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2010-11 Event Highlights

Event & School Highlights

SOCSD Boosts Student Literacy Skills in Intensive Summer Program

This summer, South Orangetown Central School District teamed up with the Wilson Reading System in a unique program working with students needing individualized, one on one instruction in reading. The methodology is to teach reading skills to average students who are struggling to “crack the code” . The program, which ran from June 24 through July 28, is a professional development and coaching model, and required a mandatory commitment from the teachers as well as the students to attend this 21 day intensive session. The objective, in addition to giving students the needed boost, was to train seven staff members, all of whom volunteered their own time for the program, to be certified as Level I Wilson Reading System teachers. The program allowed twenty one 2nd – 7th grade students to receive individual support and instruction for one hour each day for four weeks. Each of the seven teachers gave one hour of one on one instruction to each of three students in a lesson plan structured to the individual needs of that particular student. Additionally, the staff members were required to complete a specific online course equaling 9 credits of graduate work, as mandated by Wilson for certification.

Pat Galvin, the Wilson trainer assigned to South Orangetown provided seminars, observations, coaching and guidance to the teachers daily throughout the session. “Coaching is extremely important”, stated Galvin. “I was so impressed by the level of talent and expertise shown by this group of teachers”, she continued. Student progress was monitored throughout the program. Data was collected and will be analyzed and shared with the appropriate grade level buildings to be continued during the 2011-12 school year.

In a final group round table discussion that closed out the last day of the session, teachers shared their feelings and experience regarding the program. Karen Sutton, Cottage Lane teacher, commented, “ We’ll never look at teaching reading the same way.” Pam Hess, Special Ed teacher at Tappan Zee Elementary added, “It’s the best program I’ve ever experienced. The Wilson Reading System just brings reading alive”. Karen Jounakos, Special Ed teacher at SOMS added, “ This reading system makes sense and takes the mystery out of decoding.” Completing the teacher list was, Lori Slackman, Speech and language therapist; Lucia McCahill, WOS reading teacher; Camille Viola, Spec Ed CL; and Kate Chichetti, Spec Ed ECP. Comment heard by one student exiting the building on the last day, “ Now I can read !”

The Federally funded program was coordinated and facilitated by Michele Fenster, SOCSD Director of Special Education and Student Services. Fenster commented, “We would like to continue to grow with this program, utilizing Wilson’s exceptional teaching tools throughout the year”.

Allstate Agency Owners Support TZHS Project Graduation

Allstate agency owners from the Orangeburg, NY office, Tina Sullivan & Frank Kennelly recently presented checks totaling $2000 on behalf of The Allstate Foundation - 2011 Allstate Agency Hands in the Community Grant to MaryBeth Carley & Nicole Glazer in support of Tappan Zee High School’s 2011 Project Graduation.

Now in its 20th year, Project Graduation is a supervised, substance-free, all night party given to the graduating students of Tappan Zee HS as an alternative to the predictable graduation night drinking and driving temptations, and, as a commitment to keeping TZHS graduates safe following the graduation ceremonies.

Project Graduation, is made possible each year through donations and the financial support of the South Orangetown business community, South Orangetown Central School District, parents, teachers, administrators, community residents, the Town of Orangetown and the South Orangetown Education Foundation. Project Graduation wishes to thank ALLSTATE Insurance for their generous gift to the students, through their Allstate Agency Hands in the Community Grant program, which will help ensure the future of their mission.

Tappan Zee PTSA Hosts 20th Annual TZHS Project Graduation

The Tappan Zee High School PTSA will once again support and run Project Graduation for the senior class of Tappan Zee High school. Running from Thursday, June 23rd, (graduation day), until the early hours of Friday, June 24th, Project Graduation is a supervised, substance-free, all-night party given to the graduating class. Now in its 20th year, the event originated as an alternative to the predictable graduation night drinking and driving temptations, and, as a commitment to keeping TZHS graduates safe after the ceremonies.

Project Graduation ’11 is made possible through donations and financial support of the South Orangetown business community, South Orangetown Central School District parents, community residents, the Town of Orangetown and the South Orangetown Education Foundation, which again this year, as lead sponsor, has made a donation of $2,500. Project Graduation includes all-night entertainment featuring a DJ, jousting, an inflatable obstacle course, human foosball, volleyball, basketball, a gaming station, a comedian and all night food, with breakfast served at 4:00am by senior class parents.

Parents and community members chaperone the event in shifts beginning at 11:00 PM through 3:30 AM. If you are interested in volunteering or making a monetary or in-kind donation, please contact Co-Chairs Nicole Glazer, MaryBeth Carley or Jennifer Jacobs at TZHSProjectGrad@aol.com

TZHS Blood Drive Team Honored at Yankee Stadium

Tappan Zee HS was honored last night on the infield of Yankee Stadium for their commitment to the NY Blood Center/NY Yankee HS Blood Donor Championship Program. They won the distinction of the “Most Improved High School” among participating high schools in the NYC, LI, Hudson Valley, and NJ community blood donor program. The TZHS Blood Drives held this year to honor and support TZHS Graduate Melissa Dimataris (‘09) in her fight against leukemia produced 263 more units than last year, putting them ahead of all other High Schools in the participating area.

Twenty three TZHS students attended last night’s game and watched the Yankee Jumbotron as TZHS Blood Team Co-Captains, Nicole Stuhlweissenburg, and Taylor Verdigi along with Melissa Dimataris took their places on the Yankee infield and proudly displayed their Championship banner along with members of other high schools who were also being recognized in other categories in the blood program. Everyone then made their way to their seats and the cheering began. The evening was special in every way (EXCEPT for the final score).

TZHS Blood Drive organizer and Nurse Judy Flagg was there to cheer on her Blood Team AND her Yankees and vowed, ” Just wait until next year. Giving blood and saving lives is what it’s all about. We did that this year and we’re going to do it again next year. Together we can!”  View slideshow of event

 

Blauvelt Lions Honor TZHS Leos at Thank You Brunch

The Blauvelt Lions Club recognized the TZHS Leos and their parents for their dedication to community service at the first Annual Thank You Leos Brunch held on May 22, 2011 at the Blauvelt Fire house. TZHS Leo Advisor Tricia Castelli explained that the Blauvelt Lions Club Board and members were so impressed with the over 1000 hours of community service that will have been put in this school year by the Leos in over 40 community service projects, that they wanted to thank the Leos and their parents formally. The idea of the brunch seemed appropriate. President Rich Finning, and Blauvelt Lions Laurie Wohl and Tricia Castelli presented the newly established LYLA (Lyons Young Leaders Award) for distinguished leadership to TZHS Leo President Jamie Tyler, (who is also founder of the club), TZHS Leo Co-Secretary Hannah Katzen, and TZHS Leo Co-Treasurer Jessica Kroenert, all graduating Seniors at Tappan Zee High School. Also thanked for their dedication and hard work to the club were Vice President Margot Dayton, Co-secretary Jessica McCarter, co-treasurer Emily Dries and the rest of the Leos and parents present at the brunch. Parents and community members Rene Tyler, who has volunteered by driving Leos to every Midnight and Breakfast run over the past three years, and Richard Katzen, also a parent driver, were awarded certificates. Blauvelt Lion and TZHS Leo advisor Tricia Castelli was presented with a plaque for Outstanding Service as Leo Club advisor. Blauvelt Lion Ron Fritz gave each Leo a collector's coin. Over 60 people attended the event,. Special thanks went to Blauvelt Lions Mike and Diane Conklin for preparing the food for the event.

TZHS Leos Dedicate Month of May to Community Service

In two separate events last month, the TZHS Leos hit the road to community service via a Midnight Run into Manhattan on May 14th, and the Blauvelt Lions Park Cleanup on May 22nd.

The TZHS Leos’ Midnight Run into Manhattan to feed and clothe the homeless along with members of the Immaculate Conception Church in Stony Point was well attended and well received by those so critically in need of these services. The Leos were accompanied on the “run” by Leo Advisor Tricia Castelli, and parents Rene Tyler, Richard Katzen, and Margaret Morrone.

One week later, In keeping with their commitment to community service, TZHS Leos along with Blauvelt Lion and Leo Advisor Tricia Castelli joined Blauvelt Lions Jane Haughey and Len Feroldi to spruce up Blauvelt Lions Park and do some colorful spring planting.

 

TZHS Wins Gold Level Distinction for Blood Drive Donations

The New York Blood Center announced this week that TZHS will be has been awarded Gold Level Distinction as the Most Improved High School in the NY Blood Center / NY Yankees HS Blood Donor Championship Program. High schools throughout New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New Jersey participate in the NY Blood Center community blood donor program. The TZHS blood drives held this year to honor and support TZHS Graduate Melissa Dimataris (‘09) in her fight against leukemia produced 263 more units than last year, putting them ahead of all other High Schools in the area.

On Monday, June 13th, TZHS's name will be up in lights in Yankee Stadium during the entire game as they are called to the infield and presented with a banner for their Gold Level accomplishment. The presentation will be broadcast on the Yankee Jumbotron for the entire stadium to see.

As part of the celebration, TZHS has been invited to the New York Blood Center Annual High School Recognition Event at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. on Wednesday, June 1, from 8:45-11:45 am. TZHS will be recognized and presented with a Gold Level Plaque for the number of donations received as well as being recognized for winning the Most Improved High School Award.

Judy Flagg, TZHS school nurse and event organizer said, "This is a very exciting event for the students to receive these awards but far more important than this is that these students saved so many lives, supported Melissa in her courageous battle against Leukemia, and continued to learn the importance of raising the bar and helping your neighbors. This was truly a team effort."

To all the community members who donated, we thank you.

Acoustic Underground Strikes a Chord

The TZHS Spanish Honor Society hosted another successful Acoustic Underground on Friday, May 20. This event continues to draw many students, parents, and teachers for an enjoyable evening of student musical performances. The Spanish Honor Society is donating a portion of the evening's proceeds to the Sister Cities Project which ships items collected by our students for the people of Nicaragua."

They Made a Difference

SOMS’ annual You Make a Difference Award Ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 17th in the SOMS auditorium. This year, 39 students and parents whose kindness, hard work, and dedication made a difference in the lives of those around them, were nominated by SOMS staff members.

As their names were announced, a short explanation of their “special contribution” was read. Words like, positive role model, leadership skills, self-motivation, citizenship, inspiration, diligence, consistent friendship, compassion, and many others described each one of the recipients as they were introduced.

Honorees each received a Certificate presented by SOMS Principal Karen Tesik, and SOMS Assistant Principal Richard Neidhart.
Make a Difference Slide Show

TZHS COVE Students Commit To Be Fit

As part of an ongoing focus to promote healthy living, TZHS COVE (Consortium for Occupational and Vocational Education) teacher, Bonnie McCort piloted the 3rd Annual COVE Fitness challenge. Held May 6th on the TZHS field under glorious skies, the festivities began with a stretching warm-up session for the students and staff. Music was graciously provided by The Blues Bandits (aka TZHS’s Richard Weissberg (Guidance), Peter Burgos (Spanish), and Dr. Ken Mitchell on the harmonica).

The TZHS Concert Band under the direction of Bill Hughes then officially opened the Challenge leading the group in the Star Spangled Banner. Runners and walkers lined up behind the starting line, and the Fitness Challenge was off to a great start. The commitment was to run or walk for 30 minutes as a cheering section gathered in the stands to root for and shout words of encouragement and support to the entire group.

The students then gathered in mid field for some well deserved congratulations and some cool down exercises.

The final event in the Challenge was an award ceremony complete with trophies and many self satisfied smiles.

View slide show from the day's event

TZHS Brings New Meaning to the Global Classroom

During the spring break, four groups of TZHS students boarded buses to the airport and then planes to Italy, France, Spain, and, for the first time, China.

Fifteen TZHS students along with five chaperones went on a very long journey from TZHS to China for the first time. The trip brought the students to four major cities: Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Bejing. They were able to experience modern day China as well as ancient China. Some of the highlights were climbing the Great Wall, taking a boat ride on scenic West Lake, visiting temples and tombs, spending time at Tianammen Square and the Forbidden City, and experiencing the Olympic Village. One special day was spent at the High School affiliated with the prestigious Fudan University where TZHS students were reconnected with the two Chinese students who spent two weeks with host families here this past January. The Chinese students took their American counterparts on a tour of their school and shared their programs. The trip was a success on many levels with thanks going to the families for supporting student participation in this unique experience

At the same time, forty-four students of Italian at Tappan Zee High School boarded buses at TZHS for the opportunity to use their acquired language skills to immerse themselves in Italian culture for nine days. The TZHS Italian students traveled with chaperones Tricia Castelli, Christina Crowe, Maria Stillo and Steve Purkis on a 9 day tour of Northern Italy, visiting the cities of Venice, Verona, Florence, Siena, Asisi and Rome. This is the 13th year that the Italian program has organized a trip to Italy for its students, alternating the Northern Italy trip, with a trip to Southern Italy. Despite the early morning wakeup calls, (sometimes as early as 5:00 a.m.), and the full days of touring and exploring Italian cities, all on the trip had an incredible time, with many looking forward to next year’s trip or to studying in Italy in college.

Shortly behind the Italy bus, thirty-nine Tappan Zee High School Spanish language students had a unique opportunity to visit Barcelona, and the Basque Country in Spain. They traveled with their group leader, Suzanne Moskowitz, and three other chaperones: Peter Burgos, Spanish teacher, Dana Giacopelli, English teacher, and Randy Altman, guidance counselor. Their first stop was Barcelona, a modern, cosmopolitan city in a region called Cataluña. Students were able to walk along the central street, Las Ramblas, which filled with shops, a market, and many street performers. One of the highlights of their stay in Barcelona was the ride in a funicular and then in a cable car to Mountjuïc Castle which provided spectacular, breath-taking views of the city! Other stops included a visit to the 1992 Olympic Stadium. After Barcelona, the group headed for the Basque country including Pamplona, where the running of the bulls takes place every July. Then on to San Sebastian, a charming seaside city where the students spent the evening and the next day exploring the old part of town, the boardwalk with its gorgeous balastrade, and sampling the mouth watering small appetizers similar to tapas, called Pinchos. Next they headed for Bilbao, home of the famous Guggenheim Museum. Last stop was Vitoria, in the northern part of Spain, before heading back to the Barcelona airport to say “adios” to Spain. Both students and chaperones had a wonderful time and look forward to their next Spanish adventure!

One final bus left TZHS with thirty-three French language students, chaperoned by Donna Grasso, art teacher; Lois Parker-Hennion, librarian; and Mary Root, French teacher. The group spent a fabulous week in France. The first two days were spent taking in the City of Lights, Paris, and visits to the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees, and viewing the whole city from atop the Eiffel Tower . The next day, covered the Catacombs, and the Louvre museum.

The province of Brittany, northwest of Paris, was next with the medieval port city of St. Mâlo and the abbey of Mont St-Michel followed by Normandy, which included a visit to the Bayeux tapestry. A tour of the three famous D-Day beaches of World War II—Pointe du Hoc (Omaha), Juno, and Gold ended the day. The next day included a visit to Le Memorial de Caen, where much was learned about World War II and the events that led up to it.

The Orsay Museum, the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sacré Coeur basilica in Montmartre, and the Palais de Versailles wrapped up the sightseeing part of the trip. The last night was spent cruising the Seine River and getting one last unforgettable view of Paris.

South Orangetown CSD’s All Hands On "Paper Cranes for Japan Relief" Project

What can we do to help Japan? Originally, the answer was a donation table set up for TZHS students who wished to aid Japan’s plight. Then, the idea came from the Japanese Culture Club, who had heard of an organization (see below) that pledged to donate $2.00 for every paper crane folded and shipped to them, WORLDWIDE. TZHS’s Japanese Culture Club, having just recently folded 1,000 paper cranes for Melissa Demataris’ blood drive knew they could do it. It was then, they decided to make it a districtwide project. Bins were sent to all building principals along with directions to fold a very simple crane. Teacher Bill Geist, who has written books on the Japanese art of origami was on hand to assist the younger students.

At the high school, members of the Japanese Culture Club had a table set up in the cafeteria and used lunch periods to teach students to make cranes. Honor societies offered service points to members who participated.

Japanese Culture Club advisor Lois Parker-Hennion went into several of the art classes and taught a lesson on cranes as did art teacher Beth Dougherty at SOMS. Study halls, and open periods at TZHS turned into CRANE-MANIA!!! with students teaching one another in small groups and large gatherings.

Having limited the project to ONE WEEK all schools delivered their cranes to TZHS on Monday afternoon for final count and packaging to be sent off. Many of the cranes arrived with messages of hope and signatures of the folders from each of the school buildings. It was a massive undertaking by the entire district with a final count of 10,329 paper cranes folded and ready to be shipped. For additional information on the Crane Project:

In response to the earthquake in Japan, Students Rebuild partnered with DoSomething.org, to ensure students worldwide have a way to support their Japanese peers through the Paper Cranes for Japan Relief project. These simple yet powerful gestures will trigger a $200,000 donation from the Bezos Family Foundation - $2 for each crane received - to Architecture for Humanity's reconstruction efforts in Japan. Once we reach our goal of 100,000 submissions, the cranes will be woven into an art installation - a symbolic gift from students around the globe to Japanese youth.

Concert Violinist Holds Workshops for SOMS String Students

On April 13, concert violinist, Marti Sweet, joined teacher Matt Rotjan in a string intensive workshop for the orchestras and string ensemble classes at South Orangetown Middle School. Ms. Sweet, a resident of Rockland, worked with students in grades 6 through 8 in their grade level ensembles, as well as the combined Chamber Orchestra. Each session engaged students in technical development which serve the musical ideas of the repertoire being studied.

Ms. Sweet began studying the violin at the age of four, and received her Bachelor and Master Degrees from the Juilliard School, where she was a student of Oscar Shumsky. She has been a member of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, American Ballet Theatre, and associate violinist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Ms. Sweet has also appeared and recorded with Barbra Streisand, Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, Bernadette Peters, Carly Simon, Stephen Sondheim, Quincy Jones, Brittney Spears and many other world-renown artists. She has recorded chamber music for the Angel/EMI label and for New World Records.

In addition to performing, Ms. Sweet is a devoted teacher to young violinists and violists.
 

TZHS Leos Join the Journey for Sight

Members of the TZHS Leo Club and the Blauvelt Lions joined forces on Sunday, April 10, to raise money for the Lions’ charities for the blind, at the Journey for Sight walk at Eugene Levy Park on Rt. 45 in Pomona. The charities supported are the Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Vacation Camp for the Blind, Lions Camp Badger, Association for the Visually Impaired and the Rockland Social Club for the blind. Additionally, LensCrafters donates exams and glasses to children who cannot otherwise afford these items.

The weather might have been a bit warmer, but it is Spring, and the objective of the walk was motivation enough to keep the walkers going.

TZHS Spanish Department Helps Less Fortunate in Nicaragua
Every year the TZHS Spanish Department, in conjunction with the TZHS Spanish Honor Society, collects clothing, bicycles, musical instruments and computers to ship to their Sister City in Nicaragua, helping those less fortunate. This year's drive was especially successful, thanks to the generous donation of well over 300 pairs of shoes by the Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse (VAASA). Thanks went out to all the students, teachers, and community members who helped with the drive and gave so willingly in order to support the partnership with the less fortunate in San Marcos, Nicaragua.

For further information about TZHS’s partnership, please contact Claudia Arietta at TZHS
 

TZHS Italian Students Appreciate Tosca at the Met

A group of forty TZHS Italian students, their parents and friends attended a performance of Giacomo Puccini's opera Tosca at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center on March 31st. This is the 13th year that TZ students studying Italian have had the opportunity to attend an opera at the Met, in conjunction with the Opera unit taught as a part of the Italian curriculum. Students are first taught the story of the opera, the arias, facts about the composer, and able to view it in parts and in different versions on classroom Smartboards prior to the trip to the Met.

SOMS Art Students Create Visions of Peace
Each year the South Orangetown Middle School Art Department in conjunction with the Blauvelt Lion's Club participate in the Lion's International Peace Poster Contest. The Lions International Peace Poster Contest encourages children, ages 11 – 13, to creatively express what peace means to them. The 2010-2011 theme is “Vision of Peace.” The contest allows students to share their unique image of peace with others, so that we may all have greater tolerance and international understanding. Under the guidance of art teacher Beth Dougherty, the following SOMS student's posters competed at the Regional Level of the competition: Maria K., grade 7, Jessica C., grade 6, Erin D., grade 6, Alicia T., grade 6 and Livy B., grade 7.

In celebration of their accomplishment, the Blauvelt Lions Club has invited the students and their families to dinner on May 5th at Del Arte’s Restaurant.

CAPS Off to South Orangetown

Once again SOCSD stepped up to the plate and hit a GRAND SLAM on Opening Day for the Caps For Kids program. This is the 5th year the district has participated in this event. Caps For Kids was founded in 1993 by Dr. Stephen Heinrich, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana and a clinical professor at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. The mission of the program is to provide every child that is diagnosed and undergoing treatment for cancer or receiving chemotherapy to treat other life threatening illnesses a cap autographed by the celebrity of their choice. The caps help them establish a special bond with their caregiver/physician and their celebrity hero. It was found that many of the children garner strength from the autographed caps, feeling as though their celebrity hero is right there with them fighting the battle against their illness.

This year, students, families, and staff raised over $1,825 for the foundation. Caps for Kids has announced it will be using part of South Orangetown’s donations to give the gift of a cap to a child in the South Orangetown community.

 

Is This How Einstein Got His Start ?

Students in Mrs. Anne O'Brien's 5th grade homeroom class at Cottage Lane Elementary got their first look into the trials, tribulations and jubilation of the world of inventions, and the work involved in bringing them to life. This year’s annual Invention Convention at Cottage Lane saw the next generation of young inventors begin to take their place in the long line of those who came before them. The student's ideas begin with the class assignment to think of a new invention. They then wrote down their thoughts and checked through the internet for possible duplications already in existence. A materials list was then created for items necessary to produce the first prototype. The next step is to test the invention and make any changes and readapt whatever is necessary in order to make the invention work. And finally, voila !! A new invention. Among the new creations were, a GPS Watch, a Travelling Car Tray, a Frog Feeder Timer, A Helicopter Claw, A Jar Opener, a Heated Coat, a Glass Finder Clicker, and many others. Keep an eye on the news. One never knows.



 

William O. Schaefer Students Skype With a Favorite Author

After being introduced to the Katie Davis books, Mrs. Kerri Goldstein's 1st grade class quickly began enjoying her writing style. They decided to try to contact her, and then worked together to determine what they would like to know about her. The class formulated interview questions to ask during a Skype session. Katie Davis was extremely generous with her time in answering their questions, and she shared much additional information about her work. She then read, through Skype technology, her newest picture book to the class, Little Chicken's Big Day !

Children’s author/illustrator Katie Davis has published nine books and appears monthly on Good Morning Connecticut, recommending great books for kids. Davis is a 2010 Cybils judge and has also judged the Golden Kite, smartwriters.com, and Frontiers in Writing awards. Recently she was selected to be on the Honorary Advisory Board for the Brooke Jackman Foundation, a literacy-based charity.
 

TZE Students Treated to the Sounds of St. Patrick

On St. Patrick’s Day, Mr. Glen Hoag loaded his bagpipes into the TZE lunchroom and regaled third grade students with the songs of the day. Students listened as Irish folksongs were played on an authentic set of bagpipes as a lead in to the character education assembly. He also explained the origin of the bagpipe and continued the concert with more Irish tunes as well as some American favorites. Mr. Hoag is a TZE parent with children in the second and third grades.

 

South Orangetown Welcomes THE WORLD

The gym at the South Orangetown Middle School was transformed into a global celebration of the world and all its people, food, culture, and tradition during the 2011 We the People festivities. Over 500 people came through the SOMS "passport" office, and into the gym that hosted the ninth annual celebration of the patchwork of our heritage. Twenty two countries set up tables under the flags of their nations, and then spent the rest of the afternoon sharing with everyone the pride and traditions of their heritage. The entire day was filled with entertainment in the costumes of the different countries, as well as interactive crafts, and an overwhelming feeling of the ever-present camaraderie among family, friends, and the community that makes up the global collage of South Orangetown.

View a slide show of this fabulous day

SOMS STUDENTS EMBRACE WORLD MATH DAY 2011

SOMS School Library Media Specialist, Mrs. Patty Eyer collaborated with Mrs. Suzanne Mantin and her 8th period math class for World Math Day 2011. Using laptops, iTouches and an extremely high level of excitement, the students entered the room ready to create their avatars and mathematically challenge countries from around the world in a day of demanding math concepts. At the beginning of the day, there were already over 22, 000,000 correct responses. Within hours, the ticker reached over 307,000,000. There were 5.3 million students from 218 countries registered to take part this year.

Students are united on this special day to set a new world record by answering 1 billion questions. All SOMS 6th grade math classes joined in this fun competition.

“Everybody needs some inspiration, Everybody needs some motivation, mix it up with some imagination, and use your natural gifts.” -- The Kinks

SOMS ART STUDENTS PUT A STAMP ON IT





Youth Art Month is an annual observance in March that emphasizes the value of art education for all children, and to help encourage support for school art programs. SOMS Studio in Art students and members of the Art Club helped celebrate Youth Art Month by creating postage stamps in the style of famous Artists. Their work, The Artists Stamps, is presently on display throughout the South Orangetown Middle School building.

Also, in keeping with Youth Art Month, SOMS 8th grade students enrolled in the Advanced Studio in Art Class were given the opportunity to participate in an in-school field trip. They were given the opportunity to spend the entire day in the art room working on a variety of art projects.
 

South African Consul Visits Cottage Lane

Consul Sono, from the South African Consulate in New York City, visited Ms. Christie-Blick’s fourth grade class at Cottage Lane School last week. Ms. Thami Sono talked to the class about her own country on the other side of the world. The children had worked hard researching South Africa to prepare for her arrival. She was impressed by how much these young Americans knew about her country and its most famous person, Nelson Mandela.

The students were very interested to hear about Ms. Sono’s life growing up in South Africa under apartheid. They were amazed to hear she had grown up in a house without electricity or indoor plumbing, and that she had not tasted a chocolate chip cookie until she arrived in the United States just a few years ago. Afterward, they talked about how hard she must have worked in school to get a better life for herself as an adult. They found her very inspiring.

The students enjoyed hearing about South Africans, and hope to see them for themselves one day. The video Ms. Sono showed of her country, the descriptions she gave of the beautiful beaches, and knowing that February is summertime in the southern hemisphere, made them all want to hop on a plane!

They were so grateful that she had shared her culture with them that they wanted to share their American culture with her. After her talk, they all enjoyed milk and homemade American chocolate chip cookies baked by Ms. Christie-Blick, as they chatted about going to see giraffes in Kruger National Park, and penguins on the shores of Cape Town. It was an afternoon to remember!
 

Tappan Zee Elementary Gets a Boost in Technology

Tappan Zee Elementary School recently acquired a boost in their technology program with two laptop carts each containing sixteen laptops for use in the classrooms. Students in Eileen Griffith’s second grade class were able to work on their ELA skills through the program spellingcity.com. This program contains a variety of ELA activities over a range of ability levels allowing students to work at their own pace. The laptops are available to all classes and are being used for ELA, Math, research and the creation of Word documents and PowerPoint presentations. TZE students are able to create a document, insert a picture, and save these into their own folders. The laptops have provided an additional incentive for students to gain keyboarding skills and to learn how to safely navigate the internet for research purposes under the guidance of their teachers. "Use of these laptops helps to address several of our district goals," said Griffith. "Addressing the Diverse Needs of Learners, and Providing Students With Skills for the 21st Century are two of those goals" she concluded.

Cottage Lane & TZE Students Get Musical Visit

For the 12th consecutive year, the Orangetown Community Band recently presented a series of live performances and musical instrument demonstrations to the students and staff of Cottage Lane and Tappan Zee Elementary Schools. The series has been sponsored over the years in part by the SOCES PTA as well as numerous individual contributors. The members of the band are elite musicians in the New York area, including residents of the South Orangetown community who are members of Broadway theater productions and other New York and Lincoln Center musical orchestras. In addition, members of the SOCSD music staff perform with the band, including William Hughes, who has appeared with the NY Philharmonic and Lisa Kahn, both on French Horn. The band is conducted by Charles Yassky, a music staff member of SOCSD.

Part of the visit included a musical performance by Cottage Lane flute students who were "accompanied" by the Orangetown Community Band. Students, staff, and musicians all enjoyed the experience.
 

SOMS Italian Club Students Bring A Bit of Italy to Thorpe Village

On one of many wintry days this year, the South Orangetown Middle Middle School Italian Club members spent an enjoyable afternoon with a group of seniors at the Thorpe Senior Center in Sparkill. The students danced the Tarantella (a traditional Italian folk dance) to the clapping of the seniors, sang Italian songs and played Tombola (an Italian game similar to Bingo). The afternoon ended with cookies and chocolates baked and served by the Italian Club members. As was evidenced by the smiles in the room, the afternoon was enjoyed by the entire group.

Tappan Zee Goes Pink

The TZ Girls Varsity & JV Basketball teams took on TWO opponents at their game last Friday night; Byram Hills and the fight against Breast Cancer. TZ traded in their traditional red and white color scheme to "go pink". As evidence of their commitment to the cause, that night there were pink warm-ups, pink balloons, and even a pink game basketball. The Lady Dutchmen swept Byram Hills and, equally exciting, raised over $ 2,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. What could be better?

 

TZHS Forms Exchange Program With Shanghai Students

TZHS has established a student exchange program with one of what is considered to be the best high schools in Shanghai, China. Two Chinese students and their teacher will be traveling from Shanghai to our area and specifically to TZHS in order to observe and take part in the daily routine of a typical American public school. These guest students and their teacher will be here for two weeks, from January 29 to February 13 and will be housed by the families of some TZHS students who have agreed to act as their hosts. These guest students will attend classes / clubs / activities, etc. for the two weeks in order to get a true feel for life, education, and social activities in America.

As part of the exchange, 15 TZHS students will be visiting China for ten days during the Spring break, and will spend some time at the high school of our guest students in Shanghai in order to reconnect and gain some insight into what it is like to be a student in China.

Every year since 9/11/2001 WOS first grade teacher Pat Ochman has collected items, letters and cards to send packages to the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The soldiers have been graduates of TZHS and/or relatives of class members. This year Tom Ochman and his unit serving with the 10th Mountain Division were deployed to eastern Afghanistan. The soldiers are in a primitive COP (Combat Outpost) with few amenities. Most soldiers receive packages around the holidays, but it is a long winter in the mountains between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The goal was to have enough Valentine cards for every soldier on the small base. An oustanding schoolwide response netted about 40 boxes of snacks, toiletries, books, magazines, etc. and 360 Valentine's Day cards which were shipped out.

Parent volunteers assisted in making the project a success. Mr. and Mrs. James Mulligan volunteered to pay for the postage, childhood friend Dr. Edward Fisher made a contribution to the cause, and Michael Capowski (UHAUL of Nanuet) donated the boxes.

The following class parents and friends packed the boxes: Dorian Mulligan and friend Olivia Mc Hugh, Jane Torigian, Robin Skura, Vincenza Fitzmaurice, Jill Stahl and Jill DeSilva. Pat and George Ochman taped the boxes and Dorian Mulligan picked up and brought the boxes to the post office.

It was a real team effort. Pat Ochman forwarded pictures of the supplies, boxes and cards to son Tom, who showed them to his buddies and Sergeant. Tom and Sergeant Dancy called Pat Ochman via satellite to thank everyone at WOS for their generosity. Sergeant Dancy said that just the pictures of the boxes and cards had raised morale so much. Just knowing that WOS valued their service and sacrifice and cared about them, meant so much to them. Sergeant Dancy promised to send lots of thank you cards to the classes to let the children know how much their cards and packages have raised the soldiers spirits.

TZHS Leos Bring New Meaning to " Midnight"

On December 26th, twenty seven TZHS Leos, accompanied by Advisor Tricia Castelli along with community members Renee Tyler, Bernadette Vero, Lisa Tagliaferri and Richard Katzen, as well as Blauvelt Lions Laurie Wohl, Jay Singer and Dennis Michaels, joined members of the Immaculate Conception Church of Stony Point on their Breakfast Run to feed the Homeless in New York City. The caravan of 13 vehicles left the Tappan Zee High School parking lot at 7:30 am for the ride down to 23rd street, in Manhattan, carrying food, clothing, toiletries, coffee and juice, as well as gifts. Santa Claus and one of his elves joined the group to help brighten the day of those less fortunate. "Everyone involved felt that it was truly a heartwarming experience", said TZHS Leo Advisor Tricia Castelli. "They all felt they had gotten much more from their interaction with the homeless individuals, than they had given."

American History With An Artistic Twist

SOMS seventh grade Social Studies teacher, Sarah Kukla recently collaborated on a unique project titled, “Revolutionary Kamishibai.” The collaboration with library media specialist, Patty Eyer, and SOMS art teacher, Beth Dougherty brought a new dimension to the same old, same old, same old history lesson. The seventh grade Social Studies classes made Kamishibai story cards (Japanese story telling technique) about the events leading up to the Revolutionary War (Boston Massacre, Taxes, Boston Tea Party, Declaration of Indolence, Fighting at Lexington and
Concord).

In the Japanese language, Kamishibai ( kah-MEE-shee-bye) means “paper drama.” Kamishibai was a popular form of street storytelling from the late 1920’s until the early 1950’s. A Kamishibai man was an itinerant storyteller who traveled from village to village by bicycle. His main occupation was selling candy. To entice the children to buy candy, he entertained them with stories.

To announce his arrival, he loudly clapped together two pieces of wood called hyoshigi (hee-yo-SHEE-gee). When the children heard the clapping, they came running, much as the children of today do when they hear the music of the ice cream truck. Children who purchased candy had the privilege of sitting in the front while others would be permitted to stay and listen to the stories, but would have to stand to the back of the crowd.

On December 21, 2010, using the paper theater, (and transforming us three historic centuries back in time), Mrs. Kukla’s eighth period class told their Revolutionary Tales via Skype with Mr. Ekert’s fourth grade class at Cottage Lane.

If you would like more information about Kamishibai please visit the SOMS Media Center or Mrs. Kukla’s Classroom blog.

WOS Students Help Rockland's Shut-Ins Prepare for Winter

For the tenth straight year, students attending William O. Schaefer Elementary school have helped the Meals on Wheels Program with their Covered Cupboards initiative. Each year students pack up and wrap a shoebox filled with non-perishable food items which is delivered to Rockland's elderly and homebound so that during the winter months, if a hot meal delivery is hampered by weather or any other emergency, recipients will not go hungry.

WOS Principal Nora Polansky explained to the assembly of students that their "participation in the Covered Cupboards project went hand in hand with our word of the month......GENEROSITY."

TZE - 2011 Resolutions and Our Environment

Students in Mrs. Emily McKay's 3rd grade class in Tappan Zee Elementary brought two areas of their recent studies to action during their New Year's Celebration. Mrs. McKay's class has been learning and writing about the meaning of "resolutions." In science, they had been studying the water cycle. Combining these two areas, the class made a resolution that 2011 will be a year in which they help to protect their environment, including our precious resource: water. The class gathered together, and, with the help of some parents, created an all natural water based cleaning solution. The students, then bringing their AOK (Acts Of Kindness) word of the month, SHARING, into action, distributed the all natural cleaners to the entire second and third grade classes. What a great start to 2011!

An Ongoing Season of Giving for TZHS Leos

In their ongoing commitment to helping others, on December 16th and 17th, over 50 members of the TZHS Leo Club packed just under 3,300 items of food donated by TZHS students. They then loaded everything up into boxes and crates, and, with the assistance of members of the Blauvelt Lions, delivered the food to the People to People food pantry in Nanuet. After arriving at the weigh in station at People to People, students and accompanying adults stayed to helped stock the shelves. The Leos ran the food drive for three weeks at TZHS, in a competition between the entire student body through their English classes. The enthusiasm for the drive, generated by the TZHS English teachers, contributed greatly to its success. The winning class will be treated to a breakfast, courtesy of the TZHS Leos. A win-win experience all around.

William O. Schaefer's Newest Writers

William O. Schaefer Elementary School's entire first grade has been learning how to write Personal Narrative stories about their lives. The children worked hard in learning how to make their stories more interesting for their readers as well as correct sentence structure and punctuation. In celebration of their hard work and efforts December 17th saw the Second Annual Grade-Wide Writers Celebration in the school cafeteria. The children then had an opportunity to share their writing with their ex-kindergarten teachers and classmates. "That experience offers the students a new and yet familiar audience in which to share their new writing skills," said Jeannine Carr, WOS Assistant Principal.
 

This is a Story of "Long Long Ago"

Students in Jennifer Jacobs, Kerri Goldstein, and Rachel Yelin's classes at the William O. Schaefer School visited a unit regarding alternative learning possibilities based on their individual styles and needs. They collaborated with their peers, signed up for mini lessons and or independent help from teachers, and managed their own time, materials, and work. They were also held accountable for their work by completing a response/reflection sheet leading up to a final project which will guide the children to a global understanding of the importance of where they live today and the history behind it. They had to research a topic of their choice (school, chores, transportation, games, clothing, food) and how that topic was approached in South Orangetown "Long Ago". They reported their findings to their peers in many different ways including posters, flip books, question and answer books, letters pretending they are from "long ago", movies/digital story books.
 

I Pledge Allegiance..........

Over 100 newly naturalized American citizens and their families gathered in the SOMS auditorium on December 3rd in celebration of the gift of their new citizenship. In a patriotic and touching ceremony, immigrants from more than 30 countries were given the oath of citizenship which was witnessed by a full assembly of family, friends, dignitaries, veterans organizations, and students from the South Orangetown Middle School who worked enthusiastically to make signs and posters welcoming the new citizens. A touching keynote speech was given by South Orangetown CSD Board of Education member Guy DiVincenzo, who recalled his own crossing from Italy with his parents when he was a child, in hopes of creating a new life in the United States. Performances by the South Orangetown Middle School Treble Chorus, the South Orangetown Middle School Chamber Orchestra, and Saffire (an SOCSD student group) capped the ceremonies.

 

Let the Learning/Sharing/Teaching Cycle Begin!

The South Orangetown Middle School can now boast a Smartboard in every classroom. However, many of the teachers are not yet completely aware of all of its interactive features and nuances. One of these interactive tools can be extremely useful in teaching the concept of integers to sixth graders. Enter SOMS 8th grade Math students……..…

Problem based learning question posed to teacher, Mrs. Jill Rutherford's grade 8 Math students: How would you teach integer rules to other students using Smartboard technology, while, at the same time, modeling the interactive tools of the Smartboard for teachers?

Mrs. Rutherford's students, with the assistance of Media Specialist Patty Eyer, worked on this challenge, and together they created Interactive Smartboard Lessons. The students were then invited into 6th grade math classes to teach the introductory concepts of integers to the sixth graders, while enlightening teachers to some of the far-reaching potentials of Smartboard’s interactive tools. Not only did students learn from their peers, but other teachers learned how to use the interactive tools of the Smartboard. "Students, now in the role of teacher, learned how to effectively communicate a series of lessons in a way that other students would understand. They also learned how to work as a team for the benefit of teaching others", stated teacher Jill Rutherford. Students participated in backchanneling, (live blogging), while watching video clips to help motivate the students and reflect on their work. “Through this project, students were powerfully motivated and engaged in a multi phased and challenging project,” commented Media Specialist Patty Eyer. “It was a remarkable experience to be a part of", she concluded.

What Comes Around Goes Around

Students in Mr. James Sharkey's third grade class are writing letters to 2008 TZ graduate, Nicholas Ruggiero, who is serving in the United States Marine Corp. on a ship overseas. The students and their families were very eager to send the letters and other items to Nicholas which ended up taking 4 large boxes. The class is hoping to get photos and letters back. Mr. Sharkey said, "We sent him a disposable camera along with a postage paid envelope. We would love to get it back with pictures of how life on a ship can be." The students also addressed their letters to "any marine or sailor". Mr. Sharkey remembered from his time in the service, "There were always some guys that did not receive mail. Getting letters and packages was always a big boost for moral."

Flashback 20 years: Teacher James Sharkey served in the Gulf War (USMC) and received many letters and care packages from Cottage Lane teachers Evelyn Murphy and Marie Pettee (both now retired), and their students in 1991. On his return from active duty, he made it a point to visit those teachers and their classes to thank them for their kindnesses. Sharkey reminisces, "It was a great experience for the teachers and students, but it was so meaningful for me".
 

We Gather Together
On Monday morning students in three of the WOS Kindergarten classes under the guidance of teachers Anna Coughlin, Amy Sheehy, and Carole DeVisser assembled to celebrate a pre Thanksgiving Feast. They created runners to put along their "table" and gathered together to sing two songs and recite one poem assisted by WOS music teacher Beth Fox. After the entertainment, all of the "Pilgrims" sat alongside their new "Native American" friends and enjoyed the Thanksgiving Feast of apples, grapes, carrots, corn muffins, and juice boxes.




 

YEA, Tappan Zee Elementary!!!

On November 19th, the students and staff at Tappan Zee Elementary participated in a school spirit day. Not only did they wear the red and white school colors, but additionally each grade created their own human TZE sign! Second grade teacher, and president of the FUN Committee at TZE, Liane Kolesar said, "The students and staff did such a great job showing their spirit. We would definitely like to make this an annual event!"


 

Help TZE "Pick Up The Tab" for Ronald McDonald House

Tappan Zee Elementary will be participating in the “Pick Up the Tab” recycling project for the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley, at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY. Ronald McDonald House is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a home-away-from-home for families of critically ill or traumatically injured children. The House is a place where families can enjoy the comforts of home, and still be near their child. Families who stay at the house are provided with a secure and loving environment while their children typically receive care in the: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Trauma Intensive Care Unit, Burn Unit, or Oncology floor. The Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley serves families from eight counties including: Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, Putnam, Dutchess, Fairfield, and Ulster.

Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley are asked to pay $15 per night, although the actual cost is $110 per night to accommodate each family. The pull tab recycling program is one of the ways that generates funds to help underwrite the cost of a night’s stay.

Since SOCSD places a strong emphasis on good character, this project is an excellent opportunity for the students to experience a sense of community by helping others in need. The South Orangetown community is invited to help by collecting pull tabs at home and sending them into school with your children, or depositing them into the receptacles in the lobby of TZE . Pull tabs can be found on soda cans, canned fruits or vegetables, soup cans and coffee cans.

TZE is trying to reach a goal of 1,000,000 pull tabs over the next few months ! If that is accomplished, Ronald McDonald will personally visit the school and acknowledge the students’ efforts. Although this is a huge endeavor, and a lot of pull tabs, together we can!

 Pull Tab Song

Visiting Conductor Engages SOMS Music Students

On November 17, students in music teacher Mr. Matt Rotjan's Chamber Orchestra as well as his 6th, 7th, and 8th grade orchestras were treated to Conductor Jeff Grogan's expertise. An outstanding musician and music educator. Mr. Grogan used to teach in middle school, and is now the Education and Community Engagement Conductor for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, the Music Director and Conductor of the Greater Newark Youth Orchestra, the Music Director and Conductor of the Inter-School Orchestras of New York, and the Interim Director of Orchestral Studies at Montclair State University. The students participated in each of the lessons as Conductor Grogan dramatically engaged their levels of awareness and interest in the music they are working on.

 

A Busy Month of Celebrating Italian Heritage

Italian heritage month was celebrated in many different ways at TZHS during October. Students in Italian classes and members of the Italian club participated in a myriad of activities. The month began when, on October 3rd, along with hundreds of other participants, students marched in the Rockland County Columbus Day Parade in Haverstraw, with hopes of bringing home their 5th trophy.

A week later, on October 10, students gathered, along with members of the SOMS Italian Club, to dance the Tarantella at the Italian festival held at the Orangeburg Firehouse.

Throughout the month, all students were able to participate in a Culture contest, focusing on Italian culture. The first piece dealt with Maria Montessori, founder of the Montessori school system, to whom this year’s Italian heritage month was dedicated.

On October 19th, Italian club members put their culinary talents to work after school, cooking up some frittata, and on October 22, Italian Club and Honor Society students helped hand out programs and sold refreshments at the free Italian Heritage Month Concert sponsored by the Piermont Sons of Italy, held at Tappan Zee High School and attended by several hundred community members.

During the month, upper level Italian classes, Skyped with college students in Italy, comparing and contrasting the Italian and American educational system. To finish out the month, students in all Italian classes, translated the Italian recipe for Pizzelle, a traditional Italian sweet, and made them in class. An ambitious, active, and rewarding month was enjoyed by all.

 

"Engineers Teaching Algebra" Visits SOMS

Students in Mr. Vincent Piscitelli and Mrs. Maureen Hobday's 8th grade Integrated Algebra Honors Math class recently attended a problem solving, hands on workshop taught by visiting engineer, Mark Love, of Engineers Teaching Algebra. The workshop uses hands-on activities to show students the everyday value of algebra using fractions, ratios, estimation, reasoning, combinations, sequences, etc. "Real life situations that develop throughout the lesson peak student interest and could possibly assist in career decisions in Engineering and other paths later in life," said Piscitelli. "We would also like to give a special thank you to the PTA for funding the workshop," he concluded.





 

Learning About Global Issues Molds Global Student Awareness

Students in TZHS's Italian IV classes visited the United Nations, as a culminating activity to a culture unit which focused on the structure and workings of the Italian government in comparison and contrast first to our own government, and then to the role of Italy in the European Union, and other countries around the world as they work to reach the Millennium goals of the United Nations. Before the trip, students researched five global issues: child labor, worldwide genocide and refugees, violence against women, global warming and its effects on the environment, and world hunger. These issues were then researched during the visit. On their return to TZHS, the students presented their findings in Italian to their classes, with information on how these issues effect the entire world. The U.N. tour addressed these various world issues, and the U.N.'s efforts to reduce and eventually eradicate these problems. The trip created a greatly heightened awareness of global issues and the far reaching effects of those issues both now and well into the future.






 

TZHS Leos Work Tirelessly to Benefit Others

Working to help others wherever there is a need is what makes TZHS's pride of Leos happy, and what they're all about. After spending an evening making Apple pies and a day volunteering at the Blauvelt Lions Applefest in September, Leo Club members then dedicated many hours during the month of October helping those less fortunate. On Saturday, Oct. 9, TZHS Leos joined some of the Blauvelt Lions in the Fall Cleanup Day at Visions Vacation Camp for the Blind (VCB) in Spring Valley. They helped close up the cottages for the winter, sort donated clothes for the clients and do pre-winter maintenance.

On October 23, twenty five TZHS Leos accompanied by Leo Club advisor Tricia Castelli, Blauvelt Lions Ron Fritz and Dennis Michaels, and community members Rini Tyler and Rabbi Pernitz, joined members of the Immaculate Conception Church from Stony Point on a Midnight Run to Manhattan. The Leos helped feed the homeless and distribute warm clothing, lunch bags, and toilet articles at four different assigned locations in the city. "Touched by the many lives they impacted, the Leos decided all the hard work and cold early hours paid off in the faces of everyone they met," summed up Leo Club advisor Castelli.

Tappan Zee Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

The 2nd annual Tappan Zee Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on November 7th at the Colonial Inn in Norwood, NJ. A crowd of over 200 witnessed the induction of Coach Dan Dinan '59 - 2009 (golf, basketball); Jake Ventriglia '53, (football, bowling, track, baseball); Ed Coates '58 (basketball, baseball); Matt Rechtorovic '59 (football, basketball, track); Jim Spearman '63 (football, basketball, baseball); Bob Favre '69 (football, basketball, baseball); Lisette Hautau '78 (cross country, track); Roberta Barrett '79 (tennis, basketball, softball); Blaise Winter '80 (football, wrestling, track); Jim McCloskey '83 (swimming, football, track); Deirdre Collier '87(track/ racewalking); and the 1954 Boys Basketball Team.

The 3rd annual induction ceremony will take place on November 6, 2011. For more information and a nomination form, check out the TZ Athletic website at http://tappanzee.ccsct.com

Leos and Lions Cleaning up Orangetown

Among Tappan Zee High School Leos favorite activities are the road cleanups they conduct, along with the Blauvelt Lions, several times a year. On Oct. 16th, over 20 TZHS Leos and 8 Blauvelt Lions gathered at the SOMS parking lot to begin the first road cleanup of the school year. Teams of Lions and Leos, armed with garbage bags, gloves and lots of energy cleaned up Van Wyck Road, Erie Street and 5th Ave. which are the roads adopted by the Blauvelt Lions in the County Adopt-A-Road program. The groups returned with more than 15 large bags of garbage and a tremendous sense of satisfaction at having helped to make Orangetown cleaner.





 

TZHS's Global Collaboration

SOCSD instructional technology teacher, Mrs. Kathleen Moore recently introduced Mrs. Amy Rosenthal's Issues In American Society class to a technology based lesson that allowed students to interact with their peers across the globe. The teachers assisted the Tappan Zee High School seniors in a collaboration with students from Fullerton High School in Nebraska. Using Proboard, the class was able to post and respond to messages that relate to national and world current events. Initial contact included introductions between the students in Nebraska and South Orangetown. "Students were amazed at the contrast between their typical afterschool employment and those of the students in another region of our nation, mostly farming, stated Moore. "This type of learning not only incorporates reading and writing, but also initiates the evaluation of varied viewpoints" Moore concluded. The lesson opened the door for students to explore future contacts around the world.




 

Hostage Widow Speaks at TZHS To Bring Worldwide Awareness

One could literally hear a pin drop as a captive student audience listened to their guest speaker during a special assembly held at Tappan Zee HS. on Nov. 4th. The speaker, Ankie Spitzer, is the widow of the Israeli fencing coach, who, along with 10 other members of the Israeli Olympic team, were assassinated during the 1972 Munich Olympics. This special assembly, was organized and offered to South Orangetown Central School District through JCC Rockland, with hopes of bringing an awareness of the Munich 11 while preparing to welcome 1,800 young athletes for the JCC Maccabi Games in 2012.

Ankie Spitzer attended the 1972 Olympic games with her husband and other team family members, in what should have been 2 weeks of great joy derived from their athletic accomplishments. "The Olympics have always represented tens of thousands of athletes with one dream...to participate in the games," Spitzer said.

She explained to the students that she left her 2 week old baby at home with her mother in order to share the Olympic dream with her husband and his teammates. All the world's athletes in the Olympic Village mixed and co-mingled as one group of friends and athletes with a common bond. Her husband observed that this was what the Olympics were all about.

Two days later, at the hands of terrorists, 11 members of the Israeli team were killed. She described the event as, "the beginning of international terrorism". Spitzer felt the need to speak up to tell "what humans did to other humans", and to never let it be forgotten. She said, "It did not matter what nationality they were. All athletes came to the Olympics in the name of peace and brotherhood." She knew she had to change this horrific event into something positive. She knew she could not go back to Israel to raise her infant daughter alone having such hate in her heart.

Her focus has become her need to have the International Olympic Committee agree to an official moment of silence in recognition and honor of the murdered athletes during the opening ceremony of every future Olympic game, so that what happened would never be forgotten. She was repeatedly turned down by the IOC citing there would be no politics at the Olympics. Spitzer has remained faithful to her cause for thirty eight years, appearing at every Olympic venue since 1972 and holding her own "memorial service" at each of those venues in hopes of one day having an "official" Olympic moment of silence.

In order to further that cause, The JCC Rockland has organized Change4Change in conjunction with the 2012 Maccabi Games which they will be hosting. They have decided to dedicate those games to the honor of the Munich 11 on what will be the 40th anniversary of the Munich games. They hope to collect 11 million coins (one million for each of the athletes) in an effort to raise awareness for this, and future generations. For additional information, please call: Monica Rosenbaum at 845 362 4400 ext 173, or email: monicar@jccrockland.org, or visit www.munich11.org.

Cottage Lane Celebrates with Scholastic and Taylor Swift

On Wednesday, October 27th, thirty students watched Taylor Swift live from the Cottage Lane Library. She spoke about the importance of reading and followed the interview with a live performance.

In advance of the live webcast, and, as a condition to participate, teacher Mrs. Kerri McBride offered a challenge to all Cottage Lane students. They were asked to submit an entry explaining how they would convince others to read every day.

With over 110 submissions, the selection process was extremely difficult. There was a remarkable level of creativity involved. Students created commercials, wrote poems, sang lyrics, developed presentations, and wrote convincing essays on Why We Should Read Every Day.

Mackenzie S. reported, “Taylor Swift told us that if you read it does not make you un-cool, and reading can empower you to do anything. Reading poems and rhyming books by Dr. Seuss helped her to write lyrics. Her favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird, and Romeo and Juliet inspired her to write a Love Story.”

 

TZE Students Employ Multi Resource Options for Info-Gathering

TZE students are currently conducting research in their unit on the Earth. As part of that unit they will then each study one of the other planets. Students are using their wireless laptops to explore internet resources and then comparing the information they find online to the info they find in print using books. Additionally, they are using the dictionaries they recently received from the South Orangetown Rotary Club to look up any words they do not understand the meanings of while doing their research projects.

Tappan Zee Elementary Receives "Gift of Words"
From South Orangetown Rotary and O & R Utilities

On Wednesday, October 27th, the South Orangetown Rotary, in a joint effort with Orange & Rockland Utilities, presented every student in Tappan Zee Elementary's third grade with their own Student Dictionary. Dr. Kenneth Mitchell, Superintendent of SOCSD Schools and South Orangetown Rotarian spoke to the students about the importance of the dictionary as a powerful tool to be used throughout their lives. He suggested they look up the word "gratitude" once they receive their gift.

Bruce Woolley, Director of the Literary Project for the South Orangetown Rotary explained the Rotary is a service organization bringing, among other things, the Literary Project, now in its fifth year, in a joint community effort with Orange & Rockland Utilities. "This project has been extremely rewarding and successful", said Woolley. "In many cases this is the first reference book these students ever receive. It is our experience that for that reason it becomes a very important part of their school life."

Michelle Damiani, Orange & Rockland's Director of Public Affairs addressed the student assembly by explaining how O&R partners with community organizations like Rotary to bring these opportunities to the community. She said, "We are so pleased to have been able to help purchase these books for the dictionary project."

The students then lined up, by class, around the gymnasium and filed across the front of the room each proudly accepting their new gift with huge, grateful smiles.

Sunny Skies + Great Turnout = Success for SADD Run/Walk

A chilly morning led to a magnificent fall day and the perfect setting for the annual Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) run/walk held Saturday, October 23, 2010. Under the leadership of Vickie Shaw and Susan Maher with support from Lyndsay Falco over 300 runners and walkers were recruited to participate in the event. SADD helps students make positive decisions about challenges in their everyday lives.
This year's proceeds from the event will be used to for funding of guest speakers and presentations to raise awareness of prescription drug abuse at the middle and high school level.

The SADD club also plans to provide a significant donation to Courage to Conquer, a new foundation established to help South Orangetown Central School District Alumnus, 23 year old Allison Florio who is currently fighting a difficult battle with cancer.

SADD would like to thank all those who helped and supported this essential service to SOCSD.

To learn more, visit Health and Wellness with Mrs. Shaw

SOMS Students Employ 21st Century Tools With Wall.fm

Students from Mrs. Sarah Kukla’s 7th grade class participated in social network builder, Wall.fm, a free tool for creating private, custom social networks. With the help of Library Media Specialist, Ms. Patty Eyer and teacher of Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Kerri McBride, students selected and researched a Native American or Officer of indigenous populations originally living in the Americas prior to the migration of Western populations during the post-Columbian era.

Students were asked to anonymously select a Native American or officer who best represents their personality. They were then required to input information; change the profile to facts, add photos, videos and text to best represent their chosen Native American or officer.

Insightful comments have been posted by students participating in the “Native Americans” social network. As an example: “When the Europeans arrived there was an exchange of goods, information and technology. What did the Europeans gain from the Native Americans and what else do you believe benefited Europeans?”

Collectively, students learned about another race, culture, lifestyle, and the important contributions they made to society. This twenty-first century activity was combined with the culminating event of classmates sharing Native American culture with models of architecture, foods, religious beliefs and political views of today’s Native Americans.

Education and Culture Beyond the Classroom

Italian IV and Italian V students at Tappan Zee High School took a Virtual Field Trip to Rome and Siena, Skyping with both a student and a journalist in those cities. After a brief introduction, students interviewed the two individuals, asking questions about their daily lives, hobbies and interests, as well as questions regarding the Italian government and European and World issues. These were the first of several Skyping opportunities that TZHS Italian teachers are organizing for their students, reinforcing the district’s goal of molding global citizens of the 21st Century.





 

South Orangetown CSD to Participate in Conference for Advocacy for Gifted And Talented Education

The New Rochelle campus of the College of New Rochelle will be the setting, on November 5th & 6th, for the 33rd Annual Conference for Advocacy for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE). The conference is the largest for gifted education in New York State and will feature keynote speaker, Dr. Karen Rogers, as well as Dr. Nadia Webb and over 30 workshop presentations by experts in the field of gifted education, offering information, instruction and inspiration to parents and teachers who live and work with children with exceptionalities.

The first day of the conference will include a panel which will examine New York State's stand on gifted education, and finding ways all groups can work effectively on behalf of all learners, including the gifted. Featured on that panel will be Rosemary Pitruzzella, President of the Rockland County School Boards Association, and President of the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education; Dr. Kenneth Mitchell, South Orangetown Central School District Superintendent of Schools; and Brian Culot, Principal of Cottage Lane Elementary School in South Orangetown Central School District. Additional SOCSD presenters will include TZE Assistant Principal Beth Collins as well as Cottage Lane teachers Kottie Christie-Blick, Jacob Tanenbaum and Kristine Wagner.

At a Conference award luncheon, Cottage Lane 5th grader, William H. will be honored. William has won the 2010 NAGC (Natl Assoc for Gifted Children) Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award for New York State for his work in science in 4th grade. Only one child is chosen per state. William will receive a special award at the conference as well as a $500 Savings Bond. William's 4th grade teacher, Kottie Christie-Blick commented, "I am so very excited for William and his family. His parents, both immigrants from China, understand the importance of developing a strong work ethic early in life. William worked very hard on the essay required for all applicants, proving himself to be deserving of such a distinguished award," concluded Christie-Blick.

Ms. Christie-Blick will be honored and awarded the annual Alexinia Baldwin Educator of the Year Award at the Conference. This award is given in recognition of outstanding contributions to Gifted Education.

Latitude and Longitude
Cottage Lane & SOMS Go Off the Map and into the 21st Century


Students at Cottage Lane and South Orangetown Middle School are using interactive technology to heighten their interest in learning.

Geography skills are introduced and developed yearly, and a key geographical question throughout human experience has been, “Where am I?” It was Ptolemy, an ancient Greek geographer who created a grid system of the world, and answered this question. These lines of latitude and longitude are more useful to students than ever before. Especially when given the opportunity to work with GPS devices and/or applications.

GPS receivers allow teachers to bring students outside of the classroom and stay connected to the learning materials inside the classroom. With hand-held devices, students navigate, locate, and identify various sites using lines of latitude and longitude. From the flag pole to park benches, “tween” explorers discuss directions and evaluate decimals for perfect locations. All their work is compared to data on Google Earth.

Once students are comfortable exploring with a GPS device, they are introduced to geocaching, an outdoor treasure hunt game, in which GPS receivers and navigational techniques are used to locate the caches anywhere across the world. Students create their own caches and hide them around the school for classmates to find. A geocache is also hidden within the Orangetown community for students and families to discover. A log keeps record of visitors, and trinkets are traded. However, just locating the cache is a treasure in itself.

Students are using these experiences to enhance reading, writing, and research skills. Some are writing stories about a geocache trek, others are reading fiction and non-fiction books about geocaching, and many are researching locations around the world to present clues on a class’ location.

Tappan Zee Elementary Welcomes New Students

Tappan Zee Elementary School welcomed 18 new students in September. The students have relocated from their homes as far away as Arizona, Georgia, Missouri and North Carolina and as close as Rockland County. Dr. Lee and Mrs. Collins met with the new students and presented them with special TZE pencils. "The students are excited to be at their new school and look forward to making many new friends", said Dr. William Lee, Principal of TZE.


 

TZHS and SOMS Italian Clubs and Students Set the Beat for Italian Festival

Tappan Zee High School and South Orangetown Middle School students of Italian, along with their teachers and friends, kicked off Sunday afternoon’s entertainment in the fourth day of the First Annual Italian Feast and Carnival sponsored by the Rockland Lodge 2176 Order Sons of Italy in America.

The group of over thirty students from both schools, accompanied by their teachers, Roberta Avantifiori, Tricia Castelli, Christina Crowe and Maria Stillo, performed The Tarantella, a fast paced, upbeat, traditional dance from Southern Italy, as the audience clapped along. At the end of the demonstration, the audience was invited to join in, and over 100 participants of all ages enthusiastically joined the group for a second round.

Organizers boasted a total of over 20,000 people in attendance over the four days. With Mother Nature holding up her part of the Festival, everyone shared in a great time. Students, along with their teachers, are already beginning to practice for next year’s feast. Mark your calendars...September 15 – 18, 2011.

New Principal Appointed to Lead Tappan Zee High School

The South Orangetown Central School District's Board of Education approved the appointment of Mrs. Jennifer Amos to fill the position as the new Principal of Tappan Zee High School. Mrs. Amos previously held the position of 5-12 Principal and K-12 Curriculum Director for the Belfast Central School District. Located in Belfast, New York, the Belfast Central School District is situated south of the city of Buffalo, in western New York State. Mrs. Amos had been employed by that district since 2006. A graduate of SUNY Albany, and presently a doctoral candidate at SUNY Buffalo, Mrs. Amos brings to TZHS, a keenly creative and proven collaborative problem solving and decision making ability, partnered with strong interpersonal and communication skills necessary in her position as liaison between teachers, students, and parents.

When asked about her personal feelings regarding her responsibilities in the position to which she was appointed she commented, "Caring is at the core of my personal philosophy toward education. I believe it is critical that students have at least one adult in the school with whom they connect well and can turn to for advice or counsel." She continues, "When provided with a safe environment in which to explore personal interests in both the classroom and extracurricular activities, students will thrive and maximize their potential."

It was the primary goal of the Board to find a candidate possessing the most attributes of those identified as the current priorities of both the South Orangetown Central School District and Tappan Zee High School," stated South Orangetown Central School District Superintendent Kenneth Mitchell. "We believe that Mrs. Amos has the leadership, talent, and personal characteristics that will be an asset to support teaching and learning at Tappan Zee High School."