Clarkstown Central School District Newsletter

News from the Board of Education Meeting - June 9, 2011

Saluting Our Country

Students from Strawtown Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance in front of the Board, Superintendent and audience members. Reagan Prior, Domenic Kessel, Kaitlyn Connelly, Wynter Malone, Cole Warren, Matthew Kim, Andrei Nuta, Gianna Marano, Madison Bagatta, Keara Cotten, Tara Cotton and Erin Prior proudly saluted our flag.

Techno Music from North Musicians

Clarkstown High School North students presented pieces they created in music lab. Josh Chacko, Julia James, Jan Kayas, Jalen Martin and Shawn Mathew performed "Mann Buzzin." Femi Popola, David Benamin and Derek Jackson played "Ohio." They were accompanied by Mr. Pat Magliano, their music teacher. The students recognized Mr. Magliano for his support and the many hours he spent helping to create their work.

Board of Education Recognizes North's Golf and Dance Teams

As reported last week, the Clarkstown North golf team took this year's county championship team title with leadership from Robert Duggan, who was crowned the individual county champion. The golf champions are Robert Duggan, Derrick Kim, Bruce Rubin, Ross Gusler, Paul Fields and Ryan Shankman. The team is coached by Mr. Paul Toscano. They are joined by Superintendent Keller-Cogan and Board President Phil DeGaetano in a congratulatory photo.

The North High School dance squad was also recognized for their energy, style and competitive spirit. The team members are Jacqueline Andrasko, Jenna Balavram, Kimberly Ballard, Hannah Brinkman, Christina Connor, Alyssa D'Aquino, Gabrielle DeLucia, Brielle Lipstein, Molly Ludlow, Celine Nicolas, Kelly Park and Melissa Sumadchat. The team is coached by Stacie Bolin and Peggy Finch.

Clarkstown Education Foundation Awards $52,000 in Grants and Scholarships

Mike Aglialoro, President, and Dorie McMaster, Vice-President, of the Clarkstown Education Foundation presented the Foundation's annual teacher grants and student scholarships. Both students and staff submitted their applications, which were reviewed in a "blind" judging process where entries were rated without knowledge of the individual or school applying. Mr. Aglialoro thanked the PTAs, district parents and staff for their support of the Foundation through donations and participation at fund-raising events. He noted the efforts led by Ms. Dorothy Atzl, PTA Council president and unit PTA presidents with the "dollar a family" initiative from our schools that raised over $3,000 this school year. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised by the Foundation are returned to students, staff and our schools. Dr. Steve Klein, a Foundation trustee, was also in attendance to congratulate the winners. Since its inception in December 2007, the Foundation has given more that $140,000 to our schools and students.

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The list of awards and recipients is below.

Participation Award - 2011
- Smartboard - Link Elementary

Teacher Grants - 2011
- Six IPads - Cathy Malgieri, Woodglen Elementary
- Smartboard - Rachael Megdal, New City Elementary
- Smartboard - Elizabeth Quinson, Felix Festa Middle School
- Smartboard - Katherine Pierce, Strawtown Elementary
- Smartboard - Jean Irizarry, Lakewood Elementary
- Smartboard - Jessica Gallagher, New City Elementary
- Smartboard - Janet Sciortino Laurel Plains Elementary
- Smartboard - John Bennet, Strawtown Elementary
- Smartboard - Leslie Feiner, Bardonia Elementary
- SMART Camera - Laurie Young South High School
- eMaps - Mark Gorman, Felix Festa Middle School
- History of US Social Studies Books - Fran Loftus, Felix Festa Middle School
- Hunger Games Novels - Cheryl Weitzner North High School
- Compound Light Microscope Set- Gregory Belser, Felix Festa Middle School

Student Scholarships $1,000 - 2011
- Student Scholarship - Daniel Pragdat South High School
- Student Scholarship - Carisse Hamlet South High School
- Student Scholarship - Allen Lipson South High School
- Student Scholarship -Olga Zubashko South High School

PTA Presidents Thanked for Dedication

The Board of Education and Superintendent Keller-Cogan spoke of the tireless commitment of the PTA presidents on behalf of district students. Each president was thanked for his or her leadership. In reflecting upon the contributions made by these generous volunteers, Dr. Keller-Cogan recognized all members of PTA who selflessly give of their time, skills and resources to enhance the quality of a Clarkstown education. Our system has been made richer due to the invaluable contributions of these parents.

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The 2010-2011 PTA Presidents:

Ms. Beatrice Mattaway
President, Bardonia PTA

Ms. Donna Gereg
President, Congers PTA

Ms. Kristine Hayden
President, Lakewood PTA

Ms. Lisa Backelman
Co-President, Laurel Plains PTA

Ms. Mary Maloney
Co-President, Laurel Plains PTA

Ms. Jessica Rich
Co-President, Link PTA

Ms. Dee LaNave
President, Jesse Kaplan PTA
Co-President, Little Tor PTA

Ms. Cathy Martini
Co-President, Little Tor PTA

Ms. Christina Capriotti
Co-President, New City PTA

Ms. Melissa Rickli
Co-President, New City PTA

Ms. Irene Tagaris
President, Strawtown PTA

Ms. Theresa Negast
Co-President, West Nyack PTA

Ms. Maureen Walsh
Co-President, West Nyack PTA

Ms. Hollie Bialek
Co-President, Woodglen PTA

Ms. Joan Braunfotel
Co-President, Woodglen PTA

Ms. Rhea Vogel
President, Clarkstown HS North PTSA

Ms. Astrid MacDowell
President, Clarkstown HS South PTSA

Mr. Dan D'Antoni
Co-President, Felix Festa MS PTA

Ms. Gloria Dwyer
Co-President, Felix Festa MS PTA

Ms. Denise Green
Co-President, SEPTA

Ms. Dawn Lafasciano
Co-President, SEPTA

Ms. Dorothy Atzl
President, Clarkstown Council of PTAs

Spotlight on the PTAs

Council of PTAs Celebrates Founders Day

On May 18, the Clarkstown Council of PTAs Founders Day was celebrated at Felix Festa Middle School. The PTA members presented scholarship awards, acknowledged our Reflections winners and honored two individuals who have given so much to our school community:

New York State PTA Honorary Life Membership Honoree
Dr. Deborah Leh, assistant superintendent for student learning

New York State PTA Distinguished Service Honoree
Joanne Weisbecker, parent and PTA activist

In addition, the PTA presidents were honored for their countless volunteer hours.

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Jesse Kaplan PTA President Honored as "Special Parent"

Dee LaNave, president of the Jesse Kaplan PTA, was the honoree at the
7th Annual Mental Health Association of Rockland County Mental Wellness and Parity Walk. Held on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Rockland Lake State Park, the Walk was designed to raise awareness of the importance of mental wellness in daily life and the need for parity in all mental health treatment services. The theme of the day was "Recognizing Special Parents." Rockland County Legislator Ed Day presented a legislative award to Dee, who is a long-time volunteer and advocate for children.

Celebrating Writers at Link

In an annual celebration of the writing process, Link showcased the talents of its student during their "Young Authors Celebration." Each student wrote his or her autobiography and shared the work during a week-long event. Special guest Clarkstown Supervisor Alex Gromack stopped by to meet the authors.

South Broadcast Students Recognized for PSAs

In addition to meeting the requirements for class, the broadcast students at Clarkstown South filled an important community need. Working with their teacher Helene Fishkin and TA Ilisa Willenbrink, the students created Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in support of emergency services work. The students were honored for their contributions at a ceremony hosted by Verizon at their Nanuet store.

Ms. Fishkin proudly shared the honors of presenting the awards with county volunteer Gail Moggio and a fire officials from the Suffern Fire Department. In addition to a congratulatory plaque, each student received a cash award, made possible through a county Safer Grant. Verizon also gave each student a $50 gift card to their store.

Congratulations to the following students:
- Matt Basile, grade 10
- Danny Cammus, grade 9
- Jake Catsaros, grade 11
- Roberto Dashi, grade 12
- Nick Danyluk, grade 12
- Robert Dempsey, grade 11
- Cassie Fishkin, grade 11
- Joe Griffin, grade 9
- Yasmin Lall, grade 9
- Anthony Pecoraro, grade 12
- Zachary Ringer, grade 11
- Matthew Stephano, grade 9

Congers Has a Field Day!

Celebrating their school community, Congers Elementary shared a day of fun together on June 2nd at their annual field day. After a year of hard work, the students, teachers and parents took time to appreciate the vibrant school community and fellowship they share together. Principal Martha Ryan flew the flag to let the games begin! Head custodian Craig Brownsell served as DJ and the teachers and staff were the games crew. Tug-of-War, relay races, obstacle courses and water balloon tosses were just a few of the featured activities. The students rose to all the challenges!