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Events and Highlights
2007 - 2008 School Year

	SOCES PTA Donates Signs to South Orangetown's Three Elementary Schools In a formal presentation ceremony held on Tuesday, June 24th, the South Orangetown Community Elementary Schools (SOCES) PTA dedicated one of three signs which they donated to the district. SOCES Co-Presidents Christine Brew-Mitchell and Theresa Costello were on hand at Tappan Zee Elementary during the dedication ceremony as were SOCES VP for TZE Ina Kaplan, Board of Education President Annmarie Uhl, Glen Lumia, President of Design Construction in Northvale, NJ and, to the delight of teacher Mrs. Mary Danner's entire 3rd grade class, a special appearance by ZEE.  The signs were installed at Tappan Zee Elementary, William O. Schaefer and Cottage Lane Elementary.  "We want to thank the South Orangetown Board of Education for accepting these gifts from the SOCES PTA", said SOCES Co-President Christine Brew-Mitchell.  Special recognition and a Certificate of Appreciation was given to Glen Lumia, President of Creative Design Construction in Northvale, NJ for his donation of the installation of all three signs.  SOCES VP for Tappan Zee Elementary, Ina Kaplan went over many sketches and possibilities before final plans and decisions were made as to location and design of the signs.  Board of Education President Annmarie Uhl said, "This is a wonderful gift."  Uhl continued, "Now every school in the South Orangetown Central School District has an event sign in front of the building for the entire community to view upcoming school events."

	COTTAGE LANE RAISES $2,836.00 FOR HEIFER INTERNATIONAL'S READ TO FEED PROGRAM   In a combination check presentation and celebratory picnic, Cottage Lane's 4th Grade Team of teachers Susan Fluger, Pat McFadden and Karen Sperduto unfurled a check in the amount of $2836 to Heifer International in support of the Read to Feed Program.  The program benefits not only impoverished families but also encourages and motivates children to read with a worthy goal in mind.  Children ask friends and relatives to sponsor their reading which helps the children raise money to buy gifts of livestock for impoverished families.  Instead of providing the families with a non-renewable source of food, the family is given a living loan of an animal.  The family then repays the loan by passing on one or more of their animal’s offspring to another family in need.  The animal might provide the family with milk, eggs or wool, depending on the amount of money raised and the children’s vote as to what combination of animals they wish to purchase.   Cottage Lane's reading portion of the program began on March 1 and ended on May 15 with all monies pledged due by May 30.  The children tallied up the total books they read and asked their sponsors to write a check payable to Heifer International.   After final accounting the total donation to Heifer International equaled $ 2836.  "The kids are so excited to be able to do so much good for others," said teacher Ms. Pat McFadden.  "So much credit must also go to our class parent Michele Clements who has gone above and beyond to help make this such a success"  Mc Fadden continued.  Principal Michael Fiorentino added, "This is truly a Picnic Celebration of a job well done."

	COTTAGE LANE MUSICIANS SHINE AT CONCERT  The walls were alive with the sound of music as Cottage Lane's 4th and 5th grade musicians took to the TZHS stage on June 10th.  After opening comments by Principal Michael Fiorentino, the Cottage Lane First Year Band, under the direction of Mr. William Hughes began the evening with musical selections including Hot Cross Buns, Old MacDonald, Freres Jacques and more.  Next up was the Cottage Lane Symphonic Band, conducted by Mr. Charles Yassky.  The Band played two selections as a group and then Andante & Waltz solo was performed by 4th grade clarinetist Lukas Purkis followed by an oboe duet of Hail the Conquering Heroes performed by Rachele deLisser & Ben Sanders.  Conductors Mr. Matthew Rotjan and Mr. Jonathan Rossi then presented the Cottage Lane String Orchestra comprised of 4th and 5th grade strings.  After performing two ensemble pieces, 5th grade violin students Kelly B., Joshua D., Sydney F., Jacob L., Rachel M., Meagan T. and Kelly M. performed Mary Had a Little Lamb, after which  Jack J., Joanna S., Matthew D., Alexandria C., Brianna M., Kenny A., Robert W., Richard F., Christine M., Jesse D., Finuala O., Justin D. and Angelica R. stepped forward with Go Tell Aunt Rhody.  Up next was an original bass duet performance of Las Dos Amigas performed by 5th grade bassists Hannah M. and Alex C.  The Festive Rondo was performed by violins Alice T., Christine C., Christine B., Yuna S. and Bowas S. and cellos Cordelia M., Leonardo K. and Andrew L.  The evening ended with the entire string orchestra's performance of Bile Them Cabbage Down.

 

	South Orangetown's Early Childhood Program Says Goodbye AND Hello South Orangetown's Early Childhood Program's PTA once again sponsored their annual end of year Family Picnic with a new twist. "This year we decided to invite new families coming into next year's program," said ECP Coordinator Jeannine Carr. "This gives the incoming families a chance to meet and speak with the existing ECP "family" before the new school year begins." The Early Childhood Program serves Pre-K (3 & 4 year olds) in preparation for the K-12 experience. The evening began with a picnic dinner of Italian favorites and included mac and cheese, chicken fingers and mozzarella sticks for the younger crowd. After dinner, while the adults mingled, the children found their way around the playground swings, sandbox, slides and anything else they could climb on, cling to or swing from.

 

	South Orangetown Family Resource Center Celebrates Their Year Under picture perfect skies, the South Orangetown Family Resource Center hosted its annual end of year Potluck Party.  Potluck offerings were spread across the long tables as the families and children socialized with each other in what has now become their extended families.  There were new friends made over the year and many old friends who returned.  "This is what the Family Resource Center is all about," said Margaret Umbrino, coordinator of the program.  "This is where lifetime friendships are created and sealed among parents as well as children."  FRC volunteer Yoga instructor Eileen Cary came to wish everyone a great summer.  Additionally, as a special treat Ms. Jo-Ann and Companion dog "Sam" read to the children.  While cookies and frozen ice pops were of special interest to the youngsters, adults enjoyed the different culinary offerings and the overall camaraderie of the afternoon.

 

	Everything's Up To Date At Cottage Lane's State Fair With all states represented, this year's Cottage Lane State Fair was a "national" success.  Teachers Evelyn Murphy, Sheila Schneider and Paul Doctor spearheaded the "tour" to which the entire student body and their parents were invited.  The students researched their state and created informational booths touching on all curriculum areas," said Mrs. Murphy.  "They created PowerPoints and did presentations involving math skills, ELA, social studies and science, while sharpening their social skills at the same time."  Visiting students and parents traveled from state to state answering questions and/or playing games to win tickets.  Tickets were cashed in for sweet treats and smiles at the end of the tour.

 

	SOMS STUDENTS AND THEIR SENIOR PEN PALS CELEBRATE YEAR END Students in Ms. Arlene Sorenson's 6th Grade ELA class, along with their Senior Pen Pals enjoyed a celebratory year-end lunch catered and donated by The Mountain House Restaurant in Sparkill. The Bridging the Generation Gap Senior Pen Pal Program, was created almost 15 years ago by Ms. Sorenson in an effort to bring students and seniors together to share life experiences and to give support to students from a source that would not ordinarily be available to them. In all, there were over 50 students and "mentors" enjoying lunch and contributing to the many lively conversations at each of the long tables. Becky, whose Grandma and Grandpa are her pen pals, said, "I really, really like the Pen Pal program. It's a great ways to interact with people you've never met before and to learn more about people you have met before." Molly, whose pen pals are Cecile and Simon Jeruchim said of the program, "I love hearing all the stories the pen pals tell us." Mr. & Mrs. Jeruchim are two of the hidden children of the Holocaust. Senior Pen Pals include, WW II veterans, Holocaust survivors, children of the Holocaust, doctors, lawyers, POWs, Grandmas, Grandpas and representatives from almost every walk of life. "It is such a rich gift to give to these students," said Ms. Sorenson. "Each of them will take something from this program which they will remember for the rest of their life."

	COTTAGE LANE CELEBRATES FIRST ANNUAL "CLAY DAY"     Cottage Lane art teacher Heidi Benson, assisted by special-area teachers, Lisa Kahn, music, Steve Sutton and Tom Dehler, PE, quadrupled classes to give the entire school a "Clay Day".  Using grant funds from The South Orangetown Central School District Education Foundation enough clay and clay tools were ordered for the entire student body to create their own piece of pottery.  To coordinate with the 4th and 5th grade curricula, Ms. Benson chose Native American pottery as the theme giving students examples from different tribes across the country. Students were shown how to hand build a pot by pinching a ball of clay, turning it in your hand and getting a feel for how thick and what shape to create and also how to add designs by using wooden clay tools.  "It's a very important experience to give a student because it's not the kind of art material most parents think to buy." said Ms. Benson.  " It's really, really messy, wet or dry."    Students had a unique and memorable art experience, outside the box and outside the building. Staff and administrators were very supportive and already thinking about making Clay Day and annual Cottage Lane event.

	FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER WELCOMES THE BIG APPLE CIRCUS The South Orangetown Family Resource Center hosted a preview performance of the Big Apple Circus in the gymnasium at the William O. Schaefer school.   Circus family Christopher, Christian, Maritza and Ivan Atayde Stoinev thrilled the students with acts of aerial balancing, juggling and dog tricks.  Christopher (8), who juggles balls, rings and bowling pins and Christian (16) a hand balancer and aerialist, both grew up in the circus.  Their mother, Maritza and father, Ivan met while they were performers.  Ivan, now the Performance Director and Maritza, the Customer Service Manager are no longer in the performance ring. The children travel and perform full time.  They attend a traveling school with 5 other children and are fluent in three languages.  The performance was followed by questions and answers from the student audience.  The Big Apple Circus will be at the Palisades Center Commuter Lot J in West Nyack from June 20 - July 2.

	SOCSD LIBRARIANS WIN "Picturing America" GRANT The South Orangetown Central School District Librarians have been announced as recipients of a grant presented by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in collaboration with the American Library Association. The award, "Picturing America", is an innovative program that helps teach American history and provides students with a gateway to the entire universe of the humanities. The five libraries in the South Orangetown Central School District will be provided with images that span several centuries and feature artists ranging from early American Indian artisans, painters, photographers, to more recent architects. The librarian in each building will receive forty large, high-quality color reproductions of the selected masterpieces (24” x 36”) along with a Teachers Resource Book and additional resources and lesson plans. The district librarians will work with the faculty in their building(s) to find innovative ways to incorporate these images into their curriculum. School libraries are required to keep as many of the reproductions as possible on continual exhibit in classrooms or public locations in the school during the September 2008 through May 2009 grant term, and to retain the reproductions for future display and educational use. Further information about this program is available on the Picturing America website, http://picturingamerica.neh.gov

	COTTAGE LANE GRADUATES 260 FROM D.A.R.E. PROGRAM DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE EDUCATION    On May 21st Cottage Lane's entire 5th grade filed into the Auditorium at SOMS for their graduation from the D.A.R.E. program.  In his opening statements South Orangetown Police Chief Nulty said, "We are so proud of the D.A.R.E. Program which we have run since 1989."  Nulty continued, " We have given you skills that you will be able to use as you enter your teen years and far beyond."  In all 260, graduates crossed the stage, exchanged high fives with Daren the D.A.R.E. lion, shook hands with Mr. Fiorentino and assembled dignitaries and received their D.A.R.E. diplomas.  As each class was called to the stage one representative read their essay citing what they've learned from the program.  Then each teacher read the names of the students in their respective classes as a long line of white D.A.R.E. T-shirted 5th graders marched around the auditorium and onto the stage, each with the smile of accomplishment and self-satisfaction in having completed the program.

 

	SOMS PRESENTS "YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE" AWARDS SOMS annual You Make a Difference celebration and award ceremonies were held on May 20th. This year 30 students and community members were nominated by SOCSD staff for making a difference in the lives of those around them. Words that were consistently repeated during the introductory speeches included: leadership skills, maturity, responsibility, thoughtfulness, kindness, respect, patience, diligence, talent, generosity ,cheerfulness, and the list goes on. All honorees received an introduction by the person who nominated them and a plaque of recognition which was given out by SOMS Principal William Lee and SOMS Assistant Principal Paul Guglielmo.

 

	COTTAGE LANE WELCOMES CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR Cottage Lane's entire 5th grade was flattered with a visit from Raul Colon, noted illustrator and author of children's books.  Last year, as one of their books of the month, students read his book entitled "Roberto Clemente - Pride of the Yankees".  They enjoyed it so much that they invited him to visit the school and tell them the story of how he became an illustrator.  Born in New York City, where he spent the first 10 years of his life, his family lived in Puerto Rico for the next 15 years.  He then returned to live in Florida and now resides, with his wife in New City.   "I never remember a time in my life when I did not draw," Colon told the children.  "Wherever there was a piece of paper, I would draw."

	SOMS STUDENTS BUILD CRAYON MEMORIAL TO THE TROOPS Students in Ms. Sara Nybro's SOMS KEA self-contained program are collecting crayons with hopes of amassing enough crayons to create a memorial for the military personnel who have died serving in the Iraqi War.  Their aim is to collect over 4200 crayons and to then create a small permanent memorial in the SOMS main hallway.  With the rest of the crayons the students will build small, portable memorials and a collaborate on writing a children's book about hope and tolerance which they will read to younger students. SOMS KEA self-contained program presently serves 9 students. They all have special needs  relating either to socialization or educational delays.  During a holocaust study unit they became interested in the idea of building this memorial.  Over 2500 crayons have already been collected through donations.

	Hidden Children of the Holocaust Visit SOMS Students in Mrs. Arlene Sorenson's 6th grade Language Arts class were honored on Monday, May 12th with a visit by Mr. & Mrs. Simon and Cecile Jeruchim.  Mr. & Mrs. Jeruchim, both Jewish, were "hidden children" during the Holocaust.   Cecile Jeruchim was born in Belgium. Her parents were taken one afternoon by Nazi soldiers to the Auschwitz concentration camp where three days later they were brought to the gas chambers and killed. Simon Jeruchim was born in Paris, France and was hidden in the farmlands of France during the war.  He was separated from his siblings.  His parents were taken and killed in concentration camps.  The Jeruchims each had a tragic childhood, but remarkably, they developed the fortitude necessary to live through such tragedy at such young ages.   Both found their way to the United States and destiny drew them to each other.  Their stories have been featured in a book entitled "Hidden in France."  Mr. Simon Jeruchim is an artist and author of several books which are featured in The Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.

	Walk to Wellness:  South Orangetown "Commit to Get Fit" Walk to Wellness GOAL:  $2,500 Total:  $5,266 View slide show from day! Thank you South Orangetown for making our first annual Commit to Get Fit Wellness Walk a rousing success.

	SOCSD Celebrates Second Annual Poetry Day! In honor of National Poetry Month, SOCSD celebrated its Second Annual Poetry Day on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. Students from Tappan Zee HS, South Orangetown MS, and Tappan Zee Elementary schools connected by video conferencing, the newest educational venue to share student work. For many of the students, this is their first time reading to such a crowd. The students shared either poems they wrote or their favorite poems by celebrated poets, such as the favorites Douglas Florian and Shel Silverstein. The district librarians Patty Eyer (TZE), Dorothy Taylor (SOMS), and Lois Parker-Hennion (TZHS) orchestrated and conducted the event. Students enjoyed sharing their poems and appreciated the audiences in the other buildings. SOCSD can proudly boast that poetry was read and heard non-stop among its students for an entire day.

 

	Chalk Up Another Success for ECP's Family Fun Day! Under threatening skies and less than tropical temperatures, South Orangetown's Early Childhood Program literally threw caution to the wind on Saturday, and set up their annual Family Fun Day activities.  The always well attended event was eventually forced to pull up stakes and move inside leaving the petting zoo, horse rides, jumping castle, slide and trackless train to brave the elements.  However, as promised, by 12:30 all rain had cleared and the event went on without a hitch.  Among the activities were: face painting, goldfish toss, paper bag designing, plastic bottle design, sand art and a myriad of other activities to challenge and entertain all ages.  The Early Childhood Program is dedicated to transitioning pre-kindergarten children with a focus on meeting their broad educational needs.

 

	William O. Schaefer Celebrates EARTH DAY REDUCE, RECYCLE, REUSE was the motto of the day as William O. Schaefer's entire first grade involved themselves in Earth Day Projects.  The Earth Day Grocery Project and the Waste Free Lunch Day were two of the major efforts that steered the day.  Waste Free Lunch Day, which was spearheaded by School Librarian Media Specialist Patricia Eyer, began last week when students weighed the amount of trash resulting from one lunch period.  They then learned how that total could be greatly decreased simply by bringing lunch in reusable food and drink containers, and discouraging the use of disposable packaging such as drink boxes.  At yesterday's lunch, the trash was collected in large bags according to class.  That trash will be weighed, charted and compared to the previous weights to see how the amount of trash  generated was reduced. The other project was The Earth Day Grocery Bag Project, a national awareness endeavor.  Initiated by First grade teacher Ms. Pat Caverzasi, students were given brown paper shopping bags on which they designed and drew original Earth Day messages over the past two weeks.  In their Earth Day assembly, 244 decorated bags were presented to Northvale Shoprite Manager Dave Wolf who then took the bags back to the store and distributed them to each cashier to be used for their customers on Earth Day.  Mr. Wolf addressed the first grade assembly explaining the importance of recycling and telling the students of Shoprite's commitment. "Northvale Shoprite is very concerned about our environment and has been active for decades."  Wolf said. "These 244 decorated bags mean 244 messages will go out to our community to tell them how they can help our Earth".

	Ciao South Orangetown There was telephoning, teddy bears and tears as 38 Tappan Zee HS Italian language students and their 4 chaperones said their good-byes, got their last minute hugs and advice, gathered their luggage and boarded their bus for the trip to the airport and 10 magnificent days in Italy.  The group will tour Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Naples, Sorrento, Palermo, Agrigento and Taormina.  Accompanying the students are TZHS Assistant Principal, Ms. Tricia Castelli; TZHS Italian language teachers Ms. Maria Stillo and Ms. Christina Crowe; and TZHS Science teacher Mr. Steve Purkis.

	Family Treasure Night at Cottage Lane The evening of Tuesday, April 1st, was set aside for the families (including brothers and sisters) of Mrs. Sheila Schneider, Mr. Paul Doctor, and Mrs. Evelyn Murphy’s team  to gather at Cottage Lane to view family albums, share stories, poems, and enjoy a delicious Pot Luck Dinner organized by the class moms and prepared by all of the parents. Special purpose was given to the evening through the sharing of Family Treasures that will last a lifetime.

 

	TZHS HOLDS ANNUAL MU FEST On April 9, Mu Alpha Theta (TZ's Math Honor Society) held its annual MuFest.  The entire student body was invited during their math classes to play original math games created by the members of Mu Alpha Theta.  Proceeds from the event are used to fund math department Scholarships for deserving seniors.  All games required students to solve a math problem as part of the conditions for winning.  Some highlights this year included "Mu Fight Club," in which two students first solved a problem and then fought with "Rock'Em Sock'Em" robots, each adorned with the face of the TZ math teacher of their choosing; "Mudden 2009," in which students tried to score touchdowns by solving math problems correctly; and the perennial favorite "Cream the Cow," in which the first of two competitors to solve a problem got to smash a pie in the face of his or her opponent.  Three of Cottage Lane's fifth grade classes were invited to take part in the various math challenges.

	STEP ASIDE MR. EDISON & MR. BELL - MAKE ROOM FOR COTTAGE LANE'S NEWEST INVENTORS!   The rooms were bursting with buzzers and bells and all things inventive as two of Cottage Lane's fifth grade teams under the direction of Mr. Moretti, Mr. Krump, Mr. Feller, Mrs. Lane, Mr. McAuliffe and Mrs. Tan introduced the newest inventors in the second of the two day 2008 Invention Convention.  Among this years exhibits were: The Cushion Relaxer, The Cereal Dispenser, The Turtle Trap,  The Face Stopper, Shovel De-Icer, a Double Headed Golf Club, the Gym Spin, and many others.  The 4 step assignment included: What is the need of the problem solved; How does your invention work; How is your invention made; What research did you do to make sure your invention is new.  Students then had to methodically document a scientific method of approach in the creation of their invention.