The Weekly Update #4
May 15th, 2024
April 2024
Dear Members and Friends of the Nyack Schools Community,
The arrival of warmer weather is finally here! Our classrooms are energized and our schedules are filled with renewed enthusiasm, springtime activities and hands on experiences. Our students are demonstrating a sense of accomplishment as we head into the last quarter of the year.
During the month of April, our classrooms and hallways have been alive with learning and discovery. In this month’s Nyack Schools Connection, you’ll read about some of the wonderful lessons and activities that our students have enjoyed.
Another sign of spring is the Annual School Budget Vote - set by New York State law on the third Tuesday of May, which this year is May 21. Be on the lookout for our annual Budget Matters newsletter that will be mailed out to residents in our community during the second week in May. Please be sure to take a look at it for important details on the upcoming trustee election and proposed budget. The newsletter highlights initiatives, a Q&A for stakeholders, information on the two additional propositions which voters are being asked to approve at no additional cost to the taxpayer. Don’t forget to exercise your right to vote on May 21.
Thank you to our school community for your ongoing support of our students, staff, and district programs. As we enter this busy time of year, we look forward to celebrating the culmination of all our achievements.
Susan Yom
Superintendent of Schools
www.nyackschools.org
What's Happening in Nyack Schools
Celebrating Earth and Science
Celebrating our planet, checking out new biomedical innovations and discovering dinosaurs were just a few of the special events that took place throughout April. Upper Nyack ES kicked off the celebrations during its annual Earth Fest. Sixth grade students at Nyack MS created posters highlighting the destructive impact of plastics on our planet.
Just days after our region was shaken by an unusual earthquake and witnessed a rare solar eclipse, students in Nyack High School's Astronomy Club visited the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium, where they explored the many current subject areas taught by our Earth Science instructors.
Students and staff at Liberty ES look forward to hosting their Family STREAM Night on May 22 as an opportunity for students to showcase their projects and newly learned skills.
Fostering Creativity through Art and Music
Grades 3-5 in each of our three elementary schools participated in the Hilltop Gallery Art show.
Colorful paintings, drawings and craftwork from our young artists are currently on display at the Nyack Public Schools administration building. Nyack High School will host its "Super Duper Cool" Art Show on May 13.
As part of Valley Cottage Elementary's Artist in Residence Program, third graders had the opportunity to observe the work of professional artist, sculptor and potter Cliff Mendelson. Mr. Mendelson demonstrated the art of creating pottery by hand. Students enjoyed learning about the process and the effort involved in crafting ceramics, while gaining appreciation for the skill involved in making any work of art.
Members of our Nyack High School string and chamber orchestras practiced with Dr. Christiana Reader, Violin/Viola specialist from SUNY New Paltz, in preparation for their visit to Carnegie Hall as part of the Symphonic Series for bands and orchestras. The annual three-part String Fest ended on a high note this month at Liberty Elementary. These events encourage collaboration and inspiration among elementary and high school string musicians.
Embracing Acceptance
This month our students learned more about accepting each other with compassion and kindness. The Gay Students Alliance clubs at Nyack High School and Nyack Middle School observed a Day of Silence in support of LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity.
April is National Autism Acceptance Month. Upper Nyack ES kicked off autism acceptance “Spirit Week” with “Magnificent Monday.” Students wore hats to show support for autism awareness.
Eighth grade English students at Nyack Middle School learned more about the scourge of intolerance and hate in their visits to the Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance and Education located on the campus Rockland Community College. Classes toured the museum, participated in workshops and completed reflection journals.
For the third straight year, Nyack High School's Social Justice Club collaborated with the Center for Safety and Change to observe Denim Day The national, and international campaign asks community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion statement as a show of support for victims and survivors of sexual assault.
Spotlight On Curriculum
Focus on K-5 Math
Our elementary teachers are excited to be developing a new math curriculum that will be implemented in September. Eureka Math²® is a revolutionary math program designed to advance equity in the math classroom by helping students build enduring math knowledge. The curriculum provides teachers with high-quality materials and tools to ensure students build a conceptual understanding of mathematics. The program also includes digital interactives, increased opportunities for student discourse, and a new level of flexibility to make math instruction exponentially more teachable and engaging.
Points of Pride
Best High School Recognition
Nyack Public Schools is proud to announce that it has earned high national and metro-area rankings in 2024 Best High Schools, which was released on April, 21 by U.S. News and World Report.
By earning a national ranking in the top 40%, Nyack High School has achieved status as a U.S. News Best High School and gained eligibility to display a U.S. News trademarked 2024 Best High Schools award badge.
Click the link in bio to see the updated NHS' profile page and details on its ranking.
Carnegie Hall Curtain Call
Nyack High School String and Chamber Orchestras under the direction of High School Orchestra Director Ms. Tanatchaya Chanphanitpornkit, made their Carnegie Hall debut at the famous Stern Auditorium. Our musicians shared the Symphonic Series program with six other groups from around the United States. The group performed a mixture of classical, cinematic, and contemporary orchestral repertoire including a work by Tchaikovsky. Special thanks to Elementary Orchestra Director, Anne Winze, Middle School Orchestra Director, Margaret Chan and High School Band Director Brendon Lucas for their collaboration on this incredible event for our students.
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Honors
Nyack Public Schools is excited to announce that Talia Co- Mided and Matthew Schutzbank have been named as the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Nyack High School #Classof2024! Talia is president of both the Astronomy and Science Research clubs and has excelled in her honors and AP level classes. She plans to pursue a career in environmental science. A National Merit Commended student and accomplished athlete, Matthew will continue to pursue his athletic career at Yale University.
Upcoming Events
Art Show
The Arts Honor Society at Nyack High School will host a "Super Duper Cool" Art Show on May 13. The student-curated exhibit will feature artwork from every student enrolled in a high school art class. The event will also feature live music.
May 13 - Nyack High School Art Show - 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Spring Concert Series
Music is in the air this spring. Our Nyack Schools will host a series of spring concerts in May.
May 14 - Valley Cottage Elementary School, Grades 4-5
May 15 -Nyack High School, Grades 8-12 Bands
May 16 - Liberty Grades 4-5
May 20 - Nyack High School, Grades 8-12 Orchestra
May 22 - Upper Nyack Elementary School, Grades 4-5
May 29 - Nyack High School, Grades 8-12 Chorus
Multicultural Festival -
May 23 - 5:00p.m.-7:00pm
Don't miss this multicultural festival which will be held at Nyack High School on May 23rd. The event will feature food, posters, cultural outfits, artifacts and tables hosted by our families. All cultures welcome.
Stay Connected
In case you hadn’t heard… here’s another reminder that our Instagram has moved.
Follow us at @nyack_schools for stories, news and information about our District, students and staff.
From the Board
2024-25 Proposed School District Budget Information
At the April 16 Board Meeting the 2024-2025 Budget and the Property Tax Report Card were adopted by the Board of Education. For more information about the proposed budget, Board of Education Trustee election, how to register and where your polling site is Visit our Budget QuickLink on our district website.
Key initiatives include:
Ensure all existing programs and class size
Recruit and retain highly qualified staff with steps/lanes, contract provisions, ERS/TRS, HealthCare, Social Security, Other Insurance
Continue to advance literacy with the principles of the science of reading and professional development
Adopt new K-5 mathematics curriculum Eureka Math² with professional development
Introduce & Support District and Building Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Refresh 1:1 Technology
Provide before and after school transportation for elementary school programs
Partner with the Nyack Center and YMCA post ESSER/CRRSA funding
Ramp up Equity Certification Program Offerings and Parent Volunteer Trainings
Sustain post ESSER/CRRSA positions and expand staff for Literacy, English Language Learners, and Special Education students
Upcoming Meetings - Key Dates to Remember
May 7 - Public Hearing on the 2024-25 Budget
May 8 - Budget Notice Mailed to Residents
May 13 - Meet the Candidates Night at Nyack Center, 7pm
May 21 - Budget Vote and Trustee Election. Polls are open from 7am-9pm
RedHawks Athletics
Stay up-to-date with all our Nyack RedHawks teams.
Follow Nyack Athletics on Twitter and Instagram: @NyackHSAthletic
PeachJar
Learn more about in-school and community events with PeachJar.
Parents/Guardians receive flyers directly to their emails and can manage their own accounts, saving time, money and trees!
Produced in collaboration with the Rockland BOCES Communications Service.