Hancock Central School District
We aspire to be innovative leaders in nurturing every child’s journey toward excellence.
NEWS FROM THE HEALTH OFFICES
See the images below for important information from our HCS Health offices!
See the images below for important information from our HCS Health offices!
CELEBRATING INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP!
Yesterday, several of our HCS and BOCES team members joined the NYSCATE Leadership & Innovation Showcase in Binghamton to share ideas, connect, and inspire future-ready practices. A huge thank you to everyone who represented us with enthusiasm and expertise!
A special shout-out to:
• Our educators bringing real-world innovation to the classroom
• Our tech specialists and support staff helping make it all possible
• The administrators and leaders who champion this work every day
Together, we’re committed to leveraging technology and collaboration to enhance teaching, learning, and student outcomes. Coming away from the Showcase energized, connected, and ready to bring fresh ideas back to our community.
Yesterday, several of our HCS and BOCES team members joined the NYSCATE Leadership & Innovation Showcase in Binghamton to share ideas, connect, and inspire future-ready practices. A huge thank you to everyone who represented us with enthusiasm and expertise!
A special shout-out to:
• Our educators bringing real-world innovation to the classroom
• Our tech specialists and support staff helping make it all possible
• The administrators and leaders who champion this work every day
Together, we’re committed to leveraging technology and collaboration to enhance teaching, learning, and student outcomes. Coming away from the Showcase energized, connected, and ready to bring fresh ideas back to our community.
FACS STUDENTS EXPLORE CULINARY SKILLS
Students in Mrs. Keller’s Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) class recently demonstrated their growing culinary skills through a variety of hands-on cooking activities.
As part of their coursework, students learned how to use a pasta machine to create fresh pasta, which they then hung to dry. They also prepared garlic knots completely from scratch using yeast-based pizza dough, gaining experience with dough preparation and baking techniques.
In addition, students explored flavor development by browning butter to achieve a nutty, caramelized taste for their cookies. To round out the lesson, they baked pumpkin quick bread, applying their understanding of measurement, mixing methods, and oven safety.
Through these experiences, Mrs. Keller’s students are developing essential life skills while building confidence and creativity in the kitchen.
Nice work, everyone!
Students in Mrs. Keller’s Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) class recently demonstrated their growing culinary skills through a variety of hands-on cooking activities.
As part of their coursework, students learned how to use a pasta machine to create fresh pasta, which they then hung to dry. They also prepared garlic knots completely from scratch using yeast-based pizza dough, gaining experience with dough preparation and baking techniques.
In addition, students explored flavor development by browning butter to achieve a nutty, caramelized taste for their cookies. To round out the lesson, they baked pumpkin quick bread, applying their understanding of measurement, mixing methods, and oven safety.
Through these experiences, Mrs. Keller’s students are developing essential life skills while building confidence and creativity in the kitchen.
Nice work, everyone!
NY THURSDAYS
See the image below for today's NY Thursdays lunch at HCS!
See the image below for today's NY Thursdays lunch at HCS!
SPOOKY CATS IN FIRST GRADE ART!
Ms. Kellam’s first graders got creative as they made their very own spooky cats! Students learned about collage techniques and explored the art elements of line, shape, color, and texture. They even created dotted backgrounds using dot pens to add some extra flair!
These young artists loved bringing their spooky cats to life and couldn’t wait to show off their hard work!
Ms. Kellam’s first graders got creative as they made their very own spooky cats! Students learned about collage techniques and explored the art elements of line, shape, color, and texture. They even created dotted backgrounds using dot pens to add some extra flair!
These young artists loved bringing their spooky cats to life and couldn’t wait to show off their hard work!
UPCOMING WEBINAR: TRANSITIONING YOUTH WITH SPECIAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS
We’re excited to share an upcoming webinar focused on “Transitioning of Youths with Special Healthcare Needs to the Adult Medical World.”
The process of transferring youth with special healthcare needs to adult medical practices can often cause anxiety and stress for both youth and their parents. During this webinar, we will discuss strategies for preparation (transition) and provide tools and resources to help make the process smoother and more successful.
This informative session is open to individuals, families, and professionals who want to learn more about supporting young people as they move from pediatric to adult healthcare systems.
Click on the link below for registration information:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2Vx4j1uuRsWBogqN91atKg#/registration
We’re excited to share an upcoming webinar focused on “Transitioning of Youths with Special Healthcare Needs to the Adult Medical World.”
The process of transferring youth with special healthcare needs to adult medical practices can often cause anxiety and stress for both youth and their parents. During this webinar, we will discuss strategies for preparation (transition) and provide tools and resources to help make the process smoother and more successful.
This informative session is open to individuals, families, and professionals who want to learn more about supporting young people as they move from pediatric to adult healthcare systems.
Click on the link below for registration information:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2Vx4j1uuRsWBogqN91atKg#/registration
HALLOWEEN INFORMATION
See the memo below from Principal Durkot for important information relating to Halloween activities at HCS!
See the memo below from Principal Durkot for important information relating to Halloween activities at HCS!
TASTY LITTLE SPIDERS IN UPK!
Mrs. Karcher’s UPK students had a blast this past Friday creating some tasty-looking spiders!
Their creativity (and smiles!) were on full display as they crafted their edible creepy-crawlies.
Look at those smiling faces — great job, boys and girls!
Mrs. Karcher’s UPK students had a blast this past Friday creating some tasty-looking spiders!
Their creativity (and smiles!) were on full display as they crafted their edible creepy-crawlies.
Look at those smiling faces — great job, boys and girls!
HAPPY WORLD OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DAY!
Today we celebrate World Occupational Therapy Day and extend a heartfelt thank you to our Occupational Therapist, Mrs. Tracie Ostrander, for all that she does for our students here at Hancock Central School!
Mrs. Ostrander plays a vital role in helping our students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and everyday life — from improving fine motor abilities to building confidence and independence.
Thank you, Mrs. Ostrander, for your dedication, compassion, and positive impact on our school community!
Today we celebrate World Occupational Therapy Day and extend a heartfelt thank you to our Occupational Therapist, Mrs. Tracie Ostrander, for all that she does for our students here at Hancock Central School!
Mrs. Ostrander plays a vital role in helping our students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and everyday life — from improving fine motor abilities to building confidence and independence.
Thank you, Mrs. Ostrander, for your dedication, compassion, and positive impact on our school community!
DCS SEMI-FORMAL
The Deposit Central School Student Council has invited both Deposit and Hancock high school students to their Semi-Formal, Fall Ball Dance, on Friday, November 7th. The dance will be from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Deposit HS gym.
A donation of $10 per person or $15 per couple is asked. Concessions will be available and DJ will be Lights Out Entertainment.
Thank you for offering this opportunity to both Deposit and Hancock high school students!
The Deposit Central School Student Council has invited both Deposit and Hancock high school students to their Semi-Formal, Fall Ball Dance, on Friday, November 7th. The dance will be from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Deposit HS gym.
A donation of $10 per person or $15 per couple is asked. Concessions will be available and DJ will be Lights Out Entertainment.
Thank you for offering this opportunity to both Deposit and Hancock high school students!
IMPORTANT DATES
See the graphic below for important, upcoming events for October and November here at HCS!
See the graphic below for important, upcoming events for October and November here at HCS!
BMX ANTI-BULLYING ASSEMBLY COMING TO HCS!
On Wednesday, October 30th, Hancock Central School will host a BMX Anti-Bullying Assembly for all students in the elementary parking lot.
This exciting and impactful event combines high-energy BMX stunts with powerful messages about kindness, respect, and standing up to bullying.
For more information, visit https://gogreenbullyfreebmx.com
On Wednesday, October 30th, Hancock Central School will host a BMX Anti-Bullying Assembly for all students in the elementary parking lot.
This exciting and impactful event combines high-energy BMX stunts with powerful messages about kindness, respect, and standing up to bullying.
For more information, visit https://gogreenbullyfreebmx.com
Free Virtual Session: New York State Early Intervention Program Overview
Parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers in New York State—information is below for a comprehensive virtual session to learn about the Early Intervention Program (EIP). This program supports children under age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities.
Upcoming Session:
• Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Format: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
What You'll Learn:
• Eligibility criteria and referral process
• Available services and supports
• How to develop a Family Service Plan (IFSP)
• Transitioning to preschool special education
How to Register:
Complete the sign-up form here:
https://www.eifamilies.com/early-intervention-program-overview-sigh-up
Parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers in New York State—information is below for a comprehensive virtual session to learn about the Early Intervention Program (EIP). This program supports children under age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities.
Upcoming Session:
• Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Format: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
What You'll Learn:
• Eligibility criteria and referral process
• Available services and supports
• How to develop a Family Service Plan (IFSP)
• Transitioning to preschool special education
How to Register:
Complete the sign-up form here:
https://www.eifamilies.com/early-intervention-program-overview-sigh-up
D-H FIELD HOCKEY HEADS TO SECTIONALS NEXT WEEK
Varsity Field Hockey is heading to the Section IV Class B semifinals!
Deposit-Hancock (#3 seed) will face #2 seed, Vestal on Tuesday, October 28 at 6:00 PM.
The winner will take on #1 seed, Afton-Harpursville on November 1st at 1:00 p.m. in Windsor for the Section IV Class B Championship.
Best of luck, team!!
Varsity Field Hockey is heading to the Section IV Class B semifinals!
Deposit-Hancock (#3 seed) will face #2 seed, Vestal on Tuesday, October 28 at 6:00 PM.
The winner will take on #1 seed, Afton-Harpursville on November 1st at 1:00 p.m. in Windsor for the Section IV Class B Championship.
Best of luck, team!!
HCS ENGLISH DEPARTMENT REPRESENTS AT NYSEC!
Mrs. Skotch, Ms. Gross, and Mrs. Hazen are in Albany today representing Hancock Central School at the New York State English Conference! We’re proud to have our educators engaging in professional learning and collaboration with colleagues from across the state.
Nice work, ladies, thank you for representing HCS so well!
Mrs. Skotch, Ms. Gross, and Mrs. Hazen are in Albany today representing Hancock Central School at the New York State English Conference! We’re proud to have our educators engaging in professional learning and collaboration with colleagues from across the state.
Nice work, ladies, thank you for representing HCS so well!
ART CLASSES CREATE “WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD” MURAL
Ms. Kellam’s elementary art classes at Hancock Central School recently worked together to create a beautiful collaborative mural inspired by the book What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele and the classic song performed by Louis Armstrong. After reading the story and listening to the song, students from UPK through 4th grade used the lyrics and illustrations as inspiration to bring the message of wonder and beauty to life through art.
Each grade contributed their own unique piece to the mural:
• UPK students made line clouds, exploring shapes and movement.
• Kindergarten created tissue paper butterflies while learning about color mixing.
• 1st grade students drew self-portraits, connecting art with self-expression.
• 2nd grade made birds and learned how to use found materials to build creative collages.
• 3rd grade explored warm and cool colors while designing vibrant flowers.
• 4th grade practiced communication and teamwork to paint trees using paint and tempera sticks.
Throughout the project, students reviewed best painting practices and learned how collaboration can bring individual ideas together into one cohesive, colorful creation. The finished mural is a joyful reflection of the students’ creativity and the beauty of the world around them.
Excellent job, everyone!
THANK YOU TO OUR BUS DRIVERS AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT!
During National School Bus Safety Week, Hancock Central School extends a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated bus drivers and transportation department for everything they do to keep our students safe each and every day.
Our drivers play an essential role in our school community, greeting students each morning with a smile, ensuring safe and timely transportation, and setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Their professionalism, patience, and commitment to safety make a lasting impact on our students and families.
We also want to recognize our transportation department for their behind-the-scenes work—maintaining buses, coordinating routes, and making sure that every student arrives safely at school and home again.
This year’s National School Bus Safety Week theme reminds us all of the importance of safety on and around school buses. We encourage everyone to join us in showing appreciation for our bus drivers and transportation team, whose care and dedication help make every school day possible.
During National School Bus Safety Week, Hancock Central School extends a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated bus drivers and transportation department for everything they do to keep our students safe each and every day.
Our drivers play an essential role in our school community, greeting students each morning with a smile, ensuring safe and timely transportation, and setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Their professionalism, patience, and commitment to safety make a lasting impact on our students and families.
We also want to recognize our transportation department for their behind-the-scenes work—maintaining buses, coordinating routes, and making sure that every student arrives safely at school and home again.
This year’s National School Bus Safety Week theme reminds us all of the importance of safety on and around school buses. We encourage everyone to join us in showing appreciation for our bus drivers and transportation team, whose care and dedication help make every school day possible.
WINTER SPORTS STARTING SOON
Parents and student-athletes, registration for the upcoming Winter Sports season is now live!
The Winter sports season will officially begin on Monday, October 27th for Modified and Monday, November 17, 2025 for JV-Varsity sports.
The registration link is listed below:
https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/2025-2026-winter-athletic-registration-deposit-hancock
Be sure to get signed up and be ready to hit the court, mat, or lanes this winter! Good luck to all of our student-athletes!
Parents and student-athletes, registration for the upcoming Winter Sports season is now live!
The Winter sports season will officially begin on Monday, October 27th for Modified and Monday, November 17, 2025 for JV-Varsity sports.
The registration link is listed below:
https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/2025-2026-winter-athletic-registration-deposit-hancock
Be sure to get signed up and be ready to hit the court, mat, or lanes this winter! Good luck to all of our student-athletes!
SAFETY DAY AT HCS!
Today, our students participated in Safety Day here at Hancock Central School! We’d like to extend a huge thank you to the NYS Department of Transportation, Hancock Fire Department, HCS Transportation Department, and the Town of Hancock Rescue Squad for spending the day with us and educating our students about safety and emergency response.
Students had a blast using a fire hose, sitting in a DOT vehicle and maneuvering the plow, learning CPR and first aid basics, and even exploring the inside of an ambulance to see all the life-saving equipment up close.
Thank you to all our community partners for making today both educational and unforgettable for our students!
Today, our students participated in Safety Day here at Hancock Central School! We’d like to extend a huge thank you to the NYS Department of Transportation, Hancock Fire Department, HCS Transportation Department, and the Town of Hancock Rescue Squad for spending the day with us and educating our students about safety and emergency response.
Students had a blast using a fire hose, sitting in a DOT vehicle and maneuvering the plow, learning CPR and first aid basics, and even exploring the inside of an ambulance to see all the life-saving equipment up close.
Thank you to all our community partners for making today both educational and unforgettable for our students!
UPK & KINDERGARTEN CELEBRATE WITH “SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN”
This past Friday, our UPK and Kindergarten students enjoyed a fun and festive activity centered around the book The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano.
After reading the story, students got creative by making a Spookley-themed snack and practicing their fine motor skills by tearing paper to create their very own Spookley pumpkins. It was a wonderful combination of literacy, hands-on learning, and creativity, and the students had a fantastic time bringing the story to life!
Nice work, boys and girls!
This past Friday, our UPK and Kindergarten students enjoyed a fun and festive activity centered around the book The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano.
After reading the story, students got creative by making a Spookley-themed snack and practicing their fine motor skills by tearing paper to create their very own Spookley pumpkins. It was a wonderful combination of literacy, hands-on learning, and creativity, and the students had a fantastic time bringing the story to life!
Nice work, boys and girls!
