Cairo-Durham Middle School

Do you know a person or community organization that has given extensive service to the Cairo-Durham Central School District? Nominate them for the Mustang Pride Hall of Fame! To nominate a person or community organization, please use this nomination form: https://forms.gle/PYzxA4mXtaReGYtK8 See below for the criteria. Nominations will be accepted through February 1, 2025. The chosen nominees will be honored at a Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Shamrock House on Saturday, April 26, 2024, at 5 PM. Criteria: Nominees must have contributed to the improvement of Cairo-Durham CSD with extensive service through: academics, athletics, coaching, teaching, administration, employment, volunteerism and/or community service. Nominees can be past or present staff members, school administrators, Board of Education members, alumni and community members or organizations. (Please note that a former student nominee must be out of school for at least 10 years to be considered for induction into the Mustang Pride Hall of Fame.) Some examples of extensive service/support include (but are not limited to): Academics (e.g., teaching, tutoring). Involvement in school athletics (e.g., coaches, officials, volunteers). Mentoring. Volunteer work/community service. Community relations. Mustang Pride Hall of Fame Mission and By-Laws: https://www.cairodurham.org/page/mustang-pride-hall-of-fame-mission-and-by-laws About the Hall of Fame: The Mustang Pride Hall of Fame was established in 2017 to recognize individuals and/or groups who have worked to support public education in the Cairo-Durham CSD community. To nominate a person or community organization, please use this nomination form: https://forms.gle/PYzxA4mXtaReGYtK8 Take a look at the five prior classes of the Cairo-Durham Mustang Pride Hall of Fame: Class of 2018: Ron Agostinoni - Faculty/Student, Helen Enck - Faculty, Don Gibson Sr. - Administrator, Tom Karnes - Faculty/Coach, Trudy Lynch - Faculty/Coach, Suzanne Oldakowski - Rotary President/Community Member, Kerry Quinn - Faculty/Coach, Ann Skelly - Faculty, Art Waldron - Faculty/Coach, Bob Zimmerman - Faculty/Coach., Class of 2019: Fran Cook - Faculty, Peter Maassmann - Student/Faculty, Beth Phillips - Board of Education/Support Staff, Cairo Rotary Club - Community Organization, Bill Zwoboda - Faculty/Administrator, Class of 2020/2021, Dave Battini - Faculty/Coach, John Hull - Faculty/Community Member, Resurrection Lutheran Church - Community Organization, Bill Lawrence - Faculty/Legislature, Kay Sutton - Faculty, Jeff Waldron - Student/Athlete, Class of 2022: Hugh Gallagher - Faculty, William Getzke - Faculty, Harry Lennon - Alumni, Keith Phillips - Faculty, Richard Uzzilia - Faculty, Class of 2023: Virginia Ambrose - Faculty, Richard Booth - Administrator, Kris Monteverd - Faculty, Carol and Fred Spohler - Community Members, Donna Wexler - Faculty, Class of 2024: Bridget “Bunny” Agostinoni - Alumni/Retired Faculty, Emily Brunner - Faculty, Patricia “Patty” Gibson - Former Coach, Caroline Benton Pfleger - Retired Faculty

The Cairo-Durham Central School District saw an impressive 12% increase in math proficiency in the 2023-24 school year compared to the prior year for students in grades 3-8, according to NYS testing data that was released recently. Read the full news release below or here: https://5il.co/35bq6

As a reminder, Cairo-Durham Schools will be closed on Monday, January 20, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The District will also be closed for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, January 29.

Get ready for the Class of 2026 Cornhole Tournament happening on Sunday, January 19th at 12:00 PM in the High School Gym! Entry is just $20 per team, and the winners will take home a cash prize. Feeling hungry? We’ve got you covered with HAWT DOWGS and soda available for purchase (food not included with admission). Grab a partner, bring your best tosses, and join the fun for an afternoon of friendly competition, good eats, and big laughs. Don’t miss out—be there or miss the bag! 🎉

Mrs. Karker´s middle school French classes recently learned more about holiday traditions in France. 7th and 8th grade teams competed to decorate mini holiday cakes called bûche de Noël.

The Boys and Girls Modified Basketball Teams both took losses on Wednesday afternoon to cross town rivals Catskill. Both teams look to bounce back on Monday, 1/13, when they play against a tenacious Greenville squad.

At Cairo-Durham High School, a Class President also has the room to play on two varsity teams! HS Student Ethan Searing-Burke multitasks leading as the Class of 2028 President, playing on the Varsity Soccer and Golf teams, and being on the HS Student Council. With so many unique opportunities at the Cairo-Durham School District, you can do it all!

The Greene County Transition Council is hosting an event to help families plan for life transitions. Join them on January 15, 2025, at 6 pm in the Greenville High School Cafeteria.

Nominations for the December 2024 “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” are open and can be submitted at the link below by Friday, January 10, 2025 at 4 p.m. Past nominations will also be considered in the selection process. Click here ( https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2q9nfXwRYv7cSUw_bdouBjcdspek0B2VyNasVZr-LvsYNdg/viewform ) to submit a nomination for December 2024!

The Cairo-Durham Central School District is hiring for a School Psychologist! Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis through June 30, 2025 on OLAS. Include copies of certifications, transcripts, three (3) letters of recommendation, resume, and other supporting documentation. Address all correspondence to: Danielle Czech, Director Pupil Personnel Services Department Cairo-Durham CSD 1301 State Highway 145 Cairo NY 12413

Do you know a person or community organization that has given extensive service to the Cairo-Durham Central School District? Nominate them for the Mustang Pride Hall of Fame! To nominate a person or community organization, please use this nomination form: https://forms.gle/PYzxA4mXtaReGYtK8 See below for the criteria. Nominations will be accepted through February 1, 2025. The chosen nominees will be honored at a Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Shamrock House on Saturday, April 26, 2024, at 5 PM. Criteria: Nominees must have contributed to the improvement of Cairo-Durham CSD with extensive service through: academics, athletics, coaching, teaching, administration, employment, volunteerism and/or community service. Nominees can be past or present staff members, school administrators, Board of Education members, alumni and community members or organizations. (Please note that a former student nominee must be out of school for at least 10 years to be considered for induction into the Mustang Pride Hall of Fame.) Some examples of extensive service/support include (but are not limited to): Academics (e.g., teaching, tutoring). Involvement in school athletics (e.g., coaches, officials, volunteers). Mentoring. Volunteer work/community service. Community relations. Mustang Pride Hall of Fame Mission and By-Laws: https://www.cairodurham.org/page/mustang-pride-hall-of-fame-mission-and-by-laws About the Hall of Fame: The Mustang Pride Hall of Fame was established in 2017 to recognize individuals and/or groups who have worked to support public education in the Cairo-Durham CSD community. To nominate a person or community organization, please use this nomination form: https://forms.gle/PYzxA4mXtaReGYtK8 Take a look at the five prior classes of the Cairo-Durham Mustang Pride Hall of Fame: Class of 2018: Ron Agostinoni - Faculty/Student, Helen Enck - Faculty, Don Gibson Sr. - Administrator, Tom Karnes - Faculty/Coach, Trudy Lynch - Faculty/Coach, Suzanne Oldakowski - Rotary President/Community Member, Kerry Quinn - Faculty/Coach, Ann Skelly - Faculty, Art Waldron - Faculty/Coach, Bob Zimmerman - Faculty/Coach., Class of 2019: Fran Cook - Faculty, Peter Maassmann - Student/Faculty, Beth Phillips - Board of Education/Support Staff, Cairo Rotary Club - Community Organization, Bill Zwoboda - Faculty/Administrator, Class of 2020/2021, Dave Battini - Faculty/Coach, John Hull - Faculty/Community Member, Resurrection Lutheran Church - Community Organization, Bill Lawrence - Faculty/Legislature, Kay Sutton - Faculty, Jeff Waldron - Student/Athlete, Class of 2022: Hugh Gallagher - Faculty, William Getzke - Faculty, Harry Lennon - Alumni, Keith Phillips - Faculty, Richard Uzzilia - Faculty, Class of 2023: Virginia Ambrose - Faculty, Richard Booth - Administrator, Kris Monteverd - Faculty, Carol and Fred Spohler - Community Members, Donna Wexler - Faculty, Class of 2024: Bridget “Bunny” Agostinoni - Alumni/Retired Faculty, Emily Brunner - Faculty, Patricia “Patty” Gibson - Former Coach, Caroline Benton Pfleger - Retired Faculty

Breakfast and lunch menus for January are available on our website and below!

Reminder: Cairo-Durham Schools will be closed from December 23 to January 1 for the Holiday Break. Enjoy the holidays, spend time with family, and travel safely.

CAIRO, NY – The Cairo-Durham Central School District is proud to announce the November 2024 recipient of the “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” is Tom Morrissey (‘08). Tom, a lifelong Catskill region resident, is a passionate artist, entrepreneur, and community member who believes in giving back. After discovering his love for chainsaw carving, he started a chainsaw carving business, Catskills Carver. He is also the former Cairo-Durham Rotary Club President. As a chainsaw carver, Tom stays busy with his carvings and frequently travels to regional events while showing off his craft, he said. Most of his art consists of wood carvings, and occasionally, mixed media. Art is one of his passions, so he is always learning and experimenting with new techniques and tools. “Art has always been a passion of mine, and it was probably my destiny. Friends recognized my potential when I carved some small pieces (non-chainsaw) and as my skills grew, so did the size of my “toys” – which now includes an arsenal of several chainsaws, die grinders, and specialty power tools,” said Tom Morrissey, a Class of 2008 alum. “Chainsaw carving has given me a level of joy that I have never experienced in any other of my jobs. Seeing how it influences others is highly rewarding. I have found my calling…” Earlier this month, Tom visited Mr. Criswell’s high school classes to demonstrate his chainsaw carving for the students. Afterward, the seven finely carved owls Tom carved that day were given to the school for an internal silent auction. The remaining owls are currently on display near the high school gymnasium. He was delighted to give back to the community while showing students one example of an interesting alternative career path, which also includes entrepreneurship. “Carving for the art students at Cairo Durham High School was both a privilege and an honor. It was a fantastic experience to reach out and demonstrate my craft to young people. Chainsaw carving seems to be especially appealing to this audience,” he said. “The 7 owls I produced during the day were donated to the school. As I said before I believe that “giving back” is an integral part of my business!” Tom was actively interested in the arts while at Cairo-Durham High School. He thanks art teachers Mr. and Mrs. Criswell and Ms.Little and Ms. Lavigne (LiCalzi) who all helped his artistic development. For students at Cairo-Durham, Tom Morrissey gives this advice, “Follow your dreams, be genuine, and don’t listen to the ‘naysayers…’.” To bridge the community and the Cairo-Durham Central School District, the “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” was created to provide an opportunity for community members to nominate members of the Cairo-Durham Class of 2018 or prior who have made an impact in the community, embrace Cairo-Durham pride and serve as role models to future generations of Mustangs to be recognized on the District’s platforms. Nominations are now open for the December 2024 spotlight, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2q9nfXwRYv7cSUw_bdouBjcdspek0B2VyNasVZr-LvsYNdg/viewform?usp=sf_link to nominate a Cairo-Durham alum. Submissions are due by Friday, January 10, 2025 at 4 p.m.

The Cairo-Durham Central School District is accepting applications for a high school Special Education Teacher and a 6th Grade Teacher. Click here to learn more: https://www.cairodurham.org/documents/employment/job-postings/246137

October Students of the Month at CDMS are Charles Rushkowski, 8th grade; Aubree Walz, 7th grade; and McKenna Gooch, 6th grade. Congrats!

The Boys and Girls Modified Basketball Teams both lost their first games of the season to two very talented Watervliet squads. The next games for both teams is this Wednesday, 12/18, in the Middle School Gym vs Coxsackie-Athens at 4:30.

At the last Board of Education meeting, Board Members wore their "Ugly Holiday Sweaters"!

Do you know a person or community organization that has given extensive service to the Cairo-Durham Central School District? Nominate them for the Mustang Pride Hall of Fame! To nominate a person or community organization, please use this nomination form: https://forms.gle/PYzxA4mXtaReGYtK8 See below for the criteria. Nominations will be accepted through February 1, 2025. The chosen nominees will be honored at a Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Shamrock House on Saturday, April 26, 2024, at 5 PM. Criteria: Nominees must have contributed to the improvement of Cairo-Durham CSD with extensive service through: academics, athletics, coaching, teaching, administration, employment, volunteerism and/or community service. Nominees can be past or present staff members, school administrators, Board of Education members, alumni and community members or organizations. (Please note that a former student nominee must be out of school for at least 10 years to be considered for induction into the Mustang Pride Hall of Fame.) Some examples of extensive service/support include (but are not limited to): Academics (e.g., teaching, tutoring). Involvement in school athletics (e.g., coaches, officials, volunteers). Mentoring. Volunteer work/community service. Community relations. Mustang Pride Hall of Fame Mission and By-Laws: https://www.cairodurham.org/page/mustang-pride-hall-of-fame-mission-and-by-laws About the Hall of Fame: The Mustang Pride Hall of Fame was established in 2017 to recognize individuals and/or groups who have worked to support public education in the Cairo-Durham CSD community. To nominate a person or community organization, please use this nomination form: https://forms.gle/PYzxA4mXtaReGYtK8 Take a look at the five prior classes of the Cairo-Durham Mustang Pride Hall of Fame: Class of 2018: Ron Agostinoni - Faculty/Student, Helen Enck - Faculty, Don Gibson Sr. - Administrator, Tom Karnes - Faculty/Coach, Trudy Lynch - Faculty/Coach, Suzanne Oldakowski - Rotary President/Community Member, Kerry Quinn - Faculty/Coach, Ann Skelly - Faculty, Art Waldron - Faculty/Coach, Bob Zimmerman - Faculty/Coach., Class of 2019: Fran Cook - Faculty, Peter Maassmann - Student/Faculty, Beth Phillips - Board of Education/Support Staff, Cairo Rotary Club - Community Organization, Bill Zwoboda - Faculty/Administrator, Class of 2020/2021, Dave Battini - Faculty/Coach, John Hull - Faculty/Community Member, Resurrection Lutheran Church - Community Organization, Bill Lawrence - Faculty/Legislature, Kay Sutton - Faculty, Jeff Waldron - Student/Athlete, Class of 2022: Hugh Gallagher - Faculty, William Getzke - Faculty, Harry Lennon - Alumni, Keith Phillips - Faculty, Richard Uzzilia - Faculty, Class of 2023: Virginia Ambrose - Faculty, Richard Booth - Administrator, Kris Monteverd - Faculty, Carol and Fred Spohler - Community Members, Donna Wexler - Faculty, Class of 2024: Bridget “Bunny” Agostinoni - Alumni/Retired Faculty, Emily Brunner - Faculty, Patricia “Patty” Gibson - Former Coach, Caroline Benton Pfleger - Retired Faculty

CAIRO, NY – The Cairo-Durham Middle and High School is raising funds for the CDTA Scholarship through its Give a Hoot silent auction. Five chainsaw-carved wooden owls made by Tom Morrissey, Class of 2008 alum, are on display and still up for auction. Tom Morrissey is a local self-employed professional chainsaw carver and the Cairo-Durham Rotary Club’s President. He was recently invited to showcase his chainsaw carving during Mr. Criswell’s classes. Afterward, the seven finely carved owls Tom carved that day were given to the school for an internal silent auction. Staff and faculty throughout the Middle and High School’s campus have the chance to bid on the five remaining beautifully carved owls. Proceeds from winning bids will go toward the CDTA Scholarship fund. One owl is auctioned every month. Bidding starts on the first day, and bidding ends on the second Wednesday of the same month. Faculty and staff can find a sign-up sheet in the art room, E-7. The owls are currently on display near the gymnasium.