Silver Creek CSD

Good evening Silver Creek Families. Today is Wednesday, June 1. As announced yesterday, the DISTRICT GALA was POSTPONED until Thursday, June 2. We have confirmed that the Village of Silver Creek ballpark behind the library is still available for our event. Therefore, the Gala will be in the same location and will follow the same schedule, including the chicken barbeque. Thank you!

Good evening Silver Creek Families. Today is Tuesday, May 31. Due to a forecast of inclement weather, the DISTRICT GALA scheduled for tomorrow, June 1, has been POSTPONED until Thursday, June 2. The event will follow the same schedule, including the chicken barbeque. Another broadcast will go out tomorrow evening once we have secured a location for the postponed event. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Registration for UPK and Kindergarten for the 2022-2023 school year will take place in the Silver Creek High School lobby Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 12:00-5:00 p.m. You will need to provide: ▪️Proof of identity for parent/guardian ▪️Legal documentation of custody (if applicable) ▪️The child’s birth certificate ▪️Proof of residency (valid driver’s license, current utility bill, mortgage statement, lease agreement, or tax bill) ▪️Current physical and immunization records if available Please call Linda Okon at 716-934-2603, ext. 4966 with any questions.

It's a beautiful day (Tuesday, May 31, 2022) to cheer on our Special Olympics student-athletes on the campus of Silver Creek Central School District!

The 2022-2023 Instructional Calendar for Silver Creek Central School District was revised at the May 19, 2022, meeting of the Board of Education. The calendar was revised to remove one Superintendent Conference Day in September 2022 to extend the Labor Day weekend for teachers and add one Superintendent Conference Day in April 2023. The revised version is also accessible via our website by navigating to District > Public Documents.

*courtesy post* 𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦? Gus Macker Olean is looking for volunteers for their event June 10-12, 2022. 🏀🙌 Visit facebook.com/gusmackerolean for more info.

𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗕: 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 How beautiful are these homemade red poppy pins created by Silver Creek Middle School’s Builders Club? 🌹🌹 Earlier this month, club members created them for SCMS staff to wear in observance of Memorial Day 2022. 🇺🇸 The red poppy is a symbol of both remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. ☮️ The Kiwanis Middle School Builders Club (co-advised by SCMS staff Rose Battleson, Laura MacLeod and Cassandra Roberts) is a student-led group providing opportunities to work together in service to the school, community, and our nation. Its objectives are to develop leadership potential and to foster the development of strong moral character through service projects. The advisors are always encouraging more students to join the club. Students come up with the service ideas throughout the academic year and the advisors try to bring those service projects to life. Some of the service projects of the 2021-2022 academic year include: ▪️ Trick or Treat for UNICEF 🎃 🍬 ▪️ Operation Christmas Child 🎄🎁 ▪️ Cards for residents of St. Columban’s on the Lake Retirement Home 💌 🥰 ▪️ A food drive for the Silver Creek Food Pantry, and 🛒 🥗 ▪️ Planting seeds for Earth Day in little pots ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week in May 🌏🌱👩‍🏫 Each year it looks a little different because it is based in what the students feel is important for their school and their community. We encourage our Black Knights to explore all the possibilities open to them via Builders Club for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Please join Silver Creek Central School District in observing Memorial Day today (Monday, May 30, 2022) by remembering & honoring all who served. 🇺🇸🙏 #MemorialDay2022 #RememberAndHonor #wearesilvercreek #BKP #BlackKnightPride

Several of our Black Knights from Silver Creek CSD are pictured heading out for the traditional Quest Backpacking Hike last Wednesday, May 18, 2022. 🎒 🧗🏕🚶‍♀️ They join students from other districts including Fredonia and Cassadaga Valley in this unique outdoor educational experience.

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗩𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗬: 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗟 Silver Creek Central School District has a vacancy for an Elementary School Principal (PreKindergarten through 5th grade) for the 2022-2023 academic year. Reports to: Superintendent of Schools Qualifications: ▪ NYS Certification (SAS, SDA, SBL, or SDL) required ▪ 5 years teaching experience ▪ Successful experience as a school administrator and/or extensive experience as an educational leader preferred. The ideal candidate will: ▪ Have elementary teaching experience and/or literacy instructional knowledge. ▪ Be a leader with high expectations for all our students. ▪ Be a leader who will put students first in decision making. Project a positive presence in the building, and be able to support a learning climate that promotes the attainment of high expectations for students, teachers, and staff. ▪ Possess excellent organizational skills and verbal and written communication habits. ▪ Actively play a role in the effective implementation of the District's Code of Conduct. ▪ Possess an effective leadership style that fosters teamwork with administration, faculty, staff, parents, community and students. ▪ Build community with parents, faculty, staff and students. ▪ Embrace a strategic leadership process that includes monitoring and adjusting, goal setting, and careful allocation of resources to attain desired results. ▪ Understand change processes and their impact upon school culture. Understand the importance of engaging stakeholders and faculty leadership in decision-making. ▪ Possess a vision for technology's role in student learning at the Elementary School level. Be a high-level technology end user as a model for faculty and staff. ▪ Understand 21st Century Skills and their impact on Elementary School curricula and instruction. ▪ Possess knowledge of curriculum mapping and practical uses of data in instruction. ▪ Knowledge and experience with APPR and/or prior training qualification preferably with Danielson 2011 and 2016 evaluation rubrics. ▪ Working knowledge and application of Next Generation Standards, Eureka Math and integration of modules. ▪ Experience with implementation of AIS, RTI and DDI models. ▪ Experience with primary and intermediate behavior modification strategies including promoting good attendance for student success. Salary and Benefits: The district is prepared to offer a competitive salary and benefit package that is commensurate with experience. Application: Interested candidates should apply through the WNY School Application System at www.wnyric.org/application All applications are due by: June 10, 2022 Silver Creek Central School District Elementary School Principal Job Description- 5/24/2022 The Elementary School Principal serves as the educational leader, responsible for managing the policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure that all students are educated and supervised in a safe learning environment that meets the approved curricula and mission of the Elementary School. Achieving academic excellence requires that the school Principal work collaboratively to direct, develop, and support all members of the school staff hired by the Board of Education and to communicate effectively with parents. Inherent in the position are the responsibilities for scheduling, code of conduct administration, curriculum development, extracurricular activities, personnel management and evaluation, emergency procedures, and facility operations. JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSILITIES: The Elementary School Principal will: 1. Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all students and staff for academic performance and responsibility for good citizenship of the Elementary School. 2. Manage, evaluate and supervise effective and clear procedures for the operation and functioning of the school consistent with the philosophy, mission, values and goals of the school including instructional programs, extracurricular activities, and discipline systems to ensure a safe and orderly climate, building maintenance, program evaluation, personnel management, office operations, and emergency procedures. Ensure compliance with all laws, Board policies and civil regulation. 3. Establish the annual master schedule for instructional programs, ensuring sequential learning experiences for students consistent with the school's philosophy, mission statement and instructional goals. 4. Supervise the instructional programs of the school, evaluating lesson plans and observing classes as per the requirements of the Silver Creek Teachers’ Association negotiated APPR criteria while encouraging the use of a variety of instructional strategies and materials consistent with research on learning and child growth and development. Prior training preferably with Danielson 2011 and 2016 evaluation rubrics. 5. Establish procedures for evaluation and selection of instructional materials and equipment, approving all recommendations for District review and Board of Education approval. 6. Supervise in a fair and consistent manner effective discipline and attendance systems with high standards, consistent with the philosophy, values, and mission of the school. Ensure a safe, orderly environment, and create procedures to help ensure that students take responsibility for decisions and actions. Create high morale among staff and students. File all required reports regarding violence, vandalism, attendance, and discipline matters. 7. Establish a professional rapport with students and with staff. Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents and school personnel. Serve as a role model for students, dressing professionally, demonstrating the importance and relevance of learning, accepting responsibility, and demonstrating pride in the education profession. Encourage all teachers to do the same. 8. Notify immediately the Superintendent, and appropriate personnel and agencies when there is evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide or students appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. 9. Keep the Superintendent advised of employees not meeting their contractual agreement or professional responsibilities. 10. Research and collect data regarding the needs of students. 11. Communicate effectively with all staff and shared decision-making teams seek ideas for the improvement of the school. Conduct meetings, as necessary, for the proper functioning of the school: attend and contribute to monthly meetings for all staff; attend and contribute to Administrative Council and Administrative Cabinet meetings. 12. Establish and maintain an effective inventory system for all school supplies, materials and equipment, including a replacement cycle for equipment and technology. 13. Establish procedures that create and maintain attractive, organized, functional, healthy, clean, and safe facilities, with proper attention to the visual, acoustic and temperature. 14. Assume responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of students, employees and visitors. 15. Develop and administer clearly understood procedures and provide regular drills for emergencies and disasters. 16. Develop and facilitate implementation of AIS, SST, RTI, and DDI models. 17. Facilitate social, emotional, and mental health needs of students by coordinating student support team meetings and support staff meeting consisting of counselors, psychologist and social workers. 18. Order, keep inventory, and facilitate grades 3-5 State testing. 19. Establish schedules and procedures for the supervision of students in non-classroom areas (including before and after school). 20. Maintain visibility with students, parents, teachers, district administrators. 21. Use effective presentation skills when addressing students, staff, parents, and the community including appropriate vocabulary and examples, clear and legible visuals, and articulate and audible speech. 22. Complete in a timely fashion all records and reports as requested by the Superintendent. Maintain accurate attendance records. 23. Maintain and account for all student activity funds and money collected from students. 24. Communicate with the Superintendent regularly about the needs, successes and general operation of the school. 25. Establish procedures for safe storing and integrity of all public and confidential school records. Ensure that student records are complete and current. 26. Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines. 27. Organize and supervise procedures for identifying and addressing special needs of students including health-related concerns, and physical/emotional needs. 28. Maintain positive, cooperative and mutually supportive relationships with staff and parents. 29. Provide student grade and behavior reports to parents. Provide honor roll and merit roll recognition each quarter. 30. Nurture and lead both students and teachers to achieve their greatest potential academically and instructionally. 31. Provide oversight and management (including supervision, evaluation and budget recommendations) for middle school athletics and middle school extracurricular clubs and organizations. 32. Perform any duties that are within the scope of employment and certifications, as assigned by the Superintendent and not otherwise prohibited by law or in conflict with contract.

Good morning Silver Creek School families and staff, As we continue to mourn and recover from the horrific events that took place on Buffalo's East Side on May 14, it saddens and angers me to learn of the latest mass killing in a Texas elementary school yesterday, May 24, 2022. As more details emerge about what happened there, the concern of our own safety and wellness is rightfully questioned and discussed. I can assure you that the safety and well-being of everyone in our school community is reviewed and discussed daily, and is of the greatest of priority. This morning, our Administrative Team, School Resource Officer and Transportation Supervisor were asked to review all physical safety measures, protocols and procedures in all buildings and buses throughout the District. Administrators met with the receptionists at the main entrance points to review protocol. I have asked Buildings and Grounds staff to “double check” functionality of all exterior doors throughout the District. Staff have been reminded not to “prop open” any exterior doors. We just completed all required fire drills and lock down drills for this school year. In fact, just this past Monday, May 23 we had a successful “Lockdown Drill” that was conducted throughout the ENTIRE District. Lastly, the administrators have asked our school-based counselors, social workers, and school psychologists to provide internal and external mental health supports to students, families, and employees who are in need. This morning, our elementary faculty met before school with administrators to debrief and discuss their own needs as well as how to best prepare and assist any elementary students that may struggle with what occurred yesterday in Texas. The Elementary, Middle and High School building principals met with their support staff of counselors, social workers and school psychologist to review the best manner to assist any students/staff that may struggle or have concerns today and every day. We will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure safety of all in our school community from a physical, mental, and emotional standpoint. While we mourn once again over another senseless act, we must continue to "Choose Love" over evil and hate. TOGETHER, each one of us can support one another in our greatest times of need. Rest assured, our school community has proven time and time again, when there is a crisis, we will UNITE and PERSEVERE to overcome and protect OUR youth. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones in every way possible. The Silver Creek Central School District remains here for you and your family, and we will continue to offer support wherever and whenever it is needed. #BKP Sincerely, Todd Crandall Superintendent of Schools

Come cheer on the Silver Creek and Pioneer UNIFIED BASKETBALL teams today (Tuesday, May 24, 2022) at 5 p.m. 🏀👏🖤💛 #wearesilvercreek #BKP #blackknightpride

𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦, 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧 A group of 14 freshmen from Silver Creek High School joined social studies teacher Jessica Kardashian for a field trip to the Cohen Holocaust & Social Justice Institute’s student/educator symposium on the topic of “Crisis Ukraine” on May 13 at Chautauqua Lake Central School. They discussed the war on Ukraine, what it’s like to be a Ukrainian right now and how everyone can feel empowered to help. Speakers included international criminal prosecutor Dr. David Crane, Ukrainian native Aleksey Tsarevich, and activist/volunteer Mrs. Kardashian. Dr. Crane, who was the lead prosecutor for war crimes in Sierra Leone. Attendees asked about his concerns with the war on Ukraine, the impact of social media in this war, collecting evidence and the timeline of the formation of a tribunal against those committing war crimes and holding them accountable. Mr. Sergeevich’s family was still in Ukraine when the Russian invasion began, but has since fled to Germany. He discussed his culture, history and the importance of standing up for what is right. He talked about the impact this war is having on the Ukrainian people, our global world and how we must remember these are ordinary citizens living their daily lives a few months ago until they weren’t. Mrs. Kardashian, who advises the Knights Against Cancer and History & Culture clubs at SCHS, is very involved in fighting for different causes. She believes in standing up for what is right and giving back in any way she can. The war on Ukraine has been personal for her as she has close ties to Poland after volunteering for 10 summers at an orphanage there. “The people have become family,” she says, noting she is in constant contact with her best friends there regarding needs of refugees and the Polish caretakers who have helped more than 3 million refugees fleeing Ukraine. Mrs. Kardashian, who is also international trip coordinator and co-advisor of the Quiz Bowl team at SCHS, discussed promoting fundraising and awareness efforts to her students. She’s facilitate their participation for causes including Bald for Bucks, a shoe drive for Africa, reading to animals at the SPCA, her “Think Kindness” initiative, Spike Out Leukemia, and partnering with Kevin’s Guesthouse in Buffalo to cook dinners for families staying there. Outside of school, she’s done a blanket and coat drives for the city mission, helped with the Ugandan Water Project, and participated in Relay for Life. Her most recent effort at SCCS was a medicine drive with all of our staff, her family and friends that helped to send more than $10,000 in supplies over to Warsaw, Poland, and onto Ukraine. “Small branches form a large tree,” she says, emphasizing the importance of smaller actions forming a larger network of help. She talked of the spirit of the Polish people and how they have transported refugees throughout various parts of Poland, taken them in, helped them find translators, learn the language, set up schooling, jobs and daycare. She also highlighted what Silver Creek’s students and those at the symposium could do to enact change on a local or international level: ▪️ Get involved with local Ukrainian churches and community centers ▪️ Support a restaurant ▪️ Organize a medicine drive ▪️ Sell baked goods or sunflower seeds (the national flower of Ukraine) ▪️ Facilitate an auction or 50/50 raffle ▪️ Write to elected leaders ▪️ Host a sporting event for charity, and more. Kardashian then gave each attendee a small note and sunflower seeds to encourage them all to take that seed, form an idea and watch it grow. And the 14 students from Silver Creek who attended the symposium are doing just that: Following the symposium, the ninth-graders mobilized with Mrs. Kardashian and are working on a few charity drives for the end of the 2021-2022 year and into the next school year starting with a 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮. The students playing will be donating canned goods as their players’ fee and all attendees are encouraged to bring canned good donations or a money donation. “They are greatly looking forward to making a difference,” says Kardashian, who notes the donations will benefit the Silver Creek Food Pantry and an organization supporting the Jefferson Street community following the fatal shooting at the Tops Markets there on May 14, 2022.

Mr. Jamie Francisco’s Tech Explorations class at Silver Creek High recently enjoyed a visit from Ms. Francine Rondinelle from Dream It, Do It W.N.Y. She visited to congratulate them on their Rube Goldberg video entry to the 2022 Chautauqua STEM Wars. The class was given a $100.00 Chamber of Commerce gift card and T-shirts. Ms. Rondinelle also talked to the class about manufacturing and industry in the Chautauqua County area and getting students exposed to potential careers in many exciting fields. Thank you Ms. Rondinelle, the chamber and Dream It Do It WNY!

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗥'𝗦 𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗥 Silver Creek High School senior Amanda Ippolito organized a spaghetti dinner fundraiser earlier this month (held Saturday, May 7, 2022) at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and raised $5,000 for Catholic Relief Services to help families in Ukraine and the surrounding countries. This outpouring of generosity would not have been possible without the community’s overwhelming support of this 12th-grade Black Knight who has a passion to make positive change in the world. “I’m so thankful to everyone who showed their support and attended the spaghetti dinner,” says Amanda, who was inspired to begin planning the event in March. She also says she could not have accomplished this without the support of her mom and dad, Mary Ann White, Fran Page, Father Dan, David Caccamise, Miss Kristen Foley, all the generous volunteers who helped the night of the event and everyone who donated a basket or money. Amanda, a member of the Class of 2022, coordinated a bake sale, 50/50 raffle, and basket raffle with more than 50 items. All donations will provide people with food, clothing, cash assistance, counseling care, and more. We applaud Amanda's hard work, kindness and hope her spirit of generosity inspires volunteerism in our community. Great work, Amanda!

Three fifth-graders from Silver Creek Elementary School competed in the Battle of the Books at The Chautauqua Institution on Saturday, May 21, 2022. 📚👊 They read 12 books, came up with their own team name, created costumes, and made a poster. They had to answer "Jeopardy!"-style questions about the books they read. While they did not win a prize for most correct responses in the battle, they did win for best team name: Lizard Wizards of Words! 🏆 📸Shown in the pictures are Mason Fote, Aiden Kilburn and Preston Walters. Teacher April Walters coached them for the battle, but says they are the true champions!

Silver Creek CSD May 19, 2022 Board of Education Meeting Report Findings Regarding Isolation Cell Investigation Board (President) The investigation into allegations contained in the March 28, 2022, Letter (the “Letter”) submitted by District administrator Jay Hall to the Board of Education is complete. As we have shared before, Mr. Hall alleged that the District was using a room, what he called an “isolation cell,” and that our students were mistreated; incredibly serious allegations. As I have said from the beginning, and it bears repeating, this Board has been united in its purpose – to get to the truth. We are a group of unpaid volunteers, passionate about education and dedicated to service in our community. Immediately upon the Board’s receipt of the Letter, we contacted one of the District’s outside legal firms, Webster Szanyi LLP. The Board gave the firm one charge—to conduct an immediate, comprehensive, and thorough investigation. In addition, all use of the Room was immediately suspended until further notice. The investigation began the very next day, March 30, 2022. The Board received periodic updates from the investigators throughout the investigation and in turn, we provided status reports to the public. The Board received the investigation report on May 10, 2022. We reviewed it individually, and then we took the time and met to ask questions of the investigators to ensure we were satisfied that they had met their charge—and we can report tonight that they did. Accordingly, we invited Melanie Beardsley, one member of the investigation team, to share the investigation findings publicly this evening. Ms. Beardsley, please come up and present the findings. Investigator (Melanie Beardsley, Esq.) At the outset, I want to point out that specific details protected under federal, state, and local law, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), cannot be disclosed in this presentation. Meghan Hayes and I conducted the investigation. We are attorneys with the law firm, Webster Szanyi. First, I’d like to speak to our methodology. We reached out to 34 people for interviews, including the parents and guardians of each student named in the Letter. We conducted 28 interviews. At two board meetings, the Board also urged anyone with information to come forward. All District administrators, teachers and staff fully cooperated with the investigation. Certain parents and community members did as well. On the other hand, Jay Hall and his brother, Rich Hall, refused to cooperate in the investigation. With regard to Jay Hall, on multiple occasions we requested that he meet with us, and we offered various accommodations to encourage him to participate. We also requested that he provide us with all information and documents he has related to his claims. He refused. Accordingly, we received absolutely no information from Jay Hall following receipt of the Letter and my one brief meeting with him on March 30th. Jay Hall’s brother Rich is an attorney who represents four District families bringing claims against the District. After learning that these families were represented by counsel, we requested interviews and information and Rich Hall refused to allow them to cooperate. We conducted nearly all the interviews in-person. Some interviews were conducted virtually or by phone to accommodate the witness. We analyzed over 215 documents spanning thousands of pages and reviewed several videos. We inspected the room at issue, including the surrounding office space, classrooms, and other elementary school offices. These findings are based on the witness information and documents. I also want to mention that at the outset of the investigation, we immediately received evidence relating to particular allegations in the Letter. That evidence indicated that there was no immediate or ongoing threat to any District student. During the initial days of the investigation, we provided that evidence to the District and, in turn, the District found no reason to place any employee on administrative leave. As Mr. Boothe mentioned, we provided periodic updates to the Board and continuing throughout the investigation we found no evidence to recommend that the District place any teacher or staff member on administrative leave. The De-Escalation Room The De-Escalation Room is an area within Elementary Office E-102, that Mr. Hall refers to as an “isolation cell.” Elementary Office E-102 has been Mr. Hall’s Office this year and he had complete control over the entire space. The Room is eight feet by seven feet and has two large windows on one wall that allow anyone to look in or out of the Room and the Office Area. There is a door into the Room. It opens into the Room and does not lock from the inside. In other words, it is not possible to lock or barricade anyone in the Room. There is also a door to a storage closet within the Room. As you can see from the photographs, the walls are cinderblock like all walls throughout the elementary school and painted light blue. At the time of the investigation, the only item in the Room was a blue nurse’s cot with a headrest that could be placed upright or recline into a full supine position. The Room does not have exposed wiring or a razorblade-like mechanism as claimed. It is well lit and properly ventilated. The Set Up and Use of the Room Prior to the 2021-2022 School Year Prior to the current school year and, therefore, prior to Jay Hall’s employment with the District, another District employee used Elementary Office E-102. During that time, the Room was set up very differently than this school year. Prior to this school year, the Room had a rug on the floor, bean bags/bean bag chairs (one baseball bean bag, one football bean bag), one or more posters on the wall (one poster said “Good Vibes”), a blanket and/or pillows on the cot, a small desk and chair, books, and other sensory toys/manipulatives. The Room did not have exposed wiring, a razorblade like mechanism, or poor lighting or ventilation. In addition, there was no evidence that the Room ever locked from the inside. Prior to this school year, the Room was used in a variety of ways. Students used the Room to take breaks, calm down, de-escalate, re-regulate, do homework, relax, and rest. There is no evidence that prior to this school year, any District administrator, teacher, or staff member used the Room to isolate, seclude, or punish students, nor is there evidence that the Room was used as an aversive intervention, meaning that it was not used as a way to discourage undesirable behavior, nor is there evidence that it was used in any inappropriate way for any inappropriate purpose. The Set Up of the Room in the Present 2021-2022 School Year When Mr. Hall began with the District as the Assistant Director of Programming for the current 2021-2022 school year, he was assigned Elementary Office E-102 which includes the De-Escalation Room, and he had complete control over it. There is no evidence that Mr. Hall was forced to leave the Room bare and free of all decorations and furniture; Mr. Hall chose to have only a nurse’s cot in the Room and, at times, to store boxes of supplies underneath the cot. The Erie2 BOCES Coordinator of Health, Safety, and Energy inspected the Room on April 4, 2022, less than one week after the Board’s receipt of the Letter. The Health, Safety, and Energy Coordinator concluded that the room met the NYS standards for a time out room and is well-suited for the students in elementary school. Additionally, the Silver Creek Volunteer Fire Chief cited no concerns after inspecting the Room. Separately, a Senior Investigator from the New York State Police inspected the Room and did not report any negative findings. The Use of the Room in the Present 2021-2022 School Year There is no evidence that the District, or any administrator, teacher or staff member has used the Room at any time as a behavioral consequence, discipline, or as an aversive intervention for students, or for any other inappropriate purpose. The Room has been used to de-escalate students and to provide a safe space when students act in a way that creates a danger to themselves, others, or property, consistent with the New York State Commissioner’s regulations. These regulations permit a room to be used precisely for these purposes, to allow, and I quote, a “student to safely de-escalate, regain control and prepare to meet expectations to return to his or her education program.” Use of the Room with students was primarily in response to “unanticipated situations that pose[d] an immediate concern for the physical safety of a student or others,” permissible under the Commissioner’s regulations. District Policies and Procedures The District does not have a Board policy or any other written policies or procedures detailing the use of the Room. The District must develop and implement policies and procedures, which include the physical and monitoring requirements, parental rights, and IEP requirements for students with disabilities if it uses a time out room. The policy and procedures must minimally include: (i) prohibiting placing a student in a locked room or space or in a room where the student cannot be continuously observed and supervised; (ii) factors which may precipitate the use of the time out room; (iii) time limitations for the use of the time out room; (iv) staff training on the policies and procedures related to the use of time out room; (v) data collection to monitor the effectiveness of the use of time out rooms; and (vi) information to be provided to parents. Separately and independently, the New York State Education Department’s Office of Special Education Quality Assurance conducted a separate investigation into the use of the Room. Consistent with our investigation, the Office determined only that the District has not developed or implemented policies and procedures regarding the use of a time out room for students with disabilities. Allegations that Students were abused, neglected, or mistreated. Consistent with New York State Education Law, New York State Penal Law, and District policies, no District administrator, teacher or staff member or other employee subjected any student to abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. There is no evidence that any student was struck, manhandled, or assaulted in any way. When students engaged in conduct that could have caused injury to them, others, or property, District personnel used appropriate techniques to prevent or minimize injury. The techniques used in each instance are consistent with District Policies 7350 and 7530, New York State Penal Law, New York State Education Law, and New York State Commissioner of Education regulations. Board (President) As a result of this investigation, it is clear to us that some of our children absolutely need a safe space to de-escalate, calm down, and with the help of administrators and staff, prepare for a safe return to the classroom. We have an obligation to each and every child in the District to do whatever we can to give all of our students access to the best education possible. From the investigation, it is clear to us that de-escalation or sensory rooms, and perhaps both, can serve as vital tools in that regard. As a Board, we acknowledge that no matter what, we must develop and implement policies and procedures with respect to such rooms. This will be a priority. In the meantime, the use of the room remains suspended. We plan to establish a shared decision-making process that will, with the input of experts in the field, help the Board understand the best ways to design, establish, and implement sensory and de-escalation rooms. We will seek legal advice from all of our attorneys, including our special education counsel to ensure we are following all laws and regulations regarding any use of these rooms by students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans. The Board plans to invite the community to take part in this process and will be asking volunteers to serve on a committee to study this issue and make recommendations to the Board. Before we open any room for use, we envision an Open House where parents can see all of the rooms in their child’s school. Parents are always welcome at Silver Creek Schools. We trust our administrators, teachers, and staff in this District and appreciate their efforts and cooperation in the investigation. We encourage the community to be an active partner in the education of our kids. Parents, actively engage with your children’s teachers. Talk to them. Email them. Ask questions. If you feel it necessary, do not hesitate to talk to the Building Principal or the Superintendent. Ask to have a meeting with the Board. This is your school, and these are your children. We take this charge very seriously as our priority is to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all children to succeed in Silver Creek. At this point, the investigation is complete; our job is not. The work of the Board has just begun. With the help of our community, our great team of teachers, administrators, and staff, we will continue to be a school district of which we can all be proud. Finally, we thank all of you, the Silver Creek community, for your concern and support throughout this process. Thank You.

We are pleased to announce our budget passed, along with all other propositions. The Board welcomes Michael Grisanti as their new member in July 2022. Voting results are as follows: #1 Budget Yes: 252 No : 88 #2 Vehicle Purchase Yes :271 No: 68 #3 Establish New Capital Reserve Fund for Capital Improvements Yes :259 No: 77 #4 Establish New Capital Reserve Fund for Vehicles Yes: 257 No: 79 Election results for one (1) 5-year term: Michael Grisanti: 229 Joel Blasdell: 106 Write Ins: 2

The annual Budget Vote & School Board Election for Silver Creek Central School District is scheduled today (Tuesday, May 17, 2022) from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the high school lobby. All qualified district residents are encouraged to exercise their right to vote.

Thank you to everyone who turned out last night for Silver Creek’s first-ever unified basketball team home game against Southwestern! We appreciate the community support for both teams! #wearesilvercreek #BKP #BlackKnightPride