May 20, 2024

Mahopac Students

Win Volunteer Group of the Year

Two statewide organizations recognized a Mahopac High School volunteer group for bringing joy to the residents of a local nursing facility.

The Mahopac chapter of GlamourGals was recognized by the New York State Health Facilities Association and the New York State Center for Assisted Living this month. The members of Mahopac’s GlamourGals volunteer their time to visit the seniors at Salem Hills Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, providing hair styling, manicures and company.

“The volunteers’ unwavering dedication to our residents is truly exemplary,” said Joshua Halpern, administrator of Salem Hills Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. “Their compassion and kindness make them not just deserving, but the perfect recipients of this prestigious award from NYSHFA | NYSCAL.”

Rachel Doyle, founder and CEO of GlamourGals, said the group began “as a personal journey to honor my own grandmother living in care and connect with another generation. Now, GlamourGals teen volunteer chapters, like Mahopac, continue to provide companionship, conversation and moments of beauty to their local seniors. I am proud that the broader community is recognizing the critical service they provide.”

Denise Moore, Administrative Assistant/Community Liaison at Salem Hills, nominated Mahopac’s GlamourGals for the award. It was presented to GlamourGals Development Assistant Christina Sookhoo and Mahopac GlamourGals chapter founder Jenna Vitale at the NYSHFA | NYSCAL annual conference on May 8th.

“The Mahopac High School chapter of GlamourGals has become a beacon of light within the community and I am so proud to see the chapter continue to grow,” said Vitale. “I've seen firsthand how visits have brightened the days of seniors at Salem Hills. Whether it be participating in signature beauty makeovers or just showing up to chat with volunteers, the MHS GlamourGals chapter has never failed to leave a smile on the seniors' faces. The MHS chapter is full of compassionate, dedicated, and selfless individuals. I can't think of a group more deserving of NYSHFA's 2024 Group Volunteer of the Year award!”

This Week in Photos

Mahopac Middle School Celebrates

Library Media Center Grand Opening

Mahopac Middle School unveiled its brand-new library media center last week. Built as a part of the Capital Project approved in 2019, the new center is designed to encourage creative thinking and collaboration.

"The opening of the new library at Mahopac Middle School now completes the library transformations in all of our schools," said Superintendent Christine Tona. "Each library is beautiful yet unique and all will serve the students of Mahopac for many years to come. Thank you to the community for their support of the Capital Project."

Library Media Specialist Suzanne Faugno has been taking groups of students on short tours of the new facility, showing them where various genres are stored as well as the new STEAM Maker Space.

“The chairs look so comfortable, I could sleep on it!” proclaimed one student.

“I love the peace and quiet and all of the decorations,” said another student.

Principal Tom Cozzocrea said, “Our new library media center is up-to-date with how our students learn. The maker space encourages collaboration and exploration of STEAM topics, and the library will continue to help our students learn to research in a modern educational environment.”

Seniors Distribute Thousands of

Fresh Pairs of Socks for Those In Need

The Senior Mahopac Organization of Student Team Work (MOST), the high school’s senior student government group, worked with Bombas Socks to keep community members’ feet warm and dry this month. Senior MOST expressed their gratitude for the chance to make a positive difference after receiving a donation of 2,000 pairs of socks from Bombas Socks. Several members have volunteered their time to distribute the much-needed clothing articles to the Putnam County Community Action Program, Women's Resource Center, Catholic Charities of Danbury, and the Veterans Administration.

2024 Penny Wars Raises Money for

Charity through Friendly Competition

After many weeks of painstakingly collecting and counting of thousands of coins, the 2024 Mahopac Middle School Penny Wars have concluded. Sponsored by the school’s Positive Action Club, Penny Wars featured teams from every grade level.

Team members donated coins both to increase their team’s score as well as to sabotage the competition, all in the name of charity. Students put coins into empty water jugs to count for their team, or against another team.

This results in strategic choices between advancing one's own team and undermining another. Every cent contributed is later donated to the JennaJackPack Project.

Despite a close race, one team came out ahead in the end. Team 6C, with a final adjusted score of 13,710 points, won the 2024 Penny Wars. In total, Mahopac Middle School students donated a staggering $2,191.25 for the JennaJackPack Project.

“Penny Wars has become an annual fundraiser in honor of former student Jenna,” said Principal Tom Cozzocrea. “It brings the whole school together for a wonderful cause, to benefit other students who have suffered the loss of a loved one and it teaches our students empathy and the value of helping others through friendly competition.”

The JennaPackPack Project aims to provide an effective and tangible way to comfort children coping with the loss of a parent or sibling, according to the charity’s website. Click here for more information.

Mahopac High School Students Register to Vote

Eligible Mahopac High School students had the chance to meet with District Clerk Melody LaRocca to sign up to vote in the upcoming Budget Vote and Board of Education election and to register to vote in Putnam County last week. Several students came to the library with questions and an interest in civic engagement as the next generation of voters prepares to make their voices heard.

Mahopac Relay for Life 2024

The Mahopac Community will take to the Mahopac High School Track on June 1st for the 2024 Relay for Life. Check out the flyer and links below for more information and to sign up to volunteer.

Click here for the Volunteer Form

Click here for the Kids Fest Station Host form

2024 Budget Newsletter

Click here for a digital version of the 2024 Budget Newsletter to stay informed about the upcoming Budget Vote and Board of Education Trustee Election on May 21st.

Mahopac High School Senior Scholarship Opportunities

Mahopac families, clubs, and organizations want to support seniors with post-graduate plans through scholarship opportunities. Seniors should visit the Senior Awards Website to see which scholarship opportunities are a good fit for them.

Ad Hoc Advocacy Committee Opens

Suggestion Box

The Ad Hoc Advocacy Committee invites our community to provide any concerns/issues/policies for the Advocacy Committee to discuss and consider advocating for/against. Your information will remain confidential and only your suggestions will be shared.

On behalf of the Mahopac Advocacy Committee, thank you for your participation!

Advocacy Suggestion Box

The proposed 2024-2025 School Budget includes all current programs for students as well as some enhancements in safety, academic and mental health supports, and facilities. Please come out to vote on May 21, 2024!

Do you have a fact about Mahopac to share? Your fact may be featured in an upcoming newsletter!

Please share your information here: Did You Know Ideas for a Future Newsletter

Mission Statement

The Mahopac CSD develops educated, upstanding citizens with practical life skills through rigorous preparation for the real world. 

Mahopac Central School District

100 Myrtle Avenue, Mahopac, NY 10541

Phone: 845-628-3415 Fax: 845-628-5502