Springville-Griffith Institute

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!

Mrs. Clauss' class had a special visitor! An elf visited the fifth graders, but rather than being from the North Pole, she was from a bit closer to home! The elf was actually one of the students' grandmothers, and she has made it a tradition to surprise her granddaughter during the holidays with a visit to her class!

If you like to watch Hallmark Channel movies around this time of year, you may have seen a familiar face! SGI Orchestra Teacher Blair Skowronski was an extra in "A Newport Christmas," filmed in Lewiston in April. She is seen playing as part of a string quartet! Check out the trailer here and let us know if you see her in the movie!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1tiCNu8Pzk

The week leading up to winter break is a magical time at SES! Students dressed up in the holiday gear, made gingerbread houses, frosted cookies and enjoyed some holiday activities!

Twas the week before break, and all through Mrs. Hartnett's and Mrs. Hall's kindergarten class, the children were stirring! Students had a great time making their own gingerbread Play-Doh and constructing gingerbread houses! And it wouldn't be December without some Bills' spirit! Happy Holidays and Go Bills!

No Holiday Spirit Week is complete without Holiday Follies at Springville Middle School! Students and staff participated in a series of fun holiday-themed events, and the eighth graders finished the games on top!

Holiday Spirit Week culminated with the Holiday Carnival at Springville High School! After dressing in holiday-themed attire all week, the classes competed in holiday-themed tasks. It was a great way to ring in the holiday season!

Colden Elementary students enjoyed some holiday cheer before break at the Winter Carnival! Students made holiday arts and crafts and spent time with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Springville Elementary students prepared for the holiday by shopping at the SES Holiday Shop! Please join us in thanking the SES PTO volunteers who keep this beloved tradition going!