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09/17/2024 Letter to the Community

Dr. Raymond Sanchez, Superintendent of Schools

09/17/2024 Letter to the Community Dr. Raymond Sanchez, Superintendent of Schools

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September 17, 2024


Dear TUFSD Families and Staff,


The school year is in full swing, and I’m proud to say that all of our students and staff have settled into their daily routines. Here at the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, we make it a priority to foster an inclusive and engaging environment where every student feels valued and supported.


There are many exciting events and initiatives planned for this school year, and I can’t wait to see you all throughout the year, whether at school functions, community gatherings, or parent-teacher events. Your involvement is key to our success.


I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support and partnership as we work together to "Build a Better Tomorrow" for our students. Our collective effort—staff, students, families, and community members—is what truly makes our district exceptional.


Together, we will continue to create opportunities for every student to grow, succeed, and reach their full potential.



Sincerely,

Dr. Raymond Sanchez

24-25 TUFSD Family Cultural Inventory

We're delighted to invite you to participate in this year's Family Cultural Survey—a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the diverse tapestry of cultures that make each family special and unique. This short survey aims to discover the rich traditions, values, and experiences that shape your family identity so we can accommodate and support your children in our schools.


TUFSD 2024 Family Cultural Inventory

Safety and Security

I want to reassure you that the safety and security of your children and our entire school community remain our highest priority. We understand the deep trust you place in us each day, and we are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining a safe environment where all students can learn, thrive, and grow. At this time, I want to emphasize that our district is taking comprehensive and proactive measures every day to safeguard our schools.


Our Preventative and Responsive Approach

Safety is more than just a statement—it requires deliberate, ongoing action. In recent years, we have made significant investments in our safety infrastructure, from security technology to physical building enhancements. However, we know that technology alone cannot respond to emergencies—people do. That is why we continue to focus on training and empowering our staff to respond effectively in the face of any emergency. Additionally, we have worked hard to build programs that support students' social and emotional learning and to give them resources that will help both in the long and short term.


Our district has implemented a nationally recognized, evidence-based threat assessment model that brings together a team of administrators, mental health professionals, law enforcement, and key personnel to assess and respond to potential threats. Early detection and prevention remain critical, and we urge all students, staff, and families to report concerns or suspicious activity immediately. Every reported threat is investigated thoroughly and with the utmost care.


Emergency Preparedness and Drills

We also prepare extensively for emergencies. Each school within the district maintains a comprehensive emergency plan and conducts regular training and drills—at least 12 annually—focused on crisis prevention and response. Local law enforcement partners with us during these drills to ensure a coordinated and swift response in the event of an emergency.


Continuous Safety Evaluation

We understand that maintaining a safe learning environment requires ongoing evaluation and improvement. Our district works closely with safety consultants and local law enforcement to regularly assess our protocols and make necessary adjustments to ensure they meet the highest standards. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that we are always aligned with best practices in school safety.


Your Role in School Safety

We all play a role in keeping our schools safe. Please remind your children that threats, whether made in jest or seriously, have real consequences. Encourage them to speak up if they see or hear anything that concerns them—whether in person, on social media, or elsewhere. By fostering a culture of openness and communication, we can better protect our community from harm. We also encourage you to reach out to your child’s school if you notice that your child is showing signs of ongoing distress, detachment from peers, severe anxiety, and/or any other behaviors that seem out of the ordinary or concerning. This website offers other warning signs to look for as well: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/blog/gun-violence/know-the-signs-of-gun-violence/.


Below are some additional resources for supporting your children at home:


We remain committed to transparency and collaboration with our families. Please know that our focus on safety is a part of our daily operations and long-term planning. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to ensure a safe and secure environment for all our students and staff.

Data Incident

Please be advised that the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns (the “District”) recently discovered that an employee at Washington Irving School without authorization or a legitimate educational purpose accessed the District’s electronic system on multiple occasions from August 27 - September 3 to copy District information to a personal email account. The copied information includes personally identifiable information such as name, grade, and student test scores. The District does not have currently any information to suggest that the copied information was redisclosed or sent to a third party. Social security numbers were not accessed or disclosed.


The District takes this matter very seriously and has notified the New York State Education Department’s Privacy Office regarding the disclosure. The District is also working with legal counsel and law enforcement to address this matter. The teacher involved does not have access to student data at this time. If you have questions regarding this communication, you may contact Jessica Kingsbury, jkingsbury@tufsd.org, 914-332-6311.

Tarrytown BOE Seeks to Fill Vacancy

The Tarrytown Board of Education is filling a vacancy left by Deborah Taylor, who resigned effective August 30, 2024. The appointee will serve from October 24, 2024, to May 20, 2025. To complete the remainder of Taylor's term through June 30, 2026, the appointee must run for election in May.


New York State law allows school boards to fill such vacancies by appointment until the next regular election in May. For qualification information check out Running for the School Board.


The Board invites community members to submit a letter of interest and resume, as well as any other documentation that may be helpful in the selection process for review no later than September 23, 2024. All interested candidates, who have submitted a resume and letter of interest by this date, will be offered an interview for the vacant seat. The interview process will take place in Executive Session at the October 1 Board meeting, beginning at 7:30PM. The successful candidate is expected to be appointed to the Board at the October 24 meeting.


Letters and documentation should be mailed to: District Clerk Nelly Valentin, Tarrytown Union Free School District, 200 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 or electronically to nvalentin@tufsd.org.



For more information on the Board vacancy, please contact the District Clerk at (914) 332-6241.

TAT Making Strides

On Sunday October 20th, members of the Teachers’ Association of the Tarrytowns (TAT) will be taking part in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Manhattanville College. Members of our team, Horsemen with Heart, are participating to support survivors, caregivers and to advance much needed research. If you would like to support our team, simply click on the link below. No amount is too small, and we all thank you!


Support Team Horsemen with Heart

SHMS Popcorn Party

Sleepy Hollow Middle Schoolers celebrated a successful first week of the new academic year on Friday, September 6. Students were surprised with fresh popcorn, cool lemonade, and a DJ playing their favorite songs.


Read here: Popping Into The New School Year

SHHS Seniors named Semifinalists

Three Sleepy Hollow High School seniors were named as Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Congratulations Roxie Bloom, Jocelin Santocki, and Ayaka Utsumi!


Read here: 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists Announced

SHHS Teacher awarded NYSSMA Teacher Innovation Award

Congratulations to SHHS Music Teacher Austin Day for receiving the NYSSMA Teacher Innovation Award! Thank you, Mr. Day, for inspiring both students and colleagues. He will be honored at the NYSSMA Winter Conference.

Mercy STEM Ambassadors

We are proud to announce our newest Mercy STEM Ambassadors:


Katelynn DeGregorio from Sleepy Hollow Middle School

Viola Santelia from Washington Irving Intermediate School

Maureen Salazar from W.L. Morse School

Megan Rubbo from WL Morse Elementary

Deidre Sullivan from Sleepy Hollow Middle School

Back to School Nights

Save the dates for our Back to School Nights!

  • SHMS (6th-8th): Sept 17 at 6:00 p.m.
  • WI (4th-5th): Sept 18 at 6:00 p.m.
  • SHHS (9th-12th): Sept 19 at 6:00 p.m.

Capital Bond Project Update

Save the Date: Join us on October 15 at 6 p.m. in the MS/HS auditorium for an in-person session on the latest updates to our Capital Bond Project.

Horsemen Family Saturday (Formerly Known As Saturday Academy)

Save the dates! 🗓️ Horsemen Family Saturdays (formerly Saturday Academy) are back! Join us once a month for fun, friends, and community partners all year long!

Community Wardrobe


Does your family want free fall clothing? "Shopping" days (no money required) are coming to Horsemen PTA Community Wardrobe, 222 North Washington Street, on September 17, 18, and 20.


TUFSD families must sign up here to make an appointment. Because of space constraints, no walk-ins are permitted.


Community Wardrobe is a joint effort of the Horsemen PTA and the Village of Sleepy Hollow that finds new homes for great clothes, free to neighbors who need them, in a dignified, boutique-like setting.

ARToberfest

Bethany Arts Center is hosting their 5th Annual ARToberfest on October 5, 2024, with a rain date on October 6, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a day of music, art, crafts, food, and family-friendly activities, featuring visual artists, live musicians, and interactive demonstrations.

Theater Academy Program

Registration for the free school theater residency of Beauty & the Beast is now open until October 10. Casting will take place in person on October 16.


For more information and to register visit: Tarrytown Music Hall

The Pocantico Center

The Pocantico Center is hosting exciting fall events, including nature tours and musical performances. For more details and to register, visit pocantico.org/events.

Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures

In November 2023, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures presented their recommendations for future diploma requirements to the Board of Regents. Since then, NYSED created a vision to implement these recommendations.


In this session, designed for the general public (non-educators) we will engage in conversation regarding the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) four transformations based on the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission as it pertains to changes in graduation requirements. High School students, parents, and members of the general public are invited to review anticipated elements of these transformations and discuss ideas, implications, and provide feedback to assist NYSED in determining next steps.


All Sessions are hybrid. Attend in person at:

SWBOCES

450 Mamaroneck Avenue

Harrison, NY 10528

or

virtually, via Zoom. Links will be provided before the event.


Sign up here: Blue Ribbon Commission Public Forum

District Pillars & Goals

The Board of Education has officially approved our new Pillars and Goals, which will guide our district's efforts both now and in the years ahead. These foundational elements will focus our work and drive our commitment to student success.

#HorsemenPride Video

Check out our new #HorsemenPride video, showcasing the highlights of our school!

TUFSD #HorsemenPride Video

24-25 District Equity Team – Join Us!

We’re excited to invite you to apply to join our District Equity Team this year! Your perspective and contributions would be invaluable as we continue to focus on creating an inclusive and equitable environment. If you're interested, please complete this survey by September 20. Meetings will include team connections (circles), data analysis, and subcommittee reports.

If selected, you will be contacted by the end of the month. Thank you for considering this opportunityv

Supporting Social Emotional Learning

This past week, students start Second Step, a social emotional learning program being implemented with students in grades kindergarten through 8. Parents can look out for ongoing tips from their teachers on how to support and reinforce skills at home. See attached letter that went out to families last week to learn more.



Cybersecurity Notice

Over the weekend, our school experienced a "phishing" attack which led to two staff accounts being accessed by an unknown person. We contained the situation quickly, secured all potentially compromised accounts, and contacted all impacted users/families. We will be working to improve our processes and ensure user training to prevent future incidents.

Preliminary investigations indicate that student data was not accessed or compromised. We will continue to investigate and provide updates as needed. Ensuring the protection of your students' data is our top priority.

Sleepy Hollow Performing Arts Boosters

The Sleepy Hollow Performing Arts Boosters helps the talented SHMS / SHHS performing artists. Please consider signing up to support SHPAB at Sleepy Hollow Performing Arts Booster

Academic & Enrichment Program at W.L. Morse

Registration is now open for the Education United Afterschool Academic & Enrichment Program! This free program runs from October through May, offering students academic support and engaging activities that spark creativity. Join us Monday through Thursday for a fun and enriching experience.


To learn more call or text 914-214-7086 or email morse@unitedwaywp.org

YMCA Early morning care at JP, Morse & WI

The Family YMCA at Tarrytown is offering an early morning care program at JP, Morse and WI. Care will be provided onsite starting 1 1⁄2 hours before the normally scheduled arrival time, breakfast will be provided during this time.


Program runs Mondays – Fridays when school is in session. Fee: $189 per month

$50 deposit required to reserve your spot. Send your completed form with payment to Gabriela Rivas, Billing Administrator gabrielar@ymcatarrytown.org 914 631-4807 ext. 100.

Free after-school activities at SHMS

Sleepy Hollow Middle School (in collaboration with FSW)

Grades: 5-7

Description: The program offers FREE age-appropriate after-school activities to improve the social, emotional, and academic competencies of participating youth in grades 5 – 7 at SHMS. We will also offer homework help for the ENL students in grades 5 - 7. We are looking to help the 5th graders transition to Middle School and there will be transportation provided from Washington Irving Intermediate School to Sleepy Hollow Middle School.


Schedule: Monday - Friday 3 p.m. -6 p.m.

Cost: Free

Website for Families

Families, looking for quick access to your top FAQs? Check out our families page for convenient links to schedules, lunch menus, and more!

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Please note that parents are automatically enrolled.

Public Schools of the Tarrytowns
www.tufsd.org