Cicero-North Syracuse High School welcomes 2025 National Honor Society inductees:
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Cicero-North Syracuse High School proudly welcomed its newest members into the National Honor Society (NHS) during a formal induction ceremony held at the North Syracuse Junior High Auditorium. The evening honored students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, service and character—the core pillars of NHS.
NHS recognition is reserved for students who meet high academic standards while also serving their school and community with integrity. To earn NHS membership, students must maintain a strong GPA, exhibit leadership qualities, contribute through volunteer service and uphold exemplary character. Being inducted into the NHS is a significant achievement, reflecting both individual dedication and a commitment to making a positive ...
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Navigating challenges while prioritizing students: a responsible approach to 2025-26 budget development:
District to hold series of budget meetings
“As we move through this year’s budget process, we remain committed to making thoughtful financial decisions that prioritize student success while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”
- Dr. Terry L. Ward, NSCSD Superintendent of Schools
At the March 24 North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education meeting, Donald F.X. Keegan, Associate Superintendent for Business Services, presented an overview of the district’s financial challenges and key budget considerations for the 2025-26 school year. The district is facing a $6.0 million budget gap, driven by rising costs, the expiration of federal pandemic-related funds and limited increases in state aid.
“Over the past four years, inflation ...
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National AI Literacy Day – embracing the future responsibly:
By Jason Clark, Director of Technology/Data Protection Officer
On March 28, we celebrate National AI Literacy Day, an opportunity to recognize the growing impact of artificial intelligence on education and our daily lives. AI is quickly changing how we teach, learn and interact with information, making it essential for students, educators and families to understand and use these tools responsibly.
AI can be a valuable resource in the classroom and the NSCSD is committed to supporting our educators’ and students’ use of the tools. ChatGPT and other AI-driven applications help teachers develop lesson ideas, differentiate instruction and streamline administrative tasks. However, just like any technology, AI must be used thoughtfully, with an understanding of both its benefits ...
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CNS students selected for prestigious All-County Jazz Festival:
CNS is excited to be sending six students to the All-County Jazz Festival on March 28-29. These students auditioned alongside many others across the county. Being selected for this event requires a high level of musicality, preparation and responsibility, making it a significant honor. Only 24 students from across the county are chosen to participate in the vocal jazz group.
The vocal students will be working under renowned vocal jazz director Carol Jacobe, professor of vocal studies and director of the Jazzuits Vocal Jazz Ensemble at Le Moyne College.
Mark Morris will be sitting first chair trombone in the Junior High Jazz Ensemble. Mark currently plays first trombone with the CNS High School Jazz Ensemble.
The Onondaga County Music Educators Association (OCMEA) 2025 All-County ...
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Board of Education approves school calendar for 2025-26 school year:
On Monday, March 24, 2025 the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education approved a 2025-26 academic calendar. Included with the calendar are provisions for school closings due to weather-related conditions or other emergency situations. The calendar and provisions have been posted on the district’s website. Click here to view the calendar.
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CNS Business Club students compete in JA Titan competition:
On Wednesday, March 19, Cicero-North Syracuse (CNS) Business Club students participated in the annual Junior Achievement (JA) Titan competition, an interactive business simulation where students take on the role of CEOs in the phone industry. Competing from their school’s computer lab, students made strategic decisions to manage a cell phone manufacturing company, focusing on production, marketing, research and development (R&D) and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Thirteen teams competed in the online simulation, each working independently to maximize their company's value over eight virtual business quarters. Throughout the competition, students navigated real-world business challenges, learning to balance profitability, innovation and ...
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Kick Off to Kindergarten April 1 through 3: In-person registration:
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Kick Off To Kindergarten
Join us for in-person Kindergarten Registration!
The North Syracuse Central School District is thrilled to welcome its newest students! Families with children born on or before December 1, 2020, are invited to attend our in-person kindergarten registration events in April.
This is a fantastic opportunity for families to complete the registration process, meet school staff and district representatives and have their questions answered—all in one convenient location. Attendees will learn more about our schools and the resources available to support ...
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Planetarium program provides elementary students with an “out of this world” experience:
March 19, 2025: Earlier this month, elementary students throughout the North Syracuse Central School District had “out of this world” experiences as part of their school day. Through OCM BOCES STEM Services, a Planetarium Program is offered to participating districts and the North Syracuse School District is taking advantage. John Rice, the NSCSD’s director who oversees science curriculum in the district, coordinates with OCM BOCES to bring the planetarium (Starlab) to NSCSD elementary students.
“The planetarium program is directly tied to our curriculum and provides a unique learning opportunity for students,” said Mr. Rice. “It isn’t always possible to view objects in the night sky but with the ...
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Celebrating Music in Our Schools Month: A legacy of harmony and learning:
By Daryle Redmond, NSCSD Director of Fine Arts and Co-Curricular
Music in Our Schools Month is a time to recognize the powerful role music plays in our students' academic, social, and emotional development. What began as an advocacy effort by passionate music educators and community leaders has grown into a national celebration, reinforcing the importance of music education as an essential part of a well-rounded curriculum. The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) has been a leading force in this movement, providing research and resources that highlight how music enhances creativity, critical thinking, and academic achievement.
Each March, NSCSD proudly joins this nationwide celebration, honoring the dedication and expertise of our music educators and the talented ...
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Registration open for North Syracuse Early Education Program:
The North Syracuse Central School District is accepting registrations for the North Syracuse Early Education Program (NSEEP), both for the 2025-26 school year and for summer 2025 sessions. NSEEP classes are offered for children ages 3 and 4 years old.
In order to enroll your child in a full-day program for the 2025-26 school year, they must be three years old by 9/1/25. In order to enroll your child in a half-day program for the 2025-26 school year or in the 2025 summer session, they must be three years old by 12/1/25.
The NSEEP is a fully integrated program. Young children who have special needs participate in a child-centered and socially stimulating learning experience with their preschool peers. Visit the NSEEP website to learn more or download a registration form or ...
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2025 Optimist Club Oratorical and Essay Contest winners:
Each year, the Optimist Club of Cicero-North Syracuse holds essay and oratorical contests, which give students opportunities to win money in their pursuit of higher education. This year's essay contest drew a record number of entries with more than 30 students submitting essays about how optimism has helped paved their individual roads to success.
On Monday, March 3, CNS Junior Optimist Club Advisor and Optimist International Foundation Representative, Bob Crabtree, met with student essay participants to present certificates of appreciation to all students and to formally recognize the top three writers. Tammy Harris, also a member of the CNS Optimist Club, helped Mr. Crabtree honor the students during a brief ceremony in the school's large group instruction room.
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Healthy Smiles coming to elementary schools this spring:
Healthy Smiles is a government-funded dental program bringing free dental care directly to your child’s school. With no out-of-pocket costs for families, Healthy Smiles ensures that every child can access preventive dental care conveniently.
Program Highlights:
No Cost to Families: Covered by Medicaid and private insurance—no child will be turned away.
On-Site Care: Dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants and more, provided right at school.
Convenient and Comprehensive: Your child will receive a checkup, preventive care and an oral health report without needing to leave school.
Healthy Smiles helps ensure every child has a bright, healthy smile. Stay tuned for more details on how to sign up as the program approaches.
To learn more ...
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Roxboro Road Middle School presents musical Shrek Jr. March 28 and 29:
Nasty will be nice and North Syracuse will be ogre-the-moon when Roxboro Road Middle School students present their production of Shrek The Musical JR. on March 28 at 7 p.m. and March 29 at 2 p.m. The family-friendly musical comedy follows the adventures of an ogre named Shrek who sets off on a quest to save a princess from a dragon. However, it turns out that in order to ultimately succeed, Shrek must battle an even bigger obstacle: learning how to believe in himself and open his heart to others.
Shrek The Musical JR. follows an ogre named Shrek who has learned the hard way that “people hate the things they cannot understand.” For many years he has protected himself from the hurtful actions of those who are scared of him by living as a recluse in a cozy ...
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Winter 2025 newsletter available online:
The Winter 2025 edition of the North Syracuse Central School District's newsletter, The District Dispatch , is now available online by clicking here . District residents will receive a printed version of the newsletter in the mail the week of March 3.
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District invites stakeholders to participate in ThoughtExchange survey:
Your voice matters!
What’s the one change, improvement or initiative that you believe would have the greatest positive impact on our school community?
On Jan. 6, 2025, the NSCSD welcomed Dr. Terry L. Ward as the new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Ward is deeply committed to the district’s success and believes that collaboration is key to building a strong foundation. That’s why he wants to hear from students, families, educators, staff, and community members. Your feedback will help guide important decisions and ensure that NSCSD continues to thrive.
To gather stakeholder feedback, NSCSD is using ThoughtExchange, an innovative online platform that allows you to share ideas, consider different perspectives, and help inform future decisions. ...
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NYS DOT issues traffic alert for Cicero; closure will impact NSCSD students and families:
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a traffic alert regarding the ongoing I-81 Viaduct Project . The alert announced road closures and suggested detour routes that will directly impact traffic in the Cicero area. Beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 24, South Bay Road will be closed to southbound traffic between East Pine Grove Road and along the South Bay Road bridge. The DOT expects the closure to and detours to remain in place through Oct. of 2025.
The North Syracuse Central School District has several schools in the immediate area and is anticipating its impact. The district’s transportation department has been working proactively with the DOT and is making plans to reroute buses to ensure the least amount of disruption. The ...
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See the world at February 26 Festival of Nations:
The NSCSD is excited to announce the return of its Festival of Nations, a vibrant celebration of diversity, culture and community. The Festival of Nations is a tradition bringing together students, families and community members to showcase the many cultures represented in our district. With more than 300 English Language Learners (ELLs) speaking over 25 different primary languages, the event highlights the growing diversity that makes our schools and community so unique. Mark your calendars now for this amazing celebration!
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CNS seniors can apply for Dollars for Scholars scholarships through March 31:
The North Syracuse Dollars for Scholars online application process for Cicero-North Syracuse High School seniors is now open. If you know a senior who plans to further their education, please encourage them to apply.
To apply for a scholarship, students must first register and then login to complete an application . Students needing help completing an application are encouraged to visit the school’s Career Center. More information about applying is available on the CNS High School website by clicking on the Career Center link.
Please contact April Winters at 315-415-9298 or email aprilwinters@gmail.com for additional information.
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Gillette Road Middle School presents musical Annie Jr. March 14-16:
Gillette Road Middle School will be presenting Annie Jr. on March 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and March 16 at 2 p.m.. More than 100 students, adults and (dog!) are working to put on this classic family friendly musical. Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theater hits ever written, including "Tomorrow, Maybe and Hard Knock Life among others"
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the ...
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Voters to elect three board of education members; petitions available:
On May 20, 2025 the North Syracuse Central School District voters will choose three district residents to serve on the NSCSD Board of Education. Board members each serve a three-year term.
Residents must collect thirty seven (37) signatures from qualified school district voters to be placed on the ballot. Petitions will be available for pickup on Monday, Feb.3, 2025 at the NSCSD District Office 5355 West Taft Rd. North Syracuse and must be filed by 5 p.m. April 21st at the district office. Please contact Jilian K. Herrera at jherrera@nscsd.org or 315-218-2131 for information on requesting a nominating petition.
The NSCSD Board of Education includes nine school district residents elected by voters. Board members are not financially compensated.
The board is the official ...
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