May 8, 2025

Dear Pleasantville Families,

Dear Pleasantville Families, 

I hope this letter finds you well. With warmer weather and "spring fever" in full swing, we want to bring a troubling TikTok trend that has surfaced in nearby districts to your attention. 

The TikTok challenge encourages students to insert pencil graphite into Chromebook USB ports to create sparks or smoke, potentially starting a fire — endangering everyone in the building. This ‘challenge’ can trigger false alarms, emergency evacuations, or worse: real harm to students and staff. 

We urge parents to speak with their children about the real risks. Social media often glamorizes dangerous behaviors without showing the consequences. With your partnership, we can prevent unsafe actions and keep our school community protected. Students who attempt these acts will face disciplinary action. Thank you for reinforcing this message at home and helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment. 

May 6 Board of Education Meeting Recap 

Tenure Recipients, Retirements & Teacher of the Year 

The evening began by celebrating the heart of our schools: our dedicated educators and staff. From tenure to retirement to Teacher of the Year, the evening was filled with pride and gratitude. 

Tenure Honorees: 

• From BRS: Keith Gardner, Tyler Shea, Dana Weil 
• From PMS: Alyssa Madonna 
• Districtwide: Mary Ann Flatley 
• From PHS: Jacqueline Van Tassell, Michael DeMascio 
• Administrators: Rachel Hunger, Michael Pinkava 

Retirees: Pete Beichert, Eileen Eustace, Tom Micucci, Nunzio Liberti, Bob Jordan, Julie Sillings, Phyllis Grella, Chrissy Joyce, Andrea Einhorn 

2025 Pleasantville Teacher of the Year: Julie Sillings 

Julie, beloved Italian teacher at PMS, was honored by district leadership and celebrated by local dignitaries. Legislator Margaret Cunzio officially declared May 7 “Julie Sillings Day” in Westchester County, which was displayed on the jumbotron at the Westchester County Center. 

On Wednesday, Regent Fran Wills visited Julie’s classroom to present a certificate and join in honoring her excellence in teaching.  

2025-2026 Budget Hearing 

You can watch the Budget Hearing video here. Please remember to vote on May 20! Polls will be open from 6:30 AM – 9 PM in the Middle School Multi-Purpose Room. 

For more information on the budget, please visit the district website, which now includes a short video and helpful flyer with key details about the adopted budget and the upcoming vote. For additional information, please refer to the FAQ document. 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT (click for video): 

District Safety Team: The team met last week to review current and future safety-related capital improvements, including proposed updates to the district safety plan.  

Budget Outreach: Trustees connected with the community at the Farmer’s Market and administration answered community members questions via a virtual Budget Road Show. Don’t forget to vote on May 20—alongside the BRS Art Show and bake sale, MS/HS PTA BBQ, and the BRS student Movie Night vote. 

Community Facilities Committee: The committee met April 24 and formed three subcommittees: BRS playground, field usage & lighting, and STEAM. The subcommittees will collaborate until the committee comes together again on May 29.  

Holocaust Remembrance Day: On April 25, 8th and 10th graders participated in powerful learning activities honoring Holocaust Remembrance Day. Highlights included a virtual Anne Frank House tour, student-led reflections, and a visit from survivor and Pleasantville resident Dr. Annie Kleinhaus. 

Peek Into Kindergarten: Incoming kindergarten families visited BRS to learn about the school, meet staff, and tour classrooms. Screenings and a scavenger hunt are planned for later this month. 

PreK Feedback: Families have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about our PreK program. We are planning to continue with three classes (max 61 students) next year. 

Extended Day Highlights: Our final extended day and our May faculty meetings included training on ParentSquare, Apple tools, and time for curriculum development. 

I hope this letter finds you well.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our students and school community. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback. 

For the youth, 

Dr. DeSa 

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