Perry Central School District

Today I was fortunate to see a presentation by a young man who still embodies the District's mission of 'Learning, Leading, and Serving.' Noah Hare (PCS Class of 2017) graduated from Alfred State with a degree in architecture in 2022. Noah immediately put his talents to use by assisting the Perry Veterans Memorial Association in developing a design for the new memorial that will be constructed at the Vet's Club. Noah offered his services for free, because he believes in recognizing those who served, and giving back to his hometown. I was fortunate to watch Noah present to the Perry Rotary Club today. His efforts will have a lasting impact on our community. Noah...thank you for being: you, a professional, a leader, and a model of service for our students. Best graduates, best architects, best team! Daryl McLaughlin Superintendent of Schools

Interested 10th graders headed to the GV BOCES Career and Technical Education Center in Mount Morris this morning to tour their facilities and learn more about the programs that will be available to them starting next school year. While the visit allows us to see the excitement these underclassmen have for new possibilities, it also brings us so much joy to witness our current CTE students thriving in their programs. February is CTE Month and it’s so important to highlight these programs. These students can graduate and immediately enter a skilled trade or go to college with knowledge that sets them apart from their peers. This is invaluable instruction. #PrideInTheHive

Let me set the scene: I am walking down the Main Hallway of the Senior High School, and immediately stop in my tracks to observe the newest exhibits in our display cases. One word: WOW! I was blown away by the level of detail in these pieces. This is more outstanding work from the students in our upper level drawing and painting electives. I made a point to find Mrs. Emerson, and heap significant praise on her students for their creativity and skill. Best students, best artists, best teachers, best team! Daryl McLaughlin Superintendent of Schools

This year’s 8th Grade Career Day had it all – interesting stories, networking opportunities, food, and gross stuff. When you’re trying to keep the attention of teenagers, you have to pull out all the stops. Students spent the morning at Attica Middle School, first meeting with Kim Smith, a Community Outreach Specialist with the FBI, who served as the event’s keynote speaker. They also met with representatives from the Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship and Genesee Community College, as well as professionals from Morton Salt, the Attica Veterinary Clinic, Wyoming County Community Health System, and New York Chips. The annual event, organized by Justin Dueppengiesser, Executive Director of the Wyoming County Business Education Council, in partnership with Wyoming County schools, aims to connect students with college and career opportunities. #PrideInTheHive

When senior Jade Duffin attended the GLOW with Your Hands: Healthcare inaugural event last year, it opened her eyes to the expansiveness of the healthcare field and the incredible opportunities available to those interested in a medical career. Jade was on hand yesterday, along with Superintendent McLaughlin, at Wyoming County Community Hospital to help announce this year’s GLOW with Your Hands: Healthcare event that will be held on March 22 at Genesee Community College in Batavia. The Wyoming County Business Education Council, the Livingston County Area Chamber, the Genesee County Business Education Alliance, SUNY GCC, and Wyoming County Community Health Services were excited to make the announcement. The goal of the event is to educate future-ready students, provide hands-on career exploration, and connect these participants with future employers. We’re excited to have our interested juniors participate again this year! #PrideInTheHive

Nine members of the Perry FFA, along with Mrs. Huttar, attended the first-ever Western NY Ignite Leadership Series on Saturday at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg. The event was organized by the NYS FFA to promote personal growth. Students attended two workshops, as well as participated in team-building activities. The focus was to help members improve their leadership skills and learn more about FFA and serving others. #PrideInTheHive #PerryFFA

A weekend filled with incredible music...we can't think of anything better. Congratulations to our student-musicians, along with Mr. Hirsch, Ms. Privatera and Ms. Gottschall, who spent Friday and Saturday at All-County Festival 1 at Keshequa CSD. PCS had great representation! #PrideInTheHive

The next complete group photo won't be until they're in caps and gowns at graduation rehearsal. They can see the finish line in sight. #PrideInTheHive #ClassOf2024

Stephanie Czerniak, 4-H community educator from Wyoming County Cornell Cooperative Extension, is visiting fifth grade classes today to teach students about wet felting. The process creates a strangely clean mess, and students are having a blast! Wool is wrapped around a bar of soap and, after adding some water and several minutes of friction, the fibers grow tighter creating a uniquely beautiful material. #PrideInTheHive

We caught Mrs. Schneider's third graders and Ms. Johnson's class playing moneyball with Coach VonGunden and Coach Allen this morning in PE. Depending on what color ball they're using, students earn points for each basket made. The goal is for students to work on their shooting skills. You never know, these might be future members of the PCS 1,000-points clubs! #PrideInTheHive

This morning, the Genesee Valley School Boards Association awarded area school districts with 2024 Excellence in Student Services Awards during a ceremony at Byron-Bergen CSD. Melissa Mehlenbacher, social worker, and Stacee Muolo, behavioral health specialist, were on hand to accept the honor for PCSD. Over the last several years, these two individuals have brought the Youth Mental Health First Aid initiative to PCSD. Nearly all of our faculty/staff and administrators have been trained (and re-certified) to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges or crises in students. Whether it be substance abuse, anxiety, trauma, bullying, etc., our school personnel are trained on how to respond, give reassurance, and encourage appropriate professional help. Thanks to Mrs. Muolo, Mrs. Mehlenbacher, and our entire PCS family for making our students’ mental and emotional health a top priority.

The students in Ms. Reding and Ms. Nichols’ classroom are rockstars! This morning was the very first time operating their coffee cart service and a ton of faculty/staff members and administrators lined up to support this new endeavor. These students not only made all the baked goods, but they’re also excelling at their communication and customer service skills, and managing the money. We’re pretty confident that they’ll have many return customers on Feb. 14! #PrideInTheHive

There's just enough snow for some sledding fun today in PE! #PrideInTheHive

PCS Family Members: All after school activities are cancelled today (January 19, 2024). The YMCA after school program will operate as scheduled. Daryl McLaughlin Superintendent of Schools

We caught Mrs. Smith’s 4th graders during their class meeting this morning. This daily routine creates a safe space for students to share how they’re feeling, if they so choose, or talk about what they did the night before. We love seeing the students connect as a group, be active listeners, and give thoughtful responses. Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Giannetto, Mrs. Church, and Ms. Ferris also join in the conversations. #PrideInTheHive

Ms. Byrne’s students are learning multiplication and division in math and she decided to use a common task – separating class snacks – to help students better understand the relationship between the two operations. #PrideInTheHive

Stephanie Czerniak, a community educator from Wyoming County Cooperative Extension, visited PES today to teach 6th graders how to make a quick 30-minute mozzarella cheese recipe. During the process, students learned that adding rennet helps the milk coagulate to separate the curds from the whey. The citric acid lowers the pH and helps form the cheese. Once finished, students sampled the finished mozzarella. All the ingredients for the cheese were purchased locally, and students received copies of the recipe in case they wanted to make more at home. #PrideInTheHive

Senior Emma Gifford hopes to turn her passion for creating glass artwork into a future career. As one of Mrs. Emerson's independent art students, she created this beautiful series of four glass plates that depict moths. We can't wait to see where her talent takes her! #PrideInTheHive #ClassOf2024

We love this morning’s conversation between Ms. Wilkie, ES/JH Library Media Specialist, and her UPK students. After reading Jan Brett’s “The Three Snow Bears,” students were asked the similarities and differences between that story and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” The conversation quickly turned to lessons shared in both stories, like knowing when to apologize, showing respect to others, and thinking about how our actions affect others. All great lessons for our youngest learners! #PrideInTheHive

Yesterday I was fortunate to start my day observing Mrs. Eberstein's UPK classroom. During morning routine, the students activated their minds and bodies by reciting statements and performing yoga poses. "Today I am a leader. I am choosing to have a great day. I can do hard things. I will be a great friend. I am loved. I am an amazing person. I am special & important." I think this a great way for everyone to start the day. Best students, best teachers, best leaders, best team. Daryl McLaughlin Superintendent of Schools