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Dr. Ginestre Shares Details of Capital Project at First Public Forum
Dr. Ginestre Shares Details of Capital Project at First Public Forum

Last night, we welcomed families, staff, and community members to the first of our two Capital Project Public Forums. Thank you to everyone who attended, asked thoughtful questions, and shared valuable feedback. Your engagement is vital as we work together to shape the future of our schools.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Ginestre and Assistant Superintendent Donald Feldmann led the presentation, sharing details about the proposed improvements designed to support modern learning, strengthen safety and accessibility, and responsibly preserve our district’s facilities for generations to come.

We extend our appreciation to the members of our Board of Education and our architectural and construction management partners who joined us as well. For more information on the project, please visit our website sweethomeschools.org.

If you were unable to attend, we hope you’ll join us at our next Public Forum on:

Tuesday, December 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Sweet Home Middle School Auditorium

Please make your voice heard on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, when polls will be open from 7 AM to 9 PM in the Norman C. Vergils Community Center at Sweet Home High School, 1901 Sweet Home Road, Amherst, NY. #WeAreSweetHome

  • District
  • Glendale
  • Heritage Heights
  • High School
  • Maplemere
  • Middle School
  • Willow Ridge
Special Education Mediation for Families
Special Education Mediation for Families
Special Education Mediation for Families 
https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/special-education-mediation-for-families-2/ 
December 10, 2025, 5-6 PM, via Zoom

Join us to learn about Special Education Mediation, a lesser-known option for dispute resolution.

Mediation is usually a faster and more affordable way for both sides to settle disagreements. It gives them a chance to talk through the issues, work together on a solution they both accept, and is often very effective in resolving special education concerns.

This workshop will help you:
Understand mediation and families' rights within in
Learn the benefits of mediation to solve special education disputes.
*Certificate of completion available upon request* 
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!

Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
For media and news interviews regarding the workshop, please contact Kim Kadziolka or Destiny Lopez at 716-332-4170 or please email kak@parentnetworkwny.org for time sensitive interview inquiries.
Students Shine in World Language Honor Society Induction
Students Shine in World Language Honor Society Induction
Last week, nearly 40 Sweet Home High School students were inducted into the World Languages Honor Societies for German, Spanish, and French. Their teachers nominated them for maintaining high achievement and positive attitudes throughout their years of study. We also recognized several students who are candidates for the Seal of Biliteracy in these languages. 🌍✨
 
Flags representing the many nations our students come from were displayed throughout the auditorium, making it a truly meaningful Sweet Home celebration.
 
Thank you to our world languages teachers - especially our high school team - for organizing this special event, and to all the families who joined us. #WeAreSweetHome
  • District
  • High School
HS Students Serve as Mock Jurors
HS Students Serve as Mock Jurors

A group of our high school students recently had the opportunity to serve as mock jurors at the Buffalo-Niagara Mock Trial Competition (hosted by the University at Buffalo) at Buffalo City Court. Thanks to Christine Utzig for facilitating this great experience! #WeAreSweetHome

  • District
  • High School
Willow Ridge Musicians Lead the Way at ECMEA Music Showcase
Willow Ridge Musicians Lead the Way at ECMEA Music Showcase
Sweet Home’s talented 4th and 5th grade musicians from Willow Ridge Elementary recently took the stage at the 31st Annual ECMEA & NCMEA Classroom Music Showcase at Windermere Blvd. School, sharing their creativity with music educators from across Western New York!
 
Under the direction of Mrs. Jessica Wheaton-Bridon, students presented “Whole Brain, Whole Body – Musical Workout Activities,” an engaging session that combined rhythm, movement, and creativity. The performance highlighted how music can strengthen focus, coordination, and teamwork - all while having fun!
 
In the weeks leading up to the event, students met for several after-school rehearsals to prepare their movement warm-ups, drumming routines on yoga balls, and collaborative choreography. Their hard work and leadership truly showed on stage as they represented Sweet Home with professionalism and pride.
 
👏 Congratulations to Mrs. Bridon and her students for an outstanding performance! #WeAreSweetHome
  • District
  • Willow Ridge
Annual MM Turkey Trot
Annual MM Turkey Trot

We are so grateful to Ms. Carlson & Mr. Graham for organizing another great Turkey Trot for our Maplemere students and their families. Congratulations to all of our 4th & 5th grade winners. #WeAreSweetHome

  • District
  • Maplemere
Catch 'Em with Kindness
Catch 'Em with Kindness

Congrats to our recent Leader In Me Habit 1: Catch 'em with Kindness Raffle winners in the High School! The following students are examples to everyone around them. Way to go! Thank you for making our High School a little kinder every day. #WeAreSweetHome

Hamzeh Abdo, Afsana Ahmed, Whitney Fleming, Kendall Gaume, Jeanette Hall, Vitushan Kandeepan, Sahil Patel, Gurkaranpreet Singh, Gabriella Ward, & Jahaan Williams (not pictured: Hamzeh Abdo & Vithushan Kandeepan)

  • District
  • High School
Annual Heart Award Winners Honored
Annual Heart Award Winners Honored
💙🐾 Congratulations to our 2025 Heart Award Winners! 🐾💙
During this week’s districtwide Professional Development Day, we had the honor of recognizing three outstanding Panthers who embody the very heart of Sweet Home. The Heart Award is presented annually to staff who go the extra mile for our students, uplift our culture, build strong relationships with families and colleagues, and truly live our mission of “Every Student, One Community, Ready for the Future.”
 
✨ Service Staff Award — Patty Foels (Middle School Monitor)
 
For nearly 30 years, Patty has led with kindness, calm, and integrity. Her bright smile lights our hallways, and her steady presence supports students and staff every day. Patty balances responsibility with compassion and continually goes above and beyond to ensure every Panther feels valued.
 
🍎 Teacher Award — Sheila Connors (Ready Academy)
 
Sheila is often the reason students show up ready to learn. She provides morning support, encouragement, and accountability, forming powerful connections with students who rely on her presence. She welcomes every learner, especially those who need the most care, and never takes the easy way, always doing what’s best for kids.
 
🥗 Administrator/Supervisor Award — Kristi Sajdak (Food Service Director)
 
Kristi plays a vital role in nourishing our entire community. She ensures all 3,800+ students receive free meals daily, supports multiple private schools, listens to student feedback, partners with SHEF to feed families in need, and leads her team with creativity, compassion, and pride.
 
Please join us in celebrating Patty, Sheila, and Kristi for their extraordinary dedication, leadership, and HEART. We are so grateful for everything you do to make Sweet Home stronger.
 
  • District
  • Glendale
  • Heritage Heights
  • High School
  • Maplemere
  • Middle School
  • Willow Ridge
Sweet Home Hosts First Unified Flag Football Game
Sweet Home Hosts First Unified Flag Football Game
It was a beautiful fall afternoon at Sweet Home High School last week as we hosted our very first Unified Flag Football game! 🏈
 
We welcomed student-athletes and partners from Orchard Park Central School District, Hamburg Central School District, and Salamanca City Central School District to our turf field for an evening of teamwork, competition, and inclusivity. Huge shoutout to our athletes, Coaches Monaco and Corcoran, support staff, and fans who made this first game so special! #WeAreSweetHome
  • District
  • High School
Tables Now Available for our Annual Meat Raffle
Tables Now Available for our Annual Meat Raffle
It's that time of year again! Join us for our annual Scholarship Meat Raffle!
 
WHO: Sweet Home Dollars for Scholars
WHAT: Scholarship Meat Raffle
WHERE: St. Leo the Great Parish Center, 855 Sweet Home Road, Amherst
WHEN: Friday, December 5, 2025
HOW: Call Lyn Custodi 716-250-1424 or email: Icustodi@sweethomeschools.org
 
Tickets for the event are $10 and we are accepting reservations for tables of 8 for $75. Tables always fill up quickly, so give us a call! #WeAreSweetHome
  • District
  • Glendale
  • Heritage Heights
  • High School
  • Maplemere
  • Middle School
  • Willow Ridge
Unified Bocce Team Takes First
Unified Bocce Team Takes First

Our Unified Bocce team recently took FIRST PLACE in their division at the culminating tournament at Sahlen’s Sports Park! We are so proud of these athletes! #WeAreSweetHome

  • District
  • High School
HS Concert Chorale Teams with Buffalo Choral Arts
HS Concert Chorale Teams with Buffalo Choral Arts

Last week, the Sweet Home High School Concert Chorale had the incredible opportunity to perform alongside the Buffalo Choral Arts Society (BCAS) in a special collaboration concert. Both ensembles performed individually before joining together for a powerful finale that truly filled our auditorium with harmony and pride.

The concert held special meaning for Sweet Home, as several SH alumni and former staff members are proud members of BCAS — including:
🎵 Jacque Austin (Class of 2000) – Jazz & Show Choirs
🎵 Jenifer Grasha (Class of 1991) – Women’s & Mixed Chorus
🎵 Beth Anne Jasen (Class of 2011)
🎵 Tyler Himes (Class of 2013)
🎵 Brian Mancuso (Class of 2001) – Freshman Choir & Jazz Ensemble

And our Sweet Home educators and staff alumni:
🎵 Doug Fronczak – Retired SHMS Music Dept. (2010)
🎵 Margo Fronczak – Retired SHMS Math Dept., Grade 6 (2012)
🎵 David Curtis – Completed his UB conducting exams with Chorale in 1991
🎵 Anthony Day – Former Sweet Home Superintendent (retired 2021)

One of our alumnae, Jenifer Grasha, shared heartfelt words with our students:

“So many memories… being a member of Chorale gave me my HS identity, was a source of pride and gave a sense of belonging. It’s really full circle and meaningful to be sharing this concert with the current SH students in Chorale!”

We are deeply grateful to SH Choral Director Kimberly Harrison for her leadership and dedication in making this meaningful collaboration possible.

It was a night that beautifully celebrated past, present, and future voices of Sweet Home. 💙 #WeAreSweetHome

  • District
  • High School