6/11/2024 Letter to the Community
Dr. Raymond Sanchez, Superintendent of Schools
June 11, 2024
Dear TUFSD Families and Staff,
This past week has been one of recognition for our hardworking scholars. Our middle schoolers were acknowledged for their outstanding academic achievements during a special awards ceremony and an amazing group of students were inducted into the National Juniors Honor Society. Meanwhile, many of our young artists had their artwork on display in the library for all to enjoy.
Now that the weather is warming up, students are getting a chance to really enjoy the outdoors. Our young scholars enjoyed Field Day fun by taking part in various activities for some fresh air and bonding, some curled up with their favorite book under and others headed to Peabody for community nature exercises.
As the school year begins to wind down, I would like to take a moment to thank 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
The 2023-24 academic year has been one of growth and success for our school district. We have seen great changes and made strides in “Building a Better Tomorrow” together. We have witnessed positive changes in equity, social emotional learning, and in our community engagement. We have seen various accomplishments in our academics, athletics, dual language, and english language programs. We have also experienced various accomplishments throughout the district as a whole.
With that said, I would like to formally invite everyone within the district to join us for a year in review session. We will be reflecting on our achievements and looking ahead to the upcoming 2024-25 school year. Please join us at the Sleepy Hollow High School auditorium on Monday, June 17 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. I look forward to celebrating a successful academic year with everyone.
We are excited to announce a wonderful opportunity to support our young readers over the summer. In our ongoing effort to foster a love for reading and to ensure that our students continue to develop their literacy skills during the break, we will distribute 10 free books to all students in grades K-4. This has been made possible through a generous donation.
Reading is a critical skill that impacts every area of a child’s education and life. By providing books to our students, we encourage them to explore new worlds, gain new knowledge, and develop a lifelong passion for reading. Each student will have the chance to choose from a selection of age-appropriate books they can enjoy throughout the summer.
We understand the importance of maintaining and enhancing reading skills during summer. Research shows that children who read during the summer can maintain or even improve their reading skills, while those who do not often experience a decline. We aim to provide every child with the tools they need to succeed and to make reading a fun and engaging part of their summer vacation.
We encourage you to support your child’s reading journey by setting aside time for reading each day, discussing the books they are reading, and visiting the local library together. Your involvement and encouragement can make a significant difference in their reading development.
Before students leave for the summer, they will receive approximately 10 books each. If you have any questions about the book distribution or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact your building principal.
Thank you for your continued support of our students’ education. We look forward to seeing the joy these books bring to our young readers.
As we gear up for an exciting summer, stay tuned for more info on our #HorsemenRead Summer Initiative! TUFSD teachers and staff will be reading to our students at various locations in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow to engage our community and promote literacy (in Spanish and English!). Our goal is to foster a love for reading in our community, and we can't wait to see you around town for our read alouds! Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more info!
Students at Washington Irving Intermediate School (W.I.) enjoyed five “Days of Creativity” with Erin Ginsberg. Ms. Ginsberg is the owner of “Let’s Try This Together,” a company that specializes in unique activities for children. The program ran from May 31 to June 6 and offered students a new and exciting craft to take part in each day.
Read more: Washington Irving Gets Creative and Tries New Things Together
A handful of Washington Irving Intermediate School students earned themselves a sweet ride for going screen free for an entire week. The students took part in Screen Free Week, an initiative that encourages students to put down their devices and seek more traditional pastimes.
Read more: Washington Irving Students Earn Free Rides by Going Screen Free
The Public Schools of the Tarrytowns Board of Education voted last week in favor of changing the instructional start and dismissal times of two schools in the district, beginning the 2024-2025 school year.
Starting in the new school year Winfield L. Morse School (Morse) and Washington Irving Intermediate School (W.I.) will shift the beginning of their day in an effort to enhance the educational experience for all students in Public Schools of the Tarrytowns.
Read more: The Public Schools of the Tarrytowns Approves New Start/Dismissal Time
Take School supply shopping off your summer list--The Horsemen PTA has partnered again with School Toolbox for school supplies that ship right to home. Go to www.schooltoolbox.com and search your child's school for 2024-2025 school year to see the current school supply lists.
When: Open for orders now through August.
How: Search your child’s school and pick their grade for the 2024/25 school year
You can add and delete items to the box, so purchase only what you need.
Why: Not only does ordering your school supplies benefit our schools, but School Toolbox donates one meal to starving children through FMSC for every box that is purchased.
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.
Register now for PNW BOCES Internet Safety for Parents Presentation on June 13, 2024, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Don't miss out on essential tips to keep your kids safe online!
Register Here: Internet Safety for Parents
Don't miss the return of the Foundation's beloved Horsemen Color Run! Only $15 for student runners and $25 for adults. Saturday, June 15th. All funds raised support our schools!
The Hudson Valley Writers Center, located at the Philipse Manor RR station of Sleepy Hollow, is offering numerous summer writing classes, including several FREE classes for students in Grades 5-8 as well as teens with the completion of a simple scholarship form.
Details here: Classes & Camps | Hudson Valley Writers Center
Mermaids? Yes, you read that right! Join the fun this summer at the inaugural Sleepy Hollow Mermaid Festival on July 20 at Kingsland Point Park. In partnership with Riverkeeper and Rivertowns SUP & Yoga, this event that celebrates the Hudson and promotes river access is part of the Village's 150th anniversary celebration. There will be a costume parade on land and water followed by a party in the park with food trucks, bounce houses, and say hello to a real river mermaid named Ali Luminescent. For
more details, visit: https://www.hudsonrivermermaids.com/
