Wheelock Early Childhood Center

Why is a community vote needed? To proceed with the project, we must get voter approval. It is essential that the community come out to vote so that we can both achieve a majority approval and also so we know that we are moving forward with a vote that is representative of our community. When and where will the vote be held? The vote will be held on December 12th, 2024 in our High School cafeteria. Who can vote? People who are U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and have been residents of the District for at least 30 days before the vote are eligible.

Over the next few weeks, we'll post the most common questions about the capital project and the answers. How does a potential Capital Project connect to our district's mission, vision, and core beliefs? Our district believes that maintaining and upgrading our facilities helps us deliver on the promises we have committed to within these statements. These statements encapsulate what we believe to be our purpose and why we exist, what we aspire to become, and the principles that drive our behavior and decision-making. They include: Mission: A place of learning and exploring where individuals become their greatest selves. Vision: Paving innovative pathways to dynamic and global educational experiences. Core Beliefs: Student-focused: We make students our top priority and the center of our decision-making. Respect: We honor and treat everyone fairly. Integrity: We believe in honesty and trustworthiness. Inclusivity: We provide a sense of belonging and support for all individuals. Diversity: We believe every voice has value, and our differences make us stronger. Excellence: We work hard, set high standards, and take pride in our efforts. Communication: We practice consistent and timely communication with positive intent. Resilience: We foster growth and perseverance to help each other overcome adversity.

Congratulations Lady Billies!! Section VI Class B Champions!! Read more here: https://www.observertoday.com/sports/local-sports/2024/11/billies-prevail/

Over the next few weeks, we'll post the most common questions about the capital project and the answers. Why is the Fredonia CSD considering a Capital Project at this time? The Fredonia School District is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment and well-maintained facilities for our students, faculty/staff, and community. Just as one’s own home ages and requires upkeep and repairs to keep it in good shape, so do our school buildings. Smaller routine repairs and maintenance projects can be funded through the district’s general fund as part of the annual school district budget. However, larger projects and capital priorities are typically too expensive to be funded through the annual school district budget. By funding these projects as part of a Capital Project, it allows the district to spread the expense out over a longer period of time and fund projects it would not otherwise be able to accomplish. It also allows the district to fund this work in large part through New York State Education Department Building Aid with far less impact on local taxpayers. How does this project benefit our students? One of our core beliefs as a district is to be student-centered. Our facilities need to be upgraded to keep our students as safe as possible within our learning environment. We also want to meet the needs of our students to achieve their full potential and maximize their performance. It also helps create an environment where they can effectively demonstrate their skills and abilities at a high level. As our mission statement reads, these kinds of improvements help our students become their greatest selves. How does this project benefit our community? Our school district’s facilities are a reflection of our educational program. Upgrading our facilities helps us protect and increase property values while enhancing marketability to attract future homeowners. Not only can the proposed project be completed for a fraction of the actual cost, but it also has the potential to improve property values by improving the overall condition of our school buildings and the appeal of our community. https://www.fredonia.wnyric.org/page/capital-project

Proposition #3 Summary. Please remember to have your voice heard on December 12 during our public vote at our HS Cafeteria. Proposition #3 Includes: A new multi-purpose turf field for soccer, football, baseball, and softball on the Main Campus, resurfacing the tennis courts, and providing new parking areas. The new multi-purpose field will include lights, grandstand bleachers, a press box, and dugouts. Proposition #3 Benefits Include: + Includes improvements for 5 FCSD athletic programs + Addresses concerns from student-athletes, coaches, parents, game referees/umpires, and community members + Creates the safest possible playing surface for our student-athletes + Addresses poor drainage and conditions of our current fields + Maximizes field availability and play/practice time with the addition of lights + Enhances the spectator experience with an updated grandstand and bleachers + Expands instructional area and opportunity for curricular courses + Allows softball and baseball to be played simultaneously + Increases available parking + Creates an additional gathering location for other events and activities + Enhances press box and dugouts Proposition #3 Costs Include: Total Cost = $19,600,000 State Aid Anticipated to Cover 29% Local Share Remaining 71% 6.9% Project Related Tax Increase Starting in ‘25-26 (Note: Tax increase does not compound, it is a one-time increase then levels off each year after.) Proposition #3 can only pass if the majority of voters approve Proposition #1, Proposition #2 and Proposition #3.

Last Day To RSVP for our Veterans Day Parade! We welcome ALL veterans and their families to this special celebration. Schedule of Events: • 8:30 AM: Breakfast in the High School Cafeteria • 9:15 AM: Parade through our main campus • 9:30 AM: Travel to Wheelock School, where our youngest learners will say “Thank You” to our veterans. We look forward to celebrating and showing our gratitude together! Please RSVP by November 1st to ktomaszewski@fcsd.wnyric.org or call our district office at 716-679-1581.

Proposition #2 Summary. Please remember to have your voice heard on December 12 during our public vote at our HS Cafeteria. Proposition #2 includes: Renovation of the music department ensemble spaces along with the associated offices and practice spaces. The goal is to create a safe environment for our music students and growing music program by providing enlarged ensemble spaces, safe paths of egress, music equipment storage, and updated practice areas. Proposition #2 Benefits Include: + Provides ample space for all music students to be safe and maximize their performance + Creates practice space to allow for small group and/or one-on-one music lessons + Creates secure storage areas to protect our investment in current musical instruments and equipment + Provide safe paths of egress in general, but especially during emergency drills or situations + Manages decibel levels for both students and adults Proposition #2 Costs: Total Cost = $10,000,000 State Aid Anticipated to Cover 78% Local Share Remaining 22% 1.1% Project Related Tax Increase Starting in ‘25-26 (Note: Tax increase does not compound, it is a one-time increase then levels off each year after) Proposition #2 can only pass if the majority of voters approve both Proposition #1 and Proposition #2.

Proposition 1 Summary Please remember to have your voice heard on December 12 during our public vote at our High School Cafeteria. Proposition #1 Includes: + Replacing out-of-warranty roofs at each of the district's building + Improving HVAC for student and faculty/staff spaces at each of the district's buildings + Electrical and plumbing upgrades at each of the district's buildings + Wheelock playground replacement + Wheelock maintenance building repairs + Track work at the Main Campus Proposition #1 Benefits Include: + Helps to protect our current investment in our facilities by making necessary repairs + Keeps our students and faculty/staff warm, safe, and dry + Maintains a learning environment conducive to education + Creates work areas and equipment that will now be under warranty + Makes our district more energy-efficient + Makes playground equipment at Wheelock age-appropriate + Maintains our track safety for student-athletes, coaches, and programs Proposition #1 costs: Total cost = $22,100,000 State Aid Anticipated to Cover 77% District's Local Share Covers Remaining 23% Capital Reserve Funds Retiring Debt Service 1.9% Project Related Tax Increase Starting in ‘25-26 (Note: Tax increase does not compound, it is a one-time increase then levels off each year after.)

Join the Fredonia Family! Fredonia Central School District currently has openings for a Building Maintenance Mechanic II and cafeteria workers. For more information or to apply visit https://www.fredonia.wnyric.org/page/human-resources-home

Happy Friday! It's time for our next District Update. Catch up on all the great things that have happened since the start of the school year and learn more about the upcoming capital project vote in December. https://secure.smore.com/n/cha4y

Join us in honoring our nation's heroes at our Veterans Day Parade! We welcome ALL veterans and their families to this special celebration. Schedule of Events: • 8:30 AM: Breakfast in the High School Cafeteria • 9:15 AM: Parade through our main campus • 9:30 AM: Travel to Wheelock School, where our youngest learners will say “Thank You” to our veterans. We look forward to celebrating and showing our gratitude together! Please RSVP by November 1st to ktomaszewski@fcsd.wnyric.org or call our district office at 716-679-1581.

The latest issue of the Spectator is available online! https://online.fliphtml5.com/qorwz/kmmm/

Our Environmental club, along with the help of our very own CCE Master Gardener, High School Math teacher Mimi Joint, are working tirelessly to restore and revive some old raised garden beds to prepare them for the winter. Keep an eye out after this winter to see what they plan on growing!

School board members give our Fredonia citizens a voice in education decision-making. While we make a special effort to show our appreciation Oct. 14-18 during School Board Recognition Week, their contribution is a year-round commitment. Thank you to our School Board! Steven Johnston, President Lisa Powell Fortna, Vice President Brian F. Aldrich Aaron Marshall Courtney Gullo Sheila Starkey Hahn Jerry Kinney

We are seeking reliable and friendly Cafeteria Monitors for our elementary school! This part-time position is a perfect job for anyone looking to work a few hours a day as supplemental income and be part of a wonderful community. If you enjoy working with children and have a friendly, caring attitude, this could be the perfect role for you! Be home for school drop-offs and pick-ups. No weekends or evenings required. 3 hours per day 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM (Monday to Friday)

Are you the parent/caregiver of a student with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities? FCSD is hosting a FREE workshop presented by Person Centered Services on Thursday, October 10th at 4:30 pm! Please RSVP by the Tuesday, October 8th: https://forms.gle/8vmBAphdpE76NzeTA

Upcoming Board of Education Meetings Please note the date change: Tuesday, October 8 at 6:00 pm Thursday, October 17 at 6:00 pm (Originally scheduled on Tuesday, October 22.)

Congratulations to our Unified Program! Fredonia High School is one of only 13 schools in NYS receiving national banner recognition for its efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without intellectual disabilities. https://www.fredonia.wnyric.org/article/1784385

Attention Fredonia Residents Our district is attempting to make sure that everyone has access to information about our upcoming Capital Project. If the district does not have your contact information and you would like to know more about the project, please scan the QR code or click the link below to provide information so you can receive updates starting in October. https://forms.gle/mPzhtcZ4y9eKca2X7 If you already receive notifications from our district, you do not need to complete the survey and will automatically receive updates. Thanks for your assistance in providing information as needed.

Less than a week left in our PTO Apparel Sale! There's something for everyone in this year's sale!🧡 https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/PTOFRED24