SEPTEMBER 2015 
Message from the Superintendent
 
Dear Hendrick Hudson Community,
 
While we all enjoy the summer weather and warmth, the start of the school year brings excitement and anticipation. The first few months of school are always filled with the promise that all things are possible.
 
I know this firsthand. I have the pleasure of spending quality time, weekly, with students and staff. I can tell you that there is positive energy throughout our schools.
 
This fall brings some exciting developments in our schools.  Over the summer, work began on the roofs of our buildings to prepare for solar panel installation. This green initiative will pay great dividends for many, many years in stabilizing the cost of energy to the district. Look for upcoming news on this project on the district website and Facebook page.
 
The middle school is about to unveil a new, state-of-the-art science laboratory. Thanks to the diligent work of our maintenance staff this summer, students will soon have access to a 21st century lab, where they will be able to directly apply their learning and engage with curriculum at a deeper level.
 
Our students have settled into their classroom routines and after-school activities are in full swing. Our high school seniors are busy getting college applications out, and teachers and students alike seem to be filled with a sense of purpose. Even while we are busy with the myriad things that define our days, I hope you will take some time to enjoy the glorious fall season with family and friends. After all, the first day of winter may be right around the corner!
 
Joseph E. Hochreiter
Superintendent of Schools
@HenHudSupt
 

Biomedical Science Students Visit Local Emergency Department

Biomedical Innovations students recently visited New York-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital's emergency department. From left to right: Anela Radocic, Scott Glaser, Ashwath Ramesh, Christina Kennedy, Eleanor Shelly, Justine Hudock, Brittney Schiavo and Gabby Siguenza.
 
Plenty of high school students visit their local hospital's Emergency Department for injuries and illnesses. However, when a group of Hendrick Hudson High School students recently visited New York-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital's Emergency Department, not one of them needed medical care. The students, all enrolled in the high school's Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science program, were visiting the facility to see firsthand how an emergency department functions, from layout and design, to staffing and equipment.

The students, eight seniors from Jeanine Hall's Biomedical Innovations class, are in the final year of the PLTW program's four-year sequence. For one of their early assignments this year, the students were charged with researching elements that make an emergency department function as safely and efficiently as possible.

The students, many of whom plan to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) majors in college, observed key components of the department, such as the nurses' station, ambulance bay and triage area. Scott Glaser said, "It was great to see what goes on 'behind the scenes,'" adding that it was eye-opening to learn that many people use the emergency department for their primary medical care when they lack health insurance.

In addition to layout and design, the students were tasked with researching technological innovations and emergency department staffing, topics that were addressed during the tour and at a meeting with Dr. Ron Nutovits, Director of Emergency Medicine, and Dr. Evan Cohen, Assistant Director of Emergency Medicine.

"The doctors really spent a lot of time with us and answered all of our questions," said Eleanor Shelly. "The discussion was extremely relevant to what is going on in the world today as it pertains to healthcare."

Patti Pelican, the hospital's Community Outreach Coordinator, helped arrange the field trip and said the Hendrick Hudson students were "engaged, polite and asked great questions."

Delighted with how the field trip went, teacher Jeanine Hall said, "I look forward to future opportunities to bring the Biomed students out into the community and make connections between class content and the 'real world.'"

Project Lead the Way is a four-year sequence of courses that introduces students to the fields of bio-medical science and engineering. The program, which has been in place at the high school since 2010, includes a four-year sequence of courses which, when combined with college preparatory mathematics and science courses, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and biomedical sciences prior to entering college.

Dr. Ron Nutovits, Director of Emergency Medicine at New York-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital, presented the visiting students with jackets.
Meet Margaret Ruller, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
 
Dr. Margaret Ruller recently joined the Hendrick Hudson School District as Director of Curriculum & Instruction.
Dr. Margaret Ruller wants to see school through the eyes of Hendrick Hudson students. "I want to find out what our students think is great about their school days, as well as what is challenging for them," she said.

Dr. Ruller, the district's new Director of Curriculum & Instruction, means that literally, as she hopes to have the opportunity to shadow some of the district's students during a typical school day.  She also wants to figuratively "step into the shoes" of students, as she believes that their perspective needs to be front and center in terms of curriculum. "I would like to have discussions around the idea of what learning looks like when students have a role in defining it."

Dr. Ruller's student-centered focus is something she feels is well-aligned with the teachers and administrators she's worked with since her appointment in May.  "I've been extremely impressed with the openness of the Hendrick Hudson staff," she said.  "The teachers I've met demonstrate a real eagerness for the work and for partnering and creating 'next steps' to improve the learning in our district." She added, "I've observed a palpable feeling among district teachers and administrators that 'we are all here for the kids.'"

Among Dr. Ruller's first orders of business is a districtwide curriculum audit. The audit process "demands we look deeply at what and how we teach," she said. The audit will provide an opportunity to revise existing or develop new curriculum, and the all-hands-on-deck effort will involve both teachers and administrators. It is estimated to take from 12 to 18 months to complete.

"The audit will help determine whether the district's current curriculum is aligned with recent shifts in standards and will make any necessary changes," said Dr. Ruller. She emphasized, however, that there is still plenty of room for teacher creativity even while responding to standards. "Any standard, be it for music or math, is simply an outcome. We have an opportunity to write curriculum that addresses those desired outcomes, while providing flexibility in how a teacher gets there."

When she isn't researching curriculum or evaluating professional development opportunities for teachers, Dr. Ruller likes to step away from her desk and visit the district's five school buildings. "My work is informed by what I see in our classrooms," she said. "It's one thing to come up with an idea on paper- it's another to see it in action." 
Blue Mountain Middle School students with conductor Dr. Philip Silvey of the Eastman School of Music.
Five Blue Mountain Middle School Musicians Perform in New York State Honors Choir
 
This past summer, five students represented Hendrick Hudson in the New York Middle School Honors Choir. This event is held every year in Albany and hosted by the New York chapter of the American Choral Director's Association (ACDA). Click HERE for more.
Left to right: Hendrick Hudson High School students Ellen Gruber, Katie Johnson and Cassandra Cavalieri will be participating in the NYSSMA All-State Music Conference this winter.
Hendrick Hudson HS Musicians Heading to Elite Music Conference
 
Hendrick Hudson High School is proud to announce that several students have achieved one of the highest honors a high school musician can attain: selection to the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Music Conference in Rochester, N.Y.  Senior Cassandra Cavalieri has been selected to perform in the Mixed Chorus (soprano) and junior Ellen Gruber was selected to perform with the Symphony Orchestra (oboe). Senior Katie Johnson was selected as an alternate alto, and Cassandra was also named an alternate bassoonist. Click HERE for more.   
Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School's new Ambassadors. Back row: Olivia, Danielle, Valerie and Elizabeth. Front row: Sean, Nikki and Tiffany.
Buchanan-Verplanck Students Become School Ambassadors
 
For the past two years, fifth grade students at Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School have had the opportunity to apply for the position of B-V Ambassadors. B-V Ambassadors represent the school in a positive fashion, educate the school community and assist with various activities, as needed. Click HERE for more.  
Frank G. Lindsey P.R.I.D.E. Assemblies Stress the Positive
 
Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School principal Donna Torrisi met with students during a P.R.I.D.E. assembly.
Last month, all grade levels at Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School met with Principal Donna Torrisi to discuss appropriate behaviors in classrooms and buses; how to work as a team; and how to be respectful of others' feelings, opinions and differences. These P.R.I.D.E. (Positive attitude, Respect, I am Responsible, Do my best, Empathy) assemblies give students a chance to discuss issues they frequently face in school and how they can all help make the school environment safe and enjoyable for everyone. Click HERE for more.  
Furnace Woods' Welcoming Book Club 
 
Members of the Furnace Woods Elementary School book club met recently with principal, Dr. Cindy Kramer. 

Once a week you can find a group of Furnace Woods Elementary School fifth graders in Principal Cindy Kramer's cozy office, discussing the latest books they are reading. It's the weekly gathering of the school's new book club and, according to Dr. Kramer, the goal is to "get students reading more and help reluctant readers to enjoy it more."

Every fifth grader will have the opportunity to participate in one of the book club's eight-week sessions. "Some are more eager than others, but we are keeping the structure very loose, so that all students feel comfortable," said Dr. Kramer.

Students can choose any book they like, and unlike most adult book clubs, there is no pressure to have a book finished by the time the group meets. "We meet in my office for about half an hour each week," said Dr. Kramer. "The students bring whatever book they are reading at the time. We spend some time reading our own books, and then we talk about a shared topic such as characters or setting."

Dr. Kramer started the book club last spring with a small group of students. It went so well that she decided to expand the idea to include every fifth grader in the school.

As the students chat about which books they like, recommendations are naturally made. "Some of the best books I've read have been recommended to me by students in the book club," said Dr. Kramer.  
National Merit Scholarship Commended Students, from left to right: Hendrick Hudson High School seniors Danielle Bufano, Spencer Mazzilli and Kennan Ewing.

Three Hendrick Hudson HS Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Commended Students
 
Hendrick Hudson High School seniors Danielle Bufano, Kennan Ewing and Spencer Mazzilli have been named Commended Students in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship program. Click HERE for more. 
Scenes Seen Around School

Hendrick Hudson cheerleaders at the Sailors' Homecoming football game in October.
B-V students observed a firefighter up close and personal during Fire Prevention day.
Furnace Woods physical education teacher Chris Wickel earned $50 for the school's PE program from PEcentral.com for her bulletin board on the topic of brain development.
Blue Mountain Middle School principal John Owens and a group of students show off "loaner pencils" printed with the slogan "Do You Own It?" to encourage responsibility.

The Hendrick Hudson High School orchestra and band recently visited Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School to introduce students to the district's instrumental programs.

Meet & Greets at Dunkin' Donuts
The first Meet & Greet session with the Superintendent of Schools and School Board members was held on Saturday, October 17. The schedule for the remaining sessions is: December 12, 2015; Sunday, January 10, 2016; Saturday, March 12, 2016; Saturday, April 9, 2016; and Saturday, May 14, 2016. All community members are welcome to join us to discuss any school-related issues in an informal setting. The location is Dunkin' Donuts, at 113 Albany Post Road, near Catherine St. in Buchanan.  Please check the school district website for any last-minute updates or weather-related changes.

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Visit our District's website at www.henhudschools.org