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Get Ready For Upcoming DCS Play


February 28, 2024

By Jacob H, Lead Writer



Watch out for the upcoming Deruyter Drama Production of “Virgil and The City Slickers.” The cast, crew, and directors have spent months of hard work and preparation, and the date for the club to finally show off their efforts is right around the corner.

Performances are on March 7, 8, and 9; along with a sneak peak for Deruyter Central School students during the school day. All performances start at 7 PM. Make sure to get there early to grab a seat! You can order your tickets at the DCS security window, in the foyer at the front of the school. There are also tickets to stream the show online for those who cannot make it.  Those tickets can be ordered at: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/82412

Students can watch Special Editions of Rocket News, for the days leading up to the play.  These special shows feature special interviews of the cast, telling about their parts, the play, and insights on what to watch for. You can watch these special editions of Rocket News on the Rocket News Website.

One of the main things to watch is all of the humor. Lots of jokes and banter throughout the cast and throughout the play. Junior Payton Near said “ come to the play and you’ll get a good laugh.” Virgil and The City slickers follows a group of City people, versus a group of Country people. As the story continues, what will happen? Are you ready to come, laugh, and be on the edge of your seats? Watch the date and check it out!





First Concert of the 2023-2024 School Year


December 18, 2023

By Jacob H, Lead Writer

December 14 2023 was the first DCS high school concert of the year.  The Chorus performed three songs directed by the new teacher Ms. Cox. Then the bell choir played four songs they had prepared for the festive season. Lastly, the concert ended with the DCS Band playing their songs to finish off the night. All groups performed amazingly and the crowds were ecstatic after each piece. 

Additionally, The DCS Band and the Chorus performed two additional well-received seasonal concerts at various local establishments.

Good job to all the Rockets who sang, played, or rang out bells for the holiday season!



Tom Varano Paints Over DeRuyter’s Hearts

May 26, 2023


By Camron B


Tom Varano, a professional speed painter, photographer and speaker came to DeRuyter on May 11th to give his Emotion in Art presentation, send a positive message, and to spread his love for art & photography; and his caring nature for other people.

Varano displayed feats that shocked many students, painting four different pieces upside down - flipping them, and then giving us a feeling of awe. Tom painted Martin Luther King Jr., the Statue of Liberty, Malala Yousafzai and Albert Einstein.

Everything he’d painted shared one thing in common -  they display what people who work hard strived to be, and have become: to not be discriminated against, to be free, for more people to have education, and to show what education can do. Jacob Haggart, a student at DeRuyter found this presentation as, “Very inspiring, and makes me really think about my future goals; to put some of my plans into action.”.

Our middle school guidance counselor, Mrs. Julia Wick has worked with Tom Varano throughout a couple of districts, and believes that his advice is something everybody could use.

“I suggested him to the Social & Emotional Learning Committee who agreed to bring him in as a capstone to the SEL Program this year” stated Mrs. Wick in a digital questionnaire.

Another reason why Mrs. Wick had brought him due to his mesmerizing artwork. He always makes you try to figure out what he’s painting; or what he’s going to do next. His artwork is moving and relatable. Overall feedback from the students who’ve seen Tom Varano at DeRuyter, have been given a positive impression; lots of kids enjoyed the presentation, and lots more will - this will come to fruition with the additions of Tom Varano’s artwork throughout our halls.

With everything that happens in life, hardships are a common theme among people. Almost everybody has experienced the loss of a loved one, or maybe you’ve had a close call; but when what you did in the past has come to help you later, there’s a good chance that you’ll continue to do good afterwards. Remember, Dream B.I.G, DeRuyter.

Deruyter High School Gets Their Skate On

March  9, 2023

Jeramy P.


On February 14, 2023 DeRuyter High Schoolers vistited the Cortland ice rink for a physical education field trip.  It was a refreshing change of scenery from a normal day in the classroom. 9th and 10th grade classes went in the morning from 8:15 to 10:30, while the 11th and 12th grade classes went in the afternoon from 12:15 to 2:25.


Here are some of the students' reactions:

11th grader:  It was really fun and I enjoyed it.

10th grader:  I had so much fun on the field trip.  My favorite part about the trip was the goal and how we could play 1 on 1 hockey.

Estavan, 12th grader:  I really liked when we got to play with the hockey sticks.

Andrew, 12th grader: I really liked how people learned something they might have never thought they could do



Sophomores Tour Career Programs at OCM BOCES

February 2, 2023

Alyssa C.


On February 1, 2023 the DCS Class of 2025 went to visit BOCES in Cortland. 

Students explored different programs that will help them with their post-high school careers.  Another advantage is that these programs are similar to college programs,  but you get to take them for free! 

Junior and senior years of School have a choice to go into one of the following programs:

           

Automotive Collision Technology

Automotive Technology

Computer Technology

Construction Technology

Cosmetology

Culinary & Pastry Arts

Early Childhood Education

Graphic Communications (Cortland)

 

Health Occupations

Heavy Equipment Repair, Operations and Diesel Technology (Cortland)

Heavy Equipment Repair, Operations and Diesel Technology (Syracuse)

Laboratory Technician (Syracuse)

Media Marketing Communications (Syracuse)

Physical Therapy Professions (Cortland)

Physical Therapy Professions (Syracuse)

Welding Technology   


DeRuyter Middle Schoolers Roll to the Beat at Black Mamba Skate Park


February 10, 2023


Rocket News Contributors


On February 2nd, DCS 6th, 7th and 8th graders rolled into the Black Mamba Skate Park in Syracuse for a change of pace and an afternoon of skating. 


Students enjoyed an afternoon of roller skating, hanging out with friends, and playing arcade games. Although many experienced the, literal, ups and downs of skating, students enjoyed the lights and music. The teachers in attendance also got skates on and joined in the fun. 


As an official school field trip, students found great value in learning how to skate. 7th grader Landen was surprised how good he got at roller skating. 7th grader Mikayla appreciated the chance to learn how to skate better. Colden, an 8th grader, was excited to “finally be able to skate without falling every five seconds” and work on how to use the brake on the skates.


Several students found other interesting features at the park. 7th grader Annabelle enjoyed the lights and music. She also noted the availability of snacks and a shop featuring skates, skateboards and shoes. 


The Black Mamba Skate Park field trip was a huge success! Students were appreciative of Mrs. Wick’s efforts to make this fine trip a reality. 7th grader Dylan is already wondering “if there will be another field trip next year?”


Black Mamba Skate Park is an indoor skating facility located in East Syracuse. They are open all week and all year long. Scheduled sessions by ability level are available and special events (80s Night, Skate Date, etc.). Tickets can be purchased in 2-hour sessions or all day passes. Skates, skateboards and helmets are available for rental.



DeRuyter students skating at Black Mamba Skate Park

Enoying the lights and music