News from the Mahopac Central School District

June 26, 2023

Letter from the Superintendent

Dear Mahopac Community,

This last week of school included many beautiful ceremonies to recognize our fifth grade students and eighth grade students as they move on to Mahopac Middle School and Mahopac High School, respectively. We also celebrated our wonderful Mahopac High School Class of 2023. Please enjoy the coverage over the next two newsletters. A new Spotlight on Mahopac was released today which includes interviews with some of our High School graduates. Here is a link to this edition: Spotlight on Mahopac

As part of our capital project work this summer, I want to bring to your attention that the High School track will be unavailable to the public beginning on Tuesday, June 27th as the turf and track are being replaced. This work will not be completed until September. I know that many people in the community use our beautiful facility so we look forward to providing an updated track and field in the fall.

I wish you and your families a wonderful, relaxing summer!

Sincerely,

Christine Tona

Superintendent of Schools

Students Moving Up to the Next Level of Their Education

There were hugs and tears and speeches to mark the moving up ceremonies for Mahopac’s fifth and eighth grade students last week as they entered the next leg of their educational journeys at Mahopac Middle School and Mahopac High School.

All of Mahopac’s elementary schools held moving up ceremonies for this year’s fifth grade classes, issuing heartfelt congratulations and goodbyes to their students after six years of laughs, learning, and growth.

“I have known many of you for the past six years. I watched you walk into this building as these little humans we call our cute kinders,” said Lakeview Elementary Principal Jen Pontillo. “You leave here today as much taller, confident, independent thinkers who are ready for the challenges that lie ahead in middle school.”

This year’s moving up ceremony was Pontillo’s last as principal. After over two decades of serving the Mahopac community at Lakeview Elementary school, Jen Pontillo will move from her role as principal to serve as the Mahopac Central School District’s Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

“It is amazing to me how quickly time has flown by,” said Fulmar Road Elementary Principal Gary Chadwick. “It was so amazing to see the finished fifth grade project mounted in the lobby. I can’t help but think of how many special days we have celebrated together throughout the past six years.”

“It is hard to believe that you’re moving on,” said Principal Bryan Gilligan of Austin Road Elementary School to the students. “I vividly remember some of you timidly walking through the front doors at Austin Road on your first day of kindergarten. Your excitement, your curiosity, your joy were infectious. Now, after what feels like the blink of an eye, you spread your wings, ready to soar into the next chapter of your education.”

As for the eighth grade class, Mahopac community members and parents crowded onto the stadium field stands between Mahopac Middle School and Mahopac High School, to watch as members of the class of 2027 began the final phase of their education.

“I stand before you today filled with pride and admiration,” said Mahopac Middle School Principal Tom Cozzocrea to the students and community members. “You conquered three years of Mahopac Middle School with grit, determination, and more homework than anyone should ever have to deal with. You’re ready to take on your next adventure at Mahopac High School… Congratulations, to the Mahopac High School Class of 2027!”

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