Article written by Mrs. Kempf

On May 7, 2021, students at Burton Street Elementary School shared their science learning with the world! Quite literally, over 100 people from around the world–13 states and 10 countries–tuned into a virtual live research lesson featuring the students in Mrs. Beth Ann Kempf’s first grade classroom. The observers included local school teachers, staff at the Smithsonian Science Education Center, who wrote the curriculum materials, and other members of the American Educational Research Association.

The research lesson was the culmination of a 4-month Lesson Study cycle that a team of teachers from Burton Street participated in with guidance from Dr. Sharon Dotger, an Associate Professor of Science Education at Syracuse University.

In Lesson Study, teams of teachers and administrators spend time studying the learning standards and their curriculum materials to develop a deeper understanding of the content and teaching methods they will use with their students. They write a very detailed research plan to anticipate how their research-informed teaching methods are expected to work with the students when the lesson is taught.

In this Lesson Study cycle, the group focused on ideas about teaching students how to improve their classroom discussions, write in their science notebooks, and use their peers’ ideas, which the teacher writes on the board, to improve their scientific thinking. They then applied what they learned to enhance a science lesson where students were challenged to analyze two models of the moon and determine which was more accurate. During a discussion following the lesson, expert comments were provided by Dr. Terrance Burgess of Michigan State University and Dr. Sarah Glassman of the Smithsonian Science Education Center.

In addition to Mrs. Kempf and Dr. Dotger, the Lesson Study team consisted of Mrs. Christy Allen (Kindergarten), Mrs. Julie Kielbasinski (2nd grade), Mrs. Stefanie Lints (4th grade) from Burton Street, Mrs. Elizabeth Shepard (1st grade) from Bolivar Road Elementary School in Chittenango, and Jennifer Heckathorn, a doctoral student at Syracuse University.

Dear Families,

School Districts across the country have been fortunate enough to receive funding through the American Rescue Plan in order to mitigate some of the impact the pandemic has had upon our students. Your input relative to your child(ren) experiences will be crucial components in the planning process for the expenditure of these funds.

Please take a moment to complete the following survey that will help us in our planning process. Your responses do not constitute a commitment to participate.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdCdafHYZZCNRY0jzvfs7AjesyTXln6KkFa15rRIxnm7gAI0Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

Responses will be accepted through Friday, May 28th.

Thank you for your feedback and have a great weekend,

Matt Reilly

Superintendent of Schools

The CCSD Jr. High Drama Club is proud to present “A Year in the Life of a 2020 Student” – an original story about eight students who navigate the challenges of pandemic life, and learn what they truly value. Stream it for free at tinyurl.com/ccsd-jr-high-drama-2020 

The Jr. High Drama typically opens on stage the first weekend in November. However, the 2020-2021 production was delayed and modified due to Covid. Students taped their own song and dance performances, and recorded dialogue via Zoom. The story was co-written by the directors and cast members. Musical performances are covers of preexisting songs. 

“A Year in the Life of a 2020 Student” was directed by Katie McGinnis, and produced by Ben Wightman. Cast members include Paige Blair, Cadence Walter, Sebastian Gebers, Wyatt Smith, Maeve Kelly, Eliza Smith, Zander Hollman, and Lizzie Lukowski.

Jr. High Drama is open to students in 7th and 8th grades. The 9th-12th grade High School Drama will debut later this year.

New York State Senator, Rachel May visited Burton Street Elementary School on the morning of May 7, 2021. She visited classrooms, and saw the playground and newly renovated gymnasium. She came to show her gratitude for our teachers, staff and related service providers for all they have done over this challenging and unprecedented year.  Senator May spoke with students about her role in the senate, her job and how remarkable the Burton Street staff has been.

Senator May gave the Burton Street Elementary School a framed proclamation, which is truly amazing, and will be hung in the school. 

School Superintendent, Matt Reilly, District Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction, Ben New, and Board of Education Vice President, Joanne Race were also in attendance to support the special occasion.

Burton Street School Principal stated, “It was an honor to welcome Senator May to Burton Street. I am so incredibly proud of the teachers and staff and the commitment, creativity and flexibility they have demonstrated this year, especially amidst a pandemic, building renovations and a new principal.  It was a wonderful gesture on behalf of Senator May to share my appreciation and extend her gratitude.”

To learn more about Senator May’s involvement with our State Government, please visit this website: https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/rachel-may/about

“Cazenovia CSD is sending out appreciation to our 3 fabulous nurses!  Our district is so fortunate to have Cindy Hirt at Burton Street, Katy Pushlar at the Middle School, and Kathy Hudson at the High School.  If you see these wonderful humans today- be sure to give them a virtual hi-five.”  
-Mental Health Team 

The History of National Nurses Week:

https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/national-nurses-week/history/