News from the Mahopac Central School District

October 30, 2023

Letter from the Superintendent

Dear Mahopac Community,

With a chill in the air, we complete our second month of school. Our students continue to impress with their academic achievements as well as their participation in many extracurricular activities. The past few weeks have been busy in all of our schools. This week’s newsletter will feature our elementary students who participated in the annual Cross Country run at FDR Park as well as our Division Champion Girls Swim Team, many of whom will be competing in Sectionals this week.

With the Fall athletic season winding down, we wish our Girls Varsity Volleyball Team luck as they compete in the quarterfinal round of playoffs against Harrison this afternoon. In addition to athletic competition, our High School Drama Club deserves recognition for their outstanding performance of The Outsiders which many community members enjoyed this past weekend. Be sure to check the District calendar for a full listing of events to enjoy. Concert season begins on Wednesday at 7 pm with the High School Fall Music Concert.

In addition to welcoming the new teachers from Fulmar Road in this newsletter, there are a few administrative changes that I would like to share with you. First, Michael Tromblee, is no longer working in Mahopac as he is now the Superintendent of the Hendrick Hudson School District. Mr. Tromblee, who served as our Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning for the past five years, will be missed and we wish him all the best in his new position. At last week’s Board of Education meeting, Dr. Matthew Lawrence was appointed to the position of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Lawrence on his new role. He will remain at Mahopac High School as we begin the search for a new high school principal. In the interim, join me in welcoming Alice Cronin to Mahopac as she will serve in the assistant superintendent position during this transition period. Ms. Cronin has many years of experience and recently retired from the Katonah-Lewisboro School District.

Sincerely,

Christine Tona

Superintendent

Over 120 Students Participate in Elementary 5K Race

After weeks of training and under autumn-colored trees, Mahopac’s elementary school runners took to the starting line at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park last week. Coaches, parents, faculty, and staff were all in attendance to encourage Mahopac’s youngest student-athletes as they tackled the 3.1-mile-long Mahopac's Annual Elementary 5K Race.

“There’s a lot of talent here,” said Athletic Director Stephen Luciana. “The physical education teachers have done an amazing job preparing these kids.”

The group of over 120 Lakeview, Fulmar Road, and Austin Road Elementary students congregated at the starting line, sporting colored shirts representing their schools: white for Lakeview, green for Fulmar Road, and black for Austin Road.

“You want to go at a pace that is right for yourself; you have 3.1 miles ahead of you,” said Physical Education teacher Lauren Kittredge to a group of eager runners. “You don’t want to exhaust yourself early on in the race. Look ahead at where your teammates are and one by one catch up to them.”

With the students gathered at the starting line, all eyes fell on Bill Huestis, who held the tide of elementary runners back for a few final words.

“You’ve all worked really hard. We want to thank your teachers, principals, and especially your parents for getting you all to practice and making it so you can all be here today,” Huestis said. He then said the words that everyone was waiting to hear: “Runners! Take your mark! Go!”

Once the race was underway, it didn’t take long for the first runners to begin crossing the finish line, handing out fist bumps and high-fives, and embracing proud parents.

“The only thing better than the weather is the effort that you guys showed out there,” said Huestis. “Every year we are amazed by the athletes that come out here. It brings us all so much pride to see the smiles on your faces as you cross the finish line. Congratulations on an awesome race.”

Meet Fulmar Road Elementary's

Newest Teachers

This week, the Mahopac community has the opportunity to hear from six new teachers who are working at Fulmar Road Elementary School. Meet the new and familiar faces working to educate the next generation of Fulmar Road Students.

"I always love to see the way that students grow throughout the year. In a way, my classroom is like its own little community. I want my students to feel like this is their second home, where they can all learn and develop together."

-Tina Bonacorso, Fifth Grade Teacher

"I do this because I remember back when I was a student and when I needed someone who would go the extra mile for me. Teaching isn't just about showing up and presenting the curriculum. So many students really want to learn and do well, but need a little extra support from their teacher. I want to provide the support that they need to succeed."

-Claire McLaughlin, Fifth Grade Teacher

"I'm really excited to be back here in Mahopac to give back to this amazing community. I remember back to my own experience as a student and the teachers who really had an impact on me. I want to do that for my students, provide them with a lasting, positive experience."

-Olivia O'Brien, First Grade Teacher

"I think that every adult in a student's life can give them something different. I want my students to feel safe to explore their own ideas and ways of thinking and I want them to know that they matter. Every student deserves to know that they have someone in their corner."

-Vanessa Pepe, Third Grade Teacher

"I lived here for 20 years, so I'm so happy to be settling in here at Fulmar Road. I read a quote a long time ago that went 'The most important thing a teacher can do is to send each student home liking themself more than when they came in.' I want my students to come here and be comfortable being themselves, and to feel ready to take risks and challenge themselves."

-Lauren Rutigliano, Kindergarten Teacher

"I love that lightbulb moment. Watching my students tackle challenging topics and figure them out is the most rewarding thing that I see in the classroom every day. I want them to approach every aspect of their lives with the growth mindset that we foster here."

-Michelle Terzi, Second Grade Teacher

Last Week in Photos

Girls Varsity Swimmers Dominate League

After an undefeated season last year, Mahopac's varsity girl swimmers and the Mahopac-Putnam Valley-Carmel (MPVC) team moved up from League 4 to League 3. Even with their work cut out for them, the swimmers on the MPVC team rose to the challenge and pulled off another undefeated season and will be sending five Mahopac athletes to sectionals. One athlete, Molly McGourty, will even be going to states to compete with the best varsity girl swimmers in New York State.

10 College Representatives Visit Mahopac High School

Twice a week, students at Mahopac High School have the opportunity to meet with visiting college representatives at miniature college fairs put on by the Counseling Department. This week's fair was anything but miniature, with representatives from 10 different colleges in attendance to speak with students about their schools and programs. For many students at Mahopac High School, formal education will not stop after they graduate from high school, and Mahopac's Counseling Department seeks to help students make an informed decision about the next phase of their lives.