Pawling Elementary School Rolls Out the Red Carpet for its Newest Arrivals

With backpacks nearly as big as themselves, Pawling Elementary School’s newest pre-k and kindergarten students took their first steps into the world of education this month – and what a busy introduction it was! Between family orientations, summertime activities, opportunities to meet their teachers and classroom plans for a gentle transition, the district maintains a long-standing tradition of extending a reassuring welcome to its youngest students.

Preparations began this past spring with a family orientation and ended with a special “Meet the Teacher” event the day before school started, giving students and their families the opportunity to see classrooms and explore a school bus. Pawling pre-k teachers also prepared to meet their students in front of the school on the first day, guiding students to classrooms and giving parents a chance to say their goodbyes.

The front runner for favorite back-to-school activity this year, however, was the PTA-sponsored “Playtime and Popsicles” afternoon. Held August 30, the rollicking event introduced Pawling’s youngest students to the playground for free play, storytime with their future principal and – of course – cold treats with new friends. They also got a sneak peek at the new pre-k playground, built this summer to offer pint-sized equipment befitting little hands and feet.

Kindergarten parent Anita Sliwa-Ball, who attended Playtime and Popsicles with her son Dylan, praised the district for its efforts to make him feel secure in his new surroundings.

“Everything is so well-planned and thoughtful,” she said. “I’m especially happy with this event. So many children feel anxious going into this new experience and I think this is a great beginning.”

Pawling’s youngest students weren’t the only ones experiencing first-day nerves this September; newly appointed Pawling Elementary School Interim Principal Michelle Rivas shared that she, too, experienced a touch of apprehension for the coming school year. After serving the district for nearly 11 years as assistant principal in both the elementary and middle schools, she admitted that both joy and jitters crept up as the first day approached.

“I jumped for joy when this opportunity was presented to me,” said Rivas. “I thought, ‘Yes! I'm ready!’”

“After a few weeks, though, I began to recognize my strong responsibility to our students, families and teachers and started thinking about my vision,” she continued. “What do I want kids to feel about school? Teachers? The community? That gave me butterflies because I wanted to make sure I got it right.”

The district extended a warm welcome to Rivas as well, hosting a reception on August 9 as an opportunity for elementary schoolers to meet their new principal. Students gathered on the front lawn for cookies, crafts and conversation with their new principal.

After all of this preparation, the big question remains:how is everyone doing in their new surroundings? Pre-k teacher Karina Antonio had some insight about her students’ experience thus far.

“We are off to an excellent and exciting start,” she said. “They are having so much fun engaging in play and exploring their new surroundings together.”

As for Rivas, her response wasn’t far off from that of her fellow newcomers: “I am loving what I do every day. That's the best gift in the world.”

Pawling PTSA Provides Unexpected

Opportunities For Students

Some Pawling middle and high school students have been finding opportunities in an unexpected place: Pawling’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA).

Although student participation is integral to the PTSA’s purpose, getting students involved with the organization has been challenging in recent years. When PTSA President Melanie Middlebrook first joined six years ago, designated student representatives worked alongside parents, teachers and principals to brainstorm ideas and provide reports on student interests. This year, the PTSA is working to revive that tradition.

“One of the most challenging things about helping students is that you don’t know what they’re interested in,” said Middlebrook. “Their feedback is incredibly valuable, so more student involvement is very important to us this year.”

Last year, the PTSA was successful in garnering interest through eighth grade English teacher Darlene Eirish-Schofield’s 20time project, an educational initiative that encourages students to pursue their own passions and interests for twenty percent of their class time. Students fundraised for trips at the PTSA tag sale and worked alongside members to fund, organize and enhance special events.

“No matter what they need, the PTSA always has something to offer,” said Eirish-Schofield (who also serves as eighth grade class advisor along with middle school English Language Learner teacher Jessica Garcia). “They’re willing to go the extra mile for all of our Pawling kids. We have a great relationship with them and I look forward to an even better experience this year.”

Others have gotten involved through clubs and student organizations; Pawling tenth grader Lucas Walsh is one of those students. He and his sister Elizabeth (eighth grade) have been involved with the PTSA since they each entered middle school.

“The PTSA gives us access to things that we can’t always get on our own,” Lucas said. “For example, they helped us fill out forms and meet requirements to get a food truck at one of our dances last year.”

Elizabeth described a special collaboration between her fifth grade class and the PTSA in 2020 – adopting a tiger from the Beardsley Zoo.

“It was really cool and special, and we would never have been able to do that on our own,” said Elizabeth. “We also get a lot of knowledge and experience when we work together with teachers and parents.”

“I think working with the PTSA could be especially beneficial later in life and in our careers,” Lucas added. “No matter what you do, you have to work alongside people who are much different than you throughout your life. It’s a good lesson in learning how to communicate and respectfully listen to others.”

“The PTSA does a lot of things that benefit us, so it is nice to show that we’re grateful and helping to make a difference with that,” Elizabeth added.

Middlebrook is hopeful that the 2023-24 school year will bring even more students to the PTSA.

“Not only is it helpful to us, but it’s a great opportunity for students to get face time with teachers and principals that they don’t normally have in school,” she said. “It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. Their voices are so important.”

If you’re a student or parent who is interested in becoming a member or volunteering with the PTSA, visit their website at https://www.pawlingschools.org/pta__ptsa.

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We Are Hiring!

The Pawling Central School District is a great place to work. We have positions open for full-time permanent building substitute teachers, typists and custodial workers. We also have substitute positions open in many other job categories: certified teacher, uncertified teacher, teaching assistant, teacher aide, monitor, bus driver and food service worker. We also have part-time positions open, such as school monitor. Full-time positions earn excellent benefits. As a team of educators, we never doubt that we are making a difference for our community. PCSD offers walk-throughs and orientations for those thinking about working in schools. Our very best employees are often people who live in our community. Diverse and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. See the link below to reach our friendly and helpful Human Resources Team.

https://www.pawlingschools.org/human_resources

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