4/29/2025 Letter to the Community

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As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to honor the outstanding educators in our district. Our teachers are dedicated, compassionate, and innovative leaders who shape the heart of our school community.

Each day, they go above and beyond to provide our students with the highest quality education. With deep expertise and a commitment to excellence, they design engaging, challenging, and meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for success both in and beyond the classroom.

But our teachers are so much more than educators — they are mentors, advocates, and role models. They foster safe, inclusive environments where every student is seen, heard, and supported, regardless of background or ability.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, let us pause to offer our heartfelt thanks to the incredible teachers who inspire, motivate, and support our students each and every day. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to our community do not go unnoticed — we are truly grateful for all you do.

We are excited to share that we anticipate transitioning to ParentSquare as our primary communication platform beginning next school year, replacing Remind. ParentSquare will allow us to streamline communication amongst the district, schools, and families by offering a user-friendly and centralized hub for messages, alerts, and updates. This move is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance family engagement and ensure that important information is delivered in a timely and accessible manner. We look forward to sharing more details in the coming months and supporting families through this transition.

Also, the Communication Committee is working on refining necessary information we send to families in the Back-to-School Welcome Packet.

As noted in previous communication, we convened a taskforce to review our existing cell phone policy. A draft set of recommendations have been shared with the Board of Education.

After a preliminary review of the New York State Budget, it appears that it includes the rules restricting students from using their smartphones during the school day, which will apply from opening bell to closing bell.

• Alternate Space: Some families have asked if there is any alternative space for grade 2 next year - instead of Morse. At this time, there are no alternate spaces available within the Tarrytown School District to relocate next year's second grade students. We have explored this option, but there are no viable options within our community. We recognize and understand that some families may be uneasy about their children attending school in a building undergoing construction. Please know that student safety is our top priority, and we are working closely with our construction team to ensure that all work is conducted with minimal disruption to learning and in strict adherence to safety protocols.

• Playground Use: Some families have asked if the playground will be available during construction. The answer is “yes.” Students and staff will have access to the playground. After the construction is complete (in 2 years), we anticipate renovating the playground with the funds that the Village of Sleepy Hollow has secured via the NY Forward grant.

• Future Facilities: For insights into what Morse will look like after construction is complete, be sure to check out this video!

On or around July 1, the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns will be starting a summer construction project on our grounds. As part of this work, the removal of the concrete bleachers will take place. We want to make you aware that this phase of the project will likely be noisy at times due to the nature of the demolition work.

We sincerely apologize for any disruption this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding. Please know that every effort will be made to minimize the impact during this temporary disruption.

Information on the tax cap compliant proposed budget for the 2025-2026 school year has been posted on our district website. A printed copy will soon be available at the public library and each of our building’s offices for review. At the upcoming Board of Education meeting, we will share details regarding the proposed budget.

We are moving forward with our resetting of K-5 mathematics. On May 12 we will have a differentiated professional learning day broken into three segments, K-2, 3-5 and AIS. The needs developmentally are different at these key stages and subsequently we need to adjust to these needs. We are also looking to auto roster all students through ClassLink and Savvas. This will give us rich data and allow us to utilize components of enVisions that we have not been consistently doing over time. We are also planning on conducting an End of the Year assessment using iReady for our outgoing 5th grade students, so when they enter 6th grade next year, the middle school will have a rich set of data to utilize for placement and instructional purposes.

We are meeting with our Reading Specialists this week as it relates to Academic Intervention Services (AIS) in grades K-5. Agenda items will include but not be limited to the following topics: a) sharing resources and practices, b) using data to assess the impact of AIS in its current structure, c) pull out versus push in especially with the possibility of a new literacy program, d) MTSS, e) word study, f) coordinating practices to match the Science of Reading best practices. To that end, we will be forming an internal committee to start filling out the P-3 Literacy Attestation which is due to the NYSED by September 2025. We will use this formatively to improve gaps and will be working with our BOCES consultant Hope Weinberg to prioritize our professional learning for next year and beyond in literacy.

Kindergarten registration scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, has been CANCELLED.

Families must now schedule an appointment by calling Melanie Alberto at 914-332-6272 or emailing malberto@tufsd.org.

📌 Children must be 5 years old by December 1, 2025 to register.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

On Tuesday, April 22, W.I. welcomed farm animals as part of an Educational Enhancement grant written by 3rd grade teacher Erika Malinowski through the Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns.

Each grade (3rd–5th) is sponsoring an animal from Ridge Ranch in Patterson, NY. Students received weekly updates and interacted virtually with farm handlers to learn animal care. The program included an in-person visit from the animals, giving students a chance to feed, brush, and cuddle them—fostering compassion, patience, and responsibility.

🌧️ Rain couldn’t stop our third annual Compost Giveback Day! We had a steady flow of dedicated visitors, and about two-thirds of the compost pile found new homes. 🌱

The rest? It’s headed to the community garden by JP and the revitalized Tappan Hill garden—both lovingly cared for by local volunteers. 💚

Huge thanks to everyone who came out and to our amazing partners at the village environmental councils for helping us turn food scraps into something beautiful. ♻️👏

We’re incredibly proud of our 6th and 7th grade students who represented our school at the Tri-State Blue Schools Student Symposium! 🎉

Our students showcased their impressive work, presenting findings from our Blue Schools project—an initiative focused on educating both our school and the wider community about the Hudson River Estuary and the fascinating organisms that call it home. 🌊🐟

Each student confidently presented a slide and spoke with poise and clarity. 👏 Their efforts are part of a larger project funded through the Blue Schools program, and we were excited to share the stage with other schools working under the same grant.

Our project will ultimately result in two exciting products:
🔹 A live website displaying our data
🔹 A student-illustrated handbook

We also enjoyed watching other schools’ presentations and learning about their environmental projects. We’re well on our way toward official Blue School certification and can’t wait to share our work with the entire Middle School!

The Sleepy Hollow High School Orchestra and the Sleepy Hollow High School Chorus both received a Silver rating at the World Strides Music Festival this weekend in Philadelphia! Congratulations to the students who have worked so hard! Ms. Concia and Mrs. Persad are so proud!!

☕️ Our student entrepreneurs are serving up drinks while putting their POL skills and dispositions into action. Come support their hard work!

🕒 Store Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday Afternoons
📦 Place orders by 1:00 p.m.
🚚 Delivery between 1:30–1:50 p.m.

🎉 Big congrats to John Paulding Elementary & W.L. Morse School for winning a 2025 ♻️ EcoAward! Their “Wasteless Horseman” composting program diverted 92 lbs of food scraps daily—way to lead the way in sustainability! 🌱👏

Read all about it here: Two Tarrytown Schools Recognized for Outstanding Sustainability

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a wonderful Parent Leadership Institute last weekend. We are especially grateful to Elisa Alvarez from NYSED for her inspiring keynote, highlighting the essential role families have in supporting education.

The English Honors Society is selling Senior Graduation Signs! Only 50 signs are available — grab yours before they sell out!

Order online here: https://sleepyhollowgraduation25.logoshop.com/
Questions? Contact Ms. McGough (smcgough@tufsd.org) or speak with an EHS member.

Join us for a SHHS Baseball/Softball Doubleheader benefiting the Tucker Junge Scholarship Fund & SHHS Baseball/Softball Boosters

• Saturday, May 3 2:30 p.m. First Pitch @ SHHS
• Music, Food, Ice Cream & Two Great Ballgames
• Free Popcorn for Students
• 50/50 Raffle/Arm Speed With Radar Contest
• SHHS Baseball & Softball Merchandise
• Optional Donation Upon Entry

Come be part of the 1st Turn Two for Tucker Doubleheader and cheer on your Horsemen!

To donate directly please visit: https://www.tarrytownschoolsfoundation.org/tucker-junge-scholarship-fund.html

Join us for the Rivertowns Repair Café!

Hosted by the TarryHollow Repair Café on Sunday, May 4 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the James F. Galgano Building, Sleepy Hollow Senior Center (55 Elm Street, Sleepy Hollow). Bring your broken items—clothing, bikes, electronics, and more—and volunteers will help you repair them for free! All are welcome.

Volunteer-run • Free • Community-building
Learn more and sign up: TarryHollowRepairCafe@gmail.com

We’re excited to invite you to the Ballet & Drama Showcase presented by United Way and the Westchester Ballet Company!

📅 Date: Tuesday, May 6
⏰ Time: Show starts at 5:00 p.m. (please arrive by 4:45 p.m.)
📍 Location: W.L. Morse Elementary School Auditorium, 30 Pocantico St., Sleepy Hollow, NY

Come support our talented young performers as they take the stage for an evening of dance and drama!

Costume Reminder:
🎭 1st Grade Dancers – Wear a solid yellow top, black socks, and black leggings.
🎭 2nd Grade Dancers – Wear a solid blue or purple top, black socks, and black leggings.

We can’t wait to see you there! 🎶✨

☀️ Get ready for our next Horsemen Family Saturday themed "Summer Fun"! ☀️

Bring the whole family and make a splash into summer with us! 😎🌊

Join us for a sunny celebration packed with:

🌟 Interactive Activities

🥞 Family Breakfast

🤝 Community Resources

🗓️ Saturday, May 10

🕙 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

📍SHHS Cafeteria

The League of Women Voters of the Rivertowns and the Horsemen PTA will host a School Board Candidate Forum on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Sleepy Hollow High School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the Forum runs from 7:00–8:30 p.m. Six candidates are competing for three seats. Questions must be submitted by May 10 to info@lwv-rivertowns.org. Live Spanish translation will be available. A recording will be posted at www.lwv-rivertowns.org.

Auditions for Aladdin Jr. in Spanish were held last week, and an incredible group of students in grades 4–12 has been cast in this exciting production.

This marks the first-ever U.S. performance of Aladdin Jr. in Spanish, and it will be directed by a Broadway Creative Team:

• Evy Ortiz (West Side Story)

• Lauryn Ciardullo (Aladdin)

• Daniel Gutiérrez (On Your Feet)

Public Performances (Free Admission):
📅 Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00 p.m.
📅 Saturday, June 14 at 11:00 p.m.

School Performances (Great for dual-language classes):
📅 Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 10:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m.

From clay and creative writing to tap dancing and theater, there's something for every young artist at this summer’s Tarrytown Arts Camp, running July 7–25. Programs for grades K–8 include Multi-Arts Camp, Theater Afternoons, Clay Camp, Architecture, Music, and more—led by professional artists and educators. Held at Kingsland Point Park, Sleepy Hollow High School, and the historic Philipse Manor Station.

🌟 Scholarships available.
📍 Register now: www.TarrytownArtsCamp.com

Mercy University Center for STEM Education is running a free Summer 2025 program for middle school students called Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program- an engaging, hands-on program developed to enrich learning through design thinking, 3D printing, augmented reality, and social entrepreneurship.

This program is for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students (or current 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students). Free lunch for the students is provided and the program itself is 100% free, transportation not provided.

The program is from July 7, 2025-July 25, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.. It’s available at the Mercy University Westchester Campus and the Mercy University Bronx Campus.

The Horsemen PTA is asking everyone to link their Decicco's and Sons card to the Horsemen PTA. By doing so the Horsemen PTA will receive money that we can be used to support our schools, just by shopping and swiping your card!

Please see attached flyer for details and make sure to look for Horsemen PTA on the drop-down list.

🎭 Tarrytown Music Hall Academy – Summer 2025 Camps!

Looking for fun and creative summer activities? The Tarrytown Music Hall Academy is offering an exciting lineup of Summer 2025 programs for students in grades K–college! From musical theater camps like Matilda Jr., Annie Jr., Newsies Jr., and The Lion King Jr. to circus arts, dance intensives, scenic painting, and more—there’s something for every young performer or artist.

📅 Programs run July through August
📍 Located at The Music Hall, 13 Main Street, Tarrytown
🔗 Learn more and register: tarrytownmusichall.org/academy-programs

Join us for Community Day at The Pocantico Center on May 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.! This FREE event features hands-on art, STEAM, and garden activities, face painting, and more, in collaboration with local partners. Don't miss the interactive puppet performance by Arm-of-the-Sea at 2:00 p.m. and your last chance to view Sketching Light: Chagall’s Windows for Union Church in the DR Center gallery.

Enjoy complimentary food from Abeetz Pizza Truck and Jimmy’s Soft Serve.

📍 Location: 200 Lake Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591
🔗 Register & learn more: pocantico.org/events
📧 Contact: pocanticoprograms@rbf.org

🏐🔥 Ready, set, SERVE! Our Spring Co-Ed Volleyball Clinic kicks off on May 14 in the S.H.H.S. gym! Open to 6th-8th graders of all skill levels—come learn the game, boost agility, sharpen strategy, and most of all, have FUN! 🙌💪

📅 Starts May 14
📍 S.H.H.S. Gym
🎯 Grades 6-8 | All skill levels welcome

Don’t miss out—let’s hit the court! 🚀🏐

Register here: Tarrytown Parks and Recreation

Join the Tarrytown Summer Arts Camp Team!

Applications are open for 2025 counselor positions—both paid and volunteer opportunities available! Gain leadership experience, community service hours, and be part of an exciting arts program. Positions are available in Multi-Arts, Architecture, Clay, and Creative Writing at various locations.

Apply now at www.TarrytownArtsCamp.com

The Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown Youth Leadership Police Academy aims to provide a supportive and educational environment where our youth can develop essential life skills that will serve them well into adulthood. We believe that by investing in our young community members today, we are contributing to a brighter and more prosperous future for Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown.

This summer, we are organizing three sessions of the youth academy, scheduled to take place from August 4 to August 8, August 11 to August 15, and August 18 to August 22.

To discuss this opportunity further or to answer any questions you may have, please feel free to contact me directly via email at Sbencosme@sleepyhollowny.org. Thank you for considering our request, and we look forward to the possibility of partnering with you to make the Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown Youth Leadership Police Academy a success.

To view past copies of the newsletters, please visit the Superintendent's Page.

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