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!

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!

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!
9TH GRADERS TACKLE “THE TELL-TALE HEART” ESCAPE ROOM!
Mrs. Skotch and Mrs. Hazen’s 9th-grade students put their problem-solving skills to the test the other day with an escape room activity based on Edgar Allan Poe’s classic story, The Tell-Tale Heart.
Students worked together to solve puzzles, crack codes, and uncover clues, all while diving deeper into the story’s plot, characters, and themes. It was a fun, hands-on way to analyze literature, think critically, and collaborate with classmates.
Great job to all our 9th graders for using their brains and teamwork to “escape”!
Mrs. Skotch and Mrs. Hazen’s 9th-grade students put their problem-solving skills to the test the other day with an escape room activity based on Edgar Allan Poe’s classic story, The Tell-Tale Heart.
Students worked together to solve puzzles, crack codes, and uncover clues, all while diving deeper into the story’s plot, characters, and themes. It was a fun, hands-on way to analyze literature, think critically, and collaborate with classmates.
Great job to all our 9th graders for using their brains and teamwork to “escape”!
D-H EAGLES SOAR TO A 42-20 HOMECOMING VICTORY!
The Deposit-Hancock Eagles celebrated Homecoming in dominant fashion with a 42-20 win over Walton-Downsville this past Friday night!
The Eagles came out strong as Marco Avila recovered a fumble early in the game, setting up Noah Bass for a 45-yard touchdown run on the very next play. Micah Simmons followed with a blocked punt, leading to another Bass touchdown. Noah later notched his third touchdown of the night on a fumble recovery from yet another punt attempt.
Brody Matthews added two touchdown passes, both 36-yard connections to Greyson Thomas, while Connor Mills broke free for a 51-yard touchdown run in the second half to seal the win for D-H.
Before kickoff, we proudly recognized our senior football players: Micah Simmons, Noah Bass, Greyson Thomas, Jeremiah Diaz, Isaiah Graham, Connor Mills, Patrick Esolen, Hakim Dade, and Jordan Decker, for their dedication and leadership.
We also took time to celebrate Coach Leonard for his many years of commitment and service to the Hancock Central School football programs.
The victory pushes D-H to a 6-1 overall record on the season. The Eagles will head to Delhi this Friday, October 24, for a big test against the reigning Section IV Class D Champions. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
The Deposit-Hancock Eagles celebrated Homecoming in dominant fashion with a 42-20 win over Walton-Downsville this past Friday night!
The Eagles came out strong as Marco Avila recovered a fumble early in the game, setting up Noah Bass for a 45-yard touchdown run on the very next play. Micah Simmons followed with a blocked punt, leading to another Bass touchdown. Noah later notched his third touchdown of the night on a fumble recovery from yet another punt attempt.
Brody Matthews added two touchdown passes, both 36-yard connections to Greyson Thomas, while Connor Mills broke free for a 51-yard touchdown run in the second half to seal the win for D-H.
Before kickoff, we proudly recognized our senior football players: Micah Simmons, Noah Bass, Greyson Thomas, Jeremiah Diaz, Isaiah Graham, Connor Mills, Patrick Esolen, Hakim Dade, and Jordan Decker, for their dedication and leadership.
We also took time to celebrate Coach Leonard for his many years of commitment and service to the Hancock Central School football programs.
The victory pushes D-H to a 6-1 overall record on the season. The Eagles will head to Delhi this Friday, October 24, for a big test against the reigning Section IV Class D Champions. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 HOMECOMING QUEEN!
Congratulations to Olivia Esolen, who was crowned 2025 Homecoming Queen during halftime of the D-H Eagles football game against Walton-Downsville this past Friday night!
We’d also like to recognize all of this year’s Homecoming Queen nominees — Stevie Woodmansee, Gwyneth Nebzydoski, Autumn Dohanic, and Cambry Cobb — for representing their classes with pride and school spirit!
D-H NATION DAY AT HCS!
Today marks the final day of Spirit Week, and our students and staff are proudly showing off their D-H Eagles gear for D-H Nation Day! The halls are filled with blue and white as we wrap up an exciting week of school spirit leading into tonight’s Homecoming Game vs. Walton at 7:00 p.m.
Senior Recognition will take place before the game at 6:30 p.m., as we honor our senior athletes for their hard work and dedication.
Our Homecoming Pep Rally will be held today from 12:15–1:45 p.m. in the MS-HS gym, where we’ll crown this year’s Homecoming Prince, Princess, and King!
Then, during halftime of tonight’s game, we’ll crown our 2025 Homecoming Queen!
Let’s bring the energy, celebrate our seniors, and show what it means to be D-H Strong!
Today marks the final day of Spirit Week, and our students and staff are proudly showing off their D-H Eagles gear for D-H Nation Day! The halls are filled with blue and white as we wrap up an exciting week of school spirit leading into tonight’s Homecoming Game vs. Walton at 7:00 p.m.
Senior Recognition will take place before the game at 6:30 p.m., as we honor our senior athletes for their hard work and dedication.
Our Homecoming Pep Rally will be held today from 12:15–1:45 p.m. in the MS-HS gym, where we’ll crown this year’s Homecoming Prince, Princess, and King!
Then, during halftime of tonight’s game, we’ll crown our 2025 Homecoming Queen!
Let’s bring the energy, celebrate our seniors, and show what it means to be D-H Strong!
HOMECOMING PARADE & BONFIRE SUCCESS!
What a fantastic evening in Hancock! Our Homecoming Parade was a huge hit, with incredible floats, smiling faces, and school spirit shining bright throughout the community. Following the parade, a great crowd gathered at Fireman’s Park for the bonfire, where the excitement and energy continued!
It was wonderful to see our community spirit in full force, cheering on the D-H Eagles and celebrating together.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who made the night possible - our HCS Student Council, all classes and class advisors who built amazing floats, the Hancock Fire Department, Village of Hancock Police Department, Town of Hancock Ambulance, the D-H Gridiron Club, D-H Youth Football, all of our Veterans, and anyone else we may have missed.
Your support and participation made this Homecoming celebration one to remember!
What a fantastic evening in Hancock! Our Homecoming Parade was a huge hit, with incredible floats, smiling faces, and school spirit shining bright throughout the community. Following the parade, a great crowd gathered at Fireman’s Park for the bonfire, where the excitement and energy continued!
It was wonderful to see our community spirit in full force, cheering on the D-H Eagles and celebrating together.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who made the night possible - our HCS Student Council, all classes and class advisors who built amazing floats, the Hancock Fire Department, Village of Hancock Police Department, Town of Hancock Ambulance, the D-H Gridiron Club, D-H Youth Football, all of our Veterans, and anyone else we may have missed.
Your support and participation made this Homecoming celebration one to remember!
Spirit Week Continues: Red, White & Blue Day!
Today, our Wildcats showed off their patriotism and school spirit by dressing in red, white, and blue for Spirit Week!
From headbands to sneakers, our halls were filled with stars, stripes, and smiles as students and staff celebrated another fun day leading up to Homecoming!
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s theme, DH Nation Day!
Today, our Wildcats showed off their patriotism and school spirit by dressing in red, white, and blue for Spirit Week!
From headbands to sneakers, our halls were filled with stars, stripes, and smiles as students and staff celebrated another fun day leading up to Homecoming!
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s theme, DH Nation Day!
COZY AND COMFY: PAJAMA DAY AT HCS!
Homecoming Spirit Week rolled on yesterday at Hancock Central School with one of everyone’s favorite themes, Pajama Day! Students and staff showed their school spirit in the most comfortable way possible, arriving to class dressed in cozy flannel pants, fuzzy slippers, and colorful sleepwear.
The relaxed atmosphere brought plenty of smiles as Wildcats embraced the fun of learning in lounge wear. From matching pajama sets to silly robes and slippers, creativity and comfort were on full display throughout both buildings.
Spirit Week continues with Red, White & Blue Day, followed by DH Nation Day to close out the week’s Homecoming festivities. Go Wildcats!
Homecoming Spirit Week rolled on yesterday at Hancock Central School with one of everyone’s favorite themes, Pajama Day! Students and staff showed their school spirit in the most comfortable way possible, arriving to class dressed in cozy flannel pants, fuzzy slippers, and colorful sleepwear.
The relaxed atmosphere brought plenty of smiles as Wildcats embraced the fun of learning in lounge wear. From matching pajama sets to silly robes and slippers, creativity and comfort were on full display throughout both buildings.
Spirit Week continues with Red, White & Blue Day, followed by DH Nation Day to close out the week’s Homecoming festivities. Go Wildcats!
SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION WEEK
This week we pause to honor and appreciate the dedicated individuals who serve on the Hancock Central School District Board of Education. Their volunteer leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and steadfast commitment help guide our district and ensure our students thrive.
Meet our 2025-2026 Board of Education:
• Cliff Johnston, President
• Vicky Bogart, Vice President
• Christopher “Jake” Geer, Sr.
• Nick Hazen, Sr.
• Dr. Michael A. MacDonald, Ed. D
• Tanya Gibbs-Hinkley, Wayne Highlands Representative
These individuals volunteer their time to shape policy, approve budgets, and advocate for students, staff, and the greater Hancock community.
We value each of their contributions, from being informed about educational issues to listening to family voices, to charting the course for our district’s future.
Thank you all, for your dedication, leadership, and for always keeping our students at the heart of every decision you make.
This week we pause to honor and appreciate the dedicated individuals who serve on the Hancock Central School District Board of Education. Their volunteer leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and steadfast commitment help guide our district and ensure our students thrive.
Meet our 2025-2026 Board of Education:
• Cliff Johnston, President
• Vicky Bogart, Vice President
• Christopher “Jake” Geer, Sr.
• Nick Hazen, Sr.
• Dr. Michael A. MacDonald, Ed. D
• Tanya Gibbs-Hinkley, Wayne Highlands Representative
These individuals volunteer their time to shape policy, approve budgets, and advocate for students, staff, and the greater Hancock community.
We value each of their contributions, from being informed about educational issues to listening to family voices, to charting the course for our district’s future.
Thank you all, for your dedication, leadership, and for always keeping our students at the heart of every decision you make.
