I am so excited to begin this new year with you. Each and every one of our shining star students inspires us to be the "better" we deserve and dare to envision. I am proud of our administrators, teachers and staff. We are here for you. We remember who we are as we refresh our vision and reunify with purpose for our mission. We've printed our Vision and Mission Statements to post in our school classrooms, hallways and offices as daily reminders of what binds us together and motivates us forward.

The RedHawk SUN is our reimagined eNewsletter designed for promoting Superintendent’s Uplifting News that focuses not only on what defines us but what distinguishes Nyack Public Schools’ educational culture, vision, mission, learning and teaching environment, staff and students.

Please join us in choosing a ready-mindset in September and beyond: Ready for each moment's possibilities... Ready to shape and share a brighter future with equity, innovation and optimism for today's children and tomorrow's world.

Yours in Education,

Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi

Interim Superintendent of Schools

As we remember, refresh and reunify, we begin again this year with the "why" we do what we do in Nyack Public Schools for each child to receive what they need to succeed.

What does it mean to be #RedHawkReady? RedHawks distinguishing qualities define, differentiate us and resonate deeply with the identity of the Nyack School District:

• Vision: The RedHawk's sharp sight represents the district's commitment to a forward-thinking approach and equity for students.
• Strength: The RedHawk's power symbolizes the district's resilience and determination to overcome challenges.
• Brilliance: The RedHawk's brilliance mirrors the district's pursuit of excellence in education.

We are RedHawk Ready: Uplifting each other as we raise children in Nyack Public Schools with equity, innovation and optimism.

District Leadership Goals: With much to achieve, the District Leadership Team is building back Nyack-strong with Interim Superintendent Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi. Utilizing "distributive leadership", administrators are working together to develop building level actionable and achievable goals to prioritize in the following key areas:

Stay up to date on your child's grades, assignments, attendance, announcements, schedules, transportation information and more. Parent Portal quick links are located on each school building website. Contact your school's main office or Family Resource Center if you need help accessing your Parent Portal account.

LIBERTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 845-353-7240

Ellen Rechenberger, Principal

Nurse’s Office: 845-353-7250

Family Resource Center: 845-353-7247

lb.nyackschools.org

UPPER NYACK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 845-353-7260

Tom DiLeo, Principal

Nurse’s Office: 845-353-7270

Family Resource Center: 845-353-7268

un.nyackschools.org

VALLEY COTTAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 845-353-7280

Lucrisha Addison-Harris, Principal

Nurse’s Office: 845-353-7290

Family Resource Center: 845-353-7291

vc.nyackschools.org

NYACK MIDDLE SCHOOL 845-353-7200

David Johnson, Principal

Attendance Office: 845-353-7205

Guidance Office: 845-353-7220

Nurse’s Office: 845-353-7210

Family Resource Center: 845-353-7214

ms.nyackschools.org

NYACK HIGH SCHOOL 845-353-7100

Nicole Saieva, Principal

Attendance Office: 845-353-7110

Guidance Office: 845-353-7120

Nurse’s Office: 845-353-7140

Athletics Office: 845-353-7135

hs.nyackschools.org

Nyack Public Schools proudly celebrates the accomplishments of our students using a lens for equity, innovation and optimism. We highlight teaching and learning on our social media platforms.

Parents must complete and send back this opt-out of photos MEDIA RELEASE FORM ONLY IF YOU DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION for your student to appear in school-related promotion or publicity images, videos, or postings on the Nyack Public Schools website or to official Nyack Public Schools social media accounts.

Help us keep our database current to keep you informed and connected with up-to-date district messaging and school alerts. To ensure optimum communication throughout the school year, we need current email addresses, phone numbers & two additional emergency contact numbers for each household on file. If we don't have your correct contact info in our system, you don't receive critical communications to keep you connected.

Please call the District Registrar at 845-353-7038 to make changes. THANK YOU!

Partnerships with the Clarkstown and Orangetown Police Departments, our Student Resource Officers and BOCES Rockland and Putnam Northern Westchester (PNW) are key to providing readiness training for emergency response. The Central Administrative Office, and each principal work together within these first weeks of school to refresh best practices and protocols for keeping safety first in our schools. A September School Safey overview for administrators includes updates to NYSIR Violence Prevention Manual, threat assessment and essential roles in evaluating safety preparedness, drills and emergency communication.

Ensuring Safe and Trauma-Informed Lockdown Drills: In alignment with recent NYSED regulations, our district is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students. We now notify parents at least one week in advance of any scheduled lockdown drills. This ensures transparency and helps families prepare their children for the experience. Lockdown drills must also be trauma-informed, meaning no use of props, actors, or scenarios that could cause unnecessary distress. This approach prioritizes student well-being while effectively preparing staff and students for emergency situations.

Shelter in Place:

When a “shelter in place” is called, students and staff are required to remain indoors, perhaps for an extended period of time because it is safer inside the building than it is outside. For example, a “shelter in place” may be called in the event of a severe weather emergency.

Hold in Place:

A “hold in place” is called to limit movement of students and staff while dealing with short term emergencies. This is intended to keep students and staff out of the affected area until the situation can be rectified. In general, students and staff will remain in their current classes until the hold in place has been lifted. For example, a “hold in place” may be called in the event there is a maintenance issue in the building, or medical emergency.

Evacuation:

An “evacuation” is called to evacuate students and staff from the building. Each school has procedures for an evacuation; typically we drill evacuations as a fire drill.

Lockout:

A “lockout” is called when there is an actual or perceived threat to student safety outside of the school. Students and staff follow the normal school schedule during a lockout, except that no one is to be allowed outdoors, and visitors are prohited to enter the school at this time.

Lockdown:

A “lockdown” is initiated when a school administrator, faculty or staff member has become aware of an actual or imminent incident that poses an immediate threat in or around the school.

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Kathleen Affigne as Interim Assistant for Curriculum & Instruction for Nyack Public Schools. Dr. Affigne has been an educator for forty years, serving throughout the Hudson Valley region. In more recent years, she has served in various interim roles, utilizing areas of expertise that underscore a diversity of her educational experience that include: Standards-based Reform aligned with Professional Development (PD); Data-driven Culture; Strategic Vision; Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) and Special Education; MTSS system-building; Instructional Technology implementation.

Prior to retirement, Dr. Affigne served as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Pupil Personnel Services; Director of Instructional Services; Elementary School Principal, District Music Coordinator, and Music Teacher. Dr. Affigne has a Master of Science in Music Education, Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration, and received her Doctorate in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from SUNY Albany. Dr. Affigne will work closely with administrators to strengthen data analysis and align our DIstrict vision with SMART goals for our curriculum orograms and instructional framework.(see below).

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Kathleen Affigne to our 2024-25 #RedHawkReady Leadership Team and school community!

The District is now offering evening sessions for District ELL parents. This course is designed for high beginner/intermediate levels English Language Learners (ELL) who are ready to take the next step in becoming more proficient in their English skills. Classes are available for District parents only. Space is limited. Sign up now!

DATES: Mondays and Wednesdays from October 9 through December 18, 2024

LOCATION: District Administration Building, 13A Dickinson Ave, Nyack, NY

TIMES: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

TO REGISTER: Contact Lisaira Estrella at 845-353-7031 or Yesenia Polanco at 845-353-7042

The Board of Education encourages community engagement. Our seven trustees are responsible to listen and represent our school community. Board contact information, the Board Meeting schedule, presentations and agendas are all posted on BoardDocs. Board members may be emailed at: BOEmembers@nyackschools.org.

BOE Meetings are open to the public, posted on the district website and calendar on specified Tuesdays each month. The public is encouraged to join in-person or via Zoom. Links to the webinar meetings are available on the district website homepage calendar at www.nyackschools.org.