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The Clarkstown Connection

November 2024

The Clarkstown Connection November 2024
Picture of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Baiocco

A Message from the Superintendent

Dear Clarkstown Central School District Families and Staff,


As we prepare to break for the upcoming holiday, I want to express how grateful I am to be a part of such a special District. It is heartwarming to see how everyone — from the students to the staff — goes above and beyond for their fellow community members, especially during this time of year!


Gratitude for our local heroes continued last week during a brunch at the West Nyack Firehouse Hall. Hosted by the Stars and Stripes clubs at Clarkstown high schools North and South, members welcomed, served and spoke to the more than 100 veterans and first responders in attendance. The clubs were presented with several certificates and awards recognizing their continuous civic efforts.


Not only does CCSD have collective achievements to celebrate, but individual ones our learners earn as well. Congratulations to Felix Festa Middle School's Samara Javer, an eighth grader who recently qualified for and placed in the following swimming events: 200 Freestyle (21st place) and 500 Freestyle (14th place). Well done!


I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and a long, restful weekend! Now, let’s take a look back at some of the memorable moments and accomplishments from November.



With much gratitude,


Marc P. Baiocco, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Clarkstown Central School District

November Highlights

students and Dave
Strawtown started the month off with a visit from the Great and Powerful Dave. Grades K-2 were treated to magic tricks and learned how to be a good friend. We thank our partner organizations for providing educational opportunities like this for our children that build upon what is being taught in class.
students rehearsing
During the weeks of November 11 and 18, our high school Drama clubs premiered their Fall 2024 productions. South's Centerstage put on Puffs, while North's Cue & Curtain debuted A Midsummer Night's Dream. Congratulations to our talented casts and crews involved in this year's plays!
students holding flags

Students and staff across CCSD honored local heroes for Veterans Day. Many of our schools held events to teach (Woodglen) the importance of the holiday, thank (Link and Birchwood) these brave men and women for their service, and sing (New City and Bardonia) their praises. These celebrations are always heartwarming to see!

students holding hearts
Falling right in the middle of their Spirit Week, West Nyack recognized World Kindness Day on November 13. Wildcats embraced a new theme each day that encouraged them to do good deeds in their community. There was no shortage of uplifting messages, thoughtful artwork and shared comradery to go around.
student at desk
Fourth graders observed Native American Heritage Month. At Little Tor, classes designed prototypes of games that tested the culturally-important traits of the tribes they learned about. The Grade 4 Team at Link hosted a student-curated museum featuring handmade artifacts and Artist-in-Residence Cliff Mendelson for a Day in Clay.
Kaley
At the beginning of the year, the Lakewood PTA held a raffle where two students would have the opportunity to be principal for the day. On November 21, Principal Deborah Mariniello handed over the reins to one of the winners — kindergartner Kaley! The winner for grades 3-5 will have their chance to be head Lion next month.

CCSD Celebrates Thanksgiving!

Click into the photos below to see how K-12 learners
spent the final weeks of November coming together in gratitude through:

Turkey Trots

STEAM Parades

Musical Performances

Food Drives

Feasts

District Closed November 28-29, 2024

Please be reminded that the Clarkstown Central School District will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving break. Gobble up all the downtime you can get with family, friends and loved ones!

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