Peekskill Summer School

For the month of July, students in kindergarten through eighth grade have been keeping cool and reading while they enjoy the air-conditioned and technology-rich Peekskill Middle School.    

The Summer School Academy for grades six through eight is directed by Naima Smith-Moore, Administrator/Coordinator of LEAP, or Learning Enrichment Activities Program. About 100 students are studying English, math, social studies, and science, as well as receiving reading support through the computer-based READ 180 curriculum. The PACE program is active too. A special feature this summer is a large supply of e-readers. "We have 33 Nooks in black and white and color," explains Ms. Moore, "and they are speeding up summer reading assignments faster than anyone expected."

Teacher Jenna Ferris and teaching assistant Noah Gallagher enjoy reading on Nooks along with their students.

 The Rising Stars program has welcomed 100 children in grades K-5, in a curriculum that teaches the core subjects and also provides enrichment through reading support, music, art, and gym. Directed by Marisa Anzovino and Alicia McCorvey, the goals of the program were to maintain the students' academic progress and provide a running start for school in September.  

Music teacher Kim Meade led all the Rising Star students in performing "Funga Alafia," a West African song of welcome, for parents, families, and teachers

Superintendent Jim Willis has been hard at work since early July and getting to know the Peekskill community where he now resides, the Board of Education, the schools, and all District administrators. He looks forward to seeing more faculty and students as Tuesday, September 6 draws closer. Watch for an interview with Mr. Willis in the next issue of the District newsletter, "In Our Schools," appearing in late August. 

At the July reorganization meeting, the School Board elected Joseph Urbanowicz as president and Fran Feuerman as vice president. The Board of Education also thanked Michael Simpkins for his service as president during the previous year, and Dr. Lorenzo Licopoli for his contributions to the District during his seven months as interim superintendent. The Board held a retreat with the new superintendent at the end of July, and the next Board meeting is Tuesday, August 30. 

All the Peekskill City School District's principals and administrators have been meeting regularly all summer to plan for the 2011-2012 school year,   Here, Joseph Mosey, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and Fred Hutchinson, Director of Reading/Gifted, lead a group discussion on the District's heightened focus on literacy.  

gkhan@peekskillcsd.org or by calling the PHS Guidance office at 737-0201, ext. 311.  Final deadline for registration for review classes is Thursday, August 5th at 2 p.m. 

Please call Ms. Khan with any questions