Greetings Wildcat families!
The Hancock Central School District is proud to, once again, offer a Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program for the 2026-2027 school year.
This special program is funded by a New York State Education Department (NYSED) grant and provides an early learning experience for the children of HCSD residents. Children enrolled in the district’s UPK program will attend class 5 days per week (8:00-2:45), for all 180 days of the educational year. This is the same schedule as Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade students.
In accordance with NYS regulations, the district will hold a lottery to determine who will be awarded the available slots if our number of enrollments exceed the threshold for the 2026-2027 school year. Lottery sign-ups for UPK will begin on Monday March 9th 2026 and continue through Friday, May 8th 2026. If your student is selected, you will be notified by Monday May 11th, 2026.
If you have friends or neighbors with similarly-aged children, please feel free to share the following details with them as well. The Hancock Central School District has a vibrant academic program for our youngest students, designed to foster a love of learning that carries them all the way to graduation and beyond.
In planning ahead for registration, you will need the following:
1. Three (3) proofs of residency a PO box is not accepted as proof of residency
2. Your child’s birth certificate or passport
3. District Health form and any additional forms from your child's healthcare
provider
4. Proof of immunizations
5. Any custody paperwork (if applicable).
UPK Application:
https://forms.gle/n7swRNrLT2QMP2ES8
If you have questions about our UPK program, or need assistance, please contact the
Guidance office 607-637-1309
We look forward to partnering with parents to help our children succeed!
ELEMENTARY QUARTER 2 AWARDS
This past week, we proudly recognized our Elementary students for their hard work, dedication, and achievements during Quarter 2. We are so proud of each and every student who earned recognition!
Academic Achievement Awards – Quarter 2
High Honor:
Wyatt Drake, Abigail Davis, Emalinne Davis, Ramsey Johnson, Elijah Fraser, Cora Thomason, Ezra Berlingeri
Honor:
Sara Saul, Kira Kilian, Leeann Miller, Neven Brkaric, Jaxson Titus, Noe Cortes Diaz, Emma Frost, Jimi Kilian, Natalia Tarbox, Madeline Mootz, Nicholas Picozzi, Jacob Bogart
Merit:
Sawyer Dufton, Dawson Dufton, Landon Emerich, Onyx Morgan, Bentley Wignall, Stryker Conklin, Cayson Barnhart, Ledger Dufton, Jade Morgan, Kendra Croci
Perfect Attendance:
Laken Ata, Cashton Angell, Harper Angell, Amelia Bailey, Sophia Bailey, Cayson Barnhart, Jacob Bogart, Wyatt Drake, Everly Dufton, Xander Dufton, Connor Elston, Landon Emerich, Mikayla Emerich, Sierra Gorshack, Nebula McGraw, Leeann Miller, Nicholas Picozzi, Elena Sparacio, Jaxson Titus, Axtyn Walker, Scott Watson, Spencer Zazeckie
Congratulations to all of our award recipients! Your commitment to excellence and strong work ethic continue to make us proud.
Keep up the amazing work as we continue into Quarter 3!
This past week, we proudly recognized our Elementary students for their hard work, dedication, and achievements during Quarter 2. We are so proud of each and every student who earned recognition!
Academic Achievement Awards – Quarter 2
High Honor:
Wyatt Drake, Abigail Davis, Emalinne Davis, Ramsey Johnson, Elijah Fraser, Cora Thomason, Ezra Berlingeri
Honor:
Sara Saul, Kira Kilian, Leeann Miller, Neven Brkaric, Jaxson Titus, Noe Cortes Diaz, Emma Frost, Jimi Kilian, Natalia Tarbox, Madeline Mootz, Nicholas Picozzi, Jacob Bogart
Merit:
Sawyer Dufton, Dawson Dufton, Landon Emerich, Onyx Morgan, Bentley Wignall, Stryker Conklin, Cayson Barnhart, Ledger Dufton, Jade Morgan, Kendra Croci
Perfect Attendance:
Laken Ata, Cashton Angell, Harper Angell, Amelia Bailey, Sophia Bailey, Cayson Barnhart, Jacob Bogart, Wyatt Drake, Everly Dufton, Xander Dufton, Connor Elston, Landon Emerich, Mikayla Emerich, Sierra Gorshack, Nebula McGraw, Leeann Miller, Nicholas Picozzi, Elena Sparacio, Jaxson Titus, Axtyn Walker, Scott Watson, Spencer Zazeckie
Congratulations to all of our award recipients! Your commitment to excellence and strong work ethic continue to make us proud.
Keep up the amazing work as we continue into Quarter 3!
IN LIKE A LION, OUT LIKE A LAMB!
Mrs. Hull’s Kindergarten students had a roaring good time learning about the saying, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb!”
The class read In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb and talked about how the weather can be wild and blustery at the beginning of March, then calm and gentle by the end of the month.
To bring the lesson to life, students created adorable lion and lamb crafts and even enjoyed themed lion and lamb snacks! It was a hands-on (and tasty!) way to celebrate the changing seasons while building literacy and creativity skills.
Great job, boys and girls!!
Mrs. Hull’s Kindergarten students had a roaring good time learning about the saying, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb!”
The class read In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb and talked about how the weather can be wild and blustery at the beginning of March, then calm and gentle by the end of the month.
To bring the lesson to life, students created adorable lion and lamb crafts and even enjoyed themed lion and lamb snacks! It was a hands-on (and tasty!) way to celebrate the changing seasons while building literacy and creativity skills.
Great job, boys and girls!!
THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL STORY HOUR!
Thank you to all of our families who joined us for Story Hour last night! It was so special to see our elementary students and their loved ones gathered together to enjoy an evening of reading and community. Your support and participation help make events like this such a success.
A big thank you to our fantastic guest readers, students Gwyneth Nebzydoski and Holden Dufton, along with Mrs. Dufton, for sharing their time and stories with our children. You did a wonderful job bringing the books to life!
We are so grateful for our Wildcat community and look forward to many more family engagement events ahead!
Thank you to all of our families who joined us for Story Hour last night! It was so special to see our elementary students and their loved ones gathered together to enjoy an evening of reading and community. Your support and participation help make events like this such a success.
A big thank you to our fantastic guest readers, students Gwyneth Nebzydoski and Holden Dufton, along with Mrs. Dufton, for sharing their time and stories with our children. You did a wonderful job bringing the books to life!
We are so grateful for our Wildcat community and look forward to many more family engagement events ahead!
MARCH MENUS
See our breakfast and lunch offerings at HCS for the month of March below!
See our breakfast and lunch offerings at HCS for the month of March below!
NYSPHSAA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS BEGIN TOMORROW
Good luck to Asaac Mead, Landyn Shaffer, and Jason Canedo as they represent Deposit-Hancock at the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships this weekend at MVP Arena in Albany!
We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes for their hard work, dedication, and determination. They’ll be competing against the very best wrestlers from across New York State, and we know they’re ready!
Timelines and ticket information are listed below, as well as on the NYSPHSAA website at the following address:
https://nysphsaa.org/tournaments/?id=34
Good luck, Asaac, Landyn, and Jason, we are cheering you on!!
Friday – Session 1
8:30 AM – Doors Open
9:30 AM – Opening Ceremonies
10:00–11:45 AM – First Round Matches
11:45 AM–2:30 PM – Second Round Matches
2:30–8:00 PM – Quarterfinal & Consolation Wrestleback Matches
Saturday – Session 2
8:30 AM – Doors Open
9:30 AM–12:00 PM – Semifinal & Consolation Matches
12:00–2:15 PM – Wrestlebacks & Consolation Semifinals
2:15 PM – Consolation Finals
(Arena cleared after Consolation Finals)
Saturday – Session 3 (Finals)
5:15 PM – Doors Open
5:50 PM – Opening Ceremonies for Finals
6:05 PM – Finals Begin
Ticket Information
Single Session
• Box Office: $16.00
• Ticketmaster: $24.90
Boys All Session (3 Sessions), General Admission
• Box Office: $48.00
• Ticketmaster: $59.60
Boys All Session (3 Sessions), Premium
(Includes seat in premium section for Boys Finals)
• Box Office: $56.00
• Ticketmaster: $69.55
Good luck to Asaac Mead, Landyn Shaffer, and Jason Canedo as they represent Deposit-Hancock at the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships this weekend at MVP Arena in Albany!
We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes for their hard work, dedication, and determination. They’ll be competing against the very best wrestlers from across New York State, and we know they’re ready!
Timelines and ticket information are listed below, as well as on the NYSPHSAA website at the following address:
https://nysphsaa.org/tournaments/?id=34
Good luck, Asaac, Landyn, and Jason, we are cheering you on!!
Friday – Session 1
8:30 AM – Doors Open
9:30 AM – Opening Ceremonies
10:00–11:45 AM – First Round Matches
11:45 AM–2:30 PM – Second Round Matches
2:30–8:00 PM – Quarterfinal & Consolation Wrestleback Matches
Saturday – Session 2
8:30 AM – Doors Open
9:30 AM–12:00 PM – Semifinal & Consolation Matches
12:00–2:15 PM – Wrestlebacks & Consolation Semifinals
2:15 PM – Consolation Finals
(Arena cleared after Consolation Finals)
Saturday – Session 3 (Finals)
5:15 PM – Doors Open
5:50 PM – Opening Ceremonies for Finals
6:05 PM – Finals Begin
Ticket Information
Single Session
• Box Office: $16.00
• Ticketmaster: $24.90
Boys All Session (3 Sessions), General Admission
• Box Office: $48.00
• Ticketmaster: $59.60
Boys All Session (3 Sessions), Premium
(Includes seat in premium section for Boys Finals)
• Box Office: $56.00
• Ticketmaster: $69.55
READ ACROSS AMERICA WEEK!
Hancock Central School is excited to celebrate Read Across America Week next week! We have a full week of fun, themed dress-up days and literacy celebrations planned to inspire a love of reading in all of our Wildcats.
Here’s what to look forward to:
Monday, March 2 – The Sleep Book
Wear your pajamas and cozy up with a good book!
Tuesday, March 3 – The Cat in the Hat Day
Wear red and white or your favorite hat.
Tall hats, silly hats, sparkly hats—we love them all!
Wednesday, March 4 – Thing One & Thing Two Day
Wear wacky clothes!
Mismatched outfits, backwards shirts, silly patterns—the wackier, the better!
Thursday, March 5 – Fox in Socks Day
Wear crazy or mismatched socks!
Striped, spotted, fuzzy, tall—show off your silliest socks.
Friday, March 6 – Green Eggs and Ham
Wear GREEN!
Bright green, dark green, polka-dot green—any shade will do!
We can’t wait to see our students show their school spirit while celebrating the joy of reading. Let’s make it a week full of imagination, creativity, and Wildcat pride!
Hancock Central School is excited to celebrate Read Across America Week next week! We have a full week of fun, themed dress-up days and literacy celebrations planned to inspire a love of reading in all of our Wildcats.
Here’s what to look forward to:
Monday, March 2 – The Sleep Book
Wear your pajamas and cozy up with a good book!
Tuesday, March 3 – The Cat in the Hat Day
Wear red and white or your favorite hat.
Tall hats, silly hats, sparkly hats—we love them all!
Wednesday, March 4 – Thing One & Thing Two Day
Wear wacky clothes!
Mismatched outfits, backwards shirts, silly patterns—the wackier, the better!
Thursday, March 5 – Fox in Socks Day
Wear crazy or mismatched socks!
Striped, spotted, fuzzy, tall—show off your silliest socks.
Friday, March 6 – Green Eggs and Ham
Wear GREEN!
Bright green, dark green, polka-dot green—any shade will do!
We can’t wait to see our students show their school spirit while celebrating the joy of reading. Let’s make it a week full of imagination, creativity, and Wildcat pride!
NY THURSDAYS TOMORROW
We have another delicious NY Thursdays lunch at Hancock Central School tomorrow, February 26th!
On the menu:
• Orange Chicken with Rice
• Egg Roll
• Roasted Green Beans
• Apple Slices
• Milk
NY Thursdays highlight fresh, New York–sourced ingredients and celebrate the amazing foods our state has to offer.
A big thank you to our wonderful food service staff for all that you do each and every day to prepare nutritious, delicious meals for our students and staff. We appreciate you!
We have another delicious NY Thursdays lunch at Hancock Central School tomorrow, February 26th!
On the menu:
• Orange Chicken with Rice
• Egg Roll
• Roasted Green Beans
• Apple Slices
• Milk
NY Thursdays highlight fresh, New York–sourced ingredients and celebrate the amazing foods our state has to offer.
A big thank you to our wonderful food service staff for all that you do each and every day to prepare nutritious, delicious meals for our students and staff. We appreciate you!
ELEVATING STUDENT VOICES
Students from both Deposit Central School District and Hancock Central School District came together yesterday as part of our “Elevating Student Voices” student voice group.
The purpose of this group is to ensure students have direct input into the merger study, share their lived experiences, and reflect on how potential changes may affect them. This group ensures that students — the ultimate beneficiaries of decision-making — are placed at the center of the process. Their insights help shed light on how educational experiences, organizational structures, and fiscal priorities impact learning.
As part of this process, students sat in on a presentation by Cosimo Tangorra Jr., Ed.D., and Scott Bischoping from Leadership Solutions Advisers (LSA). Through thoughtful discussion and open dialogue, students had the opportunity to hear key information and provide their own perspectives.
We are proud of these students for engaging in meaningful conversations, representing their peers, and helping guide this important process. When students are given a seat at the table, their voices truly make a difference.
Students from both Deposit Central School District and Hancock Central School District came together yesterday as part of our “Elevating Student Voices” student voice group.
The purpose of this group is to ensure students have direct input into the merger study, share their lived experiences, and reflect on how potential changes may affect them. This group ensures that students — the ultimate beneficiaries of decision-making — are placed at the center of the process. Their insights help shed light on how educational experiences, organizational structures, and fiscal priorities impact learning.
As part of this process, students sat in on a presentation by Cosimo Tangorra Jr., Ed.D., and Scott Bischoping from Leadership Solutions Advisers (LSA). Through thoughtful discussion and open dialogue, students had the opportunity to hear key information and provide their own perspectives.
We are proud of these students for engaging in meaningful conversations, representing their peers, and helping guide this important process. When students are given a seat at the table, their voices truly make a difference.
ATTENTION: The Hancock Central School District is on a 2 hour delay today, Wednesday, February 25th.
STORY HOUR THIS THURSDAY
The Hancock Central School District is excited to welcome families to Story Hour on Thursday, February 26th, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. in the Elementary School.
Families may enter through the elementary main entrance to check in. Children, accompanied by their families, will rotate between three guest readers who will share engaging stories throughout the evening. At the end of the event, each child will receive a free book to take home!
Story Hour is a special family engagement event hosted by HCSD in partnership with the Hancock Community Education Foundation. We are proud to continue this wonderful tradition and look forward to many more Story Hours to come.
Join us for an evening of stories, connection, and a free book! We hope to see you there!
The Hancock Central School District is excited to welcome families to Story Hour on Thursday, February 26th, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. in the Elementary School.
Families may enter through the elementary main entrance to check in. Children, accompanied by their families, will rotate between three guest readers who will share engaging stories throughout the evening. At the end of the event, each child will receive a free book to take home!
Story Hour is a special family engagement event hosted by HCSD in partnership with the Hancock Community Education Foundation. We are proud to continue this wonderful tradition and look forward to many more Story Hours to come.
Join us for an evening of stories, connection, and a free book! We hope to see you there!
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS OF THE WEEK!
Hancock Central School is proud to recognize our outstanding Students of the Week!
Alen Brkaric was chosen by Mrs. Karcher for consistently coming to school ready to learn each and every day. Alen is kind, respectful, and gives 100% effort in everything he does. He brings a fun personality to the classroom and enjoys making learning exciting for himself and others!
Harper Angell was selected by Mr. Bedient for the incredible strides she has made in kindergarten this year. Harper is always positive, eager to help, and continues to show wonderful growth. Her bright attitude and willingness to lend a hand make her a joy to have in class!
We are so proud of these students for setting a great example and representing Hancock Elementary so well. Keep up the fantastic work!
Hancock Central School is proud to recognize our outstanding Students of the Week!
Alen Brkaric was chosen by Mrs. Karcher for consistently coming to school ready to learn each and every day. Alen is kind, respectful, and gives 100% effort in everything he does. He brings a fun personality to the classroom and enjoys making learning exciting for himself and others!
Harper Angell was selected by Mr. Bedient for the incredible strides she has made in kindergarten this year. Harper is always positive, eager to help, and continues to show wonderful growth. Her bright attitude and willingness to lend a hand make her a joy to have in class!
We are so proud of these students for setting a great example and representing Hancock Elementary so well. Keep up the fantastic work!
QUARTER 2 AWARD CEREMONIES – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH!
We are excited to celebrate our students’ hard work and achievements during our Quarter 2 Award Ceremonies this Friday, February 27th!
Ceremonies will take place throughout the school day at the following times:
High School Awards: 11:03–11:33 a.m. (HS Advisory Period)
Middle School Awards: 11:36 a.m.–12:06 p.m. (MS Advisory Period)
Elementary Awards: 1:30 p.m.
We look forward to recognizing our students for their dedication, effort, and accomplishments this quarter. Great job, Wildcats, keep up the fantastic work!
We are excited to celebrate our students’ hard work and achievements during our Quarter 2 Award Ceremonies this Friday, February 27th!
Ceremonies will take place throughout the school day at the following times:
High School Awards: 11:03–11:33 a.m. (HS Advisory Period)
Middle School Awards: 11:36 a.m.–12:06 p.m. (MS Advisory Period)
Elementary Awards: 1:30 p.m.
We look forward to recognizing our students for their dedication, effort, and accomplishments this quarter. Great job, Wildcats, keep up the fantastic work!
Due to inclement weather, the Hancock Central School District is closed today, Friday, February 20th.
ATTENTION: The Hancock Central School District is on a 2 hour delay today, Friday, February 20th.
100TH DAY OF SCHOOL!
Today we proudly celebrate the 100th Day of School at HCS! What an exciting milestone in our school year.
For 100 days, our students have been learning, growing, and making wonderful memories together. We are so proud of the hard work and positive energy they bring to HCS each and every day!
A special thank you to Mrs. Karcher’s class for sending in a photo of themselves celebrating the big day! Her students marked the occasion by making colorful Fruit Loop necklaces and creating a snack made up of 100 pieces of food. What a fun and creative way to celebrate!
Here’s to 100 great days, and many more ahead!
Today we proudly celebrate the 100th Day of School at HCS! What an exciting milestone in our school year.
For 100 days, our students have been learning, growing, and making wonderful memories together. We are so proud of the hard work and positive energy they bring to HCS each and every day!
A special thank you to Mrs. Karcher’s class for sending in a photo of themselves celebrating the big day! Her students marked the occasion by making colorful Fruit Loop necklaces and creating a snack made up of 100 pieces of food. What a fun and creative way to celebrate!
Here’s to 100 great days, and many more ahead!
KINDNESS AT MORNING PROGRAM!
During today’s Morning Program, Mrs. Hull spoke with students about the importance of kindness and why it truly matters. Students watched a short video that highlighted three important parts of being kind: kind actions, kind words and kind thoughts.
We discussed how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day, and in our school community as a whole.
We also reviewed what our Triple B Awards stand for: Be Kind, Be Respectful and Be Responsible! We are proud to recognize students who consistently demonstrate these important values.
Congratulations to Beckett Dabrescia-McGraw, Elizabeth Conkling, Paeton Dunlap, Cristian Sparacio, Cora Thomason and Leeann Miller on being selected for the Triple B awards!!
Thank you to all of the families who stopped by for today’s Morning Program, we love having you join us!
During today’s Morning Program, Mrs. Hull spoke with students about the importance of kindness and why it truly matters. Students watched a short video that highlighted three important parts of being kind: kind actions, kind words and kind thoughts.
We discussed how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day, and in our school community as a whole.
We also reviewed what our Triple B Awards stand for: Be Kind, Be Respectful and Be Responsible! We are proud to recognize students who consistently demonstrate these important values.
Congratulations to Beckett Dabrescia-McGraw, Elizabeth Conkling, Paeton Dunlap, Cristian Sparacio, Cora Thomason and Leeann Miller on being selected for the Triple B awards!!
Thank you to all of the families who stopped by for today’s Morning Program, we love having you join us!
MORNING PROGRAM TOMORROW
Just a friendly reminder that our Morning Program will take place tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. in the Elementary Building.
We look forward to gathering together and starting the day as a school community. Families are welcome, and we hope to see you there!
Just a friendly reminder that our Morning Program will take place tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. in the Elementary Building.
We look forward to gathering together and starting the day as a school community. Families are welcome, and we hope to see you there!
NO SCHOOL MONDAY & TUESDAY
Just a friendly reminder that there is NO SCHOOL this Monday, February 16th (Presidents’ Day) and Tuesday, February 17th (Lunar New Year).
Upcoming dates for the end of February:
- Thursday, February 19th : Morning Program – 8:30 a.m.
- Thursday, February 26th : Story Hour – 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, February 27th : End of 25 Week Marking Period
- Saturday, February 28th : Speech & Debate Scrimmage – 4:00 p.m.
We hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day and get to enjoy the extended weekend!!
Just a friendly reminder that there is NO SCHOOL this Monday, February 16th (Presidents’ Day) and Tuesday, February 17th (Lunar New Year).
Upcoming dates for the end of February:
- Thursday, February 19th : Morning Program – 8:30 a.m.
- Thursday, February 26th : Story Hour – 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, February 27th : End of 25 Week Marking Period
- Saturday, February 28th : Speech & Debate Scrimmage – 4:00 p.m.
We hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day and get to enjoy the extended weekend!!
SRO APPRECIATION DAY
This weekend, we proudly recognize National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, celebrated each year on February 15th, and we want to give a special thank you to our School Resource Officer, Eric Beavers!
Officer Beavers plays an important role in our school community each and every day. As our SRO, he helps ensure a safe and secure learning environment while building positive relationships with students and staff. Whether he’s greeting students in the hallway, offering guidance, supporting school events, or simply being a friendly and approachable presence, Officer Beavers goes above and beyond for our Wildcat family.
School Resource Officers across the country serve as mentors, educators & protectors, we are incredibly fortunate to have Officer Beavers as part of our team. Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and the care you show our school community every day!
This weekend, we proudly recognize National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, celebrated each year on February 15th, and we want to give a special thank you to our School Resource Officer, Eric Beavers!
Officer Beavers plays an important role in our school community each and every day. As our SRO, he helps ensure a safe and secure learning environment while building positive relationships with students and staff. Whether he’s greeting students in the hallway, offering guidance, supporting school events, or simply being a friendly and approachable presence, Officer Beavers goes above and beyond for our Wildcat family.
School Resource Officers across the country serve as mentors, educators & protectors, we are incredibly fortunate to have Officer Beavers as part of our team. Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and the care you show our school community every day!
