• History Community
• Belfast Central School Program
• Mission Statement
• Contact Information

Belfast, NY 14711

Belfast, originally called Orrinsburgh was formed from Caneadea on March 24, 1824.   The name was changed to Belfast on April 21, 1825.  In 1831 part of Caneadea was annexed.  Belfast lies a little northwest of the center of the county.

The first settlement was made on Genesee River in 1803, by Benjamin, Elisha, Calvin and David Chamberlin, brothers from Pennsylvania.  Jedediah Nobles, from Elmira, settled on the river.  Benjamin Littleton, from Elmira, settled on Wigwam Creek in 1805.  The first child born was Moses V. Chamberlin.  The first marriage was John Sanford and Mary Collar in 1806.  Elijah Reynolds taught the first school in 1807.  Joseph S. Raymond kept the first inn, near the village in 1821.  Samuel King kept the first store in 1824.  David Sanford erected the first saw mill and grist mill on the river, near the village in 1809.  Rev. Ephraim Sanford (Baptist) held the first religious meeting at the house of Nathaniel Reynolds in 1806 and formed the first church in 1807-08.  [Source: J.H.French, Gazetteer of State of New York, 1860]

Belfast is located on the west bank of the Genesee River near the north boundary of the town. The Genesee Valley Canal was completed to Belfast in 1853. When it was opened, Belfast became a point of considerable commercial importance. In 1855 it had a population of 801.

The population at differnt periods is exhibited by the following figures:

1830	743
1835	1,035
1840	1,646
1845	1,417
1850	1,679
1855	2,130
1860	1,827
1865	1,689
1870	1,488
1875	1,598

 

Elijah Reynolds taught the first school in 1807.

This Page was taken from the Allegany County, New York GenWeb site.

• History Community
• Belfast Central School Program
• Mission Statement
• Contact Information

History Community

The Belfast community is located in the Genesee River Valley, an area known for its rich Native American history. The district was centralized in 1938 and includes five townships encompassing about 100 square miles. In the town, you can find a public library, a grocery store, a hardware store, two family restaurants, a convenience store, and several other small businesses. Most of the residents earn their living in farming or by working in various industries in Wellsville, Olean, Rochester, or Buffalo.

The Genesee River Valley region is known for its scenic beauty and its recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. In the surrounding area you can find many excellent golf courses, ski resorts, and state parks. Belfast is in close proximity to Letchworth State Park, Allegany State Park, Holiday Valley and Swain Ski Resorts. Buffalo and Rochester are within a 1 1/2 hour drive. St. Bonaventure University, Houghton College, Alfred University, and SUNY at Alfred provide area residents with educational and cultural opportunities commonly found in metropolitan areas.

THE BELFAST CENTRAL SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Belfast Central School District currently has an enrollment of around 450 students in grades K-12. The district employs a professional staff of 50, and a support staff of 52 non-teaching employees. The district employs support staff specialists in the areas of speech therapy, reading and math remediation, library services, psychological services, counseling, special education placement, and occupational therapy and physical therapy.

The management team of the district is comprised of a Superintendent, a Principal, and a Director of Pupil Personnel Services. They are assisted by a business manager and a supervisory staff which manages transportation, cafeteria, and buildings and grounds.

A Building Level Committee helps to make decisions that affect our school. Included in its membership are administrators, parents, students, board members, and teachers.

An active Parent Teacher Association plans and supports the school activities by providing manpower, ideas, and financial aid.

Serious volunteers are welcomed and given a short orientation. We are fortunate to work in conjunction with the Foster Grandparent Program to have a "granny" placed in several of our classrooms.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Belfast Central School is to work together to provide a comprehensive, challenging, equitable, and quality education for all students based on the belief that all children can and will learn. The community, faculty, staff, parents, and students will cooperatively foster each individual's intellectual, moral, social, civic, and physical development so that Belfast Central School will continue to be looked upon as an example of excellence in rural education in New York State.

 

A PRESCHOOL experience is offered to district children. This primarily state-funded program is free to residents. The program follows developmentally appropriate practice. Art and craft activities, family-style meals, an emphasis on literature, and involvement with community members are just a few of the components of the program. Many opportunities for parent involvement and education are offered throughout the year.

 

The ELEMENTARY grades provide a choice of two different programs. One is the looping classroom.  Students placed in these classes will remain with one teacher for two years.  The other choice is the multi-age classrooms.  These classrooms contain students in two grade levels working together.  Both programs provide our young children with a quality, developmentally appropriate education that is the foundation of all future learning.  Class sizes range between 15 to 20 students.  Art, physical education, technology, and music are an important part of the elementary curriculum.  Every elementary classroom has a minimum of five student computers plus a lab.  Besides having access to a computer lab, the teachers and students have access to two portable lap top computers. A resource room teacher and remedial instruction is offered in math, reading, and writing.

The MIDDLE SCHOOL concept has been implemented in the grades 5-8. Interdisciplinary units are the basis of the team approach. Teachers have agreed and actively work on coordinating their subject material and discipline and activities. Parents of middleschoolers have an organization that supports activities through organization, manpower, and fund-raising.  Each year the 8th grade class makes their annual visit to Washington, D.C. The fifth grade class makes an annual visit to Camp Rushford to learn and experience, first hand, nature's lessons and the 6th grade travels to either Buffalo or Toronto to visit museums and see a major musical production.  The middle school also has an active student council..

HIGH SCHOOL students have full use of an extensive computer lab. Those who qualify may begin advanced placement courses through Genesee Community College.  A unique feature at Belfast allows students 30 minutes each day to meet with any teacher for extra help or accelerated coursework. The secondary curriculum includes required and elective courses in vocational and college preparatory courses. A long-distance learning lab makes advanced classes and electives easily accessible to high school students. Clubs and activities add to the high school experience. National Honor Society, Yearbook, Peer Tutoring, Student Council and Natural Helpers are among those offered. Twenty-four hour telephone access to help for teens in crisis is available to our students through the Teen Helpline. Approximately 30% of our graduates pursue a four-year college degree, while 40% attend two-year institutions. About 50% receive Regents Diplomas. Over $200,000 in local, state, and national scholarships and awards were awarded in the 2003-2004 school year.  The Guidance Office at Belfast Central School offers a wide array of services to students in grades K-12 including personal and educational counseling.  High school students are offered a variety of career and college planning activities ranging from field trips and college visits, to vocational exploration.  Students are assisted in every aspect of the college search and application process as well as with applying for financial aid and scholarships.  Each student in grades 8-11 will have a meeting to determine progress toward graduation requirements and to make scheduling requests annually.  Eligible students in grades 11 and 12 are afforded the opportunity to take college level coursework or high school electives through the Distance Learning Lab or on-line. A full guidance program operates at Belfast Central. Students are assisted and advised of academic and vocational opportunities available to them. Enrichment trips to dramatic presentations, sporting events, and music programs are offered throughout the year to students and staff. 

Belfast Central School has both an elementary and high school library. They are automated under the Mandarin System. Access to the Internet is available to students. A parent library of resource materials and videos is available for signing out.

The Physical Education Department offers a well-rounded program to the children at Belfast School. In early years, emphasis is made on developing individual skills as well as team play in age-appropriate games, dancing, and other motor exercises. Belfast participates in the Allegany County Conference, Section V. Boys' varsity sports include soccer, basketball, and baseball. Girls' varsity sports include soccer, volleyball, basketball, and softball. The Belfast boys' soccer team has been ranked in the top three for small schools in New York State in 1994, 1995, and 1996, and made it to the State semi-finals in 1996. 

Art students annually have their work displayed in the downtown stores and enter into competitions in Rochester. Guest artists/speakers are invited to demonstrate and give ideas to motivate and encourage the students' creative talents. The music department offers instrumental lessons starting in the elementary grades. Both an elementary and a high school choir, and middle school and high school bands provide opportunities for children to participate in and enjoy musical pursuits. Belfast students annually participate in All-County Music competitions and performances.

Contact Information
For additional information, or to schedule a visit, please contact the Superintendent's Office at 585-365-9940. We welcome your interest in our school!