Tuxedo Talk

JANUARY 2025

Tuxedo Talk is a monthly update for TUFSD parents, caregivers, and community members, providing a look back at lessons, events, and happenings taking place in the District.

Message from the Acting Superintendent

Dear Tuxedo Community,

Happy 2025! I hope the holiday recess was filled with joy, relaxation and quality time with family and friends.

The new year marks an exciting time of growth and opportunity for our TUFSD students, staff, and school community. In the months ahead, we look forward to seeing our students excel academically, showcase their talents in athletics and the arts and engage in meaningful activities that prepare them for bright futures.

Please note that midterm and New York State Regents exams for students in grades 8-12 are quickly approaching. During midterm and Regents testing week (January 21-24), school will remain in session. Students scheduled to take a proctored exam will be excused from class accordingly, but they should otherwise attend school. Additional details about midterm and Regents testing week will be shared by Principal Kahmar soon.

Thank you for your continued partnership in creating a positive and supportive environment where our students thrive. Together we will make the second half of this school year one to remember.

Here’s to a fantastic 2025!

Sincerely,

Nancy Teed

Acting Superintendent

Tuxedo Union Free School District

District Highlights

GGM Sixth Grade Statistics Project

Nicole Rocklin guided her sixth-grade class through a statistics project where students interviewed their classmates to gather data. They analyzed the information and presented their findings both in writing and through a class presentation. Read more about the project on Facebook.

Computer Science Education Week

During Computer Science Education Week (December 9-13), students across the district engaged in activities and hands-on lessons that sparked creativity and problem-solving. Pre-K students explored early digital literacy with Bee-Bot,, while fourth graders honed their coding skills with Sphero.

Fourth Grade Engage in Cross-Curricular Project About the Haudenosaunee

Teacher Sue Rota facilitated an immersive project about the Haudenosaunee, incorporating lessons across specials, including music, physical education, art, STEM, and digital literacy. Read more about this 360-degree learning experience on our website.

George Grant Mason Welcomes New Elementary Principal

December 12 marked the first official day on the job as Principal of George Grant Mason Elementary for Jenna Park. Head over to Instagram to read more about how things are going.

George F. Baker Ethics Club Prepares for High School Ethics Bowl

The GFB Ethics Club participated in a workshop led by graduate students from Manhattanville College to prepare for the Westchester County High School Ethics Bowl on February 1. See how they are preparing on Facebook.

Spirit Week

Just before winter recess, George F. Baker High School celebrated Spirit Week, and students in grades 6-12 went all out to make it unforgettable. From theme days to hallway decorations and a rousing pep rally, the fun-filled week was a perfect way for students and faculty to end the first half of the school year! See photos from the pep rally on our Facebook page.

Student Spotlight

Anastasia Kapran

Anastasia Kapran, a new student at George F. Baker High School, has quickly become a valued part of the school community. Combining her passion for fencing with academic success, Anastasia has found ways to enrich her life both on and off the fencing mat. Learn more about her story on our website.

New Faculty Spotlight

Erin Mulgrew

Erin Mulgrew currently serves as the third grade leave replacement teacher at George Grant Mason Elementary. Bringing a unique blend of experience, enthusiasm, and genuine passion for teaching to her students every day, she has been impressed with the strong sense of community she has found here at TUFSD. Read more about what drives her on our website.

At the Board

Board Business

At the December 18 Tuxedo Board of Education meeting, Police Chief Rick Marsh provided an update on the partnership between the Tuxedo Police Department and TUFSD. He reported the success of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program and commended the district’s exemplary safety procedures during a recent lockdown drill.

For the full agenda and documents from the December 18 meeting and all previous Board of Education meetings, please visit the Tuxedo Union Free School District Board of Education section of Board Docs.

Meeting Schedule

The next meeting of the Board of Education will take place on January 15 at 7 p.m. Click here to see the full schedule of Board of Education meetings and important dates. All meetings will be held in the George F. Baker auditorium unless otherwise stated.

Tornadoes Athletics

TUFSD Expands Intramural Athletics

This fall, TUFSD expanded its intramural program by introducing extramural soccer and volleyball teams for George F. Baker sixth graders, giving them the opportunity to compete against other local schools. Read more about the program on Facebook.

Section IX Class D Volleyball All Stars Named

Five members of the Tuxedo Tornadoes volleyball team were honored for their excellence this season in Section IX Class D. See the celebratory Reel on Facebook.

Volleyball Team Players Earn State Honors

We are so proud of our volleyball athletes who earned spots on the NYSPHSAA Class D All-Star Teams. Check out the details on Instagram.

Athlete of the Week 12/9/24

Congratulations to Katie Nemec, the Tuxedo Tornadoes Athlete of the Week for the week of December 9! As a trailblazer in this inaugural year of girls’ wrestling, the sophomore has demonstrated tremendous promise and dedication. Coach Bill Brunner praised Katie’s tenacity and drive, saying, “Katie is off to a fantastic start this season. Her hard work and determination are truly paying off, and we’re excited to see her grow in this sport.” Keep up the great work, Katie!

Before You Go

School Closed January 20

Please note that the Tuxedo Union Free School District will be closed on Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Regents Week

Regents testing will take place January 21-24, 2025. Regular school will be in session. Students scheduled to take a proctored exam will be excused from class accordingly, but they should otherwise be in attendance.

School Closed January 29

Please note that the Tuxedo Union Free School District will be closed on Wednesday, January 29 in observance of Lunar New Year.