District Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston, ext. 1102

Superintendent's Secretary & District Clerk Ms. Emily Cole, ext. 1900

Silver Creek Central School District

1 Dickinson Street, Silver Creek, N.Y. 14136

Phone: (716) 934-2603 | Fax: (716) 934-7983

"Knights, Camera, Action"
Community Updates

September 22, 2023
November 17, 2023

Dear Silver Creek Families and Community:

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits as we begin the new year. As we bid farewell to the challenges and highlights of 2023, it is with great anticipation and optimism that I extend my warmest wishes for a successful and fulfilling 2024 to each and every one of you.

Reflecting on the accomplishments of the start of the 2023-2024 school year, I am proud to acknowledge the dedication and hard work demonstrated by our educators, staff, students, education partners and families. Together, we have begun a new school year with new events, the continuation of past traditions, high standards, and a commitment to the continuity of quality education in Silver Creek.

In the spirit of transparency and partnership, I would like to share some key highlights from the first half of the school year:

Student Success: Students across the district were recognized for their achievements in many different areas.

Academics & Character – students in all buildings have been recognized for achievement and improvement in attendance, honor roll status, and character traits. The elementary school continues their building-wide red ticket system with classes working toward specific rewards. Several high school students were inducted into National Technical Honor Society/National Honor Society in December, and more will be inducted into Indigenous Honor Society in January. Keep up the great work, Black Knights, and thank you to the educators who help build these skills! 

Music & Arts – the music department held the welcome back concert in October, and two students attended Junior Area All State and Senior Area All State in November. The middle school musical, Newsies was a success, and rehearsals are underway for the January performance of Macbeth. The holiday concert in December helped us celebrate the season, and the elementary holiday sing along was a community favorite. Congratulations to all of our student musicians who bring joy through their talents, and thank you to the music educators who foster this talent!

Athletics - the fall sports season has come to a close and the winter season is underway. Many congratulations are in order for several teams and athletes. Our boys modified football team finished the season undefeated, we sent two cross country runners to states, and our eSports team competed at the state level in Mario Kart. The varsity basketball season started with a bang as Ray Cortes II scored his 1000th point. Several students and educators participated in the Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics, and Boys on the Right Track ran their 5K the first week in November. It is exciting to see such school spirit and positive Black Knight Pride!

Professional Development: We continue to focus on our three district goals, and the first half of the year we focused heavily on the first goal of creating a culture of safety in which all students are safe and loved.  With this goal in mind, we completed a district-wide safety scan, revamped the district code of conduct, and continue work on self-regulation skills. Faculty meetings and district staff development days allow time for Silver Creek staff to continue learning about and planning for the success of each of these goals.

Community Engagement: Shout out to the groups who are really making this happen! In October, PTSA held Track or Treat just before Halloween, followed by a holiday movie night and an incredible Santa’s Secret Shop in December. The district Family Outreach and School Connectedness (FOSC) Committee organized our first “Reading Under the Lights” event in October with nearly 200 participants in attendance. FOSC also sponsored the “Polar Express” holiday event and Knight Time stories for our elementary families in December. The back-to-school bash, Native American Heritage celebration, and Holiday Bazaar at the Seneca Nation were incredible events with an incredible turnout. Thank you to everyone who understands the importance of school/family connectedness and works to make it a priority in our district. We love seeing so many families come to make memories and hope these events will only continue to grow through the school year.

As we enter the second part of the year, we look forward to the opportunities and challenges that the new year will undoubtedly bring. The start of a new semester provides us with a chance to set new goals, refine our strategies, and strengthen the bonds that make our school district a vibrant and supportive community.

I encourage each member of our Black Knight family to approach the coming months with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to excellence. Let us continue to work collaboratively to create an environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and prepared for success.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the success of our students and the overall well-being of our school district. Together, we will make 2024 a year of continued growth, achievement, and positive impact.

Should you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of our district.

Wishing you and yours a joyful and successful year ahead.

All my best,

Dr. Katie Ralston, Superintendent of Schools