November/ December 2010 - Spackenkill Union Free School District

Dialogue
November/
December
2010
Newsletter of the Spackenkill Union Free School District
Volume 33, No. 2
From the
Superintendent’s Desk:
Dear Parents and Community Members,
Our school year has gotten off to a wonderful start after a summer of much
work. Some of that work was curriculum based and performed by our teachers; some was physical work as our custodians prepared the buildings and our
construction crew moved along on the high school project. Some was planning
work done by the administration.
Specifically, the administrators worked to revise the strategic plan (again!)
and develop district goals to present to the Board of Education for approval.
Those goals and the revised strategic plan were presented and adopted at the
October 12th Board of Education meeting. (The Strategic Plan is on our website, www.spackenkillschools.org, or you can contact me for a copy.)
The district goals will be accomplished this year by committees comprised
of administrators, faculty, staff, and community members. Each committee will
meet from 4:00 until 5:30 in the afternoon. We hope that a meeting once each
month will suffice; however, we may have to meet twice per month after January in order to accomplish our work by June. The first meeting of each committee will occur in late November or early December.
A brief description of each committee follows, including the chairperson,
day of the week it will meet, and the committee’s goals.
Student Performance Committee
Chair: Jill Berkowicz
Building Administrators Serving: Steve Malkischer and Christine Brady
Day of the Week: Wednesday
Goals:
• to develop a process for effective teaching
• to develop a process for an internal annual assessment of
performance
Please consider joining one of these committees. Each committee is dealing with an aspect of school life that plays an important role in producing the
kind of graduates of which we can be proud! You, as a parent or community
member, can provide a vital perspective in helping us develop the processes
noted above.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call or
drop me a note. I am very excited about the work these committees will be
doing and eagerly look forward to presenting the results to the Board in June.
I have included a Volunteer Form (see page 2) for your convenience.
As always, thank you for all the support you give our district and our
kids.
Sincerely,
Lois C. Powell, Ed.D.
Welcome to the District Office
Michele Moloney,
School Business
Manager
and
Courtney Guido,
Secretary to the
Superintendent/
District Clerk
Community Involvement Committee
Chair: Lois Powell
Building Administrators Serving: Paul Fanuele and Eileen Sicina
Day of the Week: Wednesday
Goals:
• to develop a process for evaluating community satisfaction
• to develop a process for engaging the community
Workforce Engagement Committee
Chair: Lois Powell
Building Administrator Serving: Barbara Craft-Reiss
Day of the Week: Tuesday
Goal: to develop a process for evaluating employee satisfaction and
engagement
Operational Efficiency/Fiscal Responsibility Committee
Chair: Michele Moloney (School Business Manager)
Building Administrators Serving: Mike Murphy
Day of the Week: Monday
Goals:
• to develop a process for monitoring operational efficiency
• to develop a process for monitoring fiscal responsibility
Healthy, Safe, and Caring Schools Committee
Chair: Lori Mulford
Building Administrator Serving: Marco Lanzoni
Day of the Week: Monday
Goal: to develop a process for maintaining a healthy, safe, and caring
environment
Friday, November 19, 8 pm
Saturday, November 20, 8pm
Sunday, November 21, 2 pm
District Goals Committee
Volunteer Form
Name______________________________________________________
Email address_______________________________________________
Daytime Phone Number_______________________________________
Believe In the Magic
of the Season!
Holiday Movie Night
Spackenkill
High School
Richard D. Woolley
Auditorium
Friday, December 3, 2010
6-9 pm
Open to grades K-5
$7- per child
Please place a check next the committee on which you would like to
serve:
______Student Performance
______Community Involvement
______Workforce Engagement
Parents: Finish any lastminute shopping while
we escort your children into the magical world of the
holiday season. Admission price includes: organized
supervision of your child for three hours, a snack, and
a special visit from Santa!
______Operational Efficiency/Fiscal Responsibility
______Healthy, Safe, and Caring Schools
Any questions, concerns, comments?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Sponsored by the Class of 2011.
____________________________________________________________
Questions? Contact:
____________________________________________________________
[email protected]
[email protected]
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Or call: 463-7810
____________________________________________________________
Dr. Eileen Sicina Receives Award
Please return this form to Lois Powell by November 8. Mail to
15 Croft Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.
Or email: [email protected]
Healthy Snacks
Courtesy of ShopRite
In support of Spackenkill’s Healthy Snack Fridays, ShopRite on
Route 9 in Poughkeepsie has been donating fresh fruits and vegetables to our
elementary schools. This is the second year of the program. Each month, the
store’s produce team puts together a selection of items and cuts, slices, and
packages them for delivery. ShopRite will also take requests for specialty
items, such as kiwi, papaya, and star fruit.
“We’re encouraging children to taste fruits and vegetables that they
might not otherwise,” says Lisa French, School Lunch Manager. “Our long
term goal is to make a healthy impact on the choices parents and children
make for their snacks and lunch. Many thanks to ShopRite for their commitment to our children’s well-being.”
--Mary Forsell
Left: A selection
of fruits and
vegetables,
packaged and
ready to go to
the elementary
schools.
Dr. Eileen M. Sicina, Principal of
Hagan Elementary School, received an
Award for Excellence in Administration
from the Mid-Hudson School Study Council on October 14 at a dinner that took
place at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor.
An awards committee selected Dr. Sicina
from among nominees submitted by the
school districts in the mid-Hudson region.
The following script was read aloud
by the MHSSC Executive Director, Susan
Doyle, and enclosed within her Award for
Dr. Sicina (right) with her sister,
Excellence:
Christine, at the awards dinner.
A 30-year administrator, Eileen Sicina has served the Spackenkill
Union Free School district for 24 years. As the Principal of the Hagan Elementary School, Eileen consistently demonstrates excellence and creativity
and inspires her faculty to work as a united team in pursuit of a common
goal. Eileen is an outstanding instructional leader whose students consistently show improvement on NYS standardized test scores. Considered a stellar administrator, she has the unique ability to provide a safe, nurturing. and
friendly environment while valuing the diverse needs of every student and
teacher. Confidently she leads students and faculty up the challenging climb
to academic distinction. A life-long learner, Eileen’s spirit of continuous improvement permeates all that she does. Because she serves as an excellent
role model for all school leaders, we honor Eileen Sicina from Spackenkill.
Congratulations to Dr. Sicina!
--Mary Forsell
2
Parent Pointers . . .
A Message From the Pupil
Personnel Services
Department
Bedbug Awareness
Helping Your Child Succeed in School
All parents want their children to have a successful school experience
and to do well in school. Here are some basic tips that can help your child stay
on track in school:
• Start with the basics by ensuring that your child gets a good night’s
sleep with at least eight to ten hours of uninterrupted sleep, which means TVs
and phones are best left off or placed on silent while sleeping. A constantly vibrating phone receiving text messages or Facebook updates only reduces your
child’s sleep.
• Keep the mornings as stress-free as possible by organizing the backpacks, packing the lunches, and signing all notes the night before.
• Insist your child eats something for breakfast, even if it is dry cereal,
a breakfast bar, or piece of fruit eaten in the car or at the bus stop. Students who
do not eat anything for breakfast are often more distracted and generally more
lethargic then students who eat something in the morning.
• Get to know your child’s teachers by attending open houses and parent-teacher conferences and by volunteering in the school if you are able. Many
teachers have webpages and emails now, which make it easier to contact them
and to see what the students are doing during their day. If you have a question
about something, do not be afraid to call or email the school.
• Ask your children how they feel school is going for them and ask
about their day. If there are teachers and subjects they particularly enjoy, ask
why those classes are more interesting. Don’t be afraid to ask about their social
relationships, too, and if they are worried about anything. Children who are
being bullied or feeling anxious in school are often afraid to talk about those
fears unless asked by an adult.
• If you suspect your children are struggling with learning more than
their peers, speak to their teachers and guidance counselor, since additional
academic support and interventions, including academic testing, might help
find out why they are struggling. Each school in Spackenkill has a Response to
Intervention Team that can assist parents in developing intervention strategies
for children who are having difficulties.
• Find a place for your child to do homework every day and make sure
they have a place to store and file their papers. Just like adults, kids need help
staying organized. Having a consistent time and place to do homework also
helps provide structure for children and reduces family arguments over when it
is done. Have older children and teens turn off their phones while doing homework, too, since constant text messaging is disruptive to their concentration.
• Most children need help organizing their work and breaking down
large assignments and projects into smaller units. Writing the deadlines for
tests and projects on a large calendar helps children visualize how many days
they have to finish projects and makes them feel less overwhelmed.
• Limit video games, TV time, and computer time until after homework is finished. If students wait too late to start their work, they are often too
tired or may run out of time to finish their work.
• Celebrate their accomplishments and find ways to praise their efforts.
Little notes and verbal praise to them tell them how proud you are of their efforts can go a long way to reinforce children’s motivation.
--Submitted by Joann R. Klein, LCSW, ACSW, School Social Worker
and Student Government Advisor. Spackenkill School District
Retirements
Kevin Geoghan, Assistant Superintendent
Lee Riley, custodian Spackenkill HS
Best Wishes for the Future
News from the Director of
Facilities and Grounds
Five years ago, it would be unlikely to see bedbug activity anywhere
except a bed. Now the bugs can be found in many areas, especially corners
and creases of any fabric, rugs, and furniture, and now even in some public
buildings, such as movie theaters. Once considered to be strictly nocturnal,
bedbugs can now be found in daylight. It seems they have adapted very
quickly to branch out into new environments. Bedbugs feed on blood, but
there is no evidence that they transmit disease. The following is an overview
of bedbugs:
General characteristics
• Adult bugs are reddish to reddish brown in color.
• They are approximately 3/16 inch long, 1/8 inch wide.
• They are oval and flat.
• They prefer to feed every two weeks, but can go without feeding for 18 months.
• Nymphs are tiny and appear translucent or pale in color.
• Eggs are pearly white and hard to detect visually.
Indications
• Bugs can be seen within crack and crevices of mattresses, rugs, and furniture.
• Small, black pepper-like stains indicate fecal droppings.
• They leave behind blood stains on furniture and fabrics.
Precautions
• Look for bite marks or welts, which can appear on human skin in rows or tracks.
• Avoid clutter and piles of clothing.
• Capture suspected bugs on tape, intact, for analysis.
To learn more about bedbugs, visit this site, recommended by Nassau
School Nurse Sue Ymbras:
http://tinyurl.com/2aj45o5
Spackenkill Student Leaders
This column focuses on students who exemplify leadership,
pursue personal excellence, and positively impact society.
She’s the voice on the morning announcements at Todd, reading the quote
for the day on such topics as gratitude and
friendship on behalf of Student Government.
But more often than not, Nithila Arumugam
is the person behind the scenes, whether it’s
the annual Senior Citizens’ Holiday Breakfast, Veterans’ Breakfast, or the 8th Grade
Dinner Dance.
“I like every part of being in Student
Government. I like the planning part beforehand, then I especially like to see my work
in action,” says the 8th grader, who has been
a member of Student Government since 6th grade and has been on the honor roll
for all of her time at Todd (she excels in math and science).
But the best part about being active in Student Government, says Nithila, is
seeing the happiness it brings to others, whether the faces of the attendees to the
Senior Citizens’ Prom each spring or the looks of surprise of students when they
enter the Haunted Hallway at the Halloween dance.
Once a week, Nithila and other members of Student Government meet with
their advisor, Spanish teacher Norma Vazquez, to brainstorm current projects.
Nithila often leads these get-togethers, organizing students into committees to
make decorations, distribute information, or sell tickets.
“Nithila had helped in every event at the school, including socials, talent
shows, the senior citizens’ breakfasts, bus drivers appreciation, soldiers collections,
bake sales to collect money for Haiti, and more,” says Mrs. Vazquez. “Nithila has
helped us not only with the organization of these events, but also entertaining our
senior citizens and bus drivers by playing the piano. Nithila is really a leader in our
school, and we are very fortunate to have her here.”
--Mary Forsell
3
High School Spotlight
Japanese Professors Visit High School
On Wednesday, October 13, professors from Japan visited Spackenkill
High School. They were attending a program at Vassar College and wanted to
visit an American high school. Upon the completion of their visit, they stated
how impressed they were with our students’ engagement in school and their
positive relationship with our faculty and staff. It was a pleasure meeting all
of our visitors.
--submitted by Paul Fanuele, SHS Principal
National Merit Scholars Named
The National Merit Scholarship
Corporation announced the names
of some 16,000 high school seniors
who were named as semi-finalists in
the 2011 National Merit Scholarship
Program. Mr. Fanuele, Principal of
Spackenkill High School, is proud to
announce that senior Edward Zhou
was named as a semi-finalist. Edward will be able to continue in the
competition for approximately 8,200
scholarship awards.
In addition, the National Merit
Scholarship Corporation also announced that Matthew Davis, Anthony Graves-McCleary, Quinn
Semi-finalist Edward Zhou with SHS
Horvath, Deanna Lin, Hadia Shah
Principal Paul Fanuele.
and Phoebe Wang have been named
Commended Students in the 2011 Scholarship Program for academic excellence. Congratulations to all these students on this significant achievement.
--submitted by Paul Fanuele, SHS Principal
Superintendent Lois Powell (far left) and Spackenkill High School
Principal Paul Fanuele (far right) greet Japanese visitors. Chris
Bjork (back row, second from right) was the Vassar liaison.
Athletics News
Congratulations to our Girls Varsity Soccer Team! They won the MHAL
Championship. Our Girls Varsity Tennis Team also captured the MHAL Championship with another perfect season, 11-0. The Boys Varsity Golf Team placed
3rd in the MHAL Championship tournament on October 18.
Spartans of the Month
NATALIA MARTIROSOVA: SOPHOMORE
VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY
Commended students, top row, left to right: Matthew Davis, Anthony
Graves-McCleary, Quinn Horvath . Bottom Row, left to right: Phoebe
Wang, Deanna Lin, Hadia Shah, and SHS Principal Paul Fanuele.
News From the Guidance Office
Scholarship Deadlines
Deadline: November 1 – January 9, 2011
RON BROWN SCHOLAR PROGRAM
JOSH RILEY: SOPHOMORE
VARSITY FOOTBALL
Deadline: December 15, 2010
AXA ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: December 15, 2010
NYS PTA JENKINS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: December 15, 2010
NFIB YEF YOUNG ENTPRENEUR
Deadline: January 15, 2011
WASHINGTON CROSSING FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
Natalia worked extremely hard during the pre-season and secured herself a
spot on the varsity team as a sophomore.
She started playing field hockey last year
and has worked diligently to develop her
skills and understand her position. Natalia is a valuable player and has already
earned an assist after two games played.
Her teammates look up to her as she has
showed that hard work does pay off!
Josh is a good student and role model
for the student body. In addition he is always present and willing to do anything
the coaching staff wants him to do. In this
month, Josh has compiled 12 catches for
230 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also
leads the team in tackles with 35 for the
season. One of many highlights this year
came on a thrilling touchdown play that
put us ahead of Ellenville on September
16. Josh has turned the tight end position
into more than just another blocker.
4
High School Spotlight continued
The Big Read Inspires Students
As the high
school’s
new Spartan,
Jessi Siegel,
pictured with
SHS Principal
Paul Fanuele,
whipped up
school spirit
at the Pep
Rally last
October.
National Honor Society Plans Busy Year
On the first Saturday of the new school year, the high school’s chapter
of the National Honor Society held a community car wash, its primary fundraiser for the year. Thanks to all members of the community who helped support NHS and its service efforts.
On Sunday, October 17, thirty-six members took part in CROP Walk
for Hunger. All members of the society have been collecting pledges and donations throughout the month of October and will continue the collection through
the end of the month.
On Wednesday, October 20, twenty-six new members were inducted
into Chapter 16077 of the National Honor Society. They are seniors Gregory Cremins, Allyson Finck, Anthony Graves-McCleary, Oshan Jarow, Rachel
Maynard, and Andrea Lynn Salak and juniors Louise Bartolotta, Isla Carruthers,
William Chang, Philip Chou, Jason Cruz, Deirdre Dwyer, Taylor Espinoza,
Leanne Koch, Jamie Lhungay, Morganne Lundin, Monica Marrone, Amanda
Moreira, Luisa Maria Neves, Alyssa Noll, Carrie Plover, Maria Popp, Brian
Sobotko, Daniel Speranza, Christopher Zeoli, and Anna Zhang.
This year’s planned activities include collecting for Dutchess Outreach
during the winter months, collecting and recycling bottles and cans at home
football games, cooperating with the STA in its highway clean-up, raising
funds for the American Cancer Society by coordinating sales at SHS for Daffodil Days, and tutoring students who need academic support. Several other
service activities— including an effort to collect used books, both literature and
test prep, for resale or redistribution—are currently under way.
--submitted by Maureen Tremblay, NHS Co-Advisor
Throughout the month of October Spackenkill High School students
and staff participated in The Big Read Poughkeepsie. The Big Read encourages communities to read and discuss a single book in an effort to restore reading
to the center of American culture. This year’s book was Great Tales and Poems
of Edgar Allan Poe. Many English classes read and analyzed select stories and
poems in class, Mr. Romani’s Drawing & Painting I and Ms. Stong’s Ceramics
classes both created Poe-inspired artwork. High school students also attended
community events. Ms. Fahy’s Communications class and Ms. Ciancio’s Theater Production class went on a field trip to see Improvising Poe at Marist College. Individuals attended additional Big
Read events on their
own accord.
On Friday,
October 15 Spackenkill High School
hosted its own community event after the
Harvest Dinner, titled
An Evening with
Poe. The event was
attended by over 200
community
memAbove: Poe-inspired artwork in the high school bers. Upon entering
the lobby, the attendlobby. Below: The chorus sings an eerie song.
ees had the opportunity to view fantastic
Poe-inspired artwork
created by Mr. Romani’s Drawing &
Painting I class. The
art hung from the
ceiling in dramatic
fashion, and several
raven masks were
also exhibited. The
art and masks were
sent to Adriance
Public Library for
further display after
the event. An Evening with Poe continued with dramatic readings by students in Ms. Ciancio’s
Theater Production class. The students brought the chilling tales and poems
of Poe to life. The readings were interspersed with Poe-esque musical arrangements performed by the Spackenkill High School Chamber Orchestra and
String Ensemble, which was conducted by Mrs. Kaczynski. In addition, the
chorus, led by Ms. Carter, sang an eerily beautiful rendition of the “Tell-Tale
Heart.” It was a thrilling evening.
Even after the school day ended participation in The Big Read continued. On Wednesdays throughout the month of October Edgar Allan Poe book
clubs met. The student book club met in the library, while the staff book club
met afterward at the Southside Café. Book club members had a spine-tingling
time discussing Poe’s work and learning about his tumultuous life. It was a
fun-filled month. A special thank you goes to Mr. Fanuele and Mr. Murphy
for their support of the program. Also, thank you to all of the teachers who
participated in The Big Read, and especially to Mrs. Fulmer for her assistance
throughout the program.
The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts,
designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library
Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Learn more about The Big
Read at http://www.neabigread.org/about.php.
In October, members of the National Honor Society
participated in CROP Walk for Hunger.
--submitted by Tanya Sasvary, SHS Library Media Specialist
5
Todd
Highlights
Kristine Chen Publishes Article
Sixty-three 7th grade students qualified for the Johns Hopkins Talent
Search 2011, which is aimed at identifying students with exceptional mathematical and/or verbal reasoning abilities. In order to qualify for the program,
students must score a level 4 on either the State English Language Arts Exam
or the State Math Exam from the 2010 or 2009 test administration.
Students participate in the search by taking the SAT 1 exam or the ACT
exam. All students who take the test will receive a certificate of participation.
Students who meet the minimum score requirement on either the SAT 1 or the
ACT will be invited to participate in an awards ceremony and be eligible to be
involved in summer academic programs and/or distance learning.
The following 7th grade students have qualified for this year’s 201011 Talent Search:
It is an honor to announce that Todd Middle School’s Kristine Chen is
helping to guide library media specialists across the nation. The October issue
of School Library Journal features an article written by Mrs. Chen entitled,
“Give Then What They Want: Shake up your selection policy with multiple
copies of popular books.” In the article, our library media specialist writes
honestly about her goal to keep her students reading by ensuring that she has
multiple copies of the titles they are seeking.
School Library Journal is recognized as the world’s largest reviewer
of books, multimedia, and technology for children and teens and is a publication of the American Library Association. Library media specialists use this
professional trade journal to guide them in selecting books and materials for
their collections. How fortunate the Spackenkill district is to have our own
Kristine Chen steering library media specialists across the nation in making
their libraries a haven for kids to find the books they want to read and share.
To read Mrs. Chen’s article go to:
Adeniyi Adegbemigun
Naile Akhter
Zayd Anwar
Savannah Barefoot
Louis Benedetto
Kai Bjork
David Bordowitz
Jacob Bromsey
Julia Caldwell
Joseph Cappelletti
William Carranza
Mia Chin
Christian Chou
Sarah Choudhury
Gaetano Citera
Lexie Close
Teresa Condorelli
Patrick Daley
Andrew Davis
Margaret Delorey
Morgan Dominick
Zalma Duale
Phoebe Elmendorf
Neil Errickson
Brian Fainguersch
Isaac Feldman
Nathan Ficht
Justin Habert
Claire Hammond
Christina Hartenfels
James Hooker
Eric Jones
Melanie Katz
Tristyn Koren
Sereene Kurzum
Katherine Lillis
Janaya Lindsey
Conner Mc Ginnis
Emily McGinley
Gautam Mekkat
Allison Mullins
Brenna Nelson
Kevin Nizza
Courtney Noll
Mah Noor
Brian Owen
Deanna Porco
Samantha Ramus
Elizabeth Riehl
Bailey Riley
Antoinette Russolello
Denise Santos
Jonathan Schwoerer
Morgan Setzer
Joseph Spranzman
Alexander Strom
Ryan Van Ness
Juan Varela
Jacob Webster
Kyle White
Morgan Wiley
Melainy Williams
Johncarlo Zani
--submitted byMary Camburn, Todd MS Counselor, NCC
Students in
Mrs. Perpetua’s
English class are
writing seasonal
poems. In early
fall, they ventured outside
to record their
observations of
nature.
http://tinyurl.com/28waf7r
--submitted by Elizabeth Morehead, Todd Middle School English Teacher
Peer Mediation Club Grows
The fourth annual Peer Mediation Training took place on October 14
and 15 at Todd Middle School. Mrs. Gwen Higgins, a retired Spackenkill
High School teacher, in conjunction with Mrs. Camburn and Mrs. Casucci,
who are the Peer Mediation Club advisors at Todd Middle School, provided
the training. Twenty-five new students were trained, increasing the club size
to 40 members.
The following students from Todd are all trained peer mediators:
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Asha Berry
Naftali Brown
Madison Cutler
Allison Delmar
Gabrielle Guy
Hanifa Hajiani
Jacqueline Hannon
Ivin Huggan
Charlotte Katz
Carl McDonald
Luke Moriarty
Lauren Murray
Julia Riehl
Anshuman Swain
Lillian Wallace
Samantha Wile
Naile Akhter
Julia Caldwell
Dominic D’Antonio
Ian Fiore
Christina Hartenfels
Benjamun Hartley
Julian Heaven
Arzam Khan
Brenna Nelson
Samantha Ramus
Isabella Wilson
Shamel Campbell
Bradley Delmar
Nikhil Dhawan
Ryan Hurley
Michael Kennedy
Brianna McKee
Katie Murray
Cara Nectow-Boss
Steven Peters
Azeeza Saafir
Kayleigh Schneeberger
Laura Varela
Matthew Wu
As middle school is a time when many students experience social conflict, learning mediation skills enables students to effectively handle conflict,
thus improving the environment of our school. Throughout the training, students learned skills to help their peers as well as themselves navigate difficult
social situations and to see conflict as an opportunity for change and growth.
With the skills learned in training, students become empowered to handle social
situations effectively throughout middle school and into adulthood.
--submitted by Kate Casucci, Peer Mediation Club Co-Advisor
6
Hagan Happenings
3rd Graders Ride Their Way to Safety
On September 22, Hagan students in the 3rd grade participated in a
bike safety program known as The Bike Rodeo. All 3rd grade classes rode their
bikes or scooters through four safety stations run by parent volunteers. Each
station was designed to teach students a different bike safety rule. The fifth
station was run by Officer Hulbert and Officer Bruschetti from the Poughkeepsie Police Department as well as Mr. Bill Johnson from the Traffic and Safety
Division. Bicycles, scooters, and helmets were checked for safety and safety
tips were discussed with all students. Students had a great time riding their
bikes or scooters while learning the importance of bike safety. The Bike Rodeo
will continue to be an annual program held at Hagan Elementary School every
fall. Thank you to all of our volunteers who always make our programs run so
smoothly!
Building Good Character
The Hagan Character
Education Committee
started off the 2010-11
school year with good
character in mind. On
Friday, September 17
the students at Hagan
were both entertained
and educated by The
Hill Brothers. They use
song, dance, and humor
to highlight the many
positive things that can happen for students through respect, responsibility, and
teamwork. The Hagan students left the assembly with smiles on their faces and
good character on their minds
--submitted by Daniele Wilcox, 2nd Grade Teacher
--submitted by Lisa Minogue, Hagan PE teacher
Bike Rodeo 2010
Students Study Birds of Prey
Fifth grade students are off to a productive start. As part of their Birds
of Prey unit, the students in the class of Mrs. Riehl amd Mrs. LaGasse used
microscopes to look at feathers up close. They were able to use different magnifications to see each quill of the feather. Seeing the tiny detail helps students
to understand how the feather stays together.
Later on in the unit, the students dissected owl pellets. They were able
to figure out the type of animal the owl ate, which helped them to decide what
type of owl the pellet came from. Using their specimens, the students reconstructed the skeletons and glued their models down on construction paper.
The students have also been very busy advancing their keyboarding
skills to better prepare them for the digital world. They are utilizing the Type to
Learn program to develop good habits and become more proficient typists. The
program teaches how to type through skill lessons and provides fun activities
that reinforce the skill just taught.
--submitted by Mrs. Riehl and Mrs. LaGasse, 5th Grade Teachers
Students examine feathers under microscopes.
Fifth graders improve their keyboarding
skills using the Type to Learn program.
7
Hagan Happenings continued
Nassau News
School Store a Success
Grandparents Go to School
For the third year, the Hagan Hawk’s Nest School Supply Store is
open, and business is booming! The store was relocated from the main hallway
to the cafeteria last year, and Mrs. Ciccone’s Art Club painted the storage cart
with an amazing mural and created a giant hawk’s nest to rest on top to draw
in customers . Nearly 30 fifth graders submitted employment applications and
completed a short math quiz on calculating totals and figuring out change in
order to have the opportunity to sell pencils, notebooks, erasers, mini staplers,
and novelty items to their school mates. With the help of PTA volunteers, the
students are acquiring real-life experience with meeting responsibilities, handling money, counting inventory, and working with the public. Stop by any
Thursday during lunch hours and check out all of the great items and meet our
enthusiastic student staff!
--submitted by Geraldine LaGasse, Special Education Teacher
On Friday, October 8 at Nassau School, 140 grandparents/significant
seniors attended our first special day to pay tribute to a group of adults who
add so much to the lives of our children. Guests were treated to a scrumptious
breakfast, thanks to the PTA and teacher contributions. The Leadership Group
assisted with the breakfast and then served as escorts, delivering our guests to
their grandchildren’s classrooms. Each class had a special program to honor
their guests. All grandparents walked away with a smile, a complimentary
book mark, and a greater understanding and appreciation of schools today. We
look forward to replicating this program again next year.
--submitted by Barbara Craft-Reiss, Nassau Principal
Scenes from Grandparents’ Day
Above and below: Hagan Hawk’s Nest School Supply Store
is open for business every Thursday at lunchtime.
Barbara-Craft Reiss greeted guests.
Leadership Group helped serve food.
Kindergarten Class Celebrates Apple Day
The students in Mrs. Drummond’s kindergarten class participated in
Apple Day. Students spent time in centers where they tasted different kinds
of apples, painted with apples, and read poems and sang songs about apples.
Parent volunteers shared this enjoyable experience by assisting the children
at their centers.
Grandparents enjoyed a variety of activities in classrooms.
--submitted by Colleen Drummond, Kindergarten Teacher
The 2nd grade put on a Columbus Day skit.
8
Nassau News continued
News from the 2nd Grade
Art Teacher Michele Gorey Awarded Grant
The 2nc graders at Nassau began a new school year excited and ready
to learn. Their year began by brainstorming, writing, and illustrating many
different ways to be respectful, responsible, caring, and safe. The 2nd graders
also had a fun time learning how to choose “just right” books. They sang and
danced to a song called “I – PICK” for students in kindergarten, 1st, and 3rd
grades. The song lyrics demonstrated ways to choose books based on Purpose,
Interest, Comprehension and Knowing all the words.
The students became motivated to learn about nature and the world
around them by experimenting with seeds and discovering the beginnings of
a new plant. The students explored Nassau’s grounds on a seed hunt and collected seeds. Students were so enthusiastic about this unit they even brought
in seeds from home. The students sorted their collection of seeds and created
a Seed Dispersal poster.
On October 8, the students had some very special visitors come to Nassau. Their grandparents and “significant seniors” were invited to a breakfast
and were able to visit classrooms and share with the students what it was like
for them when they were in elementary school. The 2nd graders performed a
short play for them in honor of Christopher Columbus. We were so happy to
have them visit us. What a wonderful day it was! Mrs. Strapec and Ms. Fyffe are very proud of their 2nd graders for
working so hard these past few months and having a fun time in the process.
Nassau Elementary School has been awarded a field trip grant in the
amount of $720 from the Community Foundation of Dutchess County for an
application titled “Visiting an Art Museum.” This is the second time that art
teacher Michele Gorey has received this grant, which was selected in the first
round of applications. Congratulations!
--submitted by Barbara Craft-Reiss, Nassau Principal
Making Memories
Mrs. Turner’s 3rd grade class at Nassau Elementary School really
enjoyed Grandparent’s Day. The children were busy writing a memoir after
reading The Hello, Goodbye Window. They created a Memory Window to
share with their grandparent or special guest. It was especially fun to listen
to our special guests as they shared some of their childhood memories. The
children enjoyed a delightful morning and a good time was had by all.
--submitted by Melissa Straper, 2nd Grade Teacher
Take Note! Music News
The 3rd graders made memory windows.
--submitted by Marianne Turner, 3rd Grade Teacher
Update on Gators Geat Healthy!
We are very happy to report that Nassau will continue its efforts this
year encouraging good nutrition and physical activity with Gators Get Healthy!
Our Morning Energizer continues daily with morning announcements. Children
look forward to this quick exercise in their classroom every morning to start
their day. Healthy Snack Friday will also continue. The excitement of this program has spilled over to Hagan, as they, too, will have their own Healthy Snack
Friday. We are so grateful to ShopRite, which provides our monthly produce
for this project, washed and cut up in serving-size pieces. To supplement the
promotion of good nutrition, Spackenkill will also be serving a new fresh vegetable once a month as part of the lunch program. Children are fond of fruit and
vegetables, so please send in these healthy snacks with your children.
There will be more news coming. Look forward to Nassau’s progressive whole-school walks and more from our Young Chefs, ACES, and other
exciting health-minded initiatives. If anyone should be interested in helping us
promote healthy practices for our children, consider joining Nassau’s Health
Committee. We would love to have some parent input. If you would like more
information, please contact the Health Office at 463-6390.
--submitted by Sue Ymbras, Nassau RN
High School Students Assist at Homework Center
Homework Center is up and
running at Nassau School. Forty Nassau Students are paired
with high school students as
study buddies each Tuesday and
Thursday. Our students at Nassau benefit from the assistance
of their high school buddies as
they complete homework, prepare for projects, and study for
tests. Thanks to Mrs. Klein,
Mrs. Crichton, and Mrs. Shaffer for their assistance with making this happen!
--submitted by Barbara Craft-Reiss, Nassau Principal
In the words of Paul Simon, “Music is forever; music should grow and
mature with you.” Our district’s music department supports this philosophy
through the various programs and events that we provide throughout the year.
Staying informed and planning ahead are key factors toward having successful
experiences that ensure growth in both one’s intellectual and emotional development. Here is some information regarding upcoming events that we hope
you will find beneficial, as you get ready for this busy time of year:
1. Elementary music specialists Jeannine Berube and Randie Ratick developed and presented their first of six Informances on October 27. Informances
are informal presentations that allow everyone the opportunity to get involved
with music making through discussion and participation, in a non-threatening
environment. The next Informance is scheduled on Wednesday, November 10,
7:30-8:30 pm, Nassau Music Room. All sessions are open to community members from both Hagan and Nassau schools. More detailed information can be
found in notices that will be sent home, as well as on Miss Berube’s and Mrs.
Ratick’s webpages.
2. Parents of participants in all performance ensembles, at all grade levels, will receive notices with detailed information leading up to and including
all performances. Upcoming events include:
• Nov. 30, High School Winter Concert. 7:30 pm, SHS auditorium
• Dec. 7, Snowdate for High School Winter Concert
• Dec. 2 and 3, All-State Performances, Rochester, NY
• Dec. 9, Grade 7/8 Winter Concert, 7:30 pm. SHS Auditorium
• Dec. 10, Snowdate for Grade 7/8 Winter Concert
• Dec. 14, Elementary Winter Concert #1, 7:30 pm. SHS Auditorium
• Dec. 15, Snowdate for Elementary Winter Concert #1
• Dec. 16, Grade 6 Winter Concert, 7:30 pm, SHS Auditorium
• Dec. 20, Snowdate for Grade 6 Winter Concert
• Dec. 21, Elementary Winter Concert #2- 7:30 pm/SHS Auditorium
• Dec. 22, Snowdate for Elementary Winter Concert #2
Concert information can also be found in performance group handbooks
and teacher webpages. Our concerts are open to the public, and everyone is
welcome to attend.
3. Information regarding participation in the Elementary and Jr. High
All-County Festivals has begun. Band students in 5th and 6th grades interested
in auditioning have already received their music. Detailed festival information
is on the Dutchess County Music Educators’ website at www.dcmea.org.
4. Music Boosters is another way to stay informed and actively involved
in supporting our children’s musical growth and development. The next general
membership meeting is scheduled for November 1 at 6:30 pm in the SHS Music Room, and everyone is invited to attend. Further information can be found
through [email protected].
On behalf of the entire music department, we would like to extend our
best wishes to all for the holiday season and New Year.
--submitted by Randie H. Ratick, Elementary Music Curriculum Coordinator
9
Nassau
PTA News
Please check the district website home page and the online district calendar
for an updated list of all PTA meetings: www.spackenkillschools.org
District PTA
The Spackenkill District PTA, in cooperation with the Hudson Valley
Artisans Guild, will host the 4th Annual Craft Fair on Saturday, November 6
from 10 am to 4 pm at Spackenkill High School. This event has grown to 59
vendors this year, and proceeds from admissions, food concession, and raffle
will benefit the PTA. Please watch for coupons to be sent home with your
children for discount admission to this event.
The District PTA will sponsor a Barnes & Noble Book Fair on Wednesday, December 1. A percentage of your purchases anytime that day will go to
the Spackenkill PTA. Just mention the book fair at the register. Entertainment
will be provided by students from all schools from 5 to 9 pm, so come out,
enjoy, and start your holiday shopping while benefiting the PTA.
We would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. Thank
you for your support!
--submitted by Tara Speranza, PTA President
Todd
It’s not too late to join PTA! The annual membership drive is under
way, and applications can still be turned in to school. Simply return the form
with your check made out to Spackenkill District PTA and your card will be sent
to you via backpack express! If you are unable to locate your application form,
you can request one by email at [email protected].
Our student directories are at the printers and will be arriving home
soon, so be sure to keep an eye out for them!
Thank you to all the parents who baked such wonderful goodies for the
Parent Coffee. Everything was delicious and the table looked fantastic! Thank
you to our two co-chairs who organized the refreshments, Natalie McLean and
Kathy Cremins, and to all their terrific helpers.
More thank yous go out to everyone who supported the Scholastic
Book Fair. Our tireless co-chairs of the event—Tara Speranza, Joanne Van
Ness and Karen Keith—did a wonderful job and hopefully are getting some
well-deserved rest!
Students at Todd achieved their goal of collecting 300 Box Tops by October 22, so they could earn a Halloween treat with their lunch (chocolate pudding with cookie crumbs and gummy worms). Our next incentive is still under
wraps, so continue to collect your Box Tops! And just a reminder. when you
shop at www.BoxTops4Education.com, a percentage of your sale at participating merchants will go to our school, and new stores are always being added.
Reflections is under way, and if your child is participating, be sure to
mark the November 19 deadline on your calendar as the date to hand in the final
project.
Our Todd Spiritwear sale will run from November 1 through November
12. with delivery in time for the holidays. Watch for an order form to come
home soon with your child.
Gift wrap pickup for all buildings will be held at Todd on Wednesday,
November 3 from 4 to 8 pm Bring your copy of your order with you to ensure
that it is complete.
Picture Retake Day, scheduled for Thursday, November 18. You must
return the entire, undamaged portrait package to the photographer on that day.
Portraits will be distributed approximately three to five weeks after Retake
Day.
The Spackenkill PTA Todd Committee will meet on Thursday, November 4 at 7 pm in the library. There will be no meeting in December. We wish
you all a wonderful holiday and a joyous and happy New Year!
Our committee chairs did an outstanding job these past two months
organizing all of Nassau’s events! Pizza Party, book fair, class parties, pictures,
Halloween Party, Reflections, and fundraisers have kept us all busy. Special
thanks to Shari Davis, Tara Speranza, Joanne Van Ness, Patti Cohen, Suzanne
Sileno, Dee Spiro, and all our room parents for all their hard work!
Packets for Enjoy the City fundraiser will be coming home shortly.
Coupons for local businesses can be found in the book for a really great deal.
Please contact Joanne Van Ness if you have any questions. If you are looking
for a special gift for the holidays, plan on shopping at the Barnes and Noble
book fair supporting the District PTA. The fair will be held on Wednesday,
December 1, featuring art work and performances from our students at Nassau. Our movie night/holiday event is scheduled for Friday, December 10 and
will be run by Michele Messick. Please look for notices coming home in your
child’s backpack for further information. The PTA would like to wish everyone
a wonderful holiday season and thanks to all of our volunteers and teachers for
all of your support!
--submitted by Joanne Van Ness
Hagan
September and October were a whirlwind of activity here at Hagan. We
would like to thank BOE member James Willoughby for attending the October
PTA meeting and answering questions about the upcoming budget process.
The fall Picture Day was a great success. Thanks to all the parent volunteers who helped out this year. Retakes will be offered on Tuesday, November 9.
Looking ahead to the rest of the fall, the PTA Reflections program is already in full swing. The theme this year is Together We Can. Reminder: entries
are due Friday, November 19, and we look forward to seeing all the creative
entries! Thank you Doris Conti for coordinating this event again this year.
Kids’ Art also gives Hagan students a chance to free their inner artist through design of their own stationery, stickers, cards, etc., for purchase.
Orders will be delivered in time for holiday gift giving. Any questions, contact
Kerry Maslyn.
Our new fundraiser this year will be a Hudson Valley coupon book.
Look for information coming home with your child in the next few weeks. It’s
full of savings for local restaurants and businesses. Contact Jeanna Cioffi with
any questions.
Show your school spirit with Spackenkill Spiritwear. Orders are being
collected soon and delivery is expected around Thanksgiving. Any questions,
contact Kerry Maslyn or Dionna O’Brien.
Coming soon is our annual Book Fair, where inspired authors and inspiring books abound in time for the holidays. Hagan Book Fair Hours (Tentative Schedule):
Wednesday, December 1 from 8:30 am to 8 pm
Thursday, December 2 from 8:30 am to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 pm
Friday, December 3 from 8:30 am to 3 pm and 6:30 to 8:30 pm, culminating in a community event with bake sale and book-related activities. More
information will be coming home in your child’s backpacks. For additional
information, contact Lisa Fadelici or Jennifer Herrera.
Box Tops is off to an amazing start this year. If your class collects the
most Box Tops, your grade and class name will be displayed in the cafeteria!
Also, when planning holiday gifts, please log on to www.boxtops4education.
com. You’ll find coupons and discounts and be helping Hagan in the process
when you do your online shopping. And, of course, please keep clipping. Thank
you Stephanie Mulcahy for running this event.
We hope you’ll join our PTA meetings and continue to bring your creative ideas. Our meetings are: November 15 and December 20 (if needed). Future dates are January 24, February 28, March 21, April 4, May 16, and June 20.
If there are any items you’d like added to agenda, please contact our co-chairs:
Jennifer Herrera (849-2469) or Kerry Maslyn (485-1960). Girl Scout Troop
#10122 generously provides free childcare during the Hagan PTA meetings.
--submitted by Jennifer Herrera
--submitted by Dot Kellogg
10
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
November 2010
1
2
3
Superintendent’s
Conference Day
4
Todd MS
PTA Meeting
7 pm, library
All Schools Closed
5
6
District PTA
Craft Fair
10 am-4 pm
Spackenkill HS
Election Day
Voting, main lobby
Hagan and Nassau
7
BOE Regular Mtg.
8 PM / Todd MS
8
Hagan
EOMP
Hagan
Picture Retake Day
9
District PTA Meeting
7 pm, Nassau caf.
Nassau
Picture Retake Day
14
15
Hagan
PTA Meeting,
7:30 pm, teachers’
lounge
16
10
Veterans’ Day
Hagan/Nassau
Informance, 7:30 pm,
Nassau Music Rm
All Schools, School
Offices, & District
Office Closed
17
SHS
Financial Aid Night
BOE Long Range
Planning Mtg.
7:30 PM / Todd MS
SHS
Prelicensing, 3-5:30 pm
11
Todd MS
9 :15 AM
Busdrivers’ Breakfast
Hagan/Nassau
Parent Conferences
early dismissal
Nassau
12
13
EOMP
18
SHS
*Prelicensing 3-5:30 pm
*YAR Dinner
*PTA Meeting, 7 pm
Todd MS
Picture Retake Day
Nassau
PTA Meeting, 7 pm,
faculty room
SHS
9 am-3:30 pm,
Six-Hour Defensive
Driving Course
19
Reflections Deadline/
Entries Due
SHS
“The Legend of Sleepy
Hollow”
8 PM
20
SHS
“The Legend of Sleepy
Hollow”
8 PM
Hagan/Nassau
Parent Conferences
early dismissal
21
22
SHS
“The Legend of
Sleepy Hollow”
2 PM
28
29
23
Nassau
PTA Enjoy the City
Fundraiser begins
24
THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAY
ALL SCHOOLS
CLOSED
25
26
THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAY
THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAY
All Schools, School
Offices, and District
Office Closed
All Schools, School
Offices, and District
Office Closed
30
7:30 PM/ SHS Aud.
SHS Winter Concert
Winter Concert Schedule
Spackenkill High School
Tuesday, November 30
snowdate Tuesday, Dec. 7
Todd Middle School
6th Grade Concert
Thursday, December 16
7th/8th Grade Concert
Thursday, December 9
snowdate Monday, Dec. 20
snowdate Friday, Dec. 10
Hagan & Nassau Elementary
Elementary Concert #1
Tuesday, December 14
Elementary Concert #2
Tuesday, December 21
snowdate Wednesday, Dec. 15
snowdate Wednesday, Dec. 22
All concerts held at 7:30 pm
Spackenkill HS Auditorium
27
Dialogue
Spackenkill Union Free School District
District Office - 15 Croft Rd.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
December 2010
1
District PTA
Barnes & Noble Book
Fair
Hagan
PTA Book Fair. gym
Saturday
2
3
4
All-State Performances All-State Perfomances
Rochester, NY
Rochester, NY
SHS
Holiday Movie Night
for K-5, 6-9 pm, Aud.
Hanukkah begins at
sunset
5
6
7
8
9
7:30 PM / SHS Aud.
Todd MS
7th/8th Grade Winter
Concert
7:30 PM / SHS Aud.
SHS Winter Concert
Snowdate
10
11
Todd MS
9 AM Senior Citizens’
Breakfast
7:30 PM / SHS Aud.
Todd MS
7th/8th Grade Winter
Concert Snowdate
Nassau
PTA Movie Night
12
13
BOE Mtg.
Todd MS / 8 PM
14
SHS
Prelicensing, 3-5:30 pm
7:30 PM/SHS Aud.
Hagan/Nassau
Elementary
Winter Concert #1
19
20
7:30 PM/SHS Aud.
Todd MS
6th Grade Winter
Concert Snowdate
Hagan
PTA Meeting 7:30 pm,
teachers’ lounge
(if needed)
26
Kwanzaa
begins
27
Winter / Holiday
Recess
All Schools Closed
21
7:30 PM / Auditorium
Hagan/Nassau
Elementary Winter
Concert #2
15
7:30 PM / SHS Aud.
Hagan/Nassau
Elementary Winter
Concert #1 Snowdate
16
17
SHS
Todd MS
Prelicensing, 3-5:30 pm Holiday Dance, 6-9 pm
7:30 PM/SHS Aud.
Todd MS
6th Grade Winter
Concert
22
7:30 PM / SHS Aud.
Hagan/Nassau
Elementary
Winter Concert #2
Snowdate
23
Hagan/Nassau
Holiday Parties
18
Hagan/Nassau
SSRs issued
24
Winter / Holiday
Recess
All Schools, School
Offices, and District
Office Closed
25
Christmas Day
Hagan
Gr. 5 Galleria Concert
10 am-1 pm
28
Winter / Holiday
Recess
All Schools Closed
29
Winter / Holiday
Recess
All Schools Closed
30
Winter / Holiday
Recess
All Schools Closed
31
Winter / Holiday
Recess
All Schools, School
Offices, and District
Office Closed
JANUARY 1, 2011
HAPPY AND
HEALTHY
NEW YEAR!
DIALOGUE
SCHOOL CLOSINGS FOR NOVEMBER
All schools will be closed on Tuesday, November 2, Superintendent’s Conference Day.
All schools, school offices, and the district office will be closed
Thursday, November 11 for Veterans’ Day.
All schools will be closed Wednesday, Thursday & Friday,
November 24 - 26 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
All school offices & the district office will be closed
November 25 & 26 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS FOR DECEMBER
All schools will be closed for the Winter Recess Friday, December 24, 2010
through Friday, December 31, 2010. School will reopen on Monday, January 3, 2011.
All school offices and the district office will be closed
Friday, December 24 & and Friday, December 31, 2010
Newsletter of the
Spackenkill UFSD published bimonthly
and for special editions during the school year
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mr. Michael McCall, President
Mr. Ralph Chiumento, Jr., Vice President
Dr. James Willoughby
Mrs. Arij Kurzum
Mr. Thomas Keith
Lois Powell, Ed.D.,
Superintendent of Schools
Mrs. Jill Berkowicz, Editor
Ms. Mary Forsell, Assistant Editor
Administrative Offices
15 Croft Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
www.spackenkillschools.org
(845) 463-7800
Articles submitted to Dialogue are edited for length,
grammar, and clarity.