PRSD Pulse

Greetings Pearl River School District Families and Staff,

October was certainly a busy and exciting month across our school buildings! As our K-12 students settled into new routines and made great strides in their academic and personal growth, I feel grateful for the hard work of our administrators, educators, clinicians and staff, as well as the support of our school community, who’ve all ensured a strong start to the 2024-25 school year. Now in the month of November, there is much to look forward to as we approach the Veterans Day and Thanksgiving holidays - which both serve as important reminders of all that we have to be thankful for, both in our community and in our country.

Throughout the month of October, our District launched our Coach To Class social media campaign highlighting the multi-faceted work of our Instructional, Tech and Literacy Coaches; celebrated National School Custodian Day, Unity Day, School Board Recognition Week, Digital Citizenship Week, Fire Prevention Month, National Principals Month, and Halloween; continued lessons centered on exploring Hispanic heritage, digital fluency, and creative approaches to arts education; and, spotlighted our National Merit Scholarship Commended students and Pirate Rep Theatre’s production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at the high school level.

I always look forward to sharing news of the incredible work that happens in our district across all of our programs; academics, the arts and athletics. Please expect to see much more in the coming editions of our monthly PRSD Pulse e-newsletters. Stay tuned!

Sincerely,

Marco F. Pochintesta

Superintendent of Schools

PRSD K-12 Instructional Technology Coaches Kim Ulrich and Jess Kearns visited third and fourth grade classrooms to teach Halloween-themed digital literacy lessons using Kami software - as students created their own unique monsters! Beginning with a review lesson on digital icons in the program and their functions (like the selection tool, text tool and eraser tool), students delved into building their monsters selecting from a range of clothing, accessories and objects. Ms. Ulrich and Ms. Kearns encouraged students to think creatively - and learners excitedly designed their creatures with color schemes and spooky themes. More on Facebook and Instagram.

Fall-festive learning opportunities are always in season! Inside Angela DeRosa's STEM classroom at Pearl River Middle School, fifth graders took part in a Pumpkin Investigation Lab - using their observational skills and knowledge of science to carry out their research. In small groups, these PRMS Pirates noted their pumpkin's properties of matter (color, form, solubility, buoyancy and hardness), carefully measured its length (in centimeters and converted it to millimeters), determined its mass in grams using a triple beam balance, and created a model of their pumpkin with an estimation of how many seeds they believe are inside. More on Facebook and Instagram.

As part of a time-honored tradition, Pearl River High School seniors celebrated Halloween - going full force when it comes to their unique individual and group looks ranging from movie/television characters, to historical figures, to well-known and recognized brands/products. During their lunch period, graduating PRHS Pirates gathered all together in the courtyard for a whole class photo, pizza party and costume contest - joined by teachers, staff and administrators in celebration of the day's festivities. More on Facebook and Instagram.

There was much more than just ghosts and ghouls haunting the halls of Pearl River Middle School! PRMS Pirates across grades 5-7 celebrated Halloween on October 31 - sporting a wide variety of costumes as they celebrated the day with themed lessons and activities in varying subject areas and grade levels. Teachers, staff and building administrators even joined in the fun, wearing costumes of their own! More on Facebook and Instagram.

Within our K-12 school buildings lied an array of creative costumes ranging from ghosts and goblins, to monsters, to witches, to superheroes, to animals, to characters of all shapes and sizes - and our elementary students showcased their super spooky spirit! Between school-wide parades and festive classroom activities and parties, our K-4 learners at Evans Park Elementary School, Lincoln Avenue Elementary School and Franklin Avenue Elementary School enjoyed a day of frightening fun with their peers, teachers and building administrators. More on Facebook and Instagram.

Between the hustle and bustle of exciting lessons and activities, first and second graders in Lila Moreno's class at Evans Park Elementary School carved out time to create classroom pumpkins just in time for Halloween! Beginning with an understanding of 'how to' writing, these Evans Park Tigers penned their own step-by-step "How To Carve a Pumpkin" books. Once finished, students put their words into action - measuring the pumpkins, creating jack-o'-lantern faces, opening them up, scooping out the seeds, and carving them. With the helping hand of Ms. Moreno, these pumpkin connoisseurs removed the shapes of the eyes, nose and mouth before putting their pumpkins to the test: lowering the classroom shades and adding a light to see their designs come to life in the dark! With spooky season in full swing, these Tigers wrapped up their themed activities with a cut-out craft - incorporating visual perceptual practice with concentration and focus. More on Facebook and Instagram.

Learning takes flight - especially when engaged in a lesson centered on indigenous birds and their role in biodiversity! Pearl River High School senior Carys Bolte migrated back to Lincoln Avenue Elementary School (where she once attended) to teach second graders about various types of birds, their distinct characteristics, and the dynamic part birdhouses play in nature. Lincoln Ave Lions in Finuala O'Shea's and Lori Giachetti's classes learned about birds like the Mourning Dove, House Wren, Northern Cardinal and American Goldfinch, and what makes them unique, before painting their own birdhouses. Through presentations like this, Carys hopes to encourage young learners to get involved in providing birds of all species a safe shelter in order for them to contribute to our environment. Later in the school year, these birdwatchers-in-training can apply what they've learned to lessons/curriculum during their Life Science unit focus. More on Facebook and Instagram.

Three Pearl River High School seniors have been named National Merit Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation! Using Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test Selection Index scores (calculated from the Reading and Writing, and Math section scores), NMSC determines 50,000 high-scoring participants who qualify for program recognition. These PRHS Pirates were selected and notified before being presented Letters of Commendation by Principal Robert Zegarelli, Ed.D. in recognition of their commitment to high achievement and potential for post-secondary academic success, often recognized by colleges and universities in their admissions decisions. The PRSD extends congratulations to: Timothy (T.J.) McDermott, Owen Burke and Sean Raumberger! Read more about Timothy, Owen, and Sean's many successes on Facebook and Instagram.

Throughout the school year, Pearl River Middle School students have the opportunity to attend digital fluency lessons hosted by PRMS Librarian Pam Jacobs - centered on arming learners with the tools and knowledge to utilize technology effectively and ethically. With varying focus areas, Ms. Jacobs works with PRMS Pirates spanning grades 5-7 to educate them on topics ranging from technical proficiency, to digital literacy, to social competence, to artificial intelligence (AI). We stopped by for a lesson with fifth graders as they explored the importance of making informed decisions about what they choose to post online - and the impacts of sharing information and maintaining privacy across digital channels and social media platforms. In addition, students discussed the presence of emerging AI - and how to best navigate AI-generated information and content when they encounter it. More on Facebook and Instagram.

Inside our elementary buildings, our music educators are partnering with our PRSD Instructional Coaches (pictured: K-4 Instructional Coach Regina Zito) and Instructional Technology Coaches to integrate 'Music Centers' into classroom teaching! K-4 students at Evans Park Elementary School, Lincoln Avenue Elementary School and Franklin Avenue Elementary School are engaging in small-group, rotational activities that aim to enhance music education objectives and determine how learners across grade levels synthesize instruction. Music teachers Scott Louis and Sarah Gill are incorporating hands-on learning stations, with the help of coaches, to keep the rhythm of learning thriving! More on Facebook and Instagram.

Spooky folklore with a backdrop that takes place close to home...it's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - and Pearl River High School's Pirate Rep Theatre excitedly geared up for its debut on October 25-26! Audiences followed along on the journey of schoolteacher Ichabod Crane who competes against local prankster farmer Brom Bones for the hand of Katrina Van Tassel, as he learns about and believes he comes to face the legend of Sleepy Hollow: the Headless Horseman. Just in time for Halloween, student performers and stage crew were hard at work rehearsing for their performances. Bravo! More on Facebook and Instagram.

At each of our elementary schools, Art teacher Tom Price put on cultural puppetry shows - visiting each K-4 building to engage students in educational folk tales and discussions centered on the ancient form of theatre! With the helping hand of teachers and participants (pictured: Mr. Price's performance held at Evans Park Elementary School), learners had the opportunity to follow along on a storytelling journey as they 'traveled' across the globe to learn about a melting pot of heritages including Polish, Indigenous, Italian, German and Filipino while developing an understanding of shadow, hand, rod, Japanese Bunraku style, and marionette puppetry. Tying into social-emotional learning and character education focuses, students connected moral lessons and values to each story. More on Facebook and Instagram.

The PRSD spotlighted our five incredible principals in celebration of National Principals Month during October! Across our K-12 schools, our building administrators' roles run the gamut from overseeing daily operations and activities, to providing instructional leadership, to hiring and evaluating school staff, to disciplining and counseling, to supporting professional development, to parent and community engagement. Wearing many hats, our principals ensure a positive and nurturing school culture where students have the tools to succeed. Thank you: Principal Kathleenann Cool - Lincoln Avenue Elementary School, Principal Joe Avdek - Evans Park Elementary School, Principal Kristin Talleyrand, Ed.D. - Franklin Avenue Elementary School, Principal Dave Wright - Pearl River Middle School, and Principal Robert Zegarelli, Ed.D. - Pearl River High School. More on Facebook and Instagram.

Lessons and discussions centered on the importance of using technology responsibly and respectfully take place across the PRSD throughout the school year - including during Digital Citizenship Week! Guided by our team of K-12 Instructional Technology Coaches Jess Kearns and Kim Ulrich, third graders in Jen Coppola's class at Evans Park Elementary School explored expectations and correct behaviors within various online communities, selected norms to share with the class and signed a classroom pledge. Beginning with a review of class norms, these Evans Park Tigers delved into the types of online communities they're familiar with (video sites, school apps, etc.) and rules they follow (like posting appropriate comments) - turning and sharing with their desk partners. In small groups, students selected norms to include in their own classroom digital citizenship pledge when sharing, responding, working and playing with others. With ever-growing and emerging technology at our fingertips, K-12 students are learning how to protect their privacy, utilize information responsibly, contribute to the community, healthily balance virtual time and remain mindful of online interactions. More on Facebook and Instagram.

It's election season...and this time, it was student council's turn! Across our elementary buildings, fourth grade learners are excitedly campaigning - and showcasing their leadership skills and dedication toward building positive change in their school. We stopped by Evans Park Elementary School to capture Tigers' Student Council Elections as fourth graders took to the podium to give prepared speeches detailing their ideas and initiatives with the goals to empower student voice and promote school-wide values and missions. Following the election, students in attendance headed back to their classrooms to cast their votes via ballots. Newly elected students will soon begin their term - meeting routinely as a group each month with their club advisor to explore goals ranging from advisory/student leadership, to in-kind donations/drives, to school beautification. All fourth grade students also have the opportunity to take on other leadership efforts through applying for 'student jobs' which include Safety Team and Hallway Monitors. More on Facebook and Instagram.

October marked Fire Prevention Month! Inside Carolyn Murphy's first grade classroom at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School, Lincoln Ave Lions merged letter and word recognition with fire safety understanding - thanks to class discussions and worksheet activities. Beginning with a lesson on the important role of local fire departments and practices to follow when in an emergency, first graders headed to their desks to complete tasks including: 'Label the Fire Engine' and 'Dot the Beginning Sound' - both incorporating what they've learned about fire safety awareness and phonics skills. More on Facebook and Instagram.

Did you know that October 14-18 marked New York State School Boards Association's School Board Recognition Week? The PRSD extends gratitude to our five Board of Education members for their unwavering support and commitment to fostering high-quality education. Through their voluntary efforts and dedication in prioritizing educational excellence, the Pearl River School District plays a crucial role in shaping the future of countless students - helping to ensure that all K-12 learners have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We sincerely thank: BOE President Jackie Dubil Craig, BOE Vice President Denise Caunitz, BOE Member Terrence Cortelli, BOE Member Thomas DePrisco, and BOE Member Dr. Kathleen Ann Kelley. As the legislative and policy-making body of the District, the Board is firmly committed to providing the best education possible within the resources of the Pearl River School District, always striving for continuous improvement in public education. More on Facebook and Instagram.

Hand in hand, the PRSD is building commUNITY through coming together to celebrate kindness, acceptance and inclusion! In celebration of PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center's Unity Day, our school buildings wore orange to send a powerful visual message of a shared effort to prevent bullying through our missions and values. Across our three elementary schools during October, Evans Park Tigers, Lincoln Ave Lions and Franklin Ave Stars worked with school clinicians and social workers through push-in lessons and open discussions to develop an understanding of the importance of Unity Day. During morning assemblies at Evans Park Elementary School, Lincoln Avenue Elementary School and Franklin Avenue Elementary School, K-4 students recited the Unity Pledge and shared out ways they've showed support and compassion. Tying into our ELFs' 'spot' focus of the month, students completed an 'Investigation Spot' to share how they spread kindness, accept others' differences and include their peers. Once finalized, the spots create a 'Unity Universe' bulletin board display that serves as a reminder of the ways in which they can do their part each day! More on Facebook and Instagram.

It's important to NOTE...knowledge of scale reading enhances musical perception and facilitates sight reading skills! Second graders in Kim Mealy's class at Franklin Avenue Elementary School learned about the solfège scale - which includes the notes do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, and ti - and how it uses syllables to name pitches. Music teacher Scott Louis prompted students to carefully listen to the pitch of each syllable, and practice their own vocal technique in a call and response warm up. Using a felt scale board and notes, Mr. Louis worked with Franklin Ave Stars to accurately place the note on the correct staff line represented on the SmartBoard. Laying the foundation for future music education focuses, these student musicians are quickly developing an understanding of vocal agility/control and memorization - paving the way towards learning major scales! More on Facebook and Instagram.

Sixth grade scientists at Pearl River Middle School were visited by professionals from Veolia Water New York for a lesson and activity on the water cycle and conservation efforts! Inside Brittany Martinez's Science classroom, PRMS Pirates learned about the continuous movement of water within the Earth and the atmosphere. In small groups, students engaged in a game - moving to stations located around the classroom each representing the places where a water droplet can 'travel' (like clouds, oceans, plants, rivers, lakes, ground water, glaciers, soil and animals). Along the way, groups collected beads from each station to create a bracelet - rolling the dice to determine which station to move to next. H20 educator Jess Moore (pictured) also spoke about the importance of water conservation and how individuals can do their part in making every drop count, as well as the impact of water pollution on our watershed. Later this academic year, sixth graders will delve into units centered on weather forecasting and water cycling - and they'll be able to apply this knowledge to their understanding! More on Facebook and Instagram.

X marks the spot...and we've located the hidden treasures of art education! Inside Tom Price's Art classroom at Evans Park Elementary School, kindergarteners in Joanne Martini and Tobi Breslaw's class excitedly worked on their treasure map projects - incorporating knowledge of map keys and symbols (like water and trees), cardinal directions, as well as fine motor skills to cut and draw. Using paper, cotton swabs and glue, these Evans Park Tigers carefully placed their dotted lines along their painted brown maps. Mr. Price explained how each creation will look different based on the paths they choose to make on their projects - and that's what makes their work special! More on Facebook and Instagram.

K-12 students across our school buildings engaged in lessons, projects, activities and readings centered on Hispanic Heritage Month...and Franklin Avenue Elementary School fourth graders completed research about a Spanish-speaking country with the help of English as a New Language (ENL) teacher Beth Toubin! Starting with a discussion of the importance of recognizing diverse cultures' history, traditions and significant contributions, Franklin Ave Stars delved into gathering information about their assigned country - using their Chromebooks to determine geographic location, population, climate, and popular and traditional foods. Following their research, students shared aloud what they learned about their country with classmates. More on Facebook and Instagram.

In celebration of National School Custodian Day (October 2), kindergarteners at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School excitedly gifted School Custodians Frank Shine (pictured) and Alex Carroll with a poster they created to express their appreciation for all of their efforts! Beaming with happiness, Mr. Shine thanked students for always making his "job" one that he looks forward to. On this day, and each day, we are so grateful for our District's custodial staff who work behind the scenes to keep our school environments mighty clean. As the foundation of our school community, we thank our custodians for their significant impact! More on Facebook and Instagram.

The PRSD extended a sincere THANK YOU to our hardworking custodial staff across our K-12 buildings as we celebrated National School Custodian Day! Pictured, are just a few faces of the many individuals whose efforts ensure that our schools remain clean and safe learning spaces for all. From early mornings, to late evenings, to everything in between, we express our gratitude for the countless ways you support our school community. More on Facebook and Instagram.

Our PRSD Instructional Coaches (K-6 Instructional Coach Katie Gruffi, K-4 Instructional Coach Regina Zito, K-12 Instructional Technology Coaches Jess Kearns and Kim Ulrich, and Gr. 5-12 Literacy Coach Dana Silver) serve as key members of our school community as they enhance both teaching and learning! As dedicated and passionate partners for our K-12 educators, they provide insight, support and strategies to ensure student success across subject areas. In October, we kicked off our Coach To Class campaign - highlighting the progression of their work spanning various 2024-25 curriculum focuses and initiatives, and spotlighting their multi-faceted roles within our District. K-6 Instructional Coach Katie Gruffi is working closely with teachers in grades 3 and 4 to delve into Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) Morphology instruction - the study of word formation and structure. Partnering with teachers, Katie begins with initial planning sessions to discuss ideas, goals and classroom instruction strategies before rolling out student pre-assessments. With pre-assessments providing a measure of what students know and what they need to be taught, Katie then works with educators to implement lessons targeting paced concepts. In September, Mrs. Cooperman's third graders were introduced to Morphology through a Three Part Drill as they began to develop an understanding of words' sounds, syllables and morphemes. More on Facebook and Instagram.