Tuxedo Talk

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.

Dear Tuxedo Community,

As we approach the new year, I want to extend my warmest holiday wishes to each of you. This season is a time for reflection, celebration and connection, and I hope it brings joy, peace and togetherness to your homes.

This past month brought many wonderful moments to our district. As part of our “Thanks and Giving” initiative, the entire school community embraced the spirit of empathy and service. Students and staff organized food drives, collected donations for families in need, and took time to reflect on their own moments of gratitude. It was truly heartwarming to see such kindness and thoughtfulness in action throughout our schools.

We recently celebrated the induction of new members into the National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). These students exemplify the pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and character, and their commitment to these ideals serves as a shining example for our entire district.

I would also like to commend our girls varsity volleyball team, which made it to the State Final Four! This remarkable achievement reflects the commitment of our athletes and coaches to excellence, perseverance and teamwork. Congratulations to the entire team for an outstanding season—you have made our school and community so proud!

Thank you to our families, staff and local partners. Your unwavering support, collaboration and dedication to our students have made these and all of our achievements possible.

Finally, a reminder that winter break begins on Monday, December 23, and we look forward to welcoming students and staff back to school on Thursday, January 2. I hope this time allows everyone to relax, recharge and spend time with loved ones.

Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year.

Sincerely,

Nancy Teed

Acting Superintendent

Tuxedo Union Free School District

Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is not a commemoration of a person’s death but a celebration of their life. See how GFB students in Spanish Level III designed and created personalized altars to honor the souls of their departed loved ones on our Facebook page.

George Grant Mason pre-K and kindergarten students explored local wildlife during an in-school assembly by the Hudson Highlands Nature Center, learning about animals' eating habits, sleeping patterns, and survival skills. Learn more about the engaging assembly on our Instagram page.

Coinciding with the 2024 presidential election, the Tuxedo campus buzzed with student-led campaigns and interactive voting exercises, offering everyone a front-row seat to the excitement of real-life elections. See more democracy in action on our Facebook page.

Kindergarten and first-grade students honored local veterans with a heartfelt ceremony of music and prose, attended by Tuxedo alumni, current teachers, and community members who served in the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard. Visit our Facebook page to see photos and learn more.

Kindness was on the menu at George Grant Mason earlier this month, as students engaged in different activities in honor of World Kindness Day. Take a look at the ways TUFSD students and staff came together to make the world a little brighter on Instagram.

Twenty new members were inducted into National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), as members of administration, proud family members and special guests looked on. Read the full story on our website.

At the November 20 meeting of the Board of Education, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Jenna Park as the new principal of George Grant Mason Elementary, effective December 14. Read the full announcement on our website.

Fourth and fifth graders at George Grant Mason Elementary lit up the stage with their performance of A Year With Frog and Toad, under the direction of music teacher Samuel Johnson. See photos and read about the performance on Facebook.

Throughout November, our school community came together for the Thanks and Giving Initiative, celebrating the spirit of gratitude and generosity. The event wrapped up just before students departed for Thanksgiving break - check out the highlights on Instagram.

The Student Spotlight for the month of December shines on George F. Baker junior Phineas Landgraff, who is proving that the sky really is the limit when you are pursuing a passion! Read more about Phineas on our website.

Samuel Johnson brings his passion for harmony, a knack for improvisation, and an impressive repertoire of skills to George Grant Mason Elementary, and is excited to lead Tuxedo’s young musicians on their journey through the world of music. Read more about Mr. Johnson on our website.

The Tuxedo school community participates in several food and consumables drives throughout the year. These events help students develop empathy, social responsibility, and a stronger connection to their community. They also provide valuable lessons beyond the classroom, demonstrating the importance of helping others and inspiring lifelong habits of kindness and generosity. A perfect example is the Thanksgiving Food Drive that was organized by the George F. Baker National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Interact Club, and Student Council.

David Tellier, CPA an Audit Partner at Nawrocki & Smith, presented the Tuxedo Union Free School District's 2023-2024 Financial Statements at the Board of Education meeting on November 20, 2024. During his presentation, Mr. Tellier reviewed the scope of the audit, and commended the District for its excellent cooperation and effective financial reporting processes. He highlighted that the audit had no findings and noted that recommendations from previous audits had been successfully implemented.

For the full agenda and documents pertaining to the November 20 meeting, and all previous Board of Education meetings, please visit the Tuxedo Union Free School District Board of Education section of Board Docs.

The next meeting of the Board of Education will take place on December 18 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.

The Tuxedo Tornadoes varsity volleyball team ended their season at the State Final Four held at the Cool Insuring Arena in Lake George, NY, after competing against Ellicottville, Mekeel Christian Academy, and the eventual state champion Candor. Read the full story on our website.

Shoutout to Darya Vishnevskaya and Sarah Cruz, our Tuxedo Tornadoes Co-Athletes of the Week for the week of October 28! Varsity volleyball coach Michelle Hines describes both juniors as hardworking, team-first players, adding that their consistent performance was key to last week’s win against division rival SS Seward. “Darya and Sarah led the way by bringing their A-game on defense.” Way to go, ladies!

Please note that on Thursday, December 5, George F. Baker High School and George Grant Mason Elementary will dismiss at 11:25 a.m. for parent-teacher conferences. Pre-K will dismiss at 11:00 a.m.

The George Grant Mason Elementary Winter Concert will be held on Friday, December 6 at 1:30 p.m. (doors will open at 1:15).

Please note that on Tuesday, December 10, George F. Baker High School and George Grant Mason Elementary will dismiss at 11:25 a.m. for Superintendent's Conference. Pre-K will dismiss at 11:00 a.m.

The George F. Baker Winter Concert will be held on Tuesday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. (doors will open at 6:45).

TUFSD will be closed from December 23 - January 1, 2025 for Winter Recess. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back onto campus on Thursday, January 2.