RIDER REPORT
Superintendent's Corner
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
JCK Foundation Brings Mental Health Conversations to ICC
In early October, members of the JCK Foundation visited the Middle and High Schools to lead assemblies and breakout sessions, engaging students and staff in meaningful mental health conversations.
The JCK Foundation was founded by John Tessitore in memory of his friend and mentee, John Kelly. Kelly dedicated his life to helping others while managing his own struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression for over a decade.
During the assemblies, John Tessitore and his friend Kevin McMahon, JCK’s program manager, shared personal stories about their mental health journeys. They later facilitated breakout sessions, where students explored topics like acceptance, coping strategies, self-kindness, supporting friends who may be struggling, and opening up to trusted adults about mental health.
Owen, a 7th grader at the Middle School, reflected on the impact of the assembly, saying he liked how honest and open John and Kevin were, especially with the mental illnesses they live with.
He also enjoyed the breakout sessions with his peers. “We worked together and we’re able to have 1:1 conversations about mental health.”
Owen shared that the JCK visit really helped him. “I feel more comfortable expressing myself and asking for help if I need it.”
High School Principal Craig Shull agreed, noting that JCK had a positive impact on many staff and students.
"At Ichabod Crane, prioritizing our students’ emotional well-being is really important to us. Our staff, including counselors and psychologists, are always looking for ways to help students feel comfortable, safe, and empowered to take care of their mental health and access the services they need,” Mr. Shull said. “JCK did an amazing job connecting with our students by sharing their own stories with such honesty and vulnerability. I know it made an impact for many."
Spotlight on our New Teaching Assistants
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.
Finding Their Voice: HS Seniors Share Original Poems
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.”
Celebrating Character at the Primary School
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.
Seeking New Coaches for ICC's OM Program
Are you interested in nurturing creativity and problem-solving skills in our students? You should
join our district-led Odyssey of the Mind (OM) club as a new coach!
OM is an engaging club available to all Ichabod Crane students, from kindergarten through 12th
grade, broken down into individual teams. OM offers a unique opportunity for students to explore
their creativity, collaborate with teammates and have a lot of fun along the way.
In OM, students work together to solve open-ended problems, from building mechanical devices to
bringing literary classics to life in clever and unexpected ways. Teams have the chance to present
their creative solutions in competitions at the local, state and even world levels.
New to OM? No worries–you’re not alone! Virtual coaching training is available to help you get
started and feel confident as a coach. If you’d like to know more or have questions, please contact
Mackenzie Rigg, our Communications Specialist and OM Coordinator, at mrigg@ichabodcrane.org.
To learn more about Odyssey of the Mind and watch a video about the program, visit Questar III's
OM Information Page. Join us in helping our students unlock their creative potential!
What's Next in November
November 5: Superintendent's Conference Day - No School
November 8: Go Home Early Drill - students will be dismissed 15 minutes early
November 11: Veterans Day - No School and District Offices Closed
November 12: Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7 p.m., High School Library
November 14: Early Dismissal Grades K-8
November 15: Early Dismissal Grades K-8
November 16: Fall Craft Fair, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., High School, hosted by IC Riders Booster Club,
ICC PTA and ICC TEMPO
November 27-29: Thanksgiving Recess, No School (District Offices Closed Nov. 28 and 29)
Note: dates, times and locations are subject to change.
#ICYMI
🍎 Ichabod Crane offers breakfast and lunch at NO COST to ALL students every day, no matter their economic status! We serve hundreds of thousands of meals each year, & not only is our food nutritious, adhering to important and strict guidelines, it is delicious! 🥦
For more details, visit our Food Services page on our website: https://www.ichabodcrane.org/departments/food-services/
🎿🏂 Registration is now open for the 2025 ICCSD Ski and Snowboard Club! Open to students in grades 6-12, this is your chance to hit the slopes! Registration is due by Nov. 26.
For forms and more info, visit: https://www.ichabodcrane.org/2024/10/08/registration-open-for-
2025-ski-snowboard-club/
🚒 Niverville, Valatie and Kinderhook firefighters visited the Primary School for our annual Fire
Prevention Day! Our students learned about the important work of our first responders and picked
up essential fire safety tips to stay safe. A big thank you to these volunteers for dedicating their
time to raise awareness about fire safety!✨
🌟 Middle School and High School Riders of the Month 👏
🎭 Arts in Education in Action! Our Primary and Middle School students enjoyed captivating
performances that brought stories to life! As part of Harvest Day, our Primary School welcomed
the talented duo Jeri and Barry, The Storycrafters, while our Middle Schoolers watched "The Legend
of Sleepy Hollow" put on by the Proctors Collaborative School of the Arts. 🍂🍁