - BOE Meeting

23 - GSA/Interact Halloween Fun Night (4:30 - 6:30 pm)

29- HS Picture Retake Day

31 - Tiger Tracks Published

OCTOBER NEWS

It has been great to see the school year begin well!

Students now have all their requested schedule changes. Senior meetings and the college application process have started. Counselors are meeting with all seniors individually to help them with future plans including college, trade, military, etc.

The Western New York College Consortium will be at ACS on October 9th. We will be inviting all juniors and seniors to attend. This event includes over 20 local college reps in which students can meet with and gather information.

The PSAT will be given on October 14th during the school day. Students were given information in their English classes. This is a voluntary practice exam for interested students.

There are also several college visits planned for this fall, please listen to announcements for information.

Various College Representatives will be visiting Akron in October so any interested Juniors & Seniors may sign up to meet with them in Student Support. Seniors listen to announcements.

Various Armed Services Recruiters will be available monthly to talk with during all lunches. Announcements will be made prior to their visitations.

We look forward to a fun and productive fall!

Hello Senior Parents,

Time really does go by so quickly, doesn't it? I feel like it was just yesterday that I was meeting your kids in their freshmen classes, and here they are...already seniors! It's really an honor and privilege to serve as the yearbook advisor and see all of their stories and memories unfold.

I'm just writing to include you on the information we delivered to your seniors: our senior information sheet (quotes, baby pics, favorite memories, favorite photos, future plans, clubs/hobbies, senior advice). We're requesting that those are turned in by Thanksgiving break.

Also, we've included information if you'd like to purchase a book or senior ad. It's always best to do those sooner rather than later. The book costs $10 less if ordered by January. Ads are also best to complete and reserve by January so we don't run out of space.

Thanks for raising such wonderful kids. It is a pleasure to know them (and you as well.)

NYSSBA Exhibit

A great way to advocate for and bring attention to your program…
The NYSATA sponsored New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) Exhibit is an annual art exhibit that brings attention to your students' work with members of local school boards at the School Board Association's annual convention.

Since 2020 this show has pivoted to an online platform allowing the required flexibility needed with our changing times. Images of artwork submitted will be used to create a virtual exhibit representing our 10 regions. Participants from elementary and secondary schools across the state are featured in this prestigious show. School board members attending the NYSSBA Convention will able to view student artwork during the convention October 22-24 in Buffalo, NY. Attendees and the public will continue to have access to the virtual art exhibit through Spring of 2027.

October is here! This month, we’re expanding our understanding of health beyond just physical wellness. In addition to our focus on communication from last month, we’ll explore the dimensions of health and learn how to make informed decisions that positively impact our well-being. With Homecoming upon us, this is the perfect time to reflect on how to make well informed decisions, and reflect on how our decisions can impact more than just ourselves.

Decision Making for Health: We’ll learn a decision-making model to help guide choices related to health. Whether it’s deciding what to eat, how to manage stress, or choosing safe behaviors, we’ll explore strategies to make informed, responsible decisions.

Healthy Habit of the Month: Be a Mindful Decision-Maker

Before making a choice, pause and ask yourself:

Is this safe?
Is it healthy?
Does it align with my goals and values?
How might this affect me and others in the future?
Community Service Reminder

Remember, you need 5 hours of community service by the end of the year. October is a great time to get involved! Think about fall festivals, local events, or school activities where volunteers are needed.

As we move into November, we’ll be focusing on Stress, Coping Strategies, and Mental Health — topics that are especially important as the semester gets busier.

The beginning of the school year is always so busy in the NAO. Actually, I think “buzzy” is a better word!

Many students have ceremonies to attend to. Then, of course, Every Child Matters or Orange Shirt Day on September 30th.

We try to ensure that all students know a little about what happened at Indian Boarding Schools - as not to repeat history. This year we made a giant handprint out of student handprints that they willingly cut out of orange paper during lunches.

In September, we are also planning for November and Native American Heritage Month. Again, it is important to share cultures so there isn’t fear or animosity towards a group of people who may be different.

In the month of October we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day! We can’t forget that day because it is when Native contributions to the colonists are recognized.

Also, if you are one who is celebrating American 250, please check out the roots of American democracy that was mirrored after the Haudenosaunee. One of the most important exchanges for the United States! We are fortunate to be buzzy for the next little bit!

A message from our SRO

October is highlighted as National Pedestrian Safety and Fire Prevention month, among other awareness topics.

National Pedestrian Safety focuses on helping to reduce the risks of injury and death to pedestrians by addressing unsafe driving habits and providing tips for pedestrians.

We are all pedestrians at some point, and with Halloween approaching, there will be an abundance of people out and about. Remember this while driving so you are a better defensive driver and less distracted.

Fire Prevention week is October 4-10 this year and its focus is on Lithium-Ion battery safety. It teaches adults and kids how to properly charge everyday devices like cell phones. laptops, e-bikes, scooters and toys to prevent overheating, fires and explosions.

Always have safety in mind with whatever you and your kiddos are doing and always have a plan. Communication, teaching and learning are all part of keeping everyone safe.

Stay safe Akron and Go Tigers!

Attendance Matters - Reporting Absences

The District has a dedicated phone line and email address in each building for a parent or guardian to report a child’s absence from school. Absences should be reported as early as possible to:

High School (716) 542-5009 OR

HSAttendance@akronk12.org

If the absence is reported by phone, the parent or guardian will receive an automated call from the district alerting and/or confirming the student’s absence. The student must present a note to the main office, signed by the parent or guardian indicating the date(s) and reason for the absence upon their return to school. If the absence is reported by email, the parent must indicate the child’s name, grade level, and reason for the absence.

Attendance can be the single most important factor in a student’s academic success. Akron Central School takes student attendance very seriously and works to assist students with poor attendance in both policy and practice.