This morning, Camden High School had the opportunity to host guest speaker Veda Tucker from the Rachel's Challenge organization.
Rachel's Challenge is an organization that addresses the challenges posed by bullying and school violence through programming that examines the problems at their source, and promotes connection and kindness across school communities. By taking "Rachel's Challenge", a student pledges to spread kindness, set a positive example, and make their school a better place to be. To date, the organization has presented to over 30 million people worldwide.
For some students, Tucker may be familiar. A few years ago, she came to Camden Middle School to facilitate the Rachel's Challenge "Chain Reaction" event on behalf of the organization.
Following a general school-wide assembly, Tucker has been working in a small group session this morning with members of the CHS Student Leadership group. As part of these sessions, the group became the first to sign the new CHS Rachel's Challenge Banner!
BLUE DEVIL NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT
In the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to members of our Blue Devil family who are new, or are changing roles between buildings for the school year.
Today, we say hello to new pre-k teacher Brittany Powers, who has the unique distinction of teaching our full day pre-k students this year! Brittany comes to us from the Norwich City School District in Chenango County, and her work assignment is housed at McConnellsville Elementary. She is a graduate of Utica University.
Although she is in the early stages of her time with us, she has found a supportive atmosphere among her colleagues and principal Heidi Allen, and is always looking to support her students in a similar way. She loves to see her students get excited about learning, and also sharing with their classmates.
“I am so excited to start my career in Camden with our littlest learners!,” she said.
She loves to camp and travel with her family, and if they’re on vacation, Disney World is probably the place.
Welcome!
We are just over a week away from the registration deadline for the 2024 Camden Homecoming Festival Parade! The parade takes place on Saturday, October 5th at 1 PM here in the Village of Camden.
Parade Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4AGhmis4IhQPgduijPq6EtBiAItovcg7NiYBxrujuKxcL_w/viewform
Parade Instructions: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2998/CCSD/3441722/ParadeInstructions2024.pdf
Camden Middle School Spirit Week Themes are here!!!
Please join us for Open Hub on Thursday 9/26 from 4-6pm
Connected Community Schools will hold open Hub Hours on Thursday, 9/26 at Camden High
School. This is a great way to meet the connected team, learn more about what they offer, and get some household essentials if you need them. This is open to all district families. If you have questions, call one of the phone numbers in the attached flyer.
Mrs. Keller and Mrs. Littler's class has started off the year with several books about confidence and having a positive self-image, so they did a little follow-up activity. They had their first graders open and "peek" into a box to see what their best gift ever was. And the answer? Their students! The box had a mirror inside!
Flu Season is coming. Stay ahead with these tips from the New York State Department of Health.
BLUE DEVIL NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT
In the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to members of our Blue Devil family who are new, or are changing roles between buildings for the school year.
Today, we’ll introduce you to Anna Buehler! Anna is teaching second grade in a co-taught classroom at Camden Elementary School alongside Haley Bottini.
Anna is new to Camden, but grew up locally. She is a graduate of Oriskany Central, and earned her degrees from SUNY Brockport and Capella University. She comes to us with four years of teaching experience across the Brookfield, Mount Markham, and Utica school districts.
Her favorite thing about working in education is helping students to reach their full potential and meet their goals, and she is passionate about working with children and creating a welcoming classroom atmosphere. She has found the atmosphere to be quite welcoming, and is also excited to work with her father, who you may see around the building as one of our School Patrol Officers from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office!
Outside of work, Anna enjoys camping, reading, and spending time with her dogs and family. She also enjoys playing softball and ice hockey. While in high school, she made history in the latter as a member of Oneida County’s first girls’ high school ice hockey team, formed through a cooperative effort led by the Clinton School District.
We’re looking forward to seeing how your second graders grow this year! Welcome!
Spirit Week schedules for our Elementary Schools have been posted! These are the officially recognized observances ratified by the student council at each of the elementary buildings. MS and HS listings are coming as soon as they are available to us.
Find them any time at: https://www.camdenschools.org/page/homecoming-2024
Last week, the McConnellsville Elementary 3rd and 4th grade student council had its first meeting of the year. The main order of business for the day? Spirit week!
The modified boys' soccer team is back in action today against Holland Patent, one of eight contests across Camden Athletics on a busy Monday afternoon!
For more updates on Camden Boys' Soccer at all levels, visit the "Camden Boys' Soccer" page on Facebook!
Friday night was a memorable night, and fittingly, it was dedicated to someone who made so many Friday nights memorable for the Camden community.
During the football game against Homer, we held a special recognition ceremony in memory of legendary community fixture Donald "Pops" VanDresar, who passed away in June at 92 years of age. Many of those 92 years were spent as a devoted member of our community, including a tremendous half century-long run as the public address announcer for Blue Devil football games.
Whether it was on the microphone, through philanthropic endeavors, his work with local civic organizations, or his service to our country in the United States Navy, "Pops" was a man who had a knack for helping others, and through those efforts, made our community better every single day. We are lucky that he chose Camden to call home for so many years.
In that spirit, we are pleased to say that going forward, the newly-added press box at the Camden High School stadium will be known as the Donald "Pops" VanDresar Press Box. Signage will be put in place soon.
We were fortunate to host a huge contingent from his family during Friday's ceremony, led by his wife of 64 years, Dolores. Thank you all for coming to celebrate his life with us, alongside so many individuals that have been impacted by his commitment and dedication to Camden.
Full story to follow.
(Photos courtesy Danielle Danaher and the Camden Football Boosters)
BLUE DEVIL NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT
In the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to members of our Blue Devil family who are new, or are changing roles between buildings for the school year.
Today, we welcome CHS Special Education teacher Crystal O’Hara! Crystal is a graduate of Appalachian State University and East Carolina University who is joining us for the first time this year.
Crystal brings a dozen years of experience to Camden, and this will be her second year in the State of New York. She taught for 11 years across two districts in North Carolina before heading to the Empire State, and has found a sense of community here in Camden.
“The community vibe that permeates the halls has been the most enjoyable experience and something that I am not accustomed to,” O’Hara said. “Coming from a military family and having moved around throughout my life, I have always wanted a place that feels like home. I am so excited to feel so welcomed and look forward to being a part of such a wonderful community.”
Within any community, the schools are an important component, and the importance of the opportunity to propel students to their potential is not lost on her.
“I am super excited about the opportunity to work with everyone to ensure success for our children in the future,” She said. “Thank you so much for sharing your most precious gifts, I promise to treat them like my own, challenge them to always do better than yesterday, encourage them to shoot for the stars, and always follow their dreams.”
When she’s not in the classroom at CHS, she enjoys grilling, painting, karaoke, and spending time with family. Welcome!
Friday was Pajama Day in Mrs. Cochran's class at CES!
Rise and shine, Blue Devils! This morning, we'll recognize the Camden Girls' Varsity Tennis Class of 2025! Match time is set for 11 AM as Camden takes on Central Valley Academy. Senior day festivities will happen before then, so please arrive early!
Here we go, Blue! The third game of the 2024 season has arrived as the Blue Devil varsity battles Homer under the lights at the CHS Stadium. 6:30 PM Kickoff. Free Admission. It's alumni night at the stadium, and we will also be honoring the memory of a beloved member of the Blue Devil Football family, Donald "Pops" VanDresar. It will be a truly special evening.
Live Stream: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ny/camden/organization/17261/camden-high-school/video
Some helpful reminders about procedures for tonight's game:
-An adult must accompany all elementary and Middle school students. Students not accompanied by an adult will not be allowed in.
- Playing catch or games of any kind will not be allowed.
- Students should not wander around and should be cheering for our Blue Devils!
- Capital project construction is still happening. Please stay away from any taped-off areas.
- Spectators are expected to abide by the Camden Central School District Sportsmanship Policy. (https://5il.co/2x2uy).
Thank you for your continued support of the Blue Devils!
(Image In Graphic: Emily Petrie, Valley View Studios, https://valleyviewphotoco.com/)
CES Students, Families, and Staff came together on Thursday evening to showcase a slice of life at Camden Elementary School during Open House!
Thanks to all who came out to be part of the activities!
Pictures from this afternoon's varsity and junior varsity girls' soccer matchups against CVA! The weather for today's matches was spectacular!
It might still feel like summer the past few days, but fall is quickly approaching. And fall is the perfect time to curl up with a cozy mystery. Check out our most recent mystery books in the CMS Media Center. 🔎
