Tuxedo Talk

NOVEMBER 2024

Tuxedo Talk is a monthly update for TUFSD parents, caregivers, and community members, providing a look back at lessons, events, and happenings taking place in the District.

Message from the Acting Superintendent

Dear Tuxedo Community,

As we turn the page to November, I am happy to report that our schools are bustling with learning and exploration. From academic achievements to extracurricular activities, our students are growing in so many ways. With the school year now in full swing, I am excited about the many opportunities TUFSD provides for our students to shine in and out of the classroom.

From Red Ribbon Week to Fire Prevention Week and Student Council Elections, Tornadoes of all ages are developing skills through activities that foster responsibility, build confidence and encourage participation in school and community. The Tuxedo Union Free School District aims to nurture the whole student, emphasizing not just academic achievement but also social and emotional growth. By engaging in these activities, our children learn the importance of teamwork, empathy and leadership—essential traits that will serve them well throughout their lives.

As we enter this season of gratitude, we are excited to introduce a theme of "Thanks and Giving" in our buildings. Throughout the month of November, we will engage in lessons and activities that encourage students and staff to pause, reflect and celebrate all they have to be thankful for. One of the highlights of this initiative will be our annual Veteran’s Day ceremony that will be held on Friday, November 8. I invite you to participate in our “Thanks and Giving” theme at home by modeling gratitude: encourage your children to share something they are thankful for at dinner or during family meetings, or engage in community service or volunteer activities as a family.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to be a part of such a vibrant and supportive school community. I look forward to experiencing the many moments of reflection and appreciation that this month will bring. I am grateful to share this journey with all of you.

Sincerely,

Nancy Teed

Acting Superintendent

Tuxedo Union Free School District

District Highlights

Back to School Bash

The Tuxedo PTO sponsored the Back to School Bash, bringing families, students, and staff together to kick off another wonderful year in TUFSD! View the pictures of this fun event on our Facebook page.

National Principal's Month

Thank you to George F. Baker High School Principal Jared Kahmar and George Grant Mason Elementary Interim Principal Dr. Michael Cogliano for their leadership and dedication to making our schools a positive, supportive environment for our students and teachers.

Fire Prevention Week

October 6 - October 12 is designated as Fire Prevention Week, and to celebrate students at George G. Mason Elementary enjoyed a visit from Tuxedo Park Fire Department. See photos and learn more about the exciting visit on Instagram.

Student Government Elections

George F. Baker Middle School students received a hands-on civics lesson when they held Student Government elections this month. From campaign speeches to anonymous voting, participants actively engaged in the democratic process. Read more about the campaigns, voting and, of course, the results on our Facebook page.

Red Ribbon Week

Ten George F. Baker students from grades 6-8 attended the annual Red Ribbon Week 2024 Kick-Off Ceremony at Chester Academy on Monday, October 21, hosted by the Alcohol & Drug Awareness Council of Orange County. This event kicked off a week filled with activities and presentations across grade levels at TUFSD, helping students understand the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Learn more about the initiative on our website.

Crazy Hat Day at GGM

Students and staff filled the hallways and classrooms at George Grant Mason Elementary with fun and creativity as they proudly wore their most imaginative hats and showed off their school spirit during Red Ribbon Week. See photos from Crazy Hat Day on Instagram.

Halloween Festivities

Halloween spirit was in full swing at TUFSD, from the annual GGM costume parade to pumpkin painting and spooky themed STEM challenges and activities, students and staff had a blast celebrating together. See a recap of the fun on Instagram.

Student Spotlight

Jack Reilly

George F. Baker junior Jack Reilly recently unveiled a “Little Free Library” at Tuxedo’s Rogers and Cabrini Lodge, Sons of Italy—a project he spent six months planning and building as part of his path to becoming an Eagle Scout. Read about Jack's inspiration and project execution on our website.

New Faculty Spotlight

Michelle Foligno

New George F. Baker art teacher Michelle Foligno is excited to have the opportunity to share her vast knowledge and years of experience in the art world with Tuxedo students. Learn more about her background and how she connects with her students on our website.

Getting Results

National College Board Recognition

Congratulations to four George F. Baker students recently awarded National Recognition Program honors by the College Board, a nonprofit organization that empowers students through the Advanced Placement Program, SAT, BigFuture, and more. Read more about the awards and the high-achieving students on our Facebook page.

At the Board

School Board Recognition

October 14-18 was New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) School Board Recognition Week, giving us the opportunity to recognize and appreciate the dedicated members of the Tuxedo Union Free School District Board of Education. Their commitment to our students, staff, and community is invaluable. We appreciate their hard work, vision, and leadership in shaping the future of education in our district.

Dan Castricone - President
Gary Heavner - Vice President
Kimberly Breiland
William Clarke
Heather Kidde
Chris Scanlon
Bonny Takeuchi

Board Business

At the October 23 Board of Education meeting, the District-Wide School Safety Plan for the 2024-2025 academic year was approved. The Board also approved the hiring of Conor Donovan as the new Physical Education teacher for George Grant Mason Elementary.

For the full agenda and documents pertaining to the October 23 meeting, and all previous Board of Education meetings, please visit the Tuxedo Union Free School District Board of Education section of Board Docs.

Meeting Schedule

The next meeting of the Board of Education will take place on November 20 at 7 p.m. Click here to see the full schedule of Board of Education meetings and important dates. All meetings will be held in the George F. Baker auditorium unless otherwise stated.

Tornadoes Athletics

Athlete of the Week 10/7

Congratulations to Katie Nemec, the Tuxedo Tornadoes Athlete of the Week for the week of October 7! A first-year cross-country runner who recently set her personal best with a time of 27:48, Coach Bill Brunner says Katie is a dedicated athlete who works hard and strives to improve every day. "Katie's times have been improving with each meet, and she is just beginning to hit her peak as we head into the postseason." Keep up the great work, Katie!

Athlete of the Week 10/14

Congratulations to Casey Juance, the Tuxedo Tornadoes Athlete of the Week for the week of October 14! A senior on the varsity volleyball team, Casey’s commitment and dedication have stood out this season as she battled a shoulder injury, inspiring her teammates with her perseverance and positive attitude. Coach Michelle Hines is proud of how hard Casey has worked. “She maintained her focus even while injured and has been an excellent role model for the younger players.” Keep up the great work, Casey!

Athlete of the Week 10/21

The Tuxedo Tornadoes' Athlete of the Week for the week of October 21 is the George F. Baker modified volleyball team! Coach Jenna Park is proud of the athletes’ grit, tenacity, and hard work and says the eighth and ninth graders showed amazing growth on the court, especially in their service game. “They truly came together as a team this season, showing great camaraderie and supporting each other every step of the way.” Way to go, team!

Before You Go

Tuxedo PTO General Meeting

The next meeting of the Tuxedo PTO will be held on Thursday, November 7 at 3:00 p.m.

School Closed

Please note that TUFSD will be closed on Monday, November 11 in observance of Veteran's Day.

Early Dismissal

Please note that on Wednesday, November 27, George F. Baker High School and George Grant Mason Elementary will dismiss at 11:25 a.m. for a 1/2 day. Pre-K will dismiss at 11:00 a.m.

Transportation Update

Beginning Monday, November 4, the “late bus” schedule will shift, with buses departing campus at 4:10 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. Afterschool activity times will remain unchanged.