PRSD Pulse

Greetings Pearl River School District Families and Staff,

Spring is here and there are signs of the season at all of our school buildings. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, learners have delved into lessons, activities and new learning opportunities! As we draw closer to the end of the 2024-25 school year, we have shared our 2025-26 proposed budget. We are also making the final preparations for both our upcoming Tri-State Consortium visit (April 23-25) and annual Arts in the Park event (May 17). More details are forthcoming on these important events. The May Edition of the PRSD Pulse will detail budget vote information, highlight the Tri-State Consortium visit and provide an inside look at Arts in the Park preparation.

During the month of March, we spotlighted our School Social Workers during National School Social Work Week (March 3-7), celebrated AI Literacy Day (March 28) and kicked off our #EveryStudentCounts campaign - showcasing the varying Tiers in our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. The District also highlighted the work of Pearl River High School and Pearl River Middle School students who participated in the Rockland BOCES 2025 Lower Hudson Valley National History Contest (March 29) - working individually and collaboratively to research and create projects centered on the theme: Rights & Responsibilities in History.

At the high school level, we celebrated the achievements of those inducted into various honor societies, the Pearl River High School Model United Nations Club and selected student-artists whose work was featured in the Rockland Center for the Arts Our Story, Our Future exhibit. In addition, we shared the successes of the International Club’s annual International Night event (March 6) and Marine Science Club Fair (March 22), and spotlighted Ms.Tracy Holihan’s English 8H class, as well as Ms. Brenda King’s Project Lead the Way Biomedical Innovation elective course.

At Pearl River Middle School, fifth graders prepared for their New York State Science lab assignment through a hands-on experiment, sixth grade English Language Arts educators worked with Literacy Coach Dana Silver to delve into Morphology instruction, and students took part in a ‘Wellness Walks’ initiative promoting mindfulness and well-being. PRMS Pirates also had the opportunity to perform their production of Newsies Jr. for visiting fourth graders, leading up to their shows debuting from March 12-15.

At the elementary level, fourth graders rolled up their sleeves to make scientific discoveries with Oobleck and slime, K-4 learners celebrated St. Patrick’s Day through engaging assemblies and lessons, and students strengthened their literacy skills through classroom reading activities. In addition, we shined a light on elementary schools’ One School, One Book initiative, students’ celebration of the vibrant Holi festival, and exciting learning opportunities promoting math understanding.

As we enter the coming months, I look forward to sharing what's to come across academics, athletics and the arts. Our PRSD Pulse e-newsletter highlights the incredible, ever-evolving work of our District, and I can't wait to share more.

Sincerely,

Marco F. Pochintesta, Ed.D.

Second graders at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School had the opportunity to explore the magic of nurturing their own plants, thanks to a special visit from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program! These Lincoln Ave Lions (pictured: teacher Lori Giachetti's class) listened to a read aloud of the book The Pie That Molly Grew discussing its link to social-emotional learning focuses and how one can grow their own food - following along Molly's journey of planting a seed, nurturing a growing vine, observing pollenating bees, harvesting a pumpkin and baking a pie to share with others. Using Molly's recipe, learners excitedly delved into creating their own to try - taking turns adding ingredients and mixing the bag, before taking a taste test. Special thanks to visitors from the Master Gardener program for sharing their expertise - and inspiring our green thumbs-in training! More on Facebook and Instagram.

They're making history (projects) as the first PRSD students to compete in the Rockland BOCES 2025 Lower Hudson Valley National History Day® (NHD) Contest held on March 29 at St. Thomas Aquinas College! Pearl River Middle School students Kira G., Julia K., and Rachel M. along with Pearl River High School student Angelina E. (pictured) prepped to present the culmination of their research and project work over the past months, centered on this year's contest theme: Rights & Responsibilities in History. In the Junior division (grades 6-8), PRMS Pirates Kira, Julia and Rachel presented their exhibit project: The Holocaust: A Devastating Tragedy, and in the Senior division (grades 9-12), PRHS Pirate Angelina showcased her exhibit: Muted! The Silencing of Filipino Journalists During the 20th Century. We are so proud of our hardworking student contestants - who dove deep into the past to bring it to the present, paving the way for our District's participation in NHD!

Shoutout to National History Day club advisors Jeanenne Verret and Jeff Michael for their guidance, as well as Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marco Pochintesta - who served as a Judge Captain, working alongside others as a team to analyze documentary submissions. More on Facebook and Instagram.

Fourth graders at Evans Park Elementary School celebrated National Association for Music Education's Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®) - by strumming up interest in playing the ukulele...and showcasing all that they've learned throughout their Instrumental period! Under the guidance of Music teacher Sarah Gill, these Evans Park Tigers put on 'Informances' - playing various chords and songs to a crowd of building/district administrators, staff and family members - displaying proper posture, and instrument and finger positioning. As the 'informative performance' concluded, students headed into the audience to teach the basics of the ukulele to those in attendance...just like they've learned! With this basic chord knowledge, learners have the ability to now explore hundreds of songs on their instrument. Bravo! This song doesn't end yet...other ELF students at our elementary buildings are also prepping for their own upcoming class Informances. Stay TUNED! More on Facebook and Instagram.

Lincoln Avenue Elementary School Lion's Council members hosted a Math Fair - showcasing their knowledge of mathematical concepts through engaging projects and games! Inviting K-4 classes to rotate through various stations, students detailed the rules and how to play - guiding learners in fun, interactive math practice. Participating Lion's Council members also served as mentors, guiding their peers and reinforcing their own knowledge of what they've learned throughout their classroom curriculum! Through community-building learning opportunities like this Math Fair, Lincoln Ave Lions are bridging connections across academic focuses and developing a deeper understanding of concepts. Special thanks to Lion's Council advisor/fourth grade teacher Karen DiMenna, Lion's Council members and all who took part in the day! More on Facebook and Instagram.

We're 'shore' you'll agree...Pearl River High School's Marine Science Club Fair (March 22) was a sea of success! With an array of attractions including salt and freshwater live animals, interactive exhibits, demonstrations, crafts and games, this annual fundraising event welcomed PRSD community members to explore aquatic environments and support the work of the Marine Science Club. PRHS Pirates had the opportunity to share what they've learned and what they're passionate about through their participation in the club - open to all learners across grades 8-12 who are interested in oceanography and/or marine biology. A very special thank you to all who participated, those who donated and the hardworking club members, as well as club advisor/Science teacher Tom Mullane! More on Facebook and Instagram.

In celebration of the vibrant Hindu festival of Holi, Evans Park Elementary School students came together outdoors to decorate the blacktops with chalk art - centered on promoting unity and joy! We captured fourth graders in action as they spread messages of love and kindness through colorful powder creations, working together to ring in the arrival of spring and embrace cultural tradition. With the beginning of a new season brings opportunity for exciting and engaging lessons and activities centered on bridging school community, and developing cultural awareness and understanding. More on Facebook and Instagram.

Students enrolled in Pearl River High School's Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical Innovation class are gaining invaluable hands-on experience...working together to take part in a pig autopsy as part of their Carolina Forensic Dissection! Examining a fetal pig using the protocol of a human autopsy, PRHS Pirates in Science teacher Brenda King's classroom assumed the roles of forensic pathologists - removing the organ systems from the body cavity, making observations externally and internally, and following proper procedure. In their small groups, scientists carefully made incisions for internal anatomy and removed organs to be weighed, as they prepare to then suture their cuts to conclude the investigation. Through this elective course and lab activity, learners are developing the skills needed for careers spanning medicine, research and forensic analysis. STEM education opportunities like this one prepare the next generation of innovators and critical-thinkers! More on Facebook and Instagram.

FLEx time plays a key part in the PRSD's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) programming - serving as a Tier One intervention in place, delivered to all students in the general education classroom by qualified personnel! In our District, #EveryStudentCounts, and we stopped by Franklin Avenue Elementary School teacher Colleen Rourke's first grade classroom - to showcase these progress-monitoring sessions provided for various academic areas, focused on reinforcing core instruction and universal behavioral expectations. These Franklin Ave Stars used their FLEx time to engage in structured, small-group activities integrating current unit topics across Math and English including comparing numbers and long vowel practice. FLEx time is an essential component of our MTSS framework at the K-4 level - helping us meet the diverse needs of our learners through: targeted support, confidence building, collaboration and inclusive learning. More on Facebook and Instagram.

The PRSD celebrated Pearl River Middle School sixth grade Science and STEM Enrichment teacher Brittany Martinez - who presented at 2025 Girls Rock STEAM Rockland (March 29), a community outreach program focused on providing young women in grades 5-8 across Rockland County an opportunity to engage in an array of STEM-related activities! Brittany's session: Chalkboard Slime & the Science of Forgiveness, engaged learners in a STEAM experiment - mixing up chalkboard slime and using markers to decorate, doodle and write messages on it. Through this experiment, students explored the science of polymers while reflecting on how letting go of negativity can help mend relationships and find inner peace. Congratulations, Brittany! More on Facebook and Instagram.

March marked Youth Art Month - and we spotlighted several student artists at Pearl River High School whose work was featured in the Rockland Center for the Arts Our Story, Our Future Exhibition - which featured creations from high school students across Rockland County throughout the month of February! Congratulations to: Ronnah O'Connor, Grace DiNardi, Ariana Guaman, Tigran Siavichay, Tamaki Kajikawa, Li'Era Lucksom-Garcia, Adriana Albanese, Kate Dowling, Chelsie Zepeda, Barry Annette, Christopher Wolanski, Shannon Croke, Kate Kenefick, Julia Onishi, Madelyn Murphy, Saniyah Bilodeau, Boris Zagal, Bianca Beberena Soto, Emma Lawson and Olivia Klein (not all pictured).

In addition, two PRHS Pirates: Tigran Siavichay (pictured) and Saniyah Bilodeau were also selected to be a part of a nationwide High School Photography Exhibit at Drexel University from February 15-March 8. Great work, all! More on Facebook and Instagram.

Open a book, open your mind! Partnering with the Pearl River Public Library (PRPL) as part of their One School, One Book initiative, Evans Park Elementary School welcomed library staff to join in their reading adventure - as K-4 students excitedly participated in a Q&A activity centered on the story of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. Through an interactive Jeopardy-inspired game, Evans Park Tigers selected numbered categories that presented trivia clues about the book as well as the wide range of services the library offers. Together with the PRPL, we're engaging learners in community-building literacy opportunities - inspiring a love of reading and story exploration! Special thanks to all administrators and staff involved in this initiative, the Evans Park PTA for their book donations, as well as the PRPL for their strong partnership. More on Facebook and Instagram.

Wellness Walks are taking place at Pearl River Middle School - and they're not only an opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather, but an investment in students' mental health and overall well-being! An initiative that first began in May 2024 by School Social Worker Jess Bersani during Mental Health Awareness Month has now transformed into a regularly-occurring mindfulness activity across grades 5-7 - and PRMS Pirates are taking the 'steps' to reduce stress, boost their mood and increase focus. Twice a month during recess, Wellness Wednesday encourages learners to refresh and recharge - through a solo stroll, chatting with friends, or stopping along the parcourse. There's more to come - we'll be spotlighting various activities in the coming months centered on student wellness, and developing a healthy and happy mindset. More on Facebook and Instagram.

In the PRSD, #EveryStudentCounts - as we provide the tools they need in order to succeed academically, socially and emotionally! Through our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, learners receive tailored support at every grade-level across three tiers: Universal, Targeted and Intensive. Through the work of our District MTSS Committee led by Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Joe Simoni - and comprised of administrators, principals, Instructional Coaches, teachers, clinicians and behavior specialists - the District is working to review and finalize the MTSS plan, review best practices and analyze trend data district-wide. During their most recent meeting, those in attendance were visited by Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center Behavior Specialist Sara Fineup - who discussed Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) instructional strategies and implementation approaches. Committee members then got to work, delving into their buildings' PBIS Tier 1 Action Plan. More on Facebook and Instagram.

It was a happy St. Patrick's Day in the PRSD! On this day, we had the opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural traditions of Ireland, and integrate history, geography and creativity into our curriculum focuses. Leading up to this lucky day, Franklin Avenue Elementary School hosted its annual St. Patrick's Day assembly - as K-4 students, staff and teachers were treated to festive musical and Irish step-dancing performances from Franklin Ave Stars (LYNN Academy of Irish Dance - Rockland County), Gaelic football and hurling demos from Rockland GAA, and bagpipe tunes courtesy of NYPD Pipes and Drums. Special thanks to all parents in attendance, local volunteers who took part in the assembly, as well as the Franklin Avenue PTA! More on Facebook and Instagram.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it...Pearl River Middle School debuted their production of Disney's Newsies Jr.! Following months of rehearsal, PRMS Pirates cast and crew put on a show for visiting elementary fourth graders, as they prepared to 'seize the day' and take the stage again for exciting performances. HATS OFF to the cast and crew, as well as all teachers/staff involved in the production! More on Facebook and Instagram.

Pearl River High School English 8H students were visited by 2025 Rockland County Poet Laureate Juan Pablo Mobili - providing them an exciting opportunity to learn about best practices for reading poetry aloud to an audience, as well as ways in which they can refine their poetry writing. Inside Tracy Holihan's classroom, PRHS Pirates listened intently to Mr. Mobili as he shared details about his role as an ambassador for the literary arts, and the power poetry can have on evoking and expressing a range of emotions. Leading learners in interactive activities, Mr. Mobili discussed the importance of volume, pace, eye contact and body language - prompting the class to practice engaging in conversation with one another honing what they learned, and providing feedback as students presented poems to their peers. At the end of their unit, these Pirates will orate a poem in the auditorium - using Mr. Mobili's suggestions during their delivery. More on Facebook and Instagram.

PRSD Gr. 5-12 Literacy Coach Dana Silver is partnering with sixth grade English Language Arts (ELA) educators at Pearl River Middle School to deepen their understanding of Orton-Gillingham Morphology, work to experience lessons and activities, and begin to make grade level decisions and planning. During a professional development session, PRMS grade 6 ELA teachers explored the components of a Morphology lesson, and instruction across grade teams and content areas. Leading a demo lesson, Dana guided ELA teachers Tina Addino, Meghan McCarren, Susan Mulcahy and Fiona Robinson in a Three Part Drill: reviewing previous morphemes learned through visual, auditory and morphemic analysis activities; introducing a new morpheme and its meaning; and, applying understanding to cross content areas and writing focuses. Stay tuned...we'll soon be highlighting this work in the classroom! More on Facebook and Instagram.

Pearl River High School's 14th Annual International Night (March 6) was a vibrant success featuring delicious cuisine, poster displays, live performances, and festivities centered on bridge-building and belonging! Hosted by the PRHS International Club, PRSD students, staff, administrators and community members excitedly attended the highly-anticipated event - with all proceeds donated to the California Fire Foundation, which aims to administer direct financial relief to affected and damaged communities. Special thanks to those involved in International Night's planning and success - as well as Club Advisors Beth Kurzawa and Julia Tonelli! More on Facebook and Instagram.

Fourth graders were in a sticky situation...they made scientific discoveries while experimenting with oobleck and slime! During teaching assistant Beth Granelli's Makerspace period at Franklin Avenue Elementary School, these Franklin Ave Stars rolled up their sleeves for hands-on learning as they experimented with non-Newtonian fluids - mixing cornstarch and water to create a slimy, gooey substance. When playing with and touching the fluid, students analyzed its viscosity - observing how it solidifies, bends and tears when under stress. More on Facebook and Instagram.

PRMS Pirates launched an investigation - to determine whether the mixing of two substances in a closed system (water and a solid antacid tablet in a plastic bag) results in a new substance with different properties! Inside STEM teacher Gal Seiler's class at Pearl River Middle School, student-scientists worked in small groups to identify the evidence they observe during their New York State lab assignment, noting how the bag and the measured water within it changes as a new substance is formed. Through multiple trials and differing particle size investigations, learners determined the rate of reaction, and obtained both qualitative and quantitative data before, during and after combining the substances. More on Facebook and Instagram.