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Message from the Superintendent
Dear Hendrick Hudson Community,
As you know, the district has been in the midst of networking, partnering and collaborating with various officials and agencies in response to the news of Indian Point's impending closure in 2021. We are actively working with state and local officials to address the impact of the 30% revenue gap the closure represents. Rest assured we will keep you informed of any new developments throughout this process via direct communication, the district website and our social media platforms.
The Hendrick Hudson School District is committed to providing a world-class education for our nearly 2,400 students. I have been profoundly impressed by our faculty and staff over the past few weeks, as they demonstrate high levels of professionalism and resilience while facing an abundance of unanswered questions.
However, as we proceed through the school year and contend with the whirlwind of news stories, press conferences and community meetings, it's important that we don't lose sight of the great things going on in our schools every day.
Just last month, we learned that Hendrick Hudson High School senior Jonathan Chung had been named a finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the most prestigious high school science competition in the country. Jonathan will travel to Washington In March, where he and the other 40 finalists will undergo a rigorous judging process as Regeneron determines the top 10 winners.
The district's rich visual and performing arts program continues to impress us with performances and exhibitions. This winter, the high school and middle school each put on outstanding musicals, and 29 of our high school students were inducted in the National Art Honor Society. I was proud to attend these performances and ceremonies, celebrating our students' successes with their teachers, peers and families.
Hen Hud athletes continue to exemplify teamwork and dedication and always provide our school community with a great excuse to demonstrate our Sailor Pride.
Compassion for others is never far from our students' hearts. During the recent holiday season, our school buildings were buzzing with many different collections and drives to benefit a variety of local organizations and agencies. This month, many of our students were involved in efforts to deliver Valentine's Day cards to our local veterans and thank them for their service.
The news will continue to churn regarding Indian Point, and the politics will play out; we will continue to pass on to you any information we have
.
In my three and a half years as your superintendent, I have learned that this community prides itself on resiliency, determination and a commitment to all students; these characteristics will keep us unified as we work through these uncertain times.
Joseph E. Hochreiter
Superintendent of Schools
@HenHudSupt
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Lanyard Links
and read the News feed.
Click on Videos.
Looking for updates regarding Entergy and Indian Point? Visit
Click on Community > Entergy Updates
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Senior Jonathan Chung Named Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist
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Jonathan Chung was recently named a finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
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Hendrick Hudson High School senior Jonathan Chung has been named a finalist in the Regeneron
(formerly Intel)
Science Talent Search, the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Finalists were selected based on the scientific rigor and world-changing potential of their research projects.
The Regeneron Science Talent Search focuses on identifying the next generation of scientists and engineers who will provide critical leadership in solving some of the world's most pressing challenges while shaping the future of research and development for the nation and the world.
Jonathan will receive at least $25,000 for being named a finalist and previously received $2,000 for being named a Top Scholar, along with senior Melanie Porras. In addition, Hendrick Hudson High School will receive $2,000 for each of its Top Scholars. This year's finalists will compete for more than $1.8 million in top awards - more than half of the Regeneron Science Talent Search total annual award distribution of $3.1 million.
Jonathan will head to Washington, D.C. from March 9-15 to undergo a rigorous judging process to determine the top 10 winners.
The top 10 awards range from $40,000 to $250,000, and the w
inners will be announced at a formal awards gala at the National Building Museum on March 14.
While in Washington, Jonathan will have the opportunity to meet with national leaders and share his project, "Interaction of Circulating Gut Microbiota-generated Metabolites with the Function and Expression of SLC6A3, the Dopamine Transporter," with the public at the National Geographic Society.
"Jonathan has been an exemplary student throughout his four years at Hendrick Hudson High School, and I was not surprised when I learned he had been named a finalist," said Principal James Mackin Jr. "Jonathan commits himself completely, regardless of the task, and that is why he is being recognized as one of the top 40 young scientific minds in the United States. No matter the result, we are very proud of his accomplishments and very happy that he is a Hendrick Hudson Sailor."
Last month, Jonathan and fellow senior Melanie Porras were named Top Scholars in the competition. Melanie worked at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in the laboratory of Dr. K.V. Lakshmi, studying the way chlorophyll captures and transmits light energy, with the future goal of creating artificial photosynthetic systems for more efficient solar energy panels.
The high school's Science Research Program is a rigorous program taking place over three years, generating authentic research at the level of graduate studies. "It is a tremendous honor for these students and our school," said Dr. Christine Rogers, Hendrick Hudson High School teacher and Science Research Program Director. "I would also like to thank Dr. Matthias Quick of Columbia University for his incredible support. He welcomed Jonathan into his lab, where he allowed him to use his model to test his hypothesis."
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Learning Doesn't Stop When the Last Bell Rings
After School is a Time for Both Learning and Fun for Elementary Students
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Elementary students work with volunteers after school at the Hendrick Hudson Free Library.
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Dismissal time may mark the official end of the school day, but for many of the district's elementary school students, the hours right after school provide a valuable opportunity to work on key academic skills and explore new interests.
Academic support in the areas of reading and ENL (English as a New Language) takes place at all three elementary schools, where students who have been identified as in need of academic intervention services (AIS) have the opportunity to stay after school a few days per week to work on reading skills with a reading teacher and teaching assistant.
After-school help for English Language Learners (ELL) also takes place at the Hendrick Hudson Free Library twice a week, where high school and adult volunteers assist students with homework and class content. New this year, ELL students are provided with transportation to the library, making the program much easier for families to access. (Students are also provided with transportation home from the after-school AIS activities held at the elementary schools.)
"The children love working with the older students, and close attachments are definitely made," said Library Director Jill Davis. "The program also introduces families that might otherwise not use the library to the services we offer. The after-school program serves about 35 students per year, but the effects for the community are far-reaching."
There are also options for elementary students to take part in non-academic activities after school, such as those offered through the Frank G. Lindsey After School Academy. Through the Academy, students can stay after school to take part in
such activities as
art, Legos, board games and football. The school also runs a yearbook group and a school newspaper club.
At Furnace Woods, the PTA has coordinated a variety of after-school offerings over the past few years, including sports (basketball, tennis, soccer and agility) and acting. This spring, students will be able to participate in Lego and drawing programs, and the PTA hopes to offer another after-school sports program.
The district is actively looking to expand its after-school and summer opportunities for elementary school students, so stay tuned!
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Middle School Students Make Connections Through Global Read-Aloud
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Students from Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Bugara's homeroom class at Blue Mountain Middle School participated in a Global Read Aloud and connected with students in Canada.
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Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Bugara's homeroom class at Blue Mountain Middle School recently took part in a Global Read Aloud, an initiative that aims to use "one book to connect the world."
The idea
behind the initiative is for teachers to pick a book to read aloud to their students during a six-week period and, during that time, classes try to make as many global connections as possible.
Started in 2010, Global Read Aloud now includes more than 1 million student participants worldwide.
The class read Gary Schmidt's Orbiting Jupiter and, using Twitter and educational technology tool Edmodo, connected with middle school classes in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The students in both classes were able to create their own questions to ask students in the other class, something the students felt was a "cool experience" according to their teachers.
"The students really enjoyed the read-aloud," said Mrs. Kelly. "It's not typical for middle schoolers to be read to, and I think it was a fun change of pace for them. M
ost days the kids didn't want to leave class because they were hooked on the story and wanted to know what was going to happen next!"
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Building Community at Frank G. Lindsey
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Monthly Town Hall Meetings bring the entire Frank G. Lindsey school community together.
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Frank G. Lindsey students and staff have begun holding monthly Town Hall meetings to encourage dialogue and feedback on class projects, as well as social issues, such as inclusion and diversity. "It is a time to celebrate our accomplishments while showing that we are a supportive environment, both academically and emotionally," said FGL Principal Donna Torrisi.
Mrs. Torrisi kicked things off at the first Town Hall meeting in November by introducing the school's new "Shout Out Mailbox." The mailbox is located in the school cafeteria, and every member of the school community is encouraged to participate by "shouting out" a demonstration of exceptional behavior or positive character traits. A few of the shout outs will be selected for sharing at each Town Hall meeting.
The December meeting took place just before the winter break and had a holiday theme. Students wrote special wishes for the world and the local community on painted paper stars, and they each had a chance to hang a star on a beautiful winter mural, painted by Mrs. Dini's after-school Art Club, on display on the school's stage.
The school's much-anticipated GoRED assembly, supporting the American Heart Association and women's heart health, was combined with the February meeting.
The Town Hall meetings have also been a great time for the presentation of "Golden Anchor" awards, the school's monthly recognition of one student from each class who has demonstrated exceptional effort, academically or socially.
"This is a forum to build relationships within our school community and celebrate our academic achievements while enhancing empathy, kindness and diversity, and fostering problem-solving skills," said second grade teacher Mrs. Ryan.
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Buchanan-Verplanck Students' Winter Showcase
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For a recent Winter Showcase at Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School, students explored holiday traditions around the globe.
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Ms. Boyle's second grade class at Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School presented a "Winter Showcase" just before the holiday break. The showcase had a special holiday focus to it, with each student allowed to invite two guests who were asked to bring a treat that represented their holiday traditions. Students from other classes were also invited to participate in the festive event.
The first half of the showcase was a "Gallery Walk," in which Ms. Boyle's students stood by their writing pieces and guests circulated around and wrote comments to the students on their work. The second portion of the event was a "Holidays Around the World" presentation, during which students shared information about five holidays they had learned about: Kwanzaa, Diwali, St. Lucia day, Hanukkah and Las Posadas. The students presented facts about each holiday and the unique traditions associated with it.
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Furnace Woods Students and Staff Foster Kindness Year Round
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During the month of November, Furnace Woods students and staff collected pajamas for local families in need.
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As part of Furnace Woods' 50th anniversary celebration, students and staff have been focusing on ways to give back to others. During the past few months, the school has taken up various collections, making donations to area organizations.
For the month of November, students and staff collected warm winter pajamas for families in need. The Pajama Drive was a huge success, with a total of 110 pairs of winter pajamas collected and distributed to local Westchester families. To celebrate the pajama drive's success, the school held a special Pajama Day for its students.
December's project was collecting Hershey bars for the Peekskill Food Pantry. "These little gifts help make someone's holiday a little sweeter when they visit the food pantry," said Principal Dr. Cindy Kramer.
Furnace Woods secretary Kamalini Martin has donated to the Peekskill Food Pantry for the past few years. "Once a month I bake apple cake for the soup kitchen, and I thought it might be nice to add a treat over the holidays." In the past, Mrs. Martin has encouraged staff to donate Hershey bars, normally collecting about 150 bars. This year, however, because of the anniversary celebration, students were included in the candy bar drive, and the total quickly approached 400. Some of the classes even took on the candy bar collection as a class project, wrapping and decorating the bars together.
"During the holidays we have to remember that not all of us are fortunate enough to get a meal a day," said Mrs. Martin. "If we can add a small something to make the season more joyful for someone, then that's the nicest way to celebrate the holidays."
In January, students turned their focus to local veterans, making cards to be delivered to the Montrose VA Hospital in time for Valentine's Day, and February's theme is Random Acts of Kindness.
"It's been great to see the enthusiasm with which our students have embraced our monthly Acts of Kindness initiative," said Dr. Kramer. "Whether it's donating pajamas to needy children or making cards for our veterans, students are excited to reach out and help others. We've even had some students doing similar things on their own outside of school, which shows that they are truly internalizing the importance of giving back to the community."
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Stay Up to Date on Entergy Developments
There are two new online resources available to help you stay on top of the latest developments regarding Entergy's planned closure of Indian Point, as well as any related district and community activities.
"Entergy Updates" is a new section on the district website where news, events, videos and other topical items will be regularly posted. The page can be found here:
https://www.henhudschools.org/domain/1384
Power Through Cortlandt, an advocacy group formed by the district's PTA Council, aims to mobilize the community in responding to Indian Point's closure. Power Through Cortlandt's website can be accessed here:
www.powerthroughcortlandt.org
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Senior Nick Cunningham and varsity football coach Mike Lynch at the Golden Dozen banquet, where Nick was recognized for academics, athletics and community service.
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Nick Cunningham Named one of
"Golden Dozen" Scholar-Athletes in Westchester County
The Westchester Chapter
of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame selected
senior Nick Cunningham as one of its "Golden Dozen" Scholar Athletes at the end of the 2016 football season. The twelve area students who earned this prestigious title were recognized for their contributions on the field, their performance in the classroom, and the difference they make in their schools and communities. Nick was recognized at an awards banquet held in January.
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Hen Hud Scenes
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Get the Hen Hud App and Follow us on
Facebook and Twitter
If you are a parent, teacher, student or other stakeholder in the district and use a smartphone, you should know about the Hen Hud Mobile App! The free, simple-to-use application offers breaking news; links to the Hen Hud Facebook page, website, and Twitter feeds; calendar items; Board of Education news; cafeteria menus; and photos and videos, including videos of Board of Education meetings and other key events.
To download this free application for Apple, CLICK HERE. For Android, CLICK HERE.
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