MSHS Tuesday Newsday

Dear NS Families,

Today is our Thanksgiving Special Edition. I wanted to wish all our NS families a happy, healthy Thanksgiving. Please be safe in your travels and to those parents who have graduates coming back home, please enjoy the time together.

Our HS Drama production of CLUE was this past weekend and I have to say - didn't see the ending coming! Well done by our cast, crew, and advisor - a ton of fun and what performances.

Thank you to all who donated to our Thanksgiving Food Drive sponsored by the MS Student Forum. Tons of food was dropped off yesterday - thank you Mr. Senatore - for families.

Parents, please be sure you complete the NYSED Tech Survey which can be found on your Parent Portal account.

Short week this week, we have an early dismissal 1/2 day (buses leave at 10:30) today, and no school Thursday or Friday. Check the schedule as we have parent teacher conferences and no school on December 5th (the book fair is all next week) and the Harlem Wizards in town on Friday, December 6, 2024.

Have a great week,

Mr. DiGrandi

11/27 - Early Dismissal, 10:30am

11/28 & 11/29 - Schools Closed - Thanksgiving Recess

12/2-12/6 - MSHS PTO Book Fair

12/3- High School Picture Retakes

12/3- MS Chorus Concert 7:30 pm (12/11 Snow Date)

12/5- Parent Teacher Conferences - No School for Students

12/6- Harlem Wizards Booster Club Basketball Game, 7pm

12/10- Middle School Picture Retakes

12/10- MS Band Concert 7:30 pm (12/12 Snow Date)

12/13- MS Student Forum Holiday Movie Night, 5:30pm

12/17- HS Concert 7:30 (12/18 Snow Date)

12/18- BOE Meeting, 7:30pm

12/23-1/1 - Schools Closed - Holiday Recess

Auditions _ 12/4/24 @ 3pm

Talent Show – 1/24/25 @ 6:30pm **NEW Date

Categories:

• Best Teacher Performance
• Beast Sports Team Performance
• Best MS Performance
• Best HS Performance
• Best Video

See flyer for sign up information!

On Wednesday, December 11th, Katie Koestner will present to our 11th and 12th graders. Ms. Koestner has lectured at over 5,000 schools in North America including the incoming classes at MIT, Brown University, West Point, the US Naval Academy, Amherst College, Williams College, the top 200 officers of the Department of Defense, and the American Association of School Administrators. Her testimony on Capitol Hill was instrumental in the passage of federal student safety legislation. We are welcoming back Ms. Koestner, who last presented in person to our students in 2023 and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

Thank you to the Foundation for Learning, The Lions Club and our Booster Club for sponsoring the presentation.

November Breakfast & Lunch Menus and our new MSHS Deli Order Form

Child Mind Institute - Resources to Help Our Kids Thrive

Happier Holidays, Less Stress

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, the calendar is full of special events and cherished family traditions. But the excitement and break from routines can be overwhelming for children, especially those who have emotional and behavioral challenges. And that can make everyone in the family stressed.

This week, we have ideas on how to make the holidays kid-friendly. One way is anticipating what might be an issue at family gatherings for kids with autism, anxiety, ADHD, or other issues, and planning ahead to avoid conflicts and meltdowns. If you’re traveling, we have suggestions from experts and families on how to make it less challenging, with specific tips for airports and road trips. And it helps to manage your own expectations of what a successful holiday looks like (especially if you’re grieving or going through a divorce). Finally, with a little help, the holidays can be a great chance for kids to get some practice expressing gratitude.

— Michelle Shih, Managing Editor

Seniors:

• The 2025-26 FAFSA form is live! The U.S. Department of Education has now expanded access to everyone during the current beta testing period prior to the official launch on Dec. 1. Students can now file and submit their FAFSA form. They are encouraged to log in to their studentaid.gov account and get started today. Students and their parents will need to create their FSA ID before completing the FAFSA; to do so, please go to https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

• To view available scholarship opportunities, please click here.

SUNY Financial Aid Sessions
Prospective students and families are invited to join SUNY for an online workshop. General financial aid sessions will provide information about the cost of attendance, the types of financial aid available and the financial aid application process. Timely walk throughs will focus on steps you can take now to prepare for FAFSA completion.

During all sessions, you will be able to send us your questions via live chat.

• Financial Aid Session Tuesday, November 19 at 6:00 PM
• Financial Aid Session Tuesday, November 26 at 6:00 PM

NY State Financial Aid Agency

The Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is New York State’s student financial aid agency. They award nearly $1 billion in financial aid to students each year. Please click here to learn more about what programs they offer.

Hello MS/HS Families,

Please click here for important information regarding Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Important Nutritional Information:

Ex-FDA Food Expert Reveals Worst Cereal In America with Link to Cancer.

Please click on the YouTube link for further information:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPzjspzVpLg

Social Media:

Time To Break Our "Tik" Fever-Addictive app knows US kids at risk.

As TikTok gains more acceptance among youth, there is growing concern among parents, policymakers, and clinicians about the actual impact the platform is having on the mental health of youth. Click Here for important information.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Each household is eligible to receive four at-home test kits, which can be requested from COVIDTests.gov. They’ll be shipped for free through the US Postal Service.

FLU SEASON IS HERE! - Click here for important information

Helpful Information:

• Absence from School: Contact the attendance office at x 2165 or mshsattendance@northsalemschools.org to report your student's absence. Do not hesitate to contact me at x 2017 to discuss your child's illness. I'm happy to answer any questions and address our concerns.

• When to keep your child home from school: Please click here for information about when you should keep your child home from school.

• Immunization Requirements for Students in Grades 6-12: Click here for information regarding the "2024-2025 School Year New York State Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance.

• Mandatory Physical Examinations: The New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires a physical exam for new entrants and students in Grades: Pre-K, K 1,3,5,7,9, and 11. Students who wish to participate in interscholastic sports (Grades 7-12) and for working papers require an annual physical.

Click here to read important information and access forms pertaining to Health Examinations, Medication Administration and Allergy Action Plans.

I know this information can be confusing. Please don't hesitate to contact me, I'm happy to answer any questions and address your concerns.

Stay well,

Rita Driscoll, R.N.BSN

MSHS School Nurse / 914-669-5414 x2017 / rdriscoll@northsalemschools.org

Athletic News for Week of November 25-

Congratulations to all of the Fall Athletic Awards Winners!

Click here for NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete

Click here for North Salem/Section One Awards

ALL STATE ATHLETES- BOYS SOCCER

Congratulations to Senior Ryan Vorfi and Junior Max Cotrone, they received All State recognition on Tuesday, November 19th at the Section One Soccer Awards Banquet held at the Westchester Manor.

Congratulations Boys! Your names will be added to the All State Banner in our High School Gymnasium!

NYSPHSAA SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

Congratulations to Senior Jack Newman who received the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Award at the State Semi Final game on Friday, November 15th at Middletown High School.

SECTION 1 FALL 2024 SPORTSMANSHIP TEAM

Congratulations to our Fall 2024 Section One Sportsmanship Team!

WINTER SPORTS INFORMATION

Modified Sports (7th and 8th Grade) begin on Monday, December 2nd, 2024

(Boys and Girls Basketball and Indoor Track, Wrestling, and Boys Ice Hockey)

**Merged sports do not attend the North Salem Open House**

Modified Athletic Open House is on Monday, December 2nd 5:00pm-5:30pm-6:00pm HS Auditorium

5:30-6:00pm in the locations below with the Coaching Staff.

**All student athletes and families are recommended to attend. Important information regarding the season will be shared.

Boys Basketball - Auditorium

Coaches Al Campos and Lou Villani

Girls Basketball - MS Cafe

Coach Chris Werlau

Indoor Track - HS Cafe

Coach Eric Pechenko

Softball Interest Meeting for all students in grades 7-12

Tuesday, December 3rd Room W30 2:15pm
Coach Collins will be present to discuss the upcoming season and off season workouts.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Tim Collins, Head Softball Coach at: coachtcollins@gmail.com

Baseball Offseason Workouts December 2024- February 2025

The North Salem High School Baseball program will be hosting off season workouts for any student interested in baseball in grades 7-12. This is not mandatory. Practice your throwing, fielding, pitching and hitting before the season begins on Monday, March 17th for High School and Monday, April 7th for Modified.

All work outs will be held in the MS Gymnasium. Players should bring their own baseball mitts, sneakers, and water.

If you have any questions regarding the Off Season Workouts, please contact:

Rob Gilchrist, Head Varsity Baseball Coach (rgilchrist@northsalemschools.org)

December

Mondays

12/2- 6:45-8:00pm

12/9- 6:00-7:15pm

12/16- 5:00-6:15pm

January

Mondays

1/6- 6:00-7:15pm

1/13- 5:00-6:15pm

1/27- 6:30-7:45pm

February

Mondays

2/3- 6:30-7:45pm

2/10- 6:30-7:45pm

2/24- 5:00-6:15pm

March

Monday through Thursday

3/3 thru 3/6- 3:00-4:30

3/10 thru 3/13- 3:00-4:30

North Salem Athletic Calendar: https://northsalemcentral.tandem.co/

*All practices and games are posted on the Athletic Calendar. Subscribe for notifications regarding date/time/locations.

FITNESS CENTER- OPEN!

The fitness center will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout the school year from 3:00-4:00pm for students in Grades 7-12. All students are required to sign in with the teacher and remain in the Fitness Center until the end of the session. In the event that transportation is needed, there is a late bus at 3:45pm. Sneakers and athletic attire are required.

LIVE STREAMING- Live streaming is available at both the HS Gymnasium and Tiger Stadium- Turf Field Local Live Link

TIGER STADIUM- Tiger Stadium Rules

SPORTS YOU: Please subscribe to Sports You and enter your code for the sport that you have signed up for in Family ID. All HS and MS coaching staff will be communicating to our families through this platform.

Link: sportsyou.com

**The codes are the same from each school year for each level of the sport.

GO TIGERS!

Sincerely,

Denise M. Kiernan, CAA

Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics

North Salem Middle / High School is looking for full-time One-to-One Paraprofessionals for the 24-25 school year. Our 1:1 Paraprofessionals work individually with students with special needs and provide assistance (academic, social, and emotional) throughout the day in specialized classrooms.

The schedule follows the school calendar (Sept - June) and the hours are 7:15 am to 2:15 pm.

If you are interested in applying for this position or would like to know more about this rewarding work experience, please contact Dr. Kathleen Murphy, Assistant Principal by email: kmurphy@northsalemschools.org.

On Tuesday, December 3rd, please consider supporting The North Salem Foundation for Learning (NSFL) with a tax-deductible contribution. NSFL fosters scholastic excellence in the North Salem Central School District by awarding scholarships, funding unique student/faculty projects and providing enhanced educational opportunities for students in grades pre-K-12, which are outside the scope of the traditional budget. Click here or copy and paste in your browser to donate: https://bit.ly/3YNHTRd. Thank you!

Register to become a PTO Member to have access to our directory, signups and store.

MSHS PTO MEMBERSHIP TOOLKIT

Put on your running shoes and join us for Run of the Mills Jingle Jangle 5K, brought to you by the North Salem LIONS Club! It’s a family fun run where strollers are welcome, and festive costumes are encouraged!

When: Saturday, December 7th
Where: NS Lions Community Center
Time: 8:30 AM Check-In

What’s in Store:

• $10 Early Registration includes a cozy mug or festive T-shirt!
• Hot Chocolate and Treats waiting for you at the finish line!
• Food and Coat Drive to benefit the Local Pantry!

Let’s spread joy and community spirit together! Sign up now for a day filled with fun, laughter, and holiday cheer!

Details and Registration:
www.northsalemlions.club

Get ready to jingle all the way to the finish line!