4/1/2025 Letter to the Community

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The school budget process is underway, and we appreciate the community’s engagement. For updates and more information, please visit our website.

Link: https://www.tufsd.org/our-district/budget-information

Lastly, in addition to the staff who led sessions, I would like to thank the community partners who contributed to our professional development: DCMH Children's Mental Health, Historic Hudson Valley, Neighbor’s Link, NeverStopMoving365, New York Life, PTA Community Wardrobe, Sapiyay Collective, SHHS Food Pantry, Sleepy Coffee, Too, Snap-Ed, and STEER for Student Athletes.

Additionally, on Monday, the transportation department conducted a “trial” run to assess the viability of some of the proposed options.

We are excited to share an update regarding the reopening of Tappan Hill School as we prepare to welcome some of our youngest learners this fall! Our team has been working diligently to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some updates you may find helpful:

1. Staff members who will be based at Tappan Hill have had the opportunity to visit the site and begin preparations for the upcoming school year. We are assessing the need to provide additional visits for staff.

2. Our traditional 1st Grade Parent Orientation will be held June 4 at W.L. at 6:30 p.m. at Morse School with the 1st grade teachers to share information about the curriculum.

To support our families in this transition, we have scheduled orientation sessions and have arranged an Open House on June 17 at Tappan Hill at 6:30 p.m. (save the date). This will be an opportunity for families to walk the site, explore the classrooms, and become familiar with the learning environment. Keep in mind that we have planned infrastructure work this summer.

I am pleased to share that we had a very competitive bidding process. At the upcoming Board meeting, we anticipate awarding the general construction, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing bids to the contractors. This will help ensure we remain on target to start on July 1.

During the webinar families expressed an interest in seeing the school before it opens for students. We plan to arrange an Open House in late August.

The Cell Phone Taskforce is scheduled to meet next week, and I want to extend my gratitude to all committee members for their dedication to this important work. As we finalize our local recommendation, Governor Kathy Hochul continues to advocate for a statewide bell-to-bell cell phone policy for all districts.

Later this week, I will meet with a small group of high school students to gather their important feedback on this issue as well.

🎶🎺 The 2025 Sleepy Hollow Jazz Festival is coming! 🎷🎤

Join us Friday, April 4 for a day full of incredible jazz! 🎶✨ During the school day, talented student musicians from Westchester, Putnam, and Orange County will perform for esteemed adjudicators. Then, in the evening, enjoy a must-see concert featuring select student groups and the Jazz Fest Vocal Jazz Ensemble, led by renowned vocalist Dylan Pramuk! 🎤🎵

Mark your calendars—it's going to be a fantastic day of music and celebration! 🎶🎉

Are you ready for the next Horsemen Family Saturday? We sure are!

🌏 TUFSD's Green Horsemen Family Saturday and the Village of Sleepy Hollow are sponsoring the 2025 Earth Month Festival. As always, you'll be treated to a delicious breakfast, music, activities, and resources from community partners. It's sure to be a great celebration!

🗓️ April 5

🕙 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

📍Barnhardt Park, 25 Andrews Lane, Sleepy Hollow

On Monday, 3/24, NBC producer Dan Slepian and exoneree Eric Glisson visited SHHS to share their powerful story of justice and perseverance. ⚖️📚 Students watched Dateline’s “A Bronx Tale,” which details Glisson’s wrongful conviction, 18-year incarceration, and exoneration.

Through open dialogue, Slepian and Glisson spoke about investigative journalism, the justice system, and the impact individuals can have in seeking the truth. 🔍✨ Students engaged in meaningful discussions, making this a truly transformative experience!

Thanks to a generous grant from the Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, all 11th-grade English students were able to engage in Cry Innocent, an interactive virtual theatre experience by History Alive.

This immersive performance, held in the new MS/HS library, transported students to the pre-trial of Bridget Bishop, one of the first accused in the Salem Witch Trials. The experience deepens their understanding of 17th-century Salem and The Crucible.

Our staff recently visited Tappan Hill to explore the space and plan for the upcoming school year. We are thrilled to welcome our first-grade scholars as they begin this exciting journey! 🎉📚

A huge thank you to Southern Westchester BOCES for providing us the time to prepare and to our amazing community for the continued support.

We can’t wait to see our students walk through the doors! 💙✨

Great news! 🎉 The SHHS food pantry received a grant from the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program, which supports 250+ pantries across five states! 🥫💙 Grateful for their help in ensuring students & families have the resources they need

Read all about here: SHHS Food Pantry Receives Grant from Supermarket Chain

Dr. Leanna Peltier and Abbey Gilligan represented our district at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference from March 26-29.

Dr. Leanna Peltier facilitated a dynamic, hands-on workshop focused on “Creating a Culture of Community in the Classroom: Celebrating Individuality and Cultivating Equity” The session was well-received and sparked rich conversations among educators, district and building leaders, and education researchers from across the country.

In addition, Abbey Gilligan and Dr. Leanna Peltier presented a poster session titled “Teacher Leadership in Action” , where they showcased how teacher-led initiatives can drive meaningful, sustainable professional learning. It was an energizing experience and a powerful affirmation of the work we’re doing here in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns.

Dr. Kingsbury took the spotlight at the Annual RIC ONE DPSS Statewide Conference ⭐, sharing expertise on "Defend, Protect, Prevent – The Cyber Guardian Way." 🛡️🔐

Thank you for your valuable insights! 🙌

Get ready for an exciting literary showdown! Inspired by the NCAA March Madness, Washington Irving’s Tournament of Books brings 16 teacher-selected titles into a thrilling bracket-style competition. Over the course of the month, students will read, discuss, and vote to determine WI’s Book of the Year!

For the first 16 days, a new book will be introduced daily. On alternate school days, students will vote for their favorites, with each round narrowing the field from the Sweet 16 to the Elite 8, then the Final 4, and ultimately, to the Championship. The winning book will be crowned on April 3!

Which book will take the title? Let the tournament begin! 📖🔥

Learn more here: W.I. Tournament of Books

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s limited-edition spirit wear features a special design created by 9th grader Elizabeth Trejo, the winner of our Spirit Wear Design Contest!

We are so proud of Elizabeth and excited to showcase her creativity. Horsemen PTA spirit wear featuring her winning design is now available for purchase!Join us in celebrating her achievement and showing your school spirit.

🛍️ Shop now: https://spirithero.com/collections/sleepy-hollow-horsemen-spring-flash-sale-2025

📅 Order Deadline: April 1, 2025

Earth Month is full of exciting events that are both free and fun!

Check out the full event lineup at EarthMonth10591.org

The Tarrytowns School Foundation Gala will be held on April 26.

For more information visit: https://www.tarrytownschoolsfoundation.org/springbenefit2025.html

To purchase tickets visit: Spring Gala Tickets

🗓️ Save the date! The Latino Parent Leadership Institute will hold its first annual conference for parents completely in Spanish. You won’t want to miss it! Join us for workshops, a delicious lunch, resources from community partners, and a special guest speaker.

🗓️ Saturday, April 26

⏰10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

📍SHHS

We’re excited to invite you to the Ballet & Drama Showcase presented by United Way and the Westchester Ballet Company!

📅 Date: Tuesday, May 6
⏰ Time: Show starts at 5:00 p.m. (please arrive by 4:45 p.m.)
📍 Location: W.L. Morse Elementary School Auditorium, 30 Pocantico St., Sleepy Hollow, NY

Come support our talented young performers as they take the stage for an evening of dance and drama!

Costume Reminder:
🎭 1st Grade Dancers – Wear a solid yellow top, black socks, and black leggings.
🎭 2nd Grade Dancers – Wear a solid blue or purple top, black socks, and black leggings.

We can’t wait to see you there! 🎶✨

Calling all young performers! Enroll in exciting theater programs at Tarrytown Music Hall Academy this spring. From a Broadway masterclass with Lauren Boyd to productions like Seussical Jr., Aladdin Jr. en Español, and No Substitutes, there’s something for every aspiring star.

Some programs are already SOLD OUT, so register soon!

📅 Key Dates:
🎭 Seussical Jr. (High School Students) – April 9
🎟️ No Substitutes (Middle School Students) – April 3 & 6

🔗 Learn more and sign up: tarrytownmusichall.org/academy-programs

Join us for Community Day at The Pocantico Center on May 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.! This FREE event features hands-on art, STEAM, and garden activities, face painting, and more, in collaboration with local partners. Don't miss the interactive puppet performance by Arm-of-the-Sea at 2:00 p.m. and your last chance to view Sketching Light: Chagall’s Windows for Union Church in the DR Center gallery.

Enjoy complimentary food from Abeetz Pizza Truck and Jimmy’s Soft Serve.

📍 Location: 200 Lake Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591
🔗 Register & learn more: pocantico.org/events
📧 Contact: pocanticoprograms@rbf.org

🏐🔥 Ready, set, SERVE! Our Spring Co-Ed Volleyball Clinic kicks off on May 14 in the S.H.H.S. gym! Open to 6th-8th graders of all skill levels—come learn the game, boost agility, sharpen strategy, and most of all, have FUN! 🙌💪

📅 Starts May 14
📍 S.H.H.S. Gym
🎯 Grades 6-8 | All skill levels welcome

Don’t miss out—let’s hit the court! 🚀🏐

Register here: Tarrytown Parks and Recreation

The Tarrytown Music Hall Academy presents Disney’s Aladdin Jr.—a special opportunity for native Spanish speakers and dual-language students (Grades 4-12) to perform in Spanish! 🌟

🗓 Auditions: Audition in person on April 3, 2025

🎤 Rehearsals & Performances: May 4 – June 14, 2025
📍 Location: The Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main Street, Tarrytown, NY

Join an incredible team featuring Broadway professionals:
🎬 Director: Evy Ortiz (West Side Story)
💃 Choreographer: Lauren Ciardullo (Aladdin on Broadway)
🎼 Musical Director: Daniel Gutiérrez (On Your Feet)

📲 Free for eligible students! Scan the QR code or visit tarrytownmusichall.org/academy-programs/theater-arts/ for more info! 🎶✨

Join the Tarrytown Summer Arts Camp Team!

Applications are open for 2025 counselor positions—both paid and volunteer opportunities available! Gain leadership experience, community service hours, and be part of an exciting arts program. Positions are available in Multi-Arts, Architecture, Clay, and Creative Writing at various locations.

Apply now at www.TarrytownArtsCamp.com

The Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown Youth Leadership Police Academy aims to provide a supportive and educational environment where our youth can develop essential life skills that will serve them well into adulthood. We believe that by investing in our young community members today, we are contributing to a brighter and more prosperous future for Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown.

This summer, we are organizing three sessions of the youth academy, scheduled to take place from August 4 to August 8, August 11 to August 15, and August 18 to August 22.

To discuss this opportunity further or to answer any questions you may have, please feel free to contact me directly via email at Sbencosme@sleepyhollowny.org. Thank you for considering our request, and we look forward to the possibility of partnering with you to make the Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown Youth Leadership Police Academy a success.

🛍️🌿 Join Us at the TASH Indoor Farmers Market, now through April 26!! 🌿🛍️

📅 Every Saturday | 🕘 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
📍 John Paulding School

Stop by for fresh produce, local goods, and community vibes—all indoors! 🍎🥖✨ See you there!

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