SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

It was with great pride that I delivered the Opening Day presentation to the Board of Education Tuesday evening. I am grateful to the principals at our three schools, Rachel Hunger, Don Marra and Joe Palumbo, for sharing highlights of activities and the buzz of excitement in their buildings on the first days of school. Pictures speak a thousand words, and the slides shared demonstrated the warmth and enthusiasm in each of the schools.  

In preparation of the new school year, we had a two-day new teacher orientation and three Superintendent’s Conference Days. 

At this year's new teacher orientation, participants got a glimpse into our mission and how we bring it to life by having our students integrate into the small group discussions and describe what being a lifelong learner, dynamic thinker and compassionate, contributing citizen feels like from their perspective. 

As always, the best part of new teacher orientation was the village tour led by PHS Assistant Principal Gregg Fonde, who shared insights on all that Pleasantville has to offer. 

Our Superintendent’s Conference Days were chock full of learning and practical sessions. Faculty and staff discussed the different models used in ICT (Integrated Co-Teaching) and curriculum writing. The staff was energetic and inspiring as they entered the new school year. 

These first two weeks with students have been productive and set the stage for a successful, engaging year ahead. We are off to a great start!

For the youth,

Dr. Tina DeSa

Superintendent of Schools

Welcoming students back to school took a turn towards the culinary arts, both literally and figuratively, in the Pleasantville School District this week.

PMS fifth grade teacher John Speight prepared pancakes for his students, something he’s done for about 20 of the 28 years he’s been teaching at PMS. He commented that he couldn’t recall exactly how long he’s been cooking for “my children” on the first day of school, adding, “the pancakes always have chocolate chips in them.”

PHS Library Teacher Joanne Wallace led a book “tasting” to introduce freshmen to the great variety of books available in the library. They learned how to check books out of the library and also received orientation to Sora, an online ebook and audiobook app that provides access to thousands of books.

In what may become a new Pleasantville tradition, seniors enjoyed the first ever Senior Sunrise. Many members of the Class of 2024 arrived at school bright and early, proudly sporting class t-shirts and enjoying a breakfast in their honor as they celebrated the start of their last year together.

Safety remains a central focus for our district. Each school is conducting state-required drills, including lockdown and evacuation. These drills help ensure that we effectively respond to any real or perceived threats. 

BRS Principal Rachel Hunger was extremely pleased by the behavior of students, some of whom were participating in these exercises for the first time. Following an evacuation drill at BRS, she remarked that, “The students exited the building quietly, and upon reentering the building, we complimented them on the way they conducted themselves.”

For information on district emergency procedures, CLICK HERE.

Are you missing your kids and looking for something to do while they’re in school? Consider joining the district as an employee. We have several available opportunities. Not for you? Please pass this note along to a friend or relative who you think would enjoy the vibrant environment our schools offer. 

We have several openings including:

• Part-time clerk for BRS, 
• Substitute clerks, 
• Full-time, part-time and substitute teacher aides, 
• Substitute nurses, 
• Substitute teachers, certified and non-certified,
• Substitute Teaching Assistants 

Click here to learn more.

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