Ten students in grades 9 through 12 had breakfast with Superintendent Robert D’Angelo and discussed their experience at Holley Central School District (HCSD).
Middle School/High School Principal Susan Cory selected the students to be invited to the breakfast on February 10; another breakfast will be held in April. Holley Board of Education members Sal DeLuca and Brenda Swanger also attended to listen to the students. The breakfast was prepared by HCSD Food Service Director Vickie Scroger and her staff.
D’Angelo stressed how the breakfast is a relaxed conversation between administration and students. Students were asked to talk about things they thought worked well in their school and they would like to see continue, as well as areas that can be improved upon.
Students said they appreciated the Makerspace events that occur on Fridays in the MS/HS Library; courses that overlapped and aligned subject areas together; and the opportunity to take online courses through Genesee Community College. Students offered up ideas for electives, requested more availability of popular lunch items, and asked for more organized spectator participation at sporting events.
“We’re a professional high school since the renovations,” said senior Kayla Thrower. “We have teachers who really care. We have more opportunities because we’re a smaller district. For instance, we rotate roles in the musical so more students can participate. My involvement in Interact Club helped me gain a better sense of myself and a bigger sense of the world.” Cory agreed, saying, “We’re providing students with opportunities to become global citizens.”
Senior Jerry Kennedy appreciates the environment at Holley. “We’re allowed to have our own opinions,” he said. “We’re taught to form our own opinions and stand by them,” said Thrower. “Holley is a small, tight-knit community that’s fun to be a part of,” said Morgan Cary.
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