Springville-Griffith Institute

Take part in the Winter Session of Springville-Griffith Institute's Community Education courses. Check out the brochure for classes starting this month and in the months to come! The Body Sculpting course with Marian Keen is a high/low intensity free weights class that runs on Thursdays starting January 15.
https://www.springvillegi.org/page/communityed
Call the Community Education Coordinator at 716-592-3211 or email communityed@springvillegi.org for more information.

Recently, seventh graders experienced Seneca culture firsthand during our annual Native American Culture Day, led by representatives of the Seneca Nation. Students rotated through interactive stations featuring corn husk doll-making and storytelling, Seneca instruments and traditional regalia, and cultural items and games — including learning about the history and importance of lacrosse. The day also highlighted the power of oral tradition and how stories carry teachings, values, and history across generations.
Thank you to our Seneca Nation partners and Mr. Karb for organizing this learning experience for our students! #ExperientialLearning #CommunityConnections #RedefiningRural

Happy New Year! We hope you and your family enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday break. As we begin the new year, check out the January Keeping Up with Colden newsletter, which highlights important dates, upcoming events, and exciting happenings at Colden Elementary School. We are looking forward to a wonderful month of learning and growth together!

https://app.smore.com/n/1dgrn

THE LINK - WNY’S 2025 - 2026 SUPPORT GROUP meets on the 2nd Monday of Every Month, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Are you a parent of a child with disabilities, or do you suspect they have a disability? Join the group for discussion and insights, receive support, connect with others and express yourself. Hosts include Kim Newton, Nicole LaMonte-DeGolier and Erin Reisdorf. Register for a session on January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, or June 8. Registration is required to receive Zoom link.
www.parentnetworkwny.org/events

Take part in the Winter Session of Springville-Griffith Institute's Community Education courses. Check out the brochure for classes starting this month and in the months to come! The Flex-Ability with Michele Sundeen is a fun mix of Pilates, stretching and barre that runs Tuesdays starting January 13.
https://www.springvillegi.org/page/communityed
Call the Community Education Coordinator at 716-592-3211 or email communityed@springvillegi.org for more information.

Middle School P.E. classes took advantage of the snow by learning cross-country skiing for the first time! Cross-country skiing is a full-body, low-impact activity that provides excellent cardiovascular and muscular benefits. It improves heart and lung endurance while engaging the legs, core, and upper body through continuous movement and balance. Because of its smooth gliding motion, it is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. In addition to physical benefits, cross-country skiing supports mental well-being by reducing stress, boosting mood, and encouraging time outdoors during the winter months. Overall, it is an effective and enjoyable way to stay active, build endurance, and maintain fitness year-round.

Happy New Year! We are looking forward to a great 2026 at SGI!

Colden Elementary premiered its first annual Original Music Guest Artist Visit, offering a unique experience for student musicians who performed original songs alongside the artists who wrote them. The first guest artist was NYC-based singer-songwriter Rocco Dellaneve AKA Rocco of the Snow, and student performances were centered on his album "Prime Mover." Fourth- and fifth-grade band students, as well as returning middle school students, performed multiple tracks with the band at the direction of Mr. DiGiacomo. Thank you to the Springville Griffith Education Community Foundation for the grant support that made this opportunity possible and helped bring professional-level music education experiences to our students!
#ExperientialLearning #RedefiningRural

Make a splash by adding this low-impact, high-energy aquatic exercise to your routine! Aquafit and Evening Swim classes begin on January 12 from 5:15-6:15 PM. Learn more in the SGI Community Education Catalog:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG5RAKRjDA/oULbY44ZSltdjDqMPEb01w/view?utm_content=DAG5RAKRjDA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hb32d517816

TIES (Together Including Every Student) hosted its first paint night at Sicamohr Arts on Main Street in Springville! Students of all abilities had an amazing time! The Sicamohr Arts owner, Casey Mohr, partnered with Club advisor Mrs. Polizzi to offer this event. TIES looks forward to hosting more events like this one in the future!
#InclusionAndBelonging #CommunityConnections #RedefiningRural

Start your day with an invigorating morning swim! Classes start on January 12 from 6:00-7:00 AM every day school is in session. Learn more in the SGI Community Education Catalog:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG5RAKRjDA/oULbY44ZSltdjDqMPEb01w/view?utm_content=DAG5RAKRjDA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hb32d517816

Mrs. Pfeiffer's class did a S.T.E.M. activity where we made snowflakes using marshmallows and toothpicks!
#ExperientialLearning #RedefiningRural

Take part in the Winter Session of Springville-Griffith Institute's Community Education courses. Check out the brochure for classes starting this month and in the months to come! The Rubber Stamping course with Dawn Story runs on January 5, February 9 and March 9.
https://www.springvillegi.org/page/communityed
Call the Community Education Coordinator at 716-592-3211 or email communityed@springvillegi.org for more information.

Our SES students love having fun in the snow! Shout out in the comments if you have fond memories of winters at SES!

This Christmas, we wanted to share a story about one of our recent alumni who realized a long-held dream this holiday season. Mason Hody, a 2025 SGI graduate, made it a bucket list item to become a member of the Springville Jazz Orchestra. Earlier this month, that dream became a reality!
Mason was first introduced to music in 4th grade with Mrs. Jamie Briggs, SES Band Director. He fell in love with playing the alto saxophone! Without her enthusiasm and patience for young musicians, Mason would have never gotten "hooked" on playing.
Then, in SMS and SHS, under the direction of Mr. Joseph Gervase and Mr. David DiGiacomo, he continued to develop his skill level while remaining motivated to participate in Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band.
Mason went on to learn and master tenor saxophone and bassoon, again through our amazing SGI Music Department. He officially became a member of the Springville Jazz Orchestra, playing tenor saxophone, under the guidance of his mentor, Mr. David Sullivan.
Mason's mom, Carla Hody, said, "As a parent, to see your child accomplish something they dreamed of is indescribable. Mason was beaming onstage! My husband and I are truly grateful to Springville Griffith Institute's music department for planting the seed in him and nurturing his love of music!"
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at SGI!

Giving back and spreading cheer are the reasons for the season! Springville High School students could be found around the community at Tops and a local nursing home, caroling and bringing smiles to people's faces!
#Agency #RedefiningRural #HappyHolidays #MerryChristmas

SES finished the week before winter break with a day of fun activities during the annual SES PTO Holiday Carnival! High school students visited to do face painting and caroling in the halls. Students made their own holiday crafts, played holiday games, ate milk and cookies, and visited with Santa! The day ended with a special musical performance from our teachers!