RIDER REPORT

At Ichabod Crane, we believe that our students are not just the future — they are powerful contributors to our present. When students use their voices, they help shape a school district that reflects their needs, values and dreams.

Student voice can take many forms, from advocacy and leadership to creativity and collaboration. When students are truly heard, our schools become more inclusive, responsive and forward-thinking.

In this final edition of the Rider Report for the 2024-25 school year, we’re proud to highlight a powerful example of student advocacy. A group of Middle School students from Girl Scout Troop 1539 spoke at the April Board of Education meeting to advocate for improved access to menstrual products in school.

In support of their advocacy, we wrote to the New York State Office of General Services – on behalf of our students and with the support of 17 regional superintendents – requesting permission to purchase higher-quality, age-appropriate products. Keep reading to learn the outcome of this effort. (Spoiler: We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication and leadership!)

Student voice also shines through creative expression. Our new large-scale mural, created by High School students in collaboration with a local artist, is more than just art – it’s a bold statement of identity, connection and Rider Pride in our community.

When we uplift student voice, we strengthen not just our schools, but the entire community. Our students are empowered to lead, create and make lasting change at ICC and beyond. Keep reading to hear from the Class of 2025 about what it truly means to be a Rider.

We are so proud of all our students and all they’ve accomplished this year. As we wrap up the school year, we look forward to celebrating them in every way possible, culminating in the graduation of the Class of 2025 on June 27. We can’t wait to cheer them on as they take their next steps.

Articles in this edition:

• Rider Reflections: Celebrating the Class of 2025

• MS Students Advocate for Better Access to Menstrual Products

• HS Art Class, Local Artist Unite for Large-Scale Mural

• Thank You, Rider Residents: Approval of 25-26 Budget

• Spring Sports Shine: Championships, Records & Unstoppable #RiderPride

• What’s Next in June – A LOT!

• #ICYMI

We kicked off the 2024-25 school year with the premiere of our What Does It Mean to Be a Rider? video, featuring voices from students and staff across the district, sharing what being part of the Rider community means to them.

Now, as the school year comes to a close, we’ve come full circle – this time posing the same question to two members of the Class of 2025 as they prepare to graduate.

Here’s what they shared:

“Our school community prides itself on being diverse and accepting; two qualities I think are very important. Being a Rider means embodying and spreading exactly what our school promotes: worldwide kindness, becoming a better citizen and overcoming difficult obstacles by maintaining a positive attitude. Being a Rider means being helpful to others and supporting people when they feel down or want to give up. I think being a Rider just simply means being kind to others and uniting together despite our differences.” – Rebecca Church

“What it means to be a Rider — to me, it means family. During my time at Ichabod, students and faculty have been amazing, with teachers willing to do anything to help students and it’s a big reason why I plan to become a physical education teacher. I would say being a Rider is a second home to me.” – Jacob Macfarlane

As their time at Ichabod Crane winds down, our seniors are making memories to last a lifetime – from their fun-filled class trip to Virginia Beach to a spirited Senior Spirit Week featuring pajama day, a student/staff swap and more!

Upcoming Senior Events:

• June 4: NYS Seal of Biliteracy Ceremony, 6 p.m., High School Auditorium and Library

• June 10: Collegiate Athletic Signing, 2:45 p.m., High School Gymnasium (friends and family can start entering the High School at 2:30 p.m.)

• June 11: Senior Awards Night, 6 p.m., High School Courtyard (weather permitting - in Auditorium if needed)

• June 16: Senior Performing Arts Awards Night, 7 p.m., High School Auditorium

• June 27: Class of 2025 Graduation, 6:30 p.m., Varsity Field (inside of track) – Rain Date, June 28, 10 a.m., same location weather permitting. Ceremony will be moved to the auditorium if needed

Let’s celebrate this incredible class as they finish their Rider journey and begin their next adventure! 💙🎉

Last fall, a group of Middle School students from Girl Scout Troop 1539 set out to improve access to menstrual products at school by stocking bathrooms with higher-quality, age-appropriate options as part of a troop project.

They successfully supplied the first round of products through fundraising and donations, but hit a roadblock when it came time to restock. After meeting with Middle School Principal Anthony Marturano, they learned that the district needed guidance from the New York State Office of General Services (OGS), which oversees school menstrual product regulations. The students' preferred items weren’t available through the state’s approved purchasing contracts.

Still, the students didn’t give up.

“We felt it should be fixed and the bathrooms should have the right products, even if it wasn’t going to affect us, since we are 8th graders and so close to being done at the Middle School,” Annie Lockmer said.

The group of 8th-grade students — Annie, Lily Stevens, Addi Bickerton, Brooklyn Norton and Madison McGrath — met with district leaders, including Superintendent Marie Digirolamo, and ultimately decided to bring their concerns to the Board of Education. At the April meeting, Lily addressed the board, advocating for better options for all Middle School students.

“At first, I thought, who is going to listen to a few girls?” Lily recalled. Following the board meeting, she felt hopeful, after garnering so much positive feedback and support, especially after Superintendent Marie Digirolamo joined the effort.

Inspired by their advocacy, Superintendent Digirolamo wrote to the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) on the students' behalf. She was joined by 17 regional superintendents in requesting special permission to purchase menstrual products that better meet students' needs.

In the letter, Superintendent Digirolamo included an excerpt from the students’ letter shared with the Board of Education: “We believe that these should be provided because the ones given currently aren't fitted for young girls … not all students are able to afford the necessary products and have no way for them to be provided. Most girls also don’t feel comfortable asking staff members for a pad or tampon in front of the class. Our goal is to have products provided that are appropriate for kids in grades 4-8.”

OGS responded, recognizing that the products available on the centralized contract purchasing list do not meet the required form, function or utility that young students need. They shared the appropriate language and documentation to use in order to purchase menstrual products through an alternate procurement method. This opened the door for Ichabod Crane to move forward.

Thanks to the students’ initiative and persistence, the district recently purchased its first batch of improved products. The same students who sparked the change helped distribute them in the Middle School bathrooms last week.

“It was so exciting to hear the news that we could restock the bathrooms again,” Addi said.

Thank you to all who came out to vote! On May 20, district residents approved the 2025-26 Ichabod Crane Central School District budget by a vote of 572 to 272.

The approved budget totals $51,143,999, representing a $956,986 (1.91%) increase over the current year’s budget, with an estimated tax levy increase of 3.11%. Voters also approved the purchase of four buses (556 to 287).

“Thank you, Rider Residents! We are so grateful for your continued support of Ichabod Crane. “The approved budget moves our Instructional Program Vision forward in a fiscally responsible way,” Superintendent Marie Digirolamo said. “It preserves what matters most – academics, electives, career and technical education, athletics, the arts – and keeps essential SEL staff and programming in place. We're continuing to invest in STEAM, career readiness and wellness for staff and community. This budget reflects our commitment to the whole child and our entire district’s well-being.”

Additionally, three residents were re-elected to three-year terms on the Board of Education – Elizabeth Phillips, Matthew Nelson and Meghan Lafferty-Brown (621, 586, 611 votes, respectively).

“The Board of Education is sincerely grateful for the continued support of our Rider community. Your ongoing approval of the school budget empowers us to pursue the goals and mission that make Ichabod Crane a regional leader,” Board of Education President Matthew Nelson. “This support maintains our strong academic programs, diverse extracurricular opportunities and offerings that nurture the interests and success of all students, together with our commitment to staff and community wellness, recognizing that healthy kids need healthy adults.”