Dear Mahopac Community,
While the temperatures don’t reflect it, spring is in full swing throughout the District. Our student athletes are enjoying the outdoor season, our High School Spring Musical of Shrek is this weekend, and our 8th graders have just returned from a beautiful trip to Washington, D.C. Spring also brings the school budget season.
On Thursday, May 4, 2023, the annual Public Hearing on the school budget will be held at Mahopac High School at 7 p.m. and is an opportunity to learn more about the proposed school budget for the 2023-2024 school year. The proposed budget of $137,960,937 is 4.15% higher than the 2022-2023 school budget and carries a 2.81% tax levy increase. All current programs will be maintained and additional programs and support are proposed to further enhance opportunities for our students’ success. For more information, please review the budget presentations on the District website, watch the most recent edition of Spotlight on Mahopac, or attend the Public Hearing on May 4th. Most importantly, please be sure to vote on May 16, 2023 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Mahopac High School.
In addition to the Public Hearing on the school budget on May 4th, there will be a presentation outlining our District’s safety and security components and procedures. The District is fortunate to work with Frank Guglieri, the Regional Safety Coordinator at PNW BOCES. Mr. Guglieri will provide a thorough presentation on May 4th at 7 p.m. at Mahopac High School. All are welcome to attend.
As you may know, Debra Legato, our assistant superintendent for human resources, is retiring at the end of this school year. Please join me in wishing Ms. Legato a happy and healthy retirement. I am happy to announce that Jennifer Pontillo, principal of Lakeview Elementary School and long time Mahopac teacher, administrator, and resident will take over as assistant superintendent for human resources as of July 1, 2023. We are in the process of hiring her successor at Lakeview. Congratulations to Mrs. Pontillo and I look forward to her continued dedication to the Mahopac Central School District.
Sincerely,
Christine Tona
Superintendent of Schools
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For Fulmar Road second graders, Suzy Kline is a celebrity. So, they were thrilled to have the author of the Horrible Harry and Herbie Jones books visit their classroom in person.
“How many of you like to write?” Kline asked.
A forest of hands went up before Kline. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a tiny, worn notebook and held it up for the second graders to see.
“This is the most important thing that I own as a writer,” Kline said. “I take it with me everywhere I go.”
One student couldn’t help but ask a question.
“How do you think of your stories?” he asked.
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“There are things that happen in your everyday life that make wonderful stories,” Kline said. “I don’t always have time to write a whole story, but I do have time to write one or two words. Those become the seeds of my stories.”
Kline shared many of the real-world inspirations behind the Horrible Harry series of books. A former teacher, Kline described a student that she had who insisted on sharpening pencils down until they were nothing more than “stubs” and how that student helped inspire her first story in the 36-book series, Horrible Harry in Room 2B.
When a student named Taylor asked Kline how she came up with the titles of her stories, the author said she sometimes needed help.
“My husband usually helps me with them. I asked him what I should name the amusement park ride that was inspired by the Tower of Terror and he said suggested ‘Drop of Doom.’ Sometimes you get help, just like I need with titles.“
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Students, Teachers, and Staff Recognized at "Together We Thrive" SEPTO Awards |
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Staff, teachers and families gathered at Sycamore Park for the second annual "Together We Thrive" SEPTO Awards Ceremony. Guests included Board of Education members, teachers and representatives from the Carmel Police Department.
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Austin Road Elementary School staff members enjoyed fresh raspberry lemonade and service with a smile at the Courtyard Cafe this week. Occupational therapy and physical therapy students and their fourth grade helpers staffed stations where they handed out spring- and Earth Day-themed snacks and beverages. Using a menu and fake money, students practiced business transactions, making change, and interacting with customers at this delicious event. |
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Edward Turenchalk's AP class was abuzz with excitement when Assistant Principal Matthew Calabro entered the room Tuesday morning carrying two suspicious looking gold sashes. Mahopac High School fell silent as the voice of Principal Matthew Lawrence came over the loudspeaker.
"It is that time of year," Lawrence said, "where I have the pleasure of announcing the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the class of 2023..." The principal went on to describe each students' long list of academic achievements before announcing them to the fanfare of their classmates. The Mahopac Central School District would like to extend its congratulations to the class of 2023 Valedictorian Brett Bergerson and Salutatorian Megan Bloomer on their well earned recognition after years of hard work.
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"What are you doing in my swamp?" are familiar words to many high schoolers who grew up watching, and re-watching, the Shrek films. Now the Mahopac Drama Compan is bringing Shrek to stage in this year's performance of "Shrek the Musical."
There will be one final show tomorrow night at 7 pm. Be sure to stop in and support our young actors, tickets are $10 at the door.
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5/4 - Annual Budget Hearing
5/16 - School Budget Vote and Trustee Election
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The proposed 2023-2024 School Budget includes a Social Worker for the Middle School to support students' mental health needs.
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Mission Statement
To prepare each and every student for college and career readiness, and
to educate all students to be responsible and productive members
of the global community.
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Mahopac Central School District
179 East Lake Boulevard, Mahopac, NY 10541-1666
Phone: 845-628-3415 Fax: 845-628-5502
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