Dear Nanuet Community,

What better way to celebrate the creativity and hard work of our K–12 students than with a Celebration of the Arts! This year, we proudly showcased the talents of more than 1,000 students from across the district. For the first time, this popular event was held at our high school’s Media Center and Social Heart, moving from its previous home at the Palisades Mall.

The evening teemed with students, families, and friends, all of whom are captured in our Golden Spotlight video this month. A special thank you goes to our amazing art teachers and staff who helped bring this district-wide event to fruition.

Our May newsletter is packed with student photos from across the buildings and various content areas, as well as grades. Students and teachers are busy with end-of-year activities and events as the school year comes to a close before the summer break. We hope that the e-newsletter provides a “sneak peek” at the wonderful experiences of our students and the joy that lives in our schools.

Enjoy!

Sincerely,
Lisa Brady, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Welcome to the May Golden Spotlight! This month, we spend time with the Nanuet Art Department, who held a District-Wide art show at the start of the month.

Congrats to Caitlin Purvis and Siobhan McDonagh, named valedictorian and salutatorian of the Nanuet Senior High School Class of 2025! Caitlin will attend Clemson for finance, and Siobhan heads to Cornell, each leaving behind a legacy of leadership, service and achievement. “Their contributions have enhanced our school climate,” said Principal Mike Mahoney. Read more about them.

“We are in the business of making people happy.” Nanuet Senior High School students enrolled in the Introduction to Food Science course made the trip to Sparkill earlier this month to dine at Roost Restaurant and learn about creating a healthy menu from Head Chef Kevin Reilly. Check out our Instagram post to learn more about their visit.

“Kindness makes us feel happy and it can go a long way.” The Nanuet Senior High School students who make up VAASA (Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse) spent time at George W. Miller Elementary this month to encourage our youngest Knights to be healthy in body-and-mind. Check out our Instagram post to see photos from their visit with first-grade.

“Explore, learn and have fun!” That’s exactly what A. MacArthur Barr sixth graders did this month as they took turns "escaping" the classroom and into the Pfizer School of Science Mobile Experience—an interactive, escape room-style trailer that brings science to life. Head to our instagram post for more photos.

From Guam to Ireland, the cafeteria of Barr was filled with the cuisine, clothing and melodies of countries across the globe during a Cultural Day celebration held at the beginning of the month. "This is an opportunity to celebrate each other’s cultures and who we are as people,” Barr sixth grade teacher Kerry Taylor told those gathered. Check out our Facebook post to see more pictures.

The 28th Annual “Read Aloud," held at the end of April welcomed over 30 invited guests from across the school district and wider Nanuet and Clarkstown community. Elected officials, first responders, district administrators, board members, students and local leaders all came together to read to our students and share a piece of their personal stories—including why reading has been so meaningful in their lives. Read more and see photos here.

The rainy weather held off for our Highview Golden Knights and the annual “H Games” field day! From the kickball field to the obstacle course - these third and fourth graders had a blast playing field games and relays with their classmates. In addition to the expected games, activities and fun, students, staff, faculty and families got to watch Principal Lutz take a pie to the face, making good on his Wiz Fit Kids promise. Click here to see pictures on Facebook.

The Highview fourth grade class took a spin at working a locker during their visit to A. MacArthur Barr Middle School this week. The ride down Church Street is a way for our incoming middle schoolers to get familiar with their future home. Check out our Instagram post to learn more about the visit and see the Highview students tour their new school with members of the fifth grade class.

May ended with a fall-like cold snap, but it was all sunshine for the Miller annual "Day of Play." This annual tradition is a highly anticipated event on the school calendar — and the 2025 edition didn’t disappoint! Check our our Facebook post to see the second grade class in action and Principal Griffin get a pie to the face!

George W. Miller Elementary students are absolutely wild about the Bergen County Zoo. This month, our first-grade classes made their way to Van Saun Park to visit the animals, take a spin on the carousel and ride the train. Judging by the looks on their faces, these young Knights found the experience to be rawr-some — and they can’t wait to come back! Check out the photos here.

Let’s Rock! The “Rock and Roll Museum” opened its doors at Miller earlier this month. This annual pop-up event features a curated collection of instruments crafted by our talented first-grade students—using recycled materials! Check out our Facebook post to see pictures of the homemade music makers.

Thank you for prioritizing this year’s vote and election. The 2025–26 school budget was approved with 82 percent of the vote. The approved budget totals $93,866,307 — reflecting a 3.79 percent budget-to-budget increase and a 1.28 percent tax levy increase. Additionally, the separate proposition to establish a Capital Reserve Fund passed (484 Yes, 106 No). Sue Frisch (incumbent) and Gianna P. Apicella were elected to three-year terms, ending June 30, 2028.

Congratulations to the 16 educators who were recommended and approved for tenure during the May 20 Board of Education meeting! School administrators spoke highly of each educator in the presence of their families and colleagues before they were presented with certificates by Board of Education President Christine Camillieri. Read our Facebook post.