A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District

Summer 2011 Dear Parents and Community Members: Through the hopes and dreams of our students, we look to the future. Commitment to Excellence The immedi - ate future starts with A Word from the Board of Education the 2011- 2012 Dear District Residents: school year and the It is amazing that the 2010-2011 school year has come and gone. I am pleased to say that continuation of each child’s education coupled it was a very productive and engaging year for our students. The Board of Education would with our collaborative next steps as guides like to thank the administrators, teachers, staff, parents and community members who made and supporters for the benefit of all GC7 this school year a success. students. Our most recent achievements will serve as the foundation for the work that still As you are aware, our budget did not pass, and as such the 2011-2012 school year will needs to be done. be operating under a contingency budget. This means that there will be state-mandated The initiatives, the professional development changes to our operation. and the work of our teachers and our adminis - As part of a contingency budget, the District is required to charge all organizations for the trators affords our children opportunity to use of buildpoings. An hourly fee will be tset by thle Distriict. We gmust also revihew all privatet and develop a profound love of learning, improve Sparochial school transportation service to determine the non-contingency budget items there. test scores and better prepare for success in college and beyond. The initiatives, as you Other changes will include the elimination of after-school and extracurricular transportation. know, range from providing a coordinated And finally, we must cancel the following capital projects that we had hoped could take place and well-articulated philosophy for literacy this year: the implementation of a modern district-wide telephone system instruction with professional development and the renovation of the Woodlands library. activities and materials that increase each Please join me in thanking Stephanie Bellino and Monique Haygood Massey for their hard teacher’s repertoire of instructional strategies, work and dedication to the District while serving on the Board of Education for so many to a renewed emphasis on Math, Science and Technology with Science 21, a hands-on, years. They will be missed, but we wish them much happiness and success in their future child-centered program in the lower grades endeavors. At this time, I would also like to welcome Deborah Campbell and Claudia Glaser to Science Research course offerings in the as the new members of the Board of Education. They have been very active in preparing for high school. their service to the Board since the election, and we look forward to working with them. Continued on page 12 We would also like to thank Frank Ferraro for his service to the District. We appreciate the work he has done during his time in Greenburgh Central 7 and wish him the best of luck. NEW SCHEDULE FOR At the same time, we would like to welcome Ed Joseph as the new Assistant Superintendent FITNESS CENTER for Business. The Board appointed him at the June 7 meeting with a start date of July 18. Please note there is a change in We are confident that he will serve the District well. the Woodlands High We wish you a safe, happy and healthy summer. School Fitness Center hours due to the Sincerely, Contingency Budget. Lloyd Newland Hours are Monday- Friday, 3:30 p.m. President to 5:30 p.m. Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District SCpoongtlriagtuhlat tions Class of 2011! June 25 was a glorious summer day, one that the graduates and their guests will long remember. The joyous graduates, in their green and white robes, laughed, smiled and hugged as their family, friends, teachers and peers celebrated them for their achievements. To every single graduate, we say, Congratulations, and may you be successful in college and future endeavors!

Yesenia Hernandez Giuliana Marin Terence Hill Jonathan Mark Nia Holmes Joshua Marshall Brandon James Malachi Marshall Denajia James Christine Martin Alwin Paul Greymer Rodriguez Carlton Johnson Damar Martin Tyler Peart Austin Rosa Erica Johnson Kathlyn Salazar Alexa Jones Lauren Salvatierra Michael Jones Roy Salvatierra Natalya Jones Elizabeth Sanchez Kreshonna Shyvonne Jamil Sanders Katherine Aguilar Alanna Flowers Keane Nia Sanders Yesenia Aguilar Rahiem Fowler Marcus King Travis Scott Jordan Ajose Keth Fregil Yahaira Laimes Imani Sharpe Ervens Alcin Olatunde Gbotosho Raheem Lalor Robert Smalls Annabel Alvarez Jennifer Gomez Daniel Leal Kyle Smith Norehan Aly Rachel Gomez Michael Leal Drew Spangler Hillary Anastha Randy Gonzalez Ashlynne Lewellyn Tre’von Spaulding Isaac Anderson Nia McCarthy Karen Perez Walter Tabelisma Taj Anderson Romel McGee Kennishah Phillip Omar Cheikhou Tall Arturo Arellano Jusline Medirect Amos Pierrette Waskin Thelusma Damon Bagby Thomas Mendola Lauren Beauzile Akosua Mensah Geneva Berra Kelly Mercedes Joey Betances Rommel Morocho Sadiyah Bilal Danny Myrthil Japrice Blackwell Jessica Newton Noel Bourne Andy Nguyen Ivan Bozier Brian Nguyen Britney Bradwell Blerina Nikqi Einne Bunting Mandi Nyambi J’nelle Butler Samar O’Neil Alycia Camacho Marisol Ortega Jose Campos Patrick Graham Shakira Lewis Terry Parker Lorena Causa Romaine Graham Aisha Long Nidhi Patel Richard Cherry Dyiamond Grant Emmanuel Maldonado Bria Christian Meg Graves Dwayne Coward Keith Griffith Shane Powell Chardae’ Varlack David Cuateco Krystal Gutierrez Jamil Raghib Maria Vazquez Kadeem Daniel Antoine Guy Shanice Raines Eva Wade Christian Delgado Anterrio Hall Edwin Ramos Asia Waters Melissa Desofi Wendy Hamilton Jonathan Ramos Stephon Watson N’Deye Diakhate Endigo Harper Tatyana Reeves Troy Williams Rashad Dorsey Conrad Hays Amanda Reid Roderika Wilson Pete Douglas Tanya Henriques Deanna Richardson Erica Flores Davonne Henry Eduardo Rodriguez

2 Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District

College Acceptances 2010 Pace University Sullivan CC Spotlight Parsons School for Design Trinity College Adelphi University Fashion Institute of Technology Penn State University University o f- Bridgeport Albertus Magnus College Ferrum College Pepperdine University , San Diego American University Fordham University Perdue University California, Santa Barbara Art Institute of Philadelphia Hampton University Princeton University Cincinnati Babson College Harvard University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Connecticut Barnard College Howard University Rider University Hartford Berkeley College Iona College Roberts Wesleyan College Illinois Boston University Johnson & Wales University Rochester Institute of Technology Maryland-College Park Bowie State University Kentucky State University School of the Visual Arts Massachusetts-Amherst Bowling Green State University Le Moyne College School of Art Miami The Catholic University of America LIU -Brooklyn Campus Seton Hall University New England Chestnut Hill College LIU -CW Post Siena College New Haven College of Mt. Saint Vincent Lincoln University St. John’s University Rhode Island College of New Rochelle Loyola University Spelman College Tampa College of St. Rose Maine College of Art Syracuse University Toledo Concordia College Manhattanville College SUNY - Albany Vermont Cornell University Maryland Institute College of Art Binghamton Utica College CUNY - Baruch College Massachusetts Institute of Technology Buffalo Vassar College Brooklyn College Medgar Evers College Canton Virginia Commonwealth University City College of New York Mercy College Clinton CC Virginia State University Hunter College Mitchell College Cortland Wells College NYC College of Technology Moberly Area CC Fredonia Westchester Community College York College Mohawk Valley CC Fulton Montgomery CC Western New England College Drew University Mt. St. Mary College Hudson Valley CC Xavier University Drexel University New York Institute of Technology Institute of Technology Yale University Duke University New York University Old Westbury Onondaga CC Armed Forces: D’Youville College NYU-Polytechnic Institute US Air Force Purchase Elizabeth City State University North Carolina A & T State University US Marines Fairleigh Dickinson University Northeastern University Stony Brook

Congratulations American University $22,000 Baruch College Dean’s Scholarship $4,000/yr to our Scholars! Cornell University Grant $4,371 When it is Cornell University Traditional Fellowship $4,000 Farleigh Dickinson University $80,000 (over 4 years) all totaled, our Ferncliff Lodge $500 2011 graduates Fordham University Jogues Scholarship $7,000 / tuition award $4,100 Johnson & Wales Presidential Academic Scholarship $28,000 (over 4 yrs.) were granted Loyola University $12,500/yr scholarships Manhattanville College Board of Trustees Scholarship $20,000/yr that amounted to New York University $2,040/yr Pace University Honors Scholarship $76,000 (over 4 yrs.) approximately Pace University Honors Scholarship $15,000/yr $500,000 over a Pace University Scholarship-$4,000/yr PTSA $300 – 2 were awarded four-year period. Rensselaer Institute $11,900 SUNY Albany Presidential Scholarship $16,000 (over 4 yrs.) Where There’s a Woman, There’s a Way Lois Bronz Social Justice Award $1,000 – 2 were awarded

3 Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District

Woodlands High School Richard J. Bailey School SpotlighIt’st been a great year. The kids are From the There is so much going on here at wonderful, and it’s been a quiet, Bailey! In the spring, we were busy good year where we’ve made with the traditional sixth-grade IB much progress, both academically Desks of the country project. It is a great opportu - and in school spirit. I like the way nity for all students to learn and the kids have stepped up to the Principals share knowledge about the cultures plate to be the best high school. The of countries around the world. The musical was fabulous; the students students team up in groups of five have shown lots of good spirit and worked very hard. Woodlands Middle School and choose one country they want to research, learn - It shows. ing everything they can about it statistically, culturally I can’t believe we’re on summer vaca - and economically. This immersion into the country is I am very pleased with our college acceptances. Our tion already – the time has flown by! multi-faceted, and the involvement of Manhattanville students are getting into the top schools and that It has been a great year at College this year built up the rigor even more. The includes the Ivy Leagues. One student, Mandi Woodlands Middle School, and I collaboration and mentorship resulted in an enhanced Nyambi, has been accepted into Harvard, Princeton wish all of our families a safe, healthy and expanded project. We capped the project with and Yale, the three top universities in the United and happy summer. I want to thank all our IB Festival on June 22, coordinated by Arts States, as well as MIT, Northeastern University, Boston of the chairpersons who stepped up to Director Miriam Bernabei, with students in costume, University, Barnard College, Boston College, Duke help the PTSA accomplish their goals celebrating different nations through dance and sports University, New York University and SUNY Albany for the 2010-2011 school year and for working that reflect the country’s culture. It was fun for all of us, and Binghamton. She is headed to Harvard in the collaboratively with us. students and teachers alike. fall. We are all proud of her, and all our other This year was inundated with testing, diagnostic exams, students, too, who prove that Woodlands has what Academically, we have been on our toes with new field tests and state assessments, yet our students man - it takes. state testing requirements that are required at all three aged to persevere and accomplished some outstanding grade levels here. We had assessments in ELA, math, We credit our success to dedicated teachers and results. Every eighth grader enrolled in an accelerated science and ESL. Field tests (which are designed to determined students who demonstrate that the diversity math and/or science class, passed the Regents exami - rate the reliability of the exam) were also given. at Woodlands is part of what makes us great. To nations and will receive a high school credit, heading Although our students are prepared, the tests take showcase that diversity, we recently produced a short into freshman year. time. We look forward to receiving the scores. film that spotlights Woodlands students who are from In addition, we celebrated academic excellence all over the world. We have students at Woodlands Other activities include the new library makeover, throughout the year by recognizing outstanding students from 31 nations and nearly every continent, and they where artist-in-residence Candace L. Winter worked with certificates, pins and awards at our Honor Roll all are proud to say, “We Are Woodlands,” which is with the students in every grade to create an amazing Breakfast, Science Fair, Math Jeopardy Contest, Writers the title of the film. In just a few minutes, the film first mural on the walls, bringing classic children’s literature of the Month Ceremony and International presents the students introducing themselves and the to life, which was the original idea. In doing this, the Baccalaureate assemblies. country they are from, and then presents them stating room has come to life with color and movement. The their choice of career. It is great to see them set their Another major highlight was the seventh and eighth walls are inhabited by organic images of trees and sights on being doctors, physicists, actors, veterinari - grade Ballroom Dancing Competition. This annual event animals that live in the forest (frogs, lizards, bugs, ans, you name it, even the next President of the originally began as an IB interdisciplinary unit in move - birds), as well as objects found in the air (balloons, . These are the leaders of tomorrow, and ment, balance and rhythm that evolved into what it is airplanes). If you have not visited lately, please stop in I am proud to showcase them. If anyone would today. Next year, the physical education department to see it. You will be amazed! like to view the film, which is only three or four will focus on health, wellness and nutrition. Perhaps, the There was also a visit from the naturalists at nearby minutes long, get in touch with me. I’d be happy to President’s Physical Fitness Challenge is on the horizon? Teatown Reservation, a nature preserve and educa - share it with you. We ended the school year with a beautiful Moving-Up tion center devoted to conserving biodiversity, teach - Finally, I will mention that despite the budget cuts, we Ceremony, an Eighth Grade Dance and a school-wide ing ecology and promoting nature-friendly living. Their make the best of what we have. We are losing posi - barbecue – not to mention the annual student/faculty experts came to our library with owls, birds of prey tions and there’s some belt tightening, but that’s hap - basketball game. Yes! The teachers are still undefeated. and other animals. The visit provided students with a pening everywhere, not just in schools. It is a tough Lastly, we were able to cap off the year with a visit close-up view of the animals that they are reading economy, but we continue to make progress despite from the BioBus, a carbon neutral vehicle-science labo - about in school this spring. that. We have new courses such as science research ratory on wheels. It’s equipped with powerful electronic Lastly, but not least, we have a new interactive music and marine biology, and continue to encourage microscopes and supervised by a scientist, Dr. Ben program that lets students practice in class and at students to take the college-level courses we offer. It is Dubi-Thaler. Our students were able to explore the home with background accompaniment. Douglass all coming together. world around them in an inquiry-based, hands-on setting Denniston, the instrumental music teacher, introduced We look forward to September, and a great school by taking turns with the MiScope, viewing different the software that loads music on the computer screen year in 2011-2012. materials and making observations of the magnified and listens intelligently to the student’s performance. It objects they saw. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (of shows the students instantaneously whether they are Ronald O. Ross Tarrytown) sponsored the visit to our school. It was a playing the right notes. It is amazing and so are our wonderful experience! students! I hope everyone has a great summer, and we’ll see Have a great summer! you in September. Marguerite Clarkson Michael Chambless

4 Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District

Highview School Lee F. Jackson School Early Childhood Program SpotlighThte end of the school year is The 2010-2011 school year has Summer is here! Looking back, it is always a bittersweet time. We are been extraordinary, with our students unbelievable that the school year so proud of our students who have learning in hands-on ways that broad - has come to an end. It seems that worked hard all year long, but we en their understanding and stretch their winter lasted a long time, and also know that for our third graders, imaginations. Every day there are spring never arrived! But our students our time together has come to an interactive lessons throughout our did well, thriving in every season. end. With that in mind, this year school that keep the students interested Across our schools, student success has become more special because and engaged from one end of the cur - continues to be the common denom - the Highview experience seems to have stretched a riculum to the other. Through Science 21, which was inator. Students’ portfolios showed that teachers bit into the summer. In August, thanks to a new part - implemented this year, both first graders and kinder - worked hard to support and guide instruction utilizing nership, eight of our students – four boys and four garteners are learning science in a way that is relevant data from both Brigance II Pre-K screenings and girls – will be heading to traditional sleep-away sum - to their lives. In kindergarten, they see the world through assessments and the teacher anecdotal notes. Using mer camp for one week. Two students from each the five senses; in first grade, they do inquiry-based data to inform instruction and language is key, and in grade were chosen through a random selection observations. Science 21 is teacher-friendly, and review of this data, we have seen great strides in the process and will be attending on a scholarship basis. because it is linked to the New York State Learning learning development of all students. Teachers did This is an incredible opportunity, and we are so Standards for Mathematics, Science and Technology, much to make it happen, with benchmark writing pleased to have developed this relationship with we are confident in its structure. The best part is that the samples in each student portfolio increasing from two Camp Awosting for boys and Camp Chinqueka for students are fully engaged. a year to four. The portfolios let us see the step-by-step girls. Both camps are in Connecticut and run by the We also take our IB authorization very seriously, and progress, especially in ESL, and see the strides stu - Ebner family for more than 60 years. Activities our monthly IB assemblies support the IB themes. We dents are making. In the first sample, for example, include everything from swimming, canoeing, sailing, have infused the curriculum with the traits of the IB pro - students could not write their first name; by the fourth, fencing and photography, to video production, file, and character building remains a big focus for us. they were writing both first and last names. We could ceramics and drama. It is sure to make a powerful Through an artist-in-residence program, Pat Cannon’s see them moving from a scribble to an age- impression on our students, and we know our students Foot & Fiddle Dance Company, we have introduced appropriate expression. will represent Highview and GC7 well. square dancing to the first graders. In only four weeks, There was much work to be done, with so little time, We are also hopeful about our participation in the they learn the basics of a traditional dance form that we yet we managed to utilize our time well. Curriculum Eighth Annual New York Recycles! Poster Contest hope they will take with them through life. Square danc - work sessions, staff meetings and staff development sponsored by the New York State Department of ing develops listening skills and teamwork. It teaches days supported the strategic plans of both our build - Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the New respect and politeness, and the process is one of pure ing and the District, and the joint Building Level York Recycles! Steering Committee. The statewide joy for the students. You could see this as they perform, Committee (BLC) meetings with LFJ truly made an contest will select 12 posters for a recycling calendar. which they did for our International Dessert Night. impact on the level of articulation between buildings. The project brought together science (ecology) and Learning and dancing go hand in hand! There is also a It focused on the use of data, small skill groups art, and our entire second grade became involved in new mural in our school, which focuses on our by needs and abilities, and the PAF handwriting the project thanks to the help of our teachers and Community Workers, another IB unit. It is just beautiful, program to bridge and support the use of common Joanne Bailas, the teachers’ secretary. The students all and the students are so proud of it. We also continue language so children are familiar with the vocabulary created posters that featured original artwork and with our reading series, Treasures, and our students are when they enter kindergarten. focused on given themes such as, “Deposit Cans & making big strides in reading using that program that Bottles Make Cents!” They used a variety of media, spirals throughout the grades. You can see how busy We now have new Universal Pre-K learning stan - including watercolor, pen and ink, crayon, chalk and we are! dards that will be effective in September. We looked at the new standards in work sessions to begin the markers, and were encouraged to incorporate recy - Finally, many thanks to our PTA for all the work they do. cled or recyclable materials into their creations. The alignment with our current thematic units of study, Our membership in the PTA keeps increasing, as does which are now more comprehensive. The alignment top 15 posters were sent to the state level and will be our enrollment. judged on several points including the clear message process will continue throughout the 2011-2012 conveyed; creativity, originality and artistic quality; We look forward to next year, but first, we hope that school year until it is completed. and bright and colorful. We’ll know soon whether everyone enjoys the summer! Over the summer, I will receive training on the new one of our posters will make the calendar. Let’s keep Patricia Simone standards within the new Creative Curriculum Gold our fingers crossed! for PreK that will include the new learning standards Lastly, don’t be surprised if you see a garden sprout - and provides new goals and objectives for the com - ing up in the median in front of our school – weather mon core curriculum areas – math, science, social permitting, of course, since the spring was rather wet. studies, technology and physical health. In any case, there’s a new gardening club working The stakes were set very high in terms of the new on it. Spearheaded by Savanah Herbert, Mya Bailey curriculum and instruction, providing for differentiation and Nicole Hurd, the idea has taken root and we and meeting children where they are developmentally. hope to see those flowers blooming through the I look forward to seeing you next year! summer. Dawn Male Enjoy the season! Gary Mastrangelo

5 Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District

that time she has worked with the second and Meet the Nurses third graders on the transition they make SThpoe nurtslei sginhotur District are dedicated to the health and well-being of our toward greater independence. And it can be students. They work to keep our children safe and our parents informed. Here, a big transition. we meet our nurses and get to know them just a little bit better. Rosemary “Their learning styles and/or disabilities Kamholz at Lee F. Jackson is the Nurse Coordinator. In the future, this become evident at this time, and their maturity newsletter will feature a new column that will offer tips from the nurses levels come into play,” she said. “It can be providing helpful information for parents. a difficult transition, although it doesn’t have to be,” she said. “We try to make it as easy Rosemary Kamholz at dates regarding vaccinations, and for each as possible.” Lee F. Jackson child, she has to verify immunization records The biggest change is often because this is The little boy came into her office wearing a and make sure all students are current. The the age group that first becomes aware of frown and rubbing his head. “My head hurts,” process begins at kindergarten registration medical issues that can include asthma, atten - he reported sadly to Rosemary Kamholz, who when parents bring the records. Processing tion deficit disorder or food allergies. Taking is nurse at the Lee F. Jackson School and all these records into a database is also part medication can be an additional adjustment. of her job. Nurse Coordinator for all the District nurses. “We are educating the child as well as the As nurse coordinator for the District, she “Let me see..hmmmm.. Did you bump your parent during this period,” she added. When oversees the four other nurses who work in head?” He nodded yes, and Mrs. Kamholz she says “we,” she is asked for some details, referring to “the team” felt his head and that includes the psy - softly reassured him that chologist, social work - he would be fine. He er and teacher who smiled and walked back advocate for the chil - to class with a lighter dren’s well being. step than when he had “We listen to all arrived. sides, and try “Sometimes, they come to make the transition in because they just need for the children as to know someone cares, smooth as possible.” and it is not that the Students are generally teacher doesn’t, but the Monica Hockman Martha Baratta Rosemary Kamholz Martina Carney required to receive classroom can be a big their second health place for a 5-year-old,” physical in second she said. Greenburgh Central 7 as well as two who grade, and tracking those physicals is another Mrs. Kamholz, a registered nurse (RN), should are in parochial schools and paid by the of Mrs. Carney’s responsibilities. Physicals know; she has been nurse at LFJ for 23 years. District (according to NYS requirements). She must be done by a doctor and arranged by “I see children in my office whose parents I organizes the monthly meetings for the group the parents or guardian. Completed health took care of when they were in school, and during which they update each other, and she forms are to be sent to the nurse’s office. I still love this job. The students are terrific brings in speakers to keep the nurses informed Additionally, she does the screenings for vision and the parents, too.” of contemporary medical issues. Additionally, she is responsible for ordering supplies for and hearing that are mandated by the state, Working as a school nurse carries a lot of each nurse’s office. Yet, she sees her main and contributes on a regular basis to the responsibilities. “It’s not all about Band Aids responsibility as taking care of the students. Highview School newsletter. and booboos,” said Mrs. Kamholz who sees between 15 and 20 students every day. “In September, there are so many children Martha Baratta at Aside from the daily responsibility of making in here. It is a very big transition for some Richard J. Bailey sure children get any medications and med - students to leave their parents, and also an Martha Baratta, RN, has been on the job at ical attention they need – as well as the hug adjustment for the parents!” she said. “That’s the Richard J. Bailey School since 200 7. In and reassurance that they need no medical why I urge parents to call me whenever they her position, she sees the students come in as attention at all when that is the case – she is feel they have a question. No question is ever youngsters and leave as pre-teens. This is yet responsible for starting the students’ health too small if it is a concern. Parents give us another big transition period for the students. their children for more than six hours each folders that will move with them through high “There is a huge growth spurt between the day, so parents have a right to know that we school. This folder contains the student’s med - ages of 9 and 12,” she said. “When they are taking good care of their children.” ical information pertaining to immunizations, arrive in grade 4, they are generally depend - special needs and any other screenings. Martina Carney at Highview ent little children, but by the end of grade 6, To do this, Mrs. Kamholz has to stay up to Martina Carney, RN, has been the nurse at Continued on page 7 date with all the latest New York State man - the Highview School for six years, and during

6 Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District

Continued from page 6 Ms. Hockman, RN, is a general practice nurse with years of experience in community PLEASE NOTE SMepoet thetNlui rgsesh... t and public health nursing. Her primary role is It is vital to note that it is against New York that of providing health care services to the State law for a child to bring in medication. they leave as quite independent individuals.” students through assessment, triage, communi - At this age, their world has become much cation and liaison with teachers, counselors, If your child needs medication, it should larger. There is much for them to learn regard - parents/guardians, primary care physicians be dropped off to the nurse, whether it is ing personal safety, hygiene, good nutrition, and community health services to include prescribed by a respect, and the need to understand class - emergency medical services, as well as dis - doctor or bought mates’ feelings. “The IB character traits really ease and medication monitoring where indi - over the counter. take shape at this age,” said Mrs. Baratta. cated/required. “I try to help them learn and incorporate these The nurse cannot Ms. Hockman provides health assessments; administer any med - qualities into their lives.” crisis management and referrals to pri - ication without To do that, she maintains a bulletin board mary/acute care; education and safety coun - outside her office that attracts the students’ seling to students and their parents/guardians; authorization by the attention and gives them pause for thought. identifying barriers to wellness; individual child’s physician and parental permission. Some of the topics she focuses on include per - health and wellness promotion; and assisting sonal safety such as the proper use of helmets in empowering students to engage in a health - information is also given at this time should when riding a bike, and the need for self-care ful lifestyle. families need help in obtaining coverage. such as getting enough sleep and eating Under New York State Department of Health “It is important to develop these relationships the right foods. guidelines, Ms. Hockman conducts specific with families.” It is not unusual for the sixth graders to verbal - health surveillance activities, and provides Vision and hearing screenings, heights, ize their needs and ask questions, and Mrs. health assessments to the 7th and 10th weights and BMI’s are done on all children Baratta is on hand to provide answers and graders, as well as to students referred by within 45 days of entry into the Program. make the correct referrals if necessary. When their teachers, counselors, and or par - Referrals are made as needed. She tracks a student enters her office, she does an ents/guardians. Student assessments include all immunizations and maintains all health assessment of the complaint and provides vision screening, hearing testing, immunization records throughout the year. appropriate treatment. She also dispenses requirements, asthma management and acci - daily medication as prescribed. dent/injury prevention, and healthful nutrition. Mrs. Pappas also provides parent and staff workshops throughout the year. Brain At the end of the day, she communicates with Nancy Pappas at ECP Development and Healthy Eating/Smart the parent of each student she sees. “I believe Nancy Pappas has Shopping have been presented for parents. the parents want to know what is happening been working at the Infectious Disease Control and Hand Washing with their children, especially at this age, so Early Childhood workshops are provided for staff. I make that part of my day." Program since Her joy comes also from working with chil - Because health and wellness are so important, September, taking dren in the classroom. At ECP, one of the Mrs. Baratta is the liaison with the Dannon care of the youngest ways she works with the staff and children is Institute, which has a strong working relation - students in our District through the Eat Well, Play Hard Curriculum, ship with RJB. As liaison, she is the contact whose classrooms are which sets the groundwork for health and person for all the activities that the Dannon housed in both the wellness. The curriculum reflects both New Institute shares with the school. This can ECP Main Building York State and federal Head Start guidelines. include everything from vegetable and herb and the Administration Building. Because there is so much growth in this age gardening to sprucing up the grounds. Mrs. Pappas, RN, started as a school nurse group, she encourages the children’s physical Additionally, like all the other school building 28 years ago, and she loves it. “The children development in areas such as fine and gross nurses, she goes on class trips, maintains are in my office all the time with cuts, motor skills. “They learn so much when they records, and does the vision and hearing bruises and taking their medications. I want are 3 and 4 years old, skills that will last a assessments. She also handles the scoliosis them to feel comfortable coming to me,” lifetime,” she said. screenings that begin in grades 5 and 6. she said. “Bonding at this age is important, She heads the Health and Wellness Committee Monica Hockman at Woodlands especially if they need treatment.” at the Program that meets monthly and is part Middle/High School She starts by conducting a parent intake inter - of the Emergency Response Team, IST/RTI Monica Hockman, the nurse at WMHS, view on each child entering the program. Committee and Family Partnership Committee. joined us in mid-year, and she has been busy Each child’s health history is obtained at that By the time the students move up from ECP, with health screenings for students at both the time. Referrals are arranged with the social they are ready to move on, and Mrs. Pappas middle and high school levels, preparing for services component of the program should feels she has done her part in helping them their sports activities, as well as the students there be a need. She assists in helping par - begin to develop into healthy, well-rounded daily visits to the office. ents establish a medical and/or dental home individuals. “They are starting to come into their (i.e., family doctor/dentist). Health insurance own, and it is so fun to help them get there.”

7 Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District

MSG Varsity Presents $3,000 and the Recognition and Award Ceremony SGpoift Ctelri tgifihcat te to Woodlands on April 30. The NAACP's Afro-Academic, Did You Know? Cultural, Technological and Scientific High School l MSG Varsity, Cablevision’s high school chan - Olympics (ACT-SO) is a yearlong achieve - ment program designed to recruit, stimulate nel, presented Woodlands High School with The mural debuted on June 22 and decorates a $3,000 gift certificate from Anaconda and encourage high academic and cultural the upper third of the walls above the library achievement among African-American high Sports for finishing in second place in the bookcases. It was the work of artist Candace channel’s online School Spirit Mania school students. ACT-SO includes 26 L. Winter, who collaborated and guided the categories of competition in the sciences, Competition. The $3,000 can be used for children. Characters from many books, includ - selection and design of school team uniforms. humanities, business, and performing and ing “Stuart Little,” “Winnie-the-Pooh,” “James visual arts. More than 260,000 young During the competition, members of the com - and the Giant Peach,” “Harry Potter,” and munity voted online for their favorite schools. people have participated in the program “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” are featured on the since its inception. Woodlands tied for second place. The gift mural. The children drew many of the charac - certificate was presented on May 18. ters, which Ms. Winter then transferred onto Theater Award Nominations “We thank MSG Varsity and Anaconda the walls of the library. She also painted the Lead to Invite Sports for their generous gift and commend scenery and several of the characters that Woodlands received two Theater Award the students, teachers and community mem - appear on the wall. nominations this year in the 2011 bers for taking the time to participate to vote Librarian Melissa Iamonico initiated the project Metropolitan High School competition. online for Woodlands High School,” said when she saw the walls of the library needed • Outstanding Production Number – Superintendent Ronald Smalls. painting. Inspired by Winter’s mural at the “Saved” Colorful Mural Debuts at Ardsley Library, she contacted the artist • Outstanding Vocal Performance - Richard J. Bailey School through Miriam Bernabei, Greenburgh 7 Caturah Brown for “Some Cats Know” Director of the Arts. A giant 600 square-foot mural depicting The awards ceremony took place on storybook characters drawn by fourth, fifth Woodlands Students Awarded Monday, June 6, at the Paramount Theater in and sixth graders was unveiled recently at Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals Peekskill, and although our students did not the Richard J. Bailey Elementary School. at NAACP ACT-SO Competition win, the cast and crew of “Smokey Joe's Woodlands High Café” were invited to attend the ceremony. School students “That was an experience in itself,” said took home gold, sil - Director of Arts Miriam Bernabei. “It was ver and bronze great for them,” she said. “They saw per - medals from the formances by students from other schools 2011 AC T-SO and enjoyed being with ‘like minded’ theater Regional aficionados.” Competition, and Lee F. Jackson School the gold medal Celebrates Asian Cultures winners will partici - Through Reading pate in the national contest of this Lee F. Jackson’s Read Around the World NAACP program to event gave students and adults the opportuni - be held in Los ty to read about the Asia Pacific Rim cultures Angeles, July 24- as depicted in several children’s books dur - 27. Nia McCarthy ing the evening on May 11. Members of took home two the Woodlands High School Key Club as gold medals and a well as parents were involved, and they took silver medal; Liza turns reading a variety of books to the young Sucra and Eugene children. Books such as “The Bird Who Boakye-Firempong Was An Elephant,” “Tiki Tiki Tembo” and also took gold “Elephant Dance” were spotlighted. The medals. Jasmine evening also featured the scholastic book Cherry and fair organized by the school’s PTA and a Precious Blake won visit by three costumed characters – bronze medals. The Geronimo Stilton, Spikey the Reading regional competi - Dragon and Clifford the Big Red Dog. tion took place on Saturday, April 23, Continued on page 9

8 Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District

Continued from page 8 dynamic interactive lessons to truly engage her Best Wishes to Retirees Spotlight students. She was recognized in front of near - Woodlands High School Teacher ly 1,000 guests on April 13 at the Marriott Susan Bailin Named Author of Distinction Marquis Hotel in . Robin Altman, Foreign Language Teacher, Program Director, NFTE Fairchester said, WMS – 10 years Woodlands High School English Teacher “Working with NFTE teachers like Elizabeth John MacLean recently got the thumbs up Egan has been a wonderful experience. Her Yvonne D’Angelica from the influential literary magazine Choice passion, thoughtfulness, organization and Secretary to Superintendent of for his book, “If You Teach It, They Will commitment to her students are inspiring.” Read.” In its April edition, Choice said that Schools – 13 years “If You Teach It, They Will Read” is a must Student Artwork Shown at John Peters read for teachers as well as administrators both Greenburgh Library Lab Assistant, WHS – 23 years and that “MacLean makes a compelling and Town Hall argument for introducing the classics in high More than Rita White school English classes.” The book shows 70 pieces Secretary to Assistant Superintendent that literature should be taught for the reason of art by for Business – 8 years it was written - to convey life lessons, and it 50 students cites the universality of themes such as the in grades K- search for identity, dealing with loss, the 12 were need to dream, and other topics with which displayed Service Above Self teenagers struggle. “If we can teach students at the to find connections between substantive liter - Greenburgh Each month the Hartsdale Rotary ature and their own life experiences, we will Library this recognizes a student for service produce more accomplished lifetime read - spring. The above self. This recognition is based ers,” MacLean said. “They will be better exhibit on community involvement and prepared not only in language arts skills, but included leadership. Congratulations to each in the art of dealing with life.” works in oil, Rotary Student of the Month for The book is MacLean’s first and was pub - watercolor, collage, and pen and ink. Music the 2010-11 school year: lished in August by Rowman & Littlefield. for the reception, which was attended by at least 100 people, was provided by students Brianna Parkinson Grade 6 October Choice reaches almost every undergraduate from the Richard J. Bailey Elementary School college and university library in the United under the direction of Doug Denniston. The art Katie Sims Grade 7 November States and is the premier source for reviews curriculum is taught by Dawn Weiss (Lee F. Ashley Pajares Grade 5 December of academic books, electronic media, and Jackson and Highview schools), Claire Cronin Jordan Skeete Grade 8 January Internet resources of interest to those in higher (R.J. Bailey School), Andrea Walters, Teresa education. Berasi and Constantine Andreadis (Woodlands Imani Johnson Grade 4 February Woodlands Teacher Is Educator Middle/High School), as well as Jonathan Frank Aguilar Grade 8 March of the Year Haight who serves as exhibit consultant. Toni Greene Grade 6 April Woodlands High School teacher Elizabeth Director of Arts Miriam Bernabei coordinated Egan was named Enterprising Educator of the show. Thirty-seven pieces of student art went Matthew Straughn Grade 8 May the Year for her effectiveness as a teacher of on to be shown at the Greenburgh Town Hall entrepreneurship. She is one of only 21 through June, including the one shown here by teachers from 11 states and seven countries Yesenia Aguilar. For the latest news, to receive honors at the Network for NYC Street Named after Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 2011 Woodlands High School Grad visit our website: “Dare to Dream” gala in New York City. On Saturday, April 30, 2011, the corner of "Ms. Egan brings real business world experi - 189th & St. Nicholas Ave. in www.greenburgh7.com ences to the classroom, which enhances her was renamed “Sgt. Merlin German Way” in teaching ability," said Woodlands Principal honor of “Miracle Man” Merlin German, a Ronald Ross. "The students are always excit - Woodlands High School graduate, who died ed to attend her classes." Her students pro - from severe burns sustained in an duce business plans working with Wells explosion in , where he was serving Fargo Bank that has adopted the as a Marine. Woodlands High School NFTE program for a number of years. Ms. Egan began her career as a buyer in the fashion industry and has used her business experience to develop

9 Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District

Sports Roundup Spotlight by Athletic Director Matt Smith It was a great year! Participation is up, with the number of student-athletes increasing every year. There have been a number of highlights for us, one is that we now have a JV Boys soccer team, something we have never had before. Now, students in 9th and 10th grades can play soccer, too. We also want to congratulate our teams for making it to sectional play. In the fall, every team – cross-country, boys and girls soccer, football, tennis and volleyball – was repre - sented in the sectionals. Although Pawling beat us in the end, our football team made it all the way to the Championship Game of the developmental league. So they all have much to be proud of. It was great. Our winter teams accomplished the same – girls and boys bowling, boys and girls basketball, track – again, those teams were all in sectionals. We have had some real successes. A Word from the Falcon’s Nest In spring, the track team made sectionals. Track athlete Nia The Falcons Nest Booster Club (FNBC) has Holmes made it to the New York State Championship for the 400 intermediate hurdles and had another successful year and increased its finished 10th in the state. year-end fund-raising balance by 100%. I want to thank the Falcon’s Nest, too and President David Jackson, especially, for all the work These additional funds will be used to make they do. They are very supportive of the athletes and without them, we couldn’t do what we donations to GC 7. We invite you to get do. They help us get equipment and support us through so many events they sponsor. It has involved and hope you will play an active truly been an incredible year, and we hope we can do more great things next year. role during the 2011- 2012 school year so We wish the best of luck to our student-athletes who have made it known that they’ll be we can do much more. playing at the next level: Thanks to the most active FNBC members Tre’von Spaulding – SUNY Cortland: Football who attended meetings and/or volunteered Ivan Bozier – Ferrum College: Football time at events during the 2010- 2011 year. Some of these events included: Omar Tall – University of Hartford: Soccer • Significant Woodlands Wear sales at Shane Powell – SUNY Canton: Soccer Homecoming and year-round; Nia Holmes – Buffalo State: Track • The Third Annual Wrestling Tournament Estaban Rodriquez – SUNY Courtland: Wrestling thanks to Coach Jason Parker; See you in September! • Being named the News 12 Team of the Week for the Third Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Basketball Challenge; Rosalie Jackson each received the Extra The FNBC looks forward to another successful • Alumni & Friends Day that already has a Mile Award from the GC7 Superintendent; year in partnership with our Athletic Director, 2011- 2012 FNBC Event Committee con - • And…last but never least, the Athletic Matt Smith and all GC7 staff. In addition to sisting of Coach Taneisha Cantave, and the Awards Night where FNBC Decorations the aforementioned activities, new ones are following alumni: Monti Hilbbert, Ken Committee Chair Cheryl Brooks again led in the works and the FNBC will be stepping Lambert, and Kiana Washington; the effort to transform the gym, the Scholar up its fundraising efforts. Join the FNBC by being a Facebook friend or joining the • The Inaugural Greenburgh Taste Off , a Student-Athletes were recognized, and FNBC Google Group. Send an email to collaborative event in which the FNBC Akosua Mensah and Brian Nguyen were [email protected] if you would like to partnered with the Middle & High School awarded scholarships they earned as the join or for additional information. PTSAs, where $3,500 was raised and respective Female and Male Student-Athlete FNBC Event Co-Chairs Kaye Jackson and of the year.

For the latest news, visit our website: www.greenburgh7.com

10 Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District Extra Mile Award Goes to S‘Gporeetnlibguhrgt h Taste Off’ Organizers Congratulations to Greenburgh Taste Off organizers Kaye Jackson and Rosalie Jackson who were recently presented the Greenburgh Central School District 7 Extra Mile Award for their tireless efforts that made the event at Woodlands High School a success. The Taste Off was a collaborative effort between the Woodlands Falcons Nest Booster Club, Middle School PTSA and High School PTSA. Both Kaye Jackson and Rosalie Jackson are members of the Falcons Nest Booster Club; additionally, Kaye Jackson was the PTA Lloyd Newland, Kaye Jackson, Rosalie Jackson and Superintendent Ronald L. Smalls Council President and Rosalie Jackson was the Woodlands Middle School PTSA Treasurer. Extra Mile Award Nomination Form “The tireless effort, vision, immeasurable This award recognizes members of the Greenburgh 7 community who consistently go the extra mile to serve the students of the amount of time spent soliciting restaurants, District. Extra Mile Award recipients will be recognized during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education. (Please preparing programs, advertisements and complete information below) organization made the ‘Greenburgh Taste Off’ Your Name a success,” Superintendent Ronald Smalls said Address: in presenting the award at the June 7 Board of Education meeting. “This was a wonderfully Phone:E-mail: collaborated effort that should be used as a template to how GC7 could collaboratively Name of Nominee Position approach events.” Description of activities that merit the nomination:

Going Above and Beyond for the Kids The Greenburgh Central 7 School District is Please return to: Email: [email protected] Fax: (914) 761 - 6075 calling for nominations of candidates for the Mail: Extra Mile Award, Ronald L. Smalls, Superintendent of Schools, 475 West Hartsdale Avenue, Hartsdale, NY, 10530 Extra Mile award, which recognizes teach - Questions? Please contact Public Relations Coordinator Tito Davila at (914) 248-6251 or [email protected] ers, staff, parents, family members and other members of our community who exem - plify going the extra mile – over and above Adriana Martinez Family and Consumer Science normal expectations – to advance excel - Tenure Recipients (FACS) Teacher, WMS lence in education for our students. New York State mandates that teachers and Debra Morrison Special Education Teacher, RJB Who is eligible for the Extra Mile Award? administrators who complete a probationary Margie O’Brien Humanities Coordinator period (usually of three years) receive tenure. Eric Rekeda Math Teacher, WMS The 2011 tenure recipients are: Anyone in the Greenburgh 7 community. Carlos Rodriguez Physical Education/Health Who can make nominations? Claire Cronin Art Teacher, RJB Teacher, WMS Neil Dahan Math Teacher, WHS Susan Sciascia, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent for Anyone in the Greenburgh 7 community. Elizabeth Egan Family and Consumer Science Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel How do I nominate someone? (FACS) Teacher, WHS Davina Sewkumar Special Education Teacher, RJB Bruce Gottlieb Director of Pupil Personnel Services Matthew Smith Athletic Director Please use the accompanying nomination George Harsch Special Education Teacher, WMS Lenroy Stevens Teaching Assistant, RJB form, or go to our website Jin Kim Quintaniero Teaching Assistant, RJB Daymon Yizar Dean of Students, WHS www.greenburgh7.com to download a Irina Kanatayev Math, Science and Technology copy. Coordinator

11 Continued from page 1 Non-Profit Org. Dear Parents and Community Members: U.S. Postage PAID Our schools will keep pace with the mandates White Plains, NY from the federal government and the State of Greenburgh Central 7 School Dstrict Permit No. 3111 New York, as teachers use strategies and 475 West Hartsdale Avenue materials that engage and challenge our stu - Hartsdale, N.Y. 10530 dents in non-traditional ways gleaned through (914po) 761-60t0l0 i ght International Baccalaureate (IB) sessions that S Board of Education foster the integration of character education Lloyd Newland, President and content areas, conferences and work - Monique Haygood Massey, Vice President shops and other applicable trainings, such as Stephanie W. Bellino Charles Bronz the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Cora L. Carey training that many of Woodlands teachers David Warner have elected to attend. Terry Williams Students are becoming proficient with interac - Superintendent of Schools tive technology, starting at ECP, where young - Ronald L. Smalls sters use a Smart Table, and students through - out the grades use SmartBoards and graphing calculators, as appropriate. When we maxi - 2010-2011 Donations mize our resources and channel our support, The District appreciates all the donations received from the community. They our students’ abilities are enhanced and their benefit our students in many ways. Here, we thank the following individuals, potential is realized, empowering them for groups and organizations for all they have shared with us: academic and career success. • 120 East Hartsdale Corp. donated a couch • The Hartsdale Rotary Club donated school Our partnerships with local colleges and uni - by for use by Lee F. Jackson School. supplies for use by R.J. Bailey School. versities are helping us define instruction to meet the more rigorous State Education • The Dannon Co. donated $250 for use • The Holistic Learning Center donated mats requirements and grading policies. Change is by R.J. Bailey School. for use in the sensory room at R.J. Bailey School. a process. It is often met with queries. Fear of • David and Angela Warner, and Arthur the unknown and challenge of the status quo and Kharla Kahane donated picnic tables • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. donated dissipates as results beyond those achieved in and logs for use by Woodlands High 20 Thanksgiving baskets for use by families the past are realized. Together, we can create School as an outdoor classroom. enrolled in the District. an enriched school experience for each and • Dianne Rivera donated two air conditioners • The Verizon Foundation donated $750 for every student. for use by R.J. Bailey School. use by the Woodlands Middle/High School Athletic Department. The donation is part of We are at an educational crossroads nation- • The Elks USA (Scarsdale Lodge No. 2056) the Verizon Volunteers Volunteer Incentive wide. Increased accountability is being donated 150 dictionaries for use by Program and was made possible by Mary placed on teachers and schools. A nation - third-grade students. wide plan is being offered. The foundation Borrero, a Verizon employee, who volun has been laid here. We need your support to • The Greenburgh Central 7 Educational teered 56 hours of service to the Foundation donated $5,000 for use by the Woodlands High School Athletic Department stay the course. Although change is sometimes District’s Arts in Education Program. during the Penn Relays last school year. challenging, I believe we can make a signifi - cant difference in the education and lives of our youngsters. Seeking Success Stories Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy a Are you a graduate? Do you still live in the area, or does someone in your safe and restful summer. family? Have you made strides in your career? If you feel you have Sincerely, a success story to tell, please let us know. We would be pleased to include Ronald L. Smalls it as part of a regular feature in this newsletter. To share your story, Superintendent of Schools simply contact: Ivy Kraus, District Clerk, at 914-761-6000, ext. 3114, or [email protected].

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