October 10, 2023

Mahopac High School Student Publishes Picture Book

“Worry often gives a small thing a great shadow.”

This is the opening quote of a picture book published by Mahopac High School senior, Caitlin Decker. ‘Rog the Frog’ is the product of a year-long journey to tell a story that helps young students learn about anxiety.

“I could never identify what I was feeling when I was younger, and I didn’t have any coping mechanisms,” Decker said. “I want them to be able to talk about anxiety and how they feel. I want to give them the tools to deal with anxiety I never had.”

‘Rog the Frog’ is a story about a frog who grapples with changes taking place in his life. Over the course of the story, Rog learns to deal with the anxiety that comes with change.

“Frogs go through a lot of change in their life cycle. That’s why I picked a frog, because he goes through a lot of major, stressful life changes, like when a kid moves or changes schools.”

As a part of her Girl Scout Gold Award, Decker spent a year writing, illustrating, editing, and revising her story. She learned many skills throughout the process, including teaching herself how to use the software necessary to bring her vision to life and how to self-publish.

“I had no idea how to make a book, so I started to research. Once I found the right software, I searched for some videos to teach me how to use all of the tools.”

Decker is interested in pursuing a college education in the sciences after she graduates from Mahopac High School. Her counselor Terry Lauchman, her teachers, and everyone at the Mahopac CSD are excited to see what Decker will do next.

“She never gave up, no matter the challenges she faced, and was able to see her idea come to life and be published,” said Lauchman. "I am so proud of Caitlin for all of her outstanding accomplishments and is she well prepared for her next step of attending college."

Last Week in Photos

Mahopac High School Wolf Pac Wins Debut Football Game on New Field

After a full week of decorating, costumes, and activities during Spirit Week, the entire Mahopac community gathered on Friday night for Homecoming. The Mahopac CSD was overjoyed to officially open the much-anticipated new turf field just in time for the big game. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mahopac staff, students, and community members all took to the stands, listening to the Mahopac High School band and watching as the cheer and football teams took to the field.

"It's so great for the boys to finally have a home game,” said Athletic Director Stephen Luciana. "We're happy to be here with the community on a great night for homecoming."



After a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Superintendent of Schools, Christine Tona, the Board of Education, and members of staff, it was time for the Wolf Pac to take the field against John Jay High School. Despite a great game by John Jay High School, Mahopac came out on top, christening their new field with the first of many victories.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at

Mahopac High School

It's Hispanic Heritage Month and Mahopac High School's Spanish Club did not want to miss the opportunity to celebrate all of the Spanish-speaking cultures represented in the Mahopac Community. Spanish Club members decked the World Language Hallway with streamers and flags, welcoming any student who wanted to join in, whether they were club members or not.

"We wanted to celebrate our Latino community here at Mahopac. We are proud of our diversity and the cultures that we represent as a school," said Club Advisor Craig Kropa "We are a club that values bilingualism and cultural exchange and we hope that our hallway demonstrates that."

Austin Road Students Learn Fire Safety from Real Firefighters

Austin Road Elementary first graders visited the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department today to learn some lifesaving lessons about fire safety. Students had the opportunity to climb into a fire truck, explore the back of an ambulance, and even use a firehose. Students met the real men and women who help to keep them safe in the event of an emergency and discussed critical safety topics, such as how to safely act in the event of a fire and how firefighters keep them safe.

Lakeview Students Celebrate

Reader's Workshop

Lakeview fourth graders in Jeanne Russo and Don Triebel's class got together last Monday for a sweet surprise to begin Reader's Workshop. Students enjoyed a read-aloud of the picture book Library Lion, by Michelle Knudsen, followed by a ribbon cutting and 'Grand Opening' of their class library. Russo and Triebel's students browsed the shelves, enjoyed some delicious book-shaped cookies, and even received a personalized bookmark. Reader's Workshop inspires students to explore the wide world of reading by offering students a chance to seek out and read books that they are interested in.

Mahopac Advocacy Committee Looking for Applicants for the 2023-24 School Year

The Mahopac Advocacy Committee is a committee of parents, community members, School Board Trustees, and the Superintendent of Schools dedicated to giving the Mahopac Central School District a voice on policies that impact education. The Mahopac Ad Hoc Committee is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year.

Mahopac residents can click here to submit a letter of interest.

The size of Lake Mahopac is 587 acres and contains three islands- Fairy, Petre, and Canopus.



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Mission Statement

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