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Schools Closed May 2 in Observance of Eid al-Fitr

City School District of New Rochelle schools will be closed on Monday, May 2, 2022 in observance of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. Please note that earlier calendars listed Tuesday, May 3, 2022 as the date of the holiday’s observance by the school district. Schools will now be open on May 3, and school district offices will be open on Monday, May 2, 2022. Details: https://conta.cc/3K1D2lY

SALUTING EXCELLENCE AT NEW ROCHELLE HIGH SCHOOL!

Students and an Educator

Receive Honors for Outstanding Achievement!

Christina Hughes Earns Full College Scholarship

New Rochelle High School senior Christina Hughes has been awarded a full-ride scholarship to the college of her choice – based on a “strong caddie record, excellent academics and outstanding character.”

Hughes, who caddied for four years at Quaker Ridge Golf Club, was chosen to receive the prestigious Westchester Evans Scholarship, valued at an estimated $120,000 over four years. 

The 17-year-old, who has a 96 grade-point average, plans to study criminology at Penn State University.

Hughes began caddying with her brother as a way to save money for college, and really enjoyed the job. “It was an easy way for me to be outside, get exercise; it’s not 9-5. It’s nice to get out and talk with people and was something looked forward to.” 

The scholarship comes via a partnership between the Western Golf Association's Evans Scholars Foundation and the Westchester Golf Association Caddie Scholarship Fund. Candidates must meet the qualifications of both organizations to earn the scholarship. An estimated 315 caddies from across the country are expected to be awarded the Evans Scholarship.

“She’s always worked hard, very focused, determined with a great attitude,” said Kevin Austin, Hughes’ New Rochelle High School guidance counselor, who was not surprised she was awarded the scholarship. “She’s honest, upfront, and in my opinion, she’s a very solid role model for other students.”

Hughes said she will be the first person in her family to go away to college and to graduate.

New Rochelle High School Senior Brian Penn

Named ‘Youth of the Year’ by Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle

New Rochelle High School Senior Brian Penn has been named Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.

Now in its 75th year, the Youth of the Year program honors some of the nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures. Penn will proceed to vie for the New York State Youth of the Year title and a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He is planning to pursue a career in law enforcement.

“We are so fortunate to have Brian representing the Club. He has been a leader and role model for our members, and he personifies resilience, tenacity, and grit. We congratulate him and look forward to all of the great things in his future,” said Becky Mazzanobile, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. 

If Penn is named the New York State Youth of the Year, he will compete for the title of Northeast Regional Youth of the Year, who will receive an additional $20,000 college scholarship. Five regional finalists, along with the National Military Youth of the Year, will advance to the National Youth of the Year event in Los Angeles in October 2022 to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of $50,000 and a new Toyota Corolla. 

National Arts Awards for PAVE Student Maribela Dias and Teacher Alexandra Brock!

Maribela Dias

Alexandra Brock

New Rochelle High School’s Performing and Visual Arts Program (PAVE) participants continue to shine – on a national stage!

Visual arts student Maribela Dias, a senior, won a Silver Medal – and $4,000 – in the 2022 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Her photograph, “Streetlights,” shown here, is powerful, and Dias is the first New Rochelle High School PAVE student to win national recognition! She took the photo with her iPhone at the New Rochelle Black Lives Matter protest in June 2020 with her iPhone.

“That night in June, in the pouring rain,” Dias said, “hundreds flooded the intersection as we continued to protest. In the surreal scene of masked marchers, flashing colors of police lights, traffic signals, and cars, I called to my brother, on this historic night in our hometown, to look at me.”

More than 100,000 students submitted 260,000 art creations, and fewer than 2,000 works were honored for their originality, technical skill, and personal voice or vision.

Art teacher Alexandra Brock also was recognized by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, receiving an Educator Award for being “an outstanding educator whose dedication, commitment, and guidance are represented by student work selected for national honors.”

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers is the nonprofit organization that presents the Scholastic Awards. The alliance identifies teenagers with exceptional artistic and literary talent and brings their remarkable work to a national audience through the Scholastic Awards.

Superintendent’s Town Hall Presents Budget, Discusses Priorities 

City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Jonathan Raymond held his monthly Town Hall meeting Wednesday and discussed the proposed 2022-23 school district budget. He said the proposed budget reflects the school district’s values of excellence and equity and makes judicious use of federal, state, and local resources to keep the tax levy increase at 0.98%, significantly below the tax cap of 2.345%.

On May 17, voters also will consider a bond proposition to provide necessary cash flow to complete post-Hurricane Ida repairs to the New Rochelle High School library and pool and Isaac E. Young Middle School until state and federal reimbursement is received.

Highlights of the proposed $298,760,957 operating budget include:

• Adding a Dance Teacher at Isaac E. Young Middle School to open pathways for more students to access our Performing and Visual Arts in Education (PAVE) program.
• Adding a second Science Research Teacher at New Rochelle High School who will expand the program’s reach into middle and elementary schools.
• Bringing our school district into compliance with state regulations by hiring 21 special education and English as a New Language teachers.
• Retaining 25 newly hired full-time security staff for our middle and high schools.
• Adding laptops, iPads and smart boards for our students and classrooms.
• Leveraging pandemic relief dollars to support:
• The addition of 15 teaching/staff positions to further address unfinished learning and wellness, including creating a Dean of Students position for each middle school to focus on attendance, conflict resolution, and social-emotional learning.
• Adding teachers at Huguenot Academy to create access for more ninth graders.
• Expanded after-school and summer school programs.

Learn more about the proposed budget at nred.org/budget.

Deadline is April 27 for Board of Education Candidates to File Paperwork to Run

The Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote takes place on Tuesday,

May 17, 2022. Two seats on the Board of Education, running from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2027, are available. Candidates who will seek election to the New Rochelle Board of Education must ensure their prospective-candidate packets are received in the Office of the City School District of New Rochelle District Clerk by 5 p.m. on April 27, 2022. Candidates are encouraged to step forward.

An array of resources for community members considering seeking election to the Board of Education is available in English and Spanish at nred.org/page/candidate-resources.

For information, contact Millie Bonilla, District Clerk & Secretary to the Board of Education, at (914) 576-4219 or mbonilla@nredlearn.org. Learn about an upcoming candidate forum by clicking the flyer.

Huguenot Academy’s academic model of individualized student support, smaller class sizes, and an emphasis on ensuring students are ready to “launch” after graduation is achieving success, Program Director Andrea Schwach told the Board of Education during a presentation Tuesday.

One key indicator that Huguenot’s approach pays dividends: 19 of the 23 students in this year’s senior class have been accepted to college, and more acceptances “are rolling in,” Schwach said, noting that students have plans to work in fields such as computer science, the airline industry, construction, and emergency medical services.

Huguenot Academy, a program of New Rochelle High School, provides a relationship-based environment that enables students to thrive, Schwach said – a point emphasized by Superintendent Jonathan Raymond. “Relationships are a key to what makes Huguenot really successful,” he said.

Students have full access to the high school’s extracurricular, athletic and any other programs, Schwach said. She explained that high levels of engagement and a collaborative home-school partnership are at the foundation of the program’s approach. This includes a low student-to-teacher ratio, innovative course offerings to hone students’ post-secondary goals, flexibility to pursue non-traditional pathways, empowerment, and more.

Huguenot continues to look ahead, Schwach said:

• The Yale RULER Training Program, an emotional-support program, will be implemented this summer. This will complement social and emotional learning approaches already in use.
• “Launchpad” will start next school year, supporting the college and career exploration/application process.
• Enrollment is anticipated to expand from the current 65 to about 200 in the 2025-2026 school year.
• Additional partnerships will be created with community organizations and companies, and a community service requirement will be implemented.

Schwach specifically credited Huguenot’s dedicated team and hard-working students for the school’s success, saying both power the program’s “holistic wraparound approach to adolescent development.”

The Board of Education was impressed by the presentation. Board member William Iannuzzi said, “You have really built an adult connection to those kids.” Board member Margaret Bavosa praised the Huguenot team’s perseverance and offered thanks “for all you have done to keep everyone supported.”

Join Zoom Meeting May 3 to Learn About Tutor.com’s Benefits

Tutor.com, available for free to all City School District of New Rochelle students, has proven to be an essential tool in advancing academic achievement for students taking advantage of the program being in place and accessible across the district.

A Zoom presentation is planned at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, and will provide the community an opportunity to learn more about Tutor.com’s numerous benefits and academic support services. The program will be available in English and Spanish, and hosted by Executive Principal John Barnes. In addition, Tutor.com representatives will share an overview and summary of the program and functionalities.

Use of Tutor.com has increased since its launch three months ago. Students connect with live, one-to-one tutors in English or Spanish, and they can receive assistance in a range of areas:

• Homework.
• Extra-credit projects.
• Critiques of written reports before submission in class.
•  Practice tests can be taken to gauge mastery on subjects or prep for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT or Advanced Placement exams.
• If a student is absent but well enough to do schoolwork, and doesn’t have access to a teacher, Tutor.com can help.
• Tutors can guide students regarding best practices for studying or how to best understand and tackle an assignment.

Connecting with a tutor is quick and easy. Service is available 24/7 and is unlimited. Students can access Tutor.com by signing into their school district devices, accessing the school district’s launchpad, and simply clicking the Tutor.com icon to start a live tutoring session. Students using a non-district-provided device must sign into Launchpad (https://launchpad.classlink.com/nredlearn) first, then click the Tutor.com icon to access Tutor.com.

For more information, email City School District of New Rochelle Executive Principal John Barnes at johnbarnes@nredlearn.org. We will send out the Zoom link next week in an eblast and hope you will save the date and join us on May 3 at 7 p.m.

Students: Help Name Our New K-8 Summer Learning Programs!

Summer matters Big Time, whether it is our own memories or those we wish for our children. What is clear and supported by volumes of research is how important enriching and fun activities are for children in the summer.

The old model of remedial "summer school" is being replaced by the more effective approach of "summer learning," built around student interest as well as student learning needs, and feels like summer camp. When designed this way, by blending academic support with enrichment and fun, kids want to be there, they attend more consistently, and get much more benefit academically, socially and emotionally. After two years of a pandemic, our students deserve nothing less.

There are many models of summer learning for students of all ages. For younger students, there are endless creative options for building reading and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills in the summer through hands-on projects, field trips, clubs, and games. For our older students, we can create service-based learning opportunities that could be attached to credit and even ways for students to earn money over the summer. Summer is a wide-open space of opportunity: Let's try some things we haven't tried. Let's let our educators bring their own interests and hobbies into the classroom. Let's create new partnerships to expand our students' horizons.

As the City School District of New Rochelle builds toward summer 2022, we are asking our students to develop a name or a theme for what we will call our summer learning programs. We are set to launch this summer’s offerings – and all we need is a name. Students in grades 2 - 8 will receive a link on Friday, April 22 at their schools to complete a survey and to send their name idea submissions. Click here, on "survey" to participate until April 27, 2022 at 5 p.m. 

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 are regularly be featured in this Newsletter.

Student: Aviva Segal, Junior

Mentor: Dr. Nicholas Santangelo, Associate Professor of Biology at Hofstra University

In the ongoing battle to save our oceans, it’s important to understand the possible negative effects of certain elements and toxins on marine life. To that end, New Rochelle High School student Aviva Segal examined the effect of manganese on the development of Atlantic horseshoe crab eggs.

The first step in her research involved collecting several horseshoe crab egg specimens from a beach on Long Island, then exposing them to several manganese concentrations, ranging from 0 to 50 ppm (parts per million).

“We noticed that no egg development was occurring in manganese concentrations exceeding 1 ppm, so we conducted a second experiment that focused on smaller concentrations ranging from 0-1 ppm (0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1 ppm),” said Segal. “We found that in a controlled lab setting, the manganese toxicity threshold for horseshoe crab eggs exists between 0.5 and 1 ppm.”

Segal’s interest in the development of horseshoe crabs stems from summer beach trips with her family, during which she’d observe the behavior of these creatures. She decided to conduct her research after learning about a recent decline in the horseshoe crab population.

Thanks to New Rochelle High School’s Science Research Program, Segal was able to study the effect of manganese on horseshoe crabs in both the field and lab. Through this experience, she now knows that she’d like to pursue a career in Environmental Science.

“I entered the Science Research Program having a vague idea about what I wanted to pursue after high school,” Segal said. “After participating in this program, however, my future aspirations have become clear.”

Segal considered this project a rewarding experience and was thankful for the enthusiastic support from her peers in the Science Research Program.

“The opportunities to do field work and bench-top research have been the most rewarding aspects of the Science Research Program,” she said. “In addition, the Science Research Program has provided a community of supportive and like-minded students who are also interested in scientific exploration.”

Middle School Students Excel on National Latin Exam

Congratulations to 13 students at Isaac E. Young Middle School and four at Albert Leonard Middle School who were honored for their superb scores on the National Latin Exam!

Each year, students taking Latin at the middle schools take the National Latin Exam, which is given annually in the United States and around the world as an opportunity for students to receive reinforcement and recognition for their accomplishments in learning the Latin language. Students can earn certificates, medals, and scholarships.

Honorees from Isaac E. Young Middle School:

Sixth Grade Latin 1A (Introduction to Latin)

• Giovanni Rojas, Silver Maxima Cum Laude (medal, certificate)
• Justin Orellana-Martinez, Silver Maxima Cum Laude (medal, certificate)
• Katherine Kann, Silver Maxima Cum Laude (medal, certificate)
• sabella Izazaga, Magna Cum Laude (certificate)
• Habib Ayinla, Magna Cum Laude (certificate)
• Amanda London, Magna Cum Laude (certificate)
• Nathaniel Masi, Cum Laude (certificate)
• Juanpablo Ramirez, Cum Laude (certificate)

Seventh Grade Latin 1B (Beginning Latin) 

• Lorelei Schmitz, Gold Summa Cum Laude (medal, certificate)
• Alexis Smith, Cum Laude (certificate)

Eighth Grade Latin 2 (Beginning Latin)

• Alan Verghese, Silver Maxima Cum Laude (medal, certificate)
• Lennon Dascal, Silver Maxima Cum Laude (medal, certificate)
• Dylan Minchez, Magna Cum Laude (certificate)

“I could not be more proud of all my Latin students,” said Isaac E. Young Middle School and Albert Leonard Middle School Latin teacher Johanna Clark.

Honorees from Albert Leonard Middle School:

Seventh Grade Latin 1A (Introduction to Latin level)

• Nathan Grandwetter, Silver Maxima Cum Laude (medal, certificate)

 Eighth Grade, Latin 1B (Beginning Latin level)

• Noah Yairi, Gold Summa Cum Laude (medal, certificate)
• Aaron Barlis, Magna Cum Laude (certificate)
• Carlos Calderon-Hernandez, Magna Cum Laude (certificate)

The students holding awards are honorees; the group photos recognize everyone who took the exam. Isaac E. Young honoree Lennon Dascal was absent when the photo was taken.

Creativity and Imagination: Poetry Out Loud Returns May 16

Poetry Out Loud, a celebration of original poetry created by selected students in grades 3 through 6, will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 16, at New Rochelle High School’s Whitney Young Auditorium.

The free program, presented by the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence, will be emceed by New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson. Elementary school principals will be on hand to share in the fun. Family, friends and community members are invited.

The New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence supports our school system and its extraordinary, diverse student body through advancing equity, excellence and inspiring all public-school students. Learn more at nredfund.org.

Dangers of Vaping: Parents Get Strategies for Health, Communication

On April 20, families gathered at New Rochelle High School for this month’s Parents Academy workshop on the dangers of vaping. The Spanish-language workshop was led by former New Rochelle High student Nicolette Loaiza (Class of 2015), who works as a Student Assistance Counselor at Peekskill Middle School. She was supported by Pina Palmisano, New Rochelle High School’s Student Assistance Counselor, her intern Taylor Quinn (New Rochelle High Class of 2014) and Dylan Sadow, New Rochelle High’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Co-President and Advanced Placement Spanish student.

The hands-on workshop allowed parents to explore the different vaping devices and how they operate. This would make it easier for families to recognize them if their teens brought them home. They also discussed the dangers and health impact of vaping nicotine and marijuana, and also marijuana edibles. 

Loaiza shared the reasons students might experiment with vaping and how families can introduce healthy options for addressing anxiety to avoid forming a habit. Finally, families learned strategies for speaking with their children about vaping and how they can empower their children to overcome peer pressure. Families walked away feeling they had learned a lot about the newest smoking trend and like they had the skills to open up a dialogue with their teens. 

For more information please reach out to Pina Palmisano at ppalmisano@nredlearn.org, and review the strategies here:

• Prepare yourself with the facts: It's important to familiarize yourself with how the e-cigarettes and vape pens are being used (flavored, nicotine, and marijuana) and the risks associated with each.
• Have conversations: Find opportunities to discuss vaping with your child(ren). The conversations can present themselves in a variety of ways: letters from school or the Code of Conduct covering the vaping policy, vaping advertisements, passing someone who is vaping, or when you're in a store that sells vapes. Frame the conversation with the intentions of listening and not lecturing. Ask open-ended questions like, "What do you think about vaping?"
• Try to understand why: The majority of young people start vaping out of curiosity, because of the flavors, smoking tricks, to fit in with peers, etc. After time, vaping can become a habit if it's used for other needs, like alleviating boredom or anxiety. Some teens keep vaping to prevent the symptoms of withdrawal. Ask your child, "What do you enjoy about vaping?" or "How do you feel when you are vaping?" The answers will indicate the needs that should be met in a healthier manner.
• Communicate your expectations: Establish clear expectations. Communicate your understanding of the risks, and also why a person might want to vape. Share why you don't want your child vaping. If you decide to impose consequences, make sure to carry them out, while reinforcing healthier options.
• Role-play saying no: If you have a younger teen or pre-teen, it would be useful to show them how to combat peer pressure and refuse offers to vape and/or participate in other unwanted activities. Ask your child, " What would you say if someone asked you to vape?" Pay close attention to how your child manages the situation.
• Be a good example: Be a good example by not smoking or vaping. If you do vape, keep your gear secure and away from children. 

Group photo, from left to right: Taylor Quinn, current Student Assistance Counselor Intern, 2014 graduate. Dylan Sadow, 11th grader, Co-President of Students Against Destructive Decisions and an Advanced Placement Spanish student. Pina Palmisano, Student Assistance Counselor. Nicolette Loaiza, lead presenter of the evening, New Rochelle High School graduate, Class of 2015, former Student Assistance Counselor Intern at New Rochelle High School and current Student Assistance Counselor at Peekskill Middle School.

At Davis, Caring Circles Offer Support, Strategies

Davis Caring Circles started nearly two years ago as online sessions for parents and personnel from the George M. Davis Elementary School community to share, support, or just simply listen as topics ranging from navigating holiday anxiety to improving communication at home were introduced as a coping strategy for families.

“We start every circle or every session with norms and we tell the families about the ability to speak and listen from the heart,” said Davis Assistant Principal Laurie Marinaro, at left in the photo, who facilitates the monthly hour-long sessions with school social worker Heather Cayanan, at right. They say the sessions have become support groups, providing useful tips for parents to help bridge the gap among home, community, and school. 

“We don’t want this to come off like workshops, ‘here’s us telling you every single thing that you need to know because you’re not a partner.’ We want them to feel they are part of the solution, that they can offer suggestions to each other, that they’re a strong, powerful group because they are part of a group like this and willing to share their experiences at home,” said Marinaro.

Davis Elementary School Principal Anthony Bambrola said Caring Circles were inspired by former school district Assistant Superintendent Anthony Bongo, who set up Zoom sessions for school personnel, parents, and students. The vision was to bring these constituencies together to share and discuss COVID-19’s emerging challenges as the pandemic began to disrupt their academic and social lives.

Marinaro and Cayanan piggybacked on that initiative, but they sought something on a smaller scale at Davis. After parents share, they offer tips on a topic that clinicians are able to support. While topics are not specifically about COVID, subjects often impacts caused by the pandemic. 

Cayanan said March’s meeting topic was on anxiety, as well as how to get your child to come to school and deal with school avoidance, which is related to COVID. “A parent says, ‘My child is uncomfortable with a mask; how do you handle it?’ or ‘My child is having more school phobia now that school is back in session and kids are closer to each other.’ They share feelings. We’ll go 20-25 minutes with that, and in the last half hour bring up suggestions on routines to keep the anxiety level low.”

The sessions are open to all school district parents and personnel and usually run from 6-7 p.m. Their goal is to continue the workshops.

“In a time when people felt very isolated, it was really thoughtful and a smart thing that they put together,” said Tara Ciscone, whose son is a fifth-grader at Davis. She has another son in eighth grade at Albert Leonard Middle School. Having checked in on all but one of the Caring Circle sessions, often with her husband, Ciscone appreciates the open, honest dialogue and the reassurance that whatever is spoken about stays in the ‘circle’.

“They brought in speakers, professionals on topics. You could pick and choose what to take away from each session even if your child doesn’t have a learning disability or isn’t anxious, But they’re all children. It was helpful to get people together,” said Ciscone.

Marinaro said, “So many parents say thank you after what they hear from other parents. They realize there are other parents struggling with the same things that they struggle with. It really offers a lot of validation and reassurance for parents when they’re down on themselves, especially when it involves their children.”

Albert Leonard Alumna, Now an Author, Shares Path to Success with Students

Once upon a time, Janae Marks learned at Albert Leonard Middle School as a student. On April 7, she returned to teach – as an award-winning author.

Marks, who specializes in young-adult stories, spoke via Zoom to sixth- and seventh-graders. Her lively presentation highlighted how her dedication and hard work shaped her skills as an engaging storyteller. She particularly spoke about her perseverance in continually submitting her work to dozens of publishers until her first manuscript was accepted and published. 

Marks said her aspirations were in part motivated by her love of book series like “The Babysitters Club” by Ann M. Martin. However, she saw an opportunity, as an author, to embrace a greater diversity of characters, especially the voices of young black women like herself. 

Marks’ powerful comments hit home. Humanities Chairman David Luhman said, "I was struck by the impact she had on our students, particularly with regard to her message about the importance of perseverance in pursuing one's dream." 

Said student Luz Lopez, “I liked her presentation because she showed how success isn't easy, that it takes time to accomplish things but it is always worth it.” Other students, like Richard Marine, found the same kind of inspiration in her fiction. He offered that, “From the Desk of Zoe Washington” was one of the best books he has read and it reminded him that occasionally “... people underestimate us because we are younger but we can uncover mysteries and find out things that sometimes adults can't.”

Marks grew up in New Rochelle. Her debut middle-grade novel, “From the Desk of Zoe Washington,” is an indie bestseller and was named a Best Book of the Year by Parents Magazine, Book Riot, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Chicago Public Library and the Boston Globe. It is being developed as an original movie by Disney Branded Television. Her second novel is “A Soft Place to Land.” She has a masters of fine arts in writing for children from The New School and now lives in Connecticut. Learn more about Marks at janaemarks.com.

7,000 Pounds of Food Provided at Mobile Food Pantry

The Mobile Food Pantry returned to Isaac E. Young Middle School on Wednesday and distributed approximately 7,000 pounds of food to 164 families, feeding a total of almost 500 people. This initiative is crucial 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, and superintendent Jonathan Raymond frequently shows his support by stopping by (first photo). The Mobile Food Pantry returns to Isaac E. Young Middle School on Wednesday, May 11 from 4-5 p.m. All are welcome.

22 Vaccinated at High School Clinic; Another Clinic at Ward April 29

Vaccinations continue to be the top technique to keep our community safe from COVID-19, and Wednesday’s vaccination clinic at New Rochelle High School drew a crowd.

A total of 22 people received vaccinations. This included 16 pediatric vaccines, four booster shots for recipients age 12 or older, and two second doses.

Don’t miss another clinic on Friday, April 29 at William B. Ward Elementary School’s cafeteria. The clinic, from 3-6:30 p.m., includes a special incentive from the Westchester County Department of Health: Students 5-11 years old who receive their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine will receive a $100 gift card from the county after their second dose. To register, click on the flyer, then click on the appropriate link in the flyer that opens.

Almstead Donates Trees to School District in Honor of Arbor Day

Local tree care company Almstead Tree has offered to donate and plant trees at four City School District of New Rochelle schools in honor of Arbor Day on April 29.

Albert Leonard Middle School, Barnard Early Childhood Center, Daniel Webster Elementary School, and Jefferson Elementary School will participate in planting trees generously donated by Almstead. Students also will be provided with saplings to take home to plant, if they wish. The date and time for the tree plantings will soon be announced.

Workshops Next Week to Help Parents

Refine Kids’ Organization Skills

William B. Ward Elementary School kindergarten teacher Melissa Almonte is presenting free workshops to families district-wide via Zoom.

“How Can I Help My Child Stay Better Organized?” will be held in English on April 26. ¿Cómo puedo ayudar a mi hijo a organizarse mejor?” is in Spanish on April 28; both programs are at 6:30 p.m. Families will learn to use charts and strategies to help their child with homework completion, morning, after-school and nighttime routines, chores, bedroom organization, and more. These important skills will benefit students in a classroom setting as well.

To learn more, email malmonte@nredlearn.org.

Retired Board Member and Albert Leonard Teacher

Mary Jane Reddington Mourned

The City School District of New Rochelle extends its condolences to the loved ones of Mary Jane Reddington, who passed away March 31, 2022 at the age of 98. Mrs. Reddington was a member of the New Rochelle Board of Education for almost 30 years, including serving as president and vice president, and previously was an English teacher at Albert Leonard Middle School.

Reddington, who was deeply involved in numerous community organizations for decades, was fondly remembered by the Board of Education at its April 5 meeting for her service with distinction before retiring in 2013. “Mary Jane Reddington was a role model,” said Board of Education member Margaret Bavosa. “I knew her professionally and personally. We should all aspire to be as wonderful as she was.” An obituary is at this link: lloydmaxcy.com/obituaries/2022/04/mary-jane-reddington/

Support for Ukraine at Columbus Elementary

The turmoil of Ukraine may be far away geographically, but the warm, supportive thoughts of Columbus Elementary School are with that country. Students and staff teamed up on a beautiful creation: Nearly 800 yellow and blue pinwheels – erected on pencils and with a yellow heart in the middle – were placed on the school’s front lawn. Students wrote messages and prayers for peace to people, especially children, whose lives have been disrupted by the tragic and ongoing war.

Fourth-grade teacher Carolyn Paradiso led the initiative on April 18, and students designed the display on the lawn. Inside the school, a “Sunflowers for Ukraine” art creation also supports those in need. Teacher Alexis Candelario engaged the fourth-grade team to create the “Sunflowers for Ukraine” display and have invited all grades to participate. 

Basketball Champs at Ward!

There now are two championship basketball teams at William B. Ward Elementary School!

The Ward Liberty team was crowned champions of the 2022 Girls Winter Elementary Basketball League run by the New Rochelle Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the City School District of New Rochelle. It is the 13th time the Liberty accomplished this goal.

This year's undefeated squad from William B. Ward Elementary School was led by Crystal Thomas’ 22-point effort in the championship over Columbus Elementary School on April 9. Fifth-graders Sage Cappiello, Leela Zung, Hailey Hanney, and Katherine Schwartz provided plenty of support, while fourth-graders Sydney Hoffman, Maria Resvanis, Anaiah James, Alyssa Rogers, Sloane Scheffler, Ella Thompson, and Norah Palermo rounded out the roster. The team is coached by Allie Tarantino, a math and science teacher at Ward. Despite a delayed start to the season and fewer practices than normal, the Ward Liberty rose to every challenge. The only game they played with a full team was the 22-14 victory in the finals, played at New Rochelle High School.

The boys’ team, the Ward Warriors, completed its 8-0 undefeated championship season with a win over George M. Davis Elementary School, 19-17. The Warriors were led by an MVP performance by Mason McFarlane, who had 8 points and 10 rebounds. Kenechi Achonolu chipped in with four points and two assists. Ronald Guzman had four points and four rebounds, while Rex Ziogas had five steals. Special thanks to our fifth-grade core leaders: McFarlane, Guzman, Gabe Morse, Kayden Henderson, Christopher Allen, Ben Vinelli, Aimen MacMenamin, Malachi Ceneus, and Elias Castillo. Also thanks to our fourth-graders, who we hope will repeat a championship next season: Davis Matthews, Hudson Broutman, Achonolu, Braxton Miller, Chris Parker, and Rex Ziogas. The Warriors also thank Team Managers Kasim Amin and Alejandro Vinelli for their assistance and keeping us organized throughout the season. The boys were coached by DeParis Banks, Eric Mercado, and Nat Harris. 

“It was an amazing accomplishment by both of our teams,” said Ward Principal Franco Miele. “I am so proud of the players and coaches!” 

“Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed” Author Inspires High School Students

In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, New Rochelle High School’s English Department hosted writer and editor Saraciea Fennell. Students in Dr. Alicia Lerman’s College Reading class, Olga Locke’s Latino Literature class, and Lydia Adegbola’s and Jennifer Renne’s Introduction to College English class read essays from Fennell’s most recent work, “Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed.”

Fennell's book features 15 personal essays and poems from members of the Latinx diaspora that go against stereotypes, break barriers, and discuss taboo topics. Fennell let students know that her anthology addresses superheroes, family memories, addiction, grief, suicide, anti-Blackness, identity, and speaking one's truth. Fennell penned an essay about her relationship with her identity. Students asked Fennell questions about her book, her journey to becoming an editor, and what inspires her to write. Fennell spoke about two important teachers in her life who saw her promise and potential. Students had their books signed by Fennell and took photos with her, capping an incredible opportunity for students. 

Sports

League Championship for Girls Track Team; Second Place for Boys

The New Rochelle High School boys and girls track teams participated in the league championship track meet held over two days on Monday at New Rochelle High School and Tuesday at White Plains High School. Our girls team won its league championship; the boys took second place. There were many outstanding individual performances by our athletes and many league champions in their respective events:

Girls Team, First Place Overall

100 Meters: Jaylee Hewitt (13.27) - 2nd Place

200 Meters: Kaela Godfrey (27.89) - 2nd Place; Kylie Griffith (28.36) - 3rd Place; Nyah Rosado (28.40) - 4th Place; Aniya Jones (28.72) - Fifth Place

400 Meters: Kaela Godfrey (1:04.04) - 2nd Place; Aniya Jones (1:04.87) - 3rd Place; Valentina Wallin (1:05.26) - 5th Place

800 Meters: Kaitlyn Casas (2:28.13) - 1st Place

1500 Meter Race Walk: Samantha Delgado (9:20.37) - 3rd Place; Emilie Augustin (9:54.71) - 4th Place; Lola Bernstein (9:55.19) - 5th Place; Sabiha Dodd-Brown (10:06.32) - 6th Place; Jessenia Abrego (10:45.27) - 7th Place

3000 Meters: Rosie Palmer (11:12.6) - 2nd Place

100 Meter Hurdles: Alivia Smith (18.41) - 1st Place; Malaya Lathan (18.51) - 2nd Place

400 Meter Hurdles: Eko Dodd-Brown (1:18.7) - 3rd Place; Alivia Smith (1:19.76) - 4th Place

2K Steeplechase - Kaitlyn Casas (7:56.74) - 1st Place

4 x 100 Relay: Eko Dodd-Brown, Jaylee Hewitt, Kylie Griffith, Olivia Moxey (52.36) - 1st Place

4 x 400 Relay: Kaela Godfrey, Nyah Rosado, Valentina Wallin, Aniya Jones (4:25.63) - 2nd Place

4 x 800 Relay: Kaitlyn Casas, Ariel Esposito, Mia Torres, Rosie Palmer (11:10.97) - 3rd Place

Shot Put: Shakiera Stupart (26' 10 3/4") - 2nd Place; Genesis Bratcher (26' 7") - 3rd Place

Discus: Sabiha Dodd-Brown (65' 4") - 3rd Place; Genesis Bratcher (63') - 3rd Place

High Jump: Nia Perry (4' 3") - 2nd Place; Malya Lathan (4') - 3rd Place

Long Jump: Jaylee Hewitt (15' 4") - 3rd Place; Alexis Smith (14' 3 1/2") - 4th Place; Alivia Smith (14' 2 1/2") - 5th Place

Triple Jump: Nia Perry (31' 10 3/4") - 2nd Place; Kylie Griffith (28' 1/2") - 4th Place

Pentathlon: Gabrielle Barnett - 1,880 points - 1st Place

Boys Team, Second Place Overall

400 Meter Dash: Kaique Brage (57.23) - 2nd Place; Isaiah Lewis (54.71) - 5th Place

200 Meter Dash: Kaique Brage (23.75) - 4th Place; Isaiah Lewis (24.11) - 5th Place

800 Meters: Anderson Krasner (2:09.58) - 6th Place

1500 Meters: Oscar Jackson (5:18.46) - 2nd Place; Obinna N'joku (5:19.29) - 3rd Place

1600 Meters: Isaac Maiese (5:07.63) - 6th Place

3200 Meters: Victor Garcia-Gallet (10:51.54) - 4th Place; Victor won the League Championship in the 3K Steeplechase with a time of 10:51.54.

110 Meter Hurdles: Alex Park (17.67) - 3rd Place

400 Meter Hurdles: Max Pitocchi (1:05.58) - 4th Place

3K Steeplechase: Esteban Delgado (12:34) - 5th Place

4 x 100 Relay: Sean Santiago, Jabari Clarke, Chris Maple-Ellis, George Aine (46.83) - 2nd Place

4 x 400 Relay: Sean Santiago, Isaiah Lewis, Anderson Krasner, Kaique Braga (3:42.98) - 2nd Place

4 x 800 Relay: Victor Garcia-Gallet, Isaac Maiese, Damian Capastran, Jackson O'Rourke (9:37.19) - 3rd Place

Shot Put: Giovanni Wellington (37' 9") - 1st Place

High Jump: Manasi Simpkins (5' 2") - 4th Place

Long Jump: George Aine (18' 9") - 5th Place

Triple Jump: Manasi Simpkins (34' 9 1/2") - 3rd Place; Chris Maple-Ellis (32' 6 1/4") - 4th Place

Pentathlon: Oscar Jackson - 2,176 points - 1st Place; Obinna N'joku - 1,846 points - 2nd Place

Girls Lacrosse on a Run

The Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team has won two of its last three games. The team defeated Briarcliff 17-11 during the spring break. Goals were scored by Emma Patera, Anna Ruggiero (two goals), Piper Genkin (three goals, three assists), Ella Bamberger (two goals), Sydney Middlesworth (three goals), Magnolia Bouhlev (one goal and one assist), and Claudia Goncalves. Grace Swift led all scorers with four goals and three assists. Mary Gotsch had two assists, while goalie Lexi Gocmen had nine saves.

In Wednesday's game vs. Dobbs Ferry, the team won 15-5. Emma Patera, Amelia Bevilacqua, Grace Swift, Piper Genkin, Dylan Sadow (first varsity goal), Kali Swift (also had seven assists), Magnolia Bouhlev, and Claudia Goncalves each had one goal. Anna Ruggiero led the team in scoring with five goals. Lexi Gocmen and Olivia Vique each had five saves in goal.

Baseball Team Trains in Florida

The Varsity Baseball Team recently returned from Florida, where it spent the vacation week at the Florida Coast Spring Training facility. The facility has eight beautiful baseball fields and a staff of coaches and administrators that give the players an amazing experience, practicing, scrimmaging and playing baseball under the sun. This trip was the result of a tremendous amount of work done by so many in the school district. The Baseball Parents spent tireless hours with their sons raising funds so the boys could have an amazing experience. In addition to playing baseball, the team bonded while doing activities such as bowling, swimming, sharing meal time and even homework. Most time, however, was spent on the field. It was a pleasure to see the boys becoming closer as a unit. Thank you to Superintendent Jonathan Raymond for supporting the team’s desire to travel. It will be an experience that these student athletes never forget.  

Athletes in Action! Support Spring Sports!

We’re headed toward the month of May and our Huguenot athletes are in full stride! Check out these photos taken by Superintendent Jonathan Raymond during his travels to Isaac E. Young Middle School and New Rochelle High School, and come out and support our scholar athletes! See more sports news further below!

Dance Lessons at Webster Introduce Global Cultures

Daniel Webster Elementary School first-graders are participating in a dance residency program this week with The Vanaver Caravan and dance teacher Stephen Kotansky. This program allows each first-grade class to gain an understanding of the traditions, dance styles, music, and mythology of three cultures: Mexico, Puerto Rico and Ghana. The program focuses on building five “C”s in children: Celebration of Diversity, Cultural Awareness, Community Building, Character Growth, and Creative Expression. First-graders will present their dances in Webster's Auditorium on Friday, April 22 at 2 p.m. Parents of first-graders are invited.

Seeing Sea Life: Hands-On Lesson at Trinity

Trinity Elementary School third-graders recently made new friends: crabs, mollusks and gastropods!

The students dove deeply into their science curriculum to learn more about sea creatures through a Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk program. Their “meet-and-greet” lesson at Trinity included how and why these creatures adapt to daily and seasonal changes in their environment. Students employed their observation skills, touched the creatures, and discussed what they saw and learned with each other. In all, it was a day of exploration that brought the sea to life – and to the students. 

Trinity and Jefferson Students Enjoy “Don Quixote”

Students and staff from Trinity and Jefferson elementary schools recently were treated to a performance of the ballet Don Quixote, performed by Ajkun Ballet Theatre, at the New Rochelle Public Library.

Ajkun Ballet Theatre is internationally renowned for its world-class performances of riveting new choreography by artistic director and resident choreographer Chiara Ajkun. The performers have entertained thousands of people in theaters on four continents, as well as millions more through television and online platforms.

Think Ahead to Summer – and an Array of Programs! Click to Learn More