Monday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on October 13, 2025
John Kennedy Intermediate Honored for Collaborative Excellence
The Batavia City School District is celebrating a major achievement — John Kennedy Intermediate has been recognized by Solution Tree as a Promising Practices Professional Learning Community at Work School for its success in strengthening teaching and learning through collaboration.
PLCs are schools where educators work together to improve student outcomes through shared goals, teamwork, and evidence-driven instruction. John Kennedy earned this recognition by building a strong foundation around these principles and showing measurable progress in student achievement.
Principal Paul Kesler praised the staff’s dedication to creating a collaborative learning environment, while district leaders highlighted how the work at John Kennedy reflects the district’s broader strategic priorities.
Solution Tree commended the school’s mission, vision, and alignment of essential standards across grade levels. John Kennedy Intermediate is now listed on AllThingsPLC.info, sharing its successful practices with schools nationwide.
Oakfield-Alabama Elementary Celebrates NY Farm Week
Oakfield-Alabama Elementary students marked New York Farm Week on Friday with a hands-on celebration of the state’s agricultural heritage. School food service manager Mary DellaPenna highlighted New York’s role as a top apple producer and emphasized the importance of teaching kids where their food comes from.
Local farms supplied ingredients, and the event featured props like cows and a bee costume to bring agriculture to life. It also kicks off School Lunch Week, and the school is entering a statewide photo competition for a $1,000 agriculture grant.
Natameri Battles Through Slop to Win Batavia Open Handicap Pace
Despite sloppy conditions and tough competition, Natameri rose to the challenge Saturday at Batavia Downs, winning the $12,500 Open Handicap Pace by a half-length in 1:55.3. Driven by Kevin Cummings, Natameri fought off Melanion N and held off a late surge from I Ain’t No Mack to notch his fifth win in seven starts.
Cummings finished the night with three driving wins. Lip Reader A and Gone Crazee also scored strong victories in their respective $11,400 Open II races. Live racing resumes Wednesday, October 15, with a $3,679 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5.
Alexander/Pembroke Stays Perfect; York/Pavilion, Le Roy Roll in Week 6
It was a packed weekend of Genesee County high school football, highlighted by a statement win for Alexander/Pembroke. The Defenders celebrated Senior Night and Homecoming at Pembroke with a dominant 32-0 shutout over East Rochester, improving to 5-0 on the season. Jacob Johnson opened the scoring with a safety in the first quarter, followed by a 37-yard touchdown strike from Brody Heckman to Duke Snyder. Ryder Reichert and Sean Pietrzykowski added rushing touchdowns, and Heckman capped the night with a 4-yard score behind a dominant offensive line. Reichert led the ground game with 140 yards on 23 carries.
York/Pavilion flexed its muscles with a 41-7 win over Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, while Le Roy/Cal-Mum leaned on its running attack to knock off Wellsville/Genesee Valley-Belfast 30-13. Brennan Weber led the charge with 123 yards and two touchdowns.
Avon improved to 5-1 with a big 48-20 home win over Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen. Quarterback Evan Blye threw for 251 yards and four touchdowns, while James Chase added three rushing scores and a sack on defense.
Batavia, meanwhile, came up short against East/WOI, falling 34-12.
Genesee County Seeking Foster Parents
Genesee County is actively seeking individuals and families to open their homes and make a difference in the lives of local children. The county is looking for both traditional foster parents, who provide temporary care and support for children in need, and “kinship foster parents,” which allows relatives or close family friends to step in and provide care while maintaining family connections.
Foster parents play a critical role in providing stability, guidance, and a safe environment for children during challenging times. Anyone interested in learning more or beginning the application process is encouraged to call (585) 344-2580 ext. 6414.
