5/21/2024 Letter to the Community
Dr. Raymond Sanchez, Superintendent of Schools
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May 21, 2024
Dear TUFSD Families and Staff,
Last week was a busy one for our district. We Had a special guest and some of our students took part in a new program. On the 150th day of school the Mayor of Sleepy Hollow visited W.L. Morse. While he was there he provided a history lesson on Sleepy Hollow to our students as they celebrated the 150th year anniversary of Sleepy Hollow. Some of our students took part in a new program aimed to help them become savvy and informed digital consumers by giving them a better understanding of persuasive media and the ability to recognize it in its many forms.
As a reminder, today is our School Budget and Trustee Election vote.
Looking ahead, we would like to say congratulations to Washington Irving Intermediate School on being selected to be a part of the Mercy University Center for STEM Education STEM Schools Network. This is a true testament of the hard work and dedication made by our staff as they find new and unique ways to engage our students in the classroom. As always, thank you everyone for your continued support of the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns and for your help in “Building a Better Tomorrow” for our students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Raymond Sanchez
Notice of Public Comment Period & Hearing
The Public Schools of the Tarrytowns DISTRICT-WIDE SAFETY & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN is an important document that is revised by a committee and adopted by our Board of Education. In accordance with the Commissioner's Regulations 155.17 (c) (3) and New York State Education Law §2801-a. the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns Board of Education will hold a Public Hearing on the DISTRICT-WIDE SAFETY & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN at its Regular Meeting on July 11, 2024 at 7:00 PM , at 200 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591. The Plan has been posted as of May 21, 2024 for a 30-day comment period and is available on the Districtwide website: https://www.tufsd.org/our-district/safety-security
The public can send comments about the proposed 2024-2025 DISTRICT-WIDE SAFETY & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN by sending an email to District Clerk Nelly Valentin (NValentin@tufsd.org)
It is expected that the Board of Education will adopt the Plan subsequent to the Public Hearing at the July 11, 2024 Board of Education meeting to be held at Administration Building .
School Budget Vote Today!
📅 The school budget vote and Trustee Election is happening today: May 21, 2024, from 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.
📍 Washington Irving School: Eligible Tarrytown residents.
📍 W.L. Morse School: Eligible Sleepy Hollow residents.
Science Research Symposium
Please join us for Sleepy Hollow's Science Research Symposium on Tuesday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. in Kusel Auditorium to celebrate our science research students' work!
Seniors will be presenting their work on stage in the auditorium; sophomores and juniors will be presenting their posters.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Challenge #3
This week, choose one (or all) of these 6 ways to build connections with someone from a different culture than you. Connecting with those who are different from us helps bridge cultural gaps. And besides, you never know what kind of day someone is having & the difference your act of kindness can make!
If you do this challenge with your child please feel free to share pictures to pr@tufsd.org for us to share on our TVs in the main lobbies of all of our buildings!Mental Health Mondays
This month is Mental Health Awareness Month. We are working to promote understanding and support for mental well-being through weekly challenges, virtual sessions, and conversations. Don't forget to wear green on Mondays the whole month of May to raise awareness!
Washington Irving Intermediate Selected as Mercy STEM School
Congratulations to Washington Irving Intermediate School on being selected to be a part of the Mercy University Center for STEM Education STEM Schools Network!
In celebration, Washington Irving Intermediate School will receive a large standing banner for display, as well as magnets and stickers for students and parents to share this honor with the community.
A formal announcement of the first group of STEM Schools will take place at Mercy’s K-12 STEM Educators Conference on September 28, 2024 on the Mercy University Westchester Campus.
Mental Health Awareness
In observance of National Mental Health Awareness Month, the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns is dedicated to fostering understanding, support, and empowerment in mental health. Through a range of activities and initiatives, we aim to promote awareness and advocate for mental wellness among our staff, students, and families, aiming to diminish the stigma associated with mental health challenges.
Read all about the initiative: The Public Schools of the Tarrytowns supports Mental Health Awareness
150 Days, 150 Years
Last week, Morse students celebrated their village's 150th Anniversary on their 150th school day! It was a milestone celebration filled with pride, joy, and a touch of history.
Read more:
Morse school students to Celebrate Sleepy Hollow 150th Anniversary
150 Days of School and 150 Days of Sleepy Hollow
Morse School Celebrates Sleepy Hollow's 150th Birthday in Style
Students Nominated for Metro Awards
Sleepy Hollow High School is proud to have two nominees for the annual Metro Awards, Chris Cesarano for Outstanding Vocal Performance by a Male-Identifying Performer and Isabella Perkins- for Outstanding Vocal Performance by a Female-Identifying Performer. They received these nominations for their outstanding performances in this year's spring musical, Cinderella. Both students will attend the Metro Award Ceremony on June 10th at the Purchase Performing Arts Center.
Read more: Metro Awards: St. Joe's 'Les Miserables' tops nominees with 13; read the full list
Eco Club Update
Eco Club members at Morse have been busy planting seeds for the garden beds, exploring nature right on campus and creating a Nature Village for bugs, critters and fairies using collected natural materials such as bark, sticks, stones, flower petals and leaves. We have added zinnia, kale and radish seeds to the garden beds at school and the children have brought home planted kale seeds to share with their families. Some children have been fascinated discovering different insects in the garden beds at Morse such as roly polies, worms and snails. And other children are vigorously creating different structures to build homes, schools and coffee shops for their nature friends. We will continue discovering and learning about different insects and how they help our soil and environment as we continue expanding on the Nature Village for these fascinating creatures!
Wasteless Horsemen Initiative
The Wasteless Horsemen Initiative is dedicated to promoting strategies aimed at minimizing the waste generated by the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns. This initiative began last fall at John Paulding Elementary School and has since been extended to W.L. Morse School.
Read more: Wasteless Horseman Initiative Brings Sustainability to Local Schools
Family STEAM Night
K-2 Families! Head on over to the Morse parking lot on May 22 from 4-6 p.m. for a fun night full of STEAM activities. There will be science exhibits, music, food, and more, providing an engaging and enriching experience for children and parents alike.
Many thanks to the Horsemen PTA for their support to make this event happen!
Family YMCA: New Before-Care Program at JP, Morse, and WI
The Family YMCA at Tarrytown is now offering an early morning care program at John Paulding, W.L. Morse and Washington Irving starting September 2024. Care will be provided onsite 1 ½ hours before the normally scheduled arrival time.
The program runs Monday – Friday when school is in session.
Fee: $189 per month
Register by May 31 for the 2024-2025 school year. $50 deposit is required to reserve your spot.
Send your completed form with payment to Gabriela Rivas, Billing Administrator
gabrielar@ymcatarrytown.org or call 914 631-4807 ext. 100
Free Summer Reading Buddies Program!
In partnership with Family Service Society of Yonkers, we are offering a free two-hour program including one hour of reading with trained tutor, and one hour creating and exploring STEM-based projects and educational games.
New Start Times
At last week's Board of Education meeting, we shared a proposal for new start times for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. At this time, we are considering the following new start times.
These proposed changes are based on extensive research. By implementing these new start times, we aim to create a healthier and more productive learning environment for all students in our district.
Your input and feedback on this proposal are invaluable to us. We intend to revisit the topic at the May 30th Board of Education meeting. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out if you have anything to share. We value your input.
Keep in mind that we will need to continue our discussions regarding start times as we plan for the opening of Tappan Hill in the 2025-2026 school year. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in our efforts to enhance the educational experience for all students in Public Schools of the Tarrytowns.
Introducing SEL Curriculum for 24-25 School Year
We want your child to be successful in school and that means supporting and encouraging their whole development. While excelling in academic classes is important, children also need skills to take on learning challenges, make good decisions, manage strong emotions, and get along with others. Starting in the fall, we will begin implementing Second Step, a research-based social-emotional learning program designed to improve children’s social-emotional skills. This program has been used in the middle school for the past two years and will be expanding to grades K-5. We will host a kick-off for families to learn more about the program at the beginning of the year. But in the meantime, feel free to peruse and learn more here.
Peabody Spring 2024 Program Sign Up
The Friends of Peabody Preserve Outdoor Classroom (PPOC) are thrilled to once again welcome the community to the Outdoor Classroom for weekend events and programs. Please join up using these links:
Our Portrait of a Learner
Presenting our Portrait of a Learner! Our vision encompasses vital skills and dispositions that we want all learners to develop:
- Key Skills: Communication • Executive functioning • Creativity • Critical thinking
- Key Dispositions: Curiosity • Perseverance • Socio-cultural competence • Civic mindedness
Beyond academics, we're committed to equipping students with skills for success in a changing world. Read more in our recent message about our Portrait of a Learner.
Save the Date: Back to School Bash
Save the date for the Back to School Bash in Patriot's Park on August 26 at 4 p.m.
Enjoy food, activities, music, and giveaways for a fantastic community gathering. See you there!
Junior Horsemen Football and Cheer
Health Fair: Become an EMT for a Day!
The TaSH Farmer's Market
We’ll be open 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. every Saturday from this point forward through Thanksgiving. Find us📍in Patriots Park on Route 9 between Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow!
Volunteers Need at TaSH
We're looking for High School Student Volunteers!
TaSH Hands are volunteers who support the market ensuring smooth operations. This is an opportunity to gain customer service and operations experience while fulfilling required school volunteer hours!
To Apply:
Complete the TaSH Hand application
Email it to info@tashfarmersmarket.org
Spring Events at Pocantico
Thought-provoking cultural events offer opportunities for everyone to engage with new ideas and perspectives in The Pocantico Center’s unparalleled natural, historic setting.
All events take place at The Pocantico Center, 200 Lake Road, Tarrytown, NY
Learn more through The Pocantico Center
The Pinkster Festival
Head to Philipsburg Manor on Saturday, May 25 for a day filled with art, poetry, live music, dance, and storytelling that celebrates and commemorates the region’s African American history and culture. Hear a spoken word performance, dance to the beat of African kora, try hands-on arts and crafts, participate in a call-and-response song, and more.
Experience the art and culture of the
African diaspora like never before:
» Dance to the rhythms of the kora & the djembe
» Make your own Adinkra art & flower crowns
» Listen to African folk tales
» Construct & play your own African drums
» Discover the meaning of Pinkster!
Grab your tickets today at Historic Hudson Valley
Tarrytown Music Hall Academy
The Tarrytown Music Hall Academy is offering summer camps!
Frozen Jr Theater Camp for 1st-8th graders
July15-19, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm
The Little Mermaid Theater Camp for 1st-12th grades
July 29-August 9, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm
A Wind In The Door Theater Camp (play) for 5th-12th graders
August 5-10, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm
Storybook Theater Camp for Kindergarten - 3rd grade
August 12-16, Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm
Circus Arts Camp for 1st-8th graders
August 12-16 & August 19-23 are full.
August 26-30, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm: limited spots
Scholarships and Pay-What-You-Can are available. More information is available here: https://tarrytownmusichall.org/the-academy/
Community Info: Food Pantries
For food support visit one of our local food pantries.
Check out past editions of Dr. Sanchez's newsletter on our Superintendent page.
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Please note that parents are automatically enrolled.