There's so much going on in the Weedsport School District, I hardly know where to begin. All I can say is, be sure to keep your news notes handy because that calendar is full, honey.

Anyway, I'll start by going back in time just a little, “way back” to late September and early October. On Sept. 26, about 30 students, teachers and parents gathered around the flagpole at 7 a.m. for “See You at the Pole,” a nationally recognized event that gives students a chance to pray together for the world, the nation, the community, the school district and for each other. The Homecoming Dance on the 28th was a great success; thanks to the A.P.T. for the food, decorations and volunteers; to faculty chaperones; to our custodians for all of their usual help, and to the students for making it so much fun

The middle and high school open houses were held Oct. 3, which was a great time for parents to follow their children's schedules and get just a taste of their school day. Speaking of “just a taste,” the cafeteria staff provided quite a spread with some delicious food samples as well. So I hope you were able to get there to try them.

The October A.P.T. meeting on the 9th was again very well attended, and we were happy to have the opportunity to meet our new interim high school principal, Helen White. Orders are now in for the wrapping paper/gift fundraiser and now we're in the tallying stage. Orders will be available for pick-up on Parent-Teacher Conference Day Nov. 13.

The elementary school will hold its annual apparel sale from Oct. 29 through Nov. 9, with delivery expected in early December. This is the perfect time to get short-sleeved and long-sleeved tees, hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, sweatpants, flannel pants, mesh shorts and sling bags at great prices for the holidays. Come on and show that “Wee Warrior” spirit. If you have questions or need an order form, contact Marilyn Young at 776-9425.

I had the great pleasure of attending the Greater Syracuse Honors Youth Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band concert at Syracuse University Oct. 14. This program provides an opportunity for talented area high school students to rehearse and perform together under the direction of top-notch personnel. This year's directors were Dr. Bradley Ethington, the director of SU's Setnor School of Music; Professor Justin Mertz, also of SU, and Erin Althen, band director at Westhill High School. The participants were nominated by their band directors and rehearsed for four Sundays to prepare for the final concert. The selections were extremely diverse and entertaining, and it's obvious that much work went into the final product.

Weedsport students who were selected and participated in the concert are: Katie McCafferty, Casey Sears, Sharra Brentlinger and Matt O'Neil in the wind ensemble, and Molly Sears, Erin Daly, Lauryn Bates, Nicole Slauson and Tom Matijas in the symphonic band. Congratulations to these fine musicians.

Two concerts are coming up at the end of this month. The 11th annual Performing Arts Hall of Fame Concert will be held Oct. 29 with performances by the high school wind ensemble and chorus and the inductions of David Ridgeway (Class of 1975), Kristen Salico Schroder (Class of 1995) and Lila Fields (honorary member) into the Hall of Fame.

The middle school concert is Oct. 30, featuring the sixth-grade band and chorus and the middle school band and chorus.

Both concerts are at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium, are free of charge and open to the public.

In other middle school news, “Football Genius” author (and former SU and Atlanta Falcons football player) Tim Green will be visiting Oct. 30 to discuss the process of writing and publishing a book. He will also give students an opportunity to have their books autographed. Books are available for purchase at the Weedsport Library or by calling 834-6222.

Be sure to mark your calendar for the school's annual Veteran's Day Observance Nov. 9. The elementary ceremony begins at 9 a.m. and the middle/high school ceremony begins at 10 a.m. This is always a wonderful time of remembrance, as well as a fun USO-style show. Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early.

Finally, congratulations to Weedsport Senior Jana Mlodzianowski, who has been chosen as a semi-finalist in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program and will compete for a merit scholarship to be awarded in the spring. Great job, Jana!

Wendy Bates has lived in Weedsport all her life and loves to write about her community