RIDER REPORT

In the past month, our students found powerful ways to express themselves. From engaging in deep conversations about mental health with peers to a group of our High School seniors sharing personal poems, these moments underscored the value of vulnerability, resilience and facing discomfort and stigmatized topics.

The JCK Foundation, a Dobbs Ferry nonprofit, visited our Middle and High Schools, bringing personal stories of mental health journeys, including experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression. Through all-school assemblies and smaller breakout sessions, they made a strong impact on our students and staff. Keep reading this Rider Report to hear more about their visit's positive influence.

During the poetry reading, a group of our High School seniors shared glimpses of their lives with classmates, teachers and staff. Their poems were poignant and showcased the power of words.

This Rider Report also highlights our Good Character Trait Awards at the Primary School. These awards, aligned with our focus on social-emotional learning, help our youngest students understand character traits that will support them now and in the future.

Happy November, everyone!

In this edition:

• JCK Foundation Brings Mental Health Conversations to Ichabod Crane

• Spotlight on our new Teaching Assistants

• Finding Their Voice: High School Seniors Share Original Poems

• Celebrating Character at the Primary School

• Seeking New OM Coaches

• What’s Next in November

• #ICYMI

We welcomed many new staff members this year! This month, we are spotlighting our new Teaching Assistants. Welcome again – we’re so happy you are here!

Dell Potts graduated from Ichabod Crane in 2018, returning to her alma mater to work as a substitute in 2020, before being hired as a full-time teaching assistant in the Middle School, assigned to the 6th grade. She played volleyball at Ichabod and Hartwick College, and is now in her third season as the JV Girls Volleyball Coach. Fun Fact: I play disc golf and I have an ace (hole in one) at the course behind ICC MS!

Sarah Freeman saw the job posting for a TA and decided to apply, drawn to the district’s strong sense of community and commitment to student growth. She is now a TA in 5th grade, previously working as a special education teacher, grades 1-5. She is married and has one child. Fun Fact: I trained my dog to be a therapy dog and used to take agility classes with her.

Tara Patterson is a new TA at the Primary School, bringing previous teaching and work experience from Ichabod Crane. She and her husband moved to the district ten years ago and now have two children who are proud Riders – their son is in second grade, and their daughter is in kindergarten. Fun Fact: I love dolphins and swam with some in Jamaica.

Michelle Schmidt is a new TA in the Middle School, joining the district where her youngest son is a junior and her older son graduated in 2023. She previously worked at Rensselaer Academy for eight years as a special education TA. She lives in the district with her husband and son. Fun Fact: I love to go on family vacations. My favorite vacation spot is Myrtle Beach!

Kacey Veakins, ICC Class of 2010, is a new TA at the Middle School. She returned in 2023 as a Primary School monitor and began substituting in 2024. Previously, she was a stay-at-home mom and business owner. Kacey lives with her husband, two sons and two big, friendly dogs. Fun Fact: I love to go on adventures and learning new things, including kayaking with manatees/dolphins, snorkeling and hiking new lands!

Kristine Sigler was hired as a High School TA, after a friend suggested that she apply for the position. In High School, she played soccer and football. She has a 14-year-old son and volunteers for an adaptive sports program, where she teaches adaptive yoga, as well as at other places. Fun Fact: I would spend my entire day outside, if I could.

On a recent morning, the High School library transformed into a cozy coffee house, complete with hot beverages and baked goods – the perfect setting for a student poetry reading.

The event featured senior students who had just completed a poetry unit in their English class, led by teachers Katie Goold, Nicole Naef and Theresa Longhi. As part of the unit, students read "I Come From" by Sharon Olds and were challenged to create their own poems. Along the way, they also analyzed the lyrics of "Empire State of Mind" by Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, which provided a modern example of personal lyrical narrative.

Some students embraced the assignment with ease, while others found the creative freedom more challenging. With the support of their teachers and peers, everyone worked through the writing process, culminating in this special poetry reading.

Sipping coffee, tea and hot chocolate, students and staff, both from inside and outside of the class, gathered to listen to the selection of poems. Though some were understandably anxious, they all flourished. Their words were powerful and their voices were heard, offering a glimpse into our students’ lives, journeys and interpretation of where they come from.

When it was his turn, Justin Taylor Jr. stood behind the podium to share his first-ever poem. Although he felt nervous at first, a sense of calm washed over him as he began reading.

Reflecting on the experience, Justin said, “I took so much from each person’s poem and learned a lot about my classmates.” He also said, even though this was his first poem, he envisions continuing to write in the future.

“I'm joining the Marines after graduation, and I can see myself writing poems during boot camp as a way to express myself. I also imagine myself years from now, writing down my thoughts as an old man,” he said.

“Students need spaces to share and be vulnerable. Students need to be heard and proud of who they are, without that self-actualization they can’t be fulfilled and happy,” said Mrs. Goold. “Sharing what you create – with the world or just with yourself – is an essential part of being human. Education is part of learning the skills to be human and that was our goal for this assignment.”

At the Primary School, character education is woven into everything we do. For many years, we've celebrated our students’ positive behaviors and qualities with the Good Character Trait Awards, a recognition program honoring two students from each class every month for embodying key character traits.

“Character education is at the core of learning here. We believe building positive, kind and productive members of society starts with a strong foundation in character,” Primary School Principal Andrea Williams said. “These awards are one of the many ways we encourage and support traits that help students thrive both in and outside of the classroom.”

Each month, we highlight and teach a specific character trait to our students. At the end of the month, students who best demonstrate that trait are recognized among their peers. In September, our focus was Acceptance; in October, it was Responsibility. Upcoming traits include gratitude, generosity, honesty, respect, helpfulness, perseverance, friendship and kindness.

“We love the opportunity to recognize and celebrate our Lil Riders when they demonstrate positive character traits. Their happiness for their accomplishment is the best part,” Mrs. Williams said.