Leap Day
Date: February 29, 2012
Written by: Brandon G.
Today is known as a leap day. A leap day comes every four years and is always February 29th. It is because most modern calendars have 365 days in them, but is in fact 365 days, 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 16 seconds. So, every four years an extra 24 hours have accumulated. Some famous people you may know that were born on a leap day include:
- Chris Conley, American Musician
- Bobby Snguinetti, American Hockey Player
- Cullen Jones, American Swimmer
Odyssey of the Mind Annual Event
Date: February 17, 2012
Written by: Mr. Coriale
HCS students showed off their talents today during the "HCS Odyssey of the Mind Day"! Each team presented their OM challenge as their peers, parents, coaches, and teachers cheered them on. Each team chose a challenge and worked together to create a unique solution. Students will compete at the OM Regional Competition on March 10th in Gloversville, New York. We wish all of our teams the best of luck! HCS is proud of your teamwork, creativity, and dedication! Thank you to all of the OM coaches who mentor students in this enrichment opportunity, as well as the HCS OM Coordinator, Mrs. Stahl.
Check out the videos below from each of the OM presentations.
Check out the videos below from each of the OM presentations.
Vitamin L Sings with Character
Date: February 17, 2012
Event Date: February 15, 2012
Written by: Patrick
Vitamin L recently visited our school to perform for the elementary students and some lucky high school students as well. Vitamin L, a musical group with a message, travels to schools to encourage positive character development through their original songs. Their message inspires, uplifts and encourages young children to have healthy relationships with each other and themselves. We were fortunate to welcome this group into our learning community with support from the Hamilton Emerald Foundation.
Check out the short clip below of one of Vitamin L's songs. Visit http://www.vitaminl.org/ for more information (or ask your child to sing some of their songs).
Check out the short clip below of one of Vitamin L's songs. Visit http://www.vitaminl.org/ for more information (or ask your child to sing some of their songs).
Mathletics: A Student Perspective
Date: February 17, 2012
Written by: Lucas
Eight-fifteen a.m, a cool Saturday morning, walking out to the bus, this is the first scene for many children in Mathletics. It seems daunting, perhaps unhealthy, waking up this early on the weekend to go do math. But something is different than in the status quo math class; it may be the smiling faces, the air of excitement, it may even be just Mrs. Curtis carrying a huge bag of Dunkin’ Donuts, but you feel the day is going to be great. As you mingle with other kids on the bus, driven by omnipresent Elaine Hughes, and eating your favorite donut, chocolate glazed, pumpkin, or whichever is your fancy, you know the day is going to be great. As the bus approaches the school, Mrs. Curtis begins calling out the teams, the main and the alternates. If you hear yourself on the alternates you relax. If you are one of the five chosen for the main you feel apprehensive, but you also feel pride and a sense of duty, maybe only faintly but still there; you have the chance to prove something to the school.
On to the actual day; crowding into a small cafeteria, a feeling of uncertainty overcomes you, this is math, why are you doing math on a weekend? Once again this feeling is quelled as friends join each other in groups, and you realize again that this is not math class. Then you are called up for the first part, the individuals. Level II Main Team, Level II Alternate, Level I Main Team, Level I Alternate, you are called up. Walking along the hallways, you reach the rooms, sit down and start the ten most difficult math questions of your life. You do not fear failure though, remember this is not math class; instead you try your best, skipping tough or incomprehensible ones and doing the ones you know, its almost an art. Then its back to the cafeteria for part 2, the group question. This part is personally my favorite, sitting in your group, picking your question and discussing it, same as you would discuss a TV show or what you did last night. Getting right to work, you finish the questions in no time at all, leaving the rest of your allotted time to talking about whatever your heart desires. Then its time for the third section of Mathletics, the relays. This is where any sense of school procedure breaks down, where you know Mathletics is truly a fun experience. You sit in your classes respective seat, flip over your question and wait for TNYWR (The Number You Will Receive). Once you get that number from the chair in front of you, one often realizes it is incorrect. So what do you do, since you can’t tell them its wrong? The intellectuals came up with a great method, kicking the student’s chair, often as hard as you possibly can. Finally, four questions and five-hundred kicks later, the third part is over. Now you get to go back to the cafeteria... again. But something there reminds you of the bus ride in, free treats! Mathletics not only pays off in fun and learning but in even more food! After everyone is settled, the award ceremony commences; if you beat all odds and got a ten on the individuals you get an award; if your team scored the most points, or second-third highest you get an award. To us at Hamilton though, these are not that important, yes we are happy if we win, but our mindset keeps us focused on how much fun we had over the morning’s events.
Then it is time for the return trip home, we do not feel sad that Mathletics is over, we know it will happen again next month. Now we get another treat, sadly not free though; we are going to eat again. Mathletics is definitely not an event for those who are afraid of gaining a few pounds. At any fast food restaurant we chow down, pig out, stuff our faces, etc, unless your wise enough to bring your own lunch or just plain refuse to eat. Between bites of cholesterol soaked meal you discuss your plans for the remainder of the day, and your plans for the rest of the weekend. Then we pile back onto the bus, now finally worn out after tiring our minds with math, and our bodies with food. Many sleep during this section, regaining energy for the rest of the day.
Finally we reach Hamilton Central, get off the bus and go home, knowing that you have had a great day doing MATH!
On to the actual day; crowding into a small cafeteria, a feeling of uncertainty overcomes you, this is math, why are you doing math on a weekend? Once again this feeling is quelled as friends join each other in groups, and you realize again that this is not math class. Then you are called up for the first part, the individuals. Level II Main Team, Level II Alternate, Level I Main Team, Level I Alternate, you are called up. Walking along the hallways, you reach the rooms, sit down and start the ten most difficult math questions of your life. You do not fear failure though, remember this is not math class; instead you try your best, skipping tough or incomprehensible ones and doing the ones you know, its almost an art. Then its back to the cafeteria for part 2, the group question. This part is personally my favorite, sitting in your group, picking your question and discussing it, same as you would discuss a TV show or what you did last night. Getting right to work, you finish the questions in no time at all, leaving the rest of your allotted time to talking about whatever your heart desires. Then its time for the third section of Mathletics, the relays. This is where any sense of school procedure breaks down, where you know Mathletics is truly a fun experience. You sit in your classes respective seat, flip over your question and wait for TNYWR (The Number You Will Receive). Once you get that number from the chair in front of you, one often realizes it is incorrect. So what do you do, since you can’t tell them its wrong? The intellectuals came up with a great method, kicking the student’s chair, often as hard as you possibly can. Finally, four questions and five-hundred kicks later, the third part is over. Now you get to go back to the cafeteria... again. But something there reminds you of the bus ride in, free treats! Mathletics not only pays off in fun and learning but in even more food! After everyone is settled, the award ceremony commences; if you beat all odds and got a ten on the individuals you get an award; if your team scored the most points, or second-third highest you get an award. To us at Hamilton though, these are not that important, yes we are happy if we win, but our mindset keeps us focused on how much fun we had over the morning’s events.
Then it is time for the return trip home, we do not feel sad that Mathletics is over, we know it will happen again next month. Now we get another treat, sadly not free though; we are going to eat again. Mathletics is definitely not an event for those who are afraid of gaining a few pounds. At any fast food restaurant we chow down, pig out, stuff our faces, etc, unless your wise enough to bring your own lunch or just plain refuse to eat. Between bites of cholesterol soaked meal you discuss your plans for the remainder of the day, and your plans for the rest of the weekend. Then we pile back onto the bus, now finally worn out after tiring our minds with math, and our bodies with food. Many sleep during this section, regaining energy for the rest of the day.
Finally we reach Hamilton Central, get off the bus and go home, knowing that you have had a great day doing MATH!
Mardi Gras with Mrs. Houze
Date: February 16, 2012
Written by: Sam
HCS third graders recently embarked on an exciting new adventure. The class began making Mardi Gras masks out of materials such as aluminum foil, plaster gauze strips, paint, “anything sparkly”, feathers and sticks. After the school resumes from break, the students will take a visit to Mr. Day's French 4 class consisting of 11th and 12th graders. The French class will speak (in French) to the 3rd graders about their masks and the history behind Mardi Gras. Check out the pictures below from Mrs. Houze's artists!
Hamilton Fell Head Over Heals for Valentine's Day 2012
Date: February 16, 2012
Written by: Elena
From adorable heart shaped cookies, love decor to spunky pink shirts, Hamilton was under the spell of this annual holiday dedicated to love and appreciation! The students raced around delivering anything from home made cards to Dora the Explorer scratch n’ sniff valentines. Even the Knights Knook got into the Valentines Day spirit! They sold homemade baked goods such as cookies and cupcakes. Elementary classrooms spent their day pigging out to wonderful food provided by their parents, and giving valentines and chocolates to their classmates and teachers at their many parties. We can’t wait to see what Valentines Day will bring next year!
Hamilton PTO Gives Back
Date: February 15, 2012
Written by: Barney
All of the students at HCS were excited this past week when they received a generous donation from the Hamilton PTO. This donation in the amount of $1, 000 will be used to purchase apps for iPads and iPods for students, Prek-12. These devices have revolutionized the way students learn at HCS, and we are fortunate to be able to continue differentiating each with apps for students using these funds. The Hamilton PTO board consists of HCS parents including Summer Knapp (president), Asrtrid Helefant (vice president), Michelle Dye (treasurer) and Karli Murray (secretary). The PTO board has also made many other funding contributions to HCS events including:
- Elementary Book Fair
- Elementary Yearbook
- Elementary Field Day
- The Holiday Shop
- After-prom Party
- Elementary Spelling Bee
- HCS Talent Show
- Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony
- Parents as Reading Partners (PARP)
- Healthy Day Toothbrushes
- Snacks for the Nurse's Office
- Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
Colgate Science Camp Deadline Approaching
Date: February 15, 2012
Written by: Hayleigh
This July 2nd through the 13th, Colgate University is hosting a Science and Sports Program, a two week “sleep away” camp where students work with Colgate professors and research students to learn about science while also practicing and trying new sports. Students entering 10th and 11th grade are invited (current 9th and 10th grade students). Some sports students are going to play include soccer, volleyball, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, and water polo. In the past, science related activities have included in-vitro fertilization of sea urchins, breed zebra fish, collect local fossils, watching presentations in the Vis. Lab, and collecting local plants to test their impact in killing bacteria. Participants also will go camping, hiking, climbing, and use a low-ropes course. All of these activities encourage kids to try new things and work together to build communication.
Applications and more information for this camp could be found on Mr. Coriale's website: http://hcsinnovationandenrichment.weebly.com/colgate-science-and-sports-camp.html.
The deadline for applications is March 21st. Sign up quick because there are limited spots for the camp.
Applications and more information for this camp could be found on Mr. Coriale's website: http://hcsinnovationandenrichment.weebly.com/colgate-science-and-sports-camp.html.
The deadline for applications is March 21st. Sign up quick because there are limited spots for the camp.
Oral Fluency Collaboration
Date: February 15, 2012
Written by: Mr. Coriale and Mrs. Rowland
Students in Mrs. Rowland's fourth grade class are almost ready to perform their "Reader's Theater" pieces! Each group has collaborated to practice their individual pieces, with a specific focus on oral fluency. Often, we don't have the opportunity or tools available to evaluate our own fluency. Not these fourth graders....they are using their iPod Touches (with small portable microphones) to record their practice sessions. Each group then takes time to evaluate, critique, and craft their skills using their recordings. Check out the pictures below from today's recording session!
HCS Science and Technology Fair
Event Date: April 4, 2012
Post Date: February 15, 2012
Written by: Andrew
On April 4th, Hamilton Central School will have their annual Science and Technology Fair. This will be the first year that the event is open for all HCS students in grades K-12! Entries can include experiments, presentations, posters, pictures, and more. The Registration deadline is March 1st, so hurry up and sign up. If you have any questions please contact Senorirta Castillo and [email protected].
Check out the poster below for more information.
Check out the poster below for more information.
Gate-Town Connection
Event Date: February 25th
Post Date: February 15 ,2012
Written by: Jordan Sheiner, John Lee, and Tyler Mark
All HCS families are invited with open arms to the second Gate-Town Connection of the year! The first event was a huge success and drew close to 1,000 community members. Please join Colgate students and faculty in the Reid Athletic Center for this event, which will conclude with the last Men's basketball home game of the season. Below is more information about this great community event. Check out the video from the first Gate-Town Connection as well.
In collaboration with the Blue Diamond Society, Colgate Men's Basketball, Gamma Phi Beta, Brothers, Unity House, the Office of Community Affairs, Residential Life, Broad Street Association, the Hamilton Theatre and Gilligan's we present the second Gate-Town Connection Event of the year.
At 2:30 PM on Saturday, February 25th join us for free food and activities in Reid:
- Free food including soft pretzels, Gilligan's Ice Cream, fruit, popcorn, cotton candy, hot chocolate, and other beverages will be served on a first come first serve basis.
- Chili Cookoff where students, faculty, and the hamilton community can compete for the best chili in Hamilton. Subsidies are provided and there is a prize. Please contact Alex at [email protected] for more details. FAMILIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE!
- Poster making and face painting
- Variety of carnival activities
The Men's Basketball Game will begin at 4:00 PM. The Hamilton Theater will be hosting a "pay what you want" promotion on tickets for the game.
- This is the LAST MEN'S HOME GAME OF THE SEASON
- Televised game against Holy Cross
- **50 FREE TSHIRTS will be handed out each quarter**
- **FREE POPCORN IN THE STANDS**
Stick around after the game for shoot around and autographs with your Men's Basketball team.
Check out this story from the Utica OD: http://www.uticaod.com/mid-yorkweekly/x565040969/Pay-What-You-Want-basketball-game-at-Colgate?photo=0
In collaboration with the Blue Diamond Society, Colgate Men's Basketball, Gamma Phi Beta, Brothers, Unity House, the Office of Community Affairs, Residential Life, Broad Street Association, the Hamilton Theatre and Gilligan's we present the second Gate-Town Connection Event of the year.
At 2:30 PM on Saturday, February 25th join us for free food and activities in Reid:
- Free food including soft pretzels, Gilligan's Ice Cream, fruit, popcorn, cotton candy, hot chocolate, and other beverages will be served on a first come first serve basis.
- Chili Cookoff where students, faculty, and the hamilton community can compete for the best chili in Hamilton. Subsidies are provided and there is a prize. Please contact Alex at [email protected] for more details. FAMILIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE!
- Poster making and face painting
- Variety of carnival activities
The Men's Basketball Game will begin at 4:00 PM. The Hamilton Theater will be hosting a "pay what you want" promotion on tickets for the game.
- This is the LAST MEN'S HOME GAME OF THE SEASON
- Televised game against Holy Cross
- **50 FREE TSHIRTS will be handed out each quarter**
- **FREE POPCORN IN THE STANDS**
Stick around after the game for shoot around and autographs with your Men's Basketball team.
Check out this story from the Utica OD: http://www.uticaod.com/mid-yorkweekly/x565040969/Pay-What-You-Want-basketball-game-at-Colgate?photo=0
Hamilton FFA Members Succeed at District Contest
Date: February 15, 2012
Event Date: February 11, 2012
Written by: Mrs. Bossard and Kaylin
Members of the Hamilton Junior and Senior FFA competed in district CDE's (Career Development Events). This annual competition was hosted at VVS High School. Numerous schools from the area were represented including Stockbridge Valley CSD, Madison CSD, Cazenovia CSD, Adirondack CSD, and DeRuyter CSD. Here's the list of results:
Junior Extemporaneous Speaking-
3rd Place: Ally Casarotti
4th Place: Hayley Smith
6th Place: Kallie Jaquay
Junior People In Agriculture-
3rd Place: Hayley Smith
9th Place: Kelley Bassett
Senior Extemporaneous Speaking-
Tony Casarotti- 1st Place in Round 1, 9th Place Round 2
Kristi Wratten- 10th Place in Round 1
Kaylin Broadwell- 6th Place in Round 1
Senior Prepared Public Speaking-
Lauren Jaquay- 1st Place
Allie Shore- 6th Place
Job Interview-
Kaylin Broadwell- 1st Place
Lauren Jaquay- 2nd Place
Gregory Palmer- 9th Place
Congratulations to all the FFA Members from HCS who competed, and those moving on to Substates in March!
Junior Extemporaneous Speaking-
3rd Place: Ally Casarotti
4th Place: Hayley Smith
6th Place: Kallie Jaquay
Junior People In Agriculture-
3rd Place: Hayley Smith
9th Place: Kelley Bassett
Senior Extemporaneous Speaking-
Tony Casarotti- 1st Place in Round 1, 9th Place Round 2
Kristi Wratten- 10th Place in Round 1
Kaylin Broadwell- 6th Place in Round 1
Senior Prepared Public Speaking-
Lauren Jaquay- 1st Place
Allie Shore- 6th Place
Job Interview-
Kaylin Broadwell- 1st Place
Lauren Jaquay- 2nd Place
Gregory Palmer- 9th Place
Congratulations to all the FFA Members from HCS who competed, and those moving on to Substates in March!
Brownie Points
Date: February 13, 2012
Written by: Erica
Looking to score some points from your Valentine? The Knights’ Knook will be selling various baked goods on Valentines Day, Tuesday February 14th! Items including: brownies, cookies, red velvet cupcakes, and strawberry funfettii cupcakes will be available. These tasty treats will be priced between $.50 to one dollar, a small price to pay in exchange for the happiness of your Valentine. The Knight' Knook schedule is posted on the door, so come in during your free cells and lunch for a delicious snack! This is a ONE TIME ONLY event, so bring your hunny and your money, and settle your sweet tooth at the Knights’ Knook this Valentines day!
Growing Readers in Kindergarten-Sample Clip
Date: February 13, 2012
Written by: Mr. Coriale
As we posted earlier this month, students in the digital broadcasting class are creating audio/video versions of kindergartener's favorite books. This will allow all readers to access challenging text from the classroom iPod Touches. Check out the sample below from Bailey!
Family Reading Night-Coming March 2nd
Date: February 10, 2012
Written by: Noah
Reading at a young age is essential for a child’s development and learning progression throughout school and beyond, but simply getting children to read is not always enough. It is most important to find a child a book or a series of books that is actually worth reading and that will actually help their minds develop properly. It is important to make them think about what they are reading and relate it to their own lives and the lives of those around them. This will help them reach out and be productive learners and leaders. All that and more will be highlighted during “Family Reading Night” on March 2nd from 6:00PM to 8:00PM in the elementary library here at Hamilton Central School. Not only will the children have books read to them, there will also be information for parents about reading from the librarians here at HCS. On top of all the informational components, there will also be a bookmark contest, which is sponsored by the Madison-Oneida BOCES School Library system. There are four levels to the bookmark competition, and there are prizes for each level! Be sure to come out and have a fantastic learning experience for you and your child!
HCS Welcomes Kindergarten Student via Skype
Date: February 9, 2012
Written by: Mr. Coriale
If you’ve ever been a new student, you know how much anxiety can build-up as you prepare for your first day of school. Thanks to Skype, HCS welcomed a new kindergarten student before she ever walked through the doors of her new learning community. Mrs. Coddington’s class met their new classmate via Skype as they connected with her current classroom in Western New York State. Mrs. Coddington is planning future video conference meetings with this classroom and even creating a pen-pal opportunity with them. Our new student will surely be excited to see her former classmates after she has made many new friends at HCS!
Second Graders Explore Agriculture with Eighth Graders
Date: February 9, 2012
Written by: Branden
Recently, Mrs. Bossard’s eighth grade agriculture class has been collaborating with Mrs. Merkt and Mrs Hanson’s second grade classes. Each week, the eighth graders learn, research, and design a different topic to teach their new friends about. This is not only a great way for second graders to explore the many aspects of agriculture, but it is also an outstanding leadership opportunity for middle school students. It is exciting to watch older students take pride in their learning and act as role models for future agriculture students.
Some of the activities have, or will, include:
Some of the activities have, or will, include:
- Cheese Tasting
- Making Butter
- Gardening
- New York Food Contest
Hola, Amigo!
Date: February 9, 2012
Written by: Mr. Coriale
The third Enrichment Bunch kicked-off today with a group of third, fourth, fifth and sixth graders ready to learn Spanish! Senorita King is leading this session, and each week she will focus on a specific area of the Spanish language. Today, students learned and practiced Spanish greetings and even designed nametags to bring home to discuss with their families. Other topics will include body parts, food, colors, locations, and even clothing.
This session is one of three being offered during this school year. Others include:
Thank you to the Hamilton Emerald Foundation for funding this enrichment opportunity for our elementary and middle school learners.
This session is one of three being offered during this school year. Others include:
- Marine Biology with Mrs. Orth
- So You Think You Can Dance? with Ms. Castillo
- Small Animal Care with Mrs. Bossard
Thank you to the Hamilton Emerald Foundation for funding this enrichment opportunity for our elementary and middle school learners.
Lady Knights' Senior Night
Date: February 8, 2012
Written by: Peter
The Hamilton Lady Knights ended their regular season Tuesday night with a win against Rome Catholic 60-24. Before the game began, Hamilton recognized their three seniors, Katie, Katherine and Kate. The Knights were lead by senior guard Katie with 23 points with 6 three-pointers and Katherine with 10 points. With this win, the Lady Knights improve their record to 14-3. Their last regular season game will be at Oriskany, this Friday night at 7:30pm. After they wrap-up their season Friday night, the the Lady Knights will be preparing for sectional play and looking to keep their season alive. Great work, ladies! A huge thank you to Coach Pool and Coach Weeks for all of their guidance and leadership!
Horticulture Class Sells Bud Vases
Date: February 7, 2012
Written by: Bailey
In the horticulture class, students are working in the school’s green house. As a result of their work, they are selling bud vases starting in February (and will run through the end of the school year). For $7 a month, you will receive a monthly bud vase with a floral arrangement. The students are doing this as a unique learning experience. The students will be creating these flower arrangements and will be experiencing various aspects of running a business. If you would like to buy a vase you can e-mail Mrs. Bossard at [email protected] or ask a horticulture student.
Growing Readers in Kindergarten
Date: February 7, 2012
Written by: Annie
The digital broadcasting class is currently working on a project that will benefit some of our youngest readers at HCS. Each digital broadcasting student will be creating an e-book that combines images and sounds that focus on reading text rhythmically, in song, or phonetically. This helps capture the child’s attention, further encouraging them to learn and become better readers. We hope that this project will help promote reading as we act as role models for these learners. Some of the books that we are working on are highlighted below. These books will be transferred to iPod Touches for students to access in their classrooms.
Thompson Signs with Colgate
Date: February 4, 2012
Written by: Mr. Latella
On Wednesday, February 2nd, as part of National Signing Day, Hamilton Central varsity soccer player, Drew Thompson '12, officially signed his commitment letter to play for the Raiders of Colgate University, starting in the fall of 2012. Drew has been a part of the varsity soccer program at Hamilton Central since 8th grade. As a freshman, he was a starter on the 2008 NYSPHSAA Class D championship team and as a senior was a captain of the 2011 NYSPHSAA Class D championship team. Drew will graduate Hamilton with 4 Section III championships, 4 NYS Regional championships, and 2 NYS Class D championships.
HCS Technology Showcase
Date: February 3, 2012
Written by: Mr. Coriale
Yesterday, as students scurried home on their half-day of school, HCS teachers spent time sharing innovative ways they are using technology in their practice with one another. We are fortunate to have so many talented teachers here at HCS who are dedicated to engaging learners through technology integration. Many teachers hosted sessions where they highlighted projects, ideas, and practices involving technology. After meeting with a representative from BOCES about a new data-management system, teachers had the chance to learn something new from their colleagues to bring back to their own classrooms. These sessions ranged from creating music videos to using iPads/iPods to meet the needs of students through Response to Intervention (RtI). Below you will find a few pictures from this event (although we wish we took more but we were all busy in sessions), and a document with the outline for the afternoon.
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
PreK Students Hibernate for the Season
Date: February 3, 2012
Written by: Zack
Pictures Shared by: Mrs. Kenyon and Ms. Briggs
Recently, Hamilton Central School PreK students took a trip to Roger's Conservative Center (funded by the Hamilton PTO) to study bears and their habitats. Upon returning to HCS, they made a very special snack that looked like bear faces in addition to making a large cave (don't worry, there were not any live bears in this cave). When students were all settled in with their bear snack, they listened to "Bear Snores On" as they all wore their PJ's to class to make it seem like they were going to hibernate for the season. Students learned a great deal about how animals adapt to the environment and live their lives based on the seasonal changes. Click on the bear snack picture below to check out all of the images from this unit on Mrs. Kenyon's website. You will also find pictures from the PreK Roger's Center Field Trip as well!
Volleyball Senior Night
Date: February 2, 2012
Written by: Lauren
Last week, the girls varsity volleyball team honored their seniors in one of their final matches of the regular season. The Lady Knights will be graduating five seniors next year. These seniors include Stephanie Salmon, Marissa Sitts, Emily Powerie, Emma Parish and Morgan Brooks. The volleyball team swept league rival Cinncinatus 3 sets to 0. The Knights are now 14-4 overall and 8-2 in league play. Their next match will be tonight against Stockbridge Valley. Congratulations to the seniors on a great win on their special night! Check out Mr. Hollis' story on Radio Free Hamilton.
Power in Numbers: HCS Student Heads to Albany
Date: February 1, 2012
Written by: Madison, Oneida, Herkimer Reality Check
Brandon Gotham, a sophomore at Hamilton Central School joined with Reality Check youth leaders from across the state Tuesday, January 24th in Albany to educate elected officials about the impact of budget cuts on the New York State Tobacco Control Program. The Tobacco Control Program works to help smokers quit and to prevent youth from starting to smoke.
Brandon's work, along with the work of Reality Check leaders from Madison, Oneida, & Herkimer Counties, has made an impact in their local communities, across the state, and even across the country. This year they have worked to create a short film titled Change that educates decision makers about tobacco marketing in stores and what can be done to change the impact of tobacco markeiting in their communities. The group has also contacted the New York State Attorney General's office regarding two violations of the Master Tobacco Settlement. As a result of the groups actions oversized tobacco advertisements have been taken down across New York State and tin packs of American Spirit Cigarettes are no longer on shelves.
Reality Check is a youth led movement that works to expose the deceptive marketing practices of the tobacco industry. The tobacco industry has been quoted as saying "todays teenager is tomorrows potential regular customer". The tobacco industry spends 1.1 million dollars everyday in New York State ALONE to market its deadly product in places kids will see. They target kids by placing tobacco ads at the eye level of children and by placing tobacco products next to candy with similar colors and packaging. Tobacco imagery is found in movies and television shows kids watch, which is no accident. The tobacco industry knows 90% of smokers start before 18, and it is because of this marketing.
The tobacco industry needs replacement smokers because each year an estimated 443,00 Americans die prematurely as a result of tobacco use. Reality Check gives youth an opportunity to speak out against the tobacco industry targeting kids as their replacement smokers. That's a lot to fight back against. Sadly, Reality Check has had significant budget cuts which has reduced the number of chapters from 62 to just 16. We need to bring back Reality Check to our communities. We need the resource that can make the biggest impact-our youth. To find out more about how you can support Reality Check or how you can get involved contact them at www.realitycheckcny.com or by email[email protected]
Brandon's work, along with the work of Reality Check leaders from Madison, Oneida, & Herkimer Counties, has made an impact in their local communities, across the state, and even across the country. This year they have worked to create a short film titled Change that educates decision makers about tobacco marketing in stores and what can be done to change the impact of tobacco markeiting in their communities. The group has also contacted the New York State Attorney General's office regarding two violations of the Master Tobacco Settlement. As a result of the groups actions oversized tobacco advertisements have been taken down across New York State and tin packs of American Spirit Cigarettes are no longer on shelves.
Reality Check is a youth led movement that works to expose the deceptive marketing practices of the tobacco industry. The tobacco industry has been quoted as saying "todays teenager is tomorrows potential regular customer". The tobacco industry spends 1.1 million dollars everyday in New York State ALONE to market its deadly product in places kids will see. They target kids by placing tobacco ads at the eye level of children and by placing tobacco products next to candy with similar colors and packaging. Tobacco imagery is found in movies and television shows kids watch, which is no accident. The tobacco industry knows 90% of smokers start before 18, and it is because of this marketing.
The tobacco industry needs replacement smokers because each year an estimated 443,00 Americans die prematurely as a result of tobacco use. Reality Check gives youth an opportunity to speak out against the tobacco industry targeting kids as their replacement smokers. That's a lot to fight back against. Sadly, Reality Check has had significant budget cuts which has reduced the number of chapters from 62 to just 16. We need to bring back Reality Check to our communities. We need the resource that can make the biggest impact-our youth. To find out more about how you can support Reality Check or how you can get involved contact them at www.realitycheckcny.com or by email[email protected]