On February 13, the Rockland Jazz Society presented “BLUESDAY – A Celebration of the 94th Birthday of George Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue'” to delighted students at Cottage Lane Elementary School. The hand-picked ensemble formed for this special event included outstanding SOCSD musicians, alumni and professionals from the community: Albert Ahlf (Piano, alumnus), Mark Gould (Trumpet, community member), Henry H. (Violin, SOMS), Kevin Huang (Violin, TZHS), William Hughes (French Horn, SOCSD Music Faculty), Estelle Lee (Oboe, TZHS), Jordan Rinchiera (Trumpet, alumnus), Taylor Simpson (Percussion, alumna), Krystof Witek (Violin, community member), and Lukas W. (Violin, CLE).

“The entire ‘BLUESDAY-Celebrating the 94th Birthday of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue’ project is yet another testament to the incredible support for our music program. Professional members of the ensemble are among the elite of the New York musical community,” noted Mr. Charles Yassky (conductor and organizer, SOCSD Music Faculty). “Cottage Lane Elementary School music department staff members Lisa Kahn, Danelle Greene, Matthew Rotjan, Russell Wagoner and Jonathan Rossi were also part of the planning and execution of this project. Principal Karen Ramirez and Assistant Principal Rob Schliessman were also very hands-on and essential in helping to make this a very special event.”

“Our students are fortunate to have such a strong music department who not only teach them to be musicians, but also give them the opportunity to appreciate music in different ways,” said Mrs. Ramirez.

By now, many of us who have raised our families in the South Orangetown Central School District, are familiar with the term Family Resource Center (FRC), but there may not be a common understanding as to what the FRC is. The FRC, as it is currently configured, is primarily a resource for families who wish to transition their preschool-aged children into kindergarten. While this is an important feature of the FRC, the SOCSD Board of Education and the admin team are committed to expanding the role of the FRC in assisting families of all of our students (from kindergarten through high school graduation). We are seeking our community’s support in the 2018-19 budget cycle towards an enhanced FRC. These enhancements are designed to strengthen partnerships between our schools and our families.

Preparing all of our students to thrive in an increasingly complex world is the central goal of our school district. In order for us to do this, we need a mechanism that ensures that ALL of our families are connected to the school district in terms that make sense to each individual family… Continue reading Dr. Pritchard’s “FRC Grand Re-Opening 2018” post.

On April 17, Tappan Zee High School tenth-grade English students, under the guidance of Library Media Specialist Ms. Lois Parker-Hennion and English teacher Ms. Dana Stranges, shared research presentations and interactive exhibits they had produced on various facets of wellness. Guests, including Superintendent Dr. Robert Pritchard, had several opportunities to engage in wellness-related activities, from listening to different genres of music and noting its impact on emotions to practicing the Emotional Freedom Technique and learning about its potential impact on emotional health. Other topics included: spirituality, teen immigrants, animal therapy and its effects on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mind over matter, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) awareness, the value of talk and art therapies for adolescent depression, treatments for PTSD sufferers, learning strategies, nature’s influence on health, female brain vs. male brain, sleep and dreams, and the impact of energy drinks and fruit on athletic performance.

Six Tappan Zee High School juniors competed in the second Student Competition Using Differential Equations Modeling (SCUDEM) at Columbia University on April 17.  Lawrence Choi, Kevin Huang, Estelle Lee, Palak Oza, Yena Shin and Logan Tabor competed against teams from West Point, Manhattan College and New York City College of Technology.

Participants were given three problem scenarios to work on throughout the week of April 14. Their task was to find a model for the situation and prepare a two-page executive summary of their solution, along with a 10-minute slide presentation. At the competition, they were given new information about their situation and had three hours to adapt their solution. Participants updated and delivered their presentations to peers for judging on presentation style and content, as well as mathematical accuracy.

“Despite being the youngest students there, our TZ students were very impressive both mathematically and in composure,” reports TZHS Math Department Team Leader Ms. Jeanne Corcoran. “The day was not all work though: Logan placed first in a fun Math Bowl event!”

“As a student, part of the appeal of going to SCUDEM was working with college students,” Logan says. “It was more collaborative than competitive, and we had an opportunity to see other projects and give feedback.”

Tappan Zee High School Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse (VAASA) members met with seventh- and eighth-grade health classes at South Orangetown Middle School, April 17-18, to discuss peer pressure, substance use and answer questions about the transition to high school.

VAASA is a peer-to-peer program through which varsity athletes who pledge to remain alcohol- and drug-free are trained to serve as positive role models for younger students. Members visit SOMS a few times each school year to engage middle schoolers in interactive lessons that promote healthy life choices. VAASA has been an active program in South Orangetown Central School District for more than 30 years. “This has been a very successful program in the past and a rewarding experience for both the student athletes and the middle school students,” noted VAASA advisor and TZHS Track & Field Coach Mr. Pat Driscoll.

In 2018 and beyond, the Earth Day Network is focused on ending plastic pollution by spreading awareness and changing human behavior. At South Orangetown Middle School, Mr. Lou Chugranis’ technology students collected and recycled more than 1,000 plastic bottles, earning enough funds to purchase an apple tree.

On April 20, Principal Dr. Karen Tesik hoisted a shovel to break ground in the SOMS courtyard garden and students literally “dug in” to plant the tree. A stone marking the site was created by students using the school’s new computer numerical controlled (CNC) laser engraver and cutter.

After Associated Press reporter Collin Binkley read about the district’s March SOCSD Families Talk About Substance Use community forum online, he reached out to talk with South Orangetown Middle School Principal Dr. Karen Tesik about vaping and SOMS’ experience. Click here to read his AP story.

Tappan Zee High School’s rookie FIRST Robotics Competition Team 6911, South Orangetown BOTZ​, won the Rookie All-Star Award at the FIRST Championship Detroit on Saturday. The team advanced to the international competition after earning the Rookie Inspiration Award at the Hudson Valley Regional FRC Tournament at Rockland Community College in March and the Rookie All-Star Award at the SBPLI Long Island #1 Tournament at Hofstra University earlier this month. Of the 7,000 FIRST Robotics Competition teams globally, 405 advanced to FIRST Championship Detroit (April 25-28, 2018).

“​​We are all so proud of the effort, accomplishment, and commitment of this first year team,” said Tappan Zee High School Principal Dr. Jennifer Amos. “Our students, volunteer community mentors, and teacher advisors invested countless hours in this work, and this prestigious recognition at the World Competition is truly remarkable.”

The Rookie All-Star Award celebrates the rookie team exemplifying a young but strong partnership effort, as well as implementing the mission of FIRST to inspire students to learn more about science and technology. The team has garnered strong support from NASA, Orange & Rockland Utilities, Praxair, D’Vine Hospitality, Goosetown Communications and other locally-based businesses, and has actively promoted robotics, engineering and computer science through activities ranging from outreach at the district’s School Maker Faire and mentoring younger students to expand the local tech talent pipeline.

“Any time a group of students can start with nothing more than an idea and transform that idea into action on an international scale, I am astounded,” said South Orangetown Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Pritchard. “The South Orangetown BOTZ accomplished this and more.”

SO BOTZ members who competed in Detroit were: Safwah Alam, Tommy Barrett, Dylan Berry, Sean Berry, Vik Bhavsar, Rich Black, Joe Blanchet, Nico Cabrera, Lawrence Choi, Paraic Coffey, Anthony Dominguez, Dan George, Joanna George, Alex Gottlieb, Max Greisberg, Colette Guy, Alicia Hludzinski, Kevin Huang, Mitchell Jacobs, Jake Laddis, Dan O’Keefe, Jude Paulemon, Ruben Sriskanda, Olivia Steger and Logan Tabor.

Pictured, below: Members of SO BOTZ Team #6911, Tappan Zee High School’s rookie FIRST Robotics Competition team, in Detroit’s Cobo Center for the FIRST World Championship, with advisors Mrs. Karen Connell, Ms. Barbara Murphy and Mr. Marc Eckert; mentor volunteers Mr. Joey Gottlieb and Ms. Jen Citrolo; and the team’s competition robot, Borealis. (Mentor volunteer Ms. Vanessa Lapins, not pictured, but was in Detroit for qualifications.)

On Monday, Cottage Lane Elementary School Principal Ms. Karen Ramirez, Assistant Principal Rob Schliessman, PTA officers and student representatives celebrated the official opening of the school’s new outdoor classroom. Prompted by the number of teachers who were taking students outdoors for lessons, CLE administrators reached out to the district’s Central Office and SOCES PTA leaders last year with a proposal to create a safe, alternative learning space for students and for staff professional development.

The district’s Facilities Department began construction began last summer and SOCES PTA supported the effort by donating $25,000 for outdoor classroom furniture, which was installed early this spring. Key features of the new learning space include a rock garden filled with “Kindness Rocks” bearing inspirational messages painted by fifth-graders, two life-sized chess boards and benches. Rocks for the rock garden were donated by Ken Olori Landscaping. On the wish list for future enhancement are additional tables, planters and life-sized Jenga and checkers.

Teachers will be able to sign up to use the outdoor classroom, just as they reserve the school’s computer lab. Physical Education Teacher Ms. Sue O’Rourke has used the new space for yoga enrichment during Period 6 lunch and other teachers are eager to work in the outdoor space.

“We are so excited about this outdoor space!” says Ms. Ramirez. “Today is the first day the outdoor classroom is officially open and we saw a class using it for writers workshop, a reading teacher reading with her small group of students, teachers on their lunch break eating and a 5th grade yoga lunch club. We can’t wait to see how teachers and students use this space for learning, for working and for being together to play games and socialize.”

On April 2, 45 Tappan Zee High School students embarked on a memorable school trip to Rome and Southern Italy with teacher chaperones Ms. Tricia Castelli, Ms. Patti Kilkelly, Ms. Diane McLoughlin and Mr. Steve Purkis.

In Rome, local guides led the group through the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums. They also spent time visiting several of Rome’s famous piazzas, including Piazza Navona, Piazza del Pantheon, Campo di Fiori, , Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps. Every student tossed a coin in Trevi Fountain, in the hopes of returning to the Eternal City.

On the island of Capri, the group visited the Blue Grotto, before heading back to the mainland to tour Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried under the ashes of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Students also stopped in Naples and Sorrento.

An overnight mini-cruise to Sicily gave students the opportunity to visit Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Taormina and Mount Etna. In addition to sightseeing, the group spent a few hours on the beach and shopping for last-minute souvenirs.

“All arrived home excited to share all of their Italian experiences with family and friends, already asking about next year’s Northern Italy trip to Venice, Verona, Florence, Siena, Assisi and Rome!” reports Ms. Castelli.

On April 26, the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education approved the appointment of Ms.Sheila Beglin as Principal of William O. Schaefer Elementary School, effective July 1, 2018. Mrs. Nora Polansky is retiring as of June 30, after serving as the school’s principal for the past 12 years.

Ms. Beglin began her SOCSD career in January 2003 as a kindergarten teacher at William O. Schaefer Elementary School, where she taught kindergarten and first grade for nearly eight years, before becoming an instructional literacy coach. In 2011, she was hired as the assistant principal at Tappan Zee Elementary School and has subsequently served in this role at Cottage Lane Elementary School and, currently, at William O. Schaefer Elementary School.

“I truly love early childhood education and am delighted to be working with our district’s youngest students. Being part of their first experience with school is very rewarding and truly an honor,” says Ms. Beglin. “Watching a young child learn something for the first time is one of the most exciting things to experience and I’m very fortunate to be part of this each day. I look forward to continuing to work with the outstanding WOS staff and parent community toward our shared goal of supporting our children.”

A St. Thomas Aquinas College alumna, Ms. Beglin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Special Education, Master of Science degrees in Literacy and Educational Leadership, and New York State certifications for School Building Leader, Elementary Education and Literacy.

“Ms. Beglin has been an advocate for our students for many years,” says Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Pritchard. “She is talented and passionate and inspires us all to be the same on behalf of our children and their families.”

The families, staff, students, and community of South Orangetown Central School District have been involved in an ongoing discussion about how to best prevent our students from engaging in risky behaviors. At last night’s Board of Education meeting, I outlined some of the practices that we currently use to prevent risky behaviors related to substance use and promoting positive mental health for our students. A copy of this presentation can be found at SOCSD Substance Use Prevention and Mental Health Supports.

As I have mentioned in a previous blog post, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will be a key element in forging these essential partnerships between families, the community, our children, and our schools. The mission of the FRC is to ensure the optimal development of every child (Pre-K through 12) and to empower families to be actively engaged in their child’s education by linking community, family, and students through innovative programs, advocacy, and integrated services. One thing is for certain…we are all partners in the pursuit of keeping our kids safe and ensuring that they are healthy and well-adjusted… Continue reading Dr. Pritchard’s post.

Congratulations to Tappan Zee High School sophomore Viancha Antonucci for winning second place in the AAA 2018 Traffic Safety Poster & Video Contest! This annual contest challenges students to create a poster or public service announcement video illustrating a powerful, creative message directed to their peers. Viancha’s poster, “Drunk Driving Impairs Your Vision, Make the Right Decision,” placed second in the Grade 9-12 category. She will be presented with $200 and a plaque at a luncheon reception on June 7.

Congratulations to Tappan Zee High School freshman Michelle Trozzo and sophomore Viancha Antonucci, who were awarded first and second place, respectively, in the Grades 9-10 Category of the New York State Dental Association Ninth District’s 2018 “Keeping Smiles Brighter” Poster Contest​. Student artists from Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties submitted original artwork to depict the negative impact of sugar and the positive effect of nutritious foods.​

The award-winning artwork pictured, below: Michelle’s poster (“Watch what you eat and brush your teeth!”) and Viancha’s poster (“Sugar isn’t so sweet to your teeth…but nutritious foods are.”)

Mia Barbato was Tappan Zee High School’s South Orangetown Rotary Club Student of the Month for March! Mia is a strong, diligent, and hard-working student who takes pride in being very organized and has earned high honors or honors distinction every marking period of high school. She has always wanted to become an elementary school teacher and, through her Senior Seminar class, is currently interning at William O. Schaefer Elementary School.

Mia has been a dedicated member of the Varsity Swim team since seventh grade and was Team Captain this year. As a Peer Leader and member of VAASA and Leo Club, Mia mentors younger students in the district and volunteers in the community. Through her own initiative, she has been involved in numerous community service and fundraising endeavors, including Swim Across America, a 1.5-mile open water swim to raise money for cancer research. In her commitment to meaningful service, Mia is particularly proud of her efforts to support hospice. She is a kind, considerate, and respectful young woman who demonstrates an excellent work ethic in all she does, takes an interest in and helps others, and leads by example. Congratulations, Mia!

(Due to snow cancellation in March, Mia was recognized at the South Orangetown Rotary Club’s April luncheon.)

As of July 1, 2018, New York State law requires a health examination for all students entering the school district for the first time AND when entering pre-kindergarten or kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th grades.

Please read the following requirements carefully:

• The examination must be completed by a NY/NJ state licensed physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner and on the approved NYSED Student Health Examination Form or one from your physician.
• A dental certificate which indicates your child has been seen by a dentist or dental hygienist is requested at the same time. The school nurse can provide you with a list of dentists and registered dental hygienists who offer dental services on a free or reduced cost basis upon request.
• A copy of the NYSED Student Health Examination Form must be provided to the school within 30 days from when your child first starts school and when your child starts kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th grades. If a copy is not given to the school within 30 days, the school will contact you.
• If your child has an appointment for an exam during the school year that is after the first 30 days of school, please notify the School Nurse’s Office of that date.

Links to the NYSED Student Health Examination Form and dental certificate are posted on the For Parents page of our school district website, under Forms.

Communication between private and school health staff is important for safe and effective care at school. Your healthcare provider may not share health information with school health staff without your signed permission. Please talk to your provider about signing their consent for the school at the time of your child’s appointment for the examination.

Parents are encouraged to make copies of the completed forms for their own records before sending them to the School Nurse’s Office. Forms may be faxed to the appropriate school:

William O. Schaefer Elementary School: Riva Fisher, RN
Tel: 845-680-1304 | Fax: 845-680-1920

Cottage Lane Elementary School: Karen Fitzgibbons, RN
Tel: 845-680-1508 | Fax: 845-680-1957

South Orangetown Middle School: Margaret Keane, RN
Tel: 845-680-1130 | Fax: 845-680-1911

Tappan Zee High School: Patricia Shalvey, RN
Tel: 845-680-1647 | Fax: 845-680-1960

District-Wide: Jennifer Hind, RN and Karen Siegal, RN

Congratulations to Trinity Lundemo, Tappan Zee High School’s April 2018 South Orangetown Rotary Club Student of the Month. Trinity is an intelligent, capable, and motivated young woman who will graduate next month with an Advanced Regents diploma and a 98% GPA. She will be continuing her studies next year, likely in the area of engineering.

Trinity is not only an excellent student but also a highly involved member of the broader community. She has excelled in honors and Advanced Placement courses throughout high school and is a founder and co-president of TZ United, a club designed to create a stronger network among students both within and outside of the TZHS COVE program. Through its efforts to build relationships among students through sports and team-building, TZ United contributes to school spirit and inclusivity. Trinity is also a member of the Leo Club, which engages in extensive community service work, including midnight runs to New York City, and is a volunteer tutor through the TZHS Learning Center. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, and Science Honor Society. In addition, Trinity is a Peer Leader, a four-year member of the Varsity Track & Field team, a member of our school orchestra, and an all-round great young woman of strong character.

Tappan Zee High School senior Andrea Kim is a 2018 National YoungArts Winner! YoungArts is an application-based award program for emerging artists in grades 10-12 from across the U.S. YoungArts winners are selected by an independent panel of highly accomplished artists through a blind adjudication process.

Andrea prepared four pieces for her YoungArts application, and earned an Award of Merit in the Classical Music discipline for Violoncello. “It was the first national competition I’d ever applied for and I worked really hard for it,” she notes. After graduating next month, Andrea will major in cello at the Manhattan School of Music.

Overheard two weeks ago in South Orangetown Middle School Technology Teacher Louis Chugranis’ classroom:

“Mr. C, can we plant a tree Friday?”
“Jake, we just planted one a few days ago.”
“Yeah, but this Friday is Arbor Day.”
“Oh, OK, then we need to collect more plastic bottles to buy another tree.”
“I have lots of bottles at home. Can we plant another apple tree?”
“You got it.”

Following their Earth Day tree planting, Mr. Chugranis’ technology students collected MORE plastic bottles to purchase another apple tree, which they planted in the SOMS courtyard on Arbor Day 2018 (April 27). The project, SOMS Plastics for Plants, ties into class discussions about tools, agriculture, carbon footprint, sustainability, and design. “Anyone who would like to contribute to Plastics for Plants may drop off recyclable bottles and aluminum cans in the SOMS wood shop,” says Mr. Chugranis. “Let’s teach our students to plant trees.”

The South Orangetown Middle School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society just celebrated another successful year!

Eighth-grade members were busy all year, raising money for a charity they voted to support: The Dennis P McHugh Foundation. The Foundation, which supports the local community, was founded in memory of SOCSD alumnus Dennis P. McHugh, a New York Fire Department Engine 22 Ladder 13 firefighter who was among the more than 2,800 brave rescue workers and civilians who perished as a result of the World Trade Center attacks. This month, NJHS members and advisors Kristine Condon and Jill Rutherford presented the McHugh family with a check totaling $2,842.60.

On May 8, eighth-grade members celebrated their achievements and welcomed 104 incoming seventh-graders during the NJHS Induction Ceremony on May 8 in the SOMS Auditorium. Representatives from each service group spoke about how they raised money for this year’s cause and a speech prepared by a family member on behalf of the Dennis P. McHugh Foundation was read aloud. Executive Committee members spoke in detail about the Honor Society’s five pillars–Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Citizenship, and Character—which represents the code that members are expected to live by, both in and out of school. Finally, inductees were recognized individually and welcomed upon recitation of the Honor Society Pledge.

Congratulations, NJHS inductees, “graduating” eighth-grade members and advisors Ms. Condon and Ms. Rutherford!

Group photo below of Executive Committee (from left): Kara D. (Co-President), Tori P. (Secretary), Monica R. (Co-President), Zach S. (Treasurer)  Ms. Condon (advisor) and Brianna S. (Vice President).