Tuxedo Talk
MAY 2024
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Tuxedo Community,
We're quickly moving through May - the time of year when students wrap up projects, busy parents attend even more school activities and teachers work overtime to prepare students for their next chapter of learning.
In the education world, May can also be a time for reflection. As your Superintendent, I am spending time this month looking back on the academic year and assessing what we accomplished, as well as looking for ways to improve as we move forward.
During the 2023-24 school year, we introduced Reveal Math, a new Math curriculum for grades K-5, rolled out the Yale RULER social emotional learning program in GGM and GFB and upgraded security on our campus by hiring a professional security firm to monitor the entrances of George Grant Mason and George F. Baker schools, among other enhancements.
Next year, we will continue the rollout of a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to ensure student success, increase placement opportunities for our students interested in pursuing career and technical training and expand the integration of STEM into classrooms.
We have many things to celebrate and these examples represent just a few of the enhancements we are proud of as a district. It is our goal to provide the highest quality education to our students, while also helping them to grow and flourish as individuals.
Please know that as parents and community members, your cooperation is not only appreciated, but critical to the success of our students. We are grateful every day for your support, contributions and cooperation as we work together to raise strong, healthy and kind humans.
Finally, please remember the annual budget vote and school board election on Tuesday, May 21. Click here to review the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 school year. Voting will take place in the George Grant Mason Multipurpose Room from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Every vote counts!
Sincerely,
Jeff White
District Highlights
Lunch With the Principal
Living Environment Students Dissect Chicken Wings
Students in Beth McGowan’s Living Environment class learned how similar chicken wings are to human arms when they performed dissections of the chicken appendages. Read more about the class's analysis on Facebook.
TUFSD Students Prepare for Solar Eclipse
Interact Clubs Receive Official Charter
The George F. Baker High School and Middle School Interact Clubs received the honor of becoming officially chartered through Rotary International. Learn more about this significant honor on Instagram.
George F. Baker Students Participate in Earth Day Clean Up
George Grant Mason Students Hit It Out of the Park in a "Read for the New York Boulders” challenge
Students Pre K - 5 had the opportunity to earn recognition based on how many minutes they spent reading over a three week period. Prizes were earned based on daily reading activity that was recorded in a log and submitted at the end of the event. Read more about this fun reading incentive on Facebook.
Fifth Grade Field Trip
George Grant Mason fifth graders learned the importance of trees at a combination Arbor Day/Earth Day celebration hosted by the Tuxedo Park Tree Advisory Board. Read about the outing and how the students left their mark on Instagram.
Student Spotlight
Casey Juance
The end of the school year brings a flurry of activity for high schoolers - proms, yearbook signings, and sports award dinners, to name a few. This year, George F. Baker Junior Casey Juance will be taking a hiatus from these traditional celebratory events to embark on an experience that she hopes will be a stepping stone to her future. Learn more about what she has planned on our website.
Faculty Spotlight
Sara Garrison
Getting Results
TUFSD Credited as a BCME District
George F. Baker Recognized for 100% Graduation Rate in 2023
Scholar-Athletes
At the Board
Budget Presentation
At the April 18 meeting, District Treasurer Brian Weir presented the proposed 2024-2025 Budget for the Tuxedo Union Free School District for approval and adoption by the Board of Education. View the presentation on BoardDocs.
Agenda
Meeting Schedule
Click here to see the full schedule of Board of Education meetings and important dates. All meetings are held in the George Grant Mason multipurpose room, unless otherwise stated.
George F. Baker Senior Selected to Join All-BCANY Team
Congratulations to senior Jimi Reedy, who was named to the Basketball Coaches Association of NY Class C/D 2023-24 All-BCANY Team! Players were voted on by coaches other than their own in each class, based on their performance and sportsmanship during the regular season.
Jimi has played on the Tuxedo Varsity Basketball team for the past two years, averaging 13 points per game for a total of more than 300! This is the second year in a row Jimi has been named to the All-Star team, and Coach Matt Takeuchi says the honor is well-earned. Way to go, Jimi!
Co-Athletes of the Week 4/15
Congratulations to Tyler Marsh and Will Sandak, our Tuxedo Tornadoes Co-Athletes of the Week for April 15!
Modified baseball coach Ryan McKenna says that eighth grader Tyler Marsh demonstrates strong leadership to his younger teammates, making sure everyone is on the same page and focused while still having fun. “Tyler is committed to developing his skills, and his statistics prove his success. In the team’s recent game he led the lineup in the first batting spot, collecting multiple hits, bases and RBI's.”
Sophomore Will Sandak plays the positions of pitcher and catcher for the JV baseball team, and coach Matt Van Houten credits the player’s success to his dedication to the sport. “Will gives his all at practice every day. He has put in the time to improve his offense at the plate as well as his defense in the field.” Way to go, Tyler and Will!
Co-Athletes of the Week 4/22
Congratulations to Casey Juance and Emma Keating who are our Tuxedo Tornadoes Co-Athletes of the week for April 22!
Casey has been the starting pitcher for the JV softball team for two years. Coach Jenna Park says that the junior’s talents extend beyond the mound, as demonstrated by the three hits she has had in recent games. “Casey is a leader and team player, stepping in whenever necessary - she also plays the position of catcher when needed.”
Modified softball Coach Jamie Eckstein applauds Emma for her positive attitude and hustle that sets a great example for her teammates. As the team’s catcher, the eighth grader has caught every pitch in every inning this season. Coach Eckstein says “her commitment to improvement and supporting the pitchers as they navigate tough situations is admirable.”
Keep up the great work, Casey and Emma!
Before You Go
TUFSD Budget Vote
This year's school budget vote will take place on May 21. Voting will take place in the George Grant Mason Multipurpose Room from 2:00-9:00.
Spring Concerts
The GGM and GFB Spring concerts will be held on May 21, 2024. The times are as follows:
- GGM - 1:30 (doors open at 1:15)
- GFB - 7:00 (doors open at 6:45)
Closed for Memorial Day
Please note that the Tuxedo Union Free School District will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day.