High School

The competition took place on May 28^th in the middle/high school library.  The three competing teams were cheered on by classmates, parents, and several middle school staff as they answered a slew of jeopardy-style questions about ten different books from this year’s list.  The line-up included award winners such as The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman; The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, by Joyn Boyne; Counting by 7s, by Holly Goldberg Sloan; and Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven.”

Despite tough competition and a close finish, Team “Vermcious Knids” was victorious, receiving Barnes and Noble gift cards

While many of us were eagerly following the Sochi Winter Games, 21 Onteora High School students were excelling in a very different kind of ‘Olympic’ competition. Onteora’s Science Olympiad Team recently took home a third place trophy as well as 25 individual medals at the Mid-Hudson Region Science Olympiad Competition, which took place at SUNY Ulster on February 8. The third place finish qualified Onteora to compete in the State tournament, to be held March 14-15 in Long Island.

“For the past two years we missed going to the State competition by one place,” notes Onteora Science teacher Carolyn

Thank you to those who have already donated coats. This year, OCS DECA has received 62 requests from families in our district that cannot afford winter coats for their children. We have been able to fill 24 of these requests and are still in need of 38 coats. In addition, there are many high school students we know are in need of coats not included on this list.

Please consider helping just one Onteora student by donating a new or gently used coat. We will also accept monetary donations in any amount to be used to purchase coats (checks to OCS DECA). In the past we have been able to purchase

The high school chorus was treated to a special presentation by professional vocalist and teacher, Danielle Woerner, who also came to work with individual voice students on their NYSSMA solos. On April 24, 2013,  she spent three class periods giving mini voice lessons to students, offering singing and performance advice. 

“Danielle was very helpful,” said sophomore Sara Rauschendorfer.  “She gave me some great vocal tips.  I wish we had more time to work together.”

Danielle, who is a resident of our district, teaches at her home, as well as in Manhattan, Dutchess Community College and Vasser

Danielle Barringer, Jonathan Loizou, Sean McCarthy and Kyle Ryan along with DECA Alumnus, Evan Wolf, worked along side members of the Phoenicia Rotary to host a dinner honoring the senior citizens in the district.

The dinner was held on May 23 at the Phoenicia Parrish hall.  Over 75 local seniors attended the dinner.  The meal was donated by local businesses including Ricciardella’s restaurant, The Emerson, the Phoenicia Diner and  Russ’s Country Kitchen.  Local business also donated gifts to add to the festivities. 

Rotary chairperson for this event, Ken Jacobs, was very pleased with the

This year’s Battle of the Books was another success!  The competition took place on the May 15^th, 2013 in the library.  Three teams of students competed in the jeopardy-style competition and answered questions about ten different books from this year’s list.  The list was made up of multiple genres (short stories, novels, poetry, and non-fiction) and included award winners such as Wonder, by Patricia Palacia, Trapped: how the World Recued 33 Miners from 2,000 Feet Below the Chilean Desert, by Marc Aronson, and “The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

This year’s

Onteora DECA senior, Danielle Barringer, accompanied by OCS DECA Advisor, J. Douglas returned from Ananheim, CA, with heavier luggage. . . . a large trophy!   Danielle competed in the Professional Selling Event at the NY DECA state level in March where she placed 1^st.

On April 24, 2013, she took off to compete at the International level with over 16,000 students in attendance.  Danielle earned four medals and the second place trophy.   She was a top finalist in PS written exam, presentation and overall finalist.  She then qualified for the final round where she placed 2^nd internationally.