Winter 2020

Voyag eswww.valhallaschools.org Valhalla UFSD: Dedicated to every child... stimulating learning, developing values and cultivating understanding CONTENTS VMHS Hour of Code Continues to Break Records Six years ago, Valhalla High School computer science teacher Amy Fox discovered a special opportunity for students to learn about computing. In its first year, the event attracted 75 students. Since 2014, it has grown in scope and tripled in size.

On Dec. 10, Valhalla Middle/High School students took part in their sixth annual Hour of Code. The event provided students with an introduction to coding and created an awareness for the subject. Children of all Twelve Angry Jurors . . . 3 ages and experience levels joined as participants and could learn at their own pace. “My ultimate goal is to promote the computer science program,” said Dr. Fox. “It shocks me every year that the number of students participating keeps going up. This tells me that there is a high interest in coding. It’s a great way to expose them to many aspects of computer science.” This year, 235 VMHS students took part in the Hour of Code — a new record. Nearly 170 had pre-registered, while another 65 were walk-ins. Children filled the library and computer labs — and Engaging Colonial Music Comes to Life ...... 4 continued on page 2 Volleyball Team Crowned State Champion After falling in the first set to Portville High School, the Valhalla girls varsity volleyball team took a commanding lead of the competitive game by winning the second and third sets. In the fourth set, the Vikings were up 24–13. With a touch of the ball that landed slightly out of their opponents’ reach, the Valhalla team had scored its Basketball Star Wins Player of the Week . . . . 5 final point.

The Vikings on court leapt into the air and gleefully flung themselves into a group hug. Their teammates on the sidelines rushed over to join them. Some fell to their knees in triumph as the gymnasium exploded in cheers and applause from the crowd. “It’s surreal,” said coach Trish Ward, whose team finished the season with a 19-3 overall record. “For the whole season, I felt like we were going to achieve this goal because the girls had put in so much effort over the years to get to this point. They never got scared or down on themselves. They always played super calm and with confidence. Vikings Reach Football That really led to their success.” Final Four ...... 7 continued on page 2 Voyag es VMHS Hour of Code Continues to Break Records continued from page 1

even lined the hallways making a superhero fly around buildings and touch objects. — all working on laptops. Another saw them create a Flappy Bird game where their avatar About half of the students dodged obstacles. Other activities taught students to code a had never tried coding dance party and to design a maze. before and were brand “We want to increase their interest in computer science and have new to learning about its them sign up for some classes in this field next year,” said Dr. Fox. complexities. “They all had a good time and were enjoying themselves.” The students visited the Hour Valhalla High School offers a variety of electives that indulge this of Code website, which interest. They include game design, mobile app development, offers countless coding introduction to computer science, AP computer science principles activities for all different skill levels. One activity had children and AP computer science (Java). Volleyball Team Crowned State Champion, Welcomed Home by Community continued from page 1

Section 6 school Tappan Zee Bridge, their bus was joined had won the by the Valhalla and North White Plains Class C state fire departments, along with Valhalla EMS, title each year and Mount Pleasant and North Castle since 2007; police departments for an official escort. now, thanks to Valhalla, When they arrived back at school, it belongs to a crowd of community members was Section 1. waiting for them and surprised them with Seniors Linda a Welcome Back parade. The bus door Rossi and opened and the girls darted out, hoisting Stephanie a big, blue banner that read “NYSPHSAA Sicilian were 2019 Champion” in large block letters. named All- They jumped up and down hysterically, Tournament hugging one another and crying together On Nov. 24, Valhalla High School’s players, while Jasmine Grant was named as the crowd enveloped them in loud, varsity volleyball team was crowned the the Most Valuable Player. Linda and Jasmine supportive cheers. Residents held streamers 2019 Class C State Champions. The were also named lohud Sports’ Volleyball and balloons while music blasted from Vikings defeated Portville High School — Players of the Year, while Coach Ward was the stereo system and multi-colored the two-time reigning champions — by the named its Coach of the Year. lights flickered at score of 17-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-13 in the school’s front The team members performed excellently the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls. entrance. during the round-robin semifinals on Nov. “When I held the plaque, holding it with 23, winning all six sets that they competed “It was everyone else was just the best feeling in. They beat Lake George High School overwhelming,” because we knew that everyone had (25-18, 25-18), Pierson-Bridgehampton Coach Ward said. contributed,” senior Jasmine Grant told High School (25-12, 25-14) and Portville “I knew we’d have lohud after the game. “Every single High School (25-22, 25-18) — easily an escort, but I person — from that first set that we lost securing a place in the final. never imagined that it would be as big to the next three — [we were] a family. It “We knew that the semis were going to as it was. It amazes wasn’t two or three star players; it wasn’t be tough,” said Coach Ward. “We me how this town a few people… Everyone was sharing the felt like we could be one of the top two comes together for love of what had just happened.” teams, but we never thought we’d go everything. They undefeated.” Not only did they become Valhalla’s first- band together and ever volleyball state champions, but it was After winning the final against Portville on celebrate. They also the first time that the Vikings had played Sunday, the girls were ecstatic on the ride go all out. They’re in the state final. Even more impressive, a back to Valhalla. Once they crossed the amazing.” 2 Voyag es Actors Amaze with Character-Driven “12 Angry Jurors” After spending nearly two months rehearsing an intense courtroom drama, the student-actors in Valhalla’s Drama Society inhabited their characters on stage for the community.“

The group performed “12 Angry Jurors” “You can figure out who your character a chance to get a better sense of the on Nov. 22 and 23 in the Valhalla is,” said Eline, who played the jury’s overall story, rather than only focus on Middle/High School auditorium. The foreman. “It’s cool to step outside of one character’s point of view. cast brought the well-known play to life yourself and become someone else. You by showcasing the characters and letting are not you; you are someone else. The them shine. more you do it, the better you get.” “This play allows for lots of small Each actor had the chance to forge a character moments,” said senior Reed new path in cultivating their characters Savigny, who played Juror #3. “You can since the script did not give them names develop yourself or describe their when you’re not the look, said junior main focus on stage. Maya Rieber, who I really enjoy the thrill played Juror #5. of the performance after everything has “You get to be a With several seniors in the cast, been perfected. You different person Giuseppe said that he was reminiscent feel a lack of yourself than who you are,” of the journey that the Drama Society and a complete she added. “My members have taken together over embodiment of the character is very the years. character — that’s a different from me. I unique control that tried hard to figure “When we were in sixth grade, we I enjoy.” out who she was looked up to the high school actors,” and create my own character with a he said. “We didn’t know their names, Fellow senior Eline van Opem said that backstory.” the atmosphere of creating the play was but they inspired us. Now, hopefully, cohesive, allowing the actors to highlight For the first time, senior Giuseppe we have been inspiring others. Our the story’s underlying message while also Tassone decided to serve as the journey here has been with friends. This subtly portraying a person with a specific student-director, which was a learning experience of us being on stage together stance about the court case. experience. He noted that it offered him won’t happen again.”

World Kindness Day Warms Hearts at Virginia Road Between giving warm hugs, paying kind compliments and helping classmates, children at Virginia Road School happily celebrated World Kindness Day.

In an effort to champion social-emotional want to create citizens who show kindness. learning throughout the district, the They also discussed how they can be kind youngest Vikings marked the special day and contribute kindness to the world.” on Nov. 13 by participating in several in- class activities that emphasized kindness. Second-grader Skylar M. shared that “being kind is something that you do that’s “Kindness means that we have to be nice for others,” while classmate Jacob bucket-fillers,” said second-grader Roya D., S. noted that “it means being happy and describing the concept of spreading good helping others.” to others. “We should treat people the plastered to the wall outside of Principal way we want to be treated.” Haidee Anaya’s office. Students took turns VRS classes celebrated the day differently. standing in front of the second letter — World Kindness Day began in 1998 as Some created kindness quilts, while others essentially, putting the “I” in “kind.” an effort to showcase benevolence and were treated to a kindness scavenger hunt thoughtfulness. The Valhalla children were “I hope they learn to think about the or watched a film. Several children also eager to mark the occasion. A floor-to- decisions they make and how they can wrote notes to other students, thanking ceiling poster of the word “kind” was impact others,” Ms. Anaya said. “We them for performing a good deed. 3 Voyag es From Runner–Up to Champion, VMS Crowns New Geo Bee Winner

In the Championship to Keira’s one) was named Round of Valhalla the winner of VMS’ 2019 Middle School’s Geography Bee. Geography Bee, “It was such an accomplishment,” eighth-graders Sarthak said. “The year before, Sarthak Bagchi and I got second place, so I wanted Keira Lee — the last redemption. It’s a nice feeling two on stage — were prepared, when everyone’s clapping for focused and admittedly a bit nervous. you. During the competition, I Teacher Brett Erenberg explained that, had a hopeful feeling but was very nervous I would mess up.” of the three upcoming questions, the competition seriously while highlighting person with the most correct answers Valhalla Middle School’s Geography Bee, their efforts.” would be declared the winner. which took place on Dec. 20, featured 10 As Sarthak watches the news with his students — one top-scorer from each class. family in the mornings, he felt comfortable Sarthak answered the first question — They were eighth-graders Sarthak, Keira with several questions. He noted that he about the location of a recently discovered and Giancarlo Acosta-Cabrera; seventh- knows most about the European region slave ship — correctly and felt some relief. graders Brandon Eugui, Peter Olkhovets since it contains several popular cities. Both competitors knew the answer to and Arvind Shyam; and sixth-graders the second question, which asked about Robbie Barbuto, Boris Iliev, Aleah Powell “I’m interested in the history behind each teenage climate change activist Greta and Liam Scalley. country and how they got to be the way Thunberg’s home city. It boiled down to they are,” he said. “I also like traveling. It “This event emphasizes the importance the final question about a marine-protected makes me want to go places.” area surrounding Ascension Island. of understanding geography, as well as its impact on history and the way we In early January, Sarthak took the As both children answered incorrectly, live today,” said Mr. Erenberg. “We qualifying exam for New York State’s Sarthak (who had answered two want to show appreciation and give Geography Bee. If he scores in the top Championship Round questions correctly encouragement for students who take this 100, he will compete in late March. Colonial Period Comes Alive Through Music for 7th–Graders Colonial musician Jim Keyes incited applause and explained how music traveled across the ocean from Europe. giggles from seventh-graders as he played a variety of The groups also discussed why instruments emitted quieter instruments and explained their importance during the sounds years ago and how the mood of the songs fit with their themes. Colonial period. “This was a great way for our kids to have a special event Mr. Keyes visited Valhalla Middle School on Nov. 26 to perform before the holidays,” said teacher Brett Erenberg, who lyrical melodies for the students. Throughout the day, he met with organized the special visit. “It’s also something that enlivens children in all of the social studies classes. They gathered their days.” together in a room to learn how a song’s stories told tales of Colonial people’s lives and how they spent their days during that time. “I want students to learn about the lives of everyday humans,” Mr. Keyes said. “What did they go through back then and what were they feeling? Presenting it through music shows the importance of lyrics. The government didn’t write these songs; regular people did, so it tells their stories.” During the performances and talks, Mr. Keyes asked questions and encouraged audience participation as he

4 Voyag es Basketball Star Sebastian Pacheco Earns Player of the Week After consistently being his team’s top scorer, Valhalla’s Sebastian Pacheco earned LoHud’s Player of the Week honors.

The accolades were given in late December, less than a month after reasons for its success. One of Sebastian’s fondest memories is the Vikings’ first boys varsity game of the 2019-20 winter season. playing at the County Center in last season’s Sectional semifinals. Sebastian’s sister broke the good news to him after he and his team Despite the agonizing 58-57 defeat to Blind Brook High School, defeated Putnam Valley High School by the score of 80-48. the one-point loss brought the teammates closer together — they shed some tears but were determined to improve. “I was surprised to hear it,” said the point guard who wears jersey No. 13. “I was nominated the first week of the season too This season, they had some strong victories. In December, they but didn’t win. It’s a great honor. I was up against some good renewed their rivalry with Westlake High School by earning a players. It really boosted my mood.” 61-52 win. They also split games with Dobbs Ferry High School, Not only did Sebastian earn more votes than the five other players winning the first 73-46 before losing the second 58-46 one who were nominated, but he earned nearly double the votes of week later. In January, the others combined. they finally broke the Vikings’ years-long Sebastian began playing basketball when he was in third grade, curse against Blind inspired by his father, who is a former professional basketball Brook by defeating player in Puerto Rico. As a child and teenager, Sebastian played the Trojans by the with a youth organization and also joined a travel team. score of 72-52. Even though Sebastian left Valhalla for his freshman and In the competitive sophomore years, he maintained strong home game, the friendships with his teammates. Many Vikings pulled away of them, he explained, have been in the fourth quarter playing basketball together since they and secured the were all at Kensico School. remarkable win. “I really enjoy our team,” he said. Sebastian is not only a basketball player; he was also an integral “We’ve been friends for a long time. member of the boys varsity soccer team during his junior and We have a good core group and senior years, where he played center back. In school, he enjoys that brings up the team’s morale. They his history and math classes, and participates in the Valhalla know that we’re all here to have fun International Fund. and to win. We put each other before Next year, Sebastian anticipates playing basketball in college, the game.” perhaps at a nearby Division III school, where he plans to study The team’s closeness is one of the business or sports management.

Valhalla Swimmer Signs with Howard University As a three-year-old, Valhalla High School senior Isabella Fountain visited relatives in Puerto Rico with her family. When she saw the pool, she gleefully ran straight for the water and jumped in. While her mother didn’t know how to swim, her aunt helped her out. That zest for swimming led her to soon be enrolled in lessons at the local Y.

Now, fifteen years later, Bella was plan to swim in college and focus on the While at accepted into Howard University on a Olympic trials.” Howard, Bella swimming scholarship. She knew that anticipates Bella is a four-year varsity swimmer for Howard was the right fit for her after majoring in visiting the school in early November. Valhalla who specializes in freestyle sprints. Over her high school years, pre-physical “I didn’t want to come home,” she said, she has been named All-League and therapy. Her smiling. “I had so much fun and I felt at All-Section. She contended in State goal is to home. I loved how everyone made me competition last year, earning fifth-place eventually work feel like we were part of a family. They in the 50-yard freestyle; as a sophomore, in hospitals, were so kind. The team and the coach she placed sixth in the 50-yard freestyle, motivating were amazing. It feels amazing to be sixth in the 200-yard freestyle relay and people who have been severely going there in the fall. It was always the 11th in the 200-yard medley relay. injured to get better.

5 Voyag es Why I Teach: John Hayes (Valhalla Middle School social studies teacher)

Q: What makes Valhalla special? became the assistant principal in 2002, I was asked to fill her A: From the moment I began student- shoes in the eighth grade. teaching in Valhalla, I knew I had found I have coached the girls varsity softball team for the last 13 something special — a new “home away seasons. In the past, I have coached modified boys basketball, from home.” Valhalla is a great place for kids. The district and its small-knit community girls varsity basketball, and varsity and junior varsity baseball. assure that all students are accounted for Additionally, I was part of the student government from 1999 until and that we all want what’s in their best recently when I stepped down to ensure our toddler is picked up interests for now and in their future. from daycare after work. Throughout the years, I have noticed that when any family faces Q: Discuss what you routinely do in class with your adversity, both the community and the school district rally to meet students. While there are no “typical” days in education, its needs, knowing that the same would be done for them if faced what does the average day look like? with the same difficult circumstances. We value the well-being of A: While routines are crucial to set expectations for students, others and “honor thy neighbor.” I believe that establishing a positive rapport with them is more important. It makes a difference to students that they know a Our diversity is one of our most important strengths — teacher will always support them, that a teacher cares that they demonstrating everyday core American beliefs, and valuing each other for who we are and what we meet their potential, and that their teacher represent. The culture inside and outside of sees “you for you.” When this rapport is the classroom walls is one in which we value established, the rest falls into place. Then we doing the right thing and showing our true can push students to reach their potential and character. Not only do our students embrace explore their skillsets. their diversity and talents through the arts, An average day in our classroom involves athletics and academics, but the teachers engaging students on their levels and relating also embrace their diversity and passions. Our staff and students have great rapport U.S. history to the world they live in. with each other, developing trust and creating Q: How are the courses you teach wonderful relationships. crucial to student development? What do you hope your students learn? Valhalla possesses many attributes that make it a great place. My wife and I even enrolled A: U.S. History lends itself to teaching and our daughter into the school district. We want building character, demonstrating civics, her to go to a special place where she will be and valuing each other for who we are. valued for who she is, where her skillsets will Our history is a wonderful story of how we develop to their fullest potential, and where have always strived to live by a set of ideals she will be embraced by a community that created by our founding fathers. At times supports everyone. in our history, we have championed those Q: How many years have you been ideals; when we have not lived up to those here? How long have you been an ideals, we have strived to remedy those educator? shortfalls. I hope my students graduate my A: This is my 20th year in Valhalla. I student- class with a sense of our nation’s history and taught under the wonderful mentorship what it means to be a better person. of Mr. Wylie and Coach Reich, and I knew that education Q: What about social studies and teaching interested was my calling on the very first day of being here. I was then you? What is your background? encouraged to substitute teach at VMS when Mrs. LeGendre moved to the guidance department in January 2000. I earned the A: My interest in American History has always been the story recommendation of my mentor-teachers and Principal Cialfi for a of attempting to live up to the ideals of our founding fathers, full-time position to finish the 1999-2000 school year. The rest is that good will always triumph over evil, and that doing and history. I love what I do. Most people can’t say that. modeling the right thing will always be what is best for all. More importantly, teachers make an impact. I was blessed to have Q: What courses are you teaching this year? What extra- curricular clubs/activities are you advising? numerous teachers throughout my schooling who went the extra mile and always had my best interests at heart. Although I wasn’t A: I have been teaching eighth-grade social studies (U.S. History) certain until my first day of student-teaching that being a teacher for the past 18 years. During my first two years here, I taught was right for me, I always knew I wanted to do for others what sixth-grade social studies (World History). When Mrs. Martin teachers had done for me. continued on page 7 6 Voyag es After Winning Season, Vikings Football Concludes in Final Four With the community cheering for them at every game, the boys on the Vikings varsity football team won the Sectional and Regional titles this year. In the State semifinals, they played well and took the lead at halftime but, ultimately, lost in the Final Four.

to step up and we’re going to have a great year next year.” Earlier in the season, the Vikings captured the Regional title by earning a 19-8 payback victory over Chester Academy — a team that had beaten them in the first game of the season. In fact, the The last game of their season was an Vikings ended their 11-14 defeat to Gouverneur High School 2018 season on a seven- on Nov. 23. The game took place in game losing streak and From that point on, Middletown and only leaned the Wildcats’ then proceeded to lose they charged forward way in the second half. the first two games of the on a motivated 2019 season. However, winning streak. In the Nevertheless, the striking season was their hard work paid off in filled with a slew of excellent victories and process, the Vikings the season’s third game. won the Sectional title triumphs. Even though the team will be In a tight battle against — a feat that hadn’t losing a few seniors to graduation, it is Highland High School, been accomplished fueled to succeed during the 2020 season. Valhalla won in overtime. in 23 years. They defeated Dobbs Ferry High School by the “I think this is going to make our “They had to learn how to win,” said score of 21-7. quarterback much stronger and our team head coach Steve Boyer. “Since that first much stronger,” junior Rahsean Melvin victory of the season, they have carried “It’s a great achievement for them and told lohud about the final game’s learning that momentum. Hard work and motivation they’re all excited,” said coach Boyer. experience. “I think our linemen will get equals success. The results have come “This is something that the kids will always more mature. Our younger kids are going because of that.” remember. The game was great.” Why I Teach: John Hayes continued from page 6

Q: Share some classroom memories that have stuck out who are diverse in their interests but share the goal of giving to to you over the years. others so they can reach their fullest potential.

A: Every day is a special day with all sorts of opportunities to Q: If you weren’t teaching, what would your profession connect with kids. Building rapport and then going through the be and why? year with each graduating class is simply a blast. From students A: Prior to my student-teaching experience, I was prepping to entering eighth grade in September, taking them through the U.S. take the LSATs in hopes of becoming a lawyer. Upon my first day history curriculum, going to Ellis Island, spending three days in of student-teaching 12th-grade with Coach Reich, that dream Washington, D.C., seeing the students dressed up for their semi- went right out the window. I had found my new dream and did formal dance, playing ball with them at their end-of-year picnic and everything in my power to live it. culminating with graduation… it is a wonderful experience each year. Each graduating group has special characteristics as a whole, Q: Share a fun fact about yourself. all of which make being here and with them special in its own way. A: I’m an introvert. Being in front of a class or coaching a team It’s also wonderful to share these experiences with my colleagues brings out the best in me. Being a teacher for as long as I have, as well. Our rapport and camaraderie result in laughter, trust and working with wonderful colleagues, speaking with parents and support for each other. We are strong because we work as a learning from students what they deal with on a daily basis has unit, sharing victories together and handling difficult situations as prepared me to be a better father (especially of girls). Parenting is a family. The students grasp what the staff models — that we are the most daunting and difficult task but all that I have learned from “All In” for the kids at all times, despite whatever adversity we Valhalla has allowed me to be a solid dad to my kids. I wouldn’t face. I’ve been blessed to work with great staff and administrators, change my profession for anything. 7 Voyag es

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Junior Trio Displays Artwork at Regional High School Exhibit Eleventh-graders Annaliese Ubeda, Jasmine Ore and of Adele because “her music really speaks to me” and Corinne Corinne Halbauer all began creating art when they were wanted to highlight the musician’s power as a woman. young, but they became interested in it in different ways. Annaliese’s work was inspired by patterns from different parts Annaliese grew up watching cartoons and was fascinated of history. It features four quads of a Victorian-style flower and that the illustrators could draw so well. Jasmine was bird pattern that she drew with colored pencil and marker. After inspired by her grandfather, who sketched characters on the original monochromatic tile, she created three more in all of her birthday cards. Corinne found that drawing was complimentary colors. fun and used it to decompress. “I am really happy,” she said. “It’s always really good to show my art in new places. It made my family really happy to know I The three juniors were selected to show their artwork in the StArt was picked for this exhibit.” 2020 Regional High Schools Student Art Exhibition. It was on display from Jan. 16 to 25 in the O’Silas Gallery at Bronxville’s Jasmine’s work shown in the exhibit is a zoomed-in watercolor of Concordia College. a leaf, featuring vibrant orange, red and yellow colors. She noted that she was delighted to “I’m surprised I was chosen for participate in the StArt exhibit at the show, but very pleased,” Concordia because her sister Corinne said. “It’s really exciting. currently studies there. I never thought that I was an amazing artist. Some people are “I was excited to be selected,” really talented. It feels great to be she said. “It’s pretty cool. I really recognized.” like the fall and bright colors. I like the creativity of it. I’ve done Corinne’s piece is a portrait of art since I was little.” popular singer Adele. She sought to create a lifelike representation

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