Cairo-Durham Central School District

SAVE THE DATE! The Cairo-Durham High School Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cairo-Durham High School soccer/football stadium. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at a time to be determined. Please contact the Cairo-Durham High School main office at 518-622-8543 with any questions.

NEWS RELEASE from Cairo-Durham Central School District FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cairo-Durham High School Announces 2023-24 Valedictorian and Salutatorian June 6, 2024, Cairo, NY – The Cairo-Durham High School is proud to announce Alexander Gouza as valedictorian and Brendan Feeney as salutatorian for the graduating Class of 2024. Excellence in academics, extracurricular activities and service to the school community have earned Gouza and Feeney their accomplishments of graduating at the top of their class. “I am proud to recognize the hard work, dedication and fortitude of both Alexander Gouza and Brendan Feeney, not only in their senior year, but throughout their respective times as Cairo-Durham Mustangs,” Cairo-Durham Central School District Superintendent Michael Wetherbee said. “I congratulate them both and wish them the best in their endeavors post-graduation.” Gouza has maintained his status on the Cairo-Durham High School High Honor Roll for all four years of high school, and participated in several honors, college-level, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes, challenging himself extensively during his high school career. His participation and effectiveness in these courses has been recognized by high-quality colleges, universities and organizations across New York State. Gouza received the Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology from the University of Rochester, the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Computing Medal, the National Rural and Small Town Recognition award, the AP Scholar with Honor award, and the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness. Gouza has been a vital part of the school’s Varsity Soccer and Tennis teams and an active member of the school's musical programs including the marching band, concert band, and jazz band, for which he plays alto, tenor, and barry saxophone. Gouza is also a member of the concert chorus and has played several roles in the school's musical productions such as "Pippin" in the Cabaret in the Attic, "SnowBoy" in West Side Story, and "Morris" in Newsies. “With a kind demeanor and forward-thinking mindset, Alexander Gouza has been able to establish himself as a reliable young adult ready to tackle the real world,” Cairo-Durham High School Principal Catherine Dodig said. “Alexander’s commitment to excellence does not go unnoticed, and his drive to be better each and every day is truly admirable.” The 2023-24 Cairo-Durham High School valedictorian is also a member of several clubs and groups, such as Cairo Durham's National Honor Society and the Wellness Club. Gouza was accepted to the University of Buffalo, where he will be studying Biomedical Engineering, and ultimately hopes to pursue a career in creating and developing prosthetic devices for those who are medically disabled after he graduates. For Feeney, involvement and participation in academics and extracurriculars have been crucial for his growth. The salutatorian has consistently earned High Honor Roll recognition and is a member of National Honor Society while taking 10 total AP and college-level courses in four years. “Brendan has been able to excel in all aspects of his high school career, despite a rigorous course load and active presence in the arts, sports and community,” Dodig said. “Brendan has been able to push the bar higher for future Mustangs in regard to goal-setting and efficiency.” Participating in sports such as Junior Varsity Basketball, Varsity Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, and Golf, and earning Most Valuable Player and Coach’s award recognitions in those respective sports over the years paired with his involvement in the Cairo-Durham High School’s band, marching band, chorus, handbell choir, jazz band, and the Drama Club’s musicals and set builds have been key highlights for Feeney. Outside of school, Feeney works construction over the summer and enjoys watching movies, spending time with family and friends, skiing, snowboarding, playing music and sports, driving and eating. Feeney plans on attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study Environmental Engineering. Gouza and Feeney will graduate with the Class of 2024 on June 28, 2024, with Commencement taking place at 7:30 p.m. at the Cairo-Durham High School stadium. Click here (https://www.cairodurham.org/o/cdhs/page/honor-graduates-2024) to view photos and biographies of Cairo-Durham High School’s Class of 2024 Honor Graduates, students who are graduating that have a minimum 90% average. ###

Attention Cairo-Durham Elementary School Families! This is a friendly reminder of an update to the end-of-year schedule for Cairo-Durham Elementary School. - Monday, June 24, 2024: 12 p.m. (Noon) Dismissal. - Tuesday, June 25, 2024: 12 p.m. (Noon) Dismissal. Last day of school for students! - Wednesday, June 26, 2024: No school for students! Due to the schedule change, bus routes may take longer than usual June 24-25, 2024 with Cairo-Durham Middle/High School students taking the bus for their Regents/Final Exams. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this matter. Please do not hesitate to call the Cairo-Durham Elementary School main office at 518-622-3231 if you have any questions. Finish strong, Mustangs! Sincerely, Christopher Stein Principal Cairo-Durham Elementary School

Attention 2024 Prom Attendees! All Cairo-Durham High School students and guests attending the prom on June 15, 2024 are required to attend Prom Promise on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Cairo-Durham High School with a parent/guardian.

Students in Mrs. Manoli's POE class at Cairo-Durham High School recently had the opportunity to take a field trip to the Generating Plant in Athens!

Congratulations to Alexander Gouza and Mrs. Boyle for being recognized as "2024 Capital Region Students and Teachers Who Make a Difference" by the Capital Area School Development Association of New York (CASDANY)! "Since 1987, CASDA and its community partners have hosted this program to honor the outstanding graduating seniors from high schools throughout the region. Recognized students are chosen by their schools on the basis of academic achievements, community service and leadership to their schools or communities, or other unique accomplishments. Each nominated student then selects a teacher who has had a significant influence on their education." For more information on Gouza and Mrs. Boyle's recognitions, please visit https://www.casdany.org/2024-recognition and click on the section titled "Cairo-Durham CSD"!

Dear Cairo-Durham High School Families, With the 2024 Regents Exams around the corner, we would like to share with you the schedule for review sessions taking place at Cairo-Durham High School! Review sessions will take place after school at 2:20 p.m. in the following locations. Chemistry: Thursdays in Room D7. Global 10 Honors: Tuesdays in Room D7. Earth Science: Tuesdays in Room D10. Living Environment: Tuesdays and Thursdays in Rooms C4 and C5. Algebra: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Room D14. Algebra II: Mondays in Room D15. U.S. History: June 3, 5, 10 and 12 in Room D4. ELA: Review will take place during class time. Geometry: Review will take place during class time. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact me at cdodig@cairodurham.org Best of luck on your exams, Mustangs! Sincerely, Catherine Dodig Principal Cairo-Durham High School

Cairo-Durham High School recently celebrated its annual Awards Night, acknowledging the dedication and efforts of our student body! Students were recognized for their hard work in the arts, ELA, music, occupational therapy, physical education, mathematics, science, social studies, and world languages, along with students who earned Honor and High Honor Roll recognition. Additionally, several students were awarded scholarships for excellence in specific fields from colleges and universities, including: - Alfred University - Clarkson University - Elmira College -Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Rochester Institute of Technology -Russell Sage College - Saint Michael's College -University of Rochester Mr. Corbett was also recognized as the 2024 Cairo-Durham High School Teacher of the Year for his work in guiding our students to achieve their goals! Way to go, Mustangs!

Congratulations to RJ K. for being named the "Star of the Week" in the Thompson/Lopez class at Cairo-Durham Elementary School!

Cairo-Durham High School Senior Abigail Brandow recently finished participating her student teaching assignment in Mrs. Russell's class at Cairo-Durham Elementary School! Ms. Brandow is enrolled in the Questar III BOCES New Visions: Pathways in Education program and obtained her teaching assistant certification in the process. Way to go, Abigail!

Nominations for the May 2024 “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” are officially open and can be submitted at the link below by Friday, June 14, 2024 at 3 p.m. Past nominations will also be considered in the selection process. Click here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNROynv2jQCrXC91HYXd9UwGLKU-lC2dXo5GnUfEIIyPY9zw/viewform?usp=sf_link) to submit a nomination for May 2024!

Attention Cairo-Durham Elementary School Families! Field Day is this Friday, June 7, 2024 at Cairo-Durham Elementary School! Please view the following letter on reminders for the day from Ms. Stalter!

SAVE THE DATE! The Cairo-Durham High School Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cairo-Durham High School soccer/football stadium. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at a time to be determined. Please contact the Cairo-Durham High School main office at 518-622-8543 with any questions.

Over the past two years at Cairo-Durham Elementary School, K-9 Mac has been a dedicated therapy dog. K-9 Mac has just been awarded the second highest therapy dog title from the American Kennel Club! He is now a certified “Distinguished Therapy Dog”. K-9 Mac truly enjoys his job and has been able to assist in de-escalating and helping students in different situations. Together, we can continue to make a difference in our community, one paw at a time! Way to go, K-9 Mac!

Attached is the Regents/Final Exams Calendar for the end of the year. There will be a mid-day bus run at 11:45 AM to bring students home after morning exams, there will NOT be a mid-day run to bring students into the building for afternoon exams. Students who need to ride the bus to school should come in on their normal morning bus run. There will be a 3:30 PM bus run to bring students home following the afternoon exams. If you have any questions please contact the main office.

June 4, 2024 Dear Cairo-Durham Elementary School Families, I hope the warmer weather is finding you all in good spirits! I am writing to inform you of an update to the end-of-year schedule for Cairo-Durham Elementary School. Monday, June 24, 2024: 12 p.m. (Noon) Dismissal. Tuesday, June 25, 2024: 12 p.m. (Noon) Dismissal. Last day of school for students! Wednesday, June 26, 2024: No school for students! Due to the schedule change, bus routes may take longer than usual June 24-25, 2024 with Cairo-Durham Middle/High School students taking the bus for their Regents/Final Exams. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this matter. Please do not hesitate to call the Cairo-Durham Elementary School main office at 518-622-3231 if you have any questions. Finish strong, Mustangs! Sincerely, Christopher Stein Principal Cairo-Durham Elementary School

It's never too late to recognize our positive difference makers in the Cairo-Durham Central School District! Congratulations to Ayla Neves for being chosen as Cairo Durham High School's April 2024 Student of the Month! Ayla, pictured here with Mrs. Maassmann, is a dedicated senior known for her hard work and positive relationships with her teachers. Her educators describe her as a responsible and committed student. In addition to her academic achievements, Ayla is an active participant in school sports, playing both soccer and softball for Cairo Durham. Outside of school, Ayla loves spending time with her family and cooking. She describes herself as an easy-going person. Ayla has a passion for history and plans to pursue a career as a history teacher after college.

The entire 4th grade class at Cairo-Durham Elementary School recently had the opportunity to visit and tour Howe's Cavern!

Dear Cairo-Durham High School Families, With the 2024 Regents Exams around the corner, we would like to share with you the schedule for review sessions taking place at Cairo-Durham High School! Review sessions will take place after school at 2:20 p.m. in the following locations. Chemistry: Thursdays in Room D7. Global 10 Honors: Tuesdays in Room D7. Earth Science: Tuesdays in Room D10. Living Environment: Tuesdays and Thursdays in Rooms C4 and C5. Algebra: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Room D14. Algebra II: Mondays in Room D15. U.S. History: June 3, 5, 10 and 12 in Room D4. ELA: Review will take place during class time. Geometry: Review will take place during class time. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact me at cdodig@cairodurham.org Best of luck on your exams, Mustangs! Sincerely, Catherine Dodig Principal Cairo-Durham High School

Attention 2024 Prom Attendees! All Cairo-Durham High School students and guests attending the prom on June 15, 2024 are required to attend Prom Promise on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Cairo-Durham High School with a parent/guardian.