Starpoint highlights homecoming, PBIS and student leadership programs

Superintendent Doctor Croft told the Starpoint Central School District board the district had a “fantastic” homecoming week and highlighted several student leadership and positive-behavior initiatives across buildings.

Croft reported that homecoming activities spanned kindergarten through 12th grade and included a parade that connected younger students with high-school leaders. She praised principals — Dr. Ingram (high school), Mr. Marirana (middle school), Mrs. Daigler (Regan Intermediate) and Mrs. Toth (Vercono Primary) — and recognized Director of Facilities Dave Czarsak for being sworn in as president of the New York State Facilities Association.

At Vercono Primary, Croft described a revamped PBIS program that uses four teacher characters (Ralphie, Rosie, Sammy and Katie) and a mascot model named Benny to teach expected behaviors; students earn “Benny Bucks” for meeting expectations and can spend them at a newly created school store called Stargate. Croft said the program includes small-group mini-presentations, and that students help with bus duty, tours and other leadership tasks. Vercono also hosts a therapy dog from an outside agency about once a week; teachers may sign up for visits.

Superintendent Croft described the VIBs (a second-grade student-leader group) as active around the school during arrival and other routines. The district also expands student leadership through a Spartan Spark coffee cart program run by middle- and high-school students to practice life skills such as customer interaction, money handling and order fulfillment; Croft said the program is expanding to the high school on Mondays.

Student ex officio Fiona reported on specific homecoming events: spirit days, a school parade (grade-level floats with a Disney theme), powder-puff football, the homecoming game with halftime court ceremonies and a homecoming dance attended by about 570 students. Fiona said class officers and student council organized many activities and that participation levels were high.

Croft also noted college-exposure activities: on Sept. 18, the district took about 100 students to a college fair at SUNY Niagara where 50 other colleges were in attendance. The Starpoint High School Musical Club attended a final dress rehearsal on Sept. 16 at Shea’s as part of preparation for an upcoming production.

Board members offered praise during open discussion. Several members commented on the positive energy of PBIS events, staff efforts documenting events (photographer Mr. Tracy was singled out for photos), and the success of the Spartan Spark expansion. Board members also congratulated Czarsak on his statewide leadership role.

The board briefly mentioned capital-project progress on fields and the new parking lot; timing and contract specifics were not discussed in the provided transcript.

The board moved on to routine business after the reports and closed the meeting.