DOWNSVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL

RECEIVES

 BRONZE DISTINCTION!

Superintendent: Mr. James Abrams

Principal: Mr. Timothy McNamara

Downsville Central School received a bronze distinction as one of the nation's best high schools based on the following criteria:

Step 1. Attains performance levels that exceed statistical expectations given the school's relative level of student poverty, as measured by state accountability test scores for all the school's students in the core subjects of reading and math;

Step 2. Achieves proficiency rates on state tests for its least advantaged student groups (e.g., black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students) that exceed state averages; and

Step 3. Prepares its students for college as measured by student participation in and performance on Advanced Placement (AP) exams and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.

Schools that received the bronze distinction met the state test performance criteria but have not yet demonstrated high levels of measurable college readiness as gauged by participation in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams.  Currently, dual enrollment courses are not factored into the US News and World Report's formula for determining college readiness.  Downsville Central School District is committed to preparing our students for post-secondary education or training and will continue to explore all options for our students to experience college level coursework while still in high school.

Downsville Central School is one of only three schools in the Broome, Delaware, and Chenango Counties to receive this distinction.  The other two are Deposit and Greene.  Otselic Valley, a component district of the Delaware Chenango Madison Otsego BOCES was also recognized as one of the best secondary schools in the nation.  Across the state 110 schools were recognized for their excellence in the report .

Music Departments Host Concert

The Music Department held their holiday concert on December 18th at 7:00 PM. The middle school band (grades 6-8), middle school chorus (grades 5-8), high school band and chorus (grades 9-12) performed. The concert featured holiday favorites, combined chorus and band selections.

Character Education Assembly Held

On Monday December 15th the DCS Arts and Education program sponsored an assembly on Character Education and Anti-Bullying. There were three separate presentations covering specific subject matters for each grade level. For more information on these presentations please go to www.pdfailla.com

DCS WEIGHT ROOM TO OPEN

The Exercise/Weight Room at DCS will be open for adult use from 7:00-8:30 in the evening beginning Monday, December 8th. The tentative schedule calls for the facility to be available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. A member of the Physical Education staff will be available to assist. Come on out and treat yourself to a healthy workout.

SADD HOLDS DINNER

On Tuesday, November 25th, families gathered, despite weather conditions, to celebrate Thanksgiving with a wonderful dinner and great company. The dinner was sponsored by Students Against Destructive Decisions. Everyone brought a dish to pass. Thank you to Mr. Abrams for donating a ham, the Richard Walley family and Danny Tompkins Family for donating and cooking Turkeys and to all of the other great cooks.

Every year the Downsville Women's club sponsors an Essay contest for 5th and 6th graders. The topic for 2008 was "Who was/is the greatest explorer or inventor? The winning essays writers are recognized at the dinner. This year's winners were Lakota Gannett with 1st place, Kayla Sanfilippo with 2nd place and Rudie Walley took 3rd. Lakota was presented with a $50.00 savings bond and Kayla and Rudie both received $10.00.

Lakota's essay was about a gentlemen from Downsville, Mr Victor Blaine Wright, who invented the Pheobe, a very famous Trout fishing lure. It has the distinction of being the original spinning lure made in the United States.

The First Thanksgiving is Celebrated

Jonathan Kruk is an interactive storyteller who visited the elementary school on November 25th. He told the story of the First Thanksgiving. Mr. Kruk is an animated storyteller and involved the students in many parts of the story. Students repeated phrases, copied hand movements and even got up on stage and danced.

Scholar/Athlete

At the end of each sport season, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) honors those teams that excel in the classroom. In order to qualify for the award in soccer, at least 12 members of the team must have a team average of 90 or better.

This fall the Boys Varsity Soccer team qualified for the award with a 91.414 average. Students who helped accomplish this feat were: Sean Abrams, Chris Murphy, Thomas Markert, Donald Jennings, Dustin Keesler, TJ Felter, Paul Stein, Brennon Tompkins, Garrett D'Addezio, Jeremy Nimmo, Devon Norwood, Brandon Ebert and Loren Early.

The Girls Varsity Soccer team qualified as well with an average of 95.232. The amazing part with the girls was that you only needed 12 athletes to average in for the award, but the girls had 16 girls with averages OVER 90!!!!! Members of the teams that accomplished this feat were: Kirstie Alers, Katie Palen, Mary Early, Krista Baxter, Roxanne Staubitz, Shelby Jennings, Katelynn Peaster, Kacie Walley, Allison Townsend, Cassie Ludwig, Amber White, Chelsea Doig, Katie Nuzzo, Amanda Erwin, Courtney Jennings and Katie Lawrence.

Monthly School Newsletter

Capital Project Updates

New York State School Safety Anonymous Reporting Hotline

Under the Safe Schools Initiative, New York State operates a 24 hour hotline that allows students, teachers, parents and community leaders to anonymously report activities that may compromise student safety. 

The toll-free number is 1-877-7SAVENY.

(1-877-772-8369)