Tuxedo Talk

Dear Tuxedo Community,

As we approach the end of another successful school year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each member of our school community. The 2023-24 academic year has been filled with so many successes and accomplishments. Thank you for working together to make a difference in the lives of our students.

From our kindergarteners to our graduating seniors, our Tuxedo students continue to excel in academics, arts, athletics and extracurricular activities. Their curiosity and commitment to learning continue to be the driving force behind our educational mission. I am incredibly proud of their hard work and the strides they have made.

A very special congratulations go to our George F. Baker High School Class of 2024: your journey is just starting, and we are confident that you will carry the experience and knowledge gained in Tuxedo throughout your adulthood. I look forward to celebrating with the Class of 2024 during Commencement on Thursday, June 27.

Finally, a thank you to the voters of Tuxedo for approving our 2024-25 school budget and the use of Capital Reserve funds. Because of your support, we plan to upgrade campus security with a redesign of the vestibules in the George Grant Mason and George F. Baker schools, install a new emergency power generator at Baker and continue the repair work on the iconic high school clock tower.

As we look forward to the summer, I encourage everyone to take time to relax and rejuvenate. We eagerly anticipate welcoming our students in September for a new year of learning, exploration and achievement.

Thank you all for your partnership and support. Have a wonderful summer!

Sincerely,

Jeff White

George Grant Mason students were treated to an assembly with award-winning singer/songwriter Jared Campbell, who shared a message of the importance of kindness through upbeat, thought provoking and heartfelt music and stories. Read more about his motivational message on Facebook.

Congratulations to teachers Mariah Klimowich and Marco Margotta for each receiving a STEM Classroom Grant from the Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. Education Advisory Council. For details on how the district will make use of the grant, visit our Instagram page.

George Grant Mason fifth graders enjoyed the fresh air while performing a science investigation outdoors. Visit our Facebook page to read more about what the students learned.

George F. Baker High School seniors celebrated Decision Day on Wednesday, May 15. The special day marks an important milestone for graduating students - a celebration of their post-graduation plans of college, career or the military. In honor of the day, many soon-to-be graduates (and faculty!) were sporting apparel from their future college or university. Congratulations to all of our seniors and best of luck on the journey ahead!

George Grant Mason first graders gained an understanding of the planets and solar system by engaging in a project that had them using both their right and left brains. Read more here.

GGM students and faculty participated in a Kindness Walk around Circle Field as a culmination of the "Raise Craze" Fundraiser. Visit our Instagram page to learn more.

René Blume escorted her second grade class on a field trip to the pollinator garden at Butterfly Meadow in Tuxedo to mark the conclusion of their investigation into the life cycle of ladybugs. Read more about the trip and lesson here.

Third, fourth and fifth graders took visited the famous Carnegie Hall as part of the "Link Up" music program. Find details about their outing here.

George F. Baker junior Bromley Givens has fully enjoyed his experience at TUFSD. A curious learner, he finds something interesting about each academic subject, and finds the small school setting ideal for learning and getting to know his teachers. Read more about Bromley on our website.

George Grant Mason fifth grade teacher Michelle Valastro creates a culture in her classroom in which her students feel safe, included and loved. She wants her students to feel comfortable because it is important for their self esteem and it also creates the most productive learning environment. Read more about Michelle and how she connects with her students on our website.

Congratulations to Jack Reilly and Logan Saari-Poznanski on their selection by the Ramapo Valley Rotary to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference this summer. Read more about the conference and their accolades on Instagram.

Tuxedo swept the awards presentation at the First Cut Film Festival that took place at GFB on April 27. Read more on Instagram.

On May 21, the Tuxedo Union Free School District 2024-25 school budget passed with 66% of the vote. The 2024-25 budget totals $15,130,485 and reflects a tax levy increase of 3.94%. To see the Budget in full, visit the TUFSD website.

At the May 22 meeting of the Board of Education, the results of the Budget Vote and BOE Trustee election were certified. Bonita “Bonny” Takeuchi, Christopher Scanlon and Gary Heavner were elected to the Board of Education for three-year terms that begin July 1, 2024 and conclude June 30, 2027. For the full agenda and documents pertaining to the May 22 meeting, and all previous Board of Education meetings, please visit the Tuxedo Union Free School District Board of Education section of Board Docs.

The next meeting of the Board of Education will take place on June 26 at 7 p.m. Click here to see the full schedule of Board of Education meetings and important dates. All meetings are held in the George Grant Mason multipurpose room, unless otherwise stated.

Congratulations to Deborah Paul and Brydan Fanas who were the Tuxedo Tornadoes Co-Athletes of the Week for the week of May 6!

Modified softball coach Jaime Eckstein commends Deborah for her quick and assertive defensive play that put her team in a great position to score during a recent game. “She got on base and then stole every base on consecutive pitches, allowing us to earn some needed RBIs.”

Modified baseball coach Ryan McKenna says that Brydan is a pleasure to coach, shows great enthusiasm and is known to make the team smile. As a seventh grader new to the team, “he has shown great improvement in a short timeframe, especially at the plate where he has recorded multiple hits and runs scored.”

Keep up the great work Brydan and Deborah!

Congratulations to Brooke Bower, who is our Tuxedo Tornadoes Athlete of the Week for the week of May 13! Modified softball coach Jaime Eckstein says that even though playing the position of pitcher is new to Brooke, she has embraced the challenge and risen to the occasion. “Brooke’s mental toughness and willingness to improve sets a great example for the rest of the team.” Keep up the great work Brooke!

Congratulations to Veronica Chavez Granillo who is our Tuxedo Tornadoes Athlete of the week for May 20! The senior just finished her final softball season with a strong showing, executing some big plays including two stolen bases and scoring a run at home. Coach Jenna Park says “Roni” is a leader both on and off the field. “She has great energy and spirit, and is consistently a positive force on the team.” Coach Park has coached Roni for the past five years in multiple sports and will miss her after she graduates. “She is a great athlete and person- she will do well in whatever she tries.”

We wrap up the Athlete of the Week series for the 2023-24 school year with modified baseball player Santana Jackson. Coach Ryan McKenna says that the eighth grader has shown tremendous improvement this season. “Santana has been put in multiple tough situations on the mound when pitching and at the plate when batting, and has risen to the occasion every time.” Coach says that Santana consistently leads by example and pushes the team to do their best.

Congratulations Santana!

Please note the following early dismissal times for GGM students:

Monday, June 24 - Pre -K dismisses at 10:55 am, GGM and GFB at 11:25 am

Tuesday, June 25 - Pre -K dismisses at 10:55 am, GGM and GFB at 11:25 am

Wednesday, June 26 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR GGM, Pre -K dismisses at 9:45 am, GGM and GFB at 10:15 am

Graduation ceremonies for the George F. Baker High School Class of 2024 will take place on Thursday, June 27 at 6 p.m. (Rain date Friday, June 28).