Friday was Pajama Day in Mrs. Cochran's class at CES!
Spirit Week schedules for our Elementary Schools have been posted! These are the officially recognized observances ratified by the student council at each of the elementary buildings. MS and HS listings are coming as soon as they are available to us.
Find them any time at: https://www.camdenschools.org/page/homecoming-2024
BLUE DEVIL NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT
In the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to members of our Blue Devil family who are new, or are changing roles between buildings for the school year.
Today, we welcome CHS Special Education teacher Crystal O’Hara! Crystal is a graduate of Appalachian State University and East Carolina University who is joining us for the first time this year.
Crystal brings a dozen years of experience to Camden, and this will be her second year in the State of New York. She taught for 11 years across two districts in North Carolina before heading to the Empire State, and has found a sense of community here in Camden.
“The community vibe that permeates the halls has been the most enjoyable experience and something that I am not accustomed to,” O’Hara said. “Coming from a military family and having moved around throughout my life, I have always wanted a place that feels like home. I am so excited to feel so welcomed and look forward to being a part of such a wonderful community.”
Within any community, the schools are an important component, and the importance of the opportunity to propel students to their potential is not lost on her.
“I am super excited about the opportunity to work with everyone to ensure success for our children in the future,” She said. “Thank you so much for sharing your most precious gifts, I promise to treat them like my own, challenge them to always do better than yesterday, encourage them to shoot for the stars, and always follow their dreams.”
When she’s not in the classroom at CHS, she enjoys grilling, painting, karaoke, and spending time with family. Welcome!
Last week, the McConnellsville Elementary 3rd and 4th grade student council had its first meeting of the year. The main order of business for the day? Spirit week!
The modified boys' soccer team is back in action today against Holland Patent, one of eight contests across Camden Athletics on a busy Monday afternoon!
For more updates on Camden Boys' Soccer at all levels, visit the "Camden Boys' Soccer" page on Facebook!
Friday night was a memorable night, and fittingly, it was dedicated to someone who made so many Friday nights memorable for the Camden community.
During the football game against Homer, we held a special recognition ceremony in memory of legendary community fixture Donald "Pops" VanDresar, who passed away in June at 92 years of age. Many of those 92 years were spent as a devoted member of our community, including a tremendous half century-long run as the public address announcer for Blue Devil football games.
Whether it was on the microphone, through philanthropic endeavors, his work with local civic organizations, or his service to our country in the United States Navy, "Pops" was a man who had a knack for helping others, and through those efforts, made our community better every single day. We are lucky that he chose Camden to call home for so many years.
In that spirit, we are pleased to say that going forward, the newly-added press box at the Camden High School stadium will be known as the Donald "Pops" VanDresar Press Box. Signage will be put in place soon.
We were fortunate to host a huge contingent from his family during Friday's ceremony, led by his wife of 64 years, Dolores. Thank you all for coming to celebrate his life with us, alongside so many individuals that have been impacted by his commitment and dedication to Camden.
Full story to follow.
(Photos courtesy Danielle Danaher and the Camden Football Boosters)
Rise and shine, Blue Devils! This morning, we'll recognize the Camden Girls' Varsity Tennis Class of 2025! Match time is set for 11 AM as Camden takes on Central Valley Academy. Senior day festivities will happen before then, so please arrive early!
Here we go, Blue! The third game of the 2024 season has arrived as the Blue Devil varsity battles Homer under the lights at the CHS Stadium. 6:30 PM Kickoff. Free Admission. It's alumni night at the stadium, and we will also be honoring the memory of a beloved member of the Blue Devil Football family, Donald "Pops" VanDresar. It will be a truly special evening.
Live Stream: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ny/camden/organization/17261/camden-high-school/video
Some helpful reminders about procedures for tonight's game:
-An adult must accompany all elementary and Middle school students. Students not accompanied by an adult will not be allowed in.
- Playing catch or games of any kind will not be allowed.
- Students should not wander around and should be cheering for our Blue Devils!
- Capital project construction is still happening. Please stay away from any taped-off areas.
- Spectators are expected to abide by the Camden Central School District Sportsmanship Policy. (https://5il.co/2x2uy).
Thank you for your continued support of the Blue Devils!
(Image In Graphic: Emily Petrie, Valley View Studios, https://valleyviewphotoco.com/)
CES Students, Families, and Staff came together on Thursday evening to showcase a slice of life at Camden Elementary School during Open House!
Thanks to all who came out to be part of the activities!
Pictures from this afternoon's varsity and junior varsity girls' soccer matchups against CVA! The weather for today's matches was spectacular!
It might still feel like summer the past few days, but fall is quickly approaching. And fall is the perfect time to curl up with a cozy mystery. Check out our most recent mystery books in the CMS Media Center. 🔎
This evening, Camden Elementary School hosts its open house!
The Title I Meeting begins at 5:30 PM.
Title I Meeting Info: https://www.camdenschools.org/article/1751503
Classrooms will be open from 6:00-7:00 PM.
Parking can get quite busy for this event. Overflow parking will be available at the Methodist Church. CES also asks that all attending utilize the Canopy Entrance to access the building this evening.
Call the CES Main Office with any questions you have. (315) 245-2616
It's a great day to get out and support Blue Devil girls' soccer at CHS! JV and Varsity are set for 5 PM starts against Central Valley Academy today!
Senior Nights are just around the corner, beginning with girls tennis on Saturday!
BLUE DEVIL NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT
In the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to members of our Blue Devil family who are new, or are changing roles between buildings for the school year.
Today, we highlight our brand new Speech Pathologist, Casey Seckner! Casey is adding the title of “Camden CSD Employee” to her four years as a Camden CSD resident and parent this year. Casey is housed at Camden Elementary School in her new assignment. She joins us after over 20 years of service with our neighbors in the Central Square School District.
She received her undergraduate degree from SUNY Cortland, and her graduate degree from Ithaca College.
Her favorite thing about being in education is, in her words, “Working with a team to help students progress toward their goals.”
She says she’s loved living here in the District for the past four years. As a parent, she has especially enjoyed the activities her son is involved in here, and has found getting to know the amazing students and staff involved in our plays and musicals to be a great experience.
When she’s not supporting students in some way, she can be found cheering for the Syracuse Orange, Buffalo Bills, and the 27 time world champion New York Yankees with her family and friends.
Calling all craft enthusiasts!!!
The Camden Homecoming Festival's Craft and Vendor Fair will be held on Saturday, October 5th from 11 AM to 4 PM in the Village Park on Main Street. Come and browse the local merchants and organizations who will bring their wares and exciting experiences to the village!
Looking to be a vendor? Opportunity knocks. Come bring your products to a large audience on Main Street. To be a vendor, a 12x12 space will cost 30 dollars, with proceeds to help support future homecoming celebrations. Setup runs from 9:30 to 11 AM. Please be mindful of traffic in the area of Forest Park and on Second Street.
Please read the rules outlined in the registration form before registering, as there are some specific guidelines that must be adhered to in order to sell at this event. All products for sale should be family friendly in nature.
Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_LRBB7-otk7MnTYT_Hku2mj1VweWNYvJlC7G12eZjOE8Xsw/viewform
If you have any questions about the Craft and Vendor Fair as a vendor, or as a customer, please contact Sydney Dean at (315) 225-5836 or at sydneydean1129@gmail.com.
Scenes from doubles play in Tuesday's girls' varsity tennis match against Rome Free Academy. The Blue Devils won the match by a final score of 4-3. Camden swept singles play with McKenzie Allard, Lainie Liberatore, and Hailey Heath all scoring landslide victories. In doubles, the pairing of Abigail Douglas and Mina Jones made the difference to secure the victory. They won a hard-fought match at fourth doubles, 6-4, 6-4 to spark a Blue Devil rally that ran straight through singles play.
Camden has won five of its first six matches of the season. A busy stretch continues today and tomorrow as the Blue Devils compete at VVS and Oneida, respectively.
Senior Day is Saturday as Camden hosts CVA. The match begins at 11 AM, with senior recognition set for approximately 10:30.
Do you have a question or concern?
Unsure where to start?
The Camden CSD Lines of Communication chart can help you on your way to finding the answer!
PDF: https://5il.co/229bw
BLUE DEVIL NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT
In the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to members of our Blue Devil family who are new, or are changing roles between buildings for the school year.
Today, we highlight Camden Elementary first grade teacher Chloe Cochran. She is a new employee, but is very familiar with the District as a 2019 CHS graduate. In her time as a student, she was part of the Camden volleyball program. After high school, she moved on to receive her degree from SUNY Brockport.
Her favorite thing about being an educator is watching her students learn something new.
“Watching my students' faces light up when they learn and comprehend something new,” she said. “They make me feel so happy every second of every day. We are all always learning something new, even me. Knowing that they continue to strive to be the best they can be makes me so proud.”
Her favorite thing about Camden is the warm and welcoming staff, a group that has most certainly welcomed her back with open arms.
When she’s not working with her energetic first graders, she loves spending time with her husband and their four dogs. She is also passionate about going to the gym and SHOPPING! You might also see her at our local Tops Supermarket, where she has continued in her role as an assistant office manager. She loves to see her students there!
We’ve said it before, and we’re glad to say it again. Welcome home!
Friendly Reminder: The Look at Me, I'm Three program will meet on Wednesday, 9/18 at 5:30 at CES. If you haven't already done so, and would like your child to attend, contact Patti Ferretti at pferretti@camdencsd.org as soon as possible.
This program is for students who will be Pre-K eligible for the 2025-26 school year. To attend Look at Me I'm Three this year, they must have their third birthday on or before December 1st, 2024. Mrs. Ferretti can answer any questions you have.
