3/12/2024 Letter to the Community

Para leer en español, haga clic en el botón "Traducir (Translate)" arriba.

March 12, 2024

Dear TUFSD Families and Staff,

This week we have many things to acknowledge. We are embracing inclusivity and showing how being kind can make a difference. Our students and staff have all pledged to spread the word “inclusion” in a month-long event throughout our district. I want to give special recognition to the students that assisted in the banner signing and handed out stickers. Our younger scholars put on quite the show. They taught us all that with hard work and determination you can master a new skill in no time.

Over the weekend, many of our students headed to the village to show their Horsemen Pride at the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Our talented marching band led the way while a handcrafted float displayed our students' creativity. Such a great way to show support and love for our community.

Last week we held our 2024-2025 BOE Budget Work Session. We discussed our goals for the upcoming school year which included seeking to maintain high quality programs, STEM opportunities, and addressed important issues that affect students and staff. To learn more please visit our website: https://www.tufsd.org/our-district/budget-information

Thank you everyone for your continued support of the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns and for your help in “Building a Better Tomorrow” for our students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Raymond Sanchez

📢 Don't forget! School will be closed for students this Friday, March 15 for Superintendent's Conference Day!

Join PTA's Eco Club at Morse for 8 after-school sessions starting May 1, 2024. During eco-club meetings, children will work on various projects in nature, explore their relationship to the natural world, and explore ways that they can be environmental stewards. Our focused projects for this season will be tending to the front flower garden beds and creating an edible garden. Limited spots available.

• Day/Time: Wednesdays after school until 4:00 p.m.
• Pick up: 4:00 p.m. school playground

Stay tuned for more information on how to sign up.

We are excited to announce the lineup for the annual Sleepy Hollow Jazz Festival, a celebration of music and talent that has been a beloved tradition for over 15 years. This year promises to be as exceptional as ever, with top-notch musicians collaborating with our dedicated students for an unforgettable evening of jazz.

Event Details:

• 🗓 Date: April 12
• ⏰ Time: 7:00 p.m.
• 📍 Location: Kusel Auditorium, Sleepy Hollow Middle/High School

🎓 Date change alert: 🗓️

Our Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony will be Friday, June 21, at 9:00 a.m. Please check Mr. Holland's message for more details.

Our 7th grade girls were reminded of why they're bold, strong and smart at a leadership assembly offered by Girls, Inc. last Wednesday. Students created leadership posters, shared about why the characteristics described them and many got self-care goodie bags to go!

Fifth grade students at Washington Irving Intermediate briefly joined the circus to obtain new and exciting skills. The Westchester Circus Arts headed over to W.I. to teach students how to juggle, walk a tightrope, and stilt walking, just to name a few.

Read more here: Westchester Circus Arts Returns to Washington Irving

One World re­cently launched its Global Con­nec­tions Pro­gram at Wash­ing­ton Irv­ing In­ter­me­di­ate School in the Tar­ry­town School Dis­trict with nine class­rooms join­ing the pro­gram. The pro­gram con­nects stu­dents to their peers in Ecuador in an ef­fort to bring them to­gether to learn with and from one an­other.

Read more here:

One World Launches Global Connections Program at Washington Irving

Approximately 100 families came out to celebrate cultural intersectionality at Saturday Academy last weekend! The Horsemen PTA sponsored breakfast and the Pocantico Center at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund sponsored Cumbia for Kids. Families also engaged in various cultural and enrichment activities such as dance, arts and crafts, sports, and STEM, while connecting with community partners for resources.

On April 13 we're back to celebrate environmental awareness.

In honor of Kindness and Inclusion month students throughout the district are pledging to create a positive change for those around them.

Read more here: Students in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns Spread Kindness

To celebrate the 150th anniversary, the Village of Sleepy Hollow is holding monthly commemoration events. For March, a float dedicated to the history of the village was included in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 10.

Read about Sleepy Hollow High School's contribution here:

River Journal: Sleepy Hollow 150: Student Float Celebrates Villages 150th in St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Patch: SHHS Students Design 150th Anniversary Float for St. Patrick's Day

ENU Builds provided us with 20 free tickets to share with families to attend the Hudson Valley Irish Fest at the Paramount Theatre in Peekskill on Sunday. Families eagerly signed up for the tickets and shared how much they enjoyed the show centering Irish music and dance.

Sleepy Hollow Middle School sixth graders partnered with Jumble creator David L. Hoyt, the world's #1 daily word game maker, and illustrator Jeff Knurek in an ongoing collaboration designed to teach students the "4-C's": Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication.

Read more the partnership here: Sixth Graders Create a Jumble Puzzle to be Played by Millions

To support the needs of young children getting early dental care, the Open Door Family Medical Center goes to where the children are – via a mobile dental van. The unit will shortly be adding the Morse and Pauling schools in Tarrytown to its itinerary.

Read more about Open Door Medical Center:

Open Door Medical Van Adds Tarrytown Schools to Travels

This upcoming Saturday, March 16, we'll be taking 14 girls from grades 5-9 to the Career Expo. The girls have signed up to participate in interactive workshops featuring professional women sharing their journey and career choices.

40 students in grades 9-12 took part in a new program aimed to put a stop to bullying. Students, who were nominated by their teachers and had parental permission, joined the group for a 2-day training session. They spoke about issues they felt were important to address and how to deflect and diffuse situations involving different types of bullying (verbal or physical).

The goal of the group is to form stronger bonds, build connections, and teach others how to be kinder with their words. The group is still in its beginning stages and will meet once a month for the remainder of the school year.

Presenting our Portrait of a Learner! Our vision encompasses vital skills and dispositions that we want all learners to develop:

• Key Skills: Communication • Executive functioning • Creativity • Critical thinking
• Key Dispositions: Curiosity • Perseverance • Socio-cultural competence • Civic mindedness

Beyond academics, we're committed to equipping students with skills for success in a changing world. Read more in our recent message about our Portrait of a Learner.

The Public Schools of the Tarrytowns are committed to providing a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors. In the event of an emergency, it is important for parents and guardians to be familiar with the way the District prevents and manages emergencies.

For this reason, I would like to direct you to the safety and security guides found on our website: TUFSD Safety & Security

These guides outline key information and terms that are helpful to know in the event of an emergency situation.

Ensuring the safety of our students is our top priority, especially during drop-off times when traffic can be hectic. We kindly request your cooperation in adhering to the following guidelines to maintain a safe environment for everyone:

• Use Designated Drop-Off Spots: Please refrain from dropping off your children in the middle of the street. Utilize the designated drop-off areas to ensure a smooth and safe process.

• Observe Traffic Rules: Always follow traffic signs and instructions from school staff or crossing guards. This includes obeying speed limits and parking regulations.

• Be Patient and Courteous: Traffic congestion during drop-off periods can be challenging. Please remain patient and courteous to other drivers and pedestrians.

Your cooperation in following these guidelines is greatly appreciated. By working together, we can create a safer environment for all students. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of our community, we would like to update you on an additional measure we have in place for our community. In September, our Board Trustees passed an important resolution. The School Boards Secure Storage Notification Resolution for States with Secure Storage Laws advocate that adults securely store their firearms where a child 16 years old or younger lives in or visit the home.

As shared by besmartforkids.org, gun violence is the leading cause of death for kids in the US. The best way to be sure your kids can’t access firearms is to store them securely. Please note these helpful tips that they offer below.

• S Secure all guns in your home and vehicles.
• M Model responsible behavior around guns.
• A Ask about unsecured guns in other homes and vehicles.
• R Recognize the role of guns in suicide.
• T Tell your friends and neighbors to be SMART.

Please click here to view our full resolution adopted by our Board Trustees. Over the course of the remainder of the school year, we will continue to share information with families and staff.

The safety of our students and staff members remains one of our top priorities and we will continue to take important steps such as this one to create a safe and secure environment for our entire community.

Please view these resources for how to talk to your child about Gun Safety: English & Spanish

Morse is partnering with NY Life to bring a financial literacy workshop to families on Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. Families will learn more about how to build a strong financial foundation and explore the basics of financial security, including managing debt, growing savings, and safeguarding against risk and unexpected events. The workshop will be presented in Spanish and English. Childcare and refreshments will be available.

Join us as we celebrate Kindness and Inclusion Month this March (and beyond!), where we focus on fostering a culture of acceptance and empathy within our school district. This initiative is vital as it promotes understanding, respect, and support for all individuals, regardless of their differences.

• 🧦 March 21st: Wear "crazy socks" to support Down Syndrome Awareness Day.
• 🌈 April 2nd: Sport tie-dye to show acceptance on World Autism Awareness Day.
• 🎨 Fridays in April: Enjoy Tie-Dye Fridays for National Autism Acceptance Month.

I am pleased to share that the district intends to expand its Dual Language Program. While we have existing sections K-5. We intend to add more sections at Kindergarten, we will then expand to other grades.

On March 13 from 3-4 p.m., an expert panel will share valuable insights, practical advice, and resources to help parents understand and support their teen. Parents will receive information on discovering warning signs, coping strategies, and communicating effectively. Spanish interpretation will be available.

Please register to receive the Zoom link.

It's time to dig out those spring and summer clothing donations!

Please refer to our clothing donation guidelines before bringing your goods to us. Remember, if you wouldn't give it to a friend, please don't give it to Community Wardrobe.

We accept clothing, shoes, and accessories for the whole family.

At this moment we are in need of:

❤️ Costume jewelry

❤️ Bras

❤️ Sleepy Hollow (Horseman) spirit wear

❤️ Reading glasses

❤️ Handbags and purses

❤️ New socks and toiletry kits, available for purchase from our Amazon wish list

❤️ Casual and fancy dresses and skirts for women and girls; these are popular and go quickly

Bring items on the dates and times listed below and on our donations page. Please do not leave donations outside the shop, doing so will jeopardize our tenancy.

SPRING CLOTHING DONATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED AT 222 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET:

• Tuesday - March 19, & April 2 — 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday - March 13, 20, & April 3 — 10:30 a.m.-12:30p.m.
  
• Thursday - March 14, 21, & April 4 — 5 p.m.-7p.m.

Attention all Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown students!!!!

The Sleepy Hollow Police Department, in conjunction with the Tarrytown Police Department and the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns is excited to announce that we will be hosting a Youth Leadership Academy this summer for students ages 10 to 13 years old! There will be NO COST for this camp.

For more information, contact SRO Bencosme at SBencosme@sleepyhollowny.org. If interested send a DM or message to our PBA page.

Experiment with a variety of materials and techniques, including collage, printmaking, painting, sculpture, installation, performance, journaling, and meditation. Gather, meet, and connect with teens and tweens, as well as working artists in Bethany’s galleries and studios.

Save the Date for the Spring Gala hosted by the Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns! Mark your calendar: this event will be April 27, 2024 at the Tarrytown House Estate. Stay tuned for more details!

Registration is now open for Sleepy Hollow Basketball Camp 🏀

Camp is open to all BOYS and GIRLS enrolling in 3rd to 9th grade in the 2024-25 school year.

Where: Sleepy Hollow HS & MS Gyms

When: Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fees:

Register before 5/1 - $250

Register between 5/1 - 7/1 - $350

**Need based Financial Aid is available

Contact Coach Chris Starace with any questions you may have: SleepyHollowBasketball@gmail.com

For food support visit one of our local food pantries.

Check out past editions of Dr. Sanchez's newsletter on our Superintendent page.

If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here to receive regular updates.
Please note that parents are automatically enrolled.