Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District

Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District
Location
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara
 United States
District information
Type Public
Motto Falcons don't glide, they soar
Grades K-12
Established 1956
Superintendent Daniel G. Ljiljanich
Schools 6
Students and staff
Students 4,200
Teachers 208
Athletic conference Section VI
District mascot Falcons
Colors Black and White and Red               
Other information
Website Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District

Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District is a public school district in New York State located in the Town of Lewiston, New York, about 10 miles (16 km) from Niagara Falls, New York. The District serves students from the towns of Niagara and Wheatfield.

Administration

The District offices are located at 5700 West Street Sanborn, Niagara, New York The current Superintendent Mr. Daniel Ljiljanich.

District administrators

  • Mr. Daniel Ljiljanich–Superintendent
  • Mr. Richard Hitzges–School Business Administrator
  • Ms. Ashley Wood–District Treasurer
  • Ms. Lenore Luciano–Director of Special Programs
  • Mr. Patrick Canfield–Assistant Director of Special Programs
  • Ms. Mary Ann Buch–Directory of Technology
  • Mr. Delbert Ambrosia–Director of Buildings and Grounds
  • Mr. Michael Dallessandro–Director of Transportation
  • Mr. Mark DiFilippo–Director of Athletics

Board of education

The Board of Education (BOE) consists of 7 members who serve rotating 3-year terms. Elections are held each May for board members and to vote on the School District Budget.

  • Mr. Steven Sabo–President
  • Mr. Rich Halleen–Vice President
  • Ms. Lori Pittman
  • Mr. David Breier
  • Ms. Kathy Fleming
  • Mr. Richard Sirianni
  • Mr. Christopher Peters

Selected Former Superintendents

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted in parentheses

  • Mrs. Mabel Sarbaugh Lee
  • Mr. Charles R. Clark
  • Mr. Joel Radin–?-1994 (unknown, retired)
  • Mrs. Carol Beebe–1994-1996 (Principal - Colonial Village Elementary, returned to Colonial Village)
  • Mr. Peter T. Kachris–1996-1997 [interim]
  • Dr. Judith H. Howard–1998-2008 (Assistant Superintendent - Hilton Central School District, retired)
  • Mr. Carl Militello–2008-2012 (Retired)
  • Mr. Kerin Dumphrey–2012 [interim] (School Business Administrator - Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District, returned to position)
  • Mr. James Knowles–2012-2013 [interim] (Interim Superintendent - Warsaw Central School District, retired)
  • Dr. Lynn M. Fusco–2013-2015 (Superintendent - Alden Central School District, named Superintendent of Erie 1 BOCES)

Schools

The school district operates six schools.[1]

Niagara-Wheatfield High School

Niagara-Wheatfield High School
Address
2292 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, Niagara, New York 14132
Information
Principal Michael C. Mann
Assistant Principals Paul W. Galgovich
Jeffrey D. White
Grades 9-12
Website Niagara Wheatfield High School

Niagara-Wheatfield High School is located at 2292 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn, New York and serves grades 9 through 12. The current principal is Mr. Michael Mann, and the current assistant principals are Mr. Paul Galgovich and Mr. Jeffrey White.

History

The current Niagara Wheatfield Senior High School opened in 1958, after the district was centralized.

Former principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted with in parentheses

  • Mr. Richard H. Eden–1958-1966
  • Mr. Charles T. Pelcin–1966-1994 (Assistant Principal - Niagara Wheatfield High School, retired)
  • Mr. William L. Ross–1994-1996 (Assistant Principal/Director of Athletics - Niagara Wheatfield Central School District, returned to position[2])
  • Dr. Laura Palka–1996-2002 (Principal - Windermere Boulevard School, named Principal of Edward Town Middle School)
  • Dr. Michael J. Vallely–2002-2003 [interim] (Assistant Principal - Niagara Wheatfield High School, named Principal of Southwestern High School)
  • Mr. Joseph D. Prisinzano–2003-2005 (Assistant Principal - Sweet Home High School, named Principal of Jericho High School)
  • Ms. Michelle A. Spasiano–2005–2007 (Principal - Errick Road Elementary School, named Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction of Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District)
  • Mr. Donald F. Mills–2007-2009 (Assistant Principal - Williamsville South High School, named Principal of Ithaca High School)
  • Mr. Jeffery D. Hazel–2009-2011 (Math teacher - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, named Principal of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute)
  • Dr. Laura Palka–2011-2012 (Principal - Edward Town Middle School, returned to Edward Town)
  • Mr. Timothy P. Carter–2012-2017 (Principal - Colonial Village Elementary School, named Superintendent of Wilson Central School District)
Selected former assistant principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. Charles Pelcin–1963-1966 (Administrative Assistant - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, named Principal of Niagara Wheatfield High School)
  • Mr. Fred J. Barone–1966-1991 (Administrative Assistant - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, retired)
  • Mr. Frank B. Busino–1967-1971 (Administrative Assistant - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, named Deputy Superintendent of Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District)
  • Mr. Joseph H. Czora–1971-1982 (English teacher - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, retired)
  • Mr. William Ross–1978-1994 (Assistant Principal - Edward Town Junior High School, named Principal of Niagara-Wheatfield High School)
  • Mr. James R. Campbell–1994-2017 (Physical Education teacher - Buffalo State College[3], passed away)
  • Mr. William Ross–1996-2003 (Principal - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, retired[2])
  • Dr. Michael Vallely–2000-2002 (Research Consultant - Cornell University, named Interim Principal of Niagara Wheatfield High School)
  • Ms. Laurie A. Garner–2002-2004 (Special Education teacher - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, returned to position)
  • Mr. Vincent T. Vanderlip–2003-2007 (Special Education teacher - Sweet Home High School, named Principal of Springville-Griffith Institute High School)
  • Ms. Mary Jo Dudek–2004-2006 (Social Studies teacher - Frontier Central High School, named Coordinator of Secondary Education for Frontier Central School District)
  • Ms. Teresa M. Mosher–2006-2009 (unknown, named Assistant Principal of Brighton High School)
  • Ms. Paula A. Missana–2007-2015 (Special Education teacher - Stanley G. Falk School, named Supervisor for Elementary Special Education of Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free School District)
  • Ms. Amanda Bennett–2009-2012 (Guidance Counselor - Maryvale High School, named Principal of Niagara Academy)
  • Mr. T. Michael Carter [interim]–2011-2012 (English teacher - Edward Town Middle School, named Assistant Principal of Orleans/Niagara BOCES)

Academics

Bell Schedule
Period Begin End
Period 17:458:38
Period 28:439:26
Period 39:3110:14
Period 410:1911:02
Period 511:0711:50
Period 611:5512:38
Period 712:431:26
Period 81:312:14

Edward Town Middle School

Edward Town Middle School
Address
2292 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, Niagara, New York 14132
United States
Information
Principal Jordan M. Schmidt
Asst. Principal Jodi P. Hammond
Grades 6-8
Website Edward Town Middle School

Edward Town Middle School is located at 2292 Sanders Settlement Road in Sanborn and serves grades 6, 7, and 8. The current Principal is Mr. Jordan Schmidt, and the current Assistant Principal is Mrs. Jodi Hammond.

History

Edward Town Middle School opened in 1965. It was named for Edward Town in 1966, who helped organize the Niagara Wheatfield district.

Former principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. Lee W. Lederhouse–1965-1981 (Administrative Assistant - Niagara-Wheatfield Junior/Senior High School, named Administrator for Compensatory Education and Instructional Services of Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District)
  • Mr. F. Lee Pierce–1981-1998 (Vice Principal - Colonial Village Elementary School, retired)
  • Mr. Anthony J. Day–1998-2002 (Assistant Principal - Sweet Home High School, named Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction of Sweet Home Central School District)
  • Dr. Laura Palka–2002-2016 (Principal - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, retired)
  • Mr. Michael Mann–2016-2017 (Assistant Principal - North Tonawanda High School, named Principal of Niagara-Wheatfield High School)
Former assistant principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. William Ross–1965-1978 (6th grade teacher - Tuscarora Indian School, named Director of Athletics of Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District[2])
  • Mr. Francis B. Brusino–1978-1991 (Deputy Superintendent - Niagara Wheatfield School District, retired)
  • Mr. K. Gilbert Kroening–1991-1995 (Industrial Arts teacher - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, retired)
  • Mrs. Patricia A. Tanner–1995-1998
  • Mr. Michael R. Nicholson–1998-2000 (Math teacher - Transit Middle School, named Principal of Bexley Central School District)
  • Mr. Jeffrey A. Faunce–2000-2002 (Vice Principal - Royalton-Hartland Junior/Senior High School, named Principal of Alden Middle School)
  • Ms. Michelle Beishline–2002-2005
  • Mr. John M. Fitzpatrick–2005-2014 (Science teacher - Edward Town Middle School, named Principal of Veronica Connor Middle School)
  • Mr. John Griesmer–2010-2012 (Social Studies teacher - Niagara-Wheatfield High School, named Assistant Principal of Amherst Middle School)
  • Mr. Jordan Schmidt–2014-2017 (Dean of Students - Frederick Law Olmsted School, named Principal of Edward Town Middle School)

Academics

Bell Schedule
Period Begin End
Homeroom7:407:44
Period 17:488:28
Period 28:329:12
Period 39:169:56
Period 410:0010:40
Period 510:4411:24
Period 611:2812:08
Period 712:1212:52
Period 812:561:36
Period 91:402:20
Activities2:303:45

Colonial Village Elementary School

Colonial Village Elementary School
Address
1456 Saunders Settlement Road
Niagara Falls, Niagara, New York 14305
United States
Information
Principal Marissa Vuich
Grades K-5
Website Colonial Village Elementary

Colonial Village Elementary School is located in Lewiston, and is located at 1456 Saunders Settlement Road. It serves grades K through 5. The current principal is Mrs. Marissa Vuich.

History

Selected former principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. Raymond VanDeVanter
  • Mr. A. Robert Filocamo–1967-1992 (Science teacher - Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District, retired)
  • Mrs. Carol Beebe–1992-1994 (unknown, named Superintendent of Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District)
  • Mrs. Kathleen A. Cummings–1994-1996 (Assistant Principal - Colonial Village Elementary, placed on assignment)
  • Mrs. Carol Beebe–1996-2008 (Superintendent - Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District, retired)
  • Mr. Timothy Carter–2008–2012 (Vice Principal - West Street Elementary, named Principal of Niagara-Wheatfield High School)
  • Mr. Charles A. Smilinich–2012-2015 (Vice Principal - West Street Elementary, named Principal of Dodge Elementary School)
  • Ms. Kami Halgash–2015-2017
Selected former assistant principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mrs. Kathleen Cummings–?-1994 (unknown, named Principal of Colonial Village Elementary)
  • Mr. John E. McKenna–1994-1995 (Teacher on Special Assignment - Niagara Falls City School District[4], named Principal of Fletcher Elementary School)
  • Mrs. Linda Andersen McClure–1995-1998 (Administrator - Texas, Named Principal of West Street Elementary)
  • Mr. Michael Cancilla–1998-1999 (unknown, named Dean of Students of Frontier High School)
  • Ms. Maria Zawistowki–?-2013 (unknown, named Assistant Principal of Errick Road Elementary School)

Academics

Bell Schedule
Period Number/Activity Beginning Bell End Bell
Arrival9:009:30
Day Begins9:309:30
Dismissal3:303:30

Errick Road Elementary

Errick Road Elementary School
Address
6839 Errick Road
North Tonawanda, Niagara, New York 14120
Information
Principal Nora O'Bryan
Vice Principal Maria Zawistowski
Grades K-5
Website Errick Road Elementary School

Errick Road Elementary School is located at 6839 Errick Road in Wheatfield and serves grades K through 5. The current principal is Mrs. Nora O'Bryan, and the current Assistant Principal is Ms. Maria Zawistowski.

History

Selected former principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. John E. Thurmon–1963-1976 (Teacher - Tuscarora School, resigned)
  • Mr. Ross S. Bellitto–1976-1981 (Principal - Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District, retired)
  • Ms. Michelle Spasiano–?-2005 (unknown, named Principal of Niagara-Wheatfield High School)
Selected former assistant principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Ms. Laura Palka (unknown, named Principal of Windermere Boulevard School)
  • Ms. Norah Chirayath (unknown, named Principal of Errick Road Elementary School)
  • Ms. Karen Cuddy-Miller–2005-2007 (Director of Special Education - Williamsville Central School District, named Principal of Ohio Elementary School)

Tuscarora Indian School

Tuscaroa Indian School
Address
2015 Mount Hope Road
Lewiston, Niagara, New York 14092
United States
Information
Principal Elizabeth Corieri
Grades K-6
Website Tuscarora Indian School

Tuscarora Indian School is located at 2015 Mt. Hope Street in Lewiston and serves grades K through 6. The current principal is Ms. Elizabeth Corieri.

History

Selected former principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. Norman Matteson
  • Mr. Charles F. Tortorete–?-1996

Bell Schedule

Period Number/Activity Beginning Bell End Bell
Arrival9:009:30
Day Begins9:309:30
Dismissal3:303:30

West Street Elementary

West Street Elementary School
Address
5700 West Street
Sanborn, Niagara, New York 14132
United States
Information
Principal Theron Mong
Grades K-5
Website West Street School

West Street Elementary School is located at 5700 West Street in Sanborn and serves grades K through 5. The current principal is Mr. Theron Mong.

History

West Street Elementary was opened in 1999.

Former principal

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Ms. Linda McClure–1999-2006 (Administrator - Del Rio,Texas, retired)

Former assistant principals

Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted within parentheses

  • Mr. Lawrence Ljungberg–2000-2001 (Biology/Chemistry teacher - Pioneer High School, named Interim Principal of Global Concepts Charter School)
  • Dr. Linda A. Marszalek–2001-2003 (Special Education teacher - Pembroke Elementary School, named Principal of Cloverbank Elementary School)
  • Mr. Theron Mong–2005-2006 (unknown, named Principal of West Street Elementary)
  • Mr. Timothy Carter–2006-2008 (Assistant Principal - Triangle Academy, named Principal of Colonial Village Elementary School)

Bell Schedule

Period Number/Activity Beginning Bell End Bell
Arrival9:009:30
Day Begins9:309:30
Dismissal3:303:30

School Colors and Mascot

Niagara-Wheatfield Senior High School's official school colors are black & white and red. The school's mascot is the Falcon, and its sports teams and other competitive teams are also referred to as the "Niagara-Wheafield Falcons."

Academic and Behavioral Statistics

Overall, Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District's academic and behavioral statistics are higher than the New York State average. In 2006 the average attendance rate for all high school students was 93%. Total suspension count for the year was 94 incidents. 96% of the Class of 2006 earned New York State Regents diplomas, while only 4% earned local diplomas. 56.8% of total students earned New York State Regents diplomas with advanced designations (honors). 69.2% of students with disabilities earned New York State Regents diplomas.

Sports and Academic Organizations

Athletics: NW has an array of sports programs, including baseball, football, basketball, bowling, wrestling, cheer-leading, track, cross country, tennis, volleyball, swimming, golf, soccer, hockey and softball. Niagara-Wheatfield competes in the NFL (Niagara Frontier League) with rival schools such as Lewiston-Porter, Niagara Falls, and Lockport. Niagara-Wheatfield is in New York's Section 6.

Academic Organizations: Niagara-Wheatfield also offers a wide variety of other organizations that students can join based on their interests.

Notable alumni

Rashad Evans, Class of 1998, is a former UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion. During his time at Niagara-Wheatfield, he was known for his significant contributions to the NW Falcons' varsity football and wrestling teams, with guidance and leadership from Coach Ace Cacciatore.

Coach Armand "Ace" Cacciatore, a 2002 inductee into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, and a 1999 inductee into the New York State Wrestling Coaches' Hall of Fame. Ace dedicated his career to teaching and coaching at Niagara-Wheatfield and formed the school's wrestling program in 1963, compiling a record of 330 wins and 30 losses during his wrestling coaching tenure, sending over 35 wrestlers to New York State Finals. He was named to head varsity football coach in 1970, and within three years led the Falcons into their first league championship. His football record is highlighted with 158 wins in 26 years, three Section VI Class Double A championships (two of them consecutive, in 1996 and 1997), seven divisional championships, two Connelly Cups, and five trips to Rich (Ralph Wilson) Stadium. Cacciatore became known not only as a superb coaching tactician, but a molder of men. A strong believer that character matters, he instilled a strong sense of purpose and values in every athlete who ever played or wrestled for his teams. Coach Cacciatore often took an interest in the personal lives of struggling student athletes, and assisted many in obtaining college scholarships or otherwise achieving to their best potential.[5]

Michael Pittman, Class of 2009, is a member of the University of Rochester's male a cappella group, The YellowJackets. The group appeared on season 3 of NBC's singing competition, The Sing Off.

Post-High School Career Paths

The majority of each year's graduating classes go on to pursue two and four-year college-level degrees. 38.5% of students in the Class of 2006 went on to start a 4-year degree program (91 students in-state and 4 out of state), 46% went on to start a 2-year degree, 4.3% went on to start other vocational training programs, and 28 students total started employment immediately post graduation.

2008: 50 Year Golden Anniversary

In 2008, Niagara-Wheatfield celebrated its "golden anniversary" of 50 years with a 1950s-style sock hop, inviting all NW alumni who have graduated from the school since its opening 50 years ago.[1]

Brief History and Student Demographics

Prussian Immigrant Foundation: The original high school was built on the Haseley family farm land in 1958, which the family sold to the state. The dual Edward Town Middle School and Niagara-Wheatfield Senior High School complex is located on Saunders Settlement Road (NYS Route 31) near the hamlet of "Walmore",[6] an original Franco-German (Prussian) Lutheran settlement formed in 1843, to which the Haseley family is related. There are still several families living in the town of Wheatfield today who are descendants of the original Franco-German (Prussian) immigrant families. The families established the hamlets of Saint Johnsburg, Bergholz, and Walmore after escaping harsh religious persecution in their former European homeland.[7]

Tuscarora Nation History: There is also a Native American population (the Tuscarora Nation, one of the Six Nations of Haudenosaunee) with a deep history that has a historical presence in the school district. The Tuscarora reservation (founded in 1803) is located directly across the street from the middle school and high school, and is home to the Tuscarora Nation.

Italian, Irish and Other Heritages: The school district also is home to several students of Italian ancestry, as well as students many other diverse origins and backgrounds such as Irish-American, Asian-American and African-American.

A Growing Population in a Difficult Economy: Despite issues with job loss in the manufacturing industry due to globalization and the transition of America from a manufacturing-driven economy into a service-driven economy, the Town of Wheatfield is one of the fastest-growing towns in Niagara County. West Street Elementary School located in Sanborn, NY was built and added to the school district in the late 1990s to accommodate the growing population of school-aged children.

References

  1. 1 2 Niagara Wheatfield CSD
  2. 1 2 3 Thomas J. Prohaska, B. (2015, Dec 13). Public service with a smile - William Ross, coach, teacher and lawmaker, is stepping aside after 12 years as Niagara County Legislature chairman. Buffalo News, The (NY), p. 1.. Retrieved from http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/159EAF7E9101AB10?p=AWNB
  3. ↑ http://buffalonews.com/1994/10/06/board-avoids-comment-on-dwi-charge/
  4. ↑ http://buffalonews.com/1994/10/06/board-avoids-comment-on-dwi-charge/
  5. ↑ http://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/2002/armand_cacciatore.html
  6. ↑ Walmore
  7. ↑ History

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