February is a perfect time of year to glean some positivity and interrupt those mid-winter blues. As we lean into spring, here are a few reminders that can benefit us all:

First, let us honor the extraordinary spirit that defines this district. Legacies of Female Giants are woven into the success that is Nyack Public Schools. Notably, Dr. Arlene W. Clinkscale made history in becoming the first Black Woman Superintendent of Schools in New York State upon taking the helm as Superintendent for the Nyack School District in 1981. While the nation recognizes February as African-American history month, we proudly affirm Black culture, students, staff and families who make extraordinary contributions to our community every day.

I encourage everyone to also be reaffirmed in the district's mission and vision. I use them as daily mantras. They are the foundation that keeps us aligned with our commitment to the well-being of our students and community. These are not just words on paper but statements as touchstones - anchors in times of struggle and a source of pride in moments of success. Nyack Public Schools is a unique universe that draws people in. We struggle together and win together.

And then, there is LOVE: love for students and love for each other. Relationships matter at all levels. Educators who build loving relationships with their students must first cultivate self-love. This begins with acknowledging who we are through critical self-reflection. By embracing our strengths, accepting what we need to do better and striving to live in alignment with our values, we honor our own humanity.

Restorative care reminds us to be critical lovers of the systems we inhabit, applying critical analysis with radical love. We must turn the mirror inward in safe places, hold each other accountable with empathy, and move towards growth.

Yours in Education,

Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi

Interim Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi visited Ms. Angela Hill's class at NHS to share about her journey to success.

"Restorative"- having the ability to restore health, strength, or a feeling of well-being

In Nyack, we have long understood that standardized test scores are not the sole measure of success. Our vision goes beyond academics; it’s about shaping informed, empathetic, and empowered individuals. Our 7 Core Competencies are not just ideals; they are the foundation of a learning environment that values authenticity, individuality, and meaningful growth.

On any given day, walk into one of our classrooms and you will find our students learning the literal or practical manifestation of our "core c's", as we refer to them.

While NY State is beginning to explore new graduation pathways and competencies, Nyack Schools have been leading the way. We are building a future where our students leave not only with diplomas but with the skills, confidence, and courage to make a difference in the world.

All students and members of our school community deserve to feel safe, welcomed, and included. Now more than ever, we need each other to help ensure this is our reality. In solidarity with school districts and Boards of Education across our region, a letter on the Be SMART About Safe Gun Storage was sent out to the school community on 2-25-25 to raise awareness, urging everyone to take proactive measures in keeping our schools and children.

Take a look at what's new in our math curriculum for our elementary and middle school levels. Students and staff alike are loving it! Our Math Department Chair, Dr. Christina Clark and Elementary Math Specialists, Danielle Andersen (UNE), Christina Green (VCE), and Nina Mesopotonese (LIB) had an opportunity to share exciting changes being made in our district to help inspire the budding math expert in each of our students. View the full presentations here:

Eureka Math Squared: Why Conceptual Math Matters (Elem. Level)

Middle School Math Inquiry Process

In February, we also celebrated National School Counseling Week - THANK YOU to our seriously superstar school counselors who nurture wellness in our students every day. Nyack Schools was the first in the county to have elementary counselors and we are proud to say they continue to pave the way for our elementary students, boosting emotional strength for middle school. Our middle school counseling team is truly embedded in a wealth of expertise, having close to 70 years in-district between them! As Ms. Falvo reiterates, "We like to refer to ourselves as Wellness Counselors because we work each day to help ensure that student's core emotional well being is deeply rooted. We know that students need to be healthy to build their academic strength."

At the high school level, counselors are continuously attending to the growing needs of students' expanding futures. Director Lorraine Longing oversees the trajectory of wellness, from Kindergarten to graduation, with future path focus culminating in the high school years. The HS counselors' reach is beyond graduation as they provide support in raising confidence and core competencies in uniquely Nyack graduates who make a difference on the every-changing global platform.

Elementary Schools: Click here to access the Elementary School Counseling webpage

Marina Gomez, Liberty; Andrea Perez, Upper Nyack; Jon Hogg, Valley Cottage

Nyack Middle School: Click here to access the MS School Counseling webpage

Liz Battista, Francesca Falvo, Edgar Lambert (pictured below)

Nyack High School: Click here to access the HS School Counseling webpage

Alissa Lynch, Karina Arias , Sean Cavanagh, Katey Cisneros, Marie Kretzschmar (pictured below),

Tara Kuber (not pictured)

Did you know that Nyack Middle School is leading the way for changing how we think about discipline? Principal Dave Johnson, along with Asst. Principal Karissa Sullivan and Dean Jen Johnson work together to focus on restorative practices that create and sustain community. Communicating with empathy and taking preventative measures in restorative circles help to buffer negative impacts on students when harm has been done. Restorative practice takes proactive measures to empower change and growth as Principal Johnson reiterates, "There are bad choices… but there are no bad children… we separate the behavior from the child."

Find out more about the trajectory of change with Restorative Practice at NMS

On February 4, 2025, the BOE unanimously appointed Dr. Audrey Brutus as the District's new Director of Equity and K-12 Curriculum and Instruction, effective March 17, 2025. A press release was sent to the community on 2-5-25.

Check out the FEB 2025 BOE Thread a monthly update on Board business to connect community members with BOE activity, decisions and workshops.

The Board of Education encourages community engagement. Our seven trustees are responsible to listen and represent our school community. Board contact information, the Board Meeting schedule, presentations and agendas are all posted on BoardDocs. Board members may be emailed at: BOEmembers@nyackschools.org.

BOE Meetings are open to the public, posted on the district website and calendar on specified Tuesdays each month. The public is encouraged to join in-person or via Zoom. Links to the webinar meetings are available on the district website homepage calendar at www.nyackschools.org.

March BOE Meetings:

• 3-4-25 at 6:30pm
• 3-18-25 at 6:30pm (2025-26 Budget Presentation)
• 3-25-25 at 6:30pm (2025-26 Budget Hearing)

The RedHawk SUN is our reimagined eNewsletter for 2024-2025. Designed for promoting Superintendent’s Uplifting News, it is focused on what defines and distinguishes Nyack Public Schools’ educational culture, vision, mission, learning and teaching environment, staff and students.