Peekskill Mural to be Dedicated

Tuesday, October 4

WPA era painting returns to Peekskill Middle School

A historic 1934 mural painted by B. James Thornley will be dedicated on Tuesday, October 4, at 5 p.m. The restored mural has been reinstalled in the new Peekskill Middle School, where the ceremony will take place, and which is on the site of the painting's former home. 

The mural, "Technology Advancement," and its companion pieces in B. James Thornley's series, "History Procession from Egypt to Modern Times," decorated the Ringgold St. building that was the Peekskill High School from 1930 to 1972 and the Peekskill Middle School from 1972 to 2008. The Technology mural has now been returned to its former home newly refurbished and mounted in a special display case, thanks to the generosity of Dr. Bernard S. Yudowitz.

A member of the Class of 1951, Dr. Yudowitz is a distinguished psychiatrist practicing in Massachusetts. While at Peekskill High School, he was the president of the student council, editor-in-chief of the yearbook, assistant editor of the Mercury student newspaper, in the National Honor Society, on the varsity debate team, and a member of the high school bands, choruses, and many clubs. 

In 2007, when plans were underway to build a new middle school, a Peekskill "Traditions Committee" ensured the preservation of many treasured artifacts from the old building. The Committee involved Dr. Yudowitz and his PHS classmate Bob Renza (and Barbara Morse Renza, Class of 1952), and included many Peekskill community members and alumni as well as Peekskill historian John Curran and District staff. The historic murals were carefully removed from the walls and are being painstakingly restored by Fine Arts Conservation Group LLC of New York City.  The murals were originally created as part of the Federal Arts Project of the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s.

The dedication will begin at 5 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. The Peekskill Board of Education will subsequently hold their regular Board meeting at the Peekskill Middle School. 

Superintendent on Film

During the first days of school, new Superintendent Jim Willis visited all five Peekskill schools to greet students coming off buses, say hello to parents, visit classes, and chat with principals about the many successes and few challenges of the opening of school. He was accompanied by the District's own videographer, Doug Brown, who has created a special film about the First Days of School. The video can be viewed by clicking on the District Web site, or on cable Channel 77 or Verizon Channel 32. Hours are 8:58am, 3pm, 7:30pm, and 9:32pm.

The District also broadcasts Board meetings, sports events, and special performances on the station.   

For further information, contact: Doug Brown, Cable TV Program Director, Peekskill City Schools 

Peekskill High School Participating in Youth Mural Arts Banner Project

Peekskill Sports Want YOU!

Peekskill Red Devils 2011

Join us on the Peekskill fields for an exciting Saturday on October 22. The Peekskill Athletic Department will hold a Sports Carnival with fun and games for children from 9:00 am to 12 noon, followed by the varsity football game at 1:30 pm.

 

 Follow this link to the monthly calendar of all Peekskill sporting events:

http://tinyurl.com/PeekskillSports

Peekskill coaches and teams have been working hard with some great results so far; come out to a game and cheer them on.

Extra copies of the 2011-2012 District Calendar are available in the Administration building; please stop by between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. if you would like one.