
April Newsletter
2024-2025
Happy Spring!
Staff Spotlight
Molly Stewart
We're delighted to feature Ms. Stewart, who has been a valued member of the Long Lake CSD faculty for five years. When asked about the highlights of her time here, Molly emphasizes the unique, multifaceted nature of the school community. She appreciates seeing her students and colleagues in various roles, both within and beyond the school walls, allowing her to truly understand them as individuals. This integrated experience, where work and life intersect, fosters deep connections.
Molly's unique approach to connecting with students is exemplified by her annual March Madness music tournament in Spanish class. Throughout March, students delve into contemporary Spanish-language artists, popular songs, and cultural nuances. This engaging competition not only introduces students to new musical discoveries but also encourages them to share their perspectives and earn prizes from Spanish-speaking countries. It's a vibrant celebration of music and culture, consistently a student favorite.
Outside the classroom, Molly enjoys a diverse range of hobbies, including cross-country skiing, running, writing, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Clifford. She's also an avid enthusiast of escape rooms, the television show 'Survivor,' and all things puzzle-related.
A particularly memorable student anecdote involves a pre-kindergartener's enthusiastic recounting of their winter break, which, to Molly's surprise, featured a detailed description of a fever, cough, and five instances of vomiting.
If granted a superpower for a day, Molly would choose the ability to experience life from another person's perspective, aiming to truly understand their reality.
Finally, Molly shares that the Travel Club is actively fundraising for their 2026 trip to Costa Rica. They are deeply grateful for the community's ongoing support and invite everyone to join them at upcoming fundraising events.
Joshua Tremblay
Introducing Mr. Tremblay. Entering his sixth year at Long Lake CSD as the Library Media Specialist, he's truly come to appreciate the unique advantages of our small school environment. The intimate class sizes allow for meaningful connections with students, fostering a strong sense of support that extends beyond the classroom.
Josh's primary method of connecting with students is through humor and lightheartedness. Children thrive when learning is enjoyable, and a shared laugh can break down barriers and create a positive learning environment.
Outside of school, life revolves around his three children and their youth hockey endeavors. It's a passion that keeps everyone busy and connected.
As for the funniest student comment, while reading a story about kindness, a student raised their hand, not to ask a question, but to offer a candid observation about Mr. Tremblay's 'hairy arms.' Needless to say, sleeves were promptly adjusted!
If he could possess a superpower for a day, it'd be time manipulation. The ability to slow down moments or create more time would be invaluable, allowing for the ability to savor special moments and manage the demands of daily life.
And, if you're curious, Mr. Tremblay's all-time favorite sandwich is a Monte Cristo.
Sean O'Shell
Introducing Mr. O'Shell, our 7-12 Social Studies teacher, who joined the Long Lake CSD faculty in 2019, just prior to the pandemic. When asked about the most rewarding aspect of working at Long Lake, Mr. O'Shell emphasizes the school's exceptionally positive and unique community. He particularly enjoys building relationships with students over multiple years and witnessing the strong sense of mutual support that permeates the school.
Mr. O'Shell connects with students by fostering in-depth discussions about their values and interests, notably through his involvement in the Poetry Club and his teaching of PSY 101 and PHI 100. Outside of the classroom, Mr. O'Shell enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and cross-country skiing, as well as creative pursuits like playing guitar and writing poetry.
One of the more memorable student anecdotes involves a holiday volleyball tournament. Mr. O'Shell recalls with amusement how students adopted one of the classroom fish as their team mascot, a significant improvement from the year they printed his school photo on their jerseys, making him the mascot.
If granted a superpower for a day, Mr. O'Shell would choose the ability to see or predict the future. Finally, Mr. O'Shell shares a rather unusual driving record: he has hit both a moose and a snake. He expresses a desire to connect with the few other individuals who might share this unique experience.
Student Highlights
Grades PK/K Parent Engagement
Pre-K and Kindergarten students, alongside their parents, explored the wonders of chemical reactions today with an 'egg-cellent' science experiment, creating vibrant eruptions using baking soda, food coloring, and vinegar.
Scholar Athletes
Congratulations to Camryn Hosley and Griffin Farr our Scholar Athletes for this past winter. Keep up the hard work athletes!
NYSPHSAA honors those teams and individuals who excel in the classroom. To receive Scholar-Athlete team recognition with a certificate, the team’s average GPA for 75% of the roster must be greater than or equal to 90.00.
Elementary Basketball
Congratulations to the Long Lake CSD Elementary Basketball Team! They are undefeated for the second year in a row!
Junior and Senior Trip to NYC
Upcoming Events
NYS 3-8 Testing
The New York State testing window will be open soon. Students in grades 3-8 are scheduled to test on April 8-9 (ELA) and April 29-30 (Math.) 5th and 8th graders will take the science assessment on May 13.
These exams allow us to assess how the students and staff are doing to reach the learning standards. This is only one measure of the progress that we are all making. We know that there are multiple other ways to measure progress, and we do appreciate and support all of the hard work that our students and teachers do each and every day!
Literacy Night
Spring Break
Long Lake CSD will be on Spring Break April 16-25. We hope that you enjoy the time away and the beautiful weather!
Parents Corner
Build Your Child's Self-Confidence
By age seven or eight, many children become self-conscious. A critical inner voice says things like, "That's stupid" or "You read like an idiot." These feelings can affect a child's willingness to tackle challenges in school.
Families can help self-critical children develop confidence. Don't criticize your child for worrying about performing well. Instead, praise the effort your student puts in. Point out things your child has learned since the beginning of the year. Say things like "I'm proud of you" often. Your calm attitude and constant reassurances will build a positive inner voice for your child.
31 Alternatives to Screen Time
Prioritizing off-screen activities fosters well-rounded development. Encourage students to engage in hands-on experiences, outdoor exploration, and social interaction to balance digital learning with essential life skills.
The Road to Reading Success
Strong reading foundations in elementary school are pivotal; they unlock future academic success, foster lifelong learning, and empower students to confidently navigate a world rich in information.