4/8/2025 Letter to the Community

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April 8, 2025

Dear TUFSD Families and Staff,

As we wrap up the week before a much-needed Spring Recess, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the beauty that surrounds us—both in nature and in our community. This season of renewal reminds us to be grateful for the little things: the warmth of the sun, the first signs of blooming flowers, and the fresh energy that spring brings.

Throughout the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, we’ve witnessed so many wonderful things lately. From the achievements of our student-athletes to the talent of our musicians and the creativity of our learners, this season has already brought so much to celebrate.

Wishing you a very relaxing and renewing spring recess.

Sincerely,

Dr. Raymond Sanchez

During our upcoming Board meeting, we anticipate the Board of Education adopting the 2025-2026 school budget. Please consider visiting our website for more information.

Last week, we conducted focus groups with various stakeholders. The information gathered was shared with the Board of Education. Also, information was shared during our Board of Education meeting. We continue to work on integrating the information we collected as we work to finalize a recommendation for the Boards consideration.

For your review, I am attaching a link to the information shared at the meeting.

We want to thank everyone that has taken the time to share information for our consideration.

During our last Board of Education meeting, Interim Assistant Superintendent Jeff Gorman, announced that as part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing K–5 mathematics instruction, we are excited to announce the adoption of the National Edition of the Savvas enVision Mathematics program for our K-5 students. Over the course of the past few years, it appears that our schools have been using different editions of our current math series. This updated curriculum offers advanced digital tools, comprehensive resources for both students and teachers, and robust features for monitoring student progress and facilitating small-group instruction. Additionally, teachers will be able to send families clear, unit-based communications to preview upcoming topics and concepts—strengthening the home-school connection. A professional learning plan is also being developed for the 2025–2026 school year to fully support our educators in delivering high-quality math instruction across the district.

Recent announcements of new administrative leaders have inspired some members of our community to inquire about the formal process we use to recruit exceptionally qualified professionals to Tarrytown.

In short, our process is exhaustive, highly collaborative, and uses best practices to bring dedicated professionals to our district. These are the steps we uniformly follow through a trajectory that can take anywhere from weeks to months, depending upon the position, time of year, scheduling needs, and depth of the candidate pool.

1. Resume Screening: The hiring process begins with a thorough review of all submitted resumes and applications, inclusive of reviewing appropriate certifications. The screening process is conducted by designated individuals, such as the Human Resources Department, building principals, department chairs, and district administrators, to identify candidates whose qualifications and experience align with the needs of the position.

2. Initial Interviews: Selected candidates are invited for an initial interview with key district personnel. This step helps assess their experience, qualifications, and alignment with the district's mission and values.

3. Performance Task: Candidates for administrative roles are required to complete a performance task designed to evaluate their leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. This task may include case studies, data analysis, or scenario-based exercises relevant to the role. All teaching positions finalists must complete a demo lesson in front of students/adults

4. Writing Task: Immediately after the committee interview, candidates are allotted up to one hour to complete a hand-written writing task.

5. Committee Interviews: Candidates who advance past the initial screening are invited to participate in committee interviews. These committees typically include various stakeholders, such as staff members, administrators, and a community representative(s). This diverse group provides multiple perspectives on the candidates’ strengths and potential fit within the school community. All candidates are asked a series of “same questions” for consistency purposes.

6. Central Office Interview: Finalists are invited to meet with the Superintendents’ Cabinet for formal interviews.

7. Board of Education Interviews: For certain positions, particularly leadership roles, candidates participate in an interview with the Board of Education. This step allows the Board to engage directly with candidates and assess their ability to support the district’s goals and vision.

8. Final Selection and Offer: After completing all interview rounds and assessments, feedback is collected from the various stakeholders involved in the process. The Superintendent then makes a final recommendation, and an offer is extended to the selected candidate once final reference checks and background checks are completed.

This year we updated protocols to ensure consistency and alignment throughout the district, resulting in a fair and thorough approach to hiring.

During our upcoming meeting, we plan to provide an update regarding transportation. Also, our Human Resource Department is scheduled to present. Lastly, as noted above, the Board of Education will consider adopting the school budget for next year.

🌼 Spring Recess Reminder

All schools in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns will be closed from April 14–21, 2025 for spring recess. We wish everyone a safe and relaxing break!

🎉 A huge THANK YOU to the Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns for their generous donation of the sensory wall panel in JP! ✨

This amazing tool is helping our young learners explore, develop fine motor skills, and regulate their senses. It's been such a joy to watch our students engage with the panel—touching, exploring, and calming themselves in a hands-on way. 🌟

Your support is making a real difference in their daily school experiences. We’re so grateful for your kindness and commitment to fostering an enriching environment for our students! 💖

Congratulations to Evelyn Nelson! Evelyn was recently named a recipient of the prestigious Con Edison Athlete of the Week Award. She also reached an extraordinary milestone, scoring her 200th career goal during Friday’s match against Croton-Harmon.

We are so proud of her dedication, talent, and leadership on and off the field!

🥇 Victory Alert! 🥇 Kamile Contreras (Sleepy Hollow) pinned down the competition, defeating Cecilia DeMattia (Croton-Harmon) in the 138 lb match at the Section 1 Girls Wrestling Championships at Westchester County Center on Feb. 12, 2025! 💪🔥

Read more here: Lohud - see each member of the inaugural lohud girls wrestling all-star team

🎷 What a day! The 2025 Sleepy Hollow Jazz Festival this past Friday brought together incredible student talent from throughout the region, legendary guest artists, and an unforgettable celebration of jazz. 🎶 A full day of learning, collaboration, and outstanding performances—captured in these highlights!

This month’s First Friday brought a creative twist! Students had a great time dressing up as their favorite teachers, while staff got in on the fun by channeling their inner teenagers. The day was filled with laughter, school spirit, and plenty of memorable outfits!

In the midst of state testing, Sleepy Hollow Middle School students enjoyed a refreshing and inspiring break as they welcomed bestselling author Adam Gidwitz for a special visit. Thanks to the generous support of The Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns and the Sleepy Hollow Bookshop, over 100 copies of Adam’s books were distributed to students in advance—setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Adam delivered two engaging presentations tailored specifically for his audience. For the 6th and 7th graders, he delved into the world of fairy tales with such captivating energy that students enthusiastically joined in, reciting lines along with the author himself.

For the 8th grade, Adam took a more serious tone, aligning his presentation with their current studies on World War II. He shared the powerful and complex story of Melita Maschmann, a fifteen-year-old German girl who joined the Hitler Youth. Through her story, Adam challenged students to think critically, asking: Why? What could compel a young person to turn against her friends and align with such a dark chapter in history? The students responded with insight and empathy, creating a meaningful and reflective discussion.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Rachel Ricker, whose initiative brought this incredible opportunity to life. It was a day of storytelling, history, and thoughtful conversation—one our students won’t soon forget.

After more than a month of reading, exploring 16 incredible fiction and nonfiction books, and meeting unforgettable characters—both real and imaginative—we finally have our champion!

🥁 Drumroll, please… 🥁

The winner of our March Madness Tournament of Books is Finding Winnie!

This heartwarming true story of the bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh has captured our hearts with its touching narrative and beautiful illustrations. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, read, voted, and discovered new books along the way!

Until next year—keep reading, keep exploring, and keep discovering new stories!

Thank you to everyone who joined for the 2025 Earth Month Festival & Picnic! Families enjoyed a fun-filled Horsemen Family Saturday with crafts, face painting, a bouncy castle, and more—all while learning about sustainability from our amazing community partners. The day was made even more special by a performance from the Pocantico Center, rounding out a wonderful celebration of our planet and our village.

Dr. Sanchez recently presented at Kendal on Hudson, sharing updates on district initiatives, the budget, and facilities.

Earth Month is full of exciting events that are both free and fun!

Check out the full event lineup at EarthMonth10591.org

The Tarrytowns School Foundation Gala will be held on April 26.

For more information visit: https://www.tarrytownschoolsfoundation.org/springbenefit2025.html

To purchase tickets visit: Spring Gala Tickets

The TUFSD Latino Parent Leadership Institute invites all Latino families to a special conference: "Together we are stronger! United and learning for a better future."

This event will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Sleepy Hollow High School Cafeteria (210 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY).

Join us for an engaging day of learning, connection, and community building. Lunch and entertainment are included!

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! 🎶✨

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 PM
📅 Saturday, June 14 at 11:00 AM

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

The Horsemen PTA is inviting parents to a one-hour seminar with tips on how to help kids develop financial literacy skills. Join us Wednesday April 9 at Shames JCC starting at 6 p.m.

Seminar will be held from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Register by April 8 via email: andrea.williamson2@edwardjones.com

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

Volunteers Needed: Arts and Crafting Day for Riverkeeper's Fish Migration Celebration‌ ‍ ‍‍‌‍ ‌ ‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌

Get your hands messy and help support a meaningful cause at a volunteer art-build day with artist Greg Corbino for Riverkeeper's upcoming Fish Migration Celebration‌.

We’re looking for creative spirits to join us in crafting and painting the vibrant flags and banners that will adorn our fish-themed flotilla as it travels up the Hudson River this summer. These flags will be part of the visual poetry that transforms our boats into living works of art. At this volunteer event, you'll be working alongside artists, organizers, and fellow volunteers to imbue our pieces with a sense of wonder and whimsy, and help turn advocacy into spectacle.‌

Register to volunteer here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/riverkeeper-fish-migration-celebration-arts-and-crafting-day-tickets-1303404270259

• Ages: 14+
• When: Saturday, 4/19
• Time: morning session, 10:30am | afternoon session: 2:30pm
• Where: Bethany Arts Community‌, 40 Somerstown Road‌, Ossining‌, NY‌10562‌ ‍ ‍‍‌‍ ‌ ‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌ ‌‍‍‌‌‍

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.

🛍️🌿 Join Us at the TASH Indoor Farmers Market, now through April 26!! 🌿🛍️

📅 Every Saturday | 🕘 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
📍 John Paulding School

Stop by for fresh produce, local goods, and community vibes—all indoors! 🍎🥖✨ See you there!

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

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