page background

RIDER REPORT

RIDER REPORT

Superintendent's Corner

As June has arrived, it’s hard to believe that we are in the final month of our school year. This time of year is particularly special as we prepare for a series of commencement ceremonies, celebrating the achievements of our students from our youngest Lil Riders to our graduating High School seniors.


These milestones, while marking the end of one chapter, are truly new beginnings. Each ceremony is a celebration of their achievements and a stepping stone toward their bright futures. They represent the hard work, dedication and growth our students have demonstrated throughout the year. Keep reading to learn more about the upcoming festivities.


In this edition of the Rider Report, we also spotlight recent events that showcase the spirit and dedication of our students and staff. You'll read about our High School students and advisers from the longstanding Habitat for Humanity Club traveling to Albany to help construct a frame for a house to be built right here in Niverville.


Additionally, our Middle School and High School students bonded over their shared fascination with axolotls. Spoiler alert: real-life axolotls were part of this exciting collaboration.


The Primary School’s Parent University also held its inaugural event, a Community Benefit Fair, and the Middle School hosted a series of assemblies around the important topic of cyber safety.


It was an exciting month here at Ichabod Crane and I know that June will be just as compelling. I look forward to the opportunities for us to come together to celebrate the end of another successful school year.


Articles in the edition:

  • Celebrating the Class of 2024: A Milestone Achievement

  • Habitat for Humanity Capitol Build 2024

  • Exploring Axolotls: A Cross-School Collaboration

  • PS Parent University Hosts Inaugural Event

  • Middle School Holds Cyber Safety Sessions

  • Spring Sports Spotlight

  • Board Notes II

  • What’s Next in June

  • #ICYMI

Celebrating the Class of 2024: A Milestone Achievement

In just a few weeks, just over 130 students from the Class of 2024 will gather in a sea of blue and white to celebrate one of their most significant achievements – graduation from Ichabod Crane High School. This momentous occasion will take place on June 26, marking the culmination of years of learning, studying and hard work.


As these students graduate from Ichabod Crane, they will move their tassels from right to left, signifying their transition from students to alumni. Among the graduates, approximately 65 percent will pursue higher education, 19 percent will enter the workforce, 3 percent will join the military and a small number are still deciding their next steps.


“I am incredibly proud of the Class of 2024. Each of our graduating seniors has worked to find their own path to reach this remarkable milestone. I look forward to hearing about their lives after leaving Ichabod Crane,” Superintendent Marie Digirolamo said. “I also want to express my gratitude to all our K-12 faculty and staff, both instructional and non-instructional, for their tireless efforts in helping our seniors graduate. Lastly, I want to thank the families and loved ones of our graduates for their unwavering support and compassion, which have been essential as our students worked so hard to graduate.”


The celebrations don't end there. On June 24, we will host our annual Moving Up Ceremony to honor the 123 eighth-grade students moving up to the High School in September. We will also recognize many others in our Rider community, including our Lil Riders, student athletes, student performers, recipients of the NYS Seal of Biliteracy and many other student award and scholarship recipients.


Additionally, we will honor all of our staff members at the annual year-end barbecue and ceremony, where we will also pay tribute to those retiring after years of dedication to our Rider community.


There is much to be proud of here at ICC! Our school community continues to thrive, showcasing the dedication and hard work of our students and staff alike.

Habitat for Humanity Capitol Build 2024

On a bright Tuesday morning, members of Ichabod Crane’s Habitat for Humanity Club gathered alongside hundreds of volunteers in Albany for Capitol Build Day 2024.


A dozen of our High Schoolers, along with their dedicated club co-advisers, took part in this massive team effort, contributing their time and energy to help construct the frame for a house that will soon become a home in Niverville. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, our students worked diligently, swinging hammers and wielding tools, each action a step closer to providing a home for a family in our community.


After completion, the frame was transported to Niverville, where Mr. Randy Goold, High School social studies teacher and the club’s co-adviser, and other volunteers helped unload it onto the new foundation. Columbia-Greene Habitat for Humanity will oversee the construction of the house and manage the application process.


Founded by Mrs. Judy Bury in 1996, a retired teacher, Ichabod's Habitat for Humanity Club has been a cornerstone of community service. Over the years, the club has participated in various projects and consistently has fundraised for our local Habitat chapter.


In addition to her ongoing advisory role, Mrs. Bury actively participated in the recent Capitol Build. Alongside the volunteers, she helped construct the frame, board by board, nail by nail.


"It was amazing to see the enthusiasm of the kids and how much they got out of it, to see their expressions as they worked so hard. Even though they didn't know who they were helping, it didn't matter to them. They wanted to be there and to be a part of something so meaningful,” Mrs. Bury said. “Since the club started in 1996, I've worked with countless students and seen so many wonderful outcomes. Some of our graduates have even gone on to volunteer with Habitat in different capacities."

Exploring Axolotls: A Cross-School Collaboration

Recently, one of our fifth-grade classes visited the High School for an immersive lesson on axolotls led by Mr. Tim McErlean and his applied chemistry students.


During their visit, students engaged in a variety of enriching activities, including watching informative videos, participating in drawing exercises and interacting firsthand with live axolotls. (How to pronounce axolotl.)


“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to interact with the fifth-graders,” said Matt Wolfe, one of the High School students. “They were so excited to see us and I just liked hanging out with them, teaching them how to use a microscope and about axolotls. They were having so much fun that it brought out the kid in me.”


The class “adopted” their own axolotl, Hank, from the High School. Now residing in Mrs. Jennifer Rickert’s room, Hank has become a beloved member of the classroom community. Students feed the amphibian, while learning about important topics such as habitat conservation, metamorphosis and regeneration. Additionally, since the axolotl is indigenous to Mexico, which coincides with one of their geography units, students are able to forge meaningful connections across different areas of study.


“To see the High School students interact with our fifth graders was a truly beautiful experience,” Mrs. Rickert said. “It was great for our students to see how their experiences will change as they become older, and equally beneficial for the High School students to take on the mentoring role.”


Learning about axolotls and their "critically endangered" status has inspired our fifth graders to think about how they can help make the world a cleaner and healthier place. They want to ensure that not just axolotls, but all animal species, humans and the environment can thrive.


“I hope next year that the axolotls at our school can go back into their natural habitat in Mexico,” said Catalina, a fifth-grade student in Mrs. Rickert’s class. “I hope that the world is a better place for them and all animals.”


After learning about the class’ exciting encounter, the remaining fifth-grade classes were eager to witness the axolotls firsthand. By the end of the school year, every fifth-grade class will have had the opportunity to attend an axolotl workshop at the High School.


“The point of the axolotl program at Ichabod Crane High School is to elicit wonder in students and to provide opportunities for inspiration, creativity and confidence for all students and teachers involved across grade levels and school buildings,” Mr. McErlean said. “The axolotl, in my opinion, is one of the most interesting animals that any person could come across. When I first saw one in 1999, I was amazed.”
Hank, the axolotl

Primary School Parent University Hosts Inaugural Event

zoom_out_map

After extensive planning, the Primary School Parent University successfully hosted its inaugural event: a Community Benefit Fair, as one way to foster strong connections between our students’ parents, guardians, district staff and the outside community.


These connections create productive, two-way relationships that enhance the well-being and academic growth of our students. Coinciding with the Budget Vote and Board of Education Election, the event drew representatives from both district and external organizations to the Primary School’s playground.


Attendees engaged in discussions at various booths, covering topics like the district’s free meals and transportation programs, and external services including mental health support, local food pantry access, banking options and library services. Translators were available on site.


“The Parent University Coalition has worked hard all year in making this a success. Our debut event went well and helped to continue strengthening our relationships with families and community partners,” Primary School Principal Andrea Williams said. ”As we plan our next steps, we are excited to increase the awareness of our Parent University. We look forward to the future of this valuable community resource.”


Ichabod Crane Primary School’s Parent University is grounded in the belief that parenting, like other forms of education, is an ongoing and lifelong process. One of the goals of the Parent University Coalition is to provide parents and guardians with resources, knowledge and skills to support them as they raise their children in our ever-changing world.


The Coalition plans to hold their next community events at the Primary School’s open houses in September.

Middle School Holds Cyber Safety Sessions

Ichabod Crane administrators and staff recognize that the internet provides our students with a powerful and informative platform for learning, but it can also pose serious risks that our students need to be aware of.


Recently, two investigators from the NYS Troopers Cyber Crime Unit shared this message with our Middle School students. During two assemblies, students watched age-appropriate videos that highlighted safety topics, including identity deception and the potential consequences of cyberbullying.


Following the presentations, the students had the opportunity to ask questions about what to do if they experience something that doesn’t feel right on the internet, such as being contacted by someone they do not know, as well as steps to take if they are subject to cyberbullying.


"This initiative is part of our comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety of all of our students and staff, particularly in an increasingly connected world,” said Lucas Christensen, Assistant Superintendent and Data Privacy Officer. “By familiarizing students with the challenges of the internet, we aim to empower them with the information and skills they need to navigate the digital world responsibly and swiftly recognize potential risks."


In the fall, administrators are planning to host a cyber safety night for Middle School parents to discuss the same topics that their children were exposed to during the assemblies.


For more information and resources, please visit New York State Education Department’s webpage on internet safety and cyberbullying.

Spring Sports Spotlight

The spring season is still in full swing, but there's already so much to celebrate! Here are the highlights and important dates to remember as many of our athletes continue to compete.


  • Ichabod Crane received the Scholar-Athlete "School of Excellence" award from NYSPHSAA for the second consecutive year. This award is given to schools that have at least 75% of their teams earn the scholar-athlete team recognition of the course of the school year.


  • Tanner LaTorre competed at the NYSPHSAA Golf State Championships at Mark Twain Golf Course in Elmira NY. On day 1 of competition, Tanner shot a 74 which was good for 18th overall and 3rd in Section 2.


  • Varsity Track & Field is sending 10 participants to the NYSPHSAA Track & Field Championships at Cicero-North Syracuse HS on June 7 and June 8. Allison Flint, Brianna Doria, Isabella Scott, Kiley Melanson, Emma Autrey, Ariana Henry, Hailey Duffy, Kyonna Gordon, Kristanna Samascott and Ryan Antalek have all qualified and will be representing Ichabod Crane at the New York State Championship Meet!


  • Varsity Softball is headed to the NYS Final Four for the third consecutive year and is looking to make it a 3-peat for the State Championship. The semifinal game is schedule for Friday, 9 a.m., in Bellport, NY.

  • Varsity Baseball competed in sectional play, winning their quarterfinal game before losing a close game in the semi-finals.


  • Coach Tracy Nytransky McComb earned her 400th win as varsity softball coach.


  • Coach Brian McComb earned his 100th win as varsity baseball coach.


Looking ahead, Fall Registration begins in July. Click here for more info.

Board Notes II

zoom_out_map

Welcome again to Board Notes, a new section of the Rider Report. Each semester, we will showcase key presentations and information shared at the district’s Board of Education meetings.


January meeting:


February meeting:


March meeting:


April meeting (two meetings):


May meeting:

  • Assistant Superintendent Lucas Christensen and School Principals provided an overview of the responses from the Climate Survey 2023, which was completed by students, staff and parents/guardians.

What's Next in June

  • June 3: GAC Banquet, 5:30 p.m., High School Gymnasium

  • June 4: Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7 p.m., High School Library

  • June 5: Parent/Guardian Orientation for 24-25 Grade 4 Students, 6-7 p.m., Middle School Cafeteria

  • June 5: NYS Seal of Biliteracy Ceremony, 6 p.m., High School Library

  • June 7: D.A.R.E. Graduation, 11 a.m., High School Auditorium, followed by a barbecue

  • June 11: Grades 2/3 Field Day, 8:45- 10:15 a.m. (2nd grade) & 12:30-2 p.m. (3rd grade), ICC Track & Field Complex

  • June 11: Senior Performing Arts Awards Night, 7 p.m., High School

  • June 12: Senior Awards Night, 6 p.m., High School

  • June 13: K/1 Field Day, 8:45- 10:15 a.m. (K) & 12:30-2 p.m. (1st grade), ICC Track & Field Complex

  • June 13: Varsity Club Awards Ceremony, 6 p.m., High School Auditorium

  • June 14: Primary School Flag Day Celebration, 9 a.m., ICC Track & Field Complex

  • June 14: Moving Up Dance, 7-9 p.m., High School

  • June 18: Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m., High School Library

  • June 19: Juneteenth, No School and District Offices Closed

  • June 20: ENL Senior Recognition Night, 7 p.m., High School

  • June 21: Early Dismissal for Grades K-8

  • June 24: Third Grade EOY Celebration 6-7 p.m., Primary School Back Field

  • June 24: 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony 6 p.m., Varsity Field (inside of track)

  • June 25: 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony Rain Date

  • June 25: Early Dismissal for Grades K-8 – last day of school

  • June 26: Class of 2024 Graduation, 6:30 p.m., Varsity Field (inside of track)

  • June 27: Class of 2024 Graduation Rain Date


Dates, times and locations are subject to change.

#ICYMI

🌟 Primary School Good Character Award Recipients and Middle School Riders of the Month 👏

Primary School Agriculture Day!


Big thanks to A. Ooms & Sons Dairy, Samascott's & Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties for making the day so fantastic! 🐮🐐🍎🌽🌻

🎉Kindergarten End-of-Year Celebration!


Our K families visited the Primary School to watch our youngest Lil Riders show off their reading, writing, dancing & singing skills.

Ichabod Crane CSD

Marie Digirolamo, Superintendent

2910 Route 9 • Valatie, NY 12184

Phone: (518) 758-7575