Hilton Central School District

Fantastic job by our Transportation Department which has spent time this week teaching our students about bus safety. They give these lessons three times a year at our elementary schools, going over safety features on the bus and how to evacuate in case of an emergency.

Need a way to organize all your charging cords, a device to locate your dog in case they get lost, how about something to reduce that pesky and dangerous glare through the windshield when you're driving? If any of those sound like something you could use, then Northwood’s Invention Convention had what you were looking for. Fifth grade students in the REACH class presented their creations in the auditorium on April 25. What these students might lack in experience, they make up for with creativity and enthusiasm. Students did research to discover common problems, used the design process to produce solutions and then planned, designed and created their inventions. These presentations served as a warmup for the Western New York State Invention Convention which will be held this weekend in Buffalo. The top finalists from there will move on to the National Invention Convention at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. Northwood students have won the state competition for the last two years so hopefully they can make it three in a row! A very special thanks to Cheryl Lee and Kim Browne who served as our judges.

Meet Hilton hero Kim Phillips: "Kim is always here bright and early to make sure that all the bus runs are covered before anyone else, and we know how short we have been this year. This has not been an easy job. Kim is very welcoming and approachable with any and all issues that arise with a smile on her face. She will be VERY missed when she retires in June." Thanks for all you do!

On April 24 8th grade students traveled to the high school to see a performance of Survivors performed by JCC’s Center Stage. The show presents the Holocaust through the eyes of ten Rochester-based survivors portrayed by six actors. Following the performance students had a chance to comment on the production as well as ask questions of the cast members. Special thanks to: • Matt D'Augustine and Colleen Grego for planning and logistics • The eighth-grade teachers for chaperoning • Assistant Principal Steve Sorensen • The transportation department for busing the students to the high school • Kim Rudd for sound and technical support • The High School Administration for providing the auditorium • Kristen Paolini for funding the show • The students for being such a great audience • The actors who put on an amazing, and memorable performance

Last night's "H Factor" Talent Show had it all; from musicians and dancers to magicians and even a contortionist! Congratulations to senior Jude Hare who took top honors with his performance of "Out There" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. All proceeds went to Sources of Strength - a best practice youth suicide prevention project designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse. The mission of Sources of Strength is to prevent suicide by increasing help-seeking behaviors and promoting connections between peers and caring adults.

Congratulations to all our staff members who were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on April 23 for receiving tenure. Left to Right: Holley Haynes (NW), Kelsey Bitetto (QE), Amy Gendrou (MW), Lauren Steinebach (NW), Nora Davison (VE), Ashley Oswald (HS), Sarah Mostarda (HS), Ourania Pike (VE), Margo Sadowski (VE), Rebecca Burchill (VE/DW), Marilyn VanGraafeiland (HS), Alexis Hamlin (MW), and Elizabeth Thornton, Director of Student Services. Also receiving tenure but not pictured were Julie Blandford (MW), and Ned Dale, Superintendent for Human Resources.

Thanks to our friends from the Brockport Police Department and Monroe Ambulance who came to talk to our UPK students at QUEST about being community helpers.

Thanks to all the Administrative Professionals in our district for doing such an amazing job, day in and day out!

Welcome to our newest staff! #Welcoming #Affirming #CadetProud

Congratulations and good luck to these students going to the New York State Fairgrounds on April 24-26 to participate in the NYS SkillsUSA Conference & Competitions. Winners will advance to the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta on June 23-27. Shown are: (l-r) Evan Prus, Ryan Zadora, Sabrina Martinez, Hunter Hopkins, Ashlee Ahern, Emily Ballard, McKenzie Coyle, Emily Feisel, Taylor Kowalski, Melana Tobin, Brooke Dean, and Alexis Weatherholt. Not pictured, Kate Barry, Jonathan Cudzilo, and Brean Maibohm.

Here's why Sarah Boily is a Hilton Hero: "Without a doubt, Sarah goes above and beyond in her everyday lesson planning and teaching. She helps every student make a connection to the content that she is teaching, and spends countless hours planning and taking care of the little details that really bring history to life in the 21st century. She even spends time creating elaborate bulletin boards to acknowledge and celebrate world holidays and historic events that may not be covered in class. She helps to make learning meaningful and fun for everyone!"

Night at the Village was a night of pizza, pups, pics, games, and most importantly, BOOKS! The One School, One Book launch was a chance for families to pick up this year's selection, "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein. Families will read the book together over the next few weeks. The event strives to increase parental involvement, bridge the home-school connection, and build a true community of readers.

Yes, they're that good! Each year, the Hilton High School Jazz Ensemble plays for 25 min. on the Gibbs St. stage at the Rochester International Jazz Fest. This year, on Thurs., June 27 from 6-7 p.m., they will play in the Big Tent at Main St./Gibbs St. "This is a wonderful honor considering most of the events in this particular venue are ticketed, or require the RIJF Club Pass, and are usually offered to professional Jazz Artists/Groups," said Jared Streiff, music teacher. Mark the date and support these talented young artists!

Check out Mr. Feeney's nomination! "Callen sets a wonderful example for his students every day. He makes everyone feel welcome in his class as he shows a genuine interest in every student. He is always willing to listen to students and he is thoughtful in his responses. His creates an environment that emphasizes kindness and curiosity!"

The HCSTA Little Cadet Carnival is Thurs., 4/25 from 5-7:30 pm at Hilton High School. This year tickets are pre-sale only & can be purchased using the QR code below or at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/81567. All proceeds go to scholarships for Hilton seniors!

Join student leaders, teacher leaders, and administrators from both Fairport and Hilton School Districts for the Building Organizational Culture Leadership Symposium on Monday, May 6 from 5-7 p.m. at Hilton High School. We believe the answer is in the room, and look forward to having you join us for an evening of collaborative learning. This is a free event, but registration is required with limited seating available. Teams are encouraged to register, but individuals are welcome as well. This event is open to everyone but targeted toward educators and leaders in our local schools. Light refreshments will be provided. Seating is limited. Register by April 26 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaW-89-8raP-fOTmiZ5t08abB6U3Q6U8qZGdISOxVGy6c_zg/viewform

What did Devan Greene's peers have to say about her? "Devan demonstrates the characteristics of welcoming and affirming by meeting students where they are, and helping them grow along a continuum of success. She listens to her students when they need to talk, and she is a trusted adult in their lives. We are so fortunate to have Ms. Greene working with our students." Thank you!

Welcome to our newest staff! #Welcoming #Affirming #CadetProud

It's National Assistant Principals' Week! Thank you to these dedicated individuals for their outstanding leadership, #APWeek24

MW Principal Dr. Marc D’Amico and Assistant Principal Steve Sorensen fell victim to an unexpected dessert attack last Thursday when Assistant Principal Dr. Laura Mayer willingly took on the task of throwing a pie in their faces. It was a sweet reward for the seventh graders who donated the most personal care items in a challenge with the eighth graders. Together, the classes donated over 700 items, including 120 bottles of shampoo, to the Hilton-Parma Emergency Food Shelf. In addition to the personal care items, basket raffles among staff raised $450, the 5 Buy Five Charity Art Show raised about $200, and Melos Café raised $150 – all for the Food Shelf. “Our school is happy to be able to help people in our community and to teach our students the importance of taking care of each other,” said D’Amico.