ORIENTATIONS & SOCIALS AT HCS
Yesterday was a busy and exciting day at Hancock Central School! Our 5th and 9th grade orientations gave students a chance to check out their schedules, test out their lockers, reconnect with classmates, and meet some of their new teachers.
A big thank you to Mrs. Rice and all of the teachers who helped make the orientations a success!
Afterwards, students headed to our Middle School and High School Socials, where they had the opportunity to connect with friends and classmates before the school year begins. With food, drinks, games, music, and activities, there was plenty of fun to go around!
Thank you to Superintendent Asquith, Principal Durkot, Assistant Principal Pringle, and our student volunteers for helping put everything together and making yesterday such a great time for our students!
Also, a reminder that we will be holding our Elementary Social tomorrow, September 3rd, from 4:45-6:00 p.m. outside of the Elementary main entrance.
We look forward to seeing our elementary students reconnect with their peers and teachers tomorrow and we will see everyone back at school on Thursday, September 10th!
Yesterday was a busy and exciting day at Hancock Central School! Our 5th and 9th grade orientations gave students a chance to check out their schedules, test out their lockers, reconnect with classmates, and meet some of their new teachers.
A big thank you to Mrs. Rice and all of the teachers who helped make the orientations a success!
Afterwards, students headed to our Middle School and High School Socials, where they had the opportunity to connect with friends and classmates before the school year begins. With food, drinks, games, music, and activities, there was plenty of fun to go around!
Thank you to Superintendent Asquith, Principal Durkot, Assistant Principal Pringle, and our student volunteers for helping put everything together and making yesterday such a great time for our students!
Also, a reminder that we will be holding our Elementary Social tomorrow, September 3rd, from 4:45-6:00 p.m. outside of the Elementary main entrance.
We look forward to seeing our elementary students reconnect with their peers and teachers tomorrow and we will see everyone back at school on Thursday, September 10th!
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT TRAINING
Families are invited to join an online TEAMS training on Tuesday, September 15, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., where they can learn more about the special education process and how parents can be active members of CPSE and CSE meetings.
The training will cover:
• Parent rights and responsibilities
• Understanding CPSE & CSE meetings
• Tips for feeling prepared and confident when making decisions about your child’s education
See the flyer below for registration information.
Families are invited to join an online TEAMS training on Tuesday, September 15, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., where they can learn more about the special education process and how parents can be active members of CPSE and CSE meetings.
The training will cover:
• Parent rights and responsibilities
• Understanding CPSE & CSE meetings
• Tips for feeling prepared and confident when making decisions about your child’s education
See the flyer below for registration information.
UPK & KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP
A big thank you to all of the families who joined us for our UPK and Kindergarten Round-Up events last week!
During their visit, students had an opportunity to practice getting on and off the school bus and had some indoor/outdoor play time. They also read Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes and made their own Pete the Cat to take home!
It was wonderful to visit with our newest Wildcats and their families. This was a great opportunity for our boys and girls to explore their classrooms, meet their teachers, and get excited for the upcoming school year.
We can’t wait to welcome our newest students back to Hancock soon!
A big thank you to all of the families who joined us for our UPK and Kindergarten Round-Up events last week!
During their visit, students had an opportunity to practice getting on and off the school bus and had some indoor/outdoor play time. They also read Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes and made their own Pete the Cat to take home!
It was wonderful to visit with our newest Wildcats and their families. This was a great opportunity for our boys and girls to explore their classrooms, meet their teachers, and get excited for the upcoming school year.
We can’t wait to welcome our newest students back to Hancock soon!
ORIENTATIONS & SOCIALS TODAY
Just a friendly reminder to our families that we will be having orientations and school socials this afternoon!
-9th Grade Orientation (12:00-1:00 p..m. - MS-HS Auditorium)
-5th Grade Orientation (4:00-4:45 p.m. - MS-HS Auditorium)
- Middle School Social (4:45-6:00 p.m. - MS-HS Building)
-High School Social (6:00-7:00 p.m. - MS-HS Building)
Our Elementary social will take place this Thursday, September 3rd, outside the main entrance of the Elementary building. We look forward to seeing you!!
Just a friendly reminder to our families that we will be having orientations and school socials this afternoon!
-9th Grade Orientation (12:00-1:00 p..m. - MS-HS Auditorium)
-5th Grade Orientation (4:00-4:45 p.m. - MS-HS Auditorium)
- Middle School Social (4:45-6:00 p.m. - MS-HS Building)
-High School Social (6:00-7:00 p.m. - MS-HS Building)
Our Elementary social will take place this Thursday, September 3rd, outside the main entrance of the Elementary building. We look forward to seeing you!!
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
Please take a look at the graphic below for important upcoming dates as we return for the 2026-2027 school year at HCS!
Please take a look at the graphic below for important upcoming dates as we return for the 2026-2027 school year at HCS!
THANK YOU to our Student Summer Workers!
Throughout the summer, these hardworking students worked alongside our incredible janitorial staff to help get Hancock ready for the upcoming school year! From cleaning and painting to organizing and preparing our buildings, their hard work has made a big difference.
We truly appreciate their time, effort, and dedication to helping make sure our school is ready to welcome students back.
Thank you for all of your hard work, Wildcats!
Throughout the summer, these hardworking students worked alongside our incredible janitorial staff to help get Hancock ready for the upcoming school year! From cleaning and painting to organizing and preparing our buildings, their hard work has made a big difference.
We truly appreciate their time, effort, and dedication to helping make sure our school is ready to welcome students back.
Thank you for all of your hard work, Wildcats!
WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF MEMBERS!
Earlier this week, our newest staff members joined Principal Durkot for New Staff Orientation as they prepare to begin the school year at Hancock Central School District!
Please join us in welcoming:
• Katelyn McLaughlin – Library Media Specialist
• Andrea Gilebarto – Music Teacher
• Devyn Jenks – High School History Teacher
• Ellen Pringle – Assistant Principal
While Devyn joined the Hancock family this past January, we are excited to officially welcome her back as she begins the new school year with us!
We are thrilled to have these talented educators and leaders as part of the Wildcat family and look forward to the knowledge, energy, and passion they will bring to our students and school community.
Welcome to Hancock! We’re so glad you’re here!
UPCOMING BACK-TO-SCHOOL DATES
Families, as we quickly approach the start of the 2026-2027 school year, please take a look at upcoming back-to-school events at HCS!
*Please note the time changes for 5th grade orientation (ends at 4:45 p.m.) and the Middle School Social (starts at 4:45 p.m.).
• 9th Grade Orientation: Tuesday, September 1, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
• 5th Grade Orientation: Tuesday, September 1, 4:00-4:45 p.m.
• Middle School Social: Tuesday, September 1, 4:45-6:00 p.m.
• High School Social: Tuesday, September 1, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
• Elementary Social: Thursday, September 3, 4:45-6:00 p.m.
• First Day of School: Thursday, September 10
We look forward to seeing you next week as we get ready for the first day of school on September 10th!
Welcome, Ms. Katelyn McLaughlin!
Please join us in welcoming Katelyn McLaughlin, our new Library Media Specialist at Hancock Central School! Katelyn is a first-year librarian who brings two years of experience as a substitute teacher and a passion for reading and learning.
Outside of school, Katelyn enjoys reading and sewing. She is a fan of Shakespeare, Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, and pan-fried gyoza!
We are excited to have Katelyn join the HCS family and look forward to seeing all she will bring to our library and students! Welcome to Hancock, Katelyn!
Please join us in welcoming Katelyn McLaughlin, our new Library Media Specialist at Hancock Central School! Katelyn is a first-year librarian who brings two years of experience as a substitute teacher and a passion for reading and learning.
Outside of school, Katelyn enjoys reading and sewing. She is a fan of Shakespeare, Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, and pan-fried gyoza!
We are excited to have Katelyn join the HCS family and look forward to seeing all she will bring to our library and students! Welcome to Hancock, Katelyn!
UPK & Kindergarten Round-Up
Families, just a friendly reminder that our UPK and Kindergarten Round-Up event will take place Tuesday, August 25th and Wednesday, August 26th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Elementary School.
This event is for children who will be:
- 4 years old by December 1, 2026 (UPK)
- 5 years old by December 1, 2026 (Kindergarten)
During Round-Up, families will have the opportunity to:
- Meet your child's UPK or Kindergarten teacher
- Tour the school
- Participate in fun activities
- Ask questions and learn more about the upcoming school year
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Karcher at mkarcher@hancock.stier.org and/or Mrs. Hull at mhull@hancock.stier.org
We can't wait to meet our newest students and their families!
Families, just a friendly reminder that our UPK and Kindergarten Round-Up event will take place Tuesday, August 25th and Wednesday, August 26th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Elementary School.
This event is for children who will be:
- 4 years old by December 1, 2026 (UPK)
- 5 years old by December 1, 2026 (Kindergarten)
During Round-Up, families will have the opportunity to:
- Meet your child's UPK or Kindergarten teacher
- Tour the school
- Participate in fun activities
- Ask questions and learn more about the upcoming school year
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Karcher at mkarcher@hancock.stier.org and/or Mrs. Hull at mhull@hancock.stier.org
We can't wait to meet our newest students and their families!
BACK TO SCHOOL SOCIALS
We are excited to welcome you and your family to our Back-to-School Socials! This is something new we are trying at Hancock this year, and our goal is simple: to give our students and families a chance to connect, have some fun, food and feel excited about the year ahead. We want every student who walks through our doors to know that you belong here, you can grow here, and your future matters here. Come spend some time with us, reconnect with familiar faces, meet some new ones, and help us kick off a great school year together. We can’t wait to see you!
Middle School Social
Tuesday, September 1 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Outside the High School Main Office Doors
High School Social
Tuesday, September 1 | 6:00–7:00 PM
Outside the High School Main Office Doors
Elementary Social
Thursday, September 3 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Outside the Main Entrance of the Elementary School
We are excited to welcome you and your family to our Back-to-School Socials! This is something new we are trying at Hancock this year, and our goal is simple: to give our students and families a chance to connect, have some fun, food and feel excited about the year ahead. We want every student who walks through our doors to know that you belong here, you can grow here, and your future matters here. Come spend some time with us, reconnect with familiar faces, meet some new ones, and help us kick off a great school year together. We can’t wait to see you!
Middle School Social
Tuesday, September 1 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Outside the High School Main Office Doors
High School Social
Tuesday, September 1 | 6:00–7:00 PM
Outside the High School Main Office Doors
Elementary Social
Thursday, September 3 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Outside the Main Entrance of the Elementary School
Welcome, Ms. Andrea Gilebarto!
Please join us in welcoming Andrea Gilebarto, our new Music Teacher at Hancock Central School! Andrea brings three years of PreK-6 general music teaching experience, along with experience in chorus, musical theater, and private voice instruction.
Andrea is passionate about helping students discover their own connection to music and believes that everybody is musical! Outside of school, she enjoys the Golden Girls, coloring, opera, homemade mac and cheese, and all things bunny-related.
We are excited to have Andrea join the HCS family and look forward to all the music she will bring to our school! Welcome to Hancock, Andrea!
Please join us in welcoming Andrea Gilebarto, our new Music Teacher at Hancock Central School! Andrea brings three years of PreK-6 general music teaching experience, along with experience in chorus, musical theater, and private voice instruction.
Andrea is passionate about helping students discover their own connection to music and believes that everybody is musical! Outside of school, she enjoys the Golden Girls, coloring, opera, homemade mac and cheese, and all things bunny-related.
We are excited to have Andrea join the HCS family and look forward to all the music she will bring to our school! Welcome to Hancock, Andrea!
SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS
It’s almost time to get ready for the 2026–2027 school year!
Our school supply lists are now available for families to review as you prepare for the new school year. Be sure to check the list for your child’s grade level and plan ahead!
We can’t wait to welcome our Wildcats back for another great year!
View the 2026–2027 school supply lists here:
https://www.hancock.stier.org/documents/hancock-elementary-schools/school-supplies/568859
It’s almost time to get ready for the 2026–2027 school year!
Our school supply lists are now available for families to review as you prepare for the new school year. Be sure to check the list for your child’s grade level and plan ahead!
We can’t wait to welcome our Wildcats back for another great year!
View the 2026–2027 school supply lists here:
https://www.hancock.stier.org/documents/hancock-elementary-schools/school-supplies/568859
BOE LETTERS OF INTEREST
The Hancock Central School District Board of Education is seeking letters of interest from district residents interested in serving on the Board of Education to fill a vacancy until the next election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18th, 2027.
Residents may email letters of interest to tkarcher@hancock.stier.org. Please submit your letter no later than August 26, 2026. You can also call the district office at 607-637-1301 to make other delivery arrangements or for more information. (please note: district offices are closed on Fridays during the summer)
The Hancock Central School District Board of Education is seeking letters of interest from district residents interested in serving on the Board of Education to fill a vacancy until the next election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18th, 2027.
Residents may email letters of interest to tkarcher@hancock.stier.org. Please submit your letter no later than August 26, 2026. You can also call the district office at 607-637-1301 to make other delivery arrangements or for more information. (please note: district offices are closed on Fridays during the summer)
Statement from Superintendent Asquith
Please see below for an important message from Superintendent Asquith regarding the D-H merger study process.
Please see below for an important message from Superintendent Asquith regarding the D-H merger study process.
Reminder: Joint Boards of Education Meeting – Tomorrow
The Hancock Central School District and Deposit Central School District Boards of Education will hold a Joint BOE Meeting tomorrow, Thursday, August 6, at 6:00 p.m. in the Deposit High School Auditorium.
The meeting will continue the Boards' public discussion of the merger study, with a focus on staffing and transportation.
Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend as the Boards continue to review the study, discuss the data, and work through these important topics in an open and transparent setting. If you’re unable to attend in person, the meeting will be live streamed on the Deposit CSD YouTube channel at the address below:
https://www.youtube.com/@depositcsd9496
Thank you for your continued interest, engagement, and support throughout this important process. We hope to see you there.
The Hancock Central School District and Deposit Central School District Boards of Education will hold a Joint BOE Meeting tomorrow, Thursday, August 6, at 6:00 p.m. in the Deposit High School Auditorium.
The meeting will continue the Boards' public discussion of the merger study, with a focus on staffing and transportation.
Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend as the Boards continue to review the study, discuss the data, and work through these important topics in an open and transparent setting. If you’re unable to attend in person, the meeting will be live streamed on the Deposit CSD YouTube channel at the address below:
https://www.youtube.com/@depositcsd9496
Thank you for your continued interest, engagement, and support throughout this important process. We hope to see you there.
Virtual Workshop for Families: What is an IEP?
Families of school-aged students are invited to participate in a virtual workshop designed to help caregivers better understand the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
What is an IEP for Families (School-Aged Students)
• Wednesday, September 16, 2026
• 9:00–11:00 a.m.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the IEP process, ask questions, and strengthen the collaboration between home and school. We encourage all families of students with IEPs, or those interested in learning more, to attend.
Families of school-aged students are invited to participate in a virtual workshop designed to help caregivers better understand the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
What is an IEP for Families (School-Aged Students)
• Wednesday, September 16, 2026
• 9:00–11:00 a.m.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the IEP process, ask questions, and strengthen the collaboration between home and school. We encourage all families of students with IEPs, or those interested in learning more, to attend.
McDonald's Backpack Donation Event This Afternoon
Hancock Central School District would like to remind families about today's Backpack Donation Event at McDonald's in Hancock, taking place from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Thanks to the generosity of our local McDonald's, 120 backpacks filled with essential school supplies will be distributed to students and families in need as they prepare for the new school year.
Please note:
• Backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• One backpack per student.
• The student must be present to receive their backpack.
We are incredibly grateful to our local McDonald's for their continued commitment to supporting the students and families of our community. Partnerships like these make a meaningful difference, and we truly appreciate their generosity.
We hope to see you there!
Hancock Central School District would like to remind families about today's Backpack Donation Event at McDonald's in Hancock, taking place from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Thanks to the generosity of our local McDonald's, 120 backpacks filled with essential school supplies will be distributed to students and families in need as they prepare for the new school year.
Please note:
• Backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• One backpack per student.
• The student must be present to receive their backpack.
We are incredibly grateful to our local McDonald's for their continued commitment to supporting the students and families of our community. Partnerships like these make a meaningful difference, and we truly appreciate their generosity.
We hope to see you there!
REMINDER: MERGER STUDY WORK SESSION TONIGHT
Families & Community Members:
As a reminder, the Hancock Board of Education will hold its previously scheduled Merger Study Work Session tonight, Wednesday, July 29, from 7:00–8:00 p.m. in the HCS Elementary Cafeteria.
The Boards of Education will also come together for the previously announced Joint BOE Meeting on Thursday, August 6, at 6:00 p.m. at Deposit Central School.
Both meetings will continue the Boards’ public discussion of the merger study, with a focus on staffing and transportation.
Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend as the Boards continue to review the study, discuss the data, and work through these important topics in an open and transparent setting.
We appreciate our community’s continued engagement in this process.
Families & Community Members:
As a reminder, the Hancock Board of Education will hold its previously scheduled Merger Study Work Session tonight, Wednesday, July 29, from 7:00–8:00 p.m. in the HCS Elementary Cafeteria.
The Boards of Education will also come together for the previously announced Joint BOE Meeting on Thursday, August 6, at 6:00 p.m. at Deposit Central School.
Both meetings will continue the Boards’ public discussion of the merger study, with a focus on staffing and transportation.
Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend as the Boards continue to review the study, discuss the data, and work through these important topics in an open and transparent setting.
We appreciate our community’s continued engagement in this process.
Explore, Read, and Discover with the 2026 New York State Literacy Trail!
We're excited to share the 2026 New York State Literacy Trail with our HCS families! This statewide initiative encourages families and young learners to combine the joy of reading with the adventure of exploring New York's beautiful state parks and environmental education centers.
Each featured location is paired with a children's book, creating a fun and engaging way to build literacy skills while enjoying the outdoors together.
Be sure to scan the QR code for more information, including how to obtain copies of the featured books and learn more about participating parks and environmental education centers.
Happy reading, happy exploring, and happy learning!
