In an effort to remain continuously innovative and provide our students with unique opportunities, we have forged an incredible partnership with Say Yes, Buffalo, creating our own Say Yes, Niagara Falls. While the hallmark of Say Yes Niagara Falls will be to support and pay the last dollar of college degrees or trades credentials, our twice-monthly Saturday Academies are providing students and parents with incredible and unique learning opportunities. These academies will rotate between Cataract Elementary, Bloneva Bond Primary, Harry F. Abate Intermediate, and Gaskill Preparatory schools.  Each Academy begins at 9:00 a.m. with a hot breakfast and concludes at noon with lunch.  All District students aged 14 years or younger, accompanied by their parent or guardian, are welcome and encouraged to participate.

 

Over the past decade in Buffalo, Saturday Academies have increased student attendance, grades, and parental involvement, particularly among families attending more than four sessions per year. The community also participates, presents, and engages with our students and parents.

 

In November and December, participants can join over 15 engaging activities. Families can learn to dance, explore science with liquid nitrogen and dry ice, repair bicycles, and try to win one from Go Bike Buffalo, or join a drum circle. Students will make T-shirts, use lasers to engrave them, write books, design henna, and interact with animals brought by the SPCA. This is just a taste of the hands-on fun to come. Saturday school will be an experience like no other.

 

We encourage you to attend as many academies as you can. Attend the next three events on November 15 at Gaskill Prep School, December 6 at Cataract Elementary, and December 13 at Bloneva Bond Primary School. You will enjoy and benefit from your time there.