PRSD Pulse

Greetings Pearl River School District Families and Staff,

With November behind us and the holiday season right around the corner, December promises to be a month of continued gratitude, celebration and reflection. As 2022 grows nearer to a close, I want to sincerely thank all PRSD staff, faculty, students and families for their continued support of our district’s mission, values and ongoing work. I extend well wishes to all for a very happy and healthy holiday spent with loved ones and am so excited to see what’s to come in the new year as we usher in 2023.

Throughout the past month, our K-12 students engaged in lessons and activities about El Día de Los Muertos, Veterans Day, Native American/Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month, Thanksgiving, World Kindness Day and social-emotional learning lessons centered on themes of gratitude. Students continued to strengthen their math and literacy skills, while also delving into new and exciting art creations. Our instructional staff has facilitated learning through creative and collaborative projects across the content areas. Throughout the school buildings, the wonderful sound of music rehearsals for upcoming winter concerts was heard as we all excitedly await the performances. The district also celebrated the valuable work of our dedicated school psychologists as part of the National Association of School Psychologists' National School Psychology Week and spotlighted our talented student-musicians selected to perform in the 2022 New York State School Music Association Area All-State and All State Festivals that took place November 18-19 and December 1-4. In addition, I applaud our student-athletes for their achievements in multiple sectionals and championships that took place throughout November.

As we prepare to welcome a new year and another new month of learning, I am looking forward to sharing the wonderful work in academics, the arts and athletics.

Sincerely,

Marco F. Pochintesta, Ed.D.

Take a front row seat to see what's been going on inside our schools throughout the month of November...

Pearl River High School senior Isabella Swierzawska was selected to take part in the 2022 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Festival taking place December 1-4 at the Rochester Convention Center! Isabella performed as an Alto I among other talented student-musicians selected based on solo evaluations submitted last spring. Once evaluations are submitted and scored by NYSSMA Certified All-State adjudicators and an All-State Selection Committee, successful candidates are notified and begin their diligent and careful preparation of their All-State music. Performers are then assigned to positions in one of the eight All-State performing ensembles led by top professionals and educators in the music field across the U.S. Congratulations, Isabella! Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Pearl River High School students John Hannagan (pictured right) and Brendan McGillick (left) were selected to take part in the 2022 New York State School Music Association Area All-State Festival on November 18-19 at Tri-Valley Secondary School located in Grahamsville, NY! These two orchestra musicians were chosen from more than 2,000 applicants based on outstanding solo audition scores from the NYSSMA solo evaluation festival last spring. The festival features top-tier student musicians from Greene, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster counties. Congratulations, John and Brendan! Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Pearl River Middle School student-artists carefully designed, painted, sketched and shaded under the direction of art teacher Lauren Zaccardo! Fifth graders began working on their optical illusions of cubes -- beginning with creating horizontal and vertical patterns on their paper. Referencing the color wheel and analyzing warm versus cool colors, students mixed primary, secondary and tertiary colors to create tints, tones, shades and blending. Sixth grade students utilized value scales and illusions of depth to draw three-dimensional open cylinders with shading, stippling, hatching and cross hatching. Students experimented with different lighting and shadows as they sketched a paper bag using variations of value. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

With the help of Pearl River Middle School counselors Mark Bernasconi and Brittany Beckley, students learned how to navigate PowerSchool Naviance, a college, career and life readiness (CCLR) software that will guide them throughout their high school journey and assist in post-secondary success. Mr. Bernasconi and Mrs. Beckley worked closely with small groups of seventh grade students to complete self-discovery assessments (helping to uncover individual strengths and weaknesses to make informed decisions about their futures), delve into career pathways and opportunities that align with their academic goals, and begin to research and discover potential majors as well as colleges and universities that pique their interest. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

PAUSE! Fourth graders in Kirsten Gorman's class at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School were visited by school social worker Eric Borcherding to discuss responsible and safe online practices -- and what to do if they encounter or experience unkind behavior virtually. Students shared which applications they use most on a daily basis -- ranging from video games to social media channels -- and their experiences (both positive and negative) interacting with others online. Mr. Borcherding then prompted students to share the impact, and how they felt, when confronted with someone who is being unkind online. He provided students with helpful tools and strategies to combat these behaviors and ways to promote kindness through remembering and writing down the acronym PAUSE. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Leading up to the Thanksgiving recess (November 24-27), students at each of our elementary schools rolled up their sleeves for a delicious meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cornbread, corn, applesauce, gravy, cranberry sauce, milk, juice and sweet treats -- thanks to our hardworking partners at Aramark. K-4 students learned about the history and significance behind gathering together on the Thanksgiving holiday to feast, enjoy and unite in the company of one another. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Students in Marissa Gillman's third grade class at Franklin Avenue Elementary School finalized their Thanksgiving parade float creations -- transferring their approved submission sketches onto a balloon. Beginning with submitting a balloon application to Ms. Gillman that details what the proposed balloon will represent (using a variety of descriptive adjectives), students were provided feedback and then got to work, just in time for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Sixth grade Social Studies students at Pearl River Middle School showcased their understanding of ancient Mesopotamia -- presenting their investigations and research into an aspect of the historical region, providing expertise on their topic of choice! Students in Social Studies teachers Lauren Bell, Susan Mulcahy and Mary Fitzgerald's classes were presented with options for their projects including building a Mesopotamian structure (like a ziggurat), designing Sumerian jewelry, producing a fashion magazine of the garments worn by civilians, crafting an interactive game or creating artwork. Students were able to choose which project piqued their interest and what they were most interested to learn more about! Applying their knowledge of class and curriculum material, sixth graders engaged in their own independent research to complete their projects and successfully prepare for a class presentation. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Throughout the month of November, elementary school counselor Morgan O'Donohue visited K-4 classrooms to educate students on how to avoid distractions and successfully focus on tasks! Inside Kayla Nannariello's classroom at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School, kindergarteners identified common distractors -- viewing example settings at home and in school on the SMART Board (like a cluttered environment, loud noises and devices in reach). Ms. O'Donohue posed the question to students: how can our 'school superheroes' solve this and successfully combat distractions? Students then shared their ideas and noted how the school superheroes on the SMART Board were able to make quick fixes to rid of distractors! Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Students across grades 9-12 enrolled in Mathematics/Business teacher Matthew Cathers's Career Exploration course at Pearl River High School kicked off their self-discovery presentations -- exploring pathways and careers that best suit their personalities, values, strengths and goals! Students presented their personal learning and productivity preferences, personality assessments, career interest profiles (using their top three Holland Codes), information about occupations they selected from their code results, and their reactions and opinions in regards to result accuracy. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Bon travail! Seventh grade students in World Language teacher Scott Silverman's French class at Pearl River Middle School celebrated National French Week (November 3-9) -- showing off their research poster projects. Tasked with creating a graphic poster design that highlights information about a chosen French-speaking country's geographic location, capital, flag, famous tourist attractions, food, and national holidays, these students then engaged in a 'gallery walk,' learning from and exploring their classmates' posters on display in their classroom. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Beginning with a reading of the book, "Miss Tizzy" written by Libba Moore Gray, students in Emily Jamett's first grade class at Franklin Avenue Elementary School discussed how expressing gratitude makes them feel as they learned about the main characters' impactful actions toward one another -- thanks to a social-emotional learning lesson from school psychologist Ellen McCabe! Referencing their classroom 'Mood Meter' chart, students learned that doing kind things for others that they feel thankful for lands them in the green section on their chart (resulting in feelings of fulfillment and happiness). First graders then engaged in a Gratitude Game -- reaching into a box to retrieve a colored block that prompted them to share a place, food, person, book, holiday, friend, toy or game with the class that they are thankful to have in their life. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Students in Margaret Lynch's class at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School are becoming literacy Lions -- utilizing upper and lowercase letters in their sentence writing, carefully spelling out red (high frequency) words and properly placing punctuation. Students read aloud a booklet, 'Turkey in Disguise' in their reading circle -- using their pointer fingers to read words they recognized and sound out words they didn't remember. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Ten students from Pearl River High School represented the PRSD in the annual Oratory Competition held at Suffern High School on November 14! Competing in categories including Poetry Recitation, Prose Recitation, Dramatic Monologue, Impromptu and Original Orientation, we extend congratulations to our students who both participated and placed. Way to go, Pirates! Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Ali Stone's first grade class at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School delved into their version of Claude Monet's boat paintings under the direction of art teacher Erin Girling! Beginning with a demonstration, students analyzed elements of Monet's boat paintings -- like the horizon, the blended colors of the water and the reflection of the sun. Mrs. Girling noted that it's very important to make sure to lightly dip the paintbrush into the paint palette, use light and swift brush strokes, and pinch and wipe the brush on paper towels in between colors. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Third and fourth grade Tigers United Club members at Evans Park Elementary School excitedly celebrated World Kindness Day (November 13), greeting students as they arrived for the school day! With decorated signs, bubbles, music and plush characters from the book, "A Spot of Belonging" by Diane Alber, students provided high fives, smiles and motivating words for all -- promoting a school-wide sense of community. The book series, "A Spot of..." serves as the theme across each of our elementary schools, cultivating a culture of belonging through the readings and lessons that tie into the books' messages and takeaways. Each of our elementary schools celebrated World Kindness Day leading up to November 13 through colorful spirit wear and simple yet powerful gestures toward one another! Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Students enrolled in Computer Science teacher Steve Parisi's Cybersecurity elective course at Pearl River High School -- which was implemented in the 2022-23 school year -- examine various cryptographic techniques which serve as the basis of modern cybersecurity, are introduced to proper and safe methods of securing computers and small networks using Raspberry Pis (a series of small single-board computers), and are equipped with a toolbox of techniques to make their online computing experience more secure. Students completed their Metadata Lab, using ExifTool software and the OWASP Juice Shop application to, when given an incident, utilize appropriate data sources to support an investigation. Analyzing metadata -- which includes information from email, mobile and files -- students discovered an example user's security answer, changed their password and logged in as the user. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

After reading the novel, "Esperanza Rising" written by Pam Muñoz Ryan, fifth graders in Lynn Meehan's Humanities class at Pearl River Middle School were tasked with creating their very own yarn dolls as described in the story! The book follows the journey of Esperanza, a young girl born into a comfortable life of privilege in Mexico in the 1930s who is soon forced to flee to California, and rise above her difficult circumstances. The yarn dolls made by the main character's mother represent a way that Esperanza adjusts to her new life as she brings a piece of her home in Mexico with her to an unfamiliar place. Students utilized reading comprehension, fine motor skills, measuring, and socialization skills in order to create their own yarn dolls with materials at hand. Learning about other individuals' heritage, background, culture and upbringing serves as a valuable tool in cultivating respect, understanding and acceptance of all. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Second graders in Gina DiMartini's class at Evans Park Elementary School engaged in an interactive lesson with school social worker Eric Borcherding centered on gratitude! Students began with a read-aloud of the book, "Those Shoes" written by Maribeth Boelts -- discussing how the main character realizes that the things he has are worth more than the things he wants. Taking turns at the Smartboard, students moved item cards onto a chart labeled 'Needs' and 'Wants,' working together to determine what they consider to be a necessity and why. Students then worked on crafting 'thank you' cards addressed to someone in their life they have gratitude for -- ranging from parents, to grandparents, to siblings, to friends, to teachers, to bus drivers. Some even wrote cards for one another and friends in different grade levels within the building! Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

November 9 marked National Signing Day and Pearl River High School celebrated the athletic accomplishments of student-athletes Marissa Graziano (pictured right) and Mary Grace Guzzino (left) as they signed letters of intent to play Division I sports at the college-level! With friends, family, coaches and administrators in attendance, these two seniors were honored during an official signing ceremony held in Pirate Cove. The PRSD extends congratulations to these students as Marissa heads to Iona University to play Division I Soccer and Mary Grace heads to the Georgia Institute of Technology for Division I Swimming after graduation! Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Using saturated corn husks, pipe cleaners and raffia ribbon, fourth graders (pictured: Laurie Lewis's class) at Franklin Avenue Elementary School created their very own corn husk people in art class with teacher Tom Price! Throughout the month of November in the PRSD, various lessons across subjects and grade-levels centered on Native American Heritage/Indigenous Peoples Month -- celebrating the rich histories, diverse cultures and important contributions of our nation's first people. Students followed along, gathered in a table circle (similarly to how native/indigenous peoples collaborated and shared stories together) to observe the ordered steps. Beginning with four pieces of wet corn husk, students added raffia ribbon as hair, tied off the end using cut pipe cleaner pieces and then rolled an additional corn husk piece to wedge in between - serving as the arms. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

In honor of Veterans Day, the Pearl River Middle School Student Council (along with Student Council advisor/grade 6 ELA & World Languages teacher Tina Addino) held a 'Veterans Visit' in the PRMS library -- encouraging students to 'sacrifice' their lunch periods to stop in and meet inspirational individuals in the community who've served our nation. These veterans spoke candidly with students across grades 5-7 -- answering their questions, sharing stories of their experiences/service, and providing insight and wisdom. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Sporting neon yellow safety patrol sashes, fourth graders at Evans Park Elementary School, in their roles as Safety Patrol Officers, have begun to work closely with teaching assistants, monitors and greeters to make sure all K-4 students are entering the school building -- and beginning their day -- feeling welcomed, safe, and supported. Selected based on applications submitted to Principal Sue Pariot, students indicate why they believe they would serve as a good candidate for Safety Patrol and what makes them the right person for the job, along with obtaining two teacher references. Selected Patrol Officers are then assigned by the Evans Park Safety Team and rotate roles on a monthly basis! Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Students enrolled in science teacher Tricia Sutton's Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) Forensics course at Pearl River High School performed a blood typing lab titled, 'Who Mugged Johnny Appleseed?' -- working in pairs to analyze blood left behind at the crime scene. With nine potential suspects in question, students used the blood as class evidence to narrow down the suspect list. Rotating in their small groups, students identified blood type by adding blood antiserum and observing precipitates (solids that come out of solution). This simulates a blood typing test that would take place in a forensics serology lab or in a medical lab! Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Students enrolled in Technology teacher Andrew Tully's period 6 Manufacturing class at Pearl River High School presented Principal Dr. Robert Zegarelli with a customized cutting board that they worked all together to create! Mr. Tully's class collaborated to produce a unique and handcrafted wooden cutting board to gift to Dr. Zegarelli, as they now work to finalize their own pieces as part of their ongoing class projects. Earlier in October, students began their projects -- measuring their wood pieces and planning their laser-etched designs. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Rhythm practice, beginner note reading and instrument playing were all on the agenda in music teacher Sarah Gill's classroom at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School! Kindergarteners kicked off their lesson with taking turns creating beats and rhythms using their hands (clapping) and feet (stomping) as their classmates followed along. Referencing ta-ta, ti and rest, students identified and recited the note values aloud, clapping along to different rhythm syllables. Students applied their knowledge of rhythm to using hand drums and sticks, playing all together as Ms. Gill led the class in a music circle. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Students in Kristin Nazario's English 10 Regents class at Pearl River High School used high-level questions and answers to analyze the book, "The Road from Colonus," written by E.M. Forster! Tenth graders engaged in in-depth discussion with group members as part of book clubs/literature circles -- working together to form presentations they share with their classmates. Students assume the roles of Discussion Director, Notetaker/Presenter, Timekeeper, Questioner and Passage Picker, deciding all together how they structure their discussion to prepare a thoughtful annotation and query based on Bloom's Taxonomy. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Firefighter Kevin Garrison stopped by Franklin Avenue Elementary School to deliver a lesson to kindergarteners on fire safety and prevention, and the many aspects of his role as a frontline hero! Students in Carla Harris's, Jeanie Imperati's and Alyson Fishman's kindergarten classes listened intently to Garrison as he showed students his protective gear, his helmet and the tools/equipment he carries in his jacket and pockets. Garrison answered questions from students about how to prevent and protect themselves from fires, what to do in fire emergencies, and what his day-to-day responsibilities entail. He even showed kindergarteners how he puts on his firefighter frontpiece (shield), how he administers his compressed air tank and how his motion-powered wearable sensor will alarm if he needs assistance! Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

The Pearl River High School Class of 2023 excitedly debuted their performances of High School Musical on November 4 and 5 for a live audience! After rehearsals and much preparation, students showcased their hard work and dedication -- bravo! You can see more photos of dress rehearsals leading up to the performances on Facebook and Instagram.

Drawing inspiration from artist Sandra Silberzweig's bold and colorful portraits, students in Finuala O'Shea's second grade class at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School began painting their own versions -- thanks to the guidance of art teacher Erin Girling! Creator of the 'Silbersenze Method,' Silberzweig uses techniques in her work that enhance sensory stimulation, include bold and imaginative elements, and create stylized and pattern-filled portraits of faces. Students referenced the color wheel in order to select and mix primary colors with watercolor paint -- making sure to blend carefully. Starting their projects by drawing their portraits in pencil, second grade artists then traced their outlines with dark marker and glue -- which creates a textured result. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

Third graders in Shari Cooperman's class at Evans Park Elementary School paid a visit to kindergarteners as part of an ongoing student mentor opportunity: 'Book Buddies'! Students routinely pair up in groups with the building's youngest learners -- working with them to build student-to-student relationships, practice their reading/writing comprehension and enhance kindergarteners' current unit through worksheets and collaborative activities. During this community reading time, younger students identify a positive role model while older students continue to develop social and emotional skills as they work with their buddies. Across our elementary classes and buildings, students have the opportunity to engage in mentoring opportunities, like 'Book Buddies,' across various grade levels. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.

From October 31 to November 2, el Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is celebrated across contemporary Mexico and among those of Mexican heritage in the United States and around the world -- with origins dating back 3,000 years ago! Third and fourth graders in Amy Patchoros' and Laurie Lewis' classes at Franklin Avenue Elementary School explored the history and traditions of the day's festivities, thanks to a visit from English as a New Language (ENL) teacher Beth Toubin. Students learned that the day serves to welcome back the souls of deceased relatives for a reunion that involves food, drink and celebration as those that celebrate wear skull masks and eat sugar candy molded into the shape of skulls (sugar skulls). Reviewing vocabulary words like 'honor,' 'tamale,' and 'altars,' students noted items that are used to decorate, flowers that hold significance and types of food prepared and enjoyed during the festivities. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.