Fluffy the Robotic Dog - Visits Hughes Students
On Friday, January 16, 2026, students in grades 4–6 enjoyed an exciting and educational visit from Fluffy, a robotic dog from the Air Force Research Base in Rome, and his handler, Dr. Dave.
Dr. Dave shared information about the many jobs available in his industry, including engineers, programmers, scientists, and technicians who work together to design, build, and operate advanced technology like Fluffy.
Students were especially interested in learning what Fluffy can do. Dr. Dave demonstrated how Fluffy can walk, balance, respond to commands, and navigate different environments. He explained that robot dogs like Fluffy are used in combat for dangerous situations to help protect human lives.
The visit sparked thoughtful questions, curiosity, and excitement about future careers in STEM fields. It was a memorable experience that helped students see how classroom learning connects to real-world problem solving and innovation.
A big thank-you to Dr. Dave for bringing Fluffy to Hughes!
On Friday, January 16, 2026, students in grades 4–6 enjoyed an exciting and educational visit from Fluffy, a robotic dog from the Air Force Research Base in Rome, and his handler, Dr. Dave.
Dr. Dave shared information about the many jobs available in his industry, including engineers, programmers, scientists, and technicians who work together to design, build, and operate advanced technology like Fluffy.
Students were especially interested in learning what Fluffy can do. Dr. Dave demonstrated how Fluffy can walk, balance, respond to commands, and navigate different environments. He explained that robot dogs like Fluffy are used in combat for dangerous situations to help protect human lives.
The visit sparked thoughtful questions, curiosity, and excitement about future careers in STEM fields. It was a memorable experience that helped students see how classroom learning connects to real-world problem solving and innovation.
A big thank-you to Dr. Dave for bringing Fluffy to Hughes!
J.P. Lazzaro rolled a perfect 300 game on Thursday, January 30, 2026 at Vista Lanes against Proctor High School!
J.P. bowled a 248, 300, & 252, capping off the night with a career-high 800 series.
Congratulations, JP, on an outstanding performance!
J.P. bowled a 248, 300, & 252, capping off the night with a career-high 800 series.
Congratulations, JP, on an outstanding performance!
The Latin Club visits the Grapevine Restaurant in New Hartford to Celebrate the Roman Holiday of Saturnalia
The Latin club voted to go to a local restaurant to celebrate the Roman December holiday of Saturnalia, which predated Christmas. Eighteen students and two adults had a wonderful meal at the Grapevine Restaurant in New Hartford. Club members feasted on Gyro meat, rice, salad, humus, bread, sauce, soda, and baklava. Several students had never tried Mediterranian food before and all enjoyed themselves! The club fundraises by selling candy to raise money for such events so that the students can participate for free.
The Latin club voted to go to a local restaurant to celebrate the Roman December holiday of Saturnalia, which predated Christmas. Eighteen students and two adults had a wonderful meal at the Grapevine Restaurant in New Hartford. Club members feasted on Gyro meat, rice, salad, humus, bread, sauce, soda, and baklava. Several students had never tried Mediterranian food before and all enjoyed themselves! The club fundraises by selling candy to raise money for such events so that the students can participate for free.
Latin Club Visits Amherst Central High School to Compete!!!!
On Saturday, November 8th twenty-five Latin students went to Amherst Central High School, in Buffalo, NY to compete in a series of physical and academic competitions. These events happen twice a year and adheres to the Roman quote “Mens sana, in corpore sano” [a healthy mind in a healthy body] from the satirist Juevnal. They competed in ping-pong, volleyball, chess, certamen (a jeopardy style four-person team game that is very competitive and covers mythology, history, translation, pronunciation, Latin grammar, derivatives, and culture), oratory, poster contest, t-shirt contest, as well as academic tests in Mythology, Derivatives, Latin Vocabulary, Roman Civilization, and Pentathlon.
There were around 250 students from twelve schools in eight school districts: Orchard Park, Amherst, Geneva, Skaneateles, Pittsford, East Aurora, St. John BOSCO, and New Hartford. Latin 1 student Joe Carlesimo designed our Latin Club t-shirts which won first place in the t-shirt contes. In the Junior High Chess tournament, first place went to Joe Carlesimo and third place to Teddy Reale, an Intro to Latin student. Anna Zhang, a Latin 2 student, won second place in the Latin 2 Oratory contest. Joe Carlesimo won first place in the poster contest as well. Members also won ribbons on all the academic tests competing against students of their own Latin experience level. Kevin Wu, an Intro to Latin student, won first place for Level ½ academic contests in Pentathlon and Roman Civilization along with second place in Mythology. Gayle Brooks tied for third place in the Vocabulary contest for Level 2. Anna Zhang won 1st place in the Derivatives academic contest for Level 2. Abby Gioppo won second place in the Level 2 Roman Civilization contest as a Latin three student, as that class doesn’t start until Spring Semester.
On Saturday, November 8th twenty-five Latin students went to Amherst Central High School, in Buffalo, NY to compete in a series of physical and academic competitions. These events happen twice a year and adheres to the Roman quote “Mens sana, in corpore sano” [a healthy mind in a healthy body] from the satirist Juevnal. They competed in ping-pong, volleyball, chess, certamen (a jeopardy style four-person team game that is very competitive and covers mythology, history, translation, pronunciation, Latin grammar, derivatives, and culture), oratory, poster contest, t-shirt contest, as well as academic tests in Mythology, Derivatives, Latin Vocabulary, Roman Civilization, and Pentathlon.
There were around 250 students from twelve schools in eight school districts: Orchard Park, Amherst, Geneva, Skaneateles, Pittsford, East Aurora, St. John BOSCO, and New Hartford. Latin 1 student Joe Carlesimo designed our Latin Club t-shirts which won first place in the t-shirt contes. In the Junior High Chess tournament, first place went to Joe Carlesimo and third place to Teddy Reale, an Intro to Latin student. Anna Zhang, a Latin 2 student, won second place in the Latin 2 Oratory contest. Joe Carlesimo won first place in the poster contest as well. Members also won ribbons on all the academic tests competing against students of their own Latin experience level. Kevin Wu, an Intro to Latin student, won first place for Level ½ academic contests in Pentathlon and Roman Civilization along with second place in Mythology. Gayle Brooks tied for third place in the Vocabulary contest for Level 2. Anna Zhang won 1st place in the Derivatives academic contest for Level 2. Abby Gioppo won second place in the Level 2 Roman Civilization contest as a Latin three student, as that class doesn’t start until Spring Semester.
18th annual Toys for Tots drive at E.R. Hughes Elementary
In December 2025, Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. Owens and their classes organized the 18th annual Toys for Tots drive at E.R. Hughes Elementary and this year our transportation department joined us too! 283 toys were collected for families in need. In the weeks that the collection was held the students displayed a great attitude toward the cause. We are proud of this outstanding group of first and fourth graders as well as the families of our E.R. Hughes students who have made this community contributor project such a great success. The organizers picked up the toys in our main foyer once our collection was over. Watching those smiling and laughing first and fourth graders carrying bags upon bags of toys to load into the truck was heart-warming, to say the least.
18 year total - 5,295 toys collected by our school community!
In December 2025, Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. Owens and their classes organized the 18th annual Toys for Tots drive at E.R. Hughes Elementary and this year our transportation department joined us too! 283 toys were collected for families in need. In the weeks that the collection was held the students displayed a great attitude toward the cause. We are proud of this outstanding group of first and fourth graders as well as the families of our E.R. Hughes students who have made this community contributor project such a great success. The organizers picked up the toys in our main foyer once our collection was over. Watching those smiling and laughing first and fourth graders carrying bags upon bags of toys to load into the truck was heart-warming, to say the least.
18 year total - 5,295 toys collected by our school community!
Randy Phillips, a member of the Oneida Indian Nation, visited the 4th graders at Hughes
The fourth graders participated in an interactive presentation from Randy Phillips in December. Randy is a member of the Oneida Indian Nation. He brought in many artifacts from his tribe and taught the students about the Haudenosaunee, adding to what they are currently learning about in Social Studies.
The fourth graders participated in an interactive presentation from Randy Phillips in December. Randy is a member of the Oneida Indian Nation. He brought in many artifacts from his tribe and taught the students about the Haudenosaunee, adding to what they are currently learning about in Social Studies.
New School Indoor Track Records Set at Hamilton College
At the indoor track meet held at Hamilton College on Monday, December 15th, two New Hartford student-athletes set new school records.
Raiyah Patterson set a new school record in the 300 with a time of 43.52.
Brycen Gaiser set a new school record in the Triple Jump with a jump of 43’9.
Congratulations to Raiyah and Brycen on these outstanding performances and continued success!
At the indoor track meet held at Hamilton College on Monday, December 15th, two New Hartford student-athletes set new school records.
Raiyah Patterson set a new school record in the 300 with a time of 43.52.
Brycen Gaiser set a new school record in the Triple Jump with a jump of 43’9.
Congratulations to Raiyah and Brycen on these outstanding performances and continued success!
New School Indoor Track Records Set at Utica University
New school indoor track records were set at the meet held at Utica University on Friday, December 12th.
Haylee Hawkins set a new school record in the 55m dash, running 7.56 seconds.
Raiyah Patterson established new school records in both the Long Jump (17’3”) and Triple Jump (36’4”).
Congratulations to Haylee and Raiyah on these outstanding performances and continued success!
New school indoor track records were set at the meet held at Utica University on Friday, December 12th.
Haylee Hawkins set a new school record in the 55m dash, running 7.56 seconds.
Raiyah Patterson established new school records in both the Long Jump (17’3”) and Triple Jump (36’4”).
Congratulations to Haylee and Raiyah on these outstanding performances and continued success!
New Hartford’s Peyton Way Signs National Letter of Intent to Play Division I Football at Colgate University.
New Hartford, NY — New Hartford Senior High School is proud to announce that senior Peyton Way signed his National Letter of Intent (NLI) to continue his academic and athletic career at Colgate University, where he will compete in Division I Football.
A signing ceremony was held at New Hartford Senior High School Library on December 3, 2025 2:30 pm, surrounded by family, friends, coaches, teammates, and staff celebrating his achievement.
New Hartford, NY — New Hartford Senior High School is proud to announce that senior Peyton Way signed his National Letter of Intent (NLI) to continue his academic and athletic career at Colgate University, where he will compete in Division I Football.
A signing ceremony was held at New Hartford Senior High School Library on December 3, 2025 2:30 pm, surrounded by family, friends, coaches, teammates, and staff celebrating his achievement.
All New Hartford Fall Varsity Teams Earn NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Recognition
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has recognized all 10 of New Hartford Central School District’s fall varsity athletic teams as part of its prestigious Scholar-Athlete Program.
At the end of each sports season, NYSPHSAA honors student-athletes and teams that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. To qualify for the Scholar-Athlete Team Award, 75% of the team’s roster must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 90 or above.
New Hartford Fall Varsity Team GPA Averages
Girls Tennis: 95.77
Football: 91.58
Boys Soccer: 96.69
Girls Soccer: 95.90
Girls Swimming & Diving: 95.06
Field Hockey: 97.23
Gymnastics: 96.32
Cheerleading: 91.34
Girls Cross Country: 96.20
Boys Cross Country: 91.48
This outstanding accomplishment reflects the dedication, discipline, and commitment shown by our student-athletes—both in the classroom and in competition.
Way to go, Spartans!
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has recognized all 10 of New Hartford Central School District’s fall varsity athletic teams as part of its prestigious Scholar-Athlete Program.
At the end of each sports season, NYSPHSAA honors student-athletes and teams that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. To qualify for the Scholar-Athlete Team Award, 75% of the team’s roster must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 90 or above.
New Hartford Fall Varsity Team GPA Averages
Girls Tennis: 95.77
Football: 91.58
Boys Soccer: 96.69
Girls Soccer: 95.90
Girls Swimming & Diving: 95.06
Field Hockey: 97.23
Gymnastics: 96.32
Cheerleading: 91.34
Girls Cross Country: 96.20
Boys Cross Country: 91.48
This outstanding accomplishment reflects the dedication, discipline, and commitment shown by our student-athletes—both in the classroom and in competition.
Way to go, Spartans!
New Hartford Spartans Hockey Team Volunteers!!!
On Monday night, members of the New Hartford Spartans Hockey Team volunteered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, working together to build 17 beds for local children in need. Their efforts helped ensure more kids in the community have a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Congratulations to Kate Bugeya and Alison Keeler!
On November 20, 2025, the Genesis Group hosted an event to honor distinguished leaders in education. We are pleased to announce that Kate Bugeya and Alison Keeler were among the recipients, both being formally recognized as Outstanding Educators. Their commitment to educational excellence sets a commendable standard.
On November 20, 2025, the Genesis Group hosted an event to honor distinguished leaders in education. We are pleased to announce that Kate Bugeya and Alison Keeler were among the recipients, both being formally recognized as Outstanding Educators. Their commitment to educational excellence sets a commendable standard.
Peyton Way Breaks 3 New York State Records!
Senior Peyton Way has officially etched his name into the New York State record books, setting three NYS records
26 touchdowns (single-season)
386 receiving yards (single-game)
1,637 receiving yards (single-season)
An incredible achievement — congratulations, Peyton
Senior Peyton Way has officially etched his name into the New York State record books, setting three NYS records
26 touchdowns (single-season)
386 receiving yards (single-game)
1,637 receiving yards (single-season)
An incredible achievement — congratulations, Peyton
Claire Wilcox has received the WCNY Classic FM Music Educator Award.
This program honors local music educators in our community who are dedicated to sustaining the performing arts and have had a strong positive influence on their students. Tune in to 91.3 WCNY-FM Syracuse, 89.5 WUNY-FM Utica, or 90.9 WJNY-FM Watertown at the following times to hear the presentation. Congratulations Claire!
Friday, 11/21 at 8:30am
Friday, 11/21 at 5:00pm
Saturday, 11/22 at 10:30am
Monday, 11/24 at Noon
This program honors local music educators in our community who are dedicated to sustaining the performing arts and have had a strong positive influence on their students. Tune in to 91.3 WCNY-FM Syracuse, 89.5 WUNY-FM Utica, or 90.9 WJNY-FM Watertown at the following times to hear the presentation. Congratulations Claire!
Friday, 11/21 at 8:30am
Friday, 11/21 at 5:00pm
Saturday, 11/22 at 10:30am
Monday, 11/24 at Noon
Congratulations to the New Hartford Spartans — they’re 2025 NYSPHSAA Section III Class B Football Champions, defeating Syracuse Institute of Technology Eagles (ITC) by a score of 37-14
New Hartford’s Natalia Viola Signs National Letter of Intent to Play Division I Lacrosse at Austin Peay State University
New Hartford, NY — New Hartford Senior High School is proud to announce that senior Natalia Viola has signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI) to continue her academic and athletic career at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, where she will compete in Division I Women’s Lacrosse.
A signing ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the New Hartford Senior High School Library, where Natalia was joined by her family, friends, coaches, teammates, and school staff to celebrate this special accomplishment.
New Hartford, NY — New Hartford Senior High School is proud to announce that senior Natalia Viola has signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI) to continue her academic and athletic career at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, where she will compete in Division I Women’s Lacrosse.
A signing ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the New Hartford Senior High School Library, where Natalia was joined by her family, friends, coaches, teammates, and school staff to celebrate this special accomplishment.
Believe - A Magical Christmas Festival
Winter Guard Open House!!!!
