District News
![Abilities Presentation Promotes Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion at VCMS]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790171106/grandislandschoolsorg/knhqro48fupmmpuvkwsz/0E8A1887.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1790171106/grandislandschoolsorg/knhqro48fupmmpuvkwsz/0E8A1887.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1790171106/grandislandschoolsorg/knhqro48fupmmpuvkwsz/0E8A1887.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1790171106/grandislandschoolsorg/knhqro48fupmmpuvkwsz/0E8A1887.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1790171106/grandislandschoolsorg/knhqro48fupmmpuvkwsz/0E8A1887.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790171106/grandislandschoolsorg/knhqro48fupmmpuvkwsz/0E8A1887.jpg","width":1620}])
Sixth-grade students at Veronica E. Connor Middle School are learning about abilities, disabilities and the importance of treating everyone with kindness, acceptance and understanding. Through the annual Abilities Presentation, students explore the unique strengths and challenges people experience and learn ways they can promote inclusion at VCMS, including through the Peer Buddy Program in the Life Skills Classroom.
![Grand Island Central School District Joins National Network of Innovative School Districts]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1789569794/grandislandschoolsorg/zhbotbazptia7qmbxka1/Innovativeschoolsannouncement.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1789569794/grandislandschoolsorg/zhbotbazptia7qmbxka1/Innovativeschoolsannouncement.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1789569794/grandislandschoolsorg/zhbotbazptia7qmbxka1/Innovativeschoolsannouncement.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1789569794/grandislandschoolsorg/zhbotbazptia7qmbxka1/Innovativeschoolsannouncement.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1789569794/grandislandschoolsorg/zhbotbazptia7qmbxka1/Innovativeschoolsannouncement.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1789569794/grandislandschoolsorg/zhbotbazptia7qmbxka1/Innovativeschoolsannouncement.jpg","width":2200}])
Grand Island Central School District has been accepted into the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, a national network of school districts committed to advancing innovation and excellence in education. Through the League, GICSD will connect with forward-thinking educators, explore research-backed approaches to teaching and learning, share its own successful practices and identify new ideas to bring back to Grand Island. The membership reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement and creating meaningful opportunities for every student.
![Tops Friendly Markets Gives Back to Grand Island Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1789140624/grandislandschoolsorg/x88bwtajzfnrnbg2zkr1/Topscheckpresentation.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1789140624/grandislandschoolsorg/x88bwtajzfnrnbg2zkr1/Topscheckpresentation.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1789140624/grandislandschoolsorg/x88bwtajzfnrnbg2zkr1/Topscheckpresentation.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1789140624/grandislandschoolsorg/x88bwtajzfnrnbg2zkr1/Topscheckpresentation.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1789140624/grandislandschoolsorg/x88bwtajzfnrnbg2zkr1/Topscheckpresentation.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1789140624/grandislandschoolsorg/x88bwtajzfnrnbg2zkr1/Topscheckpresentation.jpg","width":2200}])
Tops Friendly Markets recently donated close to $4,000 to the Grand Island Central School District through its "Tops in Education Program."
![Meet Olivia Govern: New Student Representative to the Board of Education]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1787841559/grandislandschoolsorg/gwsktmfdy8rof4i55hdb/0E8A0907.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1787841559/grandislandschoolsorg/gwsktmfdy8rof4i55hdb/0E8A0907.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1787841559/grandislandschoolsorg/gwsktmfdy8rof4i55hdb/0E8A0907.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787841559/grandislandschoolsorg/gwsktmfdy8rof4i55hdb/0E8A0907.jpg","width":1080}])
Meet Olivia Govern, Grand Island High School’s new student representative to the Board of Education. A senior and active student leader, Olivia brings experience in Student Council, class leadership, business and community involvement to her new role. Learn more about Olivia and how she hopes to represent the student voice to the Board.
![Second-Grade Teacher Brings Women Together Through Music and Giving Back]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1787250740/grandislandschoolsorg/wspjkhmspupftt2a3wei/image0.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787250740/grandislandschoolsorg/wspjkhmspupftt2a3wei/image0.jpg","width":320}])
Huth Road Elementary School second-grade teacher Maureen Gambino is using her passion for music to bring women together while giving back to the community. Her event "WNY Women of Rock and Blues Festival" raised thousands for a local nonprofit.
![Grand Island's Brett and Jenepher Banker Named to Section VI Hall of Fame]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785951894/grandislandschoolsorg/fjepyr9ezmgfb1uuwrbc/72282169-5F28-47E3-A48D-C70C17781A1C.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785951894/grandislandschoolsorg/fjepyr9ezmgfb1uuwrbc/72282169-5F28-47E3-A48D-C70C17781A1C.png","width":480}])
Grand Island's Brett and Jenepher Banker have been selected for induction into the New York State Section VI Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor recognizing their decades of leadership, service and excellence in interscholastic athletics.
![Grand Island High School Celebrates the Class of 2026 at 61st Commencement Ceremony]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782687352/grandislandschoolsorg/rrypz1q5i0y8zsiokz2b/graduation2026.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782687352/grandislandschoolsorg/rrypz1q5i0y8zsiokz2b/graduation2026.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782687352/grandislandschoolsorg/rrypz1q5i0y8zsiokz2b/graduation2026.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1782687352/grandislandschoolsorg/rrypz1q5i0y8zsiokz2b/graduation2026.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1782687352/grandislandschoolsorg/rrypz1q5i0y8zsiokz2b/graduation2026.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782687352/grandislandschoolsorg/rrypz1q5i0y8zsiokz2b/graduation2026.jpg","width":1620}])
Grand Island High School proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 during its 61st Commencement Ceremony. Graduates were recognized for their achievements, including earning more than $122,000 in scholarships. The ceremony featured inspiring remarks from commencement speaker Ryan Donnelly, Principal Hillary Kretz-Harvey, and Superintendent Dr. Brian Graham, who encouraged students to embrace change, remain resilient and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
![Grand Island Athletics Earns Niagara Frontier League Sportsmanship Award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780589979/grandislandschoolsorg/djmrskyrsxdqhwogenld/basketball.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780589979/grandislandschoolsorg/djmrskyrsxdqhwogenld/basketball.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1780589979/grandislandschoolsorg/djmrskyrsxdqhwogenld/basketball.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1780589979/grandislandschoolsorg/djmrskyrsxdqhwogenld/basketball.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1780589979/grandislandschoolsorg/djmrskyrsxdqhwogenld/basketball.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1780589979/grandislandschoolsorg/djmrskyrsxdqhwogenld/basketball.jpg","width":2200}])
Grand Island High School Athletics has been named the Niagara Frontier League's Most Sportsmanlike School, an honor determined by votes from opposing coaches and student-athletes throughout the league. The award recognizes the character, respect, and professionalism demonstrated by Grand Island's coaches, athletes, and spectators across all 23 varsity sports. In addition to the overall league award, Girls Swimming, Boys Tennis, Boys Track, and Unified Basketball earned individual sportsmanship honors, with Girls Swimming receiving the recognition for the third consecutive year.
![Grand Island logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755783924/grandislandschoolsorg/k3484tochssnfzhoww3q/GrandIslandVikingLogo.png","width":217}])
District officials said the revised proposal was developed in response to community feedback received following the initial vote while continuing to prioritize student programs, services, and overall fiscal responsibility.