DECEMBER 14, 2023

There is an abundance of activity in our schools. Rehearsals and performances have literally taken center stage, as our talented students present beautiful music while spotlighting the progress they have made.

At the same time, clubs and after-school activities are going full-steam ahead. In the spirit of the season of giving, many have dedicated efforts to charitable causes, and are living our mission of being compassionate and contributing citizens.

It is a truly exciting time of year to be in our schools, and I hope you and your students are enjoying these holiday activities.

For the youth,

Dr. Tina DeSa

Superintendent of Schools

Jill Schultz directs sixth grade orchestra members

Pleasantville Middle Schoolers sang, bowed, plucked and blew mightily during a series of winter concerts this past week. The sixth grade orchestra concert even featured a guest appearance by Principal Don Marra performing on his designated instrument, the triangle. 

Alex Slomka conducts sixth grade band students

Seventh and eighth grade band members under the baton of Jon Vercesi

PHS Chorus members, under the direction of Nadia Rizzo, rehearse for next week's concert

Pleasantville High School musicians conducted final rehearsals in preparation for their concert, scheduled for next Wednesday, December 20. The auditorium stage will feature all of the high school’s musical offerings: Concert Band; String Orchestra; Jazz Ensemble; Advanced Jazz Ensemble; Concert Chorus; and two auditioned choral groups, Razor’s Edge and Camerata.

The PHS Chess Club met after school on Monday, December 11, to compete in an online friendly chess tournament with students from Irvington and Hastings. The club offers opportunities for students to hone their chess skills by participating in informal tournaments and matches throughout the year. 

The Pleasantville High School French National Honor Society (FNHS) sponsored a Crepe Sale on Thursday as part of the school’s observation of National French Month. FNHS students made the crepe batter and prepared the crepes themselves for their classmates to enjoy.

During the past month, members were featured on the high school Daily Panther broadcast providing fun facts and insights into various aspects of French culture from food and language to art and music. 

The FNHS hosts a crepe sale each year to promote the French language and culture at PHS. The money raised is used for two purposes: a scholarship fund and a charity donation. Firstly, financial assistance is provided to students to enable them to participate in French class trips and activities. Secondly, money is donated to a francophone charity at the end of the school year.  

Share the Pville Press with a friend. Forward this email to Pleasantville community members who might like to sign up and learn about all the great things happening in the PUFSD.