RIDER REPORT
Superintendent's Corner
As we continue to prioritize student success, we’re excited to introduce a new resource focused on Every Day Matters, highlighting the critical link between attendance and student achievement.
This webpage offers valuable insights into the impact of chronic absenteeism and provides practical strategies to keep students engaged and excited about coming to school. Keep reading to discover how you can support our students in building strong attendance habits and making every day count.
In this edition, we also celebrate our 2025 Wall of Fame Inductees, highlight two of our incredibly talented student artists featured in the Columbia-Greene Community College juried art show and share exciting details about the Crane Acting Troupe’s upcoming production of Mary Poppins this March.
Be sure to check out the full newsletter below.
Together, we can continue supporting our students' success both in and out of the classroom.
Articles in this edition:
Every Day Matters: Supporting Student Attendance at Ichabod Crane
Introducing the 2025 Wall of Fame Inductees
ICHS Students Featured in Columbia-Greene Community College Art Show
Crane Acting Troupe Brings Mary Poppins to ICC This March
What’s Next in March
#ICYMI
Every Day Matters: Our Plan for Attendance & Engagement Support
We are excited to introduce a new resource focused on Every Day Matters, emphasizing the vital connection between attendance and student success. This page explores the effects of chronic absenteeism and offers practical strategies to keep students engaged and eager to attend school.
“At Ichabod Crane, our staff, families, students and community members work together to ensure students attend school every day. It’s not always easy and some students face challenges that keep them from showing up,” Superintendent Marie Digirolamo said. “That’s why Every Day Matters – and why we created this resource to encourage and inspire our entire district, no matter your role, to help our students build strong attendance habits early and to be there for our older students, listening to their needs and ensuring they have the support to thrive.”
Chronic absence – missing 10% or more of school days (18+ days) for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences – can significantly impact a student's learning, success in middle school and high school graduation.
At Ichabod Crane, reducing absenteeism is a collective effort. Our district uses a tiered system of support to help students attend school regularly, including:
Automated absence notifications to keep families informed.
Individualized attendance plans for students facing chronic absenteeism.
School-based Attendance Committees that monitor attendance, engage with families and remove barriers such as transportation and child care.
An Attendance & School Engagement Liaison who collaborates with committees and local services to support students and families.
A Comprehensive K-12 Social-Emotional Learning Program that fosters relationships and student well-being district-wide.
–
What You Can Do To Support Good Attendance
Start Early: Build Strong Attendance Habits:
Work with your child and their teacher to develop your child’s strong attendance. Talk about it – sing about it – make it an adventure!
Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
Introduce your children to their teachers and classmates before school starts.
Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor or another parent.
Try to schedule non-urgent related medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session.
If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
If you are concerned that your child may have a contagious illness, call your school or health care provider for advice.
If your child must stay home due to illness, ask the teacher for resources and ideas to continue learning at home.
Help Our Middle School/High School Students Stay Engaged:
Find out if your children (or MS/HS students you know) feel engaged by their classes and feel safe from bullies and other issues.
Make sure they are not missing class because of challenges with behavioral issues or school discipline policies. If any of these are problems, contact the school and work with them to find a solution.
Monitor their academic progress and seek help from teachers or tutors when necessary. Make sure teachers/staff know how to contact you.
Stay on top of their social contacts. Peer pressure can lead to skipping school, while students without many friends can feel isolated.
Encourage your child to join meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs.
Support your students if you notice signs of anxiety, and if needed, seek advice from your school or health provider.
2025 Wall of Fame Inductees
We are so proud to announce the 2025 inductees into our prestigious Wall of Fame!
After careful consideration at the Feb. 26 meeting, the 16-member selection committee chose five remarkable individuals whose dedication and contributions have left a lasting impact on our school community.
Superintendent Marie Digirolamo shared her excitement for this year’s honorees, saying, “It is truly an honor to work in a district with such an incredible legacy of accomplished and inspiring individuals. Many of you may have been inspired or supported by them, and if not, I look forward to you learning about their remarkable contributions to Ichabod Crane.”
Congratulations to our 2025 Wall of Fame Inductees:
Michael Behrens – Distinguished Faculty
Jo-Ellen Estabrook-Pollack – Distinguished Faculty
Mary Ann Lizzi – Distinguished Faculty
Linda McCarthy – Distinguished Faculty
Deborah Simonsmeier – Distinguished Alumni
Mr. Behrens dedicated over 30 years to Ichabod Crane as a technology teacher, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students, staff and the broader community. His legacy is one of dedication to teaching, pioneering educational programs, leadership and unwavering service to both his community and his country.
Mrs. Estabrook-Pollack devoted 29 years of nursing service to the ICCSD. She wasn’t just a school nurse – she was a mentor, advocate and pillar of the school community. She possessed a depth of knowledge and skill that no textbook or online resource could provide. She worked tirelessly and never hesitated to go beyond her required duties.
Mrs. Lizzi began teaching social studies at Ichabod Crane in the mid-1960s, sparking a lifelong passion for learning, critical thinking and global awareness in her students. Through engaging lessons and meaningful discussions, she nurtured curiosity and created a welcoming space where every student felt valued and understood.
Ms. McCarthy spent over 30 years at Ichabod Crane as a math teacher and leader,
making math approachable, building students’ confidence and mentoring fellow teachers. In retirement, she remains active in the ICC community, including the High School’s Blue Spool Sewing Club, which unites students and staff.
Mrs. Simonsmeier, an ICC alum and former teaching assistant, dedicated her life to service. A life member of the Valatie Rescue Squad, she is honored with a memorial scholarship supported by VRS’s annual golf tournament, which began after her passing in 2016. She also served as Director of Constituent Services for retired NYS Sen. Kathleen Marchione.
District alumni, former employees and community members are eligible to be nominated for the Wall of Fame. These individuals, through outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields or dedicated service to the district, serve as inspirational figures for our students.
The Wall of Fame Committee is made up of Board of Education members, staff in various instructional and non-instructional positions, students and parents/guardians/community members. Nominees must receive 70 percent of the committee vote to be selected.
SAVE THE DATE: The Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for March 26, starting at 6 p.m. in the High School Auditorium.
These honorees have shaped the lives of countless students through their dedication to education, mentorship and service!
ICHS Students Featured in CGCC Art Show
We are excited to spotlight two of our incredibly talented 12th-grade student artists, Sophia Karic and Sarah Balon, whose artwork was recently showcased at this year’s High School Students' Juried Art Show at Columbia-Greene Community College. This annual event highlights the creative work of high school students from across the region, with pieces displayed at The Foundation Gallery.
Sophia’s artwork, a pencil drawing titled Thanks, Bestie, reflects the importance of family. “My family has helped out tremendously when I had to overcome challenges so it felt important to include symbols within the work that reminded me of them. I enjoyed this project because of our ability to add personal mementos. This addition made me want to spend more time on the piece since I wanted to thank them for what they did for me.”
Sophia enjoys using drawing pencils, one of her favorite mediums, and appreciated the opportunity to learn new art techniques. She sees art classes as a powerful way for students to express their emotions and find relaxation, noting how enjoyable it is to immerse herself in a creative process.
“I feel very grateful for my piece to be chosen for this art show and hope to spread the importance of spending time with loved ones.”
Sarah’s digital piece was untitled in the show, but upon reflection, she would have called it Dancing in the Moonlight. The inspiration for her digital artwork came from her childhood summers, when she loved stargazing and catching fireflies.
“Creating art is cathartic for me,” Sarah said. “When I'm feeling overwhelmed, or I'm just having a bad day, it feels good to be able to channel negative emotions into creating something beautiful.”
Acrylic paint is Sarah’s favorite medium, as she finds it easy to use, quick-drying and loves how vibrant the colors are.
“I'm flattered that my art [was] exhibited, especially because I didn't think this piece was my best work,” she said. “I never thought it'd be displayed in an art show.”
Sarah also reflected on the value of art classes: “Taking art electives gives people the opportunity to try new things and think outside of the box. I think a lot of people take art classes just because they think they're easy, but if you put the effort in, art classes can inspire you to look at the world in a different way and find beauty in places you'd never think to look.”
Crane Acting Troupe Brings Mary Poppins to ICC
Get ready for a magical journey as Mary Poppins flies onto the Ichabod Crane stage this March!
The Crane Acting Troupe (CAT) will bring the beloved story of everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny to life for three performances on March 20, 21, and 22 in the High School Auditorium.
This year’s production will feature our incredibly talented student performers in the iconic roles of Mary Poppins, Bert, the Banks family and more. The cast includes several seniors who will take their final bow with CAT, including Bailey Brusie, Evan Hilbert, Elena Pantoja, Lauren Stigi, Aiden Spyros and Emily Wood.
“This production seemed a perfect vehicle to both address a family theme while showcasing the talents of our cast and crew,” said Gail Helfer, Crane Acting Troupe’s Director. “Both script and score are challenging and The Crane Acting Troupe has accepted this challenge!”
The show features classic songs from the beloved 1964 Disney film, including A Spoonful of Sugar, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, and Step in Time. With dazzling dance numbers, unforgettable songs, and stunning stagecraft, Mary Poppins has captivated audiences for generations.
Get your tickets! The Box Office opens on March 3, Monday through Friday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the High School Lobby. Tickets are reserved seating only, priced at $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Cash and check payments are accepted.
What's Next in March
- March 4: Board of Education Regular Board Meeting, 7 p.m., High School Library
- March 6: Community Forum 2, Safe and Responsible Cell Phone Usage, 6:15 p.m., High School Library
- March 7: All County March Festival Concert, 7 p.m., Hudson CSD
- March 14: No School - Superintendent's Conference Day
- March 20, 21, 22: Crane Action Troupe Spring Production of Mary Poppins, all shows start at 7:30 p.m., High School Auditorium
- March 21: Potential Giveback Snow/Inclement Weather Day, No School
- March 26: Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony, 6 p.m., High School Auditorium
- March 28: Early Dismissal K-12, NOTE: All schools will be dismissed starting at 10:30 a.m.
Note: dates, times and locations are subject to change.
#ICYMI
🎉 A big shout out to the most recent Middle School and High School Riders of the Month! 🎉
💙Our Primary Schoolers had a BLAST celebrating 100 Days of School! ⭐
🌏 30 ICC High School students participated in the 72nd Harvard Model UN Conference, representing Angola, Mauritania, Ecuador, Fiji & Russia alongside 3,500 student delegates from over 40 countries.
🏈📚 Our 4th & 5th graders celebrated their READBowl win with a Super Bowl pizza party, after crushing their goal of 40,000 minutes read in just four weeks! 🎉And the MVP of the day? Assistant Principal Erin Russo, who kept her promise and showed up dressed as a football player—with rainbow hair! 🌈🏈
