|
|
|
|
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Hendrick Hudson Community,
I am amazed we're already one full week into November! Throughout the first 10 weeks of school I have had the opportunity to visit classrooms, attend athletic events and concerts, interview students, attend PTA meetings and celebrate our successes with local civic organizations, such as the Peekskill Rotary Club, Verplanck Seniors and the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce. I am always impressed by the optimistic energy I see in our classrooms, on our athletic fields, on school stages and around the community.
We will be focusing our attention this winter, and into the spring of 2017, toward our facilities, and assessing the viability of a capital project. As you know, the Hendrick Hudson School District finalized its Building Condition Survey and 5-Year Capital Facilities Plan last spring. The survey was conducted by our architectural and engineering firm and included a comprehensive inspection and assessment of buildings and grounds at all five schools, the Transportation facility and the District Office.
The survey covered virtually every aspect of building and site features, including: site utilities, storm water management, pavement, sidewalks, playground equipment, athletic and play fields, bleachers and related structures, building foundations, building envelopes (including exterior doors, steps, ramps, windows and roofs), interior spaces (including walls, floors, ceilings, lockers, interior doors and stairs, lighting and communications systems), plumbing, HVAC systems, fire safety systems, accessibility and indoor air quality.
On November 9, we reviewed highlights of the survey with the Board of Education, as we contemplate how best to address the needs identified in a timely, yet fiscally responsible manner.
Click here to access the presentation.
Regardless of our next steps, your input and participation is paramount. To that end, I will present at future PTA meetings to share additional details regarding the survey and the district's plans. We will also continue to post relevant information on our website and in future newsletters.
As we all get ready to move into the busy holiday season, our students continue to impress us with their incredible attitude and abilities. I hope you will take some time to enjoy a game or a concert, a family event or an awards presentation. Our calendar is full, and I look forward to joining you as we watch our students shine.
Joseph E. Hochreiter
Superintendent of Schools
@HenHudSupt
|
| Lanyard Links For daily district updates, visit www.HenHudSchools.org and read the News feed. Can't make it to Board Meetings? Watch online at www.HenHudSchools.org.
Click on Videos.
Looking for
|
|
|
 |
Wendy Yu Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, Four Named Commended Students
|
|
 |
|
Hendrick Hudson High School seniors Maximilian Borchardt, Danielle Guida, Connor Anderson and Jonathan Chung were named 2017 National Merit Scholarship Commended Students and senior Wendy Yu (center) was named a Semifinalist.
|
|
Last month, Hendrick Hudson High School announced that seniors Connor Anderson, Maximilian Borchardt, Jonathan Chung and Danielle Guida had been named Commended Students in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship program, and senior Wendy Yu was named a Semifinalist.
"We are extremely proud of both our semi-finalist and our commended students," said Principal James Mackin. "Their hard work and dedication to their schooling has resulted in their recognition for academic excellence."
Approximately 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2017 competition by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) last fall.
Wendy Yu is one of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million that will be offered next spring.
"These young men and women have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success," said a NMSC spokesperson. "These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success."
Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter described the recognition of these five students as "a celebration of hard work, commitment and an entire community valuing the important investment in educational opportunities for students. The achievement of these fine scholars will be shared throughout our organization with teachers, staff and the leaders that played an important role in their development and success."
|
B-V Students Learn About Fire Prevention
|
|
|
|
Buchanan-Verplanck students had the chance to see a fire truck up close and learn about fire safety from members of Buchanan Engine Co. #1.
|
|
On a crisp autumn morning, students at Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School came outside to discover a shiny red fire truck parked in front of their school. It was Fire Prevention Day, and the students were given the opportunity to check out the Buchanan Engine Company truck as well as the department's new ATV fire vehicle.
Mr. Grant, who works at the school as a custodian, also serves as a Deputy Chief of the Buchanan Engine Company and he, his son Andrew, also a firefighter, and others from the department stopped by the school to talk to the students about proper fire emergency behavior, as well as basic fire prevention tips.
"Always stay away from matches, lighters, candles and hot stoves," Mr. Grant told the students. And in the event of a fire, he instructed the children never to run back into the house to retrieve anything - even a pet. "That's for us to do," he said.
The firefighters demonstrated how they quickly put on their gear, and Mr. Grant told the students that, even though the firefighters may look a bit scary with their equipment on, they are always there to help and keep people safe.
|
|
| |
|
|
Blue Mountain Musicians Perform with Honor Band
|
|
|
Back row, left to right: Blue Mountain Middle School student musicians Isabella Zahl, John Sterner, Ryan Ho, Vanessa Rossi, Andre Garcia and Leandra Quick. Front row, left to right: Thomas Barry and Julianna Picarello.
|
Last month, eight of Mrs. Richter's Blue Mountain Middle School band students performed with the Northern Westchester Middle School Honor Band. The performance took place at North Salem High School and was sponsored by Syracuse University.
The young musicians who took part in the performance were selected based on their NYSSMA scores, overall musicianship, and dedication to their school's music program. The student musicians were conducted by Dr. Bradley Ethington, Syracuse University Director of Bands, and Mr. Steven Austin, Director of Bands at North Salem.
"The concert was delightful, and the students thoroughly enjoyed playing with other young musicians from around the county," said Mrs. Richter.
|
Superintendent Audio Interviews on
District Web Site
Click HERE to listen in as Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter interviews Hen Hud students who are accomplished in a variety of areas, from academics and community service to athletics and the arts. Hear students describe, in their own words, their unique journeys and experiences within the context of being a Sailor.
|
Parents and Students Share Insight on College Application Process
|
|
|
Parents discussed the college application process during two separate panel discussions held at the Hendrick Hudson High School library.
|
When is the best time to start researching colleges? How do you determine a good fit for your student? What should not be missed on college tours?
These were just a sample of the many questions answered during a recent panel discussion on the college application process held at Hendrick Hudson High School. The Guidance Department, in partnership with the high school PTSA, hosted
Parent-to-Parent: A Panel Discussion About the College Application Process during an evening session on October 24 and a morning session on October 25. Attendees were able to pose questions to parents who have been through the process with their children. Additionally, both panels featured two current high school seniors experiencing the college application process firsthand.
"The parent panels were a great success last year, so there was no question that we would make this an annual event," said Jen Spitz, PTSA co-president and event coordinator, along with co-president Daelah Aaronson. "The college application process is daunting, and we have great expertise right here in our backyard. We hope that, in addition to providing useful information, the event helps build ties within our community."
Topics covered during the event included how to pay for college and apply for financial aid; the difference between Early Decision, Early Action, Rolling and Regular admission; getting the most out of college visits, whether to have your child take the SAT or ACT; test prep options; and what colleges are looking for in their applicants.
"As a parent new to this process, I found the panel discussion extremely helpful," said Amy Bitkower-Jaeger, an attendee and the parent of a high school junior and freshman. "It was great to hear from my peers and have them share their experiences. The college search is overwhelming, and it was a relief to learn that we are not alone and that there are people and resources we can reach out to for help and guidance."
The parent panelists included the following individuals over the two sessions: David Feldman, Debbie Feldman, Denis Sternberg, Eve Hartman, Michelle Crisci, Lori Goldblatt, Beth Steinman, Michelle Pennella, Lisa Goetchius and Shari Munitz. Hendrick Hudson seniors
Jessica Gerhardt, Emily Sullivan, Jaclyn Raguso and Christina Larish were the student panelists.
|
FGL's Kindergarten and Fifth Grade Buddies
|
|
|
Frank G. Lindsey kindergarteners and fifth graders enjoyed a day together at Barton Orchards in Poughquag, where they tackled a corn maze, picked apples and pumpkins and enjoyed lunch with cider and donuts.
|
For a very young student, nothing beats having an older, wiser friend in the school building. Getting a friendly hello from an older student in the hallway, or exchanging a "high five" while boarding the bus, can make a young student feel more included his or her school community.
For Frank G. Lindsey kindergarteners that's exactly what's happening, thanks to a new program that partners the school's youngest students with its oldest.
The program grew out of the district's leadership conference over the summer, where opportunities to nurture a positive school culture were discussed. "We really examined ways to build excitement for school and make school a warm and welcoming place," said kindergarten teacher Marisa D'Itri.
Using the kindergarten unit on apples and the fifth grade unit on the real life of John Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed), the economy and sustainability as a platform for the buddy program, the two grades first met for some shared reading sessions.
"The older students had done research on John Chapman, and many eagerly assumed the role of instructor as they read books with their younger buddies," said fifth grade teacher Elisa Rosen.
Following the apple-themed reading activity, the two grades took a shared field trip to Barton Orchards in Pouqhquag, where they picked apples and pumpkins, enjoyed cider and donuts, and took on a corn maze. During the outing, fifth grade students could be seen demonstrating proper apple picking techniques to their younger buddies.
Both teachers consider the new program a success for their students. "For the little ones, everything at school is so new," said Mrs. D'Itiri. "Seeing familiar faces in the hall, whether they are students or teachers, helps them feel safer and more comfortable in their new environment."
Mrs. Rosen said that the younger students aren't the only ones who benefit from the new cross-grade connections. "This gives the older students a chance to teach what they have learned as well as the wonderful experience of having a younger child look up to them."
|
Have a Seat, Make a Friend
|
|
|
Furnace Woods students gather around one of the new Buddy Benches at the school's playground.
|
Furnace Woods Elementary School students have a new way to connect and make new friends during recess. Four "Buddy Benches" were installed over the summer, donated by Hendrick Hudson High School senior Connor Anderson, as part of his Eagle Scout project, and they have been well-received by both students and staff.
The benches provide a spot where children can sit if they have no one to play with during recess, according to Furnace Woods Principal Dr. Cindy Kramer. "Our students know that if they see someone on a Buddy Bench, they should go over and invite him or her to play."
Students can always turn to an adult if they need help navigating relationships on the playground; however, the benches can help empower students to connect and solve problems on their own.
Mrs. Kuss, a fourth grade teacher who was recently supervising recess, confirmed that students do use the benches.
Devin Carrig, one of her students, remarked that the Buddy Benches were "a great idea and also just a really nice place to sit."
Connor, a former Furnace Woods student himself, is a student in the high school's Project Lead the Way engineering program. He said that utilizing the PLTW engineering software was a huge help in designing the benches. Materials for the benches were donated by both private donors and Dain's Lumber in Peekskill.
|
Hendrick Hudson Teachers Learn from One Another During "Early Release" Days
|
|
|
Teacher Megan Boyle leading a session during the September Early Release/Teacher Development Day.
|
On the afternoon of September 19, after students were dismissed early, instructional staff gathered in classrooms, conference rooms and auditoriums across all five school buildings to learn from one another, explore new opportunities and "get even better at what we do," according to Dr. Margaret Ruller, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
The district's first Early Release/Teacher Development day featured small group sessions for virtually everybody involved in instruction, from teachers and teaching assistants to library specialists and occupational/physical therapists. The program was the first such session for the 2016-17 school year, with four more scheduled throughout the year.
Teachers, who were grouped together by grade level and/or departments, examined curriculum maps and asked themselves questions such as: Is this assessment measuring what I taught? Is it rigorous enough? Does it align with the standards?
According to Dr. Ruller, a lot of time was spent examining student work - the best way to determine the success of our teaching. "The opportunity to share our work with our job-alike colleagues is a game changer," said Dr. Ruller. "We become highly invested when a colleague who teaches the same subject can share a successful approach. There is something uniquely valuable about learning from someone who walks in your shoes."
Other sessions involved teachers engaged in the continuing Curriculum Audit; district-wide ENL teachers learning about a new on-line language development program; and district-wide reading teachers and middle school ELA/Math teachers learning about the instructional side of iReady, our universal screening tool.
According to Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School teacher Jennifer LeFevre, the day was extremely productive. "Being together gave us all (K-5 teachers) the opportunity to have an over-arching commonality, with time to discuss both what's working and how we are addressing things that could use improvement."
|
District Welcomes New Security Staff
|
|
|
Retired police officers Douglas Travis, Michael Zazzini and John Grabowiecki have joined Hendrick Hudson's security staff, bringing the department's total to six.
|
The district expanded its security staff this fall, with the addition of three retired police officers: Douglas Travis, John Grabowiecki and Michael Zazzini. The new employees join the Director of Security John Anderson and Watchmen James Tomashosky and Jay Doyle.
"Having these three former police officers on staff will enable the district to supply outstanding security coverage during the school day, after school and during special events," said Mr. Anderson. "We will rotate schedules to enable coverage here at the high school, as well as at our other four school buildings."
Douglas Travis is a retired NYPD sergeant, with 22 years of service. Mr. Travis was born and raised in the Hendrick Hudson School District (Class of 1987), and still lives here in the community. He has three sons; two attend Hendrick Hudson High School and one is a student at Blue Mountain Middle School. "I am very happy to be back in the community, serving with 'Sailor Pride,'" said Mr. Travis.
Michael Zazzini served for 22 years in White Plains and Briarcliff Manor. He has coached football at both White Plains High School and Peekskill High School, and has served as a teacher assistant within the White Plains School District. Mr. Zazzini currently lives in Cortlandt Manor with his 12-year old twins.
John Grabowiecki is a retired City of Peekskill police officer. Mr. Grabowiecki has also served as a security person for the City of Peekskill Middle School. For the past six years, he was employed at Pepsi Beverege Company in Somers, New York as a corporate security officer. "I am looking forward to working in the Hendrick Hudson School District," he said.
Although the new security staff members have only been walking the halls of Hendrick Hudson High School for a few days, students could be seen saying hello and exchanging high fives with them, which is exactly what Mr. Anderson was hoping for. "We want our students to connect with and feel comfortable around these new members of our school community," he said.
|
|
Curtains Rise on "Disney Magic" and
Two Musicals
this Winter
On Friday, November 18, a large group of talented Hendrick Hudson High School students will bring some sparkle to the school auditorium with "A Night of Disney Magic." The students will entertain the audience with a variety of beloved Disney songs, and children are encouraged to attend the show dressed in Disney costumes.
Blue Mountain Middle School and Hendrick Hudson High School also bring two musical performances to the community this winter: "Middle School Madness" at Blue Mountain Middle School and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at Hendrick Hudson High School. All shows take place in their respective school's auditorium.
"A Night of Disney Magic" at Hendrick Hudson High School
Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m.
$10 Adults, $5 senior citizens/students; children who come in Disney costumes enter for free. Face painting begins at 6 p.m. Concessions will be available.
"Middle School Madness" at Blue Mountain Middle School
Friday, December 2 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 3 at 2 p.m.
Suggested donation: $5
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at Hendrick Hudson High School
Friday, January 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $15 adults, $10 senior citizens/students
Note: This show is intended for a mature audience.
|
Get the Hen Hud App and Follow us on
Facebook and Twitter
If you are a parent, teacher, student or other stakeholder in the District and use a smartphone, you should know about the Hen Hud Mobile App! The free, simple-to-use application offers breaking news; links to the Hen Hud Facebook page, website, and Twitter feeds; calendar items; Board of Education news; cafeteria menus; and photos and videos, including videos of Board of Education meetings and other key events.
To download this free application,
CLICK HERE.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
