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News From the Board of Education Meeting
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 Board Approves Videotaping and Broadcasting of BOE Meetings
In a unanimous vote, the Board approved a policy to allow for videotaping and broadcasting of regular sessions of the Board of Education. Initially, the video broadcast will be shown on the district's website within a week of the  meeting. Other venues such as public access cable are being explored. The new policy takes effect at the next Board meeting on January 6, 2011. The PTA Council donated $2,500 to support the cost of the videotaping in year one.
Click here to read the policy
Leading the Pledge
The Pledge of Allegiance was proudly recited by the following New City Elementary students: Jack Devlin, Emily Katz, Josh Feldberg, Morgan Reed and Tim Fan. They were joined by their teacher Mrs. Karie Herskowitz and principal Ms. Deb Forman.
Jenna Handschu Sings for the Board
The talents of our Clarkstown students were reflected in the beautiful performance by Jenna Handschu from Clarkstown High School North who sang "Someone to Watch Over Me."
A Blue Streak for Autism
The Autism Task Force received a donation $1,702 as a result of a November fundraiser at Salon FX. For a $10 donation, stylist Peggy Vero added a blue hair extension to a patron's hair as a visible show of support for those with autism. The money will go to support social skills programming for autistic students organized through the Autism Task Force.
Hearts of Gold
Jessica Masciovecchio and Madeline McCabe, Clarkstown High School South seniors, received congratulations and recognition from the Board of Education and the Superintendent for their receipt of the Girl Scouts' Gold Award.
The two created 200 personalized bags filled with basic necessities, toys or photo albums for the women and children living in the Rockland Family Shelter.
Focus on RESPECT, DIGNITY and CARING
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Dignity For All
Superintendent Dr. Meg Keller-Cogan has recommended to the Board of Education that Clarkstown form a task force to address NYS legislation on bullying in school environments. The BOE fully supported the recommendation.
The Dignity for All Students Act must be implemented in school districts across the State by July 2012. The law amends New York Education Law to prohibit harassment against students in school, including harassment based on real or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression) and sex, and to prohibit discrimination based on these same characteristics.
Among the first actions being taken has been a review of our district's code of conduct calling for a "zero tolerance" policy for bullying behavior. The changes are currently being reviewed by the BOE's policy subcommittee. The amended policy will be voted on by the BOE at an upcoming meeting.
The Superintendent has sent letters of invitation to various county groups, the Town of Clarkstown, the police, each unit president and the PTA. The PTA will be partnering with the school district on the task force work as well as supporting the implementation of whatever changes result from recommendations being made.
The Dignity for All Task Force will begin its work in January 2011. It is being chaired by Felix Festa A School principal, Mr. Kevin Horan and co-chaired by assistant principals Ms. Amy Franchi, NHS and Ms. Deb Tarantino, SHS. The Task Force will examine three components of bullying. These areas include:
- Programs (instructional, preventative measures the district is or will be taking)
- Accountability (implications for policy, including changes to the Student Code of Conduct) and
- Cyber-bullying (communications made electronically that target or defame individuals or groups)
The district's goal in forming this communitywide task force is to provide broad reaching support to assure that students, staff and visitors to our schools are treated respectfully and fairly.
The Spirit of The Season is Alive at CCSD
District Wide Programs
Winter Concerts
The schools will be holding winter concerts throughout December. Please visit the online calendar (hyperlink to calendar) for event details.
In the Spirit of Giving, schools throughout the district are participating in a Book Exchange Program and Toys for Tots. Boxes for collection of the books and toys are located in each of the school buildings.
Community Book Exchange
On Thursday, December 16, at 7:00 pm, a free Book Exchange will be held at Felix Festa Middle School to ensure all in the Clarkstown community can share in the gift of reading. Individuals who are interested in obtaining these books are invited to visit FFMS at the time above. Click here for flyer.
 Toys for Tots
Annually, our schools participate in the Toys for Tots program and this year is no exception. Last year, nearly 900 toys were collected for needy children through the generosity of Clarkstown staff. |
The Art Honor Society at North High School has initiated an Arts Inclusion program with SPIRIT students from South. The SPIRIT Program provides alternate academic instruction and vocational readiness preparation for special needs students. For a series of seven Tuesdays, SPIRIT students were invited to North High School after school to work with North students on creative projects. Many students from North wanted to be involved so a number of clubs and classes are collaborating with the Art Honor Society in an effort to offer a broad range of activities for their SPIRIT 
On October 26th, the Art Honor Society and SPIRIT students celebrated the season by making handprint turkey paintings. From November 9th -30th the SPIRIT students made beautiful music with music teacher Pat Magliano and his students, creating a CD in Garage Band. On Dec. 14, the Hip Hop Club will be hosting a Dance workshop, and the final project will be on Dec. 21 when the Chain Reaction Club will host a gingerbread decorating workshop. 
