Lewiston-Porter Alumni Association awards mini-grants

Athletic volunteers named

by Janet Schultz

In news from the Nov. 15 Lewiston-Porter Board of Education session, the Lewiston-Porter Alumni Association awarded $3,500 in mini-grants to provide teachers with funds to conduct special projects at the school.

"This mini-grant program the alumni have undertaken in support of instruction in our school district is truly remarkable," said Superintendent Christopher Roser. "We are truly blessed and thankful for the continued support the alumni association has sown for our students and staff at Lew-Port."

Awarded mini-grants for this school year were Ann Marie Oliverio for a project titled "Motivating Reluctant Readers Using the Nook;" Heidi Kazulak and Suzanne Hedemann, "Using Voice Records to Improve Reading Fluency;" Eileen O'Neil, Vicki Way and Crystal Thomas, "Intel Reader;" Brett Coppins for a Nikon D 3000 Digital Camera; Teresa Sondek, "Newton's Law Lab Activities," and Maria Wiepert for "Magnetic Wall Mural-Legacy Wall."

"We are unable to fund all of the requests much to our regret," said Nancy Orsi, representing the alumni association. "We want you to know that your teachers did a fine job on the applications at a very busy time of the year."

"The Board of Education appreciates the hard work and dedication of our alumni association," said Jodee Riordan, president of the BOE. "They are very supportive of the district, always creative and very thoughtful in how they offer that support. The mini-grants are just one way in which they give back to the school each year."

The board also acknowledged those students and staff who participated and donated to the "Kiss Your Hair Good Bye" for cancer initiative. The Lewiston-Porter Middle School raised over $7,000, which was donated to the American Cancer Society.

The board recognized Dr. Barbara Godshall, director of special education, for her Excellence in Leadership Award from the New York State Council for Exceptional Children at the organization's recent annual convention. The award was presented to her for her commitment and dedication in advocating for an in meeting the needs of students with exceptional needs.

The BOE not only recognized her for the award but also for her service to the district.

"We are thrilled for her and proud to have her as part of our administrative team," said Riordan.

That evening the board approved also several policy revisions as they continue to update their policies and procedures and approved several volunteers to assist with athletics.

The volunteers approved at the session include: Joe Casale, Anthony Morreale, Justin Hays, Zach Rougeux, Edward Wilson and Kevin Basta for boys basketball; Kristine Ripson, girls basketball; Christian Adamson and Hayden Fitzpatrick, ice hockey; Edward Quarantillo, boys swimming; Bill Edwards, Kyle Cerminara and Josh Siuta, wrestling; and Vicki Price, cheerleading.