November 8
We are pleased to announce that PTA will be
bringing family therapist, Mike Lynch, co-host of the
popular “Teen Talk” radio program heard Sunday
evenings on 93Q. Mike will be addressing change in
the family as children pass through the middle school
years, followed by an open discussion with question
and answer time. This is a great opportunity for
parents. Please plan to attend.

PTA Officers

President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer

Luanne Spafford
Ann Zinsmeister
Mary Beth Shust
Kristen Byers

655-3054
655-3994
655-9723
655-8779

Calling All Parents & Teachers of Middle
Schoolers

• Do you ever wonder if “RecommendedReading
Lists” are right for your child?

• Do you want to make sure your competent
reader maintains that interest and ability?

• Is your “binge reader” hooked on one author or
series??

October 12
Picture Day! Please contact Josie Glos (655-8296)
if you wish to assist with this event.

• Are you overwhelmed by the choices in the
bookstore or library?

• Do you worry that your child is no longer
interested in reading?

October 26
“Building a Community of Readers” workshop at
7:00 pm. This workshop will cover issues involving
middle school children and their reading material.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then
we have a program you won’t want to miss. On
October 26, in the Middle School Library at 7:00, five
adults who believe strongly in the power of reading
will share ideas, activities and strategies for keeping
our middle school students connected to that power.
Nancy Kolwaite and Margaret Little from the Middle
School, Betsy Kennedy and Norm Parry from our
community libraries, and Moyra Bunger from
Waldenbooks in Shoppingtown have teamed up to
present our only “Building a Community of Readers”
program for the year.
Created in response to multiple requests for “a list
of good books” over the years, this program will
address why it’s crucial for parents and teachers to
promote reading, how to deal with a lack of interest in

October 27
Seventh Graders will have their first dance from
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm. Volunteers will be needed to
decorate, chaperone, or provide refreshments. Please
contact Cindy Dzioba (655-8664) or Laura Naughton
(655-4638) if you would like to help make this dance a
success!

Thursdays
The School Stores is open during the lunch periods.
This is a great opportunity to see your child! Call
Luanne Spafford (655-3054) if you would like to
work.

reading, modern alternatives to the “Classics”, the
power of picture books for middle schoolers, and how
the many sources of reading materials in our area can
help. We’ll have lots of handouts, concrete
suggestions for talking about reading with your
student, and refreshments courtesy of the PTA. In
addition, Waldenbooks will be bringing a “mini book
fair" featuring popular nonfiction and fiction books for
children, picture books good for sharing, and helpful
titles for parents.
If you have any questions, feel free to call the
Middle School Library at 655-5226, the Cazenovia
Public Library at 655-9322 or the New Woodstock
Free Library at 662-3134.

instead of their hands and replacing a toothbrush after
an illness. Nothing but time, rest and increased fluids
can cure a cold, but there are many ways you can help
your child be more comfortable during the school day.
Please check with your physician for his advice on
this. Any medication taken during school hours must
have a note from the doctor and the parent. Cough
drops/throat lozenges are the only thing a child can
carry without written permission.
The following information is based on requirements
from the State Education Department:

1. Accurate attendance records must be
maintained. Therefore, all students who are
absent, tardy or leaving early need to have a
written excuse with the date, child’s full name,
specific reason (sore throat, fever, Dr./Dentist
appointment, hair appointment, piano lesson,
etc.) and the parent’s signature. I would really
appreciate a call at 655-1332 when your child
is absent. This does not take the place of a
written excuse, but is beneficial in letting me
know that your child is safe at home. All
absence excuses are due the day your child
returns. If you know your child will be absent
for an appointment or a vacation, please send
the note to the Health Office ahead of time. I
cannot routinely call parents if children are
absent. If you want to be called when your
child does not report to school, please give me
a call or send in a note stating this.

What:Building a Community of Readers
Where:Middle School Library
When:October 26,7:00 pm
____________________________________________

Health Office Hype

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a healthy,
happy summer.
The Health Office has never been this busy so early
in the school year. I am overwhelmed by the number
of children reporting to my office each day. Many of
the children are very sick with strep throat, viral
throats that are keeping them home for 3-4 days, fever
of more than 101 for a week straight, and a stomach
bug with vomiting, headache and fever. However, the
majority of the children have the usual cold and allergy
symptoms, stuffy noses, headaches, nausea and
stomach pains which come and go. There is little I can
do for these children other than allowing them to rest
and regroup before going back to class. I can give
Tylenol for headaches and viral throat discomfort, but
I need a permission note from the parent and the
physician to do this. So please, if your children will
need my assistance, do your part and get me the
paperwork. A proper breakfast and a good night’s
sleep (to bed between 8:00 and 9:30 for middle school
children) are needed to help your child perform at his
best. Please remember that frequent hand washing is
the best means to fight the spread of any illness.
Other good tips are disinfecting doorknobs and the
phone, teaching your child to cough intotheir elbow

2. If your child needs any medications during
school hours (prescription, over-the-counter,
or inhalers, etc.) the proper forms have to be
completed and on file in the health office.

3. A current physical (within three months, and
signed by a NYS Physician) is required on all
7th grade students, all children new to the
Cazenovia District, and all students due for a
Triennial Review. This physical should be
done by your Pediatrician or Family Doctor as
he/she best knows your child. If cost is
prohibitive, please call me at 655-1332 for
information on Child Health Plus (free or low
cost insurance for children). Dr. Osborn will
be in school on November 14 to perform

physicals on all students who have not
previously met the requirements.

4. All students must have the first of the three
Hepatitis B immunizations before the start of
school in 7th grade. Therefore, all parents of
5th and 6th grade students need to start making
appointments for this, or call me for a copy of
the free clinic schedule.