The Clarkstown Connection
October 2024
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear Clarkstown Central School District Families and Staff,
This week, I attended several in-District meetings all with the same goal in mind: preparing children in grades K-12 to be more future ready!
As you are aware, CCSD's future-ready initiative aims to develop students' skills in the areas of global competence, financial literacy and technology awareness — the last of which was the main topic of my recent conversation with the Town of Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann. Supervisor Hoehmann and I, along with representatives from other sectors of our community, discussed the possibility of starting an internship program as early as Spring 2025. Ideally, juniors and seniors would work alongside business owners and learn about their chosen field, while simultaneously teaching them what they have learned in school about implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in a professional setting. Apart from what this opportunity would mean for our students, as a District we would also be making strides in reaching our capacity-building goals by partnering more closely with local businesses. More to come on this exciting endeavor!
No matter how much we progress, there will always be room for improvement. To that end, the Student Advisory Council met for the first time this year on Wednesday to brainstorm ways to enhance the learning environments at Clarkstown high schools North and South. Some popular ideas included: increased school spirit and peer leadership activities; time spent in SEL-ebrations and What I Need (WIN) periods; and, access to seminar classes or career-specific courses. We strive to make all students' voices heard, and are thrilled that their desire to forge pathways to college and career align with what we are planning for.
Now, let’s take a look at some memorable moments and accomplishments from October.
Sincerely,
Marc P. Baiocco, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Clarkstown Central School District
To honor Italian-American Heritage Month, World Language classes at CHSN recently celebrated the cultural contributions of influential people through a student-curated virtual gallery. After "touring" the space, learners reflected on their peers' research in a diario digitale or "digital diary."
Felix Festa Middle School Falcons demonstrated their commitment to be their best selves during Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31) – a campaign that empowers students to live healthy, drug-free lives. Celebrations throughout the week ranged from calming activities like blowing bubbles and interacting with a therapy dog to relieve stress, to capturing student connections with selfies. Keep making smart choices!
Halloween 2024 Festivities
It's that spooky time of year again! CCSD's annual Halloween parades will take place on Thursday, October 31 and, as a reminder, we ask that costumes meet the following guidelines:
- Costumes should not prevent students from fully participating in learning activities.
- Do not bring weapons/look-alike weapons, spikes, chains and/or ropes to school.
- Do not wear clothing that depicts drugs or alcohol, nor their usage.
- Do not wear costumes that have inflatable features or fans inside of them.
- All makeup, hair and accessories must be done at home.
Please keep in mind that administrators have the right to require students to change their apparel if it is inappropriate. More detailed guidelines may be available from your child's school. We look forward to celebrating together responsibly!
