I am the director and founder of Aim High Running Camp. I started the all-inclusive camp in 1997 for middle and high school distance runners. The camp focuses on developing a positive mental attitude, team building, goal setting and developing tomorrow’s leaders. I develop the safety plan, create the master schedule, ensure NYS Department of Health regulations are followed, hire and manage 60 employees, conduct staff training, and develop instructional clinics. I work collaboratively with the site’s facility, health, waterfront and food service directors to ensure an enriching and safe experience for all participants.
When I moved to Baldwinsville I became active in learning about District policies that drive curriculum. I have attended every Board of Education meeting since November 9, 2015. I spoke at many of them regarding policies with a focus on the NYS mandated math and science curriculum. In 2016 I volunteered for two District budget committees and familiarized myself with other District policies and educational offerings that Baldwinsville Schools offered. In 2017 I decided to run for a seat on the Board of Education. I was humbled and honored for the opportunity this community gave me to serve.
I'm running for re-election, in part, because I want to ensure the educational programs offered are strong, diverse and appropriate for all students so they can reach their full potential.
I enjoy attending a range of District events to support all students. When my boys attended Van Buren, I volunteered with the PTA, assisted with the running club. I also enjoyed coaching my son’s basketball team in the Upward program. I have also served on the Board of the Syracuse Chargers Track Club.
I moved to Baldwinsville in 2011 with my husband, David, and our sons, Jonathan and Christopher, because of the opportunities Baldwinsville Schools has to offer. Jonathan attends Durgee Jr. High, and Christopher is at Ray Middle School.
I am a New York State certified teacher in Biology, Chemistry, General Science and Health. I taught for five years - one year at Vernon-Verona- Sherrill teaching seventh grade science and four years as a chemistry teacher at Cicero-North Syracuse High School.
I graduated from Sidney High School (Sidney, NY) in 1990 and went on to Wake Forest University. There I earned a B.S. in Health and Sports Science. After Wake Forest I earned a B.S. in Secondary Education Science in Biology from Oneonta State, and then an M.S. in Health Education from Cortland State.
Jen played basketball in high school. She enjoys taking Jonathan and Christopher to the boys & girls games at the high school. She loved assisting with Christopher's Upward team!
Jen won the National Scholastic Indoor Track Championship in the mile her senior year in high school. She was a 4-time NY State Champion in cross country & track. But her most coveted accolade was winning the Fran Redmond award her senior year for being the top student-athlete in her high school - a goal she set out to achieve in 4th grade when her father told her how proud he'd be if she ever won it.
She went on to Wake Forest University where she placed 4th in the 1500 at the NCAA Championships her senior year. Her running career taught her to aspire to be the best she could be - not only in running but in whatever it was she set out to do in life. With that in mind she started Aim High Running Camp in 1997.
High school runners from all over New York and beyond come to participate in Aim High Running Camp. Over 30 Olympians including Olympic and World Championship medalists have spoke at Aim High.
Pictures and comments below posted by David Patruno:
Besides the events her children are involved in, Jen goes to all sorts of Baldwinsville School events to support students in our District - football games, the musicals, basketball games, cross country/track meets, baseball games, soccer games, watching the marching band and the Pep Band! The list goes on and on! She loves Baldwinsville students!
Start of the Boys Modified Race at the 2019 Baldwinsville Cross Country Invitational.
2020 Boys Modified Volleyball Team