SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

It’s hard to believe that it was a little more than two weeks ago that we welcomed students back. They are already fully immersed in their classwork, making new friends, and engaging in after-school activities and sports. Kindergarteners are well-oriented to their daily routines, senior high school yearbook pictures have been taken, and we’ve begun our back-to-school nights.

As fall officially begins this weekend, I hope you and your family continue to enjoy the beauty of this season and remain safe and healthy.

For the youth,

Dr. Tina DeSa

Superintendent of Schools

Kindergarten teacher Debbie Anttila presenting to parents.

Back-to-school nights offer parents the opportunity to learn more about what their children will learn during the school year, connect with the child’s teacher(s) and discover ways to engage and support their child’s education.

For some parents, it was the first time roaming our district's buildings. It serves as a reminder how grateful we all are for the work our building staff does to maintain our classrooms and facilities in ways that make students and staff feel welcome and safe.

Bedford Road School held its back-to-school nights this week. Grades K-2 parents met their child’s teachers on Tuesday, while Grades 3 & 4 met on Wednesday. 

Upcoming: 

Pleasantville High School, Thursday, September 21. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Pleasantville Middle School, Thursday, September 28, Grades 5 & 6; Wednesday, October 4, Grades 7 & 8. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Pictured from left: PHS students Jeimy Paulina Miranda, Carlos Galarza Andino, Victor Guzman Cruz, Joffre Sacasari Uyaguria

Pleasantville Schools are in the midst of celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15 and recognizes the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. At Pleasantville High School, four Hispanic students introduced the Daily Panther, a video broadcast of announcements for the high school. In addition, ninth graders participated in a Spanish Wax Museum, with students dressed as famous Hispanic people such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Frida Kahlo, and Mariano Rivera, among others. Students worked together and selected an individual to study, focusing on their accomplishments, life story and legacy, and the presenter compiled the information for a presentation in Spanish.

MS student Olivia Cruz conducting research in Laura Lang’s class

BRS library display of books selected to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Pleasantville Middle School Spanish teacher, Laura Lang, led her class in a research project, exploring the influence of well-known Hispanic people and creating mini biographies that will be displayed in the World Languages hallway to share with the school. Students are also listening to music and watching fun videos while they learn about diverse cultures and significant figures who have impacted the world. 

In the libraries, books about Hispanic culture, authors and books about famous Hispanic people are showcased.

Other activities are planned throughout all the schools during the next month.

Ms. Blanco’s 9th grade class presenting a Spanish Wax Museum featuring famous Hispanic personalities



Front row left to right: Eva Bucci, Mackenzie Ennis, Adriana McGarry, Zoey Lin. Second row: Band teacher and Music Department Chair Mr. Jon Vercesi, James Owens, Colin Rubsamen, Olivia Huling, and Choral teacher Nadia Rizzo. Missing: Jack Chisholm, Penelope Ward.

Nine Pleasantville High School students were recognized by the New York State School Music Association for their vocal and instrumental talents, earning places in prestigious All-State and Area All-State ensembles. 

Olivia Huling (Soprano 2, 11th grade) was chosen as an alternate for Chorus for the All-State festival to be held in December. Earning a perfect score on her Level 6 All-State solo, Olivia was chosen from thousands of student musicians throughout New York State.

Seven students were chosen for Area All-State ensembles based on their 2023 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) scores. They are among the highest scoring in Westchester County. 

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