Onondaga Nation School – On Thursday, March 12, 2020, the LaFayette School Board announced that Ms. Simone Gonyea will be the new principal at the Onondaga Nation School beginning immediately.
Gonyea will replace interim principal John Gizzi who she has worked with as the Dean as Students at the Onondaga Nation School since 2017. Mr. Gizzi will continue working with the district at the LaFayette Jr/Sr High School.
With the placement of Gonyea as the principal, this marks the second time the Nation school has had an Onondaga principal. The first, the late Lloyd Elm Sr, was the ONS principal in the early 1970s.
“We are so proud of her,” said Clan Mother Wendy Gonyea, who is also Simone’s aunt. “The community is so supportive of her and her journey. This is a momentous occasion for the progress of our school. ”
The Nation School has had a long history on the Nation. New York State first began funding a school in 1850. In the beginning, this “Indian” school was constructed to teach Onondagas how to be “civilized”. Onondaga students were taught how to speak, read, and write the english language. Onondaga language and culture were prohibited to be spoken or utilized in the school. It wasn’t until the 1970s when there was a change in the acceptance of bringing Onondaga language and culture to the school.
“We have come a long way in the education of our youth on the Nation,” said Tadodaho Sid Hill. “We are always working to reverse the effect of boarding schools to our people. It is so important to have educational leaders like Ms. Gonyea who will prioritize teaching Onondaga language and culture.”
Gonyea has herself had a lifetime of experience at the school. She attended the school from Kindergarten to eighth grade. She then returned to teach fifth grade before becoming the school’s longtime Kindergarten teacher.
Current ONS fourth grade teacher, Ms. Nancy Powless, recalls her experience being Ms. Gonyea’s first grade teacher and working alongside her in a multi-age classroom.
“I had the pleasure of teaching her [Simone] in first grade,” said Ms. Powless. “I remember her as a curious and enthusiastic first grade learner who was so friendly. Then when we were working together as collaborating teachers in a K-1 classroom, she always showed a caring heart and the kids always came first.”
At the conclusion of the board meeting, community members, board members, and family all gathered to congratulate Gonyea on her new appointment.
“It truly has been a journey that couldn’t have been possible without the support of so many,” said Gonyea on her new appointment as principal. “The Onondaga Nation School has been a huge part of my life. I learned so much as a student here.”
Gonyea continued, “ I can’t wait to begin my journey as principal. The children of the Nation are precious and we are charged with their learning. Such a task is a challenge that I and the great staff at ONS will work tirelessly to achieve.”