The Clarkstown Connection
September 2022
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear Clarkstown Central School District Families and Staff,
It’s hard to believe it is almost October! What a pleasure it has been welcoming new students to CCSD and welcoming back our returning ones. We’ve all settled into daily routines – with classroom learning and academic exploration now beginning in earnest.
Although this was a shortened school week, there was no shortage of noteworthy lessons all across the district. Link Elementary celebrated International Peace Day by defining what peace means to each student while working together to create class-wide “Promises for Peace.” Bardonia Elementary celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a music and dance lesson from Los Pleneros de la 21, a performing ensemble which pioneered Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena music. And, Clarkstown High School North Marine Biology students caught a variety of over 500 fish while seining in the Marshlands Conservancy in Rye.
Autumn is the time of year when learning and activities kick into high gear. We are well on our way to a productive and safe school year! It’s exciting to see the growth our children have made in just a month. Let’s take a look at some of the memorable moments and accomplishments that have marked the first four weeks of the 2022-23 academic year.
For those in Clarkstown observing Yom Kippur next Wednesday, G’mar chatima tova.
Sincerely,
Marc P. Baiocco, Ed. D.
National Merit Scholars
Diya Sharma, a Clarkstown High School South senior, is a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist for 2022! That should come as no surprise to those who know Diya. She is the founder and president of the Environmental Action Club, president of the Health Occupations Students of America chapter at South, the treasurer of the Red Cross Club and a varsity athlete! Read more about Diya on Facebook and Instagram. And, kudos to the 18 students from Clarkstown High Schools North and South who are National Merit Commended Scholars! Read more about them on Facebook and Instagram.
Ruler Launch at Clarkstown High School South
Clarkstown High School South's Social Emotional Learning Implementation Team held a celebration to launch a new mood meter in the main lobby! As students walk into school each day, they are encouraged to recognize emotions in themselves and others and become more comfortable sharing their feelings and supporting their peers. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.
Digital Citizenship at Felix Festa Middle School
The digital world is a huge part of daily life, so it is essential our students learn to engage within digital environments with responsibility and confidence. As part of their introduction to Felix Festa Middle School, sixth graders met with Assistant Principal Upton, who spoke to them about being responsible digital citizens in school and at home. Read more on Facebook and Instagram. And, to reinforce the importance of good digital citizenship, School Resource Officers Gould and Cunnane talked the sixth graders through scenarios they may find themselves in to ensure they are prepared, safe and smart when using technology. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.
Banana Dissection at Clarkstown North High School
Students in Clarkstown High School North's IB Sports and Health Science class sharpened their dissection skills using surprising tools and specimens: butter knives and bananas! The fun and innovative lesson was a great way for students to practice basic lab safety and learn directional terms before they move on to more complex animal dissections! Read more on Facebook and Instagram.
National Arts in Education Week
We celebrated National Arts in Education Week from September 11-17 and there were plenty of amazing Arts Education lessons happening across our District! In a music class at Woodglen Elementary, students played the drums to study music theory and formed a drum circle to learn the different types and combinations of notes. Read more on Facebook and Instagram. In art classes at Clarkstown High School North, students experimented with various mediums and techniques. Artists learned about balance and proportion in pottery class and line work and shading in studio art. Read more on Facebook and Instagram.
Back to School
Thank you parents, families and staff for attending back to school events — welcome back BBQs, socials and meet the teacher nights — and learning about our policies/procedures and school culture. We look forward to seeing families at the remaining events happening over the next few weeks!
National Principals Month
October is National Principals Month, and we would like to thank our phenomenal principals for their dedication and hard work in support of our students, teachers and schools. We are so fortunate to have amazing school leaders who go above and beyond every day to ensure their schools provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students. Thank you for all you do!
Halloween Parades
The fall season is upon us and with that comes trick or treat fun. Our annual Halloween parades will take place on October 31, and as a reminder, we ask that costumes meet the following guidelines:
- Costumes should not prevent students from fully participating in learning activities.
- No weapons, or look-alike weapons, are allowed at any time. No spikes, chains or ropes may be brought to school.
- No clothing that depicts drugs or alcohol, nor their usage.
- Students may not wear costumes that have inflatable features, or have fans inside of them.
- All makeup, hair, and accessories must be done at home.
- Administrators have the right to require students to change their apparel if it is deemed that the costume is not appropriate for school.
Please refer to more detailed costume guidelines you may receive from your child's school.
