Upcoming
Events and Event Highlights Upcoming Events and
Event Highlights has been created to keep you posted of
district happenings during the
2009/2010 school year. This page is
updated frequently so please do check back often. To
view many of the student achievements at SOCSD, go to
Student and Staff Achievements
Orangetown
Substance Abuse Committee has
established an anonymous underage drinking
hotline and text line 845.826.4026 to report
underage drinking parties, kids in crisis,
etc.
Upcoming
Events
COME RUN/WALK WITH
US TO HELP KEEP TEENS SUBSTANCE FREE Sponsored by South
Orangetown Community Awareness of Substance Abuse & Students
Against Destructive Decisions When: Saturday, October 23, 2010 Place: South Orangetown Middle School Time: Registration-9:00AM Race: 10:00AM Entry Form
Students in Mr. James
Sharkey and Ms. Tara Nespoli's third grade classes wrapped up their
biography unit study by presenting The TZE Wax Museum. The cast of
characters ranged from George Washington to Taylor Swift. Biographical
research was done by the students and displayed on tri-fold poster
boards. They also did a 30 second informative skit about their chosen
personage. Parents, students and staff were invited to see these
characters come to life when they pressed a button. "The students did a
great job on the research, display, and performance of their biography
study," raved Sharkey.
Brownies
Recycle for Tappan Zee Elementary
When Girl Scout Troop 40733 at
Tappan Zee Elementary had to make a decision in choosing a community
service project, they decided they wanted to improve the recycling
efforts at their own school. The troop, all of whom attend third grade
at TZE made and displayed signs in their cafeteria reminding their
classmates to reuse and recycle. Additionally, they donated and
decorated a recycling can to be used at the school. The troop (shown
here) surrounding their recycled recycling can.
TZHS Spanish Honor Society Says "Hola"
to Cottage Lane
Over 40 Spanish Honor Society
students from Tappan Zee High School visited Cottage Lane on May 25th to
give students in the fifth grade classes Spanish lessons. The young
students enthusiastically received their "teachers" for the 20-minute
session involving vocabulary, pictures, word bingo, and other games.
This is the Spanish Honor Society's eighth in what has become an annual
excursion to Cottage Lane. TZHS Spanish teachers Elise Moloney and Peter
Burgos said students in the Spanish Honor Society enjoy this opportunity
every year and wished to thank Cottage Lane Principal Brian Culot and
all of the fifth grade teachers for their continued support of the
project.
Highlights from Rock
the Point
May 6, 2010 at the Turning Point
Students in Ms.
Sorensen's gifted and talented classes sponsored a benefit
concert for Haiti relief directed and produced by Ms. Sorensen
on May 6, 2010 at
The Turning Point in Piermont, New York. Students showcased
their amazing talents to a "sold-out" audience.
Mr. Paul Guglielmo played his amazing guitar. Dr. Ken Mitchell
played an amazing "blues" harmonica.
Proceeds will help provide book-bags, pencils, pens and
notebooks for Haitian school children who continue to suffer as
a result of the devastating earthquake.
Tappan
Zee PTSA Presents 19th Annual Tappan Zee High School Project Graduation
The Tappan
Zee High School PTSA will once again support and run Project Graduation
’10 for the senior class of Tappan Zee High School. Running from
Thursday, June 24th, (graduation day), until the early hours of Friday
June 25th, Project Graduation is a supervised, substance-free, all-night
party given to the graduating students. Now in its 19th year, the event
originated as an alternative to the predictable graduation night
drinking and driving temptations, and, as a commitment to keeping TZHS
graduates safe after the ceremonies.
Project Graduation is made possible through donations and financial
support of the South Orangetown business community, South Orangetown
Central School District parents, community residents, the Town of
Orangetown and the South Orangetown Education Foundation, which this
year, as lead sponsor, has made a donation of $2,500. Project Graduation
includes all-night entertainment featuring a DJ, jousting, an inflatable
obstacle course, human foosball, volleyball, basketball, a 10-station
game fest, a comedian and all night food, with breakfast served at 4:00
am by senior class parents.
Parents and community members chaperone the event in shifts beginning at
11:00 PM through 3:30 AM. If you are interested in volunteering or
making a monetary or in-kind donation, please contact Denise Jensen at
365-1454 or e-mail
TZHSProjectGrad@aol.com.
Tappan
Zee Elementary's Grandmas Honored
On Thursday May 6th TZE’s Grandmas were honored at Rockland County’s
42nd Annual Foster Grandparent Recognition Dinner at the Casa Mia Manor
House Blauvelt, NY. Grandmas Marie, Flora, Lola and Sarah, volunteer
their time each week in five TZE classrooms working closely with
teachers in encouraging and nurturing students to do their best. The
students have developed a very special bond with their “school
grandmas”, and the grandmas love being a part of an extended family. TZE
Principal Bill Lee commented, "This valuable school-community
partnership has created a significant secondary support system for so
many of our young students at TZE over the past six years. I am
extremely hopeful this project will continue for a long time to come."
TZHS
LEOS and Blauvelt Lions Walk for Sight
On Saturday, April 17, 2010 the TZHS Leos
raised $450.00 in a walk held at Eugene Levy Park in New City/Pomona.
Together with donations received by the Blauvelt Lions and other Lions
Clubs in District 20, approximately $5,000 was raised for assorted
charities for the blind including Guiding Eyes for the Blind, The
Association for the Visually Impaired, and others.
On Saturday, April 24th, the Leos and Lions decided to visit one of the
charities for which they fundraise throughout the year. They chose The
Guiding Eyes for the Blind, which trains and provides seeing eye dogs to
the visually impaired is located in Yorktown, NY. The day was filled
with puppies and dogs in all stages of training for the program. Leos
and Lions attended a "graduation" and watched an emotional ceremony in
which guide dogs and their new partners in life graduated from the
program and em"barked" on their new life together. "It was an uplifting
and exhilarating experience to be able to witness the entire program in
a few short hours," said Leo advisor Tricia Castelli. "It gives an
entirely new perspective to the daily obstacles faced by the blind as
well as to the amount of time and efforts put forth by so many
volunteers and workers, that goes into raising and training a seeing eye
dog. The Leos were truly moved by the experience."
COVE Students Meet the Challenge
In
an ongoing effort to promote healthy living, TZHS COVE (Consortium for
Occupational and Vocational Education) teacher Bonnie McCort spearheaded
the 2nd Annual COVE Fitness challenge held on Friday, May 7 at the TZHS
field. The participants for the Challenge included all TZHS COVE
students and many staff as well as two BOCES classes visiting from the
North Rockland area; Ms. Barbara Galli's class of 5 students and Ms.
Kathleen Conti's class of 8 students. The bleachers were made up of
cheering parents and families who were invited to support the effort.
Marines from the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines out of 29 Palms,
California attended the event and "coached" the students in warm-up
exercises. Also in attendance, in an effort to keep his figure in
control, was ZEE, who accompanied the walkers around the track sharing
high fives and hugs all along the way.
The event culminated in an award ceremony celebrating the successful
completion of the challenge by the students. After the ceremony on the
field, TZHS COVE students had lunch, which included the homemade pasta
they made with the help of the staff.
TZHS Art Student Chosen to
Display Work at Bruce Museum
TZHS sophomore, Juan M. was one of 33
regional high school artists chosen to have his work displayed in the "iCreate"
Teen Art exhibition at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut. The
juried selection of works, organized by the Bruce Museum Youth
Committee, is comprised of two dimensional artwork including paintings,
drawings and mixed-media pieces submitted by high school art students.
Area high school art departments were advised of the contest by the
Youth Committee through distributed fliers, and a Facebook invitation
for students to participate. An independent three member jury comprised
of Bruce Museum staff and the Greenwich Arts Council served as judges.
The top entries are mounted in the Museum's Lecture Gallery. Digital
images of all submitted works will be compiled on a CD and made
available during the exhibition and other Museum events.
Juan attends Tappan Zee High School and is a student of art teacher
Barbara LaBrake.
SOCSD Music Students Participate In All-County Festival
The much awaited, long delayed RCMEA (Rockland County Music Educators
Association) Intermediate All-County Music Festival finally took place
on Saturday April 24, at Nanuet HS, after having been cancelled due to a
February snowstorm. The change of date and venue allowed the Festival to
be completed without a snag. South Orangetown CSD students participated
in all three concerts. Seven students played as part of the orchestra,
nine students participated with the band, and seven took part as members
of the chorus. Music students in grades 4 - 6 in all districts of the
County are eligible to play in the Intermediate All-County Festival.
Selection is by audition at the New York State School Music Association
(NYSSMA) Festival generally held in May of the previous year.
TO ITALY AND BACK FOR 55 TZHS STUDENTS
When 55 TZHS students returned from an educationally enlightening and
uplifting trip to Rome, Sorrento/Capri, Pompei/Naples, Palermo,
Taormina, Agrigento, and Mt. Etna during their trip to Italy this year,
their voyage was not yet over. As part of the trip assignment, each of
the students had to assemble an album recreating their experiences
through pictures, and text. Gathering the group together again to show
off their albums was not an easy task but once they got together again,
they were more than happy to share their work.
Cottage Lane Cello Students Visit the Esplanade at Palisades
On Tuesday,
April 27, residents at The Esplanade at Palisades, in Palisades, NY
enjoyed an evening of music provided by three cellists from Mr. Matt
Rotjan’s music class at Cottage Lane Elementary. Elinor G., Jenna L.,
and Andrea K. played as a small group, performing ensemble arrangements,
including French Folk Song, Song of the Wind, Allegro, May Song, and O
Come, Little Children. "It was a beautiful evening and great to be out
in the community sharing music!" said Rotjan.
SOMS
Art Students Create Posters for Peace
Students at
South Orangetown Middle School participated along youth worldwide in the
annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. The contest, open to
students aged 11 - 13 in schools and youth groups encourages young
people globally to express their visions of peace. The 2009-2010 contest
theme is “The Power of Peace.”
The contest allows entries in a variety of mediums. The following
students were chosen to represent South Orangetown Middle School; Will
F., Gr 6, Olivia R., Gr 7, Katie K., Katie P., and Erin S., Gr 8.
SOMS Art Students Display at
Town of Orangetown Event
Eight South Orangetown Middle School students had their artwork
displayed at the Town of Orangetown Recycling and Earth Day event held
on Saturday April 24th at Tappan Zee HS. The students created work to
accompany Orangetown Poet of the Year, Rose Marie Raccioppi's poem,
"Abundance BE", a thematic piece for National Poetry Month and Earth
Day. Participating in the event were: Brianna Y., Ellie K., Caitlin N.,
Dana C., Chris C., Olivia R., Corin G., and Lauren M.
SOMS Art Students Participate in
Studio in Art Exhibition
During
the month of May, forty Studio in Art students from the South
Orangetown Middle School will be exhibiting their art work at the Dennis
P. McHugh Piermont Library in Piermont, New York. Studio in Art,
an advanced high school level course, is offered to eighth grade
students under the guidance of art teachers Karen Garguilo and Beth
Dougherty.
The course explores a wide range of methods and materials involved in
drawing and painting, graphic design, and printmaking. The elements of
art and the principles of design are emphasized.
The exhibit offers a variety of art media, pen and ink, scratchboard,
watercolor, acrylic paintings, and pencil drawings. Students
participating in the event are:
Mikayla A., Rachel A., Christa B., Julia B., Dana C., Nicholas C.
Matthew C., Christine C., Monica D., Besnik D., Ravina G., Elizabeth G.,
Madison G., Paulina G., Olivia J., Alberto K., Jeanne K., Katie K.,
Soohyun K., Ellie K., Katie K., Shannin L., Savannah L., Mara M., Brigid
M., Kristen M., Zoe M., Maureen N., Siobhan N., Molly O., Connie P.,
Akta P., Kathleen P., Carolyn Q., Michael R., Erin S., Michael T., Clara
W., Graham W., and Brianna Y.,
There will be an opening reception on Sunday May 2nd from 2:00 – 4:00
pm. at the library.
SOMS Students Enjoy Arthur Avenue's Culinary Offerings
On Thursday, April 15th the South
Orangetown Middle School Italian Club spent a culturally enriching and
enjoyable day touring the stores and shoppes of Arthur Ave. and 187th
St., an old and historic Italian section of the Bronx. The group of 54
were welcomed by the community starting with Addeo Bakery. Students and
chaperones were treated to a tour of the bakery and a recount of its
history. After sampling some of the delicious baked goods, the group
went on to Casa della Mozzerella to witness the making of mozzarella
cheese. Next stop on the visit was Borgatti's for fresh made pasta. The
students then experienced the Arthur Ave Market with its countless
booths, and then completed the neighborhood tour looking around in many
of the other shops. The call for lunch was eagerly answered with a visit
to Giovanni's. Italian Club teacher Ms. Roberta Avantifiore said, "The
entire group had a great day. Everyone had a terrific time."
Cottage Lane Establishes 21st
Century Virtual Connection With Korean Students
On
Wednesday, April 21st, fourth graders from Ms. Christie-Blick's class at
Cottage Lane Elementary School used video conferencing tools to link up
with an elementary classroom in South Korea. The project, planned in
collaboration with The Center for International Virtual Schooling (IVS)
in New York City, is being orchestrated and implemented, at no cost to
Cottage Lane Elementary School, or the South Orangetown Central School
District.
The idea for this special initiative emerged when 4th grade teacher
Kottie Christie-Blick and Technology teacher Jacob Tanenbaum met Dr.
Eunhee Jung O’Neill, Director of IVS, while speaking at a the National
Association for Gifted Children conference last fall. Communication has
since been ongoing, investigating the possibilities of bringing this
project to fruition. For the past several weeks, students and teachers
have been communicating with each other using a computer platform called
a Moodle. The children post typed messages, photos, voice recordings,
and videos to a “message board,” which everyone in the Cottage Lane
class and Gwangju class are able to see. Each week, the teachers in the
US and Korea collaborate on lesson plans so that both classes
participate in the same lessons at the same time.
Because of the 13 hour time difference between the United States and
Korea, Cottage Lane students returned to school Wednesday evening in
order to join their partner class at Gwangju Elementary School in
Gwangju, South Korea on Thursday morning. Using a Webcam and video
conferencing software, children in both classes raised their hands to
answer questions in teams as students and teachers on both sides of the
exchange discussed folk tales from each culture.
The joint class Skype session was just one piece of the extensive
collaboration that has taken place between the two schools. The children
have much to talk about as they share information about their cultures,
helping children in a different country understand their customs. This
21st century mode of communication allows students to learn about a
different culture, working with children from a different country on
common curriculum goals to solve real-world problems, in addition to
helping all the children begin to develop a deeper global perspective.
As the Americans begin to understand an Asian culture, and the Koreans
begin to understand the American culture, all are growing to respect
each others’ differences, appreciate the fact that we all have much in
common, and realize that now, in the 21st century, the other side of the
world is not really so very far away.
A New Generation of Movie
Moguls Surface at WOS
For their "Non-Fiction" unit of study,
students in Mrs. Jennifer Jacobs 1st grade class at the William O.
Schaefer school just finished publishing a piece of writing. As part of
the unit, they worked on the skills and nonfiction strategies used by
writers when they are trying to teach their readers about a topic in
which they have expertise. Research tools included the internet, things
from home and the school/classroom library. Students also learned the
differences in approach to reading fiction and non-fiction.
After completing both their fiction and non-fiction units, Ms. Jacobs
decided the posters generally done as a culminating project for the
writing units, are quickly becoming passé. Since much work was now being
done with computer programs, cameras and movie making software, she
thought the students might enjoy an attempt at making non-fiction movies
instead of posters.
Groups were assigned, and the children are using The Super 3 to plan,
coordinate and make informative movies about their chosen topics. They
are currently using Photo Story 3, the digital cameras and computers
independently to put their movies together. The entire project is being
managed and run by the children ( with a bit of assistance from Ms.
Jacobs). The end result will be a single movie, composed of each group's
short movie, ending with snippets of the children reading and recording
of their non-fiction writing pieces during the process.
Observing Earth
Day at TZE
Ms. Nespoli & Mr. Sharkey's third grade classes were
very busy on Earth Day. They started the day off
cleaning out the fitness trail in the back of Tappan
Zee Elementary School. The students raked up leaves
and threw out any litter they could find. The
students also brought in recyclables and had a
fashion show. The students worked very hard and were
very creative.
TZE's
Dr. Lee Camps Out for Kindness
On April 15th, TZE's
Principal, Dr. William Lee pitched his tent outside the school and made
good on a previous promise to his students, that, as part of their
character ed program, if they collectively received over 1,500 Acts of
Kindness (AOK) tickets, he would camp out for the night. The tickets,
distributed monthly to all staff members, can be given to any student(s)
observed in the performance of an act of kindness. The students overshot
their goal, receiving 1,640 tickets, and under questionable skies, Dr.
Lee prepared for his "night out". As part of the event, a food donation
station was created, and Dr. Lee invited students to visit him during
the early evening bringing with them non-perishable food items which
would be collected at the "campsite" and donated to People to People.
Six boxes of food was collected by 8 pm and, along with Scooby Doo, Zee,
a spider and a few other friends, Dr. Lee turned in for the
night.......he thought. As a special surprise, students in Mr. Sharkey's
3rd grade class arranged to have a pizza delivered for his dinner. After
that, it was lights out for the night. The Piermont Police Department
kindly agreed to make sure Dr. Lee was safe all night checking up on him
routinely. Of course, it was clear to all that Zee, Scooby Doo and
friends had that in control the entire time.
Hidden
Letters Authors Visit SOMS Students
As part of an ongoing goal to reinforce the importance for students to
identify, evaluate, and reflect on their own learning in order to
develop an empathetic understanding of other people and other cultures
in the school and global community, SOMS Library Media Specialist, Patty
Eyer recently arranged for a visit by authors Deborah Slier and her
husband Ian Shine who researched & annotated the book, Hidden Letters.
The book was made possible
through letters found in 1997 during the demolition of a small family
house in Amsterdam, when the foreman found two bundles of papers hidden
in a ceiling. The papers consisted of 86 letters, postcards, and a
telegram sent from an 18 1/2 year-old Dutch boy, Philip “Flip” Slier, to
his parents while he was imprisoned in a forced labor camp in Holland
during the Holocaust.
The foreman, realizing the
importance of the letters, took them to the Dutch National Institute of
War Documentation under the condition that he be told what happened to
the boy and his family, and whether there were any survivors. The
letters found their way to Deborah (first cousin to "Flip") and Ian
Shine in 1999.
The Shines spent the better
part of the next 7 years traveling back and forth to Europe in search of
relatives, friends, stories and pictures in an effort to unravel the
conditions, fears, and courage that underlined Flip's letters to his
family, during his brief life in the work camp.
Since Hidden Letters was
published, the authors have graciously visited with students and
different organizations to share with them the complex, multifaceted,
difficult, sometimes delightful and sometimes heartbreaking discoveries
that came of their research into Flip's short life. "It is our hope",
commented Mr. Shine, "that after hearing us talk and learning about
Flip, at least one child will step up to the plate when they see someone
being bullied or ridiculed, and rather than thinking, "Thank goodness
they're not picking on me," will speak up and say, "Quit it!" After all,
it usually only takes one brave person to speak up for others to follow.
"
Author
David Lubar Visits Cottage Lane Elementary
Prolific children's book author David Lubar
spent two days at Cottage Lane Elementary School talking to classes
about the many processes involved writing books. Where do ideas come
from ? How do we morph them into a finished book? How many rejections
can an author expect before he gets his first book published? How much
does an author get paid? Students sat with pen and paper in hand and
responded to a number of different creative challenges tossed at them.
They were asked to write a list of titles. Merely words at this point
and anything that pops out. From writing down words, creative mind
images are born, which leads to creative thoughts. Students were then
asked to write a first line with a "hook" that would make the audience
want to read further. Pens were moving swiftly and one could hear a pin
drop in the room of 5th graders as their creative sides were taking
over. The entire lecture was focused on demonstrating to students the
power of the written word and the different steps used in achieving the
end result. Lubar then took some time to explain his motivation in the
creation of his Weenie series of books. He closed by giving some final
writing tips and answering questions volleyed to him by his mesmerized
audience.
Pi
- It's Not Just for Dessert Anymore
View the entire day On Wednesday, March 24th the annual
observation of Mu-Fest was held at Tappan Zee HS. The day-long fair,
which takes place in the TZHS library, features original math games
created by the members of Mu Alpha Theta under the direction of teachers
Seth Resnikoff and Jeanne Benecke. The entire TZHS student body rotates
in and out of the library all day to enjoy the fun and challenges of the
festivity. As a special part of the Mu Fest tradition, three of Cottage
Lane Elementary's 5th grade classes visit the fair at the high school's
library to play the math games and answer the age appropriate math
challenges prepared expressly for them. All day long, the winners from
each challenge receive tickets which can be redeemed for healthy snack
treats.
TZHS
Students Use 21st Century Skills to Expand Global Horizons
Last week, students in Ms.
Patricia Castelli and Miss Maria Stillo's Italian V classes combined
their 21st Century knowledge and technology with their advanced Italian
language skills to videochat with Italian journalist Giovanni Elia, from
Siena, Italy. Elia, now in his late twenties, studied for a year at
Vassar College. TZHS students were eager to ask him questions about his
experience studying abroad (in the United States) and his college and
work experience in Italy. They discussed his views on politics, soccer
teams, and both Italian and American music. Students took notes
throughout the conversation and wrote an essay about the information
learned during the videoconference with their new Italian friend. The
students discovered a great deal about Italian life, and anxiously await
their next Videochatting opportunity.
Deluge Cannot Deter We
The People Not
to outdo the USPS, but, neither, rain, nor wind, nor flood,
nor downed trees and power lines, nor electrical outages
could stop We The People from the extremely successful
completion of its appointed round. There was nothing
uplifting about the rain soaked day other than the
multicultural mosaic, that has become the South Orangetown
community, welcoming all visitors to enjoy its many cultures
and foods. Nineteen countries set up tables and flags
representing almost every part of the world. Costumes and
entertainment were provided by SOCSD students, parents and
community groups. Although the weather and its aftermath
became front page news, We The People enjoyed a spectacular
turnout for what has now become an SOCSD annual "gotta go"
event. Next on the list of things to do ???? Getting right
back to the drawing board to start planning We The People
2011.
Using
21st Century Skills to Revisit the 20th Century
After hearing the
Billy Joel hit song, "We Didn't Start The Fire", students in
Ms. Kristen Murphy's 8th grade ELA class were all "fired up"
with a need to research the 20th Century and everything that
came with it. What was happening "in the old days" ???? The
hit song sparked interest, creativity, and inquiries as to
the people, events, inventions, books, songs, movies,
disasters, scandals, etc. that distinguished the 20th
Century. Students embraced the challenge by using 21st
century technology (from Google Search Engines to Google
Documents to music videos, iPods, and Smartboards) in their
quest to revisit the 20th Century. Citing resources and
using reference materials brought students to an all new
level of excitement since their research was based on all of
their passions and interests. Using the technology of the
21st Century brought the 20th Century that much closer to
students eager to learn how it used to be. Wonder what was
happening in the 19th Century!
Family
Resource Center Kicks Off Annual Tuna March
With a hint of sun
finally evident in the sky, The South Orangetown Family
Resource Center mustered their forces, collected their
drums, and marched around the William O. Schaefer school
letting everyone know it's annual Tuna March time. Ms.
Margaret Umbrino, coordinator of The Family Resource Center
organized the march signaling the beginning of the canned
tuna drive which will continue through April 9th. All cans
of tuna collected will then be donated to Rockland's Meals
on Wheels. Tuna cans can be dropped off at William O.
Schaefer, Tappan Zee Elementary, and Cottage Lane
Elementary.
Cottage Lane Visits
the Challenger Center
Last week, Cottage
Lane's fifth grade students had the opportunity to visit the
Challenger Center in Suffern, NY. The "junior astronauts"
were confronted with 21st century interactive learning
experiences involving teamwork, communication, problem
solving, and critical thinking skills. They experienced
working in a simulated environment emulating a visit to the
moon, while responding and reacting to situations which
might be encountered during space travel.
TZHS
Italian Students Enjoy La Boheme At The Met
Fifty-five
Tappan Zee High School students, family members and teachers
attended a performance of Giacomo Puccini's opera La Boheme
at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center on Tuesday
evening, March 2nd. Each year, as part of the Italian
curriculum, Italian teachers Tricia Castelli, Maria Stillo
and Christina Crowe teach a unit on Italian opera, selecting
a different opera each year, and watching video clips from
that opera. As a closing to the unit, students, their
families and friends have the opportunity to participate in
the yearly trip to the Met. "The performance was a
spectacular conclusion to the opera unit", said Castelli.
"It's always exciting to see the reaction on the students
faces to live opera."
Brrrrrrrrr.....But
Not Too Cold For Penguins !!
Tappan Zee HS students were out
in full force on a cold February 28th, in support of this
year's annual Penguin Plunge to raise funds for Rockland
County's Sean DePatto and Mickey Reeves. The TZHS Lacrosse
Team and the TZHS Leos donned suits and braved the reported
38 degree waters of the Hudson River.
Penguin Plunge, Inc. assists the families of seriously ill
children with the huge cost of medical and related health
issues. The TZHS students helped out by selling tickets and
raffles, distributing T-shirts, serving donated food and
snacks and "working" the warming tent. Over 100 brave souls
plunged into the Hudson at Nyack Memorial Park.
Plop,
Plop, Fizz, Fizz
SOMS Science Class Employs New Uses For Headache Relief
Students in Mr. Stephen Cohn’s
8th grade Earth Science class were busy at work last week
testing the effect of temperature on the rate of chemical
weathering. This lab reviewed many skills covered in past
years of Science and Math, as well as new concepts students
learned this year. The class was broken up into groups. Each
group had to bring a beaker of tap water to a pre-determined
temperature either by adding boiling water or ice cubes.
When the correct water temperature was reached, an
Alka-Seltzer tab was dropped into it and the length of time
the tablet took to dissolve was recorded. Results were then
shared and the information from 5 different beakers, each
with a different temperature, and the time it took to
dissolve the tablet, was graphed. Final observation: The
hotter water dissolved the tablet in the least amount of
time, and the colder water took the longest to dissolve the
tab.
Tappan Zee Elementary Students
Separate Fact From Fiction
Tappan Zee Elementary
School teacher Eileen Griffith, along with her student teacher, Desirae
Olsen, a 2005 SOCSD graduate, presently attending St. Thomas Aquinas
College, recently completed a three week ELA unit of study on the genre
of non-fiction. Olsen, who will be graduating in May with a BS in
elementary education/special education grades 1 - 6,worked closely with
the students during this unit. Included topics were: a study of the
elements of non-fiction, the differences between a fact and an opinion,
the creation of a class "Fact Box," in which students placed facts from
their independent non-fiction reading, and also, the creation of an
animal research project.
As a culminating
activity, Ms. Olsen created an audio-video slide show,
including non-fiction captions for each student's photograph
which she gave to each child to bring home. "This was very
exciting for the students as it created a direct
self-to-text connection between themselves and the
curriculum being studied", commented Ms. Griffith. The
non-fiction unit of study will continue this week with an
interdisciplinary approach between ELA and Social Studies
whereby each child will prepare a report on one of the fifty
states in the United States.
William O. Schaefer Students
Rock Rockland's Read-In
The Annual Rockland Read-In is a countywide
event sponsored by the Rockland School Library System (RSLS) giving
students in the county, at all grade levels, an opportunity to share in
the joy of reading. Each participating school building reports to the
RSLS the number of minutes spent reading during the Read-In. RSLS in
turn tallies the number of minutes spent reading county-wide.
The William O. Schaefer School, one of the five SOCSD participating
buildings, spent the day enjoying shared activities. Grandmas and
Grandpas joined classes to read with the students while parents
contributed healthy snacks and fruit for munching. Comfy pajamas were
the dress of the day and, walking through the school, it was not unusual
to see students lying on their pillows, legs crossed, engrossed in their
books of choice.
Students in Ms. Kerri Goldstein's 1st grade class were surprised with a
visit from NYS Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski who spoke with students and
then sat down and read a book to them.
"It's a wonderful day spent in appreciation of the importance of
reading and the many pleasures we get from it," commented William O.
Schaefer Principal, Nora Polansky.
...but where's the
book ?
Students at Tappan Zee
Elementary had a big surprise when, unbeknownst to them, they were about
to become the authors of this month's read aloud book. Every month, the
new word of the month is introduced during the read aloud at each
grade's assembly. This month, Principal Bill Lee, Asst. Principal Beth
Lipton, and school psychologist Sean Jones decided to put a new twist on
the project by announcing to the assembly, there was no book, and asking
the students if they thought they themselves could be this month's
authors. An overwhelming positive response was heard and very soon a
theme was decided upon. The book would be based on recent events and
people they had been studying this month. They would write about Haiti.
After seeing slides of Haiti's beautiful topography and vegetation
before the earthquake, and pictures of the major damage afterward,
students developed a story that depicted their thoughts, feelings,
actions and understanding, as well as their hopes and dreams for the
future of Haiti and its people. As a result of the assembly, the
students secured a deeper understanding of national and global issues
and the effects those issues can have on humanity.
The word of
the month..............thankful.
TZHS
Creates Blankets for Project Linus
TZHS teachers Ms. Donna Grasso
and Ms. Barbara LaBrake worked with students in their 3-D I & II
classes, instructing them on knitting and crocheting in preparation for
creating blankets for donation to Project Linus. Project Linus is a
nationwide group of volunteers whose goal is to provide love, a sense of
security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill,
traumatized, or otherwise in need, through the gifts of new, handmade
blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
Originally focused on cancer patients, Project Linus has expanded its
focus to include any seriously ill child including those waiting for
organ transplants, heart surgery, children suffering from AIDS, burns,
child abuse, and other life-threatening conditions. TZHS will donate
several blankets to the project.
As part of their studies
of the French language and culture, SOMS students recreated the
world famous celebration of the Nice Carnival. This event is well
known for its flower floats as well as the beautiful area of France
it is set in. The Nice Carnival is one of the major carnival events,
along with the Brazilian Carnival and the Venetian Carnival. It is
held annually in February in Nice, France. The event attracts over a
million visitors every year and spans a two week period with the
final day on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).
This year’s theme at the SOMS Carnival was “Our Blue Planet”.
After having researched the history and the customs associated with
this celebration, French students took their Problem Based Learning
Projects and created floats on topics related to environmental
issues. The floats were exhibited in the SOMS library where Art
teachers and various observers rated them. Winners were declared
Kings and Queens of the 2010 SOMS French Carnival! "We were
overwhelmed with the amazing creativity and enthusiasm the students
showed for this project," commented SOMS French teacher Ms.
Marie-Laure Spatz.
SOMS
Heeds the Call of the Wild
Students in the 8th grade
of the South Orangetown Middle School had the opportunity to learn
about the plight of the North American Wolf. Representatives from
the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY, came to the
assembly, accompanied by Atka, a grey wolf, to attempt to clear up
common misconceptions regarding wolves. "It is our job", said
Maggie, who was leading the lecture, "to make sure wolves will be
around for a long time. Wild wolves are elusive and will stay away
from humans," she continued. "It is the mission of the Wolf
Conservation Center to promote wolf conservation through education,
and to convey the fact that wolves in the wild are not dangerous to
people, but are, in fact, afraid of them. Wolves will run if they
see humans," she added. After asking the students to remain seated,
Atka was brought in by his handler, Becky. He walked all around the
auditorium giving everyone the opportunity to see him at close range
while he observed his surroundings. As he continued his observation,
students were given the chance to pose any questions they had. When
the assembly was over, Maggie invited students to visit the Wolf
Conservation Center in South Salem, NY, to see some of the wolf pups
and to be able to study the wolves in their natural habitat.
SOMS Music Department Field
Trip a Huge Success!
186 students
enjoyed a production of “42nd Street” at the Westchester Broadway
Theatre this February. Representing the major performing ensembles
of SOMS, students witnessed the spectacles of live professional and
high-quality acting, dancing, music, lighting, and set design...
many for the first time! Our students were commended by theater
administration and staff, actors/actresses, and several additional
parties in attendance for their outstanding behavior and enthusiasm.
Many thanks to the SOCSD community for supporting our students and
Music Department!
Family
Resource Center Hears The Story of Stone Soup
Last week, The
South Orangetown Family Resource Center welcomed Sarah, her
brother Lucas and their Mom to hear the story of "Stone
Soup" by author Jon J. Muth, which was being read to the
children that day. The story is based on an old fairy tale
in which strangers trick a starving town into giving them
food to make a soup. "It is actually a lesson in cooperation
and teamwork", said FRC coordinator Margaret Umbrino. After
hearing the story, the children made their own "Stone Soup"
in Miss Margaret's magic oven. Sarah came dressed, "all in
gray, looking like a stone" to make the special soup.
Delicious stone soup was had by all to warm a cold winter's
day.
SOMS Builds
Stronger Math Skills Through Technology
SOMS
Math teacher Mrs. Kathleen Moore and her student teacher
from Iona College, Frank Keenan, skyped with “Frank the
Builder” in an exercise requiring her students to use their
math skills and concepts in solving real world problems.
“Frank the Builder” is planning a home improvement project
to finish his basement. “Frank” asked the students to assist
him with calculating the amount of insulation he would need
to insulate his four walls. He also asked them to calculate
the number of gallons of paint required based on the square
footage of the basement. Students used measurement
conversions and area formulas in order to compose a response
to "Frank" that answered his questions about the amount of
paint and insulation he needs for his basement. Ms. Moore
observed, "The students enjoyed participating in, and
working together with their classmates on the problem
solving skills needed to complete this interactive
activity." One of the students was heard commenting that
this is much better than staring at a worksheet!
Internet
Safety Presentation
How to keep your children
safe as they use the web.
South
Orangetown Students Stretch Mind and Body in New Yoga
Program
Ms. Eileen Carey, a certified yoga instructor, has been
invited to work with SOMS and TZHS students as part of a 5
year SOCASA/DFC (Drug Free Community) Grant. SOCASA, South
Orangetown Community Awareness of Substance Abuse, is a Drug
and Alcohol Task Force in Orangetown whose goal is to
increase communication and awareness about substance use and
abuse between parents, students, educators and community
members in order to reduce accidents and fatalities. A
portion of the DFC Grant is being used to provide yoga to
our students in order to expose them to a healthy lifestyle
activity and to create positive coping strategies for
dealing with stress. According to health teacher Vicky Shaw,
" Many students expressed feelings of extreme stress and are
searching for ways to cope. Most students report that they
love doing yoga in school and are excited about the chance
to do it again!”
Cottage
Lane Students Connect with Haiti's Plight
As the world
rushes to aid Haiti's population who are without shelter and
basic necessities, students at Cottage Lane Elementary are
making an effort to do their part. Along with teachers Kerri
McBride and Jacob Tanenbaum, the students in Kristine
Wagner, Joseph Onativia, and Maryann Aaron’s classes are
connecting with Haiti in more ways than one. Last week,
their classes brought in contributions of clothes and
supplies as part of a district fundraiser relief effort. In
Social Studies class, students read about Haiti and how an
earthquake devastated their country. In Science class,
students simulated earthquakes to understand that the
earth’s crust is not solid and that it is made up of plates
that slowly shift. Through the use of technology, students
were fortunate enough to "virtually connect” with Haiti.
Andy Fowler, father of one of Cottage Lane's students, is an
engineer for NBC and is on assignment in Haiti covering this
disaster. Classes videoconferenced with him and were able to
ask him questions. “When Mr. Fowler told us that 90% of the
schools were destroyed, it made me want to do more,” stated
Mathew Russell. David Fowler added, “Seeing my dad on the
video and the impact he made on my classmates, made me
realize how important his job is. People watch television
and see what is happening in the world, and they want to
help. I am proud to be his son.” This special opportunity
enabled students to develop deeper understandings about a
country that will now have to rebuild itself. Cottage Lane
Principal Brian Culot stated, "It was an incredible
experience for the students to be able to communicate
directly with a member of the media with firsthand knowledge
of the devastation in that Country. They were asking
insightful questions and were particularly interested in how
the students and children were dealing with this terrible
situation."
TZHS
Leos Offer A Week-End of Service
On Thursday, January 25th the
TZHS Leos collected themselves after school to begin
preparation of a dinner they volunteered to cook and
organize for the homeless of Rockland County the next night.
On the program that afternoon was preparation of the sauce
for the pasta, and two batches of sugar cookies for dessert.
Friday, brought with it some cold temperatures and the
re-assemblage of the Leos along with; Tricia Castelli, Leo
Club Advisor; Kathy Knorowski, parent; and Ron Fritz,
Blauvelt Lions President at the Piermont Reformed Church in
Piermont, NY. The Church participates in the SafeHaven
Program, providing food and shelter to the County's
homeless. The group completed the cooking, finalized the
preparation, and a dinner of pasta with homemade sauce,
roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, bread and dessert was
served to about 20 thankful diners by a wait staff of
fifteen Leo chefs.
That Sunday morning, January 24, the Leos gathered once
again, bright and early, and along with advisor Tricia
Castelli, community members Rini Tyler, Blauvelt Lion
President Ron Fritz, and Erica Fritz joined members of the
Immaculate Conception Church located in Stony Point, NY, on
a Breakfast Run which was organized through Midnight Run.
TZHS and SOMS Leos as well as TZHS Italian Honor Society
members put together over 70 toiletry packets to distribute
to homeless individuals in addition to the hot food, drinks,
and clothing brought by church members and served and
distributed to over 100 homeless recipients that morning in
New York City.
Ms. Nancy
Visits South Orangetown's Family Resource Center
Ms. Nancy Russell,
a good friend of the South Orangetown Family Resource
Center, is a youth service librarian from Tappan. One of the
many volunteers who share their talent and time with the
Center and its children, she shows her love of reading with
the families of South Orangetown. " The children just love
Ms. Nancy", said FRC coordinator Margaret Umbrino. "They
always look forward to her visits with us."
TZE
Students Display Acts Of Kindness
In a
project developed and led by Assistant Principal Beth Lipton
and school psychologist Sean Jones, Tappan Zee Elementary
School has instituted an Acts of Kindness program. Each
month, a word of the month is introduced to the student body
through a skit performed by the students and read aloud by
Ms. Lipton and Principal Dr. William Lee. Then, as students
are observed on any day that month demonstrating behaviors
that illustrate the word, they are given AOK (Acts of
Kindness) tickets. Every member of the TZE staff is given
AOK tickets to distribute to any student they feel is
communicating the word of the month through a kind act.
Students bring tickets they receive back to their
classrooms, and, at each grade level, the class with the
most AOK tickets presented during any one month, enjoys a
Principal's Lunch with Dr. Lee. The program has been a huge
success with students putting into use new vocabulary words
and creating through them an awareness of examples of kind
acts in their daily lives. Last month's word,
"perseverance", garnered students in Mrs. Eileen Griffith's
second grade class a lunch with Dr. Lee through each of
their Acts of Kindness.
South
Orangetown Central School District and the
Community of South Orangetown Heed Haiti's Call
for Assistance
Last
week, when the South Orangetown Central School
District was contacted by the Chestnut Ridge
School Bus Company for assistance in the
collection of food and clothing for the victims
of Haiti's earthquake, the District and the
South Orangetown community came together.
Letters and email notifications immediately went
out from each of the district buildings
requesting assistance and providing a list of
what was most critically needed. Given only one
week to complete the appeal, William O.
Schaefer, Tappan Zee Elementary, Cottage Lane
and SOMS made the commitment to collect food and
clothing while TZHS's Foreign Language
Department organized a cash donation collection.
With time of the essence, and the need growing
daily, donations began to trickle into the
lobbies of each of the buildings immediately. In
the last three days prior to pick-up, each of
the schools was receiving 50 - 75 additional
bags of food and clothing each day. Included in
the sea of bags and boxes were cases of water,
pack and play cribs, sleeping bags, blankets,
tents, sheets, diapers, first aid items, food,
clothing, and toys. On Friday, January 23,
Chestnut Ridge said they would send one of their
full size buses to the four buildings to collect
the donated food and clothing items. It was
immediately apparent one bus was not going to be
enough. By the time the last box was loaded,
SOCSD and the community of South Orangetown had
donated enough to pack TWO of Chestnut's big
buses and TWO of their vans with relief items.
"We had no idea the response was going to be
this huge," said Chestnut spokesperson, Norman.
"It is overwhelming."
Additionally, the students and staff of TZHS
raised $1375 in just two days towards the
Haitian relief drive. Donations will be going to
the American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders
and Partners in Health. Other donation drives
are still ongoing at the high school.
Although it was the Chestnut Ridge Bus Company
who put out the call, it was the collaborative
efforts of the students and staff of the South
Orangetown Central School District along with
the community of South Orangetown that made this
plea for help so incredibly successful. The
District reached out, once again, to the
community it serves and, working together, a
powerful partnership will bring much needed
assistance to the people of Haiti.
Tappan Zee Elementary Teaches
Respect and Fair Play Through Bowling
Traditionally, when
students return from the winter break, Tappan Zee
Elementary School's gymnasium is transformed into
the TZE Bowling Lanes. Students learn the basic
skills involved in bowling, including scoring and
pin setting. However, the primary focus is to foster
a respectful learning atmosphere that teaches them
to depend on each other while creating and
maintaining a safe and collaborative environment.
Each child has the opportunity to be a bowler, pin
setter and ball returner. Students pictured are from
Mrs. Maria Minor's third grade class during their
physical education class with PE teacher Jon Jacobs.
SOCSD
Hits a High Note at Junior All-County Music
Festival
The South
Orangetown Central School District was well
represented at the Annual Junior All-County
Music Festival held at the Fieldstone Secondary
School in Thiells on January 8th and 9th. A
total of 42 band, chorus and orchestra students
in grades 7, 8 and 9 were selected to
participate based on their New York State School
Music Association (NYSSMA) scores earned in solo
competition last spring. The festival was hosted
by the Rockland County Music Educators
Association (RCMEA) which is made up of 160
teacher/members from public and private schools
in Rockland County. The RCMEA's mission is to
foster and promote music in the schools of
Rockland County and to advocate the educational
value of music through program opportunities.
Students were put through an arduous rehearsal
schedule beginning on Friday from 4pm until 8
pm, returning Saturday morning at 8:45am, and
continuing until concert time at 4 pm. The
orchestra took to the stage first, followed by
the chorus, with the band closing the
festivities.
During the festivals, students are given the
opportunity to interact with other students from
all other school districts in the County,
sharing their love of music in their individual
instrument of choice.
SOMS
Students "Bridge the Generations"
On
December 21st students in Ms. Arlene Sorensen
and Ms. Marie Bauer’s classes hosted a Holiday
Tea for their senior citizen pen-pals as part of
their "Bridging the Generations" project. The
ongoing project welcomes senior members of the
community to interact with students through
shared memories and experiences. Students
interviewed their senior pen-pals about holidays
and traditions and winters past. A surprise
visit was made by Leon Thomas III who is the
grandson of senior pen-pal Mrs. Naomi Anthony.
Thomas, an actor and musician, had a starring
role in the movie August Rush. He will be acting
in a new television show called “Rising Stars"
which is scheduled to air on television in the
spring of 2010. Leon, along with the students
and teachers enjoyed hearing "the living
history" which was generously shared by their
elder mentors.
WOS
Students Create "Covered Cupboards" for Meals On
Wheels
On December 21,
surrounded by individually packaged and
seasonally decorated boxes of donated food
items, Carissa Coslit, Volunteer Coordinator of
Rockland Meals On Wheels, thanked the students
and staff of WOS for their generous time, effort
and commitment to the homebound residents of
Rockland County. A special speaker at the
presentation was Ms. Jeanne Salvato, who was a
recipient of one of the boxes during a 2 month
illness which left her unable to go outside her
home. "When you're sick and you can't help
yourself, this little box means everything to
you", Salvato told the students. The "Covered
Cupboard" project was created so that during the
winter months, if Meals On Wheels is unable to
deliver a hot meal because of inclement weather,
recipients are assured a day's worth of food.
The "Cupboards" are actually decorated shoeboxes
filled with a day's worth of non-perishable food
items and delivered, in advance, to be opened in
the event a hot meal cannot be delivered. This
year, event coordinator Mary Chaudoir (WOS
Kindergarten Spec. Ed. teacher) announced that
235 "Covered Cupboards" were collected and
donated to Rockland's Meals On Wheels for
distribution this winter. Ms. Chaudoir thanked
all the students and told them, "This could not
have been a success without the boys and girls
of William O. Schaefer."
SOMS American Idol Club Brings Cheer to
Nyack Manor Nursing Home
On December
14th, SOMS American Idol Club, under the
direction of teacher Ms. Arlene Sorensen,
performed a Holiday show at the Nyack Manor
Nursing Home. The group entertained and sang
traditional songs for the assembled
audience. "The joy, smiles and good cheer
that is visible around the room makes the
entire holiday season so much more
meaningful. I wish everyone could experience
this feeling", said Sorensen.
TZE
Students Unveil a Prankster
On
Wednesday morning, December 16, students at
TZE were called down to the gym to help the
staff solve a “prank” on Dr. Lee. They saw a
brief newscast about the incident and a
“security camera” video of Dr. Lee entering
his office. When Dr. Lee entered the main
office he was surprised to see a number of
footprints on the rug and was shocked when
he opened his office door and discovered a
large pair of underpants hanging above his
desk. The students were sent back to their
classrooms to analyze a set of clues to help
solve the case. The clues included examining
fingerprints, footprints, handwriting and a
secret code. One hour later they gathered in
the gym and were able to identify the
prankster. It was none other than 3rd grade
teacher Mrs. Schaefer. The “prank”, based on
the popular reading series “Captain
Underpants”, was created by Ms. Lipton, Mrs.
Hill, Mr. Eckert and Mrs. Schaefer. It
challenged the students’ to use their
analytical skills while making for a fun and
exciting morning. Thanks to all for making
this an event that will not be forgotten.
The
Halls Are Alive With The Sound Of Music
Music
filled the air at the South Orangetown Middle School
in preparation for their music department's winter
concert. Students from Cottage Lane Elementary were
invited to the middle school to hear a dress
rehearsal of the Treble Choir, under the direction
of Mr. Charles Yassky; the Symphonic Orchestra,
under the baton of Mr. Matthew Rotjan; the Symphonic
Band, under the leadership of Ms. Janice Tocco; and
the 7th & 8th Grade Chorale, led by Ms. Priscilla
Pena-Carney. New sounds as well as some old holiday
favorites were on tap as all four groups rehearsed
their parts and practiced their entrances and exits
to the enjoyment of their young and appreciative
audience.
NO
MORE BULLYING
"Bully No More" was the
title of last Friday's four assemblies at South
Orangetown's Tappan Zee Elementary and Cottage Lane
Elementary. Yojo, a blue furry creature was the
messenger of this character-education program
directed at elementary school students. Yojo and his
human pal Vince use comedy to explain what bullying
is, what's wrong about it and what to do if you are
being bullied or see someone being bullied. The team
was joined by ZEE who, through his own experiences,
understands the true meaning of bullying and wanted
to lend support to his furry friend. Each 45 minute
show was both enjoyable and educational and kept
students and teachers captivated waiting to see what
would happen next.
John
Flaherty Visits SOMS
On
November 9th, John Flaherty, former Yankees catcher
and current sports announcer for the YES Network,
visited 8th grade students at the South Orangetown
Middle School. His unlikely focus was mystery books,
and students were happy to have him!
8th graders in Miss Murphy and Mrs. McBride’s ELA
classes have been immersed in a mystery unit for the
past five weeks. One of their tasks has been to
create a website to get others hooked on reading
mysteries. Students spent days tracking down
“famous” members of the South Orangetown community
about mystery books that got them hooked. The
“famous” interviews consisted mostly of other
students, teachers, administrators, and community
members. But students were most delighted to meet
John Flaherty and add his famous interview to their
WebPages.
Flaherty shared his childhood favorite mystery
titles as well as the mystery books he is currently
reading. He also mentioned some of his favorite
sports mystery authors and titles. He answered
students’ questions about books, baseball, and more!
Deirdre R. was one of the lucky 8th graders in the
audience who clearly enjoyed Flaherty’s visit. “I
thought it was a great experience.” She went on to
say, “I loved that I got to meet a former Yankee. It
was a thrill! And it was cool to see that even a
Yankee player can find time to read!”
So, what book titles get the pros hooked? You’ll
just have to wait until the students’ Mystery
websites are launched. These sites will soon be
linked to the South Orangetown Middle School
webpage. Keep your eyes and ears open for their
release!
SOMS Math Students Get An "A" for Algebra
Students in Ms. Maureen
Hobday and Mr. Vincent Piscitelli's 8th grade math
classes were treated to a problem solving algebra
workshop by visiting engineer Mark Love of Engineers
Teaching Algebra. The object of the workshop was to
show students the everyday value of algebra, and to
encourage advanced math and science concepts.
Students were shown math applications for
manipulating fractions, ratios and percentages, and
the creative use of estimations and reasoning prior
to computing results to problems. The workshop was a
hands-on experience offering challenging activities
which included solving mathematical problems using
newly developed skills gleaned during the workshop.
Tappan
Zee Elementary Donates Food
for the Holidays
Mrs. Sunita Hill's
third grade class at Tappan Zee Elementary organized
a food drive to help support People to People during
this holiday season. The theme of the drive was,
"Box in Dr. Lee". Students and staff brought in
canned and boxed goods and kept the bounty in
principal Lee's office during the collection period.
Thanks to their efforts and the generosity of the
TZE Community, over 750 pounds of canned goods were
collected. The approximate value of the food is
$1,560. On Friday, November 20, the collection was
delivered to People to People just in time for the
Thanksgiving holiday.
TZHS Italian Club Wins Trophy
The Tappan Zee High
School Italian Club was recently awarded a trophy
for "Best School Spirit" at the Rockland County
Columbus Day Parade Awards Ceremony on November 17,
2009. The group marched in the parade along with
many other Italian-American organizations showing
their enthusiasm for Italian culture with close to
1000 other participants this past October in
Haverstraw. This is the fourth consecutive year the
TZHS Italian Club has been honored for their
participation in the event.
Cottage
Lane
Students Learn The True Meaning of Veteran's Day
On Monday, November 9th students from Ms. Lane, Ms.
Heilbronn and Mr. Krump's 5th grade Social Studies
classes walked from the Cottage Lane School to the
Camp Shanks Memorial at Bataan Road and Western
Highway. There they gathered at the memorial where
they heard comments from their teachers and
classmates and thought about the true meaning of
Veteran's Day. Some of the students had interviewed
veterans in their studies and some had visited the
Camp Shanks monument. They took turns presenting
their thoughts and observations to the assembled
group. Dr. Mitchell, Superintendent of Schools,
joined the group and shared with the students his
thoughts that this gathering "is more than about
Veteran's Day alone. It's about understanding the
sacrifices and respect required from one another in
order to keep our country safe for us." When Cottage
Lane Principal Brian Culot walked up to the
monument, he shared his observances with the
students saying, "This area is very rich in history.
There were great sacrifices that many who have come
through here have made so that we and our families
could live in freedom." The students, having a newly
acquired feeling for the true meaning of Veteran's
Day, then gathered for the walk back to Cottage
Lane.
Harlem Superstars Take On
"Zee's All-Star" Team At TZHS
The Harlem Superstars Comedy Basketball Team
returned to South Orangetown Tuesday night to take
on Zee's All-Star team of SOCSD teachers and
coaches. Dutchmen Arena was packed to overflow
capacity with elementary and middle school students
and their parents who witnessed the comedy, dancing
and acrobatics of the Superstars. Despite a valiant
effort by Zee's All-Stars, the Superstars came out
on top with a very slight (96-48) lead. The
Superstars (and Zee) stuck around until every last
autograph was signed and every face had a smile. A
good time was had by all.
TZ
Holds Inaugural Hall of Fame Induction Dinner
Reminiscing was the order of the night on Sunday,
November 8th as TZ hosted its inaugural Athletic
Hall of Fame Induction at The Colonial Inn in
Norwood, NJ. Nine athletes, Coach Bill Moran and the
1954 State Champion Cross Country Team were
inducted. The athletes ranged from the class of 1954
to the class of 1980 and included Hubie Nealy '54,
Howie Pierson '54, Joe D'Auria '55, Gene Martin '55,
Ed Rechtorovic '62, George Coates '63, Don Fischer
'75, Joan Neuendorf '79 and Robert Neuendorf '80.
Their hall of fame plaques are permanently mounted
in the lobby of Dutchmen Arena at TZHS. Anyone
wishing to nominate someone for a future hall of
fame class can get the information on the TZ
Athletic website.
SOMS Italian Club Students Enjoy A Taste Of Torino's
Once again Torino's Italian Deli, on Erie St. in
Blauvelt, extended a warm welcome to the South
Orangetown Middle School Italian Club members for an
afternoon of learning and fun. The students learned
about and tasted different cheeses and foods from
different areas of Italy. Polenta, parmigiano, and
tartufi (truffles) were on the menu of the day. They
saw how mozzarella was made and sampled freshly made
cheese and delicious Italian bread. To end the
visit, students were served pasta and meatballs with
Torino's homemade tomato sauce. A delicious
afternoon was enjoyed by all.
Mr. Cromer, Mr. Gaine and Mr. Frawley led a group of
20 TZHS students to the top of Bear Mountain
yesterday as part of the Hiking PE elective at TZ.
Great weather, great view and great workout. A
good time had by all in addition to an excellent day
of cardio.
SOMS
Students "Chalk" Poetry To Spread Awareness
Students in Ms. Kerri McBride and Ms. Stephanie
Stehly's 7th grade ELA classes decided to take their
poetry unit to a different level. On Wednesday,
November 4th, with chunky sticks of sidewalk chalk
in hand, they "chalked" some of the poetry they have
been studying onto the sidewalk in front of SOMS.
Over the past few weeks, the students have been
reading and analyzing examples of modern and classic
poetry. They decided to find a way to share and
generate this new learning and interest in the
poetry they had been working with. The plan to
"chalk" the poems around the school grounds for
others to enjoy was quickly agreed upon. "They are
trying to spread an awareness and appreciation of
poetry, said Ms. Stehly. "It is a way for them not
only enjoy poetry, but to get a deeper understanding
of it at the same time."
Watch a video
LEOS and ZEE Assist at SOCSD
Flu Clinic
Over 500 seasonal flu vaccinations were dispensed at
the flu clinic at TZHS on Thursday, October 29th
sponsored by the TZHS PTA. Pre-registration on the
Flu Busters website, (the company through whom the
clinic was run), for anyone interested in receiving
the vaccine was held for two weeks prior to the
actual clinic. As word spread throughout the
community the response quickly grew. Walk-ins were
also welcome as long as the vaccine supply held out.
The TZHS Leos were on hand to help at the sign-in
desk as well as to guide visitors through the lines.
Everything was running smoothly when ZEE lumbered
into the cafeteria. He decided that he wanted the
vaccine too, and the scramble to find the right size
syringe began. He closed his eyes, held his breath
and was surprised to know it was over before he knew
it even happened. He then went on to reassure those
that followed. Four tables of registered nurses,
including one from the Pearl River School District
and a Physician's Assistant from Rockland made it a
full community effort and got everyone through the
process quickly with many smiles and very few tears.
TZHS Leos Work in
Fall Cleanup at Blauvelt Lions Park
On a chilly but
colorful Sunday, fifteen TZHS worked alongside Jane
Haughey, Blauvelt Lion and Lion's Park Chairperson,
and Tricia Castelli, Blauvelt Lion and TZHS Leo Club
Advisor, to assist in the fall cleanup in Blauvelt
Lions Park. The group raked leaves, pulled out
annuals and pruned the remaining plants in
preparation for the new spring planting which will
take place in April. In addition to their
landscaping duties, the Leos spruced up the benches
and the gazebo to prepare them for a long winter's
nap.
A BOO-tiful
Time Was Had By ALL
It might have been the
day before Halloween this year, and not a very sunny
one at that, but that didn't stop the students of
the South Orangetown CSD from donning costumes and
showing off their "other" side. Everyone, both
fictional as well as non-fictional and even some
questionable characters were spotted in the
hallways, cafeterias, and in parades. Students,
teachers and administrators all took part in the
eerie fun of the day.
Tappan
Zee Elementary Students Given "The Power of Words"
On Wednesday, October
28th, the South Orangetown Rotary, in a joint effort
with Orange & Rockland Utilities, presented Tappan
Zee Elementary's entire third grade with their own
copy of a Student Dictionary. Bruce Woolley,
Director of the Literary Project for the South
Orangetown Rotary explained the Rotary is a service
organization and the Literary Project, now in its
fourth year, has been "extremely rewarding and
successful.'
Dr. Kenneth Mitchell, Superintendent of South
Orangetown Schools and, himself a South Orangetown
Rotarian, spoke to the assembly of students and told
them that this gift will give them "the power of
words". He urged them to glance through the
dictionaries and to always look up any word they
hear that is unfamiliar to them.
Tom Brizzolara, Orange & Rockland's Director of
Public Affairs and South Orangetown Rotary member
addressed the student assembly by answering
questions about Orange & Rockland's role in their
lives and by telling the assembly, "We are pleased
to partner with the Rotary and to have been able to
purchase these books for the dictionary project."
The students then lined up around the gymnasium and
filed across the front of the room each accepting
their new gift with huge and grateful smiles.
And
Up they Go!
Students
in SOMS 6th grade science classes gathered outside
the building to observe and analyze the data
resulting from their hands-on experiments in their
"Soda and Mentos" unit. The question: "Which
liquid will have the greatest reaction when combined
with mint flavored Mentos?" With bottles of
Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite, and bags of Mentos in
hand, the students separated into working groups
setting up the bottles for the event. Mentos, large
soda bottles, geyser tubes, pens, large graduated
cylinders, duct tape and markers were all pressed
into service until the final stage of the experiment
where one bottle of each of the sodas, (on top of
which a cylinder loaded with 11 mentos was
attached), was placed along the side of the
building. The building was incrementally marked to
measure the height achieved by the fizzling bottles.
"Pin pullers" yanked the pins separating the soda
from the mints and students feverishly watched while
recording their observations of height and volume
expended during flight. The experiment was repeated
a number of times as a "control", and the results
were averaged out.
Final deduction: Diet Coke will give you the
most blast for your Mento!!
First Grade Authors Tap Their
Writing Skills
As
first grade classes in William O. Schaefer launched
their Writers Workshop Unit, the entire grade went
to work on their first personal creative writing
attempts. In a salute to their success, a grade-wide
author's celebration was held. During the
celebration the authors split up into different
classrooms and shared their stories with classmates
from other classes and with students in kindergarten
classes. Everyone listened as classmates read their
stories out loud to their friends and teachers.
Could there possibly have been a future author among
them? Stay tuned. Only time will tell.
Are
you "Germ Smart"?
Volunteers that attended the Germ Smart Parent
assembly are. Thanks to local pediatrician, Dr.
Alana Levine, WOS school nurse Kathy Spiro and
program developer Kristan Bridges (PTA VP at WOS)
parents learned how to keep their kids healthy. They
were also instructed in the new Germ Smart
curriculum that is being piloted at WOS this year.
In the next few weeks almost 50 parent volunteers
will be joining teachers in their classrooms to
teach the program to the children.
Remember to ask your child about their hand washing
pledge!
Free samples were provided to all attendees by Sani
Professionals, Weleda and The Soap and Paper
Factory. Sani Professionals is also donating stands,
dispensers and Sani Hands wipes to the school this
year to help launch the program!
It's Apple Pickin' Time
The cool temps and vibrant leaf colors that herald
the beginning of the Fall season gave way to the
equally important annual rite of apple picking for
students of SOCSD's Early Childhood Program. Buses
unloaded at Dr. Davies Farm as a stream of excited
faces looked around in anticipation of the event.
Huge pens of picked pumpkins were strewn about the
farm and examined closely for possible purchase.
When empty bags, parents and students were collected
in a central area the group was led to trees filled
with apples along the orchard. The trip, done in two
sessions, and sponsored by the SOCES PTA, was a huge
success.
Family
Resource Center Welcomes Families Back At Annual
Breakfast
In grand buffet style,
Family Resource Center families, under the direction
of coordinator Margaret Umbrino, brought in prepared
and/or purchased breakfast fare and quickly became
comfortable at tables set up for their Fall Welcome
Back Breakfast. Moms, Dads, Grandmas, and Grandpas
attended the event, comingled with other families
and watched the children as they engaged themselves
in arts and crafts and interaction with the other
children. The Family Resource Center acts as an
important conduit between families and County
programs and services.
SOMS Principal in Lock Up to
Support Fundraiser and to Launch Month of the Young
Adolescent
SOMS Principal Karen Tesik was "arrested" as part of
the Rockland Lockup for the Muscular Dystrophy
Association, and, at the same time, kicked off the
Month of the Young Adolescent by converting her cash
bail requirement to a pledge by the students of the
South Orangetown Middle School of 2,500 hours of
community service during the month of October.
Orangetown Supervisor Thom Kleiner signed a
proclamation declaring October as The Month of the
Young Adolescent in Orangetown.
Librarians
Visit Tappan Zee Elementary & Cottage Lane
With the month of September being recognized as
Library Card Sign-Up Month, librarians from the
Children's Libraries of Tappan, Blauvelt, and
Palisades spread out into classrooms in TZE and CL
to speak with students and share ideas about the
library and the different library programs. Many of
the students were excited to share with their
classmates and the librarians their knowledge of the
different programs offered by the libraries, and the
fact that many already had library cards. The groups
discussed new books and old favorites and some of
the new offerings planned for this year.
Applications were passed out to all students who did
not already have library cards to become members.
A Brisk
Evening For SOCSDs Early Childhood Center's
Welcome Back Picnic
Fall was definitely in the air as SOCSDs Early
Childhood Center welcomed back new and returning
families to the program for the 2009-10 school year.
Children played on the swings and other playground
apparatus while parents met new friends and hugged
old ones. Hosted by the South Orangetown Community
Elementary Schools (SOCES) PTA, the picnic was alive
with stories of summer vacations, ballgames, team
sports, the exchange of new recipe ideas, and much
more. As dusk fell upon the playground and picnic
areas, jackets were put on the children, and a bunch
of sleepy faces made their way back to their cars to
go home.
ZEE
NITE III
Zee-Nite
III was a big success despite the rain! The
kids had a good time with Mr. Met, the music, dunk
tank, face painting and games!
All of our varsity teams were victorious:
Girls Swimming over Pearl River 100-68
Boys Soccer over Spring Valley 4-1
Girls Soccer over Ramapo 5-0
Volleyball over Spring Valley 3-1
Football over Peekskill 44-8
Girls Cross Country came in 1st in the Suffern
Invitational
Lions
and Leos and ZEE........ Oh My !!
Last Sunday, under a
mostly sunny end-of-summer sky, the Blauvelt Lions
held their annual Applefest at Piermont's Flywheel
Park. On hand, and of great assistance to the
success of the day were the Tappan Zee HS Leos, who
helped with the food, face painting, tattoos,
popcorn, fishbowls, jewelry, inflatables and
anything else that required their help and talents.
Then, in the early afternoon, the sound of
thundering footsteps came from around a corner. To
the delight of the children (and many of the
adults).....it was ZEE. Everyone pulled their weight
to make sure a good time was had by all. South
Orangetown Central School District's Superintendent
Dr. Ken Mitchell, also a Lion, grabbed a spatula and
assisted with grill duties along with his fellow
Lions. In addition to the games, food, and crafts
the Applefest offered many vendors selling
everything including jewelry, handbags, dolls,
antiques and much more. It would have been difficult
to order up a better day or turnout for the
festival.
Upcoming
Events and Event Highlights
Brownies
Recycle for Tappan Zee Elementary
TZHS Spanish Honor Society Says "Hola"
to Cottage Lane
Tappan
Zee PTSA Presents 19th Annual Tappan Zee High School Project Graduation
Tappan
Zee Elementary's Grandmas Honored
TZHS
LEOS and Blauvelt Lions Walk for Sight
In
an ongoing effort to promote healthy living, TZHS COVE (Consortium for
Occupational and Vocational Education) teacher Bonnie McCort spearheaded
the 2nd Annual COVE Fitness challenge held on Friday, May 7 at the TZHS
field. The participants for the Challenge included all TZHS COVE
students and many staff as well as two BOCES classes visiting from the
North Rockland area; Ms. Barbara Galli's class of 5 students and Ms.
Kathleen Conti's class of 8 students. The bleachers were made up of
cheering parents and families who were invited to support the effort.
SOMS
Art Students Create Posters for Peace
During
the month of May, forty Studio in Art students from the South
Orangetown Middle School will be exhibiting their art work at the Dennis
P. McHugh Piermont Library in Piermont, New York. Studio in Art,
an advanced high school level course, is offered to eighth grade
students under the guidance of art teachers Karen Garguilo and Beth
Dougherty.
On
Wednesday, April 21st, fourth graders from Ms. Christie-Blick's class at
Cottage Lane Elementary School used video conferencing tools to link up
with an elementary classroom in South Korea. The project, planned in
collaboration with The Center for International Virtual Schooling (IVS)
in New York City, is being orchestrated and implemented, at no cost to
Cottage Lane Elementary School, or the South Orangetown Central School
District. 
TZE's
Dr. Lee Camps Out for Kindness
Hidden
Letters Authors Visit SOMS Students
Author
David Lubar Visits Cottage Lane Elementary
Pi
- It's Not Just for Dessert Anymore
TZHS
Students Use 21st Century Skills to Expand Global Horizons
Not
to outdo the USPS, but, neither, rain, nor wind, nor flood,
nor downed trees and power lines, nor electrical outages
could stop We The People from the extremely successful
completion of its appointed round. There was nothing
uplifting about the rain soaked day other than the
multicultural mosaic, that has become the South Orangetown
community, welcoming all visitors to enjoy its many cultures
and foods. Nineteen countries set up tables and flags
representing almost every part of the world. Costumes and
entertainment were provided by SOCSD students, parents and
community groups. Although the weather and its aftermath
became front page news, We The People enjoyed a spectacular
turnout for what has now become an SOCSD annual "gotta go"
event. Next on the list of things to do ???? Getting right
back to the drawing board to start planning We The People
2011.
Using
21st Century Skills to Revisit the 20th Century
Family
Resource Center Kicks Off Annual Tuna March 
TZHS
Italian Students Enjoy La Boheme At The Met
Brrrrrrrrr.....But
Not Too Cold For Penguins !!
Plop,
Plop, Fizz, Fizz
TZHS
Creates Blankets for Project Linus
SOMS
Heeds the Call of the Wild
SOMS Music Department Field
Trip a Huge Success!
Family
Resource Center Hears The Story of Stone Soup
SOMS
Math teacher Mrs. Kathleen Moore and her student teacher
from Iona College, Frank Keenan, skyped with “Frank the
Builder” in an exercise requiring her students to use their
math skills and concepts in solving real world problems.
“Frank the Builder” is planning a home improvement project
to finish his basement. “Frank” asked the students to assist
him with calculating the amount of insulation he would need
to insulate his four walls. He also asked them to calculate
the number of gallons of paint required based on the square
footage of the basement. Students used measurement
conversions and area formulas in order to compose a response
to "Frank" that answered his questions about the amount of
paint and insulation he needs for his basement. Ms. Moore
observed, "The students enjoyed participating in, and
working together with their classmates on the problem
solving skills needed to complete this interactive
activity." One of the students was heard commenting that
this is much better than staring at a worksheet!
Internet
Safety Presentation
South
Orangetown Students Stretch Mind and Body in New Yoga
Program
Cottage
Lane Students Connect with Haiti's Plight
TZHS
Leos Offer A Week-End of Service
TZE
Students Display Acts Of Kindness
South
Orangetown Central School District and the
Community of South Orangetown Heed Haiti's Call
for Assistance
SOCSD
Hits a High Note at Junior All-County Music
Festival
SOMS
Students "Bridge the Generations"
WOS
Students Create "Covered Cupboards" for Meals On
Wheels
The
Halls Are Alive With The Sound Of Music
NO
MORE BULLYING 
SOMS Math Students Get An "A" for Algebra
Tappan
Zee Elementary Donates Food 
TZHS Italian Club Wins Trophy
Cottage
Lane
Students Learn The True Meaning of Veteran's Day
TZ
Holds Inaugural Hall of Fame Induction Dinner
Tappan
Zee Physical Educations 2nd annual Bear Mountain
Hike
SOMS
Students "Chalk" Poetry To Spread Awareness
A BOO-tiful
Time Was Had By ALL
Tappan
Zee Elementary Students Given "The Power of Words"
Students
in SOMS 6th grade science classes gathered outside
the building to observe and analyze the data
resulting from their hands-on experiments in their
"Soda and Mentos" unit. The question: "Which
liquid will have the greatest reaction when combined
with mint flavored Mentos?" With bottles of
Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite, and bags of Mentos in
hand, the students separated into working groups
setting up the bottles for the event. Mentos, large
soda bottles, geyser tubes, pens, large graduated
cylinders, duct tape and markers were all pressed
into service until the final stage of the experiment
where one bottle of each of the sodas, (on top of
which a cylinder loaded with 11 mentos was
attached), was placed along the side of the
building. The building was incrementally marked to
measure the height achieved by the fizzling bottles.
"Pin pullers" yanked the pins separating the soda
from the mints and students feverishly watched while
recording their observations of height and volume
expended during flight. The experiment was repeated
a number of times as a "control", and the results
were averaged out.
First Grade Authors Tap Their
Writing Skills
Are
you "Germ Smart"?
It's Apple Pickin' Time
SOMS Principal in Lock Up to
Support Fundraiser and to Launch Month of the Young
Adolescent
Lions
and Leos and ZEE........ Oh My !!