Today marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Colden fifth graders participated in a Remembrance Walk in honor of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, an off-duty firefighter who lost his life responding to the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Students were able to walk the bike path for up to three miles, collecting a red, white or blue bead each lap to add to a necklace. Throughout the week, students read age-appropriate books and watched videos provided through the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. Following the race, students finished artwork in honor of 9/11, which will be on display during Open House next week. Thank you, Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Fisher, for organizing this learning opportunity for our students, as well as the rest of the Colden team, who made it possible!
In remembrance of September 11th and the 25th anniversary, Mrs. Kovacik’s Global Studies freshmen visited the September 11th Memorial sculpture located in front of the high school.
The memorial incorporates steel beams from the original World Trade Center buildings and was dedicated 15 years ago as a lasting tribute to those whose lives were impacted by the events of September 11, 2001.
The story behind the memorial is one of community and student creativity. Mr. Valenti, a high school social studies teacher, was instrumental in obtaining the World Trade Center artifacts. A design contest was then opened to students in grades 7–12, with Dakoda Ball’s design ultimately selected. Mr. Baumgartner, one of our high school technology teachers, helped transform Dakoda’s vision into the memorial that stands today.
Today, our students had the opportunity to learn about the significance of this memorial, reflect on the events of September 11th, and remember the lives forever changed by that day.
The memorial incorporates steel beams from the original World Trade Center buildings and was dedicated 15 years ago as a lasting tribute to those whose lives were impacted by the events of September 11, 2001.
The story behind the memorial is one of community and student creativity. Mr. Valenti, a high school social studies teacher, was instrumental in obtaining the World Trade Center artifacts. A design contest was then opened to students in grades 7–12, with Dakoda Ball’s design ultimately selected. Mr. Baumgartner, one of our high school technology teachers, helped transform Dakoda’s vision into the memorial that stands today.
Today, our students had the opportunity to learn about the significance of this memorial, reflect on the events of September 11th, and remember the lives forever changed by that day.
Today, we remember the innocent lives lost, the heroes who stepped forward, and the unity that carried us through. Please join us in observing the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
SMS teachers were just as excited as students to start the 2026-27 school year! Teachers filled in flyers, sharing their number of years of teaching, their favorite food, movie, song and summer memory.
Our Modified Football team opened the season with a 34–14 victory over Lancaster on Pop Warner Field, showing great teamwork and grit despite the weather.
The Griffins put up over 300 yards of offense, while our defense put on a tackling clinic and did not allow a single first down in the first quarter.
It was an exciting start for our 7th graders experiencing Modified Football for the first time, our first-time student-athletes, and our veteran players who continue to raise the bar and push their teammates to give their best.
Come out and cheer on our Griffins next Wednesday at 5:00 PM on Pop Warner Field as we take on Orchard Park.
Go Griffs!
The Griffins put up over 300 yards of offense, while our defense put on a tackling clinic and did not allow a single first down in the first quarter.
It was an exciting start for our 7th graders experiencing Modified Football for the first time, our first-time student-athletes, and our veteran players who continue to raise the bar and push their teammates to give their best.
Come out and cheer on our Griffins next Wednesday at 5:00 PM on Pop Warner Field as we take on Orchard Park.
Go Griffs!
GRIFFINS START WITH A WIN!
What a way to open the season!
Springville Girls Varsity Swimming came out STRONG against Tonawanda, bringing home a 65–29 VICTORY!
MEET HIGHLIGHTS:
Corinne McAndrew dominated the distance events, taking 1st in the 200 Free (2:05.68) and 1st in the 500 Free (5:38.36)!
Kiersten Crone brought the speed with 1st-place finishes in the 50 Free (28.83) and 100 Free (1:04.22)!
Kendra Cook swept her individual events with 1st in the 200 IM (2:45.40) and 1st in the 100 Breast (1:20.19)!
Maeve Annunziata grabbed 2nd in the 50 Free (29.06) and came back to take 1st in the 100 Back (1:18.51)!
Sophia Lightcap & Sophia Eysaman went 1–2 in the 100 Fly, a huge event for the Griffins!
Kayla Lightcap added a strong 2nd-place finish in the 200 Free!
And beyond the wins and points, this team showed exactly what we want to see: energy, toughness, teammates cheering for teammates, and girls stepping up wherever the team needed them.
First meet. First win. And we’re just getting started.
SPRINGVILLE 65 • TONAWANDA 29
LET’S GO GRIFFINS!
What a way to open the season!
Springville Girls Varsity Swimming came out STRONG against Tonawanda, bringing home a 65–29 VICTORY!
MEET HIGHLIGHTS:
Corinne McAndrew dominated the distance events, taking 1st in the 200 Free (2:05.68) and 1st in the 500 Free (5:38.36)!
Kiersten Crone brought the speed with 1st-place finishes in the 50 Free (28.83) and 100 Free (1:04.22)!
Kendra Cook swept her individual events with 1st in the 200 IM (2:45.40) and 1st in the 100 Breast (1:20.19)!
Maeve Annunziata grabbed 2nd in the 50 Free (29.06) and came back to take 1st in the 100 Back (1:18.51)!
Sophia Lightcap & Sophia Eysaman went 1–2 in the 100 Fly, a huge event for the Griffins!
Kayla Lightcap added a strong 2nd-place finish in the 200 Free!
And beyond the wins and points, this team showed exactly what we want to see: energy, toughness, teammates cheering for teammates, and girls stepping up wherever the team needed them.
First meet. First win. And we’re just getting started.
SPRINGVILLE 65 • TONAWANDA 29
LET’S GO GRIFFINS!
The SGI Culinary team prepared for students’ return with a three-day bootcamp that welcomed culinary guests to teach staff new techniques for the upcoming school year. The first guest was Emily from Lucky Day Homestead, who showed SGI Culinary how to prepare mini hand pies in bulk, including both savory and sweet varieties—skills they hope to put to use for a future student Mini Pie Bar! Next up was Ryan from Dirt Rich Farms, a Master Gardener and Chef, who brought the farm directly into our kitchen — giving us an even greater appreciation for the work behind the local foods we serve our students! Erie County PERP joined SGI Culinary for hands-only CPR training, giving our team an opportunity to practice skills that extend well beyond the kitchen and can make a difference when every second counts. The next guest was Chef Justin from General Mills, who taught the team to utilize whole grains in entirely new ways. They also spent time training with NYSED and LunchAssist. Then the team put communication, listening, leadership, and teamwork to the test with our “YES, CHEF!” team-building challenge. Boot Camp ended with an unforgettable visit with Paul Davies of Davies Hillside Farms at his butcher shop. Paul walked our team through processing a quarter side of beef, demonstrating primal cuts, subprimal cuts, specialty cuts, and the craftsmanship involved in whole-animal butchery. A huge THANK YOU to all of our special guests and to our Culinary Team for showing up ready to learn, participate, laugh, taste, ask questions, and try something new. SGI Culinary can’t wait to take what they learned at Boot Camp and bring it into our kitchens this school year!
Springville-Griffith Institute head coach Mark Benton was recognized as the Buffalo region Coach of the Week for the week ending Sunday, September 6, as part of the Buffalo Bills' and Visa's High School Tackle Football Coaches of the Week program. Benton, who at age 70 is one of the longest-tenured high school football coaches in Western New York, led Springville-GI to a 40-25 win over Salamanca in his first game at the helm. As part of the program, each winning coach's football program will receive $1,000 from the Buffalo Bills and Visa. Read more here:
https://www.buffalobills.com/news/buffalo-bills-recognize-these-wny-high-school-football-coaches-week-1-2026
https://www.buffalobills.com/news/buffalo-bills-recognize-these-wny-high-school-football-coaches-week-1-2026
The girls' tennis team pushed their record to 2-0 on the season with a big road win at Tonawanda by a score of 4-1.
In the first singles play, Evelyn Berry won handily 6-0, 6-0. Evelyn continued to get stronger throughout the match as she overpowered her opponent with baseline strikes and consistent serving.
In the second singles play, Natalie Rumfola had to forfeit due to injury.
In the first doubles competition, Taylor Wells and Peyton Wells won 6-2, 6-0. Both girls showed strong court play with solid baseline winners and quality net play. The sisters were also consistent throughout the day, limiting unforced errors.
In second doubles action, Jackie Thompson and Chloe Dinse Johnson won 6-2, 6-1. The tandem was solid with their quality play at the net and pushed their opponents to the baseline to keep them off balance throughout the contest.
In third doubles play, Kailyn Sprague and J. Dean won 6-0, 6-0. This was the duo's first-ever win as a team! Both girls had good footwork and gave a great effort.
In exhibition play, Alexis Beckwith lost 6-2. And in doubles competition, Claire Holmer and Siiri Salo lost 6-2.
The girls are now 2-0 on the season and travel to Lake Shore this afternoon in a non-league contest.
In the first singles play, Evelyn Berry won handily 6-0, 6-0. Evelyn continued to get stronger throughout the match as she overpowered her opponent with baseline strikes and consistent serving.
In the second singles play, Natalie Rumfola had to forfeit due to injury.
In the first doubles competition, Taylor Wells and Peyton Wells won 6-2, 6-0. Both girls showed strong court play with solid baseline winners and quality net play. The sisters were also consistent throughout the day, limiting unforced errors.
In second doubles action, Jackie Thompson and Chloe Dinse Johnson won 6-2, 6-1. The tandem was solid with their quality play at the net and pushed their opponents to the baseline to keep them off balance throughout the contest.
In third doubles play, Kailyn Sprague and J. Dean won 6-0, 6-0. This was the duo's first-ever win as a team! Both girls had good footwork and gave a great effort.
In exhibition play, Alexis Beckwith lost 6-2. And in doubles competition, Claire Holmer and Siiri Salo lost 6-2.
The girls are now 2-0 on the season and travel to Lake Shore this afternoon in a non-league contest.
Across the district, we had a great first day of school!
Happy Labor Day!
The SGI Football Fanatics would like to invite you to come out and support our Griffins this season! Up-to-date sports schedules are available on our website.
The varsity girls' tennis team started their season off with a big 4-1 win over division rival Alden
In the first singles play, Evelyn Berry won 6-1, 6-2. Evelyn overpowered her opponent with her strong groundstrokes and tough serves. Berry’s ability to keep her opponent off balance assisted with the win.
In second singles action, Natalie Rumfola won
6-2, 6-2. Natalie was solid throughout the contest, making her opponent move all over the court as she hit deep ground strokes and a number of excellent drop shots.
In first doubles action, Taylor Wells and Peyton Wells won 6-1, 6-4. The duo had to battle from a 2-3 deficit in the second set and did so with some huge shots when it mattered most. Taylor hit some excellent cross-court shots, and Peyton was consistent with her serves and net play.
In second doubles play, Jackie Thompson and Chloe Dinse Johnson won 6-4, 6-3. The girls showed great resiliency being down 0-2 in the second set. Jackie was phenomenal from the baseline, and Chloe was excellent at the net.
In third doubles play, J. Dean and Kailyn Sprague lost 5-7, 2-6. It was a strong first match for both players as they showed flashes of strong play. J showed great hustle, and Kailyn was very good at the net.
In exhibition play, Lilly Wantuck and Claire Holmer lost 1-6. Rory Sarver and Maya Schunk lost 2-6.
Overall, it was a great start to the season, seeing the girls have been practicing indoors on most days. The team is 1-0 and will travel to Tonawanda this afternoon in another league match.
In the first singles play, Evelyn Berry won 6-1, 6-2. Evelyn overpowered her opponent with her strong groundstrokes and tough serves. Berry’s ability to keep her opponent off balance assisted with the win.
In second singles action, Natalie Rumfola won
6-2, 6-2. Natalie was solid throughout the contest, making her opponent move all over the court as she hit deep ground strokes and a number of excellent drop shots.
In first doubles action, Taylor Wells and Peyton Wells won 6-1, 6-4. The duo had to battle from a 2-3 deficit in the second set and did so with some huge shots when it mattered most. Taylor hit some excellent cross-court shots, and Peyton was consistent with her serves and net play.
In second doubles play, Jackie Thompson and Chloe Dinse Johnson won 6-4, 6-3. The girls showed great resiliency being down 0-2 in the second set. Jackie was phenomenal from the baseline, and Chloe was excellent at the net.
In third doubles play, J. Dean and Kailyn Sprague lost 5-7, 2-6. It was a strong first match for both players as they showed flashes of strong play. J showed great hustle, and Kailyn was very good at the net.
In exhibition play, Lilly Wantuck and Claire Holmer lost 1-6. Rory Sarver and Maya Schunk lost 2-6.
Overall, it was a great start to the season, seeing the girls have been practicing indoors on most days. The team is 1-0 and will travel to Tonawanda this afternoon in another league match.
Yesterday, we welcomed SGI faculty and staff back to school for opening day! A delicious breakfast was prepared by SGI Culinary. Superintendent Bialasik greeted those gathered, and they heard an insightful message from Dr. Michael Doughty, Assistant Superintendent of NERIC, who presented on the history and applications of AI. SGI faculty and staff are busy preparing for the students' return next week on Tuesday, September 8!
This week, Springville Middle School opened its doors to incoming 6th graders and new students! Families were able to get their child's schedule, practice their locker combination and tour the building!
Colden kindergartners and Pre-K students got a taste of school last week! Students met their teacher and classmates, had fun with toys and a good book and got to ride the bus over the course of three days. We will welcome back all students on Tuesday, Sept. 8!
Last week, incoming kindergartners at SES got to experience school a few weeks early! Kindercamp was held for three days. Students were able to meet their teachers and classmates, learn some classroom rules, take a ride on the bus and have a lot of fun!
At this point in time, you should have all received two communications from our new transportation software, Bus Right. Check out this message for more information:
https://www.springvillegi.org/article/3087179
https://www.springvillegi.org/article/3087179
This week, SGI High School held 9th-grade orientation. New students rotated through activities, including an introduction presentation and opening their lockers with Mr. Marvin and Ms. Eddy, a student council-led scavenger hunt around the school, a global studies activity in the library with Mrs. Kovacik, a Springville History game with Mr. Vogel, and a school spirit activity with Mrs. Komenda, where students wrote positive notes for faculty and staff upon their return. We look forward to welcoming all of our students on Sept. 8!
Support the Educational Experience Fund at Springville High School and gear up to show your Griffin Pride! Official Springville Griffin Apparel is available for purchase online until September 10. Check out the store now at https://stores.inksoft.com/ws139867/shop/home
