District Newsletter Pleasantville Public Schools

District Newsletter Pleasantville Public Schools www.pleasantvilleschools.com

Summer 2012 Vol. 60 No.4 A Fond Farewell to Our Retirees Lisa Rodriguez — Alan Fennell Middle and High Schools. He coor- Teacher of the Year was the mu- dinated biennial student trips to sical heart- France and Italy, coached the Foren- beat at Bed- sic Team for five years, and insti- ford Road tuted the PHS chapter of the Na- School for 34 tional French Honor Society. As a years, as well veteran teacher of 46 years, Mr. as the Music Martini plans “to NOT rise at 6:00 Department AM in the morning, to travel the Mr. Fennell chair for the world,…to attend as many Broad- past three. In way shows as possible” and to enjoy addition to teaching, Mr. Fennell the company of his grandchildren. was involved in classroom plays, Bill Roche student-senior sing-alongs at the left the busi- Clinton Street Center, the BRS Hal- ness world loween Parade, and more. When he and began his was named Teacher of the Year in teaching ca- 2009, he was described as “the per- Lisa Rodriguez, Bedford Road reer in 1990, fect example of doing what you love School Curriculum and Extended when he be- and imparting that love to others.” Learning Coordinator for the past came a part- Mr. Fennell plans to continue doing eight years, was named the District’s time business just that: making music (with his Teacher of the Year at the Board’s education in- parade band and barbershop and Mr. Roche April 24 meeting. The evening’s structor at the doowop groups) and finding time to many proclamations and words of High School. In 1991, he also taught travel and fish with his wife Alice. praise spoke to her life-long love of social studies and soon after became learning; the push-in and pull-out Joe Martini, a full-time member of the social programs she has created, such as a has taught studies department. Mr. Roche was unit on finance and the stock market French at the often seen in the halls with his guitar for fourth grade and one on simple High School and participated in many faculty/ machines using Legos for kinder- for the past student talent shows, at one of which garten, that “enhance students’ 15 years and (according to the 2012 Yearbook strengths and expand their natural also intro- dedication) “you dedicated a song to curiosity”; her role as mentor to the duced Italian your wonderful wife, but got the entire teaching staff; and her in- as the third name wrong — of the song, not your volvement of the community in her Mr. Martini language op- wife!” What’s next? Like many a instructional plan. tion in the college freshman, he’s undecided.

Published by the Board of Education, Pleasantville Union Free School District, Pleasantville NY Class of 2012 — Awards and Scholarships

Valedictorian Athletes of the Year Award: Garden Club Scholarship — for Valedictorian Obumneme Anyichie community service: Michael Alter, a Patricia Garibaldi Jamie Figler Michael Lanza four-year mem- Gerard J. Bombardier Foreign ber of the two- Bedford Road School PTA Language Award: time League Scholarship — for service to the Rebecca Schulte championship students and teachers at BRS: (2011 & 2012) Jake Alexis Glass Onion Art Award — for a Michael Alter Varsity Boys’ senior who plans to pursue art in Benjamin Sze Mathematics Tennis team and a founder of the college: Award — for two students, one High School’s Quidditch Team, Jillian Moroney male and one female, who have will continue his studies in history excelled in mathematics: Helen Heed English Award — and government at Cornell Uni- Thomas Magiasso for skill and creativity in English: versity in the fall. Casandra Schwartz Isabella Hamilton Salutatorian Benjamin Sze Science Award — Herff Jones Principal’s Leader- Salutatorian for two students, one male and one ship Award — for combining Alana Engel- female, who have excelled in academic excellence and exem- brecht, captain science: plary leadership in school and com- of the Varsity Noah Mitchell munity activities: Girls’ Soccer Casandra Schwartz John Doddy and Track teams Community Scholarships — The Holy Innocents Parish Service Alana and an accom- Community Scholarship Fund Award — for services to the com- Engelbrecht plished violinist, awarded 48 scholarships totaling munity: will matriculate $38,000, including these special John Horton at Haverford College. awards that are managed by the Hudson Valley Blood Center committee: Award — for an ECHO member Dad’s Club: whose hard work and service re- Caitlin Hughes Previously presented at the PHS sulted in successful community Daniel Schulman Senior Awards Assembly on May blood drives: Griffin Family Foundation: 22, 2012 or prior to graduation. Samantha Tanner Samantha Tanner American Association of Univer- Panther Football Award: Isaac Newton Math Award — sity Women — for a senior girl Michael Lanza (new this year) for excellent math who excels in both creative and Robert and Margaret Willey skills: formal writing: History Award: Rory Orwoll Rebecca Schulte Carol Wagner John E. Morgan Memorial Rotary Award for Community American Association of Award — for musicianship, char- Service: University Women — for a senior acter, leadership, service, and Matthew Fogarty girl who best combines service to scholarship: Bridget Gilfeather school, academic ability, and Yvonne Huang potential for future service related Debbie Perino Scholarship — for to women’s social and civic an athlete who exemplifies talent Klein Family Scholarship — for problems: and dedication on the field and in a student who has overcome aca- Alana Engelbrecht the classroom: demic challenges: Nicole Gagliardi Ye Chen

2 Class of 2012 — Awards and Scholarships

National Merit Scholarship — P.I.A. Service Award — for out- Michael Minerva Finalist: standing completion of student am- Rebecca Moore Julia Smith bassador commitments: Alexandra Osmak Letters of Commendation: Claudia Finn Daniel Schulman Michael Alter Yvonne Huang Carol Wagner Samantha Costanza Richard Hunter Ben Winters Patricia Garibaldi Amanda Psyhojos Prudential Spirit of Community Thomas Gilroy Amy Walsh Awards — for outstanding vol- William Halimou President’s Award for Academic unteer community service: John Horton Achievement — (new this year) Certificate of Merit: Yvonne Huang Board of Education award for stu- Michael Grom Stephen Huerster dents in the academic top 10% of Certificate of Achievement: Noah Mitchell the class: Christian Sarro Andrew Santos Michael Alter Meena Zakher Megan Schaub Samantha Costanza Casandra Schwartz Rhode Island School of Design Alana Engelbrecht Scholarship — for an outstanding Nita M. Lowey Certificate of Spe- Patricia Garibaldi artist who will pursue a program in cial Congressional Recognition John Horton the fine arts: — for outstanding and invaluable Yvonne Huang Sophie Bolla service to the community: Katherine Jensen Marisa Portanova Thomas Margiasso Student Advocacy Overcoming Noah Mitchell the Odds Award: NYS Comptroller Achievement Jillian Moroney Glen Robinson Award — for leadership potential Andrew Santos and a commitment to public service: Tina Gambino Athletic Award: Megan Schaub Alexa Clifford Caitlin Hughes Casandra Schwartz NYSTEA Excellence in Theatre Julia Smith Victor Ridder School Counselor Award: Samantha Tanner Scholarship — given by the guid- Carol Wagner ance counselor community to stu- Principal’s Service Award — dents from high schools in Opportunity Scholarship — (new this year) for outstanding Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess, awarded by the Lower Hudson service to the Student Government: and Putnam Counties and the Council of School Superintendents Caitlin Baffuto Bronx based on their participation to one student in each of its four Jack Doddy in community service, leadership member counties: Principal’s Leadership Award skills, and academic performance: Rory Orwoll — (new this year) recognizes stu- Caitlin Baffuto PHS Social Studies Award — for dents who go above and beyond in Samantha Costanza a senior who has completed five serving the school community to Amy Walsh years of social studies and exhibits make it a better place: VIP Award — (new this year) for the qualities of inquiry, apprecia- Obumneme Anyichie outstanding community service to tion of diversity, involvement in Caitlin Baffuto the VIP Recreation Program for the local community, and aware- Samantha Costanza special needs children: ness of the global community: Jamie Figler Caitlin Baffuto Michael Alter Elena Gorell Katherine Biggar Michael Lanza Kathryn Faughnan Mackenzie Meadows

3 Class of 2012 — Awards and Scholarships

Patricia Garibaldi Friends of Visual Arts (F.O.V.A.) Pleasantville Alumni Associa- Marisa Portanova Scholarship — for a senior who tion Scholarship — for out- Samantha Tanner has excelled in the visual arts and standing service to both Amy Walsh significantly enhanced the cultural Pleasantville High School and life of PHS by virtue of her charac- the Pleasantville community: Visions Award — for organizing ter, service, and leadership: Samantha Tanner and promoting events in collabora- Sophie Bolla tion with the Pleasantville Recre- Pleasantville PBA Sciruto Me- ation Department and Chamber of John Aerakis Memorial morial Scholarship — for a cheer- Commerce that improve and enrich Scholarship — for two seniors ful, positive attitude and outstand- the whole community: who exhibited positive school ing public spirit: Casandra Schwartz spirit throughout their high school Thomas Margiasso experience: R.E.F.L.E.C.T.I.O.N.S. Tina Marisa Portanova Presented at Commencement on Gambino Memorial Scholarship Meena Zakher June 22, 2012 — for a senior who earned the Barbara C. Zimmer Memorial Joseph & Suzanne Moran respect of peers and mentors, Scholarship — for a senior who Scholarship — for a senior who achieved to his/her academic po- intends to study music in college has maintained high academic tential, and participated in athletic, and has contributed time and tal- standards and shown exemplary co-curricular, and community ser- ent to the betterment of the High character in school and in the vice programs: School and the community: community: Bridget Gilfeather Julia Smith Daniel Lungaro Richard F. Modica Memorial Community Scholarship Fund PHS Rosebury Scholarships — Scholarship — for contributing Truslow Hyde Scholarship: to encourage students who contin- to all areas of the performing arts Victoria Travis ued to improve scholastically to program and demonstrating good pursue higher education: character and leadership: Dr. Renato Vellutino Scholar- Obumneme Anyichie Rory Ostrow ship — for a senior who has sig- Caitlin Baffuto Ronnie Mastafiak Scholarship nificantly enhanced the cultural life Mariel Clay — for two athletes, one female and of the High School and Village Alexa Clifford one male, who have demonstrated communities and plans to pursue a Devitt Logan commitment, effort, school spirit, career in some aspect of the per- Alexandra Osmak forming arts: and character: Jessica Gill Brian Belvin Caitlin Hughes Ruth & Walter Goodman Schol- 2012 Class Survey arship — for scholarship in En- Current as of June 22, 2012 glish Language Arts and overall Number of graduating seniors ...... 137 school citizenship: Attending post-secondary schools ...... 132 Jillian Moroney Enlisting in Military Service ...... 1 Other (Gap Year, Service Project, Travel, etc.) ...... 4 National Merit Scholarship: Finalists ...... 1 Letters of Commendation ...... 12

4 Class of 2012 — College Acceptances and Destinations

The numbers in parentheses indicate the number of students accepted and the number, if any, who will attend (e.g. 3/1 means that three were accepted and one will attend). Bold type indicates the schools the Class of 2012 will attend in the fall, as of June 22, 2012. This list of colleges and universities includes 185 that are rated most/highly competitive (63 ), very competitive (55 ), and competitive (67), based on Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges. Adelphi University (2/1) Endicott College (3/1) Nyack College Oswego (2) Adrian College Fairfield University (11) Oberlin College Plattsburgh (3) Albion College Fairleigh Dickinson University Occidental College Potsdam (6) Albright College Fashion Institute of Technology Ohio Weslyan University Purchase (3/1) Alfred University (3) Fordham University (10) Pace University: Sullivan County Community American University Franklin College of Switzerland New York City (2/1) College American University of Paris Franklin Pierce University Westchester (10) Susquehanna University (3) Appalachian State University George Washington University (3) Pennsylvania State University: Syracuse University (2) Arcadia University Georgetown University (2/2) Harrisburg Towson University (6) Bard College Georgia Institute of Technology University Park (3/1) Tufts University Barnard College Gettysburg College (3) World Campus Tulane University (4/1) Bates College Hamilton College (2) Pensacola Christian College Union College (2) Baylor University Hampshire College Plymouth State University (3/1) University of Arizona Becker College (2) Hartwick College (3) Providence College (4/1) University of California at Santa Bentley University Haverford College Quinnipiac University (16/1) Barbara Berklee College of Music Hendrix College Rennsselaer Polytechnic University of Chicago (2) Bloomfield College Hofstra University (6) Institute (5/2) University of Colorado at Boulder Bloomsburg University of PA Indiana University at Rhode Island College University of Connecticut (7) Boston College (8/2) Bloomington (2/2) Richard Stockton College of NJ University of Delaware (14/5) Boston University (8) Institut d’études politiques de Rider University University of Denver Brandeis University Paris Ringling College of Art & Design University of Hartford (3/2) Bryant University (3/1) Iona College (12/1) Rochester Institute of Technology University of Kentucky Bryn Mawr College Ithaca College (9/1) (2) University of Louisville Bucknell University (2/1) James Madison University (8/4) Roger Williams University (5) University of Maine Case Western Reserve University Johns Hopkins University (2/1) Rutgers University at Camden University of Mary Washington Castleton State College (2) Keene State College (9/3) Sacred Heart University (11) University of Maryland, College Catholic University of America King’s College (2/2) Saint Joseph’s University (2) Park (5/3) Centenary College (2/1) Kutztown University of PA (2) Saint Louis University University of Massachusetts: Champlain College (5/3) La Salle University (2/1) Saint Michael’s College (3/1) Amherst (18/3) Chestnut Hill College Lafayette College Salisbury University (4/1) Boston City University of New York: Lasell College Salve Regina University (3/1) Dartmouth Baruch College (3) Le Moyne College (3) School of the Art Institute of Lowell City College of New York (2/1) Lebanon Valley College Chicago University of Miami Hunter College (5) Lehigh University (3) School of Visual Arts University of Michigan (3/1) John Jay College of Criminal Lewis & Clark College Seton Hall University University of New Hampshire Justice (2/1) Lincoln Technical School (2/2) Siena College (10/1) (8/1) Lehman College Long Island University: Skidmore College (2/1) University of New Haven (4/1) Queens College (2) Brooklyn Campus Springfield College (2/1) University of Notre Dame (2/1) Clark University C.W. Post St. John University University of Pittsburgh (3) Clarkson University Loyola University Maryland (6) St. John’s University, Queens (3) University of Rhode Island (6) Clemson University Loyola University New Orleans St. Joseph’s College, Suffolk University of Rochester (6) Coastal Carolina University Lynn University St. Thomas Aquinas College (4) University of Vermont (21/2) Colgate University Manhattan College (4) Stonehill College (2) University of Virginia (2) College of Mount Saint Vincent (2) Manhattanville College (9) State University of New York: University of Wisconsin (2) College of New Jersey Marist College (6/1) Albany (18/3) Villanova University (8/4) College of Saint Rose (5/1) Maryland Institute College of Art Binghamton (13/3) Virginia Commonwealth College of Westchester Marymount Manhattan College Buffalo (4) University School of the Arts Colorado College McGill University (2/2) Stony Brook (7) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Concordia College, Bronxville (2) Mercy College (3/1) Upstate Medical State University Concordia College, Montreal Merrimack College State University of New York Wake Forest University Connecticut College Miami University, Oxford College: Washington College Cornell University (4/2) Montclair State University Alfred Washington University in St. Culinary Institute of America Mount Holyoke College (2/1) Brockport (3/1) Louis Curry College Mount Ida College Cobleskill West Virginia University Delaware State University Mount Saint Mary College (2) Cortland (12/1) Westchester Community DeSales University Mount Saint Mary’s University Delhi (4/1) College (11/7) Dickinson College Muhlenberg College (2/1) Environmental Science and Western Connecticut State Dominican College of Blauvelt New England College (4/1) Forestry University Drew University New School for Jazz and Farmingdale (2/1) Western Kentucky University Drexel University (4/1) Contemporary Music Fredonia Western New England University East Stroudsburg of PA (2) New York Institute of Technology, Geneseo (9/3) Westminster College Eastern Connecticut State Univ. Old Westbury (2) Maritime College Whittier College Edinboro University of PA New York University (3/1) Morrisville Worcester Polytechnic Institute Elon University Niagara University New Paltz (8) (3/1) Emerson College (2) Nichols College Old Westbury York College of Pennsylvania (4) Emmaus Bible College Northeastern University (8) Oneonta (10/2) 5 School News — Awards & Achievements National Science Honor Society Forensic News On April 26, thirty-four new members were inducted into the National • Kelly Martin was inducted into Science Honor Society at a ceremony held in the High School Cafeteria. the National Forensic Honor So- ciety at the Forensic Team dinner held on May 31. • Tom Gilroy placed fifteenth out of approximately 600 competi- tors in Student Congress at the Na- tional Forensic League Finals.

Sze Scholarships The Benjamin Sze scholarships are Front row: Danielle Labruzzo, Claudia Finn, Brittany Jacobs, Eden Igielski, Issei Herr, awarded annually to two students Caroline Guttridge, Amrithaa Gunabalan, Jack Eisenberg, Cameron Demaree, Lucy in each grade — one male and one Becker. Middle row: Stephanie Rogers, Adrianna Perry, Emily Perrotti, Matthew Pastore, Jeewan Naik, Anna McGovern, Colette McCullagh, William Matchen, female — who have excelled in Christian Andreacchi. Back row: Steven Sicignano, Michael Gratz, William Post, mathematics or science. The schol- Charlie Tulchin, Nicole Tu-Maung, Francesca Trombetta, Kyle Sanduski, Julie arships are funded by Mrs. Lydia Sanduski, Erica Romano, Liz Manley, Francesca Marino. Not pictured: Rachel Cultice, Teresa Indriolo, Katherine Jensen, Lorena Maceira. Sze, who established them in 2007 in honor of her late husband, a member of the PHS Class of 1944. High School Theater Award Nominees This year’s senior award recipients were Noah Mitchell and Casandra Schwartz in mathematics ($2,000 each); and Thomas Margiasso and Casandra Schwartz in science ($1,500 each). Casandra also received three awards, new this year, for having the highest combined average in math and science in her senior year ($1,000) and for having won the math ($1,000) and sci- The Board of Education honored the cast and crews of Beauty and the Beast ence ($1,000) awards all four years. at its June 19 meeting (some of whom are pictured above) on their Metro Awards for underclassmen — Nominations for Outstanding Overall Production, Outstanding Actress in a $350 each for juniors, $250 each Leading Role (Kathryn Faughnan, Belle), Outstanding Actress in a Support- for sophomores, and $150 each for ing Role (Jessica Gill, Mrs. Potts), Outstanding Chorus, Outstanding Fea- freshmen — were given to juniors tured Ensemble Group (Enchanted Objects: Mariel Clay, Jessica Gill, Tom Jeewan Naik and Stephanie Gilroy, Heather Kalish, Emmalisa Stangarone, Benjamin Trombetta, Emily Rogers, sophomores Aaron Huang Ultan, Carol Wagner), Outstanding Child Actor (Benjamin Trombetta, and Maria Howe, and freshmen Chip), Outstanding Acting Peformance (Emily Ultan, Cogsworth), Out- Eamon Coburn and Isabella standing Direction (Kathleen Donovan-Warren), Outstanding Musical Di- Schwartz in mathematics; and to rection (Thomas Heintzelman), Outstanding Graphic Design (Kathryn juniors Jeewan Naik and Danielle Faughnan) Outstanding Costuming Achievement (Debbie Paruolo & Lisa Labruzzo, sophomores Aaron Ultan), Outstanding Scenic Achievement (James Britt, Greg Nemec, and Huang and Cary Chapman, and Bill Brown), and Technical Merit (Megan Schaub & Stephen Huerster, freshmen Eamon Coburn and Technical Directors, and Noah Mitchell, Stage Manager). Isabella Schwartz in science. 6 School News — Awards & Achievements Foreign Language Honor Societies Writing Contest Winners The Foreign Language National Honor Societies inducted thirty-eight students on May 17.

French NHS — Front row: Lucy Becker, Julie Sanduski, Amrithaa Gunabalan, Nicole Tu-Maung. Back row: Patricio Mendoza, David Nieto, Anna McGovern, Kyle Sanduski, Colette McCullagh. At the Rotary luncheon, front row: Stephanie Rogers, David Nieto, Rachel Cultice; middle row: English teacher Leigh Meyer, Diana Ganis, Emily Ultan, Emmalisa Stangarone; back row: Rotary president Susan Fasnacht, English teacher/chair Scott Johnson, author Joe Wallace. Joe Wallace, a member of the Marmaduke Writing Factory, announced the winners of the group’s second annual 11th grade writing contest, co-sponsored by the Pleasantville Rotary Club: Diana Ganis (Running) and Stephanie Rogers (Fortunate) in the short story category; Rachel Cultice (Smashed to Pieces) and David Nieto (Greatest Night of My Life) in the poetry cat- Italian NHS — Front row: Allison Longo, Emily Perrotti, egory; and Emmalisa Stangarone (Escape) and Emily Danielle Labruzzo, Noelle Stella, Emily Ultan. Middle row: Ultan (The Rooftop) for their essays in a new category Emmalisa Stangarone, Issei Herr, Francesca Marino, Diana – Pleasantville Visions – that was added due to the Ganis, Nicholas Pedlow. Back row: Charles Carway, Barrett Rosenbaum, Nancy Del Mastro, Kevin Barile, William large number of entries on the theme “Good Ol’ Post, Thomas Tobiasen. Not pictured: Rachel Cultice, Pleasantville.” All six students were honored at the Caroline Puglia, Francesca Trombetta. Rotary Club luncheon on June 21 and appeared on author Ben Cheever’s PCTV show, About Writing.

Science Fair Award Science Research student Sasha Dolgetta won third place in the Bi- ology Division at the First Annual Westlake Science Fair for Sopho- mores, which drew over 220 students from 19 different schools. Sasha’s project was entitled “The Spanish NHS — Front row: Dana Stopler, Camille Brown, Sasha Dolgetta Effective and Selective Targeting Kara Fanelli, Linsey Mathew. Back row: Christopher of the mTOR Pathway in Various Leonard, Jeewan Naik, William Matchen, Stephanie Brain Tumor Cells Using Immunosuppressant Drugs.” Rogers. Not pictured: Kelli Bonanni, Caroline Guttridge.

7 School News — Awards & Achievements

Boys’ Tennis Repeats as League Champion Honorable Mention: Nicole Gagliardi. All League: Nicole Gagliardi, Alicia Marino. Boys’ Varsity Tennis. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team. All League: Alex Catalan, Chris Durrang, Charlie Finn, Rory Ostrow. Boys’ Varsity Track. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team. All League (1st place in League Meet): Joseph Bennetti (110m hurdles), Mac Butcher (400m hurdles), Kevin Proctor (long Front row: Jon Vedovino, Ricky Tegtmeier, Patrick Watts, Nick Andreacchi, Alex jump). Catalan, Justin Maldonado. Middle row: Aaron Huang, Jacob Wallace, Charlie Finn, Adam Bucheister, Cameron Demaree, Aidan Heintzman. Back row: Michael Grom, Girls’ Varsity Track. NYS Ben Winters, Michael Alter, Rory Ostrow, Christian Andreacchi, Coach Bob Scholar/Athlete Team. All Slotoroff. Not pictured: Jack Butler, Chris Durrang, Dylan Garbarini, Jake Glinski, st Shane Howe, Richie Hunter, Ben Kelly, David Nieto, Kevin Stockel. League (1 place in League Meet): Danielle Murray, Karla Nejasmic, Amanda Posa, Varsity Sports Awards Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse. All Stephanie Villa (400m relay) Section: Mike Taurone. All These Pleasantville students were League: Zack Myers, Mike recognized for their performances Taurone. All League Honorable A Career Milestone on interscholastic varsity teams Mention: Christopher Doerr, during the 2012 spring season. The Varsity Greg Drillock, Brendan Baseball team’s Varsity Baseball. All Sec- Halloran, Charlie Montgomery, 2-1 win over tion: Joe Chaisson, Anthony Kyle O’Loughlin, Owen Reda. League rival Godino. All Section Honorable Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse. Briarcliff in Mention: Mike Lanza. All NYS Scholar/Athlete Team. All May was the League: Joe Chaisson, Anthony Section Honorable Mention: 300th of coach Godino, Nick Greto, Mike Lanza, Jamie Figler. All League: Jamie Bobby Jordon’s Danny Schulman. All League Figler, Maria Howe. All League Mr. Jordon career. Honorable Mention: Matt Honorable Mention: Caroline Armao, Matt Cecchetelli, Chris Fraylick, Patricia Garibaldi, Leonard, Steven Sicignano. Bridget Gilfeather, Brittany Did You Know…? League III-B Pitcher of the Year: Jacobs, Katie McAllister, In the 2011–2012 school year, Joe Chaisson. Amanda Nowacki. Academic All 66% of High School students (388 of 590 students in grades Varsity Golf. All State: Scott American: Jamie Figler, Patricia 9–12) and 68% of seventh and Sessions. All Section: Scott Ses- Garibaldi, Bridget Gilfeather. eighth graders at the Middle sions. All League: Scott Ses- Section I Golden Dozen Scholar- School (201 of 295 students) sions. Section I Championships: Athlete: Jamie Figler. played at least one interscholas- 1st place, Scott Sessions. Varsity Softball. All Sec- tic sport. tion: Alicia Marino. All Section

8 School News — Awards & Achievements Olympics of the Visual Arts Big Buddy Program Pleasantville was one of over thirty school dis- High School sophomore tricts from across the state that competed in the annual Rob Persons volun- Olympics of the Visual Arts, held at Saratoga Springs teered time every on May 2. Participants complete long-term problems Wednesday after school prior to the state-level competition and short-term or at BRS for his Big spontaneous problems assigned on-site. The com- Buddy After School bined scores determine the top winners in eight cat- Program. Rob, who egories per entry level: Elementary (K-5), Middle Rob Persons & Nat Dillon struggled with dyslexia School (6-8), and High School (9-12). in elementary school, Jacob Nemec took fourth place in Industrial De- envisioned the program as a way for High School sign in the High School division. In the Middle School students to befriend BRS students with similar learn- division, Laura Chapman and Mallory Kantor took ing difficulties. The Big Buddy would help the younger first place in Illustration; and Marisa Aponte, Sarah student complete homework assignments, which would Cusack, Janna McPartland, and Olivia Nemec took raise the student’s sense of accomplishment and self- third place in Painting. esteem. BRS Principal Peggy Galotti paired Rob with Nat Dillon and the pilot program began. At the June 12 Board meeting, Rob and Nat described the ways the program had benefitted each of them. Mrs. Galotti noted that the program had been a success and will be expanded in the coming school year.

A Middle School Celebration

Laura Chapman & Mallory Kantor’s OVA project — an illustration of all the verses to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star — was displayed at the Middle School End-of-Year Art Show.

On May 24, the entire Middle School community Peace Poster Contest celebrated the school’s selection as a 2012 Essential Lions Club representative Elements: School to Watch. Students and faculty Paul Williams distributed members wore special t-shirts for the occasion that prizes to the three local-level combined the award and the school’s cornerstone winners of that organiza- program, PAWS (Positive Attitudes Will Succeed). tion’s annual Peace Poster Dr. David Payton of the NYS Middle School Associa- Contest, for students 11-13 tion, one of the award’s sponsors, presented a person- years old: Benjamin Trom- alized banner to the school. Other sponsors are the Sydney Levine & betta, first place ($100); NYS Education Department, the Statewide Network Benjamin Trombetta Sydney Levine, second of Middle-Level Education Liaisons, NYS United place ($50); and Melissa Teachers, and The National Forum to Accelerate Jacobs, third place ($25). Middle Grades Reform. 9 Board & District News In Appreciation May 15 Results Faculty Notes A total of 1,565 District residents Special education participated in the Annual Budget teacher George Vote and Board Election on May LaMar received 15 and approved the 2012-2013 the 2012 Out- school budget by a vote of 1,018 to standing Novice 460. Candidates Lawrence Boes Social Studies (1,085 votes) and Emily Rubin Teacher Award, Persons (769 votes) were elected given annually by to the Board of Education; Tara Mr. LaMar the Westchester- Klein received 756 votes. Lower Hudson Mr. Exton & Mr. McCullagh Council for the Social Studies. Transportation Tom Exton and David McCullagh Science/special served on the Pleasantville Board Any family that moves into the Dis- education teacher of Education for six and nine years, trict over the summer and requires Allison Stein- respectively. During their tenure, transportation to a private or paro- berg was one of they participated in many signifi- chial school must submit a written three teachers, cant decisions, including the hir- request to the District Office within from hundreds of ing of a new superintendent and a thirty days of occupancy. For more applications na- information, contact the Business tionwide who new High School principal, major Ms. Steinberg construction projects, contract ne- Office at 741-1402. was chosen to re- gotiations, and more. In honoring ceive a Miller/Levine–Pearson them at the June 19 Board meet- Volunteers Needed scholarship to attend the Inquiry in Rain Forests course being held this ing, Board President Lois Winkler All three schools are seeking volun- noted that their legacy is a District: summer in Costa Rica. The course is teers for the 2012–2013 school year a graduate-level professional devel- “well-poised to meet the challenges to assist in offering more expansive of the 21st century” through its opment course adapted from a model extended-learning opportunities and of field research-based instruction philosophy of individualizing edu- programs in a cost-effective way. cation to meet the needs of each developed at the Organization for You don’t have to be an expert in the Tropical Studies (OTS), an interna- student and its upgraded facilities; field or have children in the schools with an understanding of the times’ tional nonprofit scientific and edu- to get involved. cational consortium. educational and fiscal realities and Areas that would benefit by your a community that is fully engaged involvement include, but are not lim- Staci Tedrow and supportive of the schools; ited to: math, science, and technol- was appointed an where the Board, staff, and com- ogy competitions; literacy games and adjunct professor munity work in partnership to pre- clubs; stock market programs; in- at Teachers Col- pare our children; and “where fu- ternship programs; performing and lege, Columbia ture generations, as well as current visual arts clubs, projects, and com- University, and students, will benefit from your petitions; and more. will attend its care and stewardship. For all of Please call the building princi- Ed.D. program in this, we thank you!” Superinten- pal to learn more: Ms. Tedrow Curriculum & dent Mary Fox-Alter added that BRS: Peggy Galotti, 741-1441 Teaching begin- they always put students first and MS: Vivian Ossowski, 741-1451 ning in September 2012. She also served the District with “courage, PHS: Dawn Bartz, 741-1420 will teach a required graduate course character, and class.” this summer: “Differentiating In- struction in Inclusive Classrooms.” 10 Grants, Gifts, and Donations

Fund for Learning Grants • Walls that Teach: four grade-specific curriculum-based murals for the BRS hallways, connect- ing visual arts with science, social studies, and English Language Arts; submitted by Peggy Galotti. The Board extends its appreciation to the Fund for Learning for providing these curriculum- enhancing grants that foster innovation and enrich- ment in our schools.

Gifts and Donations The Board of Education extends Grant recipients, front: Scott Johnson, Virginia Mancini, Dawn Bartz, Myndi Hill; back: Peggy Galotti, Bryan Gaiser, its thanks for the following gifts Sara Keegan, Dorian Nuccio. and donations (listed in order of their receipt) that were given The Pleasantville Fund for Learning awarded seven throughout the 2012–2013 Excellence in Education grants totaling $25,511. school year: $300 to the Ath- These grants will fund the following educational letic Department — PHS gradu- programs, which are not covered by state and fed- Kindergartner ate James Walsh; $282 — 2010 eral funding or tax revenues. Kaavya Girdhar New York Life Your Choice donated her $100 • Chaos Learning with Physics, Kinetics, and first place prize Giving Campaign; $2,962 to off- Meaningful Madness: chaos towers for fifth and from a Fire Safety set program cost — SEPTA; poster contest and $2,000 for the purchase of sup- sixth grade hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, $50 of her own Engineering, and Mathematics) learning; submitted money to BRS art, plies for the student MSG Var- by Bryan Gaiser and Melissa Brown. library, and music sity Network — MSG Varsity programs. Network; $676 — Target’s • Composting the Green Paw Garden: compost “Take Charge of Education” bins to facilitate the collection and composting of program; seven donations totaling $2,234 — New organic waste from the Middle School cafeteria; York Life Your Choice Giving Campaign, through the submitted by Melissa Brown, Sara Keegan, Helen efforts of Sandra Tillotson; $500 — Westchester Foun- Loring-Meurer, and Andrea Garbarini. dation for Autism, through the efforts of Kathleen • Nooks and e-Books: electronic reading devices Canfield; $250 for lunches for students — Donna and e-books for the Middle School library; submit- Edlund; an Intel Reader, an assistive technology de- ted by Melissa Brown, Marissa Fraher, and Joanne vice — Deborah Fischer; $500 for a scholarship — Wallace. MSG Varsity Network; $20 — Morgan Stanley’s • PHS Fitness Renewal Project: elliptical ma- Annual Appeal Campaign; a Celestron telescope — chines and treadmills for the PHS Fitness Center; Mr. & Mrs. Peter Eschweiler; $13,000 for the Ben- submitted by Dawn Bartz and Myndi Hill. jamin Sze Math and Science Scholarships — Lydia • PHS Writing Workshop: ten mini-laptops and a Sze; iPad — Alida Pisano; $3,000 — MS PTA; printer for a new writing workshop course; submitted $1,000 — SEPTA; $20 — Pleasantville Hiawatha by Virginia Mancini and Scott Johnson. Lodge Chess Club; $100 to each school in honor of its graduating class — Peter Beichert; $50 each for the • PMS 5th Grade Chorus Curriculum Enrich- BRS art, library, and music programs — Kaavya ment Project: tuned percussion tubes, also known Girdhar; $16,500 for the purchase of SmartBoards — as boomwhackers, for the fifth grade music curricu- BRS PTA; $4,104 — MS PTA; $500 — PHS Class of lum; submitted by Dorian Nuccio. 2012.

11 The Board of Education Board of Education NONPROFIT ORG President Pleasantville Union Free School District U.S. POSTAGE Lois Winkler (747-3194) 60 Romer Avenue PAID [email protected] Pleasantville, New York 10570 WHITE PLAINS, NY Vice President PERMIT NO. 7046 Thomas M. Exton (741-9262) [email protected] Members Louis Conte (773-1532) [email protected] David McCullagh (741-2725) [email protected] Shane McGaffey (409-3487) [email protected] Superintendent of Schools Mary Fox-Alter District Website www.pleasantvilleschools.com Board Meetings and School Closings: 741-1460 Editor / Photographer Julie Schwartz A Tip of the Hat to Our Community Partners The District is very grateful to the community partners listed here for providing internships to students in the High School’s Individual Sup- We’re on Facebook port Program, directed by teachers Michael Voron and Kristen Weiss, and the Senior Internship Program, coordinated by Assistant Principal and Twitter Gregg Fonde and teacher Robert Delle Bovi. You can now follow the Pleasantville School District on • Assemblyman Robert Castelli • Pleasantville Children’s Center Facebook and/or Twitter. Just • Attorney Dan Sweeney • Pleasantville Ford • Bedford Road School • Scarborough & Tweed click on for Facebook or • Briarcliff Physical Therapy • Taylored Menus for Twitter on the District • GLM Trade Shows • The Examiner website’s home page. Alterna- • Jacob Burns Media Lab • The Village Bookstore tively, go to facebook.com/ • Little Village Playhouse • Veterinary Care of Mount pleasantvillenyschools and /or • Mount Pleasant Public Library Pleasant twitter.com/pvillenyschools. • OLA Consulting Engineers • Westchester Pediatric Center Be ready for the 2012-2013 • Pace University Farm for Therapy school year; sign up now! • Pace University Security • Wisteria • PCTV • Word Craft • Phelps Hospital Summer Board Meetings Meetings will take place in the Limited Mailing of District Calendars Pleasantville High School Library Media The District will continue its practice of printing a limited number of Center and begin at 7:30 p.m. 2012–2013 District Calendars for an August mailing only to households Tuesday, July 10 with children in grades K–12. Annual Organization Meeting Those not eligible to receive a calendar can request one by contacting followed by Business Meeting [email protected] or BOE Calendar Request, 60 Romer Avenue, Tuesday, August 7 Pleasantville NY 10570. A printable version of the calendar will be posted on the District’s website by early August. Tuesday, September 4 Schools open for students on Wednesday, September 5.