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The Clarkstown Connection

December 2024

The Clarkstown Connection December 2024
Picture of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Baiocco

A Message from the Superintendent

Dear Clarkstown Central School District Families and Staff,


On behalf of the entire CCSD learning community, I wish you a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah and joyous Kwanzaa! I hope you have the opportunity this holiday season to enjoy the peace and comfort that quality time with family, friends and loved ones brings.


While we are eager to welcome students back after the winter recess (December 23-January 1), please keep in mind that the annual cold and flu season is upon us. To prevent widespread flu in our schools, we recommend that your child stay home if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. To decide whether or not to send them to school, please consider these guidelines from the New York State Department of Health. Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.


Here's to a bright and healthy 2025 for all! But first, let’s take a look back at some of the memorable moments and accomplishments from December.



Warmest regards,


Marc P. Baiocco, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Clarkstown Central School District

December Highlights

student presenting
On December 3, Clarkstown High School North hosted students from neighboring districts to present their findings during the second annual Science Research Showcase. Special thanks to alumnus Dr. Vicky Atzl for delivering the keynote speech and providing valuable insights about her experience in the field. Together, we are advancing science education!
students on chromebooks
During Computer Science Education Week (December 9-15), the District joined millions of K-12 educators and students for the Hour of Code event. Fifth graders at Lakewood Elementary School were introduced to sprites, and then coded them to be different sizes and have other properties. It is great to see our children working towards their technology awareness goals!
students at desks
Felix Festa Middle School is once again partnering with Names, Not Numbers®. This year, students will have the honor of connecting with Holocaust survivors Hannah Holsten and Frieda Seidner. Using a combination of research, journalism and video production skills, eighth graders will create documentaries to share with the CCSD community — ensuring that stories like these continue to be told!
students in class
Students at North continued to explore our robust financial literacy curriculum. From engaging in a stock market simulation to selling Rams merchandise in the North Store to pitching new product ideas for "Shark Tank," there are no shortage of ways in which we are preparing them to be college, career and, ultimately, future ready. Keep up the great work!
student drinking tea
Just before the break, CCSD's Japanese Club hosted Tea Master Naomi Nakahashi Sensei for a tea ceremony at Clarkstown High School South. Students learned all about this ritualistic practice – from how the matcha is prepared to the significance of the utensils used. More importantly, they were taught to find the beauty in shared simplistic moments!
students sitting together
Projects are well underway for the annual Primary Years Program (PYP) Exhibition at Link Elementary School. Keeping the theme "Think Globally, Act Locally" in mind, Grade 5 classes have been exploring how their individual actions can make a big difference — both in the community and world. Stay tuned for their presentations in January!

Season's Greetings From CCSD!

Click into the photos below to see how K-12 learners
spent the final weeks of 2024 spreading holiday cheer through:

Food and Clothing Drives

Winter Concerts

Sing-alongs

Holiday Crafts

Winter Recess Reminders

Please be reminded that schools will be closed from December 23-31, 2024
and the District will be closed on January 1, 2025. We will reopen on January 2.

Wishing you happy holidays and a healthy new year with family, friends and loved ones!

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