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Upcoming District Art Show - May 19, 2015
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Learning the Role of Police Officers
Identifying police officers’ uniforms, knowing how and when to call for help, and staying safe were some of the topics Croton-on-Hudson Police Detective Paul Camilleri shared with first-grade students at Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School.
During a series of visits throughout the month, Camilleri met with each first-grade class to introduce himself and explain the role of police officers in the community.
“I am part of the community,” he said, pointing out his badge and parts of his uniform to students. “One of the many things we do is help people and keep people safe.”
Camilleri said it is important to be able to identify uniformed officers in times of need and know how to dial 911 in an emergency. He also showed students his handcuffs and performed a “radio check” to contact police headquarters.“It is important to wear a helmet whenever you get on a bicycle,” he told students. “And say no to strangers.”
Students had the opportunity to go outside and take a look at a police vehicle with its lights on, exploring the materials used to separate the front and back seats and the emergency items kept in the trunk. Every student had a chance to speak into the vehicle’s loudspeaker, and all took home a police badge, an activity book demonstrating the role of police officers, crayons and a calendar.
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Mandarin Students Visit China
From the Great Wall of China to the classrooms of Shanghai, Croton-Harmon High School students were treated to a trip of a lifetime over spring break.
Fifteen students, all of whom have taken at least one year of Mandarin classes, and two administrators worked with partner schools Beijing 101 and Jian Ping High School in Shanghai to plan an exciting visit.
“The group toured cultural and historic sites such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in Beijing, as well as Yu Yuan Gardens, the Bund and historic parts of Shanghai,” said CHHS Assistant Principal Mark Maxam.
Students visited the partner schools in both cities, met with local students and observed lessons taught in Chinese. In Shanghai, students also stayed with host families, a highlight of their experience.
“I like learning Chinese because it is unusual,” said CHHS junior Forest Balemian-Spencer, who added that the pronunciation of Mandarin words has been the most difficult part of learning the language.
For classmate Henry Jaensch, exploring the country’s rich history in person was exciting. “Every place we went to had a distinct style and historical relevance,” he said. “The architecture referenced all the different time periods.”
The differences between the looks of Beijing and Shanghai (more of a modern metropolis) were stark, students said, but equally interesting. All students agreed that they were grateful to be studying Mandarin, which helped them appreciate the trip as they practiced their speaking and reading skills.
“Mandarin is becoming such a global language,” said junior Nicki Lam. “It’s really good to know.”
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Kindergartners Impress with ‘Boot Camp’
Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School kindergarten students impressed their parents and teachers during their “Boot Camp” musical performance.
The military-themed production showcased some of the skills and facts students have learned this school year and provided singing and dancing entertainment.
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Bash the Trash Is a Hit at CET
Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School students were not only entertained by a “Bash the Trash” performance on May 4, but they also learned important life lessons about being creative and caring for the environment.
John Bertles, who founded “Bash the Trash” with his wife Carina Piaggio in 1988, told students they might be little, but they can still make a big difference to the planet. Emphasizing “reduce, reuse and recycle,” the musicians used cardboard, tubes, pipes, broomsticks, hoses, straws, refrigerator drawers and other repurposed materials to make musical instruments. The group brings its program to schools, concerts halls and other performing arts centers.“Music is everywhere, and I think it’s really important to foster that within the children and realize that everyone can be musical in their own way,” said CET music teacher Marlena Peters. “You don’t need money to buy expensive instruments.”
During the performance, the musicians showed children how to make sounds with different objects, had them clap along to each beat and made them promise to keep the earth clean. Following the show, second-grade students were able to make their own musical instruments using recycled materials they had brought in from home. Peters said the activity taught them about problem-solving and being creative, all while saving the planet.
“What happens with the kids during the workshops is very interesting,” Piaggio said. “They learn things by trial and error, and when they discover something, it’s like the world opens up for them. It’s a beautiful thing. You get to see things differently when you understand how they work.”
As part of the original rhythmic composition curriculum, students get to perform in class with their new instruments.
“It’s very cool that they can make music out of cans and tubes,” said second-grader Emma Osborne, who created her own instruments — a guitar made out of a plastic container and rubber bands and a maraca made from a can and rocks.
Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School has been welcoming the “Bash the Trash” program for the past five years. For more information, visit bashthetrash.com.
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Plotkin Named Assistant Principal of the Year
Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School Assistant Principal Michael Plotkin has been named a 2015 New York State Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State and the National Association of Elementary School Principals, a program that promotes educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade schooling and calls attention to the fundamental importance of the assistant principal.
Plotkin has served as an educator since 1993 and has been in his current position at PVC since 2007. Recognizing the unique social needs of middle school students, Plotkin established a very successful three-pronged approach to changing the culture of the school during his first year. He implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, Positive Behavior Intervention Support and a middle school advisory program, for which he wrote the curriculum.
School counselor Carrie Beja said, “His innate understanding of the students’ need for belonging and emotional closeness with both their peers and the adults around them has undoubtedly helped fuel this highly successful program. By also understanding that no child can ever learn unless they feel safe – physically, socially and emotionally – he has created an environment where all students can flourish and take risks.”
Plotkin is known as a committed and compassionate leader within his school.
“Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School is truly a different place today because of the tireless and ongoing work of Michael Plotkin,” said Principal Barbara Ulm. “Thanks to his leadership, the school is a safe and welcoming place where students grow and thrive.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edward Fuhrman added, “Michael represents the best in our profession. He is a true educational leader who always keeps what’s best for children at the center of his work. Michael is a compassionate leader, a great teammate and a consummate professional.”
Plotkin received his bachelors and masters degrees in history from the City University of New York at Brooklyn College, and his advanced certification in school leadership from the Teachers College of Columbia University.
Plotkin will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 8 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, New York. As the New York State Assistant Principal of the Year for NAESP, Plotkin will be celebrated as a National Outstanding Assistant Principal at a recognition program sponsored by NAESP and VOYA Financial in Washington, D.C.
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Budget 2015-16 Fact Sheet
Budget 2015-16 Fact Sheet
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Board Brief: May 7th, 2015
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New Website Debuts
The new school district website streamlines navigation and highlights important information
The Croton-Harmon School District is excited to announce the launch of its new district website, www.chufsd.org.
“We are thrilled to provide our community with easy access to district news, calendar listings, school- and class-specific announcements and other important information through our new streamlined website,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edward Fuhrman.
The redesigned website highlights important district information on the homepage, including news, bulletins about upcoming meetings, emergencies and other important community information, as well as clickable calendar listings for upcoming events. Residents can also easily access links to Board Docs, K12 Alerts and other frequently used functions via icons on the homepage. Additionally, the new website features an improved search function that can be used to search the entire site for news, calendar listings, documents, staff, etc.
Each school has its own homepage, which include schoolwide announcements and news, and an easy to navigate menu on the left-hand side of the site. Other important links to areas like district departments, the Board of Education homepage, community links, etc., can be found using the navigation at the top of the website and can be accessed from any page. Users can also easily return to the district homepage at any time by clicking the large “Croton-Harmon Schools” logo at the top of the page. “All important information from the previous website has been transferred to the new site. While we understand adjusting to a new website can take some time, we are confident you will find the changes easy to learn and navigate,” said Dr. Fuhrman. “We look forward to using our new website to continue to share important information with our students, parents and community.”
If you have a question about website navigation or need assistance, please email Greg Cavalieri atGregory.Cavalieri@CHUFSD.Org
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Cheshire Wins Congressional Art Competition
Croton-Harmon High School’s Emma Cheshire has been honored by U.S. Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey for winning the 2015 Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 17th Congressional District.
Her piece, “Hand Shadow,” received first-place honors among 21 entrants and will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for a year, along with other student-artists who were recognized in the competition.“I congratulate Emma on winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” said Lowey. “New York’s 17th Congressional District will be well represented in Washington, D.C., by her outstanding artwork on display in the U.S. Capitol, where millions of visitors will be able to see it.”
CHHS art teacher Jodi Berger added, “The Croton-Harmon School District and Croton community couldn’t be more proud and excited for Emma. Her portrait is a wonderful representation of her amazing technical ability, creative spirit and dedication to her art.”
The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Each spring, students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in June in Washington, D.C. “Our region is fortunate to be home to so many excellent young artists,” said Lowey. “I’m proud of all of the participants in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Their artistic talents are excellent contributions to the Lower Hudson Valley’s cultural identity.”
The awards ceremony was held at the Nanuet Public Library on April 27. The three judges were Daly Flanagan, art school director at Rockland Center for the Arts; Carol Perry, executive artistic director at the Edward Hopper House; and Karen Edelmann, visual artist and adjunct professor at St. Thomas Aquinas College.
“We appreciate the efforts of Congresswoman Lowey’s office in recognizing high school artists, and join in celebrating Emma, whose commitment to the field of visual arts has been evident throughout her time in the Croton schools,” said Berger.
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Following the County’s Waste
Croton-Harmon High School ecology students had a chance to see what happens to Westchester County’s garbage after it is picked up from the curbs each week.
Raymond Ferrara brought his students to visit the county incinerator in Peekskill, where they were able to see the trash transform into steam to then create electricity.
“During this trip, the students saw firsthand that ‘there is no away,’ which has been an overarching theme throughout our curriculum this year,” said Ferrara. “This facility receives all of Westchester’s municipal waste and burns it to create steam, which is used to turn a turbine and create electricity.”
Students had the opportunity to see the turbine up close. “It was truly a powerful experience,” said Ferrara.
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Assuming New Identities on Biography Day
Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School second-graders recently took on new identities as they marked the end of their research projects about important historical figures.
During Biography Day, students came to school in costume, carrying props representative of their chosen figures, and showcased their biographies and poster boards about history-changing people like Amelia Earhart, Harry Houdini and Princess Diana. Students shared their knowledge about the historical figures’ childhoods and family lives, important events in their lives, various occupations they held and a number of fun facts.
Browse the photos below to see faces from Biography Day.
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Community Approves 2015-16 Budget
Thank you to the Croton-Harmon community for participating in today’s budget vote and trustee election. Here are the unofficial results:
Budget Vote Results
Yes: 441
No: 113
The 2015-16 budget passed.
Board of Education Election Results
Giuseppina Miller: 427
Andrea Furey: 439
Giuseppina Miller and Andrea Furey have been re-elected to the Board of Education.
Additional Propositions
Proposition 2 (Croton Free Library tax levy)
Yes: 448
No: 96
Proposition 2 passed.
Proposition 3 (transportation and maintenance purchases)
Yes: 411
No: 131
Proposition 3 passed.
Total Votes: 562
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Saluting the Sciences
Croton-Harmon saluted the sciences during its annual Science, Technology and Innovation Fair on May 7. Students of all ages showcased their projects and aided guests in participating in science experiments themselves. In addition, students shared their knowledge of engineering and design and taught younger attendees the basics of coding.
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PVC Students Attend Robotics Expo
A group of Pierre Van Cortandt Middle School students shared their enthusiasm for robotics at the United Nations International School Robotics Expo on May 2.
PVC students joined other school groups and clubs to work toward similar robotic goals and share their own robots.
“Our students showcased their dancing robots, as well as robotics creations for the challenges put forth by the Robo-Expo,” said PVC teacher Lauren Scollins. “Our students completed many of the challenges, including a follow-the-line challenge, table challenge and sumo-bot challenge. It was a really wonderful day!”
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A District Celebration of the Arts
The district recently held its annual art show, bringing together student work from kindergarten through 12th grade at Croton-Harmon High School.
During the May 19 opening reception, families browsed the artwork, with students excitedly showing off their creations and admiring work by their peers. Students also went on class trips in the following school days to view the artwork.
This year’s exhibit included a range of mediums, including clay leaf texture tiles by kindergartners, pinch pots by second-grade students, paintings by Advanced Placement Studio Art students at CHHS, a wide range of sculptures made by Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School classes and Native American beadwork by CHHS students.
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CET Celebrates Blue Ribbon Status
Students, staff, teachers and administrators were decked out in blue on May 22 in recognition of Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School’s designation as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School.
According to Principal Kelly Maloney, the prestigious award means that CET is “a model of excellence and good teaching.” She noted, “We are one of only 18 elementary schools out of more than 700 in New York to receive this award. We should be very proud.”
The day began with the raising of the Blue Ribbon flag in front of the school and the Pledge of Allegiance. Students and guests, including PTA members, village officials and other figures important to the school’s success, then gathered in the multipurpose room to celebrate.
The day’s events included performances by the chorus and remarks from Maloney, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edward R. Fuhrman Jr. and Board of Education President Giuseppina Miller. Thanks to the support of the PTA, every student, teacher and administrator wore a special Blue Ribbon shirt for the occasion.
Fuhrman said the award reinforces the district mission of “educating the whole child.”
Added Miller, “Hard work pays off.”
Two students from each grade level shared brief essays they had written about the Blue Ribbon designation, many recognizing the outstanding teachers with whom they work every day. Every faculty and staff member was applauded and given a gift by third- and fourth-grade student government representatives.
“CET is a National Blue Ribbon School because I love the teachers and they make me happy,” said kindergartner Logan Friedman.
Third-grader Thomas Frazer added, “CET has teachers who make learning fun.”
The school also received a proclamation from U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey congratulating CET for its distinction. The program ended with student government representatives leading the ceremony’s guests through building tours, which included hearing student-musicians perform throughout the school.“[CET] is such a friendly, kind and supportive environment,” said fourth-grader Ben Gardos.
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News from C.A.C.T.I.
Click here for the latest news from your 2014-15 Croton Academic Challenge Team!
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Board Brief for June 4th, 2015
Board Brief for June 4th, 2015
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Don’t Let Drugs Meltdown Your Life
The Croton Teen Leadership Council and Croton Community Coalition are reminding locals to start the summer off drug free during the upcoming fifth annual Vassallo Fest.
This year’s fest centers on the theme of “Don’t Let Drugs Meltdown Your Life” and includes an inflatable obstacle course called “The Meltdown Zone.”
Other highlights of the community event include a “Foggle (foggy??) Goggle Challenge,” DJ and open mic, pudding eating contest, field activities, games and prizes, face painting, a water balloon toss and refreshments.
The fifth annual Vassallo Fest will be held on Friday, June 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Vassallo Park (behind Holy Name of Mary Church). Visit the Croton Community Coalition website for more information.
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