Springville-Griffith Institute

This week, while students were off, faculty and staff were exploring AI during a day of professional learning. Superintendent James Bialasik welcomed keynote speaker Tyler Bursee, an SGI alumnus and Senior Specialty Engineer for Data Analytics and AI at Google. Mr. Bursee, son of SES teacher Racquel Bursee, emphasized the importance of the role teachers play in student learning and sees AI as a tool they can use in their jobs and classrooms. After the keynote, breakout sessions focused on different types of AI and their use in an educational setting.

A special thank you to all of our session leaders, including Mr. Bursee, Mr. Bialasik, E2CCB Technology Integration Specialist John Arcese, Principal Dr. Matthew Fisher, Principal Karl Gessing, Director of Technology, Data and Assessment JoAnn Depue, Technology Coordinator Ben Higgins, Technician Helper Paul Raymond, and teachers Kerri Voit, Shawn Bullard, Ashley Odden, Karen Eckert and Michelle Schoeneman.

Under the Friday night lights of their home turf, the Springville Modified Boys Soccer team capped off a phenomenal year in unforgettable fashion, defeating Alden 3-0 in their season finale. Having edged out Alden 2-1 in their previous matchup, Springville knew they had to bring their top game — and they delivered their absolute best performance of the season. From start to finish, the team put on a masterclass in lockdown defense, seamless field communication, and clinical finishing.

Weston led the attack with two stellar goals, while Landon provided the ultimate exclamation point to the victory. On a late set piece, Landon launched a shot that struck the back of the net precisely as the final buzzer sounded, bringing the home crowd to its feet.

With this final victory, Springville closes out the season with a stellar 9-3 record, marking one of the program's most successful seasons in recent history.

A special shout-out to Mrs. Ricci, who took photos for the team!

Show your student how proud you are of them! Create a yearbook ad to celebrate your
student's remarkable journey. Share their photos from childhood and add a special
message just for them! Proceeds from ad sales help support our school's yearbook program. Order by Jan. 1, 2027.

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A talented group of current and retired Springville-Griffith Institute employees came together to share their musical talents in Springville Center for the Arts’ production of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana (O Fortuna) on October 24th at the Gowanda Hollywood Theater.

The performance featured a full orchestra, adult choir, children’s choir, and dancers, bringing together an impressive group of WNY talent. The production was conducted by Bill Cocca, retired Springville High School Band Teacher, with Julie Noeson, Springville High School Choral Teacher, directing the choir.

It was a wonderful opportunity to see members of the SGI family, alumni, past and present, come together outside the classroom and share their talents with the community!

1st Photo caption: Pictured (Front, L-R): Bill Cocca, Director; Karen Polizzi, SMS Guidance Counselor; Arianne Johnson, District Office; and Dr. Kimberly Higgins, Vice President, SGI School Board. (Back, L-R): Lisa Bramen, SES Teacher; Julie Noeson, SHS Music Teacher; Scott Roudebush, SHS Orchestra Teacher; Donna Benstead, Retired Music Teacher; Karen Jurkowski, Retired Music Teacher; David Brawn, SMS Band Director; and Marie Mealer, SES Music Teacher.

October was filled with celebrations and learning that brought everyone together. Learn more in the SES Newsletter for November:
https://app.smore.com/n/yprsw

Where have the first two months of the school year gone?! It’s hard to believe we are already welcoming November. Learn more about what's to come in the Keeping Up with Colden Newsletter:
https://app.smore.com/n/strky

Join the SGI Buildings & Grounds Department! We are hiring a full-time cleaner for the night shift at Springville Middle School. This is a 12-month position, Monday to Friday. Send application and letter of interest to Dave Seiflein at [email protected]. More information is available online: https://springvillegi.recruitfront.com/JobOpportunities

TIES (Together Including Every Student) recently hosted a pumpkin paint night at Sicamohr Arts on Main Street in Springville! Students of all abilities had an amazing time! Sicamohr Arts owner, Casey Mohr, partnered with Club advisor Mrs. Polizzi to offer this event.

The Springville-Griffith Institute cross country teams competed at the Section VI State Qualifier Championships at Elma Meadows Golf Course on Friday. The girls varsity team had an outstanding performance to earn second place overall, and two runners qualified for the New York State Championships.

The girls had a strong season as one of the top Class C programs in Section VI. Against a competitive field, Springville finished with 66 points, just 17 points behind first-place East Aurora.
Leading the way for the Griffins was senior Elke Melnik, who finished 4th overall; Hazel Zielen-Ersing earned 5th place, and freshman Caitlyn Rzepecki continued her impressive season with a 9th-place finish.
Senior Isabella Bogner added a strong 22nd-place finish, while senior Deseray Hines finished in 32nd place. Senior Claire Chandler earned a 51st-place finish.
Their performance was the result of months of consistent training, commitment, and determination. Melnik and Zielen-Ersing will now turn their attention to the state championship race on November 14 in Queensbury.

Girls Results:
4th – Elke Melnik – 19:26.30
5th – Hazel Zielen-Ersing – 19:35.31
9th – Caitlyn Rzepecki – 20:04.41
22nd – Isabella Bogner – 21:08.20
32nd – Deseray Hines – 21:45.37
51st – Claire Chandler – 23:11.18

The Springville boys also competed against a strong Class C field, finishing 10th overall with 276 points. Senior Damien Shea led the Griffins with an excellent 25th-place finish, followed by junior Fred Heary, and junior Jacob Kujawa, who placed 60th. Senior Brendan Wantuck finished 73rd, followed by junior Matt Becker in 77th place. Sophomore Evan Randolph finished 84th, while sophomore Trae Monczynski completed the varsity lineup in 115th place.
Despite the challenges of a championship-level field, the boys continued to compete and represent Springville with determination.

Boys Results:
25th – Damien Shea – 18:27.13
57th – Fred Heary – 20:03.28
60th – Jacob Kujawa – 20:04.44
73rd – Brendan Wantuck – 20:28.89
77th – Matt Becker – 20:45.98
84th – Evan Randolph – 21:05.47
115th – Trae Monczynski – 22:09.67