The Clarkstown Connection

Dear Clarkstown Central School District Families and Staff,

As the 2022-23 academic year comes to a close, I want to express my sincere thanks for a remarkable first year as the superintendent of schools for the Clarkstown Central School District. I am incredibly proud to work with such dedicated and caring staff, families and community members who support and inspire all students.

Each week, we reflected on the successes of our students as they engaged with new ideas as well as the innovation of our educators who provided extraordinary learning experiences. We visited schools throughout the District to highlight academic accomplishments, athletic triumphs and community engagement — all of which contribute to our legacy of excellence. While this serves as the last weekly update until September, I look forward to celebrating the District’s achievements once again when we return.

I wish all of you a very happy, safe and enjoyable summer break! It is now time to rest and recharge for what I know will be an amazing 2023-24 academic year.

Sincerely,

Marc P. Baiocco, Ed.D.

Seven Felix Festa Middle School students have been honored as winners of the 2023 American Patriotism contest sponsored by Vietnam Chapter 333! Over 100 submissions, which gave students the opportunity to research and create visual, audio or physical representations of American Patriotism and the Vietnam War, were received. The contest allows students to reflect on the significance of the Vietnam War and the role of American patriotism in the conflict. On June 1, Vietnam Chapter 333 presented each of the winners with a certificate of appreciation and an award during a ceremony at their meeting. CCSD is grateful to Vietnam Chapter 333 for their long-standing partnership with Felix Festa Middle School. Congratulations to the following FFMS winners for their outstanding contributions:

• Laura Bramblik, for her outstanding wall hanging quality painting of the Vietnam Wall.
• Oliver Cirlin, for his War Box & Pop up War Book with poems.
• Cooper Polakoff, for his Art & Poem "Then & Now."
• Julian Heaney and Tommy Mavrommatis, for their joint project, The NAM helmet, along with a letter of explanation.
• Isabella Higgins, Lauryn Hylton and Lilly Tang, for their heartfelt letters.

An amazing achievement for Little Tor Elementary Principal Dr. Matthew Younghans, who was selected to fly with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels! After being named the 2023 New York State Elementary School Principal of the Year, Dr. Younghans was chosen to take part in a 45-minute flight as part of the Blue Angels’ “Key Influencer” program to honor deserving local people. On Wednesday, he experienced the flight of a lifetime, which included rolls, loops and turns, in the backseat of an F/A-18 Super Hornet with Blue Angel 7, Lieutenant Commander Thomas Zimmerman, as his pilot.

Over the last few weeks, students from the fifth, eighth and twelfth grades walked the stage and took a step toward the future in front of family and friends. Whether moving up or graduating, CCSD is incredibly proud of the hard work students put into achieving these milestones. Congratulations to all!