Faculty Flash Mob
September 30, 2011
The HCS Pep Rally was well underway with grade-level cheers and excitement to find out who would be crowned the 2011 Raiderball Champ when there was suddenly a surprise from the HCS faculty. That's right-a flash mob! There isn't much more to say then check it out! Awesome job everyone!!!!
Down by the Bay with Mrs. Poyer's First Graders
September 30, 2011
You may recall a post here on the HCS Digital Bulletin Board earlier this week where Mrs. Poyer's class debuted their vocal skills. They are at it again, and this time, they are singing, "Down by the Bay". You can listen to the song by clicking on the "play" button below. You will also find the lyrics here, so turn up the sound and sing along with the first graders!
"Down by the Bay" Lyrics
Down by the bay
Where the watermelons grow
Back to my home
I dare not go
For if I do
My mother will say
"Did you ever see a bear
Combing his hair?"
Down by the bay.
Down by the bay
Where the watermelons grow
Back to my home
I dare not go
For if I do
My mother will say
"Did you ever see a bee
With a sunburned knee?"
Down by the bay.
Down by the bay
Where the watermelons grow
Back to my home
I dare not go
For if I do
My mother will say
"Did you ever see a moose
Kissing a goose?"
Down by the bay.
Down by the bay
Where the watermelons grow
Back to my home
I dare not go
For if I do
My mother will say
"Did you ever see a whale
With a polka dot tail?"
Down by the bay.
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/c/child/down_by_the_bay.html ]
"Down by the Bay" Lyrics
Down by the bay
Where the watermelons grow
Back to my home
I dare not go
For if I do
My mother will say
"Did you ever see a bear
Combing his hair?"
Down by the bay.
Down by the bay
Where the watermelons grow
Back to my home
I dare not go
For if I do
My mother will say
"Did you ever see a bee
With a sunburned knee?"
Down by the bay.
Down by the bay
Where the watermelons grow
Back to my home
I dare not go
For if I do
My mother will say
"Did you ever see a moose
Kissing a goose?"
Down by the bay.
Down by the bay
Where the watermelons grow
Back to my home
I dare not go
For if I do
My mother will say
"Did you ever see a whale
With a polka dot tail?"
Down by the bay.
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/c/child/down_by_the_bay.html ]
Hamilton FFA Makes the News Again!
September 28, 2011
The Hamilton FFA program has made the news again! News 9 in Syracuse highlighted our program and the recent visit from FFA National President, Riley Pagett! Mrs. Bossard and her students explore countless areas including renewable energies, welding, mechanics, woodworking, forestry, and much more! Check out the video below from News 9's "School Buzz" segment from Tuesday, September 27th!
Congratulations, Elizabeth Williams and Gwyneth Davies!
September 27, 2011
HCS is proud to announce that seniors Elizabeth Williams and Gwyneth Davis received letters of commendation on behalf of the National Merit Scholarship program. Below is the recognition speech given by Mr. Ellis during forum this morning:
"The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition and college scholarships. It is open to all students in their junior year who take the PSAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Last October, over 1.5 million students took this test and entered the National Merit Program. Of those 1.5 million students, only 34,000 were chosen to receive letters of commendation. That's the top 96th percentile of all those taking the test. Two of those students are seated here today. I will ask them to come forward so they can be recognized with a certificate and so we may honor them with our respect."
Congratulations, Elizabeth and Gwyneth, and your academic success. Your hard work and dedication is admired by your entire HCS family!
"The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition and college scholarships. It is open to all students in their junior year who take the PSAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Last October, over 1.5 million students took this test and entered the National Merit Program. Of those 1.5 million students, only 34,000 were chosen to receive letters of commendation. That's the top 96th percentile of all those taking the test. Two of those students are seated here today. I will ask them to come forward so they can be recognized with a certificate and so we may honor them with our respect."
Congratulations, Elizabeth and Gwyneth, and your academic success. Your hard work and dedication is admired by your entire HCS family!
Congratulations, Mr. Jarcho!
September 27, 2011
A huge congratulations to Mr. Jarcho for being nominated for the University of Chicago's Outstanding Educator Award! Mr. Jarcho was presented with a certificate and clock this morning at forum. where he was surrounded by colleagues and students who admire and respect him in so many ways! Below is the letter written by the University's Vice President of Enrollment, James G. Nondorf:
Dear Mr. Jarcho,
I am pleased to inform you that you have been nominated for our Outstanding Educator Award by Daniel Jacobs, a former student who entered the University of Chicago this autumn. It is with both gratitude and admiration that I send you the enclosed certificate and gift.
Our students tell us frequently that they were influenced by a particular high school educator, someone who opened new vistas and realms of discovery, challenged them intellectually for the first time, or channeled their private interests into productive paths for intellectual growth. Contributions to the academic and personal development of young people rarely receive the recognition they deserve. For the past thirty years, The College of the University of Chicago has asked its entering students to help us identify and commend outstanding high school educators.
Our new students at the University of Chicago are intelligent, highly motivated, and committed to using their gifts for serious academic work. We are dedicated to excellence in teaching, such as yours, and we know that true learning is a collaborative experience which depends as much on the dedication of the teacher as it does on the motivation of the student. Thank you for your commitment to this endeavor.
On behalf of everyone at HCS, CONGRATULATIONS MR. JARCHO! This is a well-deserved honor!!!!
Dear Mr. Jarcho,
I am pleased to inform you that you have been nominated for our Outstanding Educator Award by Daniel Jacobs, a former student who entered the University of Chicago this autumn. It is with both gratitude and admiration that I send you the enclosed certificate and gift.
Our students tell us frequently that they were influenced by a particular high school educator, someone who opened new vistas and realms of discovery, challenged them intellectually for the first time, or channeled their private interests into productive paths for intellectual growth. Contributions to the academic and personal development of young people rarely receive the recognition they deserve. For the past thirty years, The College of the University of Chicago has asked its entering students to help us identify and commend outstanding high school educators.
Our new students at the University of Chicago are intelligent, highly motivated, and committed to using their gifts for serious academic work. We are dedicated to excellence in teaching, such as yours, and we know that true learning is a collaborative experience which depends as much on the dedication of the teacher as it does on the motivation of the student. Thank you for your commitment to this endeavor.
On behalf of everyone at HCS, CONGRATULATIONS MR. JARCHO! This is a well-deserved honor!!!!
Welcome to Mrs. Coddington's Kindergarten Class
September 27, 2011
Do you ever wonder what it is like to be a kindergartner at HCS? Join Mrs. Coddington's class as they bring you on a journey through a typical day in their world! It is clear that this class is already a strong community of learners. This movie was made for parents at Open House and students are proud to show it off to everyone. Great work, Mrs. Coddington's class!
First Graders Have Talent!
September 26th, 2011
Mrs. Poyer's first graders perfected their vocals to show off to their parents for open house! Check out the song by pressing the play button below and feel free to sing along using these lyrics:
Oh a hunting we will go, a hunting we will go, we'll catch a fox and put him in a box, and then we'll let him go!
Oh a hunting we will go, a bunting we will go, we'll catch a fish and put him in a dish, and then we'll let him go!
Oh a hunting we will go, a hunting we will go, we'll catch a snake and put him in a cake, and then we'll let him go!
Oh a hunting we will go, a hunting we will got, we'll catch a goat and put him in a boat, and then we'll let him go!
Oh a hunting we will go, a hunting we will go, we'll catch a whale and put him in a pail, and then we'll let go!
Oh a hunting we will go, a hunting we will go, we'll catch a mouse and put him in a house, and then we'll let him go!
In a box fish dish snake cake goat boat whale pail, mouse, house
Oh a hunting we will go, a hunting we will go, we'll catch a fox and put him in a box, and then we'll let him go!
Oh a hunting we will go, a bunting we will go, we'll catch a fish and put him in a dish, and then we'll let him go!
Oh a hunting we will go, a hunting we will go, we'll catch a snake and put him in a cake, and then we'll let him go!
Oh a hunting we will go, a hunting we will got, we'll catch a goat and put him in a boat, and then we'll let him go!
Oh a hunting we will go, a hunting we will go, we'll catch a whale and put him in a pail, and then we'll let go!
Oh a hunting we will go, a hunting we will go, we'll catch a mouse and put him in a house, and then we'll let him go!
In a box fish dish snake cake goat boat whale pail, mouse, house
Battle of the "Cheers" is On!
September 26th, 2011
It's that time of year again....battle of the "cheers" at HCS. These cheers, in addition to spirt week, all lead up to the annual pep rally this Friday. Check back all week to view cheers from all high school classes from forum!
This is the video from forum this morning where the faculty kicked off the "Battle of the Cheers!"
This is the video from forum this morning where the faculty kicked off the "Battle of the Cheers!"
Fourth Graders Educate at the Chocolate Fest!
September 24th, 2011
Fourth graders in Mrs. Follet's and Mrs. Rowland's classes shared their wealth of knowledge with chocolate-goers at the 2011 Chocolate Festival on the Hamilton Village Green. After exploring and learning about the O&W Railroad and the "Great Chocolate Crash of 1955", our students jumped at the chance to teach others. From newscasts and original songs to crash site reenactments and story-telling, visitors to the history tent were thrilled to learn about this piece of local history. Additionally, Mrs. Silver's chorus had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing with Tom Chapin. What a great performance!!!! Check out the pictures below from this great community event!
Patrick Carr visits Hamilton
September 23rd, 2011
Patrick Carr spent two days in Hamilton speaking to students, teachers, administrators, community professionals, Colgate representatives, and family members. His focus was sharing ways to keep Hamilton a vibrant community for future generations.
There are three points that Mr. Carr outlined to students:
FIRST: The key to success is to have a plan. Whether you are heading off to a four-year university, two-year college, certificate program, or trade profession, have a vision in place to ensure that you are successful. Mr. Carr spoke about the student who went to college and ended up without a degree and extensive debt. Through no fault of his own, he did not have the resources necessary to make a solid plan. Use this as a learning opportunity for you. Create a plan and use your family, teachers, counselors, administrators, and friends to help you make this plan a reality.
SECOND: If you leave Hamilton, you will be successful. If you stay in Hamilton, you will be successful. There are so many opportunities here in the present and will continue to be if you return in the future. Hamilton is alive and vibrant and will offer you many, many opportunities if you choose to stay or return.
THIRD: Be proud of your future plan, where you are going, and your vision to get there. Learn along the way from others, and make each second count towards your future goals. Your journey is unique; so don’t compare it to others. If you do, you will be on their journey, not your own. Be proud, work hard, have fun, and you will be successful!The video below is from Mr. Carr's evening discussion to parents and community members. The video may be a bit grainy due to the length and limited upload capacity for individual videos.
There are three points that Mr. Carr outlined to students:
FIRST: The key to success is to have a plan. Whether you are heading off to a four-year university, two-year college, certificate program, or trade profession, have a vision in place to ensure that you are successful. Mr. Carr spoke about the student who went to college and ended up without a degree and extensive debt. Through no fault of his own, he did not have the resources necessary to make a solid plan. Use this as a learning opportunity for you. Create a plan and use your family, teachers, counselors, administrators, and friends to help you make this plan a reality.
SECOND: If you leave Hamilton, you will be successful. If you stay in Hamilton, you will be successful. There are so many opportunities here in the present and will continue to be if you return in the future. Hamilton is alive and vibrant and will offer you many, many opportunities if you choose to stay or return.
THIRD: Be proud of your future plan, where you are going, and your vision to get there. Learn along the way from others, and make each second count towards your future goals. Your journey is unique; so don’t compare it to others. If you do, you will be on their journey, not your own. Be proud, work hard, have fun, and you will be successful!The video below is from Mr. Carr's evening discussion to parents and community members. The video may be a bit grainy due to the length and limited upload capacity for individual videos.
Mr. Carr's visit to Hamilton Rotary: In the picture, from left to right, David Craine (Rotary President),
Dr. Diana Bowers (HCS Superintendent), Dr. Patrick Carr
National FFA President Visits Hamilton!!
September 22nd, 2011
Thursday, September 22, the National FFA President, Riley Pagett, visited Hamilton Central School, and had breakfast with the schools FFA chapter members, Board of Education, and Administration. He then gave a motivational speech to the entire middle and high school student body entitled: “Just Be You.” The National FFA “Officer Tour” is a State run leadership- building program where a National FFA Officer visits schools and Agricultural organizations to discus how the National FFA Organization helps to impact our everyday lives.
Hamilton Central School currently has an FFA program, but with the visit of a National FFA Officer, it made the rest of the school realize how large of an organization FFA is and the importance of agriculture to the world around them. Riley also toured the Agriculture Department of the school and couldn’t believe all that Hamilton had to offer its students; from a greenhouse, mechanics shop, welding lab, wood shop and classroom with up-to-date technology! Riley was also very impressed with how hands- on the students are in their AG classes, and the overall experience they are receiving in Hamilton!
Check out the video and news links below to learn more about Riley's visit. Check back on the Digital Bulletin Board for more local news coverage on Riley's visit and the HCS AG program and FFA!
Hamilton Central School currently has an FFA program, but with the visit of a National FFA Officer, it made the rest of the school realize how large of an organization FFA is and the importance of agriculture to the world around them. Riley also toured the Agriculture Department of the school and couldn’t believe all that Hamilton had to offer its students; from a greenhouse, mechanics shop, welding lab, wood shop and classroom with up-to-date technology! Riley was also very impressed with how hands- on the students are in their AG classes, and the overall experience they are receiving in Hamilton!
Check out the video and news links below to learn more about Riley's visit. Check back on the Digital Bulletin Board for more local news coverage on Riley's visit and the HCS AG program and FFA!
Check out this link from News Channel 2:
http://www.wktv.com/news/local/Agricultural-learning-offers-hands-on-skills-useful-every-day-130373153.html
http://www.wktv.com/news/local/Agricultural-learning-offers-hands-on-skills-useful-every-day-130373153.html
Gate-Town Connection BBQ
Event Date: Friday, September, 30th
4:30-7:00pm
Whitnall Field
All HCS families are invited with open arms to the First Annual Gate-Town Connection. Please join Colgate students and faculty on Whitnall Field, located at the corner of College Street and Broad Street. The afternoon will be full of great family fun, including dinner, moonbounce, inflatables, cotton candy, snow cones, music performances by our faculty band Danger Boy, and a variety of other activities all for free. Parking will be available. We look forward to seeing you there! This event is sponsored by students of the Blue Diamond Society, Gamma Phi Beta, Colgate Fire Fighters Volunteers, and the Office of Residential Life. Check out the flyer below for more information!
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Fourth Grade O&W Historians
September 19th
Fourth graders hit the streets of Hamilton today to discover how history has changed the landscape of the old O&W Railroad station in town. In addition to exploring the station, students searched for coal pieces that were left behind (and found tons!), learned about important buildings and their relation to the O&W, and even explored the "famous" crash site of the "Great Chocolate Wreck!" Students are preparing for the Chocolate Fest here in Hamilton this coming weekend. Come out and check out all of the history that our students have to share about the O&W, the Chocolate Wreck, and even the great switch mystery, Saturday at 10:00am on the Village Green!
Check out the pictures below from today's walking field trip!
Check out the pictures below from today's walking field trip!
Mrs. Moren's Podcasting Pioneers
September 14th
Mrs. Moren's ninth grade students are podcasting pioneers at HCS! This is the first class to utilize podcasts as a way to pre-teach and for students to engage in meaningful conversation before entering the classroom. Mrs. Moren will post multimedia podcasts for students to view at home throughout the year. The purpose of this type of technology is to get students thinking about concepts before discussing them in class. This makes for richer, more meaningful dialogue between students because they have been able to build their schema and are given extended time to ponder extensive ideas. Check out Mrs. Moren's first podcast entries using the link below.
http://podcast.hamiltoncentral.org/users/dmoren/
http://podcast.hamiltoncentral.org/users/dmoren/
Knights' Knook Challenge
September 14th
Students in the Computerized Accounting class were presented with a unique challenge during the first days of school. They opened a sealed envelope to find out that they will be opening the school store in one week! Last year's class created the foundation for the HCS school store, the Knights' Knook. This year's class will have one week to set-up the store, which includes inventory control, creating work schedules, advertising, and financial planning. This week will lead into a mini grand opening of the Knights' Knook for five days. The store will then shut down for a short period. The purpose of this is for students to build essential relationships with their collaborative business partners, to build leadership skills, craft problem-solving strategies and to build a background for the store. This two-week process will be the foundation for students to make any changes, modifications, and/or improvements to the current store. One hope is that the class will even create an online Knights' Knook too! Check out the pictures below, highlighting some students collaborating to have a successful "mini grand opening"
The iPad Journey Begins!
September 8th and 9th
The same classes that have spent two-years using iPod Touches as an additional learning tool in their classrooms now have a new journey ahead of them. All sixth grade students have received an iPad to enhance and enrich their learning experiences at HCS. Wondering how the iPads will be integrated into learning? Check back here often for updates and experiences from our sixth grade classrooms!
Students spent the first two days of school "unwrapping" their new iPads and getting them outfitted with their own cases, pass codes, setting expectations, and even spent time exploring and researching educational apps.
Students spent the first two days of school "unwrapping" their new iPads and getting them outfitted with their own cases, pass codes, setting expectations, and even spent time exploring and researching educational apps.
Welcome Back!
September 8th
2011-2012 is going to be a great school year! The halls were filled with the excitement that a new year brings and a promise for another successful year. Check out some of the pictures from our opening day!
HCS Teachers are Life-Long Learners!
September 1st and 2nd
While students are busy doing their back-to-school shopping, teachers at HCS were extending their thinking and refining their teaching practices! Through our continued collaboration with the Public Education and Business Coalition, we were able to deepen our foundation of Thinking Strategy instruction and really define our next steps as a professional learning community. Below are some of the posters that we made to highlight our connections between Response to Intervention (RtI), Thinking Strategy instruction, and New York State Common Core Standards.
Hamilton FFA Shines at the New York State Fair
August 25th-September 3rd
Mrs. Bossard and the Hamilton FFA capped off their summer with a bang at the New York State Fair, where they were recognized with many top honors and awards! The chapter had an exhibit showcasing forestry, wildlife, and natural resources. Fairgoers were able to view projects entered by HCS students ranging from welded shepherd hooks and mitten racks to home-spun yarn! Equally as a impressive was the six-foot-tall apple tree, constructed of wood in the HCS Ag Shop. The tree highlighted various apple varieties from around the state.
FFA members also competed in various contests including:
Congratulations to all participating Hamilton FFA members and Mrs. Bossard on a job very well done! Check out some of the pictures below! Use the arrows to advance through the pictures.
FFA members also competed in various contests including:
- Poultry Judging
- Dairy Handling
- Wildlife ID
- Tree ID
- Environmental and Natural Resources
- Equine Judging
- Dairy Foods
- Meats ID
- Agronomy
Congratulations to all participating Hamilton FFA members and Mrs. Bossard on a job very well done! Check out some of the pictures below! Use the arrows to advance through the pictures.