Mid-Winter Recess Feb. 21-25
City School District of New Rochelle schools will be closed for Mid-Winter Recess from Monday, Feb. 21 through Friday, Feb. 25. School district offices are closed Monday, Feb. 21 and Friday, Feb. 25. Schools and offices reopen on Monday, Feb. 28.
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Superintendent Vows Comprehensive Action
to Support Our Community’s Youth
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Listening to students and joining forces to guide our children toward successful futures was a prevailing theme of a special Superintendent’s Town Hall meeting Tuesday, as was the school district’s commitment to act.
“This school district and this community have been failing our students for far too long,” said Superintendent Jonathan Raymond, acknowledging the community’s sadness and frustration after a teenager was shot and killed in the city Jan. 25, and another teen was charged with the crime. “We cannot change what happened, but we can work tirelessly to make sure the tragic events that occurred cannot happen again. That is something we can, and must, do together.”
More timely access to caring and supportive adults, enhancing after-school and summer programs, and providing more wraparound support services to students and families were some of the priorities identified at the meeting, attended by about 100 community members at Columbus Elementary School or via Zoom.
Noting that “our students want to learn and want to be successful,” but not necessarily within the established school framework, Raymond said that in the coming months, the school district will transform how, when, and where students learn. Efforts will start with the high school and then the middle schools.
“Our beautiful and precious youth will lead our efforts,” said Raymond. A Youth Success Model will be developed to facilitate a coordinated approach to social and emotional learning, and to address achievement and equity gaps, poor engagement, and access to enrichment programs and wraparound support services. These will include guidance counseling, mentoring and mental health services, to name a few. These have to be “non-negotiables,” Raymond said.
Raymond expressed appreciation to those who attended the meeting, thanking them for sharing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. “There’s a lot of healing to be done,” he said, “and it is absolutely essential that we come together, work together, and move forward… with our young people at the heart of it.”
The meeting was attended by several elected officials, including the New Rochelle Board of Education, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Westchester County Legislator Terry Clements, New Rochelle Council Member Martha Lopez-Hanratty, Council Member Yadira Ramos Herbert, and New Rochelle Public Library Board Trustee Daniel Bonnet. Board of Education President Julia Muggia Ochs and Vice President Adina Berrios Brooks (in photo, at right) served as moderators.
Joining Raymond in the panel discussion were Dr. Dagoberto Artiles, Principal of New Rochelle High School; Miriam Rocah, Westchester County District Attorney; and Michael Orth, Commissioner, Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (in top photo, at right, with Superintendent Raymond). Panelists discussed various resources available and efforts to decrease gun violence.
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Support for Youth a Key Theme for Board of Education |
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During Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Jonathan Raymond pledged to take action to provide deeper, comprehensive services to support students and youth in New Rochelle – and involve them in the process of creating those programs.
“Students are at the center of our work. We see them, we hear them,” he said. His comments reiterated his declarations at a Superintendent’s Town Hall earlier in the evening. That community discussion was scheduled in the aftermath of the tragic events of two weeks ago involving two city youth. Julian Oliveras was the victim of a fatal shooting on Jan. 25, and the Board of Education held a moment of silence in his memory Tuesday.
To highlight the dedication to students by New Rochelle schools’ faculty and staff, Raymond shared an incident that happened recently at a New Rochelle school. “One of our students lost a parent in the home while the other parent was traveling out of the country,” he said. The school served as a safe haven for the grief-stricken child and the educators in the building quickly rallied to provide comfort, safety and a sense of belonging. “That commitment is unwavering” throughout our school district, Raymond said.
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Highlights of the meeting:
- To increase student voice in decision-making, the position of “student liaison” to the Board of Education was created. This will provide students with the opportunity to express their views and aspirations; provide the Board and students a vehicle to exchange information; broaden the base of information available to those ultimately responsible for educational decision-making; and develop an environment that encourages understanding and trust.
- Michael Galland, Principal of host school Columbus Elementary, gave a presentation on the school’s comprehensive efforts to address unfinished learning caused by the pandemic.
- Board member William Iannuzzi (pictured), who is Mascaro Clubhouse Director at Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, was recognized by his colleagues for having received the National AfterSchool Association’s 2022 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders Award. He was one of 20 young professionals from around the country selected for their influence on programs, organizations, and communities.
- Several board members and audience speakers offered congratulations to Shelli Owens, appointed earlier this week to be the Interim Principal of the Barnard Early Childhood Center. She succeeds Dr. Nicolas Cracco, who now works as part of the district-wide leadership team.
The next Board meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 15 at City Hall.
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Parents, Guardians: Social Media Vigilance Requested |
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The physical, mental, social, and emotional health of City School District of New Rochelle youth, families, faculty, and staff is paramount, and social media usage can have a major impact the health of our community. Your school district requests the assistance of parents and guardians in providing important guidance and education about social media, as well as vigilance in monitoring our youths’ social media activity.
Some social media posts can cause extreme worry and have broad impact. Children have access to an online world that is above and beyond their understanding. This ever-transforming and expanding world can be complex even for adults to navigate, and guidelines and boundaries are important.
“By having open conversations about social media, its benefits, and its risks, you can promote positive social media usage,” according to WebMD.com. “Create a plan to inform your child or children of the benefits of social media and what to be cautious about. This will help your relationship with your child as you manage their social media usage together.” Promoting positive social media usage leads to more positive outcomes, and that is what we want for our youth.
- Setting the tone (staying calm and avoiding emotional language online)
- Asking before you tell (ask your child what platforms they are using and let them explain them to you)
- Leading by example (talk about how you use social media in a healthy way)
- Staying calm (if you find out your child has been using a site inappropriately or engaging in behavior you don’t approve of, have a level-headed discussion)
- Talking about permanence and privacy (let children know that online posts are permanent and that they should only connect with people they know and trust)
- Describing positive and negative online behavior (speaking nicely vs. cyberbullying and manipulative behavior).
Learn more about Web MD’s recommendations and see additional resources on conflict resolution and well-being here. The City School District of New Rochelle will continue to share important information with you regarding social media and safeguarding our community’s children.
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Owens New Interim Principal at Barnard |
City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Jonathan Raymond this week announced the appointment of Shelli L. Owens as Interim Principal at the Barnard Early Childhood Center for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year.
Owens has served as Assistant Principal at Columbus Elementary School in the school district for the past nine years and worked at Jefferson Elementary School as a literacy facilitator. Her appointment is effective Feb. 22. She succeeds Dr. Nicolas Cracco, who has moved to a position at the school district central office. Read the full announcement here: https://conta.cc/3Jc2dT6
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Conquering Ovarian Cancer Tumors: Student Seeks Answers |
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The students in New Rochelle High School’s Science Research Program explore a dazzling range of topics under the mentorship of experts from some of the top institutions of learning and exploration. Students’ projects will regularly be featured in this Newsletter.
Student: Leyla Selman, senior
Mentor: Dr. Benjamin Hopkins, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai
Leyla Selman always has been interested in science and solving problems. For her Science Research Program project, she was inspired by her mother, who battled cancer, to research testing potential treatment drugs for ovarian cancer tumors.
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“My project focused on a gene mutation in ovarian cancer tumors and explored potential treatment options for ovarian cancer patients,” said Selman.
The project involved a significant amount of statistical analysis, given the sheer amount of data she had to review. What she ultimately found was that Taselisib, a cancer drug, would not be an effective treatment in cancer patients who have a mutation in the PTEN gene, which regulates the creation of an important enzyme found in almost all of the body’s tissues.
Taselisib is still an experimental drug, meaning there is plenty of research yet to be done on its capabilities for treatment. Selman’s research already has found one likely limitation of its application in its inability to treat cancer patients with the PTEN mutation. It remains to be seen what further studies will reveal regarding its effectiveness.
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Selman hopes her experience in the Science Research Program is only the beginning of her scientific journey.
“I want to get involved with science research in college, and this program has helped me build a strong foundation of knowledge in my area of interest that will be very helpful in my future research endeavors,” she said. “Additionally, the presentation aspect of science research has really helped me build confidence in my speaking and presenting skills.”
Moreover, the program has helped her find greater joy in the field of science research as she has progressed in her work alongside friends and fellow students.
“I think the most rewarding part of being in [the program] is being able to bond with my peers over our shared interest in science, and I’ve been able to make some great friends throughout my four years in the program,” she said.
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Top Awards for New Rochelle High Seniors at Science Fair |
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The results for the Westchester-Rockland Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (WR-JSHS) are in, and New Rochelle High School Science Research Program students again were stars!
Four seniors took home top awards:
- Local Division: Jobin Binu Daniel, first place, Physical Sciences; Riley Fullerton, second place, Behavior
- Regional Division: Julia Yang, third place, Cellular & Molecular Biology; Izzy Balachandran, fifth place, Cellular & Molecular Biology
Yang advances to the state level and will present her research at Upstate Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at the University at Albany in March. She said her favorite aspect of the symposium was “watching everyone’s projects… it was amazing to see how everyone was able to overcome the challenges of not doing labs in person and create online projects.” For Binu Daniel, “All the hard work and dedication that was put into this JSHS presentation paid off in the end. I felt so accomplished when I saw my name in the awards ceremony.”
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New Rochelle High Graduate Directs Super Bowl Ad |
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When you’re watching the Super Bowl, also watch for a Verizon ad – because 2007 New Rochelle High School graduate Ben Morejon helped create it. Morejon is a creative director; the ad features comedian Jim Carrey in his famous film role in “The Cable Guy.” Morejon (at right with Carrey in the photo) and a copywriter colleague came up with the idea for the ad. Morejon was flown to Los Angeles to oversee the directing of the commercial, and he spent numerous hours editing and presenting the final ad. His creative roots were nurtured by New Rochelle High art teachers Amanda Tarantino, Scott Seaboldt, Moira McCaul, and Michael Fry. Be sure to keep an eye out for the ad this Super Bowl Sunday! |
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Mobile Pantry Gives Out
5,600 Pounds of Food
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The Mobile Food Pantry returned to Isaac E. Young Middle School Wednesday and distributed 5,600 pounds of food to 104 visitors, impacting 455 people. This initiative is critical to local families; a healthy, consistent diet can help students in school and with their quality of life.
The Mobile Food Pantry is sponsored by the City School District of New Rochelle’s Pupil Personnel Services Department and Feeding Westchester. The Mobile Food Pantry returns to Isaac E. Young Middle School on March 9 from 4-5 p.m. All are welcome.
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Mask Usage Still Required;
Sign Up for Saliva Testing
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The City School District of New Rochelle continues to enforce New York State’s indoor mask mandate in
school settings as a way to safeguard students, faculty, and staff. Thank you for your continued patience
through this fluid process.
The school district also continues to urge registration in its PCR Saliva-Testing Program. Please sign up here to participate, or pick up consent forms in your school’s main office.
Vaccinations for ages 5-11 also are available at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital (call (914) 701-1700, ext. 1, for an appointment) and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Make an appointment at Am-IEligible.COVID19Vaccine.Health.NY.gov.
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Two at Columbus Honored for Receiving Tenure |
Congratulations to two Columbus Elementary School teachers recognized by the Board of Education Tuesday for achieving tenure. Principal Michael Galland called second-grade teacher Kelly Kalinowski and first-grade teacher Rana Rabadi “outstanding colleagues” who bring laughter, warmth, intelligence, and devotion to their work every day. “Their classrooms feel like laboratories and living rooms all at once,” he said, referring to their ability to provide students with a classroom environment that is engaging, stimulating, warm, and welcoming. |
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Newsletters throughout the month of February will spotlight how Black History Month is observed, honored, and taught in our schools through lessons, activities, and events. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans, according to History.com. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
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Barnard Early Childhood Center |
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Hands-on activities that celebrate African culture and traditions are bringing Black History Month to life for students at the Barnard Early Childhood Center. Art teacher Lori Zung worked with students on projects reflecting the theme, “The Sights and Sounds of Africa.” (See the artwork here.)
Pre-K students learned about traditional east African necklaces work by the Maasai tribe of Kenya and Tanzania, and also about traditional ceremonial masks. The students then made their own colorful creations.
Kindergarteners made rain sticks, after learning about the significance of these musical instruments in African culture.
First-graders explored the history of Kente cloth, a textile practice that originated in the west African country of Ghana. The students then created their own designs, featuring bright colors and geometric patterns.
Second-graders learned about the Ndebele tribe of South Africa, known for their colorful homes featuring geometric shapes that convey messages only the community can decipher. The students then drew pictures of homes reflecting this Ndebele tradition.
In addition, first- and second-graders will watch a performance by the Accent Dance Company next week, said Interim Assistant Principal Dr. Lori Pisani. Various dance genres important to Black history, including tap, hip hop, African dance, modern dance, and jazz, will be explored.
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Jefferson Elementary School |
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The students in School Library Media Specialist Roslyn Claytor’s Library/Inquiry Skills class are celebrating the wonder that comes from observing, questioning, and celebrating African-American inventors during Black History Month -- thus sparking their imagination to become inventors.
This month’s lesson focuses on African-American inventors, inventions, and the process of inventing, requiring our students to utilize critical-thinking skills to find appropriate and workable solutions to improve the way we live. After hearing stories of African-American discoveries and inventions, students become inspired and excited about brainstorming a unique, creative, and useful invention item, concept or three-dimensional model, individually or in collaboration with their team.
The process includes the following:
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Ask: Define the problem.
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Imagine: Brainstorm solutions; designs, drawings.
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Plan: Consider how to best solve the problem.
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Create: 3D model - construct your solution.
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Test: Determine how well the solution will work.
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Improve: Make their solution better.
In order to flourish in our modern global world, students need critical thinking skills, the ability to explore and examine, to build and design their concepts, which are key components of inquiry-based learning.
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William B. Ward Elementary School |
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Ward’s young artists, led by art teachers Jennifer DeGiacomo and Maria Belinquete, studied the work of New York-based Ghaninan artist Dennis Owusu-Ansah. Owusu-Ansah told CNN, “After witnessing my friend get teased by a group of men for wearing a kente cloth on our way to church, I figured something must be done to change the perspective of people who are not familiar with African culture.” It was at the point that he painted famous pop artists in royal African attire, such as Kente cloths. Ward’s fourth- and fifth-graders, performing paper weaving, also had the choice to draw traditional Kente designs or make up their own designs using oil pastels or black marker. In all, beautiful creations emerged as lessons about heritage and tradition took hold. Check out the photos showing Katherine Schwartz hard at work, and a Kente cloth by Elliot Weiser. |
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March 5 Event Celebrates the Sights and Sounds of Africa |
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On Saturday, March 5, from 4 - 5:30 p.m., The New Rochelle Black History Month Committee, sponsored by a consortium of community-based organizations, will present a live, virtual, and free program for the 10th Annual Black History Month Celebration. This year, “The Sights and Sounds of Africa” are being celebrated.
Join guest host Dawn N. Hicks Tafari, Ph.D., for the live event at nred.org. Beginning at 4 p.m.:
- Preview student artists from elementary, middle, and high school, as they work on submissions to the Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators’ (WABSE) Spoken Word and Art Show.
- Meet a panel of authors -- Nicole Allen, Caroline Clarke, Linsey Davis, Judy Tyrus, Kent Washington, and Rita Williams-Garcia -- as they discuss their “writerly” lives. The discussion will be moderated by New Rochelle High School student Laela Reynolds.
- Enjoy presentations by professional artists Imani Gonzalez, Sadat X, and former New Rochelle High School student Rachel Motley, as they share the influence of African art and music on their work.
- Share pride as we honor student achievers, educational leaders and a special posthumous recognition of educator Karen Johnson, whose contributions to the lives of students and the community will be cherished forever.
After the live event, student work submitted to the Spoken Word and Art Show will be exhibited online at nred.org. All are invited to visit the exhibit, view more about the authors, artists, honorees and resources. This program is presented by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts, The Lincoln Park Conservancy, the City School District of New Rochelle, the New Rochelle Branch NAACP, Kingdom Community Consultants, and the Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators.
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Experience the Arts Through PAVE Performances |
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PAVE, New Rochelle High School’s esteemed performing and visual arts program, presents two opportunities to experience the talents and creativity of our students and staff. “A Night of Ten-Minute Plays” is at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 14 at the Linda E. Kelly Theater. “An Evening of Song,” with teacher David Jutt, accompanist, and Rachel Fry, teaching artist, is Thursday, Feb. 17 in Room 415 at 7 p.m. Those interested in attending are asked to email dmarwah@nredlearn.org for more information.
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At Isaac Young, Important Dialogue Nurtures a Welcoming Environment |
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The Isaac E. Young Middle School administrative team last week led school-wide advisory lessons for students to support the continued development of a safe, welcoming, and accepting learning environment. Students engaged in an interactive presentation in which issues impacting our school community and larger community were addressed. Topics discussed included bullying, harassment, and the impact of social media on our community. Students reflected on their experiences at the Castle, posed questions, and collaboratively discussed ways to maintain a safe learning community for all. This advisory is part of the school’s ongoing work to support the development of healthy minds and hearts. The Isaac Young administrative team looks forward to building upon this work through an active partnership with our staff, students, and families. |
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In Memory of Denise Campbell
The City School District of New Rochelle is saddened to announce the Jan. 28 passing of longtime employee Denise Campbell. Working with special education students at Trinity Elementary School and then moving to William B. Ward Elementary School in 2015, she was known as a giving, loving, and positive force who enriched the lives of those around her.
Colleague Keri Cameron worked alongside Ms. Campbell for eight years. She offered this tribute: “Denise had all the qualities essential for nurturing the students within our classroom... Denise loved all and took care of every single child that we taught together. She helped me grow as a teacher and our relationship developed into one of more than just work-related; we became family. Her spirit was infectious and her ways were pure and genuine. She gave 300 percent of herself to not only our students, but to Trinity Elementary School in its entirety. After she left Trinity and was transferred to Ward, we continued our friendship and spoke consistently with one another. Looking back, I can honestly say she was one of the greatest friends I ever had. She will definitely be missed by all those whose lives she touched.”
In recognition of her excellent work, Ms. Campbell received a 2014 We Are One award from the New Rochelle Special Education PTA. She was a fixture in the community and many of her family members work in the school district. Please join us in extending condolences to her loved ones.
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Four Huguenot Swimmers Advance to State Meet |
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The New Rochelle High School boys swim team competed in the Sectional meet Tuesday and Wednesday, finishing ninth overall in the Section. The Sectional team consisted of swimmers Jonathan Carsen, Michael Cohen, Theo Veru, Nate Dower, Ryan Carsen, Sam Cave, Michael Freeman, and Patrick Denigris.
At Tuesday’s preliminary meet, Jonathan Carsen, Cohen, Veru, and Dower qualified for finals in the 200 Medley Relay and the 200 Freestyle Relay. Carsen (50/100 Free), Cohen (50 Free), and Veru (100 Back) qualified for finals in their individual events. Ryan Carsen stepped up and swam the 100 Breaststroke, matching his best time, 1:12.50. Other personal bests included:
- Jonathan Carsen’s 50 Freestyle (21.68)
- Cohen’s 100 Freestyle (51.50)
- Dower’s 100 Butterfly (57.91)
- Cave, Freeman, Denigris, and Dower’s 400 Freestyle Relay (3:43.36)
- Cave’s 100 Freestyle in the 400 Freestyle Relay (54.94)
In the finals on Wednesday, the Huguenots had great results from our returning four who qualified. The New-Bro 200 Medley Relay (Veru, Carsen, Dower, Cohen, competing on the same team as Bronxville High School swimmers) started the meet off strong by being the first race of the evening and qualifying for the State meet, placing sixth with a 1:40.42. Later, their 200 Freestyle Relay finished fourth with a 1:30.52 time. Jonathan Carsen made the state cuts in both his individual events, placing second in his 50 Freestyle (21.86) and fifth in his 100 Freestyle (48.40). The team also had excellent swims by Cohen in his 50 Freestyle, placing 11th with a personal best of 22.84, and Veru in his 100 Backstroke, finishing eighth with a time of 55.54.
This meet showed what the New-Bro swim team is capable of, with consistent swims and personal bests all around. Carsen, Cohen, Veru, and Dower will compete next in the New York State Meet on March 4-5 at Ithaca College, where seniors Carsen, Cohen, and Veru will have their last swims as part of the New-Bro team.
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Impressive Results for Wrestlers, Track Teams |
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The New Rochelle High School Huguenot Wrestling Team competed in the Divisionals at John Jay High School in Cross River, and had some excellent results:
- Steven Burrell took first place at 215 pounds. He is the top-ranked wrestler heading into the Sectional tournament this weekend.
- Taking third place were Mariella Koufalis (102 pounds); Jonas Torres (118); and Dallis Thomas (172).
- Fourth-place finishes went to Zaeem Jamsheed (110) and Luis Morales (285).
The Sectional wrestling tournament for Division I takes place this Saturday, Feb. 12 at Arlington High School outside Poughkeepsie and Sunday, Feb. 13 at Clarkstown South High School.
At the Class AA track championships at the Armory on Sunday, the Huguenot girls team placed fifth, one point behind Scarsdale. Olivia Moxey took second place in the 55-meter dash (time: 7.52) and third place in the pole vault (7 feet, 6 inches). Nia Perry took third place in the 55-meter hurdles (time: 9.23). On the boys’ side, Jabari Clarke won the long jump with a distance of 20 feet, 6.5 inches, and Gio Wellington won the weight throw with a distance of 47 feet, 3.5 inches.
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Come Out and Support Your Huguenot Sports! |
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Thursday, Feb. 10
Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Scarsdale (Home), 4:30 p.m.
Boys JV Basketball vs. Scarsdale (Home), 6:15 p.m.
Girls Varsity Basketball @ Scarsdale, 5 p.m.
Girls JV Basketball @ Scarsdale, 6:45 p.m.
Varsity Ice Hockey vs. White Plains @ Ebersole Ice Rink, 5 p.m.
Varsity Cheerleaders depart for Orlando, Fla., for the UCA National Championships
Friday, Feb. 11
Varsity Ice Hockey vs. Monroe-Woodbury @ Newburgh, Ice Time 4:30 p.m.
Girls JV Basketball vs. Mount Vernon (Home), 4:15 p.m.
Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Mount Vernon (Home), 6 p.m. (Senior Night)
Saturday, Feb. 12
Varsity Wrestling - Section One Tournament (1st Day), Arlington High School, 9 a.m.
Girls Varsity Basketball @ Mount Vernon, 11 a.m.
Girls JV Basketball vs. Mount Vernon, 1 p.m.
Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Mount Vernon (Home), noon
Boys JV Basketball vs. Mount Vernon (Home), 2 p.m.
Boys/Girls Indoor Track - Purple Passion Meet @ Armory Track Center, 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 13
Varsity Wrestling - Section One Tournament (2nd Day) at Clarkstown South High School 9:00am
Boys Varsity Basketball @ Suffern, 1 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 14
Girls JV Basketball @ Suffern, 5 p.m.
Girls Varsity Basketball @ Suffern, 6:30 p.m.
Boys JV Basketball vs. Mamaroneck (Home), 4:30 p.m.
Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Mamaroneck (Home) 6:15 (Senior Night)
Tuesday, Feb. 15
Varsity Ice Hockey vs. Irvington @ Ice Hutch, 5:10 p.m.
Modified Ice Hockey vs. Ryetown @ Ebersole Ice Rink, 5:15 p.m.
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Sign Up for Spring Sports
If you have questions, please contact the Athletic Department at 576-4586.
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City School District of New Rochelle | nred.org
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