January February 2010 - Spackenkill Union Free School District

Dialogue
January
February
2010
Newsletter of the Spackenkill Union Free School District
Volume 31, No. 3
High School
From the
Superintendent’s Desk: Capital Project Update
As of the December 2nd High School Project Committee meeting, the project is approximately two months ahead of schedule, on budget, and all aspects
Dear Parents and Community Members,
qualify for state funding.
I hope that your holidays were filled with all good things and that your New SED has completed is funding level review and found the project to be fully
fundable. It has also completed its architectural review and has required a few
Year will be a healthy and happy one.
Our next Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, January 11th at changes in plans – things like fire escapes, fire hydrants, a sidewalk and a minor
Todd Middle School. At that meeting, we will be hearing a report from the Grade modification to an interior wall. We are currently awaiting SED’s engineering
Level Schools Committee. The Committee has been working quite diligently review, which could be completed in January/February. Bids could be out in
since last spring to determine whether they should recommend a change in how February with construction starting in March or April. The District originally
our elementary schools are organized. Minutes of all meetings are available on projected construction starting in June. The major impact of being ahead of
schedule at this time is the amount of work that can be completed in the summer
our website. Click on “District Information,” and then “Grade Level Schools.”
At the second meeting in January, on Tuesday, January 26, Jill Berkowicz of 2010. There’s a considerable amount of lead time required to fabricate some
and Eileen Sicina will be presenting the Hagan audit. That meeting will be held of the building materials – like windows -- that will be needed in construction.
Awarding contracts as early as March or April will mean a greater amount of
at Hagan at 7:30 pm.
On February 8th, we will continue our discussion about next year’s bud- building materials will be available in the summer rather than consuming sumget. The topics for discussion that evening include secondary teaching staff, mer months in the fabrication stage.
There’s a caveat, nothing at NYSED is “sure,” and the project will not be
the music program, and the kindergarten program. We are hoping to have some information about state aid at that point. On February 23rd, Jill Berkowicz able to start before formal approval by the Commissioner, but the early indicaand Steve Malkischer will present the Middle School audit. Both meetings in tions are that the State is moving through the project approval stage must faster
than it has reviewed capital projects in the recent past. As of this date, capital
February will be held at Todd Middle School.
I hope that you will join us at these meetings. Your input is important to projects have also been exempt from discussions about the State’s fiscal crisis
the Board and the administration as we develop a budget that will lead us to the and measures consider by the Governor to help the state’s deficit and cash flow.
achievement of our strategic plan while remaining sensitive to the economic A detailed project update was provided on December 8, 2009 to the Citizens’
Committee on the High School Project. The Committee is comprised of the volneeds of the community.
unteers who spearheaded project development through the date of the public
vote last February. Updates are being posted on the District’s web-site and avail
Sincerely,
able under the “District Information” section in the left side of the home page.
Lois C. Powell
Kevin Geoghan
Assistant Superintendent
Hagan students performed a holiday concert at the Poughkeepsie Galleria on Friday, December 18.
Spackenkill Continuing Education / Winter/Spring 2010
GENERAL INFORMATION
• Classes are held at Spackenkill High
School (SHS), Todd Middle School
(TMS), Hagan and Nassau Elementary
School (HES). If a location is not listed
with the class you register for, you
will be notified of the location by mail.
•Continuing education classes will
not be held on Mon., February 15 and
Mon. - Friday, March 20 - April 1, 2010
and Mon., April 5, 2010.
•Classes will not be held when school is
canceled due to inclement weather.
•High School students can enroll in
classes.
•Spackenkill School District senior
citizen residents (62 & older) may
register for classes at no charge
provided there is a vacancy. Senior
Citizens, who are not Spackenkill
residents, may register for a class
at the resident rate. Not applicable
to Driver Education/Safety Classes.
•Confirmations
will
not
be
sent. You will only be notified
if the class is canceled or filled.
•Receipts will be given out at the first
class.
• No refunds will be made unless class
is canceled.
•Material/ book expenses are student’s
responsibility.
!!! PLEASE NOTE !!!
A class is canceled when there is
insufficient enrollment (usually less
than 8 students). If you are planning on
registering for a class, please send in your
registration at least a week before the start
of the class OR if you intend to register
for the class and your registration will not
reach us a week before the class begins,
please call 463-7800 to late register by
phone.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Quilting
Learn the steps necessary to make a quilt, pillow, or
wall hanging. For beginners or those experienced in
needlework. Limit 13 students.
Wednesday / 10 Classes / Jan. 27- April 7
7-9 PM / SHS Rm. 309 / Instr: Ellen Danziger
$30 Residents / $40 Non-resident
COMPUTER CLASSES
Basic Microsoft Excel
HEALTH & EXERCISE
Gentle Yoga
Breathe, relax, feel, watch, and allow ... Kripalu Yoga
is meditation in motion. Gently stretch & strengthen
body, mind & spirit. The perfect yoga class for beginning students, those with back care issues, fibromyalgia, or those looking to reduce stress. Please bring
yoga mat, pillow, and blanket.
Session 1: Monday / Jan. 25; Feb. 1, 8, 22;
March 1, 8 / 6:30 - 8 PM / Todd MS Band Rm. Instr: Brenda DeMartine / Charlessa Thatcher
Fee: $50 Residents / $60 Non-residents
Learn the basics of using this spreadsheet program.
Take advantage of Excel’s layout to organize lists of
information. Navigating, building and editing Excel
files, using columns and rows, and performing simple
calculations.
Session 2: Monday / April 12, 19, 26; May 3,
10, 17 / 6:30 - 8 PM / Todd MS Band Rm.
Instr: Brenda DeMartine / Charlessa Thatcher
Fee: $50 Resident / $60 Non-resident
Mon. & Thurs., Jan. 25 & 28 / 6:00 - 8:30 PM
SHS Rm. 109 / Instructor: Donna Milano
Fee: $30 Resident / $40 Non-resident
Yoga “Fore” Golf
DRIVER SAFETY
NYS 5 Hr. Prelicensing
This five hour class is for beginner drivers with a
valid learners permit and for other drivers who need
to obtain a NYS Drivers License. BRING LEARNERS PERMIT TO CLASS.
Fee: $20 / Spackenkill High School, Rm. 306
Session 1: January 19 & 21
Session 2: February 16 & 18
Session 3: March 16 & 18
Session 4: April 13 & 15
Session 5: May 18 & 20
Session 6: June 8 & 10
Tuesday & Thursday; 3- 5:30 PM
6 Hr. Defensive Driving
Offers 10% liability & collision insurance discount for
3 years, and up to 4 points reduced off your license.
Review safe driving techniques. PLEASE BRING
DRIVER’S LICENSE TO CLASS.
Session 1: Sat., March 6 / 9 AM - 3:30 PM
Session 2: Tues. & Thurs., April 13 & 15
6 - 9:15 PM
Fee: $40 / Spackenkill H.S., Rm. 103
Instructors: Steve Pogge & Brian Nichols,
Certified by Empire Safety Council.
Spring training for golf and other sports can be more
enjoyable (and less stressful) with a class designed
to focus on back care, core strength, shoulders, flexibility, and maybe ever lower your golf scores! This
gentle yoga class will provide you with a short daily
routine and a quick, effective 5 minute warm-up to
practice before you tee off or participate in other
sports.
Wednesday, April 28, May 5, 19 & 26
6:00 - 7:15 PM / Todd MS Band Rm.
Instructor: Brenda DeMartine
Fee: $40 Resident / $50 Non-Resident
Women’s Basic
Strength Training
Build stronger muscles, bones and joints, improve cardiovascular performance and achieve overall fitness at
any age. Using free weights & your own body weight,
this class will focus on building strength, balance, and
flexibility. Bring 3-5 lb. weights to class.
Wednesdays, Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24;
March 3, 10
6:30 - 7:30 PM / Todd MS Band Room
Instructor: Leigh Toth
Fee: $40 Resident / $50 Non-resident
Check for more information on
Spackenkill
Continuing Education Classes at:
www.spackenkillschools.org/adults
Spackenkill Continuing Education Mail Registration Form
Name ___________________________________________________________ Spackenkill District Resident  Senior Citizen 
Street/City/Zip _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Home Ph. _______________________ Bus. Ph. ____________________ Email Address __________________________________
Course 1 __________________________________________________________________________Registration Fee _________
Course 2 __________________________________________________________________________Registration Fee _________
Course 3 ___________________________________________________________________________Registration Fee ________
Total Registration Fee Enclosed $______ Make checks payable to: Spackenkill Continuing Education, 15 Croft Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
2
Parent Pointers . . .
A Message From the Pupil
Personnel Services Department
Many times parents have questions about how to access resources for themselves and their children. Knowing where to go to find these resources within
our community can be a difficult task. Dutchess County does have financial,
advocacy, health, recreational, counseling, and drug and alcohol treatment services available. Some resources have insurance/financial requirements while
others are available at low cost or with sliding scale fees. One way to start is to
access the Dutchess County Helpline at 845-485-9700. This service provides
crisis intervention as well as referral information for a variety of needs. Below
is a list of a few of the services available.
Financial
DC Community Action Partnership
77 Cannon St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, 845-452-5104
*services include: home energy assistance program, resale shops, assistance
with accessing health insurance, prescriptions, food and clothing, utilities assistance, and employment case management
Advocacy
Mental Health America of Dutchess County
253 Mansion St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, 845-473-2500
*education and mental health advocacy
Health
DC Department of Health
387 Main St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, 845-486-3410
*services offered include: childhood immunization clinics, early intervention
programs, and treatment/prevention of communicable diseases
Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus
Contact - Jackie Chapman at 452-5104 ext. 126
Child Health Plus is health insurance for children up to 19 years old, and Family Health Plus is health insurance available to qualified applicants between the
ages of 19 to 64 years old. Advocates at Family Partnership will help parents
fill out the paper work to determine eligibility for these programs.
Recreation
Mill Street Loft
45 Pershing Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, 845-471-7477
*art related activities and programs
DC Public Works-Parks
85 Sheafe Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590, 845-298-4600
*summer recreation programs/camps
Counseling
Astor Services for Children and Families
13 Mt. Carmel Place, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, 845-452-5965
*counseling and psychiatric services for children
DC Youth Bureau
27 High St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, 845-486-3665
*provides no cost counseling to persons between the ages of 4-21 who live in
Dutchess County
*Youth Workers can meet with individuals at home, school, or a convenient
location
St. Francis Hospital
241 North Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, 845-483-5000
*Outpatient Counseling & Psychiatric Services
Drugs and Alcohol
Liberty Behavioral Management Corp.
Arms Acres
75 Seminary Hill Rd., Carmel, NY 10512, 800-989-2676
*Substance Abuse Chemical Dependency Rehabilitation
Lexington Center for Recovery
20 Manchester Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603, 845-486-2950
*Treatment of people affected by Alcoholism and Drug Dependency
The above services are only a few of all that is available in Dutchess County.
Please do not hesitate to call your child’s school social worker or psychologist for
additional information or to ask a specific question if a need for services arises.
Submitted by Kate Casucci
School Psychologist
PTA News
District
Happy New Year! Our new (SRO) Student Resource Officer, Dawn Abbagliato, will speak at
our next meeting on “Sexting”. Please join us on Jan 19, 7:30 p.m. at the High
School.
A special thank you goes out to the Craft Fair committee, volunteers, and
our custodial staff for a job well done.
The Spackenkill District PTA invites the Spackenkill Community to join us
in honoring our 2010 Life Membership recipients. The new Life Members will
be honored during the annual Founder’s Day Ceremony on February 16, 2010
at 7:00 PM in the Todd Dining Hall. Everyone is invited to join us for the ceremony and reception. Check the PTA link in mid-January for an announcement
of the recipients.
Todd
Happy New Year to all our friends at Todd, may you have a happy and
healthy 2010!
Attention Stop’N’Shop Shoppers--Shop and Benefit Todd Middle School! Before you go grocery shopping, please remember to register your Stop’N’Shop
card with the A+ Bonus Bucks program--our school ID is 08132. Each cardholder can register up to 3 schools with the points being divided up among the
schools. Give the school ID to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends and
they can also register their Stop’N’Shop cards (even if they do not live in the
district). Our school benefits and you do not have to buy anything beyond what
you normally buy!! The program ends in March so please register before doing your holiday grocery shopping. If you find you are having an issue with
registering, email Jeanna at [email protected] with your 13-digit Stop’N’Shop
card number(s) and the first three letters of your last name.
There are currently openings for parent representatives on the Site Based
Management Team at Todd. The SBMT is a group of teachers, administrators
and parents that work together towards goals that the group determines each
year. These goals may have an impact on instruction or curriculum, but will
always have a focus on improving the quality of education for our students. The
SBMT meets every third Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in the Library. For more information on how you can be a part of this dynamic group, contact Dot Kellogg
at 473-8081.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Dining Hall. The evening’s guest speaker will be Dr. Lois Powell, speaking on
the District’s Strategic Plan and the budget. A ceremony to honor our Reflections winners will also be held that evening. Mark your calendars: The Valentine’s Day Dance will be held on Friday,
February 5 and once again, the Todd PTA will be serving up tasty pizza and selling novelty items. On Friday, February 12, the PTA will be selling carnations for
Valentine’s Day during all the lunch periods. Students can purchase flowers to
give or to keep! And finally, make a note to join us on Wednesday, February 17
at 7:00 in the Dining Hall for our monthly Todd PTA meeting. See you then!
Nassau
Welcome back! We hope all of you had a wonderful holiday and wish all
the best for the New Year. The PARP packets are coming home shortly so get
your books ready for our Parents As Reading Partners program! Our theme this
year is Reading Along the River. We have many wonderful events planned! The River Ramblers, storytelling artists and balladeers, will kick-off our reading celebration with workshops about the Hudson River. Local actor, George
Conrad, currently starring in an Off-Broadway play, will visit our school to perform. Don’t forget to bring “Historic Henry” with you when traveling around
the Hudson Valley. We look forward to your pictures and journal entries and
will display them on our new smart board in the library! Some classroom activities will include a Reading Café, guest readers and more! Look for notices
from the PTA as to dates and times. If you can volunteer, please contact Tara
Speranza at 463-9005.
The Gertrude Hawk fundraiser will take place in February. Receive your
candy in time for the spring holidays. All proceeds benefit the Nassau PTA. If
you have any questions or would like to help, please contact Beth Lee.
Don’t forget our annual Valentine’s Day Carnation Sale! Place your order
for carnations for your loved one, child’s teacher or friend! Karen Keith and
Joanne Van Ness will soon be taking orders so look in your child’s backpack for
further information.
Our Spaghetti Dinner will also take place in February. Flyers will be soon
sent out with the date and time. If you have any questions or would like to help,
please contact Chris Sample.
The Nassau PTA would like to extend a big thank you to Barb Conrad for
completing one of our PTA projects. We appreciate all of her efforts and we are
very grateful for all of her hard work. Thanks again for stepping in at the last
minute and doing a great job!
PTA News continued on next page
3
PTA News Continued
Hagan
As the New Year begins, we reflect on some of the events that ended our
Hagan PTA 2009 …
Book Fair and Family Night: Thanks to your tremendous support, the Hagan
PTA raised approximately $1700.00. Students, parents and teachers were seen
happily buying good reads to carry them through the dreary winter months.
Family Night took on a more focused literary theme this year. The “Come
Dressed As Your Favorite Character” was won by Grace Collins in 1st Place as
Olivia, Daniel Collins in 2nd Place as Ian (Olivia’s little brother), and Miss Gabel
in 3rd Place as Pippi Longstocking. Our Trivia Challenge proved to be a popular
event and was won by John Paul Mancini (K-1), Evan Habert (2-3) and Noelle
Mancini (4-5). The winners of the Book Basket Raffle went to Zeyad Zoha (K-1),
Lisa Moskowitz (2-3), Cameron Mulcahy (4-5), Miss Gabel (Computer Games),
Kerry O’Gorman (Science), and Hailey Plumb (Read Around the World). Leyla
Shapiro won the wonderful book-shaped cake baked and decorated by our Librarian, Sara Shepis. The students were entertained by some lovely storytelling by
Miss Gabel and then by a Magical Memories Magician. Thanks to all of you who
provided treats for the Bake Sale and/or
who volunteered to help with Book Fair.
BoxTops: Thank you for making
our BoxTop Kick-Off Collection very
successful. Hagan collected 8,040 BoxTops! Our Top 3 Student Collectors are:
Jinwu Ahn (763), Lauren Murray (231)
and Zachary Cioffi (220). Each student
will receive a Webkinz. The Top Collecting Class was Ms. Moren’s 5th grade
Lauren Murray and Zachary Cioffi
with 846 BoxTops. They won bragging rights and a pizza party!
Jinwu Ahn
Mrs. Moren’s 5th grade won a pizza party
by collecting the most BoxTops.
Our next collection is Friday, January 8th (note change). Top Class will win
a Pancake Party! Top Student will receive $25.00 gift card to Toys-R-Us.
We look toward the events that will kick-off our Hagan PTA in 2010. Movie
Nights: Friday, Jan. 15 for K-2 students. Friday, Feb. 12 for students in grades
3-5. Movies TBA.
Spelling Bee: Noun. Definition: A competition in which the object is to see
who can spell the most words correctly. Use in a sentence: We hope you’ll
attend the Hagan Spelling Bee on Friday, Feb. 19 (snow date, Feb. 26). Etymology: From the Old English “spellian” meaning to tell or to speak and the Old
English “beo.” Our 2nd Annual Spelling Bee is designed to be a fun evening
opened to grade 3-5 participants. Bee on the lookout this month for details.
PARP (Parents as Reading Partners) will kick-off Friday, Feb. 19. Hagan PTA Meetings: Come on out Tuesday, Jan. 12 and Monday, Feb. 22 at
7:30 in the Teachers’ Lounge. Thanks to Girl Scout Troop #10580, babysitting is
provided. Ms. Barbara O’Day will be present at our January meeting to present
to parents the Personal Safety Presentation she presents to our students.
We are now accepting donations for the “Mary Nell Palumbo Memorial
Fund”. Our committee is looking forward to creating an appropriate memorial
to honor Mary Nell’s dedication and love for the children and the programs at
our Hagan Elementary School. Cash or Checks made out to Hagan PTA (Palumbo Fund) can be placed into the PTA mailbox in the Hagan Main Office.
We thank you in advance for supporting this special tribute to Grace, Charlotte, and Lucy’s Mom!
A MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT HEALTH
AND WELLNESS COMMITTEE
From the American Heart Association: Top 10 Ways to Help Children
Develop Healthy Habits
1. Be a positive role model. Practice healthy habits yourself. 2. Get the whole family active. Plan physical activities that benefit everyone.
3. Limit TV, video game and computer time.
4. Customize physical activity. Kids will stick with what they enjoy. 5. Be supportive. Celebrate successes promotes confidence. 6. Set specific goals and realistic limits. Set them up for success, not failure.
7. Find new ways to celebrate good behavior. Don’t use snacks as rewards.
8. Make dinnertime a family time. Get the kids involved in the kitchen.
9. Make a game of reading food labels.
10. Be an advocate for healthier children. Make your voice heard outside the home.
Elementary
Kindergarten Registration
Registration for full day kindergarten for Hagan and Nassau Elementary
schools will take place in February.
To be eligible to enter school in September 2010, a child must be five (5)
years old on or before December 1, 2010. Parents must bring proof of age (birth
certificate, baptismal certificate, or hospital record) at the time of registration.
Parents must bring proof of residency (lease, mortgage document, deed, or tax
bill). NO OTHER DOCUMENTS ARE VALID.
New York State Public Health Law requires schools to have on file for each
child entering and attending school, a statement from a physician indicating immunization against Poliomyelitis, Diptheria, Tetanus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella,
Hepatitis B and Varicella (Chicken Pox). Dates must include month-day-year of
immunization. Forms are available in Hagan & Nassau schools’ main office.
Hagan Kindergarten Registration Dates
Tuesday & Wednesday, February 23 & 24, 2010 / 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Children living in the following areas will register at Hagan Elementary School:
South Rd., north of Croft Corners; Kingwood Park; Flower Hill; Beechwood
Ave. and adjoining areas including Sharon Dr.; Brookdale Estates; Schoolhouse La.; Hasbrouck Dr. and adjoining areas. Spackenkill Rd. east of Twin
Hills Rd.; Hagantown area; Old Farms Rd.; Casper Creek Dr.; Twin Hills area;
Cedar Ave., Kimlin Ct. and Walnut Hill area.
Nassau Kindergarten Registration Dates
Wednesday & Thursday, February 24 & 25, 2010 / 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Children living in the following areas will register at Nassau Elementary
School: Essex Rd., Sheraton Dr. and adjoining areas; Nassau Rd. and adjoining area; South Gate Dr. area; and the west side of Route 9, south of Croft Rd.
4
High School Spotlight
Other School News
The students from the High School once again helped collect food and non perishable
items for the Stuff the Bus
food drive November 12th14th. Several boxes of food
from the high school joined
the many boxes that were donated by Spackenkill families
throughout the district.
On November 2224th, students from SHS Student Government attended
the NYS Council on Student
Leadership and Activities state conference at the Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga
Springs, NY. During the three day conference, students and their advisers attended workshops and heard excellent keynote speakers address the topics of
student leadership, school spirit activities, building school community, fund
raising ideas and the importance of conducting community service. Attending
from Spackenkill were: Brittany Lo- SGO president, Haley Ullinger- SGO
Vice President, Breanna Syslo, Carli Salvati, Emma Feldman, Brian Caldwell,
Luca Balbo- all SGO representatives, and adviser Ms. Joann Klein. The Spackenkill GO was recognized as having the best banner. The student made the banner and it highlighted the many activities the SGO sponsors. They also were
recognized as a member of the Honor Council for their generous donation to the
NYS Charity, “Dancing Dreams”, a program that helps severely handicapped
children learn to dance.
Submitted by Ms. Joann Klein
Spackenkill High School Social Worker
Spackenkill High School Scholarship Opportunities
SCHOLARSHIP
Gates Millennium Scholarship DEADLINE
January 11, 2010
NYS/PTA Jenkins Memorial Scholarship
January 15, 2010
NYS/PTA Youth Humanitarian Award (In Memory of Stanley Marcus) January 31, 2010
2010 PDK Scholarship Grants
Phi Delta Kappa - SUNY New Paltz Chapter
February 1, 2010
Ronald McDonald House Charities
U.S. Scholarship Program (3 different scholarships)
February 16, 2010
Dorothea Deitz Memorial Scholarships
March 1, 2010
Assoc. of Fire Districts/State of New York Ned Carter Scholarship March 6, 2010
TEGFederal Credit Union Scholarship Athletics
April 16, 2010
Athletes of the Month
Varsity Basketball
Amanda Waldron - Senior
Danielle Waldron - Senior
Amanda and Danielle are three year
varsity players and are tri-captains on
this year’s team. Amanda, a guard, and
Danielle, a forward, lead by example with
their dedication and hard work towards
their academics and basketball. Both are
very committed to improving as individuals and to their teammates. We are very
fortunate to have this special set of twins
in our program as we continue to work
hard for success during this season.
This year’s Reflections’ program theme is “Beauty Is ...”. The winners
from both the school and district level are listed below and the district level
winners will go on to the Taconic District Level to be judged:
SCHOOL LEVEL PLACEMENTS
Spackenkill High School
Literature: 1st Place - Phoebe Wang; 2nd Place - Ashley Joy
Visual Arts: 1st Place - Samuel Wu; 2nd Place - Olivia Arcuri;
3rd Place - Tanvi Jaluka
Photography: 1st Place - Shannon Fiore; 2nd Place - Olivia Arcuri; 3rd
Place - Gayle Raften & Nicole Nelson
Todd Middle School
Literature: 1st Place - Alice Chen; 2nd Place - Zuha Anwar;
3rd Place - Lavinia Liang
Dance: 1st Place - Melissa Bostjancic
Film: 1st Place - Melissa Bostjancic
Music: 1st Place - Lavinia Liang; 2nd Place - Maxwell James
Photography: 1st Place - Maxwell James; 2nd Place - Brenna Nelson;
3rd Place - Ian Fiore
Visual Arts: 1st Place - Lavinia Liang; 2nd Place - Melissa Bostjancic
Hagan Elementary School
Literature (K-2): 1st Place - Aditya Shankar; 2nd Place - Melissa Conti;
3rd Place - Abigail Straus
Literature (3-5): 1st Place - Anubhav Shankar; 2nd Place -Anya Justin;
3rd Place - Samuel Chen; Honorable Mention - Leyla Volberg-Shapiro
Noteworthy Entrants - Jenna Kerr, Yan Lam Ko, Yan Lok Ko
Photography (K-2): 1st Place - Alexander Zhu; 2nd Place - Aditya Shankar;
Dustin Burgess, Johnny Mulcahy; Honorable Mention - Anna Roberts, Maya Joy
Photography (3-5): 1st Place - Manavi Jaluka; 2nd Place - Zachary Cioffi;
3rd Place - Eileen Fiore & Annika Hill; Honorable Mention - Joseph Arcuri,
Megan James, Elizabeth Straus; Noteworthy Entrants - Donna Bostjancic,
Samuel Chen, Craig Fadelici, Sneha Kamada, Abigail Kaufman, Jake Kaufman,
Yan Lam Ko, Sarah McCall, Madison Myers, Anubhav Shankar, Leyla VolbergShapiro
Visual Arts (K-2): 1st Place - Aditya Shakar; 2nd Place - John Mancini, Abigail Straus; 3rd Place - Alexander Zhu, Maya Joy
Visual Arts (3-5): 1st Place - India Adolfsson & Allison Delmar; 2nd Place
- Sneha Kamada and Nathan Liang; 3rd Place - Yan Lam Ko; Honorable
Mention - Donna Bostjancic & Maika Jarow; Noteworthy Entrants - Jessica
Cohen, John Conti, Abigail Kaufman, Manavi Jaluka, Megan James, Anubhav
Shankar, Leyla Volberg-Shapiro and Niya Upadhayala
Music (3-5): 1st Place - Annika Hill; 2nd Place - Elizabeth Straus; 3rd Place
- Anubhav Shankar; Honorable Mention: Manavi Jaluka and Megan James;
Noteworthy Entrant - Nymisha Upadhayula Dance Choreography (3-5): 1st Place - Donna and Melissa Bostjancic; 2nd
Place - Sneha Kamada; 3rd Place - Madeleine McCall
Film/Video Production (3-5): Honorable Mention - Manavi Jaluka and Yan Lam Ko
Nassau Elementary School
Literature (3-5): 1st Place - Fahima Zaman
Visual Arts (K-2): 1st Place - Mariam Anwar & Kalen McGinley; 2nd Place
- Erin McGinley; 3rd Place - Richard Callamari
Visual Arts (3-5): 1st Place - McKenzie Dominick; 2nd Place -Fahima Zaman; 3rd Place - Cassidy Gent
Photography (3-5): 1st Place - McKenzie Dominick; 2nd Place - Fahima Zaman
DISTRICT LEVEL PLACEMENTS
Visual Arts: 1st Place - Olivia Arcuri, Spackenkill H.S.; 2nd Place - Melissa
Bostjancic, Todd M.S.; 3rd Place - Alexander Zhu, Hagan; Honorable Mention: Aditya Shankar and John Mancini (Hagan)
Varsity Cheerleading
In the first month of practice, Ashley displayed truly amazing leadership skills. She
has been able to balance school, work and
practice schedules in order to set the example
for the other athletes. Ashley maintains her
positive and inspiring attitude through even
the most grueling and tedious practices. The
other members of the squad not only look to
her for knowledge but for her energy and positive motivation.
Submitted by Marco Lanzoni
Athletic Director
Reflections Program
Ashley Peterkin- Senior
Photography: 1st Place - Olivia Arcuri, Spackenkill H.S.; 2nd Place - Maxwell James, Todd M.S.; 3rd Place - Nicole Nelson, Spackenkill H.S.
Film Production: 1st Place - Melissa Bostjancic
Dance Choreography: 1st Place - Sneha Kamada, Hagan; 2nd Place - Maddie McCall, Hagan; 3rd Place - Donna Bostjancic, Hagan
Literature: 1st Place - Samuel Chen, Hagan; 2nd Place - Zuha Anwar, Todd;
3rd Place - Abigail Straus, Hagan
Music Composition: 1st Place - Annika Hill, Hagan; 2nd Place Elizabeth Straus, Hagan; 3rd Place - Lavinia Liang, Todd
5
Todd
Highlights
The Todd Middle School’s Studio in Art trip to the Francis Lehman Loeb
Art Center at Vassar College was a very enjoyable experience. Students were
introduced to original pieces of artwork spanning from Albrecht Durer’s 16th
century prints inspired by the artists of the Italian Renaissance, to Modern Minimalist artwork. Mikey, our very helpful and knowledgable Docent, took us
through the Loeb’s permanent collection which included several Hudson River
School paintings that we had previous studied. Students took turns critiquing
and expressing their opinions on all of the artwork we visited, and were open to
discussing differing opinions and interpretations for each piece. I think that we
all felt a little closer to the art community through this experience, and students
loosened up to the curiousity behind minimal and abstract art as well.
In November the Todd Middle School Student Government presented a catered
breakfast to our bus drivers to thank them for the wonderful things they do for the
students. Musical performances, as well as a skit by the drama club, and music from
the Jazz Band were presented. Snack bags and presents were given to the drivers.
The Student Government wanted to honor thank the troops in Iraq and
the school collected over 400 items in categories including entertainment, toiletries, and food to help the troops celebrate the holidays and bring a smile to
those who serve, even though they are far from home.
On December 11, Spackenkill community senior citizens were invited to
a holiday celebration. Breakfast was served and musical performances by students and the school Jazz band were presented. The seniors were offered gifts
for the holiday season and poinsettias were faffled off. The gifts were ornaments
and tissue cases made by the students. The event was a big success!
Submitted by Steven Malkischer
Todd Middle School Principal
Submitted by Amy Frohlich
Todd Middle School Art Teacher
Nassau News
Second Graders at Nassau Elementary School have really been enjoying school!
American History was brought alive in November by learning about the Pilgrims and
Native Americans. During the month, the children learned about the Pilgrim way of
life through a child’s perspective. They participated in many different activities and
read many stories. They were also very busy writing during this month. They wrote
about the many things for which they are thankful. At the end of the month the children came together for a Thanksgiving Celebration where they sang songs and did two
short plays for their families and friends. The children looked wonderful thanks to
the help of Ms. Gorey. They worked hard on their costumes in Art Class. The class
sounded great thanks to the help of Ms. Berube. The boys and girls practiced their
songs all month long in music class. We wouldn’t have been able to do such a wonderful job without their help. The students had a great time and did an amazing job!
Our Second Graders also had a fantastic time learning about the beautiful
holiday season. The students had the opportunity to “tour” the world by talking
about various holidays. The students even made their own passports that they
had to have “approved” for their journeys! They learned about many different
holiday traditions and celebrations from countries around the world. They enjoyed making many special crafts this month. The students loved listening to
festive holiday music while working on these fun crafts.
The second graders were also very busy writing this month too. They wrote
about a special gift that they could give to someone that is from the heart that
does not cost any money. These stories came out so great. We are sure everyone enjoyed these very special gifts. Mrs. Strapec and Ms. Fyffe are very proud
of our super second graders! The Second Grade at Nassau Elementary School
wants to wish everyone a very Happy and Healthy New Year!
Submitted by Melissa Strapec and Mary Jane Fyffe
Nassau 2nd Grade Teachers
Students in Ms. Cooper’s 8th grade music appreciation class
traveled to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on a field trip.
Todd Students of the Month - October & November
David was recognized as a caring, helpful
energetic young man who has had a positive
impact on the classroom by making the classroom a community. David never complains;
he is reliable and always works to the best of
his ability. He has a natural desire to learn
and acts as a positive role model.
David Bordowitz - 6th Grade
Jillian’s teachers describe her as a pleasant,
prepared, engaged student who asks insightful
questions. She is always willing to help others. Jillian goes beyond what is expected of her. She
has a strong positive character. She treats others
with respect and makes a positive difference in
our school. Jillian has qualities of a leader.
Jillian Hennessey - 8th Grade
Grace is described by her teachers as someone
who always smiles and has a great attitude. She is
The Nassau School students
participated in the Great Halloween Candy Exchange and donated
their treats, weighing 125 pounds! Through the partnership of The
Children’s Medical Group, Dutchess
County Government, Astor, and All
Sport Fishkill, all of the donations
will be sent to the US troops in Iraq
and Afghanistan as well as local VA
hospitals. In exchange for our donation, our school library will receive
30 books. This is definitely a treat! Thank you Nassau students for your
thoughtfulness and generosity.
Submitted by Barbara Craft-Reiss
Nassau Principal
a great role model in terms of an excellent student. Grace goes the extra mile to do an excellent job. She takes school and her responsibilities seriously. At Nassau school Healthy
Snack Friday has continued
Grace is willing to help out other students.
with students tasting cantelope
and pineapple. Cantelope was
a huge success with students
asking for more, and pineapple
received mixed reviews! Thank
Grace Palumbo - 7th Grade
you so much to Shop Rite who
Bailey’s teachers describe Bailey as going
donated the fresh fruit. We apabove and beyond at working hard. She is quick
preciate their involvement and support of our Eat Well/ Play Hard project. Stuto help other classmates by extending herself to
dents at Nassau have been looking forward to our special healthy snack Friday’s
help others without being asked. She is compasand trying to anticipate what delicious fruit or vegetable they will be tasting next
sionate and always engaged.
month. They are also enjoying their morning energizers. Parents please continue
to send in fruit and vegetables for your child’s snack. Submitted by Steven Malkischer
Todd Middle School Principal
Bailey Riley - 6th Grade
6
Submitted by Sue Ymbras
Nassau School Nurse
Orville A. Todd Middle School
Honor Roll - 1st Quarter
Nassau News continued
The Nassau School Leadership Team sponsored a Pajama Day on December
22nd. The whole school participated by wearing their warm pj’s and bringing
in a stuffy! The leadership team consists of 4th and 5th graders who plan both
philanthropic events and community building activities. They are an amazing
group of students.
The Nassau School Book Club, made up of voracious readers in 4th and 5th
grade, are trying to solve the mystery of Sharon Creech’s Walk Two Moons.
The students are paying special attention to interesting language and when they
are done with the book, they’ll be imitating the author’s style when they create
a Nassau version. Minimum average 90% / no grade 74 or lower no
incompletes
Grade Six
Naile Akhter
Aidan Alnwick
Sienna Anderson
Zayd Anwar
Savannah Barefoot
Louis Benedetto
Kai Bjork
David Bordowitz
Julia Caldwell
Breanna Calli
William Carranza
Mia Chin
Christian Chou
Sarah Choudhury
Gaetano Citera
Lexie Close
Teresa Condorelli
Shania Conklin
Patrick Daley
Andrew Davis
Margaret Delorey
Jonathan Diaz
Morgan Dominick
Phoebe Elmendorf
Hannah Emigh
Neil Errickson
Brian Fainguersch
Isaac Feldman
Nathan Ficht
Ian Fiore
Stanley Garrant
Brian Griffing
Justin Habert
Emilee Haddad
Claire Hammond
Christina Hartenfels
Julian Heaven
James Hooker
Danielle Horning
The Nassau School After School Tutoring program is in full swing and we
are so pleased with all of our students and volunteers. Thanks to our regular
volunteers …Mrs. Speranza, Mrs. Hutchinson, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Palome, Mrs.
Byrne, Mrs. Lanza, Mrs. Crichton, Mrs. Collishaw, Mrs. Craft-Reiss, Jessica
Baker, and the Senior Girl Scout Troop 10056 for helping us!
Submitted by Barbara Craft-Reiss
Nassau Principal
Hagan Highlights
David Ben-Ezra, a 2nd grader
in Mrs. Wilcox’s class, placed 7th
in the New York State 2K/run and
he went on to place in The American
Amateur USA Nationals in Disney
World this past month. David came
in 52nd out of 88 runners with a time
of 9 minutes and 16 seconds. We
are so proud of his accomplishment.
Congratulations David!
Submitted by Eileen Sicina
Hagan Principal
The Hagan Health Committee hosted its first “Hats on Day” on Friday, December 4th. This is a fundraiser associated with The Foundation for Children
With Cancer. The fundraiser began in 1995 and was founded by a group of 6th
grade students. Hagan students and faculty were very excited to support this
wonderful cause. Participants made a donation to the foundation and in return
wore a hat to school that day. We are proud to announce that we raised $727.20
to help children with cancer and their families. Way to go Hagan!
Submitted by Dina Giangrasso
Hagan TAG Program
The 4th and 5th grade students at Hagan are participating in the Project
MOBILE and GREAT USA partnership programs with Marist College again
this year. In December the boys were visited by the Marist men’s lacrosse
team, and the Hagan girls met with the Marist women’s lacrosse and water
polo teams. During these kick-off
events, the Marist student-athletes
shared their successes in school and
sports. The Hagan students interviewed these athletes and learned
more about these athletes as people
as well as many other aspects of
their college and personal lives. An
emphasis was placed on how these
athletes successfully balance their
academic life with athletics and
their social life by making good decisions and recognizing that there is
always a need to make concessions.
These Marist student-athletes are
outstanding role models for our
young and impressionable elementary students. All the participants
are looking forward to the Marist
athletes’ monthly visits to Hagan
starting in January.
Submitted by Colleen Drummond
Technology Teacher
7
Kevin Jelinek
Eric Jones
Danielle Kaminski
Melanie Katz
Jordan Kerr
Tristyn Koren
Sereene Kurzum
Katherine Lillis
Janaya Lindsey
Gabrielle Mastrantuono
Conner McGinnis
Emily McGinley
Gautam Mekkat
Brenna Nelson
Kevin Nizza
Courtney Noll
Mah Noor
Brian Owen
William Panuska
Dan Perez
Deanna Porco
Samantha Ramus
Courtlandt Reichel
Elizabeth Riehl
Bailey Riley
Courtney Robishaw
Antoinette Russolello
Denise Santos
Madeline Schmauch
Alina Schroeder
Jonathan Schwoerer
Morgan Setzer
Alexander Strom
Juan Varela
Jacob Webster
Adam Wennersten
Kyle White
Melainy Williams
John Zani
Todd Middle School Honor Roll Continued on Next Page
Todd Middle School Honor Roll Continued
Grade Eight
Grade Seven
Olivia Ackerman
Lindsey Ackert
Zuha Anwar
Nithila Arumugam
Alyssa Benedetto
Courtney Bruce
David Candia-Domingo
Ellen Chan
Adreanna Chesky
Stephen Cioffi
Katherine Clark
Brandon Conrad
Thomas Conti
Dylan Cook
Timothy Cremins
Matthew Davis
Bradley Delmar
Nikhil Dhawan
Rebecca Driever
Michael Dwyer
Christopher Finck
Sara Friedland
Elizabeth Gagliardi
Rachel Gifford
Fred Gong
Sophia He
Jonathan Hild
Renee Hilelson
Maxwell James
Paul Kastanis
Jacqueline Kellogg
Michael Kennedy
Julia Kollesar
Vanessa Lam-Tran
Justin Lin
James Linacre
Kyla McCaffrey
Katherine Murray
Andrew Mwakibinga
Cara Nectow-Boss
Lily Palaia
Grace Palumbo
Margaret Patkus
Steven Peters
Amanda Ravas
Teresa Rokitowski
Azeeza Saafir
Max Samson
Kayleigh Schneeberger
Nur Sher
Allison Smith
Eric Song
Anna Thompson
Amy Tirado
Laura Varela
Matthew Wu
Amber Wustrau
Francesca Zani
Victoria Zhou
Devika Adusumilli
Jonathan Albertson
Shasche Allen
Paige Arcuri
Quentin Bade
Bridget Barry
Anthony Bartolotta
Jeffrey Bell
Evan Bish
Issac Choi
Sabrina Choi
Ivana Citera
Isabella Condorelli
Kortney Coulombe
Colin Delahoyde
Kelly Devenny
Emily Didylowski
Michael Drummond
Brian Gannon
Samuel Gropper
Timothy Gugumuck
Nimisha Gupta
Zakari Haines
Jillian Hennessey
Sam Heraghty
Morgan Hoeft
Dana Jackson
Benjamin Jenkins
Gabriel Karp
Sean Kaufman
Charles Kawalski
Jennifer Kazda
Emily Keller-Coffey
Karleigh Kowalski
Daniel LaGasse
Lavinia Liang
Derek Lo
Christina Lundin
Hamza Maanane
Arya Mekkat
Madelyn Miller
Anthony Moreira
Fanya Mozeshtam
Jonathan Nedin
Tyler Olson
Stephen Ou
Angelina Russolello
Ibraheem Saafir
Ashley Schnackenberg
Kevin Seager
Thomas Shaffer
Miranda Smith
Kathryn Soricelli
Cameron Stamper
Victor Twal
Anne Vaeth
Leanna Van Wassenhove
Daniel Yuan
Brian Zeoli
Orville A. Todd Middle School Merit Roll - 1st Quarter
Minimum average 85% / no grade 70 or lower / no incompletes
Grade Six
Spencer Baguio
Julia Bordowitz
Mara Breglia
Jessica Caunedo
Tyler Conklin
Bianca D’Aprile
Ariana DelliPaoli
Sabrina Diecidue
Anthony Dragonetti
Zalma Duale
Rebecca Fashona
Emily Genco
Christopher Izold
Brittany Kanthak
Arzam Khan
Connor LaGasse
Juliana LaRossa
Keliza Lewinson
Katie Lhungay
Nicole Lyall
Jenna Maneri
Allison Moren
McKenzie Rossman
Joseph Spranzman
Jason Stevens
Isabella Wilson
Grade Seven
Deyry Acevedo
Jeyry Acevedo
Andre Albanese
Odalys Candia-Domingo
Bobbi Chapman
Francis Cross
Eric Dedrick
Molly Didylowski
Trevor Dolan
Justin Etts
Noelle Fracasse
Eamon Gekakis
Michael Guarino
Anthony Guerriero
Ibrahim Haddad
Grade Eight
Kayla Hansen
Monica Klaproth
Julia Lau
Madeline Kraemer
Brianna Mc Kee
Carly Mitchell
Samuel Morrone
Matthew Neiman
Scott Owen
Mark Palazzolo
Evan Polirer
Andrew Sahawneh
Alfredo San Jose Jr.
Sabrina Schaefer
Zahra Watson
Noelle Winnis
8
Gregory Allen
Sabrina Arico
Melissa Bostjancic
Richard Burr III
Stephanie Casanas
Nicola Citera
Jordan Deeb
Steven Dworkin
Carly Gerardi
Christopher Hagerty
James Hannan
Alyssa Hart
Brian Heusinger
Brianna Horning
Christopher Kellogg
Harrison Klipp
Ashley Maguire
Christopher Mastmann
Tyler McGuire
Jordan Mendez
Milagros Mercado
Marcus Moreno
Deeanna Ouimet
Emily Penzetta
Chad Reichel
Alexander Santagate
Kyle Santoro
Ryan Schroder
Inayathullah Shariff
Aislinn Speranza
Kaitlyn Tripp
William Winnis
Ryan Woolsey
Spackenkill High School Honor Roll - 1st Quarter
Minimum average 90 / no grade 74 or lower
Grade 9
Lindsay Ackerman
Olivia Arcuri
Elizabeth Astruc
Sharmeen Azher
Ciara Baisley
Luca Balbo
Karrie Bell
Russell Brearley
Sarah Bruley
Brian Caldwell
Taylor Carlin
Amy Cheng
Stephanie Cho
Joon Chung
Rachel Davis
Melissa Donovan
Rebecca Donovan
Martha Engle
Keith Errickson
Thomas Fink
Shannon Fiore
Sarah Glassberg
Kyle Green
Syed Hasan
James Hoey
Grade 10
Emily Hooker
Marc Horvath
Tanvi Jaluka
Shawn Kollesar
Jennifer Leon
Caitlyn Letterii
Frank Lin
Shang Zhi Liu
Eve Lombardi
Jessica Lyke
Jolene Martinko
Natalia Martirosova
Jayson Maserjian
Amy Moren
Nicole Nelson
Courtney Schneeberger
Steven Siwicki
Carter Song
Seana Tully
Thomas Vaeth
Caiden Williams
Candy Xiao
Martin Yu
Ariel Yuan
Kelsey Butkiewicz
William Chang
Philip Chou
Eridanus Collazo
Jason Cruz
Meghan Cutler
Isabella D’Esposito
Maximillian Dumas
Sean Egan
Taylor Espinoza
Emma Feldman
Andrew Gifford
Joseph Karp
Kathleen Kellogg
Leanne Koch
Jamie Lhungay
Morganne Lundin
Grade 11
Amanda Al-Sayah
Zachary Belok
Lindsay Byrnes
Jessica Calhoon
Gregory Cremins
Matthew Davis
Andrew Devenny
Sarah Fashona
Matthew Friedland
Kristina Garcia
Anthony Graves-McCleary
Marc Greenbaum
Stephen Gugumuck
Lana Hashim
Kyle Hoeft
Quinn Horvath
Julianna Incorvaia
Brian Jones
Stephanie Kawalski
Andrew Michos
Juliette Molella
Sheila Moore
Amanda Moreira
Christopher Mwakipesile
Luisa Neves
Alyssa Noll
Carrie Plover
Maria Popp
Brian Sobotko
Daniel Speranza
Tiffany Spranzman
Joseph Staten
Brandon Trimboli
Michael Vivirito
Christopher Zeoli
Anna Zhang
Grade 12
Leona Al-Sayah
Krysta Andreini
Sarah Bish
Greig Carruthers
Gabriel Chalfin-Piney
Jeffrey Cho
Jonathan Chou
Andrew Donovan
Nathan Feldman
Ryan Gallagher
Rachel Gropper
Joseph Heusinger
William Hild
Kaitlyn Hoey
Hannah Karp
Thomas Kellogg
Marco Lanza
Dax Lamar
Charlotte Li
Deanna Lin
Catherine Neno
Lydia Nsubuga
Amanda Ordonez
Vasudha Pandey
Kerry Purnell
Sara Ramus
Hadia Shah
Saritha Venugopal
Paul Vespo
Phoebe Wang
Rebecca Wilson
Christopher Yu
Michelle Yuan
Amy Zhao
Edward Zhou
9
Nina Liu
Michael Marrone
Kyle Martinko
Andrew Morgan
Clarice Muron-Bendaoud
Matthew Pantano
Tyler Quinn
Mackenzie Richter
Kayla Roberts
Ayla Senay
Sandeep Sikerwar
Michael Spens
Connor Thompson
Tamas Vilaghy
Diane Von Dehsen
Amanda Waldron
Danielle Waldron
Spackenkill High School Merit Roll - 1st Quarter
Minimum average 85 / no grade 70 or lower
Grade 9
David Braddy
Sabreena Cole
Sarah Common
Maureen Corcoran
Erica Cornell
Melissa Cornell
Alexander Daponte
Victoria Diesing-Fay
Ria Durkin
Brandon Fertig
Kevin Ganz
Heather Guarino
Brenna Haight
Ryan Jelinek
Beesanne Kurzum
Grade 10
Astrid Lorenzo
Laura Polirer
Gayle Raften
Nicholas Reynolds
Joshua Riley
Hannah Sahawneh
Dayana Santos
Jared Tennant
Dillon Turner
Katie Ullinger
Michael Wallace
Gerald Warhaftig
Shawn Wile
Ian Wustrau
Danielle Arasim
Louise Bartolotta
Aphatsara Chumkhamnoi
Michele Ciago
Mariah Conklin
Katelyn Conner
Evan DeVizio
Jared DiMarco
Deirdre Dwyer
Shelby Holt
Rachel Kazda
Abbey Kennedy
Jessica Kirchner
James Kruk
Grade 12
Grade 11
Gabriella Balbo
Sofia Bobi
Amanda Catale
Jeffrey Celestino
Gaetano Citera
Rachel Couch
Allyson Finck
Gabrielle Greiner
Prantik Gupta
Ashley Johnson
Tyler Lipscomb
Lucia Mercado
Katharine Neiman
Cherilyn Polito
Raneem Kurzum
Sean Lanza
Paul Lawson
Ricardo Lopez
Alexa Lundin
Monica Marrone
Anannay Miah
Gabrielle Perez
Tara Pittman
Papiya Rahman
Frank Russolello
Yuni Sher
Breanna Syslo
Sharonda Thomas
Danielle Vallone
Danielle Albertson
Hemang Bhatt
Nicole Brunetti
Nicholas Carbone
Brandon Codrington
Scott Colello
Kenneth Dawson
Rebecca D’Esposito
Gabriella Diecidue
Marcelene Figueroa
Nicole Fleischman
Bryan Flynn
Francis Gannon
Nicholas Garo
Stephen Greiner
Michael Griffing
Daniel Grunfeld
Julia Gunn
Kaitlyn Gunn
Jordan Hall
Caprice Haymes
Mackenzie Hoffman
Andrew Hogan
Megan Hurlburt
Zoe Rheingold
Paige Rodack
Andrea Salak
Fawziah Siddiqui
Nicholas Silvestri
Leanne Siwicki
Dedra Stukes
Eric Sullivan
Shelby Trimboli
Haley Ullinger
Andrew Wile
Kalese Williams
Samuel Wu
Evan Yieh
School Closings for January
All schools will be closed on Friday, Jan. 1, 2010
(Holiday Recess)
and Monday, Jan. 18, 2010 in observance
of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
School offices and the district office will be closed on
Friday, Jan. 1, 2010 (New Year’s Day)
and Monday, Jan. 19, 2010
in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
10
Rachel Jones
Sasikanth Kancherla
Nicholas Kustas
Kathryn Linacre
Brittany Lo
Joseph Marble
Patrick McDonough
Megan Milkovich
Stephanie Palazzolo
Ashley Peterkin
Brooke Pizzola
Antonio Privitera
Benjamin Raften
Muneerah Saafir
Adam Samson
Martin Philip San Jose
Chelsea Schwarze
Kassidy Sedore
Andrew Shaffer
Jeffrey Sobotko
Amanda Tirado
Cara Tully
Brian Usavich
Robert Zahurak
Sunday
Monday
1
Tuesday
2
Wednesday
3
Thursday
4
Friday
5
SHS
8th Grade
Parent Night
Todd MS
Valentine Dance
6-9 PM
Saturday
6
Nassau PTA
Spaghetti Dinner
5-8 PM / Nassau Cafe
Todd MS - Gr. 7-9
All County Music Festival Snowdate
7
8
Hagan
Healthy Spirit Week
9
10
Hagan/Nassau
Sharpe Parent Meeting
at Nassau
7 - 8 PM / Cafe
BOE Meeting
at Todd MS
8 PM
14
15
PRESIDENTS’ DAY
ALL SCHOOLS,
SCHOOL OFFICES AND
DISTRIC OFFICE
CLOSED
21
22
Hagan PTA
Meeting / 7:30 PM
16
District PTA
Life Membership
Ceremony / 7 PM
Todd MS Dining Hall
23
18
Todd MS PTA
Meeting / 7:30 PM
24
12
SHS
Leo Club Movie Night
/ 6-9 PM
13
Hagan PTA Movie Night
Gr. 3-5 / 6:25-9 PM
Nassau / Hagan
Holiday Parties
19
Nassau PTA
Meeting / 7 PM
Hagan PARP Begins
SHS PTA
Meeting / 7:30 PM
SHS
“Mr. Spack”
7 PM
25
Hagan
Hagan
Nassau
Kindergarten Registration Kindergarten Registration Kindergarten Registration
9 AM - 2 PM
9 AM - 2 PM
9 AM - 2:30 PM
BOE /LRP Mtg.
Todd MS / 7:30 PM
28
17
11
Hagan/Nassau
EOMP
26
20
27
Nassau
Kindergarten Registration
9 AM - 2:30 PM
February 2010
Take Note! Music News
Congratulations go out to band, choral and string students for their wonderful
and heartwarming performances throughout the month of December. We would
also like to give the following students an additional “round of applause” for their
recent outstanding musical accomplishments:
• On November 13th, professors Rita Porfiris (viola) and Anton Miller (violin)
from the Hartt School of Music came to Spackenkill High School for a morning
workshop. They each coached student chamber groups in the style of a master
class, with the rest of the class observing. The professors then performed a brief
informational session about what it was like to study music at the collegiate
level. They also performed famous violin and viola duets by Martinu and Handel/Havorsen. The students enjoyed the entire experience. This was a fabulous
opportunity for students to meet and be instructed by accomplished musicians
in the field.
• On November 20th and 21st, nineteen students from the band, chorus and
orchestra represented Spackenkill High School at this year’s Area All-State Festival, which was held in Hyde Park. Students participated in an intense series of rehearsals on both Friday afternoon and Saturday. These were followed
by a final concert performance was held on Saturday afternoon. The students
that participated in this festival were selected based upon their excellent performance skills. Congratulations to Eddie Zhou, Diane VonDehsen, Nina Liu,
Candy Xiao, Brian Caldwell, Andrew Liu, Michael Champagne, Aidan Phipps,
Bianca Carano, Marc Greenbaum, Daniel Speranza, Kyle Hoeft, Nicole Fleischman, Deanna Lin, Sarah Bish, Phoebe Wang, Frank Lin and Charlotte Li.
• The All-State Music Conference was held in Rochester, N.Y. from December
3rd – December 6th. Four
Spackenkill High School
students were selected to
perform with other musicians from across New York
State during this event. Sarah Bish played cello with
the Symphony Orchestra,
and Nina Liu, Deanna Lin
and Charlotte Li all played
violin with the String Orchestra. Performances were
held in the beautiful Eastman Theatre at the Eastman
School of Music. In addition to these orchestras, there is a Mixed Chorus, Womens’ Chorus, Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Ensemble, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic
Band. Over 7,500 students apply across the state, and less than 900 total are
accepted. In order to participate, students must prepare and perform a rigorous
solo at the All-State level for a judge in the spring. Based upon their score and
judge’s recommendation, students are invited to attend the conference. Students
from Spackenkill placed among the top 10 players of each section within their
orchestra. This means that they are among the best of the enitre N.Y. State string
playing population.
• On December 18th, the Hagan 5th Grade Chorus, along with select Gold
String and Advanced Band members performed at the Poughkeepsie Galleria. Their performance was in response to helping and supporting the Hospice Organization. In addition, a tree was on display throughout the month of December. The students created the ornaments centered around the theme of how music can
be a healing force.
The start of 2010 also brings along with it many more exciting musical experiences for our students. Throughout the month of January, Hagan and Nassau
Silver Strings students will be learning the basics of composition. They will be
writing their own music, culminating with inputting their music onto the computer using Sibelius Notation Software. Students will have the opportunity to
take their composition work to the next level by having the orchestra perform
their pieces at the Spring Concert. Gold String students in both buildings will
be learning the fundamentals of fiddling, as they learn selections from America,
Newfoundland, Ireland and beyond. They will also be working on their ear training skills by learning how to tune their own instruments.
At Hagan, under the direction of Mrs. Ratick and Mrs. Ciccone, the entire
second grade will be participating in the Vanaver Caravan Dance Residency Program. Multicultural dance specialist, Livia Vanaver, will explore dances from
various cultures with these students. The study of these cultures extends far beyond the classroom into students’ music and art classes. The project concludes
with two final performances on January 29th.
All County Festivals are still another way in which our students are actively involved in music. Select choral, band and orchestra students will be participating
in the upcoming Jr. High and High School Festivals. The Jr. High Festival will be
held at Dover High School on January 29th and 30th, and the High School Festival will be held at Beacon High School on February 19th and 20th. Many music
teachers throughout our county volunteer their time to organize these “noteworthy” events. We would like to acknowledge Ms. Julie Carter, our middle/high
school choral teacher, for taking on the responsibility to be this year’s choral
chairperson for the High School All-County Festival.
On February 26th, the Spackenkill Music Boosters will be sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner. There will be two dinner settings; one at 5:30PM and the other at
7:00PM. Both will be held in the dining hall at Todd Middle School. Highlights
of this event include a dessert table, silent auction and entertainment provided by
our music department. All proceeds will benefit the Spackenkill Music Booster
Club. For reservations, further details and/or questions, please contact the booster club at [email protected].
Submitted by Randi Ratick
11
Hagan Music Teacher
Dialogue
Spackenkill Union Free School District
District Office - 15 Croft Rd.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
january 2010
5
4
6
Saturday
1
2
7
8
9
14
15
16
happy new year!
3
Friday
NEW YEAR’S DAY
All schools,
offices and District
Office closed
Modified Winter
Athletic Team Photos
4-5:45 PM
School Reopens
Todd MS PTA
Meeting / 7 PM
10
11
12
BOE Mtg.
@ Todd MS / 8 PM
13
Hagan PTA Meeting / 7:30 PM
Nassau
Odyssey of the Mind
Spontaneous Night
6 PM
SHS PTA
Mtg. / 7:30 PM
Hagan PTA
Movie Night
Gr. K-2 / 6:20-9 PM
SHS
Bridge Night
6:30 PM / SHS Aud.
17
18
19
Martin Luther King,
Jr. Day
All schools, school
offices & district
office closed
20
Nassau
PARP Kick-Off
Assembly
21
PreLicensing Class
3-5:30 PM
SHS / Rm. 306
PreLicensing Class
3-5:30 PM
SHS / Rm. 306
22
23
Spackenkill HS
Spackenkill Idol
7-10 PM
Nassau PTA
Meeting / 7 PM
Todd MS
Student Govt. Spirit Wk.
District PTA Mtg.
7:30 PM / Spackenkill HS
24
25
26
Hagan/Nassau
DARE Graduation
7 PM / SHS Auditorium
(Snowdate 1/27)
27
SHS
Regents Exams
BOE / LRP Mtg.
7:30 PM / Hagan
SHS
Regents Exams
28
SHS
Regents Exams
Hagan/Nassau
DARE Graduation
Snowdate
Todd MS
All County Music
Festival - Gr. 7-9
30
Hagan
Artist-in-Residency
Program / Gr. 2 / 7 PM
SHS Regents Exams
31
Spackenkill UFSD
Emergency School - Closing Procedures
The Spackenkill School District will make all official school closings, delayed openings will be announced via:
* Our Automated Communication System [called SchoolMessenger]
* The cancellations.com website
* These local radio & television stations:
29
o WHVW: 950 AM o WKIP: 1450 AM
o WRNQ Q92: 92.1 FM
o WPKF/WFKP KISS FM: 96.1 & 99.3 FM
o WRKW: 92.9 FM o WELV: 1370 AM
o WSBK: 1260 AM
o WBNR: 104.7 FM
o WHUD: 100.7 FM
o WEOK/WPDH: 1390 AM
o WPDH/WCZX: 101.5 FM
o WCZX: 97.7 FM
o WRRV: 92.7 FM
o WRNN [TV]: Channel 62
o WRWD Country: 97.3 FM
o WBWZ Z-93: 93.3 FM
o WBPM Rhythm: 94.3 FM
o WGNY: 1220 AM
School Messenger has the ability to contact residents to make families aware of time sensitive information such
as school closings and delays, emergency dismissals, as well as last minute changes to scheduled events.
The decision to close schools will be announced over the above-listed stations on any day when adverse weather
conditions warrant such a decision. A delayed opening of one or two hours will be announced if weather conditions seem
to indicate that improving weather will permit a school day. Early school closings are also possible if weather conditions
turn adverse during the day. Parents are urged to make plans in advance to receive children home earlier on inclement
days.
On days when Spackenkill schools are closed or are delayed in opening, all school bus transportation to any private
or parochial schools served by the District will either be canceled or delayed, according to the Spackenkill schedule for
that day.
DIALOGUE
Newsletter of the
Spackenkill School District published
monthly during the school year
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mr. Ralph Chiumento, Jr., President
Mr. Michael McCall, Vice President
Mrs. Arij Kurzum
Dr. James Willoughby
Mr. Francis Pomarico
Lois Powell, Ed.D.,
Superintendent of Schools
Mrs. Jill Berkowicz, Editor
Ms. Kathleen Brazee, Assistant Editor
Administrative Offices
15 Croft Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
www.spackenkillschools.org