12/17/2024 Letter to the Community

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December 17, 2024

Dear TUFSD Families and Staff,

I hope this message finds you well as we approach the holiday season and the new year. It’s hard to believe how quickly 2024 has flown by. With winter break just around the corner, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on this past year and cherish the special moments we have enjoyed together as a community.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for being an integral part of our community and for contributing to our mission to "Build a Better Tomorrow." Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season!

Sincerely,

Dr. Raymond Sanchez

I am sharing the process for communicating changes to the daily school schedule caused by inclement weather. Adverse weather conditions are more than just an ice and snow concern; our protocol is designed to address all problematic weather events quickly and effectively.

Decisions for school delays, early dismissals, or cancellations are announced promptly. We track weather patterns to anticipate days when inclement weather may be a problem. Nearly always, final decisions are made early in the morning of the specific school day (when the situation is best understood).

The timeframe for decisions to delay or cancel school is as follows:

• 4:00 a.m. - 5:15 a.m. – Road and campus conditions are checked from various sources. I consult with the Director of Facilities, Director of Transportation, the local Police Departments, a regional Meteorologist and local superintendents.

• By 5:30 a.m. – I decide on a school delay or cancellation. Communications to staff and families commence immediately. Staff/Parents/families are notified by approximately 6:00 a.m.

• Under extraordinary circumstances (i.e., rapidly changing weather), a decision to delay or cancel school may be made later than 5:30 a.m., resulting in a slight lag in our notifications.

We communicate decisions in multiple ways:

• Emails and text messages will be sent to all families and staff

• Our robo-call system will send a message

• Our district social media pages will have a message posted

• Local news outlets will be informed - Channel 12, LoHud

Please Note: We will only communicate when the school schedule has changed. We will not communicate when school is in session as scheduled.

As the holiday season approaches, we know it’s a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. It’s also a time when schedules can become busy, and school attendance may sometimes feel less critical. However, we want to emphasize how important consistent attendance is for your child’s academic success and overall development.

Regular attendance helps ensure that students stay on track with their learning. Missing even a few days of school can disrupt the flow of instruction and make it harder for students to catch up. During the holiday season, teachers are actively engaging students in meaningful lessons and activities that build on what they’ve learned, preparing them for success in the months ahead.

Here’s how you can support your child during this festive time:

1. Prioritize School Attendance: Schedule family events, trips, and other activities outside of school hours whenever possible.

2. Maintain a Routine: Sticking to a regular bedtime and morning routine ensures your child arrives at school on time and ready to learn.

3. Reinforce the Importance of Learning: Talk to your child about the value of education and how attending school every day benefits them in the long run.

We understand that the holiday season is a special time for families, and we appreciate your partnership in ensuring your child receives the best possible education. If you find yourself needing support to get your child to school, please reach out to the building so they can support you. Together, we can make this a season of learning and growth for all students.

Thank you for your continued support!

Last week we provided an update regarding our bond. Below is a copy of the letter: Bond Update

This update and additional information can be found on our Facilities Website.

Topic: Update on the Upcoming Bond Project & Reopening of Tappan Hill School
Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Online via Zoom

Stay informed about our district’s exciting initiatives! This webinar will cover:

• The Latest Updates on the Bond Project: Get up-to-date information on progress and key developments.

• Details on the Reopening of Tappan Hill School: Learn more about the plans to reopen Tappan September 2025: with upcoming 1st graders attending school there.

• Q&A Session: Have your questions answered live by district representatives.

This is a great opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to stay engaged and learn more about our shared vision for the future.

Headless eSportsmen Alex Hofgartner headed to the Esports East Coast Smash Bros Finals last week as he faced off against an athlete from Arizona in an epic showdown. 🏆

SHMS Science teacher Mike Garguilo took the stage last week as the keynote speaker at a regional eSports conference! So amazing to see him share insights from the Headless eSportsmen team.

Our high school chorus and orchestra recently delivered an enchanting performance, showcasing their incredible talent and dedication. The evening was filled with inspiring music and heartfelt melodies, leaving the audience in awe of their hard work and passion.🎵 🎻🎤

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our amazing student musicians. Your encouragement helps keep the arts thriving in our schools!

Our scholars had a fantastic time during Hour of Code! They mastered basic coding skills, jammed in a Music Lab session, and embarked on Minecraft gaming adventures—all while working collaboratively.

Way to go, future tech stars! 💻🎶

Last week, our HS Chorus students shared the gift of music at Kendall on Hudson! 🎶 Their heartfelt performance uplifted everyone and highlighted their incredible talent and dedication.

Our families had an amazing time celebrating Horsemen Saturday at Philipsburg Manor! It was a wonderful day filled with collaboration, exploration, and togetherness. We are so grateful for this incredible partnership with our community and deeply appreciate all our community partners who made it possible. Thank you!

Our annual toy drive was a huge success, all thanks to YOU—our incredible buildings, families, and community! Your generosity helped bring smiles and joy to so many children this holiday season. 🎄🧸

Thank you for making the season brighter for those in need! 💫👏

Family Services of Westchester, in partnership with TUFSD's Parent Leadership Institute, will be offering an immigration workshop with an attorney, free of charge. You don’t want to miss it! There will be information, learning, refreshments, and incentives.

🗓️ December 19, 2024

📍 SHHS Auditorium

⏰ 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the New Year at Horsemen Family Saturday!

Join us on Saturday, January 11, 2025, for the Horsemen New Year Celebration! Bring the whole family to enjoy a morning of fun, connection, and community:

• Interactive Activities
• Family Breakfast
• Community Resources
• Toy Giveaway for TUFSD students

When: Saturday, January 11, 2025, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: Sleepy Hollow High School

A reminder phone call will go out the night before the event. We can’t wait to see you there!

Join us on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from January 11 to April 26 at the John Paulding School for the TASH indoor Farmers Market.

📢Do you know a child turning 4 by December 1, 2025?

Our Pre-K Lottery Application Process is now open until February 14, 2025. Lottery results and waitlist notifications will be sent in early March 2025.

Read this newsletter for more information.

🧥❄️ Spread the Warmth! Help us support our community through the Sleepy Hollow PBA Winter Coat Drive! ❄️🧥

📅 Pick-Up Dates:
➡️ Dec. 18 - Dec. 20 | ⏰ 4 PM - 8 PM
➡️ Dec. 21 - Dec. 22 | ⏰ 8 AM - 4 PM

Together, we can make a difference! ❤️✨

To view past copies of the newsletters, please visit the Superintendent's Page.

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