The Clarkstown Connection
February 2024
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear Clarkstown Central School District Families and Staff,
Welcome back from break! I hope that you were able to find time to relax and unwind last week.
In February, we celebrated Black History Month — an important time to honor the remarkable achievements and contributions of people in our communities and around the world. As a District that is committed to creating a just, fair and empathetic environment for all, students last month learned about notable individuals who helped to push our nation forward and established important legacies. At Little Tor Elementary School, fifth graders researched historical figures like Bessie Coleman, Shirley Chisholm and Kobe Bryant, and shared their knowledge with classmates through PowerPoint presentations.
The annual Black History Month Living Museum at Laurel Plains Elementary School also provided an opportunity to exchange information among the entire student body. Fifth graders spoke about a number of prominent African Americans and their contributions in fields like politics, science and medicine. Our younger learners were very impressed and inspired by not only the subjects of these presentations, but the research skills of their peers as well.
Clarkstown High School North's Abigail Koshy received first-place honors in the Nyack Center's 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Contest. Students from local districts were tasked with reciting a three to five-minute segment of a speech, sermon or letter about either social justice or the African American experience in America, and deliveries were judged based on an extensive set of criteria. Abigail has not only competed, but won in each of her four years of participation while also earning scholarship money. Congratulations!
In closing, I would like to share details ahead of this weekend’s 17th Annual Penguin Plunge. Students from North’s Seasons of Giving Club and Clarkstown High School South’s Assets Leadership Team will be taking part in this year’s fundraising event to benefit local children who are battling serious illnesses. Please consider joining/supporting their efforts this Sunday, March 3 from 12-2pm at Memorial Park in Nyack. More information can be found here.
Now, let’s take a look at some more memorable moments and accomplishments from February.
Sincerely,
Marc P. Baiocco, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Clarkstown Central School District
February Highlights
Dozens of CHSN and CHSS learners excelled at the Lower Hudson Valley Regional Tournament on February 10. New York State Science Olympiad advances Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education through team-based, collaborative competitions. South secured fifth place overall, which earned the team a coveted spot at States. Well done and good luck!
A Look Ahead
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