A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District

Summer 2008

Commitment Spotlight to Excellence A Word from the Board of Education Message from the Dear District Residents, Superintendent Dear Parents and Members of the Greenburgh This school year has been a very productive year for the Board of Education. 7 Community, A new administrative team has been hired, and those who have already started have hit the As school closes ground running. We welcomed Ronald Smalls as Superintendent of Schools in January. Since for our children and the 2007- then Dr. Susan Sciascia, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel, 2008 school and Bruce Gottlieb, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, have come on board. (See related year comes to an articles in this newsletter.) end, I draft this letter to you com - July 1 will see the start of Frank Ferraro as Assistant Superintendent for Business; Irina municating some Kanatayev as Math, Science & Technology (MST) Coordinator; Margie O’Brien as of the efforts of Humanities Coordinator; Matthew Smith as Athletic Director; and Daymon Yizar as Dean my first six at Woodlands Middle/High School. months at GC7 as your The last phase of the field remediation project is complete. The field was seeded in the Superintendent. Ronald L. Smalls spring and a sprinkler system was installed to maintain it. The perimeter fence was also I take this opportunity to express my apprecia - installed. The soccer field will be ready for use next spring. The parking area will be ready tion to all of you. As a community, you have greeted me wholeheartedly; as parents and for use this coming fall. guardians, you have reached out to me with In January the voters approved the EXCEL Capital Project that will allow the District to your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions for upgrade the Woodlands Middle/High School fire alarm system as well as upgrade the improvement, and I have responded. instructional areas in all the science labs. In accordance with State law, the proj - No matter where I go in Greenburgh, I am welcomed by a parent or child who comes up ect was submitted to the State Education Department for approval. The work was slated to to me and says, “I know who you are; you begin at the end of this school year and be completed in time for the opening of school in are Mr. Smalls.” September. However, the District was notified in April that the State was backlogged and Or, “Hi, Mr. Smalls.” that their review of the project would take longer than expected. As a result, the work These greetings give me such a feeling of will have to be postponed to the summer of 2009. satisfaction because they tell me you are com - We appreciate the community’s support of the 200 8-2009 budget and we look forward fortable enough with me to know that I am approachable and that I am here for you. to another productive school year. In the fall, I will continue to reach out to the Have a safe, healthy and enjoyable summer. community to build upon the work started at Sincerely, my first meeting here when members of the community spoke and expressed their thoughts. They gave me input regarding their Lloyd Newland, Board President personal experiences with the schools and

Continued on page 2 Spotlight Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District

Continued from page 1 Message from the Superintendent... Welcome Dr. Susan Sciascia Dr. Susan Sciascia is the Assistant Superintendent for asked me for help. I have not forgotten those who were Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel. An educator for more in attendance and look forward to a continuance of than 30 years, Dr. Sciascia comes to Greenburgh schools open dialog. with a penchant for teaching and learning that transcends I have already started making changes in our the ordinary. Administration. Unless we have a knowledgeable Central “As teachers, we celebrate intellectual pursuits Office Administration to provide the needed leadership, in literature, science and the arts that are at the guidance and support to our school administrators, we heart of the human quest,” she said. “Through cannot be successful. The newly hired Assistant these accomplishments – our own and those of Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel our ancestry, we look for something more in and the Assistant Superintendent for Business were chosen our daily lives, and we use the accountability for their expertise in their respective areas. The new and mandates prescribed by the state as step - Director of Pupil Personnel Services will bring our Special ping stones to help us inspire students to reach Education Department the stabilization it needs to function for the stars.” efficiently and effectively after the long absence of a The Westchester native began her career in the permanent Director. Yonkers School District as an early childhood Other changes at Central Office include the hiring of a full- teacher and then a staff developer, beginning time MST (Math/Science/Technology) Coordinator and a with a teachers’ workshop on literacy and writ - full-time Humanities (ELA/Social Studies/Arts) Coordinator ing. “I believe you have to nurture teachers as well as the students,” she said, to develop and implement K-12 plans that will better pre - “to foster a true learning community.” pare our children to meet state testing standards bringing Over the years, Dr. Sciascia has served in teaching and administrative posi - our students on par with their counterparts in other districts. tions in both public schools and college settings. Her last position was Director The duties and responsibilities of the coordinators were of Reading and ELA in the Westbury, L.I., school district. She also served on formerly performed by building level administrators who the Advisor Boards of Malloy and Adelphi University. had dual roles of building assignments and curriculum/ instructional tasks. From developing curriculum and editing an anthology for professionals to co-authoring a pioneering book series for elementary instructors, Dr. Sciascia Some other positions that were put on hold when the has worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of both students and District went on a contingency budget have been restored. teachers. These include full-time librarians at two of the elementary schools and a much needed dean at our high school. “The Write Book” was the first work in the nation to put writing theory into A full-time Athletic Director has also joined the professional action and targeted grades K-6. The series inadvertently catapulted her toward staff. Once again, the community of the Greenburgh her doctorate in Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia Central School District No. 7 has put their faith in the University, with emphasis on improvements in instructional practices in written District by passing the budget. Thank you on behalf of all composition serving as the core of her dissertation. of the students, staff, faculty and administrators. Dr. Sciascia also holds an MA in education from Herbert H. Lehman College I assure you we are already making strides toward achiev - and a BA in English from Mount St. Vincent. She is certified as a School ing our ultimate goal of making Greenburgh 7 a District District Administrator, School Building Administrator and as a teacher N-6. where parents will be proud to send their children. It will “The largest body of highly educated professionals are in the field of educa - not happen tomorrow but it will happen. I indulge your tion,” she said (meaning that there are more teachers than doctors or lawyers, continued support and patience. for instance). “This makes us very influential in the lives of children and society I cannot fulfill this promise alone. I need your help. I am as a whole. We have to be mindful of the impact we create. We are in a reaching out to all of you: staff members, parents and people business, and the people around us are our educational collaborators.” community members to come aboard and join me as we Dr. Sciascia is a member of several professional organizations and currently move forward to reach our vision of making Greenburgh 7 serves as president of the New York State Association of Women in a District of distinction. Administration (NYSAWA), an organization that promotes gender equity. Have a safe and happy summer. Reinforce what your child(ren) learned in school during this past year. Make frequent visits to the library a part of your summer schedule. I look forward to seeing you in September. For the latest news, visit our web site: Sincerely, http://www.greenburgh.k12.ny.us Ronald L. Smalls, Superintendent of Schools

2 Spotlight Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District Clinic Plus: A New Community Partnership Welcome Bruce Gottlieb! Come September, when school begins, there is going to be something Bruce Gottlieb stepped into the new coming home in your child’s backpack. Along with schedules, supply post of Director of Pupil lists and other forms, there will be an opportunity to ensure your child’s Personnel Services on May 12. emotional wellness. He brings a wealth of experi - ence to the multi-faceted posi - Through a new program, Child and Family With the parent’s consent, a student can be tion, having served in the educa - Clinic Plus – that is funded by New York screened in about 15 minutes using the tional field since he began his State, students can receive a free and confi - Pediatric Symptom Checklist, which is a stan - career many years ago as a dential screening for emotional wellness. It dard list of questions answered by the child (if special education teacher in the helps identify an array of issues that may be over 11) or parent. The screening is conduct - New York City public schools. He of concern to parents. ed by a trained behavioral health professional eventually became director of School districts statewide are using the pro - from the center, and can be done in person or special education in several gram to ensure children’s emotional well- by phone. regional school districts. being. It is being offered to elementary stu - If the screening shows a need for services, the Mr. dents in the Greenburgh Central 7 School center will make recommendations within Gottlieb District through a partnership formed with the seven days. has WJCS Family Mental Health Clinic in WJCS works with other districts including served as Hartsdale, a community service agency that Peekskill/Lakeland, Mt. Vernon and Yonkers. Director has provided services to the Westchester com - WJCS will be working with local schools to of PPS munity for 60 years, and is now certified by get the word out regarding the new service before, the state to conduct these screenings. through PTA meetings and other school events, most “Emotional wellness is as important as physi - such as the Richard J. Bailey School annual recently in cal wellness,” said Aaron Newman, director Wellness Fair, where it had a booth. Cold of the facility. “Just like vision and hearing “This screening gives all parents peace of Spring screenings, the emotional wellness screening Harbor mind,” said Mr. Newman. “It is reassuring to can identify issues early,” explained Mr. know our children are emotionally healthy as on Long Newman. Early identification can keep prob - Island. In his position here, he will over - well as physically healthy, or getting help lems from getting worse by getting services to early on if they need it.” see and coordinate all services for stu - the child sooner, and this can mean less dis - dents with special needs, as well as ruption to academic life. For more information, or to take advantage those who have academic challenges of the service, contact the guidance office of and require support or educational The Child and Family Clinic Plus program your school or WJCS directly at (914) 949- accommodation. He also coordinates makes it simple and easy to ensure your child 7699, ext. 373, or go to wjcs.com. For infor - services for English language learners is emotionally healthy, which, in turn, could mation on Clinics Plus at the NYS Office of (ELL), organizes professional development have a major impact on his or her school per - Mental Health, go to clinicsplus.org for the PPS staff and coordinates the cen - formance. tral registration for the District, among other responsibilities. Farewell, Retirees He chose to come to Greenburgh schools The District wishes all the best to these employees for their years of service: because the schools are on the move, and people are making it happen. • Lena Anderson Special Education Teacher – WHS – 30 years “Here, kids are a priority,” he said. • Ida Benvenuto Registrar – Central Office – 29 years “Everyone I spoke to during the interview process had the benefit of the kids at the • Gary Brennan Social Studies Teacher – WHS – 32 years top of their list.” • Linda Charles School Monitor – LFJ – 13 years Mr. Gottlieb holds a BS in Education from Temple University, an MS in • Samuel Flynn Custodian – WHS – 22 years Education from CUNY at Queens • Alice Perrotto School Nurse – Maria Regina High School – 20 years College and Certification in School Administration and Supervision. • Patricia Puchalski Guidance Office Secretary – WHS – 16 years Mr. Gottlieb lives in Great Neck, L.I., • Joan Welsh Senior Typist – Central Office – 13 years with his wife and two daughters. • Carole Wynne School Monitor – ECP – 26 years

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

Woodlands High School Berman. We are honored by this distinction and I am very pleased to announce From the thrilled with the opportunities this brings to our the Baker’s Dozen for the students. Four Manhattanville student teachers Graduating Class of 2008 – will work with Bailey teachers each some of the best students Desks of the semester under the tutelage of a college profes - Woodlands High School has to sor in residence at Bailey. Manhattanville profes - offer. These 13 students have Principals sors will also assist Bailey in grant writing, offer been accepted to top-notch professional development, collaborate with our universities, which we list here, along with the faculty on school-wide projects and host student course of study that each student intends to visits to the college. Saturday, May 17, was RJ pursue. These students’ efforts and commitment Bailey's second annual “Community Day.” Sixth- to education, coupled with the support from grade teacher Anthony Tantillo again organized their families, speaks volumes to what can the event with teachers, parents and even our happen when students, families and school new superintendent of schools participating! The work together. theme this year was wellness, and many aspects Student GPA College assessed for clarity in thinking, imaginative of wellness were investigated and promoted. development of topic, style and mechanics. The Westchester County Fit Kids Van provided 1. Michelle Nacario 99.73 Stern Business School at A student whose writing most demonstrates this games that keep students and adults alike mov - NYU (Business) criteria is selected Writer of the Month. Seventy- ing and fit. Teacher Pat Levy organized healthy 2. Priya Philip 98.70 Albany College of Pharmacy eight students were honored for this achievement snacks for all. The Greenburgh Nature Center (Pharmacy) and congratulated by the Superintendent at a brought animals to build awareness of the 3. Salina Sabri 95.23 Vassar College (Math & Statistics ) breakfast for them with parents, staff and friends. wildlife that can be glimpsed by those taking 4. Leigh Douglas 93.70 New York University (Pre-Med) Another big event was the Third Annual walks in the woods. There also was dancing 5. Jacqueline Mark 92.68 Stony Brook Univ. (College of Business) Ballroom Dancing Competition. More than sev - and kickball. I led a yoga workshop. A local enty-five middle school students participated in pediatrician was on hand to answer questions, 6. Angela Huaman 91.78 (Accounting) the event and demonstrated their dancing skills and several local businesses including the 7. Morgiane Allen 91.70 St. John’s University in the gymnasium for all to see. R.J. Bailey’s sixth Dannon Corp. and Modell's donated healthy (Sports Management) grade students were invited to the competition snacks and prizes. 8. Barron Bass 91.55 Barron Bass (Theater/English) and got an opportunity to see some of the many – Marguerite Clarkson 9. Frances Zamora 91.26 (Graphic Design) activities available to them when they come to the middle school. Trophies were awarded to 10. Christopher Veneziano 91.13 SUNY Geneseo (Business) Highview School each person on a team. (See p. 12.) 11. Jenique Scot t- Cooper 91.02 State University at Buffalo (Math) We have great news to cele - Additional accolades came from the American brate here at Highview. For the 12. Morae Christian 90.93 University of Connecticut Association of University Women. They encour - second consecutive year, (Undecided) age young women to excel in math, science Highview has been recognized 13. Gil Cohen 90.72 Binghamton University and engineering by promoting gender equity, by New York State as one of the (Undecided) lifelong education and positive societal change. State’s Title I “high perform - We are proud that the prestigious Westchester – Dr. Robert Chakar ing/gap closing” public schools. Branch of AAUW is recognizing three eighth- We met all NYS standards for English language grade girls by awarding them with certificates Woodlands Middle School arts and math during the 2006-2007 school of excellence in math and science. Woodlands Middle School has year. This is due to the incredible staff here, Lastly, we are in the process of developing a amassed a wonderful resume of including the Academic Intervention Services Peer Leaders Program in partnership with the accomplishments this year and team. Thanks to the community for passing the Center for Human Options. The curriculum continues to move forward “rais - budget, we can expect to do even better next expresses the values inherent to the IB continuum ing the bar” for students and year with two full-time AIS teachers – one for of international education. staff. Our focused attention on math and one for ELA. We are proud that we building new partnerships with – Michael Chambless are accomplishing the dual goal of increasing community, colleges and corporations is a reflec - student achievement while closing the gap in tion of the commitment we have to education Richard J. Bailey School student performance. and the potential possibilities it holds. has Other wonderful and long-awaited news is that One of the major highlights this year was the selected RJ Bailey to become one Highview has completed the steps necessary 20th Anniversary Recognition Celebration for of their four Professional for IB designation. As you are aware, Highview Writers of the Month. The program was founded Development Schools. Impressed is in its fourth year of the International by Debbie Valentino in January 1988. It started with the professionalism and Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, and as a classroom initiative in communication and enthusiasm of the faculty, the the final visit of the team from International evolved into an activity that middle school stu - Manhattanville School of Education proposed Baccalaureate North America took place in dents seem to enjoy. To participate, a student a partnership agreement that was recently May. The team members, from Ottawa, must submit some form of writing to be critiqued signed by Superintendent Ron Smalls and Continued on page 5 by English teachers. The students’ writing is Manhattanville College President Richard

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

Continued from page 4 Paul Feiner, Superintendent of Schools Ronald Early Childhood Program Smalls, our elementary school principals and At ECP the year was character - Canada; South Carolina and New York, several teachers read to the children at different ized by literature-based, hands- brought an international eye to our school and stations; at the completion of each station, the on, authentic learning experi - interviewed everyone from teachers, parents and students received medals. The PTA also facilitat - ences revolving around our the - administrators to Board of Education members ed the donation of 15 Dell computers that were matic units of study. For five and teacher aides. Every point of view was con - a gift to LFJ by an anonymous donor. We extend weeks during the months of April sidered, and the visit covered everything from special thanks to both the donor and the PTA. and May, the students here were appearance to curriculum. The highly respected Our June food drive has been a resounding suc - involved in a Growing and Changing Thematic IB program provides an educational framework cess as staff, students and parents helped to pro - Unit. Along with the rich literature read, the that is acclaimed for its rigor, stability and conti - vide food for the needy families of our area classrooms were alive with caterpillars, tad - nuity on an international level. Students become through the Greenburgh/Elmsford Community poles, ants and ladybug larvae. The students active learners, learning trans-disciplinary themes Action Partnership (CAP). We thank all who were amazed to watch the metamorphosis tak - of global significance. donated food and time to the cause. It was ing place right before their eyes as their class - Finally, our Lunch with the Principal program has much appreciated by CAP, and most certainly, room caterpillars turned into beautiful butterflies, been so successful that I am planning on by the needy families. their tadpoles turned into adult frogs and their expanding it next year. The program works Finally, through a partnership with the PTA, every ladybug larvae turned into mature ladybugs. The through positive reinforcement as I give class LFJ student will be heading home at the end of students observed and documented in their jour - stickers to classes who are behaving in an exem - the school year with a Summer Reading Baggie nals the changes taking place daily. The students plary fashion. The classes with the most stickers holding four books. Each package holds an ELA learned about the life cycle of these insects and and I share lunch, and this year, I have had and math skill builder to keep skills fresh over the animals, and how to care for them. The unit cul - lunch with nine different classes. The students are summer and two story books to enhance early minated with the en masse release of all the but - as enthusiastic by it as I am, and in order to literacy skills. With that, we hope to ease the terflies back into nature where they can flourish. include more classes, I am going to lunch each transition into first and second grade and May at the Early Childhood Program was also month with both the top second-grade class and encourage reading all year long. Have a won - Safety Month. The students had many visitors third-grade class. Until then, enjoy the summer! derful and healthy summer! from various community members. They learned – Gary Mastrangelo about pedestrian and bus safety from a repre - – Dawn Male sentative of Westchester County. They were Lee F. Jackson School visited by the Greenburgh Fire Department The students here at LFJ approach firefighters for discussions on fire safety and tours learning with the wonder that of their vehicles. On another day, the Green- only children can bring to the burgh Police Department visited. Students toured experience. They are developing the police emergency units, got fingerprinted academic foundations in fascinat - and were able to see a demonstration from the ing ways through the IB program canine unit. Nurse Miele taught the students that covers units in personal about bike safety and the importance of wear - growth, the water cycle and plants. ing a helmet. The kindergarten students began to comprehend The students were all fortunate to have worked personal growth as they made self puppets and with two Arts-in-Education residency programs. self portraits with artists-in-residency through the Both presented dance and movement in ways Westchester Arts Council. They studied the water that correlated with our curriculum, The Creative cycle through movement and the creation of Curriculum for Preschool and our thematic units waterscape collages (which are on display at of study. Dance movements, musical instruments, the Administration Building, on the second floor). cultural music, visual arts and literature were First graders studied plants, designed a mosaic used to reinforce and stimulate students’ lan - tile mural and practiced movements of African guage and creativity. dance. For both kindergarten and first-grade stu - The collective activities that students engaged in dents, science literally comes to life every year not only enriched their preschool experience, but as they observe the incubation of ducks and provided the foundation for a life-long love of chicks. This activity builds math skills as they What a Metamorphosis! inquiry, discovery, and exploration. record the daily incubator temperature and Best wishes are extended to those students mov - As part of ECP’s Growing and Changing develops ELA skills as they read about the life ing up to kindergarten. Thematic Unit, students watched and mar - cycle and habitats. (Several days after hatching, – Andrea Coddett the animals go on to a farm). veled as their caterpillars turned into beautiful butterflies, which were ultimately released Parental involvement continues to thrive. The “No into nature. Excuses” Reading Festival in March, an evening event sponsored by the PTA, celebrated the Visit our web site: magic of books as our students listened to read - http://www.greenburgh.k12.ny.us ers who shared favorite stories. Town Supervisor

5 Spotlight Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District My Experience at Woodlands The Departure of the Best Class Ever: An Era Comes to an End By Barron Bass In writing this article, I really wanted to come up with something that would grab the reader’s attention, something that would make everyone say, “Whoa, buddy,” or something to that effect. I spent countless hours trying to rid my head of all clichés, trying to come up with a title com - pelling enough that would make someone want to either debate or agree Woodlands. Ultimately, it all hits home at with the utmost enthusiasm. I could have used my favorite Einstein quote, graduation, Lord knows I’m definitely going to which is, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from cry. At least I admitted it though. mediocre minds.” And then I realized: I should keep it simple and true! So, by now you’re probably asking yourself Who says that I have to impress anyone just because of what I accom - what does this have to do with Einstein. plished in high school? Do I have to show off just because I’m going to a Growing up and moving out, a rite of pas - great college? Don’t I DESERVE to just be me? sage that we all experience, is something know how to explode the right way when I completely new and different, and the unfamil - stub my toe. And if it wasn’t for that horrible iar is a scary, scary thing. I’m almost appre - teacher (no names), I wouldn’t know how to hensive of gaining too much freedom in col - suck up enough to get my grade back up to lege because now it is solely on me to decide an A. I will be sure to take all these things where I want to be and how I want to get with me to college, just as I would a box full there. I know for a fact that a lot of the other of memories. seniors feel this way, too, but we’re more than ready. We always tend to doubt ourselves The fact that all of your classmates have when it is time to reach for something bigger grown up first hits you when you come to and more challenging, thinking that we’re “not school one day and the student parking lot is enough.” Don’t let your great spirit get in the full. Then, halfway through the year, almost way of “mediocre” thoughts and ideas, from everyone gets a job or an internship for the yourself OR others. You’re enough. You are. To the class of 2008: It is OUR time to shine second half of their day, since they only have As my great mentor Nicco always tells me, and just BE, because we earned it… we’ve 2 or 3 classes to complete. Next, there’s “Just trust in yourself.” endured the strenuous standardized tests, the prom, when everyone, and I mean EVERY - So, do I really think the class of ’08 is the pressure of planning pep rallies and shows, ONE, looks so nice and mature and grown best ever? Maybe, maybe not. Only time and the arduous nature of being a teenager! up; that’s an overwhelming sight. After that is will tell, but I bet the headline did get your We don’t have to impress anyone because the Senior Awards Ceremony, the very last attention! we should know and see that we have a awards ceremony you will attend at great legacy, and it WILL be continued by next year’s seniors, and the next year’s seniors, and the next. Just look around you, and it Education should make you proud. Everything this year seemed to move way too Foundation Donates fast for my friends and me because we’re all Commemorative Plaque trying to find where the time went! It feels like I just applied to college a week ago and real - At the June 3, 2008, Board ly had no idea where I was going to be… meeting, the Greenburgh 7 and now I do. Matter of fact, in February, I Education Foundation presented still wasn’t psychologically ready to leave the the Board of Education with a place where I grew up, but now I am. It’s plaque listing Woodlands High wonderful to grow up with all your buddies School valedictorians and saluta - throughout grade school and learn what you torians from 1964 to present. like, what you don’t like, what you’re good at, what you’re not good at, and vice versa. The donation was to commemo - My friends are an integral part of my develop - rate the 50th anniversary of ment, just as my teachers were – the good Frieda Warburg’s donation of ones, just as much as the bad. You see, if I the land to the District. didn’t befriend the class clown, I wouldn’t

6 Spotlight Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District Kudos to our Athletes! New Council Is Super! Woodlands athletes put on an out - The new Superintendent/Students Advisory Council (SSAC) has come togeth - standing performance at the State er in a big way with solid support from all parties involved. The council Track & Field finals and Federation is a group that was established with the mission of listening to students’ finals in Buffalo: requests and issues, and then bringing that information to the table during • Junior Alexis Easterling won the Division II 400 meetings with Superintendent Ron Smalls. meters in Buffalo in June, taking the state title and Mr. Smalls is very enthusiastic about the initiative. “It is a great way to open the doors of moving into the Federation championship. She communication and establish a positive relationship with the students,” he said. “I want to took third in the 200m finals and finished fourth hear the voices of the students directly.” in the long jump. She was also on the winning The council consists of high school and 400m relay team. middle school students who were selected • Diana Sainvil, Charlene Chisolm and Dominique by administrators and guidance coun - Forbes were also on the winning 400m relay selors to share the concerns of the entire team, winning the state championship and student body with the new superintendent. gold medal. Students create their own agendas and • Odain Smith fin - talk candidly to the Superintendent about ished fourth in issues and concerns that impact their NYS in the 400m lives. “They have become the agents of and also took change that improve the quality of life at eighth place in our school,” said Middle School Principal NYS in the 200m. Michael Chambless. • Lexia Robinson fin - During the meetings that have been held Here, Superintendent Ron Smalls with council members. ished in sixth so far this year, the group covered topics place in the discus that included the need for another guidance counselor. Mr. Smalls responded that this need and third place in was already being addressed. (A new guidance counselor has since been hired.) the shot put. Other topics have covered scheduling, student daily planners, computer/internet speed and • Diana Sainvil (r.) access, school lunches, library policies and student motivation. If students have a concern that finished in eighth they would like to see addressed, they are encouraged to contact a member of the council place in NYS in through the guidance office, or write it on a piece of paper and slide it under the door to the the 100m. newspaper room in the Commons.

WOODLANDS HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND MEMBERSHIP INVITATION The Woodlands High School Scholarship Fund extends an invitation to you for membership. By doing so, you'll become part of an all volunteer Board of Trustees that administers the Fund. We're a community organization that has existed for 47 years. During this time, more than $1,180,000 has been awarded to qualified Woodlands High School graduating seniors. Qualifications are determined by certified financial need and acceptance at an institution of higher learning. If you're interested in becoming a member or in participating with our fundraising efforts (Citrus Sales, Flea Markets, etc.), please indicate by completing and returning the attached form to us at the indicated address: You can also contact us by telephone or email for answers to any questions you may have at: 914-644-8978, or email: wanairuj30@aol Woodlands High School Scholarship Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 13, Hartsdale, N.Y. 10530 ____ Yes, I would like to become a member of the WHSSFund ____ Yes, I would like more information about the WHSSFund ____ I'm not available to become a member of the WHSSFund Please contact me regarding Fund activities. Name Address

Telephones: E-Mail Address:

7 Spotlight Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District Field Trips Make the Learning Fun Classroom as a solid academic experience that focuses on environmental education. Field trips are more than fun. They are enriching opportunities that take The program has 15 sites all over the students to various and diverse destinations with the purpose of reinforcing Northeast, and Highview has been involved their studies. Students experience travel, interaction with new people and in the program for some 30 years. Principal the academic enrichment these trips offer. And, of course, they have fun, Gary Mastrangelo was among the eight too. Here are a few of the field trips our students enjoy each year. teachers and staff who attended this trip. Students participated in various activities that During the three-day, two-night trip that takes allowed them to experience life during the place in May, students develop a sense of time of the Westward Expansion. Docents dis - community, a confidence in themselves and an cussed with the students what life was like dur - appreciation for others that carries over to the ing the 1700s, and they provided hands-on school community. They see their teachers as activities so students would better understand participants in the learning process. The life at that time through experiential activities. strengthened peer cooperation and expanded Students also enjoyed physical education student-teacher relationships have an influence activities such as the climbing wall, boating, on the cognitive growth of the students Woodlands Middle School swimming, golfing, and archery that are not throughout the school year. Together, they return to the classroom united through this Fifty-five eighth graders and chaperones visit - readily available within the students’ home community. shared experience to achieve the common ed historic Williamsburg, Va., from June 11 goal of the pursuit of knowledge. to June 14, 2008, on a tour to Jamestown Students and staff assembled for lunch that Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg and travel was prepared and served in authentic A typical day begins with a hearty breakfast to Norfolk, Virginia. They boarded a ship, Conestoga style. After lunch, the students went at 8 a.m. followed by Field Group activities The Spirit of Norfolk, and sailed on a dinner horseback riding on the trails that surround the such as shark dissection, camouflage and cruise. ranch. During this ride, the trail guides pointed mad science, during which students experi - out various forms of vegetation that were ence new challenges and discoveries. After Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest each meal, students have a 30- minute transi - living history museum. Students see their sev - tion time for rest and recreation and then get enth and eighth grade curriculum come alive to choose two Special Interest classes. Meals through the restored 18th-century capital of are served family style, with an unlimited sup - Britain’s largest, wealthiest, and most populous ply of good food, and provide a chance to outpost in the New World. The Colonial interact and to share experiences with others. Williamsburg story of a revolutionary city tells The diversity within Field Groups, classes and how diverse people, having different and other activities facilitates conversation among sometimes conflicting ambitions, evolved into the students and adults allowing them to share a society that valued liberty and equality. their excitement. Americans cherish these values as a birthright, growing along the trail. Students learned that even when their promise remains unfulfilled. the early settlers used some of that vegetation Community awareness and group cohesive - for food and medicine. ness are important goals of the Nature's The costumed interpreters tell the stories of the Classroom program. To be of service to the men and women of the 18th-century city– In the museum, the students learned about community, students take on the responsibility black, white, and native American, slave, blacksmithing and the care of horses. Students of helping as waitrons (waiters). Nature’s indentured, and free – and the challenges also learned that horses played a vital role in Classroom is a private non-profit corporation they faced. In this historic place, students learn the everyday life of a frontiersman or woman. and has been recognized for excellence by from the past in an interactive and memorable The annual trip has been a special experience the National Science Teacher's Association, way. for our students for over 10 years. The stu - the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the “They will remember this trip for a long time,” dents come away with a deeper knowledge State of Connecticut. said Principal Michael Chambless. and understanding of the way of life and chal - Richard J. Bailey School lenges that the early pioneers faced during the Westward Expansion. On May 21, 2008, at 8:30 in the morning, the sixth-grade class and staff members from Highview School Richard J. Bailey School boarded buses for Every spring, the third-graders of Highview a two-day stay at Rocking Horse Ranch in have traveled to Charlton, Mass., for a unique Highland, New York. The trip supported camping experience with Nature’s Classroom. their studies in history, science and physical They are among a half million children and education. 450 schools who experience Nature's

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

Service Above Self THANK YOU! Grant Money Means More SMARTBoards Each month the Hartsdale Rotary The Greenburgh 7 Education Foundation Club recognizes a student for service received a $15,000 grant through the above self. Student recognition is efforts of Assemblyman Richard Brodsky based on community involvement for the purchase of SMARTBoards for and leadership. Congratulations to the District. The Foundation raised an all our Rotary Students of the additional $10,000 to make the total Month! This year, kudos to: donation to the District $25,000. Sixth grader Camille Brooks October

Seventh grader Marcus Mosley November

Fifth grader Jayda Yizar December

Eighth grader David Rivera January Michele Figueroa, President of the Green- burgh 7 Education Foundation Eighth grader Liza Sukra March (l.), and MaryJane Shimsky, Assemblyman Brodsky’s representative, made a brief pres - Fourth grader Katherine Sims April entation at the June 3, 2008, Board meeting.

Seventh grader Henry Avendano May A Special Tree Grows in Greenburgh at the Lee F. Jackon School On Wednesday, June 25, Dr. Nettie Webb was honored with a dedication ceremony. It was a glorious day; the sun was shining, and there was hardly a cloud in the sky.

A tree, with a commemorative plaque, was Dr. Nettie planted at Lee F. Jackson School to honor her Webb and distinguished 40-year career and lifelong com - Superintendent mitment to providing outstanding educational of Schools opportunities for all children. She was an Ronald L. elementary classroom teacher (1966-1974), Smalls stand in reading consultant and language arts coordi - front of tree nator (1974-1990), and principal (1990- planted to com - 2003) of Highview School and then Lee F. memorate her Jackson School. Dr. Webb is a resident and long career in stays active in the community. education. Students and staff enjoy the dedication and the beautiful day. Superintendent Ronald Smalls, as well as teachers, students and staff, attended the dedication ceremony. He addressed the group and smiled as he said, “We honor you here today with this tree of knowledge planted as a symbol of the love and dedication you have had for the children of your Greenburgh family. As the branches Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, of this tree grow, we will long remember how Instruction and Personnel Susan Sciascia, Dr. Webb’s work continues to grow within Superintendent of Schools Ronald L. Smalls, our school.” Board of Education President Lloyd Newland, Congratulations, Dr. Webb, and thank you Dr. Webb, and BOE trustees David Warner and BOE trustee Cora L. Carey speaks during the for all your years of service to the District! Cora L. Carey (l. to r.) gather at the dedication. dedication ceremony. Visit our web site: http://www.greenburgh.k12.ny.us

9 Spotlight Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District Class of Benedict College CUNY - Bronx Long Island University Northern Illinois St. Thomas Aquinas Community College Loyola Marymount University - School of College 2008 Binghamton University CUNY - Hunter University Theatre & Dance SUNY - Albany Colleges Boston University College Manhattanville College Pace University SUNY - Binghamton Bradford College CUNY - Lehman Marymount College Penn State Altoona SUNY - Brockport Acceptances College California Institute of Penn State Greater SUNY - Buffalo Adelphi University the Arts D'Youville College Michigan State Allegheny SUNY - Canton Albany College of City College of Georgetown University University Penn State University SUNY - Delhi Pharmacy New York Hampton University Morehouse, Tisch Pfeiffer University SUNY - New Paltz Albany University Clark Atlanta University Hofstra University School of the Arts Pratt Institute SUNY - Old Westbury at NYU American University College of Mount Iona College Rensselaer SUNY - Oswego New York Institute of Armed Forces - Navy Saint Vincent John Jay College Roger Williams SUNY - Purchase Technology University Arnold & Marie College of New Johns Hopkins SUNY - Stony Brook Schwartz College of Rochelle University New York University Rutgers University SUNY - Sullivan Pharmacy & Health North Carolina School Keuka College Sanford Brown Institute County Services of Long of the Arts Concordia College Kilgore College St. John's University SUNY College of Island University's Northeastern University Brooklyn Campus CUNY - Baruch Long Island Univ./ St. Joseph's College Technology - Canton College Brooklyn

Morgiane Linzae Allen Graduating Class of 2008 Daniel Alvarez Derrick Marc Anastha Alexandru Paul Constantinescu Hugo Hernandez Maria Cristina Ortiz Victoria Aqeel Alyssa Faye Cornell Marshell Hooper Brenda Owusu-Firempong Brittany Barrow Camille Latoya Coward Angela Huaman William Page IV Barron Bass Eric Andre Dallas Jr. Brandon Jeffers Gabriel Palma Kenneth Lawrence Beauzile Rachel Giovanna Davis Cassandra Jolicoeur Diana Palma David Belcher Deborah Distant Jeffrey B. Jones Jr. Sebin Arolichalil Paul MaKeeba Bell Frank Galvin DiTraglia Justin Kendricks Jordan Pederigan Rey Bello Jr. Leigh Caitlin Douglas Larry Kerson Arismill Pena Tiffany Bennett Sean Downer Rachel C. King Priscilla Perez Rolando Antonio Betances Christina Drysdale Antwon Lanes Yhastrenky Perez Raheem Bilal Shane Everly David La’Shannon Kwade Peynado Brittany Bryant Taj K. Everly Shanique Lynch Priya Philip Adassa Burke Nadia Fleurimond Joan Maguino Francis Piperis Christopher Calhoun Samuel Fleurimond Carlos Manrique Karina Pucha Ryan Camarda Nancy Garita Jacqueline Mark Alicia Quintero Chadwick Morris Campbell Senora Gathers Jessica Francine Martin Jose Ramirez Paul Cardenas Janae Gibbs Nataly Mejia Lindsay Anne Ramsammy Renee Cardoza Eden Vest Gilliam Carlos Arturo Mendoza Spencer Robertson Pedro Cedeno Stephanie Granados Albert Mensah Jr. Hakim Robinson Jamar Cherry Kimberly Grant Ryo Mochido Illian Rodriguez Jonathan Christian Chiu Anthony Green Mayra Muniz Pamela Rucker Morae Chenai Christian Nailah Greene Michelle Ann Comadizo Nacario Salina Sabri Gil Cohen Victor Griffith Jr. Camille Norgbey Belinda Sainvil Francesca Colamussi Daniela Guerrero Michael Nurse Shakira Salmon Gregory Colica Katherine Gutierrez Diego Olave Christian Sanchez Sharonda Rochelle Collins Tarae Michelle Hall Adieri Ortiz Jenique Michelle Scot t- Cooper

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

SUNY College of Vassar College Technology - Delhi Virginia College Awards and Scholarships Syracuse University Commonwealth American University Frederick Douglas UMass/Amherst University Scholarship $22,000 per year - 4 years University of Pittsburgh Virginia Union Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Universal Technical University Pharmacy & Health Services of Long Island Institute Westchester University's Brooklyn Campus $4,000 per year - 4 years University of Bridgeport Community College Iona College $10,000 per year - 4 years University of Iona College $10,500 per year - 4 years Connecticut Pace University $5,000 per year - 4 years University of Delaware Pace University $6,000 per year - 4 years University of Hartford Pfeiffer University $7,000 per year - 4 years University of Minnesota Rensselaer $15,000 per year - 4 years University of Pittsburgh Roger Williams University Honors at Bradford Program, Achievement Scholarship $9,000 per year - 4 years University of Vermont Rutgers University $8,000 per year - 4 years Utica College St. John's University $10,000 per year - 4 years St. John's University $12,000 per year - 4 years St. John's University $5,000 per year - 4 years St. John's University $9,000 per year - 4 years Gyasi Shorts St. Joseph's College $13,000 per year - 4 years Amandeep Singh The College of Westchester $12,000 President's Scholarship Craig Patrick Smith Univ. of Pittsburgh, Bradford $10,500 per year - 4 years Odain Ishmaine Smith University of Connecticut $10,956 per year - 4 years University of Connecticut $10,956 per year - 4 years, $2,500 grant Momoco Takesue University of Hartford $12,000 per year - 4 years Vitaliy Tarshentsev University of Hartford $3,000 per year - 4 years Ashley Monique Thomas Best Buy Children's Foundation $1,500 Kyle Anthony Thomas Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Youth Award for Social Justice, $250 Matthew Richard Thompson 2008 Fujifilm Young Woman of Monique Tilford Promise Award $2,500 Alejandra Tineo IBM $8,000 per year - 4 years Pamela Maria Trinidad KFC Colonel's Scholars $5,000 per year - 4 years Caliph Trouth Kraft Foods Summer Intern Program $3,000 Miles of Hope Breast Cancer $1,000 Erin Noelle Turner NY Leaders of Tomorrow $1,250 per year - 4 years Alex Vaidyan North Castle Partners Scholarship $3,500 Justin K.Vaidyan Wa l- Mart Sam Walton Scholarship $1,000 Christian Valencia Maria Elena Vazquez Christopher Veneziano Amber Watson Christopher Whitley Dion Wilkerson Frances Zamora

WISE 2008 Students at Their Annual Graduation Celebration

11 Spotlight Commitment to Excellence A newsletter for residents of the Greenburgh Central 7 School District DID YOU KNOW? County Executive Visits RJ Bailey • Two GC7 seniors were honored at the Carroll As part of No Junk Food Week, County F. Johnson Scholastic Achievement Dinner spon - Executive Andy Spano visited RJ Bailey sored by the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents, an event that honors the top School to recognize the school’s efforts in scholar-achievers in the area: Michelle Nacario, promoting student wellness. Reports on his valedictorian, and Priya Philip, salutatorian, visit were available on Channel 2 and who will be attending New York University and Channel 12 as well as mentioned in the Albany College of Pharmacy, respectively. Michelle was among the 18 scholarship Journal News. recipients. • Woodlands High School was chosen as the host district for the 2009 ACT-SO Awards to take Students Step Out at WMS Dance Competition place in the Auditorium on March 28, 2009. At the Third Annual Ballroom ACT-SO is an enrichment program designed to Competition at WMS, students recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African- danced in teams and competed American high school students. The program for trophies as part of the relies on the dedication and commitment of District’s Arts in Education pro - community and business leaders who volunteer gram that brings professional as mentors and coaches to promote academic artists into the classroom to and artistic excellence. provide students with opportu - • Two fabulous concerts took place at Woodlands nities to learn in and through in May: On Tuesday, May 20 at 7 p.m., the arts. Students learned to Woodlands presented its Spring Concert. In addition to the great music, singing and danc - ing, the audience had the opportunity to win a Family Entertainment Package to the White Plains City Center, courtesy of Greenburgh's Community Engagement Committee.. and best of all.. the dance the tango, meringue, cha cha and salsa. Ballroom dancers raffle was FREE! On Thursday, May 22 at 7 Judy Ayres and Mark Mindek from the Westchester Arts Council p.m., Woodlands award winning Jazz Band provided ballroom instruction through the physical education played with the legendary musician Jon Faddis. classes. Each class met four times with the instructors before • Samuel Washington III won the Best Middle the competition. School Solo Award at the Monterey Jazz Festival's 38th Annual Next Generation High School Competition and Festival in Monterey, Non-Profit Org. Calif., in April. The Woodlands Jazz Ensemble, U.S. Postage consisting of a bass, drums, flutes, guitar, piano, Spotli ght PAID saxophones, trombones, trumpets and vocalist, White Plains, NY were selected to perform at the festival, which Greenburgh Central 7 School District Permit No. 3111 has been a leader in jazz education since its 475 West Hartsdale Avenue inception in 1958. The Annual Next Generation Hartsdale, N.Y. 10530 Festival features the nation's most talented middle (914) 761 -6000 school, high school and college jazz musicians and vocalists. Board of Education • RJ Bailey fifth-grader Frank Agular was awarded Lloyd Newland, President his “School Champion National Geographic Charles Bronz, Vice President Bee” trophy by Superintendent Ron Smalls at a Stephanie W. Bellino school-wide assembly attended by Town Cora L. Carey JD Cruz Supervisor Paul Feiner, town justices and council Monique Haygood Massey members. Susan Penchansky David Warner Si a usted le gustaría una copia de este Terry Williams boletín en Español, por favor llame Superintendent of Schools (914) 76 1- 6000 ext. 3114. Ronald L.Smalls

12