Springville-Griffith Institute

The first couple of meetings of SMS's new Spirit Club are in the books. Spirit Club is a new activity for students at SMS to attend on Fridays during 12th period to decorate and make seasonal crafts. Students have made snowflakes out of paper bags to hang around the school and ornaments for teachers so far. Mrs. R. Benz is excited to see the creativity and enthusiasm the students are bringing to Spirit Club and looks forward to sharing more of their projects as the year continues!

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 Kick It Up course with Marian Keen is a cardio-packed kickboxing 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, about 20 high school students from Mr. Vogel’s, Mr. Baumgartner’s and Mr. Shelley’s classes participated in an industry tour of Timberbuilt in North Collins. Timberbuilt is a design/build company specializing in custom timber-frame homes and structures. Students had the opportunity to meet with many members of the Timberbuilt staff, including the architectural team, engineers, and workshop workers who contribute to the company's success. They were given a hands-on look at how modern, energy-efficient timber-frame buildings are designed and constructed.
#ExperientialLearning #CommunityConnections #RedefiningRural

The varsity girls basketball team returned from Winter Break and defeated Holland by a score of 54-31. The girls started off slowly as they entered the 2nd quarter down 10-7. All of that changed with some terrific defensive pressure by Lilly Enser and Dani Oakley. With 1:43 left in the first half, the girls forced four steals and suddenly found themselves up by 7 points going into the locker room. The girls proceeded to start the second half on fire, outscoring Holland 17-5. That quarter saw two big three pointers from Dani Oakley, 5 points from Kelcie Illig, and 4 points from Aubrey Roy. The story of the night was the stingy Griff’s defense as they made life miserable for the visitors and challenged every offensive possession. Scorers on the night included:
Dani Oakley: 18 points
Aubrey Roy: 12 points
Kelcie Illig: 9 points
Leah Franklin: 8 points
Lilly Enser: 7 points

The girls now find themselves in sole possession of first place in ECIC Division 4. The girls return to action tomorrow night when they host the Eden Raiders in a huge matchup within the league. Come out and support this great group!

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!