Tuxedo Talk
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Tuxedo Community,
We've been hard at work building the district's budget for the 2024-25 school year, doing our best to ensure our resources are allocated in a way that supports academic excellence for our students.
Unfortunately, Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed changes to New York State's Foundation Aid formula do not support these efforts; instead, they would be devastating to our district. If enacted, Hochul's proposal would result in a 40% reduction in State Foundation Aid aid to Tuxedo in the 2024-25 academic year, with an additional 20% cut the following year. By the 2026-27 school year, Tuxedo would lose about 71% of its total Foundation Aid. Under the governor's proposed budget, the quality of education and services we offer to students would take a direct hit. If we were to cut $300,000 from our already modest budget, our district would be forced to eliminate programs and vital services – a future not suitable for the education of our children.
We hope that you will join us as we urge Governor Hochul to prioritize the education of our students and restore full funding to all school districts statewide. Click here to say "NO" to the proposed education funding cuts.
Creating a budget that meets the needs of our students, staff and community is a collaborative effort and your insights are invaluable in this process. I encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, and priorities as we work together to make informed decisions that will benefit our entire school community. All Tuxedo community members are invited to our upcoming Board of Education meetings to provide input on the 2024-25 budget; see the schedule of upcoming meetings here.
Your partnership is essential in shaping the future of our district, and I am grateful for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Jeff White
Living Environment Students Perform Mushroom Growing Experiment
A Key Check-In For George F. Baker Students
George F. Baker High School Principal Jared Kahmar met in January with middle and high school students to review the student Code of Conduct and school safety, as well as to provide updates on midterm and Regents exams. Read more
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Throughout the district in January, students honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in various ways. Click the links to see more:
Yale RULER Kickoff at George Grant Mason
George Grant Mason Elementary students and staff gathered at a school-wide assembly for the official launch of the Yale RULER Social Emotional learning program and adoption of the Charter. Read more
Fourth Grade Haudenosaunee Project
Fourth grade students engaged in a multi-modal learning experience as part of a Social Studies unit on the Iroquois people. Read more
George F. Baker Teams Compete in Ninth Annual National High School Ethics Bowl
Two teams of George F. Baker High School students traveled to Manhattanville College to compete against 12 other high schools in the Westchester division of the Ninth Annual National High School Ethics Bowl. Read more
George F. Baker High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian Announced
Congratulations to Reggie Juance, George F. Baker Class of 2024 valedictorian, and Jake Sandak, salutatorian! Read more
Thatcher Givens
Thatcher Givens is more than just an ambitious student. He is an eager learner that inspires his classmates to be more curious, work harder, and pursue deeper learning. Read more
Aubrey Fowler
The February Faculty Spotlight shines on ENL Teacher Aubrey Fowler. Aubrey supports the educational journey of K-12 students who do not have a mastery of the English language, but what she does is not limited to in-school support. Read more
New Security Measures
- Duane Lopez is the our new Security Coordinator who will work closely with administration and local law enforcement to continue to develop and implement upgraded school security efforts. Mr. Lopez comes to us through Orange-Ulster BOCES, and is a retired law enforcement executive and a recognized subject matter expert in school safety and security.
- We have contracted with a new security firm who has stationed guards at the reception areas of both George F. Baker High School and George Grant Mason Elementary School.
CEP Update
School Budget Input
This year's School Budget Vote will take place on May 21. The Tuxedo school community is invited to upcoming Board meetings so that they may give input on the 2023-2024 school budget. Click here to see the schedule of upcoming meetings.
Board Agenda
Athletes of the Week 1/1
Sam Kainatsky and Justin Membreno kicked off the new year as the first Tuxedo Tornadoes Co-Athletes of the Week for 2024!
Sam has had a strong start to his season on the JV Wrestling team, achieving two wins by pin. Coach Bill Brunner says the senior’s hard work in practice has paid off, demonstrated by his current record of 2-0. “Sam's background in jiu jitsu has enabled him to pick up wrestling moves quickly. I am looking forward to seeing him compete in the next match on January 19 at Chester Union High School.”
Justin has shown his JV Basketball comrades that he is a true team player. Coach John Cernuto says the junior demonstrates tremendous hustle and effort. “Justin did a great job of supporting his team during the recent game at S.S. Seward Institute.”
Athlete of the Week 1/8
Athlete of the Week 1/22
Congratulations to Jake Sandak and Logan Saari-Posanski who were the Tuxedo Tornadoes Co-Athletes of the Week for the week of Jan 22, 2024!
A senior on Varsity Basketball, Jake is a hard worker and shows great dedication to the team. Coach Matt Takeuchi says “Jake demonstrates his commitment by always coming to practice - his team spirit and positive attitude are commendable.”
JV Basketball coach John Cernuto praises Logan’s commitment and effort. He explains that the sophomore “proved his grit and resilience during the last two JV Basketball games, scoring more points than any of his teammates.” Way to go Jake and Logan!
Athlete of the Week 1/29
Alondra Sarabia is our Tuxedo Tornadoes Athlete of the Week for the week of January 29, 2024! Coach Matt Van Houten commends the JV Basketball player for her tenacity and drive, saying she gives her all at every practice and always plays hard. “Alondra is a great teammate and a pleasure to coach.” Congratulations and keep up the great work!
