News & Updates
May 26, 2022
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Schools, District Offices Closed Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day
City School District of New Rochelle schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 30, 2022 in observance of Memorial Day. We thank and salute the valor and honor of those who have died defending America’s freedoms. Schools and offices reopen on Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
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Boys & Girls Club Receives $4.5 Million to Support 21st Century Community Learning Centers in Partnership with City School District of New Rochelle | |
Funding Will Expand After-School and Summer School
Learning and Enrichment Opportunities
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The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (BGCNR) has been awarded nearly $4.5 million for after-school and summer school programs in New Rochelle. The programs will serve students in the New Rochelle School District from Albert E. Leonard and Isaac E. Young middle schools and New Rochelle High School.
“My top priority has always been centering kids and their futures in everything we do,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D (NY-16), at podium in the top photo. “I am incredibly proud to see this partnership between the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle and the City School District of New Rochelle supported through $4.5 million federal dollars. Truly empowering our youth requires the full investment of our schools and community partners such as the Boys & Girls Club. The partnership we see here today is a prime example of the comprehensive approach outlined in my bill, the Green New Deal for Public Schools, on how we can fully support students academically. I look forward to working with New Rochelle more to invest in our children and empowering the next generation to excel holistically.”
The grants will be distributed to BGCNR in payments of $911,732 per year through June 2027 to provide innovative programs designed to empower local youth to excel in school, become good citizens, and lead healthy, productive lives. The 21st Century award is an important step in BGCNR’s ongoing fundraising efforts to expand the scope and breadth of its youth development services in the City of New Rochelle.
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Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “I applaud this partnership between the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle and the City School District of New Rochelle for this joint program that will continue expanding educational opportunities for our students. This grant from Representative Bowman will go a long way to ensuring that middle and high school students will have access to after-school and summer school programs to help them learn, play, and grow up in a safe environment, and to guide them toward a successful future. I have always supported educational funding for children, and I’ve seen how important these programs are to New Rochelle’s youth. That’s why I was glad to help secure funding for the Boys and Girls Club with $60,000 in special legislative grants.”
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am thrilled that the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has been selected to receive this after-school and summer school funding. Investing in our adolescents and teens and creating spaces that positively engage them after school and throughout the summer yield positive outcomes for our entire community. I thank my colleagues, district, community, and federal partners for their continued advocacy for quality afterschool programs like this one.”
BGCNR anticipates that 450 City School District of New Rochelle middle and high school students will benefit from the after-school and summer school enrichment. Parent and student voice will be a key component of the program, which will center on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) and keep students engaged beyond the school day. After-school opportunities will be provided for 15 hours a week for 32 weeks of the regular school year and there will be six weeks of summer school offerings. In addition to academic and enrichment opportunities, the programs will help families navigate the college application process, financial aid, and explore alternative career paths.
“The Boys & Girls Club is extremely grateful to be able to reach more youth in our schools, clubhouses, and community by providing a continuum of achievement-driven programming and youth services,” said Becky Mazzanobile, BGCNR CEO. “Our middle and high school students - especially - need safe spaces and opportunities to access social and emotional supports from caring adults, which we now are able to provide by partnering with the School District of New Rochelle. Our youth have asked us for welcoming, fun, learning environments, and we’re grateful to the School District of New Rochelle, state and local representatives, community leaders, and parents for collaborating to make this happen for club members, families, and New Rochelle as a whole.”
“The City School District of New Rochelle is so appreciative that our students will benefit from the strong community partnership we share with the Boys & Girls Club in serving students and families,” said CSDNR Superintendent Jonathan Raymond. “These programs give our students opportunities to explore new interests, get excited about learning, and develop relationships with their peers in a relaxed and enjoyable space.”
Designed to engage, inspire, and empower, the BGCNR programs focus on academic support, health and wellness education, and character and leadership. Parents, students, BGCNR and CSDNR staff, and community members will be invited to participate in the program advisory committee, which will meet quarterly to engage in ongoing and meaningful planning and decisions about program activities.
“We are enormously grateful to receive this highly competitive 21st Century Grant focusing on after-school and summer enrichment programs for our middle school and high school students,” said CSDNR Board of Education President Julia Muggia Ochs. “I thank our superintendent, Jonathan Raymond, for prioritizing and leveraging community relationships, including our relationship with our long-time partner The Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle in service to our students.”
The New York State Department of Education is administering the federal grant funds. NYSED awarded grants through a competitive, peer-reviewed process, funding school districts with high percentages of disadvantaged students.
Second photo: Brian Penn at podium, New Rochelle High School senior and Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.
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Albert Leonard's Mary Bongo Receives
2022 Outstanding Middle School Social Studies Teacher Award
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From left, Michelle Sanfratello, Gilda Melillo, Albert Leonard Middle School Principal Camille Edwards-Thomas, Mary Bongo, Marc Mosca, Renee Wendling, Gladys Vera, and Samantha Gold. | |
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When Albert Leonard Middle School Social Studies Teacher Mary Bongo received the email notifying her that she would be the recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Middle School Social Studies Teacher Award, she had to do a double-take.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I was in complete shock!”
Bongo was presented the award at the annual meeting of the Westchester Lower Hudson Council for the Social Studies on Wednesday at Smith’s Tavern of the North Castle Historical Society in Armonk.
“It’s such an honor to be recognized for what I love to do,” said Bongo, who has taught seventh- and eighth-grade social studies at Albert Leonard Middle School since 2017. “I’m grateful for my colleagues and my department chair, and to have the opportunity to go to trainings and learn new ways of doing things. I’m so happy to be at Albert Leonard, and my kids truly inspire me every day. I care about my kids and my school community, and I always want to do the best I can. I walk out of the building every day knowing that I gave at least 150%.”
Bongo’s enthusiasm and passion for teaching have stood out to her colleagues. In her nomination, Albert Leonard Middle School Humanities Chair David Luhman stated, “In the nearly 20 years that I have been an instructional leader in both the humanities and special education, Ms. Bongo now stands out as one of the most memorable educators I have had the pleasure to see in action. She is an absolute dynamo of competency, care, and enthusiasm.”
Albert Leonard Middle School Principal Camille Edwards-Thomas shared a similar sentiment: “Ms. Bongo is laser-focused, hard-working, and dedicated to becoming the best teacher she could be. She attends professional development sessions, school events, and volunteers her time to help struggling learners whenever possible.”
Congratulations to Mary Bongo on her well-deserved award!
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Student Forensics Investigators Seek Clues
During Unique New Rochelle High Class
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After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Crime Scene Final Exam in the Nature Study Woods is back in full force!
The New Rochelle Police Department, along with New Rochelle High School science teacher Scott Rubins and the high school’s forensics classes, have teamed up for almost 20 years to make this event successful by simulating real crime scenes with uniformed police officers and the chaos of being in the woods. Though the students were being tested, all enjoyed the experience. Some of the police officers who participated are former students of Rubins’.
Superintendent Jonathan Raymond stopped by to observe the activities. He is at the right in the group photo, with Rubins at center, along with students.
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High School’s Beautiful Campus Inspires Artistry | |
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Yes, those were aspiring Monets and Van Goghs capturing beauty outside New Rochelle High School last week!
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, New Rochelle High School resumed its annual En Plein Air/Raku Day. Art students sought inspiration in the open air of the campus and Huguenot Park while spending the day painting.
Student painters were stationed at the north end of the park, and participants in Raku, a 16th-century art-firing process, were situated around the House 4 loading dock. About 300 students were mentored by 2003 New Rochelle High School graduate Julian Rapp, a professional artist who did workshops with students in advance, explaining his process, inspiration, and techniques.
View a compelling array of additional photos here: https://bit.ly/38ieEjr.
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More Votes Needed! Help High School Teacher Anthony Stirpe Win a Contest for TheatreWorks!
New Rochelle, your high school and teacher Anthony Stirpe need your vote! Stirpe is a candidate in Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Giving Joy contest. He has collected more than 2,700 votes, but he needs more – many more – to take over No. 1 in the standings, and to win a cash prize for the TheatreWorks Program that can be as much as $25,000! Help support this very worthy effort by voting, and telling your friends and family to do so as well! Stirpe has supported our students for years by being an innovative, award-winning teacher and a tech-savvy mentor who achieves excellence every day! Learn more at https://contest.nclgivingjoy.com and vote here: https://bit.ly/3ypVNgR.
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Reminder: Mask-Wearing Recommended to Protect Safety
The New Rochelle community has been an essential partner of the City School District of New Rochelle in following best practices to contain the spread of COVID-19. Your assistance is appreciated, and continued vigilance is crucial to keeping our schools and community as safe as possible.
As such, the school district offers a reminder that mask-wearing, while not required, is recommended in our classrooms, common areas, school buses and vans. Masks provide important protection for self-care, according to health experts. In addition, if your child is sick, please keep the child at home and seek medical care.
For a variety of resources regarding vaccination clinics, safety protocols, and more, visit the Westchester County Department of Health website at https://health.westchestergov.com/vaccine-information.
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Junior Prom: An Evening to Remember | |
New Rochelle High School’s 11th-graders danced, enjoyed, and partied during the Junior Prom Monday, and a great time was had by all! | |
Civics Day Promotes Civic Engagement at High School | |
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There are 115 newly registered voters at New Rochelle High School!
The high school’s Advanced Placement Government & Politics students, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Westchester, held a successful Civic Engagement and Voter Registration Day Wednesday. Under the guidance of teacher Timothy Kuklis, students visited other senior classes to conduct presentations about the opportunities, challenges, benefits, and responsibilities associated with voting.
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“Accessibility to voter registration is hard enough for young adults, let alone teens turning 18,” said student Fairuz Saleh. “Registering in class made the process less intimidating, and for once, I felt like I could take ownership of my right to vote.”
"We helped register 115 students who will be eligible to vote in this year’s general election, and we pre-registered 35 16- and 17-year-olds,” said Alissa Baum of the League of Women Voters. “The best part of the day was watching student-run workshops on voting. They rejected the notion that young people don’t vote because of apathy. They helped teach their classmates how to register to vote, how to apply for an absentee ballot, and even how to consider where to vote if going out of state to college. It was a privilege to see these young people take charge of their role in the community."
Students were encouraged to register to vote, and thanks to this Voter Registration Drive, they will be ready to vote for the first time in November. The New Rochelle High Social Studies Department remains committed to preparing and empowering our youth to use their voice and political power by participating in the electoral process. To register to vote, visit https://citizenparticipation.westchestergov.com/register-to-vote.
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Schedule: Graduations and Moving-Up Ceremonies | |
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Albert Leonard Middle School: June 22, 5 p.m., at the school.
Barnard Early Childhood Center: Second-Grade Moving-Up Ceremony, June 17, 11 a.m. Two tickets per family. "Drive Bye-Bye" June 22, 1 p.m. Families can drive their graduates past the school to wave goodbye to the staff.
Columbus Elementary School: Fifth-grade graduation, June 22, 9:30 a.m., soccer field (indoors if rain). Two guests per student.
George M. Davis Jr. Elementary School: Fifth-grade graduation, June 22, 1 p.m., auditorium and then the front campus. Three family seats per graduate indoors; no limit during the outdoor celebration.
Isaac E. Young Middle School: June 22 at 8:30 a.m. at the school. If rain or inclement weather, the ceremony will be in the New Rochelle High School gym at 8:30 a.m.
Jefferson Elementary School: Fifth-grade graduation, June 10, 9:30 a.m., auditorium. Kindergarten Stepping-Up Ceremony, June 17, 9 a.m., auditorium.
New Rochelle High School/Huguenot Academy: Graduation, June 23, 5 p.m., McKenna Field.
Trinity Elementary School: Kindergarten Moving-Up Ceremony: June 14, 9 a.m., outdoor ceremony on the Trinity blacktop (no tickets required). Rain date: June 16. Fifth-Grade Graduation: June 15, 9 a.m., outdoor ceremony on the Trinity blacktop (no tickets required). Rain date: June 17.
William B. Ward Elementary School: Kindergarten Moving-Up Ceremony: “A Morning with the Stars: Rolling out the Red Carpet for Kindergartners as They Step Up to First Grade!” Three guests per student.
- Monday, June 6: Class of Mrs. D'Ambrosio, 9 a.m.; Class of Mrs. Tatarka, 10:15 a.m.
- Tuesday, June 7: Class of Ms. Almonte, 9 a.m.; Class of Mrs. Riess, 10:15 a.m.
- Wednesday, June 8: Class of Mrs. Lezi, 9 a.m.; Class of Mrs. Tsiropinas, 10:15 a.m.
- Thursday, June 9: Class of Ms. Lavelli, 9 a.m.; Class of Ms. Albanese, 10:15 a.m.
Fifth-Grade Graduation:
- June 13 (rain date June 15): Classes of Mrs. Briscoe, Mr. Reid, Mrs. Wiesner, 9 a.m.; Classes of Ms. Farrell/Mr. Tarantino, 10:30 a.m.
- June 14 (rain date June 16): Classes of Mrs. Obligado, Mr. Fox, and Ms. Castellano, 9 a.m.; Classes of Ms. Ratigan, Ms. Cesa, Mrs. Kinches, 10:30 a.m.
To minimize Covid transmission, ceremonies will be outdoors and will take about 30 minutes. Students will come to school at their normal time. Each family will receive three tickets. Tickets will be sent home with students a couple of days before graduation. Families should park in the parking lot behind the school. After the ceremony, there will be a designated area with murals created by Daniel Henderson, known as “Signature Savage,” to take pictures, thanks to the PTA. Music teacher Robert Flanz will be in charge of music. Families can decorate their cars and bring balloons or flowers.
Daniel Webster Elementary School: Fifth Grade Moving-Up Ceremony, June 21, 9:30 a.m., auditorium. Three tickets per family.
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Middle School Final Exam Schedule
Attention, Albert Leonard Middle School and Isaac E. Young Middle School communities!
Please see the Final Exam Schedule here.
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High School Regents Testing Schedule;
U.S. History Regents Exam Cancelled
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New Rochelle High School’s Regents Examination schedule is posted here. Please note that New York State has cancelled the United States History Regents Exam due to the tragic shooting in Buffalo. Looking for the schedule for Advanced Placement testing at New Rochelle High School? The school’s website, under the Events tab, provides a full list. Visit https://nrhs.nred.org/o/nrhs/events. | |
Meet Family and Community Engagement Director Edward Castro | | |
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Broadway Coming to
New Rochelle – You're Invited!
Join the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle on Sunday, June 12 at 2 p.m. for a special presentation, “The Lights Are Bright On Broadway,” a medley of songs from iconic musicals on The Great White Way. Featuring performances from members of the Boys & Girls Club, the show is open to the New Rochelle community and is an opportunity to support the Club’s art education programming. The event also will celebrate the "Youth of the Year" program, which honors Club members who have exhibited exemplary leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to a healthy lifestyle. Tickets will be sold at the theater on June 12 just prior to the performance; prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Learn more at https://bgcnr.org.
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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math for Columbus Families | |
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Columbus Elementary School is one of several New Rochelle schools where STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is a family affair! The school last week hosted the final of three workshops introducing coding to kindergarten and first-grade students and their families. Children and parents worked together to program a robot mouse to follow computer commands. They debugged their programs until the mouse could "get to the cheese."
The bilingual workshops are from the FLORES (Family Learning and Outreach for Research and Education in STEM) Project, created by Mercy College. The programs seek to empower parents to bring science into their child’s daily lives. Mercy College Master STEM Teacher Fellow Anny Vanegas, WIPRO Fellow Maia Starcevic, first-grade teacher Deanna Lasco, and English as a New Language (ENL) teacher Elva Franco led the workshops. WIPRO is a private firm that created a grant to promote science education. The support of Director Of Instructional Support Tiara Reyes-Vega, Principal Michael Galland, Interim Assistant Principal Francis Cruz, Dr. Meghan Marrero and Dr. Amanda Gunning of Mercy College, and the Columbus PTA is appreciated.
Photo, left to right: Superintendent Jonathan Raymond with Anny Vanegas, Elva Franco, Deanna Lasco, and Maia Starcevic.
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Thinking Big, and Using STEAM as an Inspiration, at Webster | |
Future engineers? That’s just one of many goals and lessons inspired by Daniel Webster Elementary School’s fourth annual STEAMPosium. | | |
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Students engaged in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities, and students had the opportunity to think like engineers. There was a kickoff assembly last week, and in addition, second- and third-graders participated in a program with the Connecticut Science Center. Fourth- and fifth-graders planned, designed, and built bridges and skyscrapers out of recycled materials, and all students rotated through STEAM stations during this week. Steam stations included a Gravitrax Marble Run, Lil Bit Circuits, Lego Creations, Imagination Playgrounds, and a race track where students determine how to make cars travel, including what modifications to cars would make them travel long, fast, and far. | |
Day in Clay Molds Talents | |
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The first-graders at the Barnard Early Childhood Center participated in a fun special program with art teacher Lori Zung, in collaboration with artist Cliff Mendelson, who hosted a program called “Day in Clay.” The workshop empowered students with knowledge regarding how art is created and its connection to various cultures. This hands-on experience demonstrated the process and effort that goes into creating beautiful pieces. Students used their imaginations and skill to create original pieces as well as a larger piece worked on collectively as a group. The event was a lot of fun and a wonderful, engaging experience. Fourth-graders at Jefferson Elementary School experienced the program last week. View photos at https://bit.ly/3PCVZ2p.
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Isaac Young Sixth-Grade Chorus Participating in Memorial Day Ceremony
Please click on the flyer to learn about a Memorial Day ceremony in New Rochelle that will include a musical interlude provided by the Isaac E. Young Middle School Sixth-Grade Chorus.
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More Beautiful Music from our Schools! | |
New Rochelle is alive with the sound of music! The talented students at several of our schools offered superb performances recently. Check out these photos from Columbus Elementary School, Isaac E. Young Middle School, and New Rochelle High School! | |
Book Fairy Returns to Jefferson | |
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The Book Fairy returned to Jefferson Elementary School for its first event in two years! The Book Fairy project provides an opportunity for students to purchase new books for only $2 – enabling students to build their home libraries with exciting, affordable new books.
Recently, The Book Fairy (also known as third-grade teacher Vicky Condello-Vessecchia), partnered with third-grade teacher Vicky Davis, Manhattanville College, and students from Kappa Delta Pi (the educators’ honors society) to extend the Book Fairy project to the campus of Manhattanville. Jefferson is a Professional Development School (PDS) partner of Manhattanville; a PDS is a school that partners with a college to prepare teacher candidates, provide faculty development, improve instructional practices, and enhance student learning. College students purchased books for their classroom libraries and donated books to Jefferson students. This allowed Jefferson to advance its relationship with Manhattanville College.
The Book Fairy will continue weekly at Jefferson to ensure students have enough books to read over the summer and to promote strong reading habits.
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Summer Learning Offers
Array of Opportunities
The City School District of New Rochelle’s Summer Learning Program provides opportunities for students to build resilience and self-confidence while engaging in academic enrichment. The old model of remedial “summer school” has been replaced with a student-centered approach of “summer learning” built around student interest, teamwork, and a camp-like atmosphere.
The Summer Learning Program has several components:
Summer Stars: This program, for grades kindergarten through eight, seeks to increase student achievement in reading and math, equip students with developmentally appropriate social and emotional competencies, and engage students in creative and fun enrichment activities. The school district is partnering with the New Rochelle Boys & Girls Club and the Budding Buddhas yoga organization to support this program. Among the programs:
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Academic enrichment: The Summer Stars programs include mathematics, English Language Arts, Social and Emotional Learning and Wellness/Thematic Enrichment. Invitations have been sent to students recommended by principals. For more information, contact your school’s project leader (information below).
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Rising Sixth-Grade Program: Runs Mondays through Thursdays from July 5-28 at Albert Leonard Middle School and/or New Rochelle High School for Isaac E. Young Middle School’s program. Mathematics, English Language Arts (ELA), Social and Emotional Learning and Wellness/Thematic Enrichment. Invitations have been sent to students recommended by principals. For more information, contact your school’s project leader.
Summer Stars information by school:
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Barnard Early Childhood Center: Rising kindergarten, grades 1, 2, and 3. Theme: Summer Bugs. Contact: Judy Badillo, [email protected]
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Columbus Elementary School: Rising grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Rising sixth-graders included in the program will attend the summer program offered at the student’s designated middle school for the 2022 - 2023 school year. Theme: Hands-On Research. Contact: Dan Cocciaridi, [email protected]
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George M. Davis Jr. Elementary School: Rising grade 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and the district-wide Elementary School Extended School Year Program. Rising sixth-graders in the program will attend the Albert Leonard Summer Learning Program. Theme: Taking Care of Ourselves & Our Community. Contact: Vinny Caporaso, [email protected]
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Jefferson Elementary School: Rising grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Jefferson students. Rising sixth-graders included in the program will attend the summer program offered at the student’s designated middle school for the 2022 - 2023 school year. Jefferson students are slated to attend the Isaac E. Young Summer Learning Program. Theme: Nature Related to Sustainability & STEAM. Contact: Lucea Brea, [email protected]
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Trinity Elementary School: Rising grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Trinity students. Rising sixth-graders included in the program will attend the summer program offered at the student’s designated middle school for the 2022 - 2023 school year. Trinity students are slated to attend the Isaac E. Young Summer Learning Program. Theme: STEAM. Contact: Deirdre Dillon, [email protected]
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Ward Elementary School: Rising grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Ward students. Rising sixth-graders included in the program will attend the summer program offered at the student’s designated middle school for the 2022 - 2023 school year. Ward students are slated to attend the Albert Leonard Middle School Summer Learning Program. Theme: World Habitats. Contact: Jennifer Hofstetter, [email protected]
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Webster Elementary School: Rising grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Webster students. Rising sixth-graders included in the program will attend the summer program offered at the student’s designated middle school for the 2022 - 2023 school year. Webster students are slated to attend the Albert Leonard Middle School Summer Learning Program. Theme: Sustainability. Contact: Kathy Coyne, [email protected]
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Albert Leonard Middle School: Rising grades 6, 7, and 8 ALMS students. Rising ninth-graders will attend the summer program at New Rochelle High School, July 11-29. Theme: Graduation & Beyond. Contact: Matthew Lucero, [email protected],
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Isaac E. Young Middle School: Rising grades 6, 7, and 8 students. Rising ninth-graders will attend the summer program offered at New Rochelle High School from July 11-29. Theme: Mission Possible. Contact: Christopher Francaviglia, [email protected].
Additional Programs
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Rising Ninth-Grade Program: Runs Mondays through Fridays from July 11-29. For incoming ninth-graders recommended by their current school's principal. At New Rochelle High School. Covers mathematics, ELA, and Social-Emotional Learning/Wellness. Contact: Maureen Maire, [email protected]
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New Rochelle High School Credit Recovery Program: Runs July 11 through Aug. 12. Registration: June 28 to July 2 at the high school. For 10th, 11th, and 12th-graders who need to earn academic credits based on course failures. Contact: Maureen Maire, [email protected]
Summer Enrichment Programs
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Summer Music & Performing Arts, Aug. 1-25, New Rochelle High School. For rising third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students. Band and orchestra. One-to-one support and general music exploration. Contact: Deepak Marwah, [email protected].
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Pre-PAVE Theater & Art Prep Program, Aug. 1-25, New Rochelle High School. For rising eighth-graders. Instruction in dancing or acting, to gain insight into the PAVE (Performing and Visual Arts Education Program) audition process. Contact: Deepak Marwah, [email protected].
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“Our Children, Our Artists” Exhibit at Public Library | |
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The 39th annual “Our Children, Our Artists” exhibit continues at the New Rochelle Public Library through June 2, showcasing middle and high school artwork from New Rochelle students. Superintendent Jonathan Raymond was on hand for an opening reception Wednesday. Come on down and see the array of talents and ingenuity on display. Visit nrpl.org to learn more.
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60/60 Challenge: Join Today!
The 60/60 Challenge invites students, staff, and families to engage in physical activity for 60 minutes every day through June 30 to develop active lifestyle habits together. Physical activity promotes the three elements of wellness: mental, social, and physical health. Exercise helps children perform better in school and can lead to healthier, happier adults. Challenges will be available every week on the 60/60 Challenge Website, along with parent resources, helpful hints to stay active with children, and highlights from the schools’ physical education and health classes.
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Cultures, Lessons, and Pride at Jefferson Elementary | |
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Students and staff at Jefferson Elementary School celebrated the different cultures that the school encompasses during Multicultural Day. Diversity at Jefferson includes languages like Hausa, from Nigeria, to indigenous languages from Guatemala, such as K'iche and Mam.
Activities began with the morning announcements, during which members of the community said "hello" in the languages of their culture. On Friday, students and staff wore traditional clothing from their respective cultures or displayed the colors that represent the country of their ancestors. The lessons made an impact:
- "I did not know some of my friends spoke different languages," said fourth-grader Mauricio Oviedo.
- "Cultural identity has an important effect on learning and should be taken into consideration while teaching and learning. It was beautiful to see how Jefferson's community is so diverse," said Lucia Brea, English as a New Language teacher.
- "I felt nice; I felt like everybody got to know my culture and everyone liked my dress," said third-grader Khadija Ahmed.
- "I loved wearing the dress from my culture and being able to see so many different people and their cultural clothing," said student Michelle Bermeo.
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“Beauty and the Beast” Sells Out at Davis | |
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Broadway and Disney have nothing on George M. Davis Jr. Elementary School!
Last weekend’s stirring performances of Beauty and the Beast showcased the talents of 120 students. A little more than half comprised the Chorus Ensemble made up of kindergarteners, first-graders, and second-graders. Students in grades three through five filled assigned roles.
Auditions for the show began in March, with rehearsals soon after. This effort was a relaunch of the originally planned production in March 2020, which was shelved due to the onset of the pandemic. This spring’s hard work and dedication paid off not only with terrific shows, but with a huge outpouring of support from families and the community. The May 20 show sold all of the 440 seats available, and the May 21 show was just short of a sellout.
The show’s magic was generously supported and sponsored by the Davis PTA. It was directed and choreographed by Anne Conneely and Jordan Singer of Cast Party Productions. That magic, and that inspiration, will long stay with students, said Davis’ proud principal, Anthony Bambrola.
“Students, at young ages, need opportunities to be on stage and be in the spotlight,” he said. “We want to create opportunities for young students to walk away from these experiences and inspire potential paths through the arts. We want to cultivate opportunities to collaborate with others and to build confidence. Opportunities like this do exactly that."
Experience a portion of the performance at this video: https://bit.ly/3NwCFCg.
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Performers Prepare for Peter and the Wolf | |
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Student dancers from the New Rochelle community and Coleman School of Dance professional dancers have been vigorously preparing for “Peter and the Wolf,” and music and dance performances at 7 p.m. June 3 and 2 p.m. June 4 at the high school’s Whitney Young Auditorium.
The professional and student dancers will perform the ballet directed by Christina Coleman, while professional and advanced student musicians, conducted by Lehman College Professor Alan Hollander, will perform Prokofiev’s childhood classic. New Rochelle High School Art Teacher Alexandra Brock painted the set with the student dancers, and props for the show were made by students in the National Arts Honor Society. Thanks to grant support provided by Arts Westchester, the two performances are free for attendees.
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This performance is especially meaningful for the dancers in the show who feel strongly about sharing their art with the community:
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“The ability to control your body and express it in a beautiful way is very empowering, and the power you have over your body is something that should never be taken away by anything or anyone.” Peyton Edwards, New Rochelle High School junior
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“Dance means so much to me. I am able to tell a story, to evoke emotions, to spread a message.” Angelina Brown, New Rochelle High School senior
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“We are able to spend time focusing on our emotions, thoughts, and feelings both mentally and physically. Whether it be light, cheerful work or dark pieces, dance allows us to connect with others and genuinely feel.” Ariana Torres, New Rochelle High School junior
The musicians are equally excited about their performance:
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"Organizing the student orchestra for Peter and the Wolf has been such a rewarding experience. The student musicians have been able to receive mentorship from the professional musicians that specialize in their respective instruments, allowing them to strengthen their ensemble skills. I initially chose ‘Peter and the Wolf’ not only because of its ability to seamlessly combine music and dance, but also because seeing ‘Peter and the Wolf’ was one of my first experiences with classical music and dance when I was younger. Since this composition inspired my love for the arts, I hope to foster this same passion in our community’s younger generation." Aviva Segal, New Rochelle High School junior, oboist and event organizer
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"Growing up, I remember my grandma would always take me and my sister to ballets and orchestra performances, and I think that played a big part in inspiring my love for music and the arts from a young age. This performance is so special because it blends multiple art forms and I think every kid watching it will come away with a greater appreciation for the arts, and hopefully become inspired to get involved in music or dance. I have had an amazing experience in ‘Peter and the Wolf’ so far. It is so cool to be able to play with not just some of the most talented student musicians in New Rochelle, but also actual professionals. I have learned so much already, and I know that the connections I have made through this process will benefit me for the rest of my musical journey. Peter and the Wolf is truly an amazing and inspiring piece of art, and I highly encourage everyone to come see it for themselves." Leah Shefferman, New Rochelle High School junior, percussionist
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“I have loved being a part of the ‘Peter and the Wolf’ ensemble. It's a great way for me to end my high school chapter of musical performances and prepare me for college." Danilo Nieto, New Rochelle High School senior, percussionist
The project is the brainchild of Segal, who noticed that opportunities for families to fund private arts lessons are few and far between due to economic challenges. Inspired by Christina Coleman, Director of the Coleman School of Dance (who has offered free classes for first-time dancers), Segal invited community members to participate in the ballet she choreographed.
“How better to inspire the youngest members of our community than by the experience of a high-quality performance of a story geared for youth audiences?” said Segal.
For more information visit info.newropeterandthewolf.org.
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Track Teams Off to Championships
In the County Track Championships last weekend, New Rochelle High School’s girls team took second place. Both the boys and girls had excellent individual achievements:
- George Aine, first place, Long Jump (21' 8")
- Malaya Lathan, second place, Girls 100 Hurdles (16.21)
- Sabina Dodd-Brown, second place, Javelin (88' 8")
- Olivia Moxey, third place, Pole Vault (7' 0")
Congratulations to the teams. This weekend, they are off to the Class AA Championships at Arlington High School at 10 a.m.
Honor Future College Athletes at Ceremony June 2
On June 2, the New Rochelle High School Athletic Department will recognize our senior athletes who will be going on to compete at the college level, either Division I, II, or III in their respective sport. This will take place at 4 p.m. in the high school gym. Come on down and congratulate our future college sports stars!
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City School District of New Rochelle | nred.org | |
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