What's Right with Spackenkill! Feb. 13, 2019

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What's Right with Spackenkill!

February 13, 2019

 

blue ribbon logo

blue ribbon logo

Dear Spackenkill Community,

You may have noticed for the last several issues we’ve provided a link to the Enhanced STAR Tax Relief because of changes for senior citizens.  There have been changes in tax law both at the federal and state levels. Local school districts have no control over those changes, although we have been advocating for the taxpayer through our professional associations.

One of my favorite activities each year is attending the plays at the high school and middle school. Take a look at the cast and crew photo of The Lion King, Jr., which is coming up the first weekend in March. The participation level is simply amazing. That’s one of the great characteristics of small schools. We try to find a place for every student who wants to be involved. Hats off to Mr. Shanks and Mr. Kirschenheiter (Mr K.) for engaging so many students in this production. I encourage everyone, whether you have a child involved with the play or not, to attend the performances and order your tickets early, as with this size cast and crew, it’s possible we could sell out.

This is a short week again, as the weather has played havoc with us during the month of February. Just a reminder that school is closed from Thursday, February 14th,  to Monday, February 18th, Presidents Day, as we honor two of the greatest presidents this country has ever known: Washington and Lincoln.
 

My best,

Mark Villanti

Mark Villanti, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

 

 
ENHANCED STAR TAX RELIEF CHANGES FOR SENIORS
Beginning with applications for 2019, senior citizens must apply separately for the Enhanced STAR (School Tax Relief) exemption by March 1. 

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration
Kindergarten Registration is scheduled for February 20th and 21st, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Nassau Elementary School.
Click here to read registration letter

Upcoming PTSA Meetings

March 11th Todd
April 8th High School
May 13th Todd
June No meeting

All meetings at 7 PM in middle or high school library

 

Senior Bound for NYS Poetry Finals

Ariella Hyman-Fessler

The Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest took place on February 7th at SUNY New Paltz. Spackenkill students Rachel Li and Ariella Hyman-Fessler competed along with 11 other students from area high schools. Rachel Li advanced to the third round, and Ariella  (shown left) was selected as one of two students to move onto the New York State Final. The event will take place at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City on Friday, March 8th, at 1 pm. Twenty-two students from across New York State will compete.  The final is free and open to the public. Congratulations to both students, advisor Jenn Fahy, and the English Department, who came out to support the students. We are especially proud of all involved, as this is the first time that Spackenkill has participated in this event.

Click here to view the program.
 

Arielle Hyman-Fessler
Images from the Poetry Out Loud evening are shown above. In the top left photo, Rachel Li is on the left and Ariella Hyman-Fessler is on the right. In the group shot at top right, shown with the two students are, back row, left to right, Board Trustee Mary Sawyer, Lara Bogdan, Dr. Lori Mulford, Jenn Fahy, Ashley Joy, Maureen Tremblay, and Christine Scivolette.
 

Lion King, Jr., Coming Soon!

Todd Middle School Drama Club's production of The Lion King, Jr. will take place on March 1st and 2nd at 7 pm and  March 3rd at 2 pm in the Todd Dining Hall. The Sunday show was added by popular demand. Cast and crew are busy getting ready for a very exciting performance! Tickets are $6 presale for students and adults; $5 seniors; $8 at the door for students and adults. Ticket order forms going out to the elementary schools next week! Please call Todd for any additional details: 845-463-7830.

Lion King cast and crew
Above: The cast and crew of Lion King.
behind the scenes at The Lion King, Jr.
Behind the scenes: Cast rehearsed outdoors on February 5th because the weather was so mild, while crews worked indoors on sound and scenery.

Seniors Named
Presidential Scholar Candidates

High School seniors Ian Horvath, Rachel Li, and Zoe Whalen have been named as candidates in the 2019 United States Presidential Scholars Program. Of the nearly 3.6 million high school seniors graduating this year, they among the approximately 4,500 students to receive this invitation. 

Each spring, the Commission on Presidential Scholars names up to 161 distinguished graduating high school seniors as U.S. Presidential Scholars. Being selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar is one of the highest honors our nation’s high school students may receive. You can find more detailed information about the program at  www.ed.gov/psp .

Preisdential Scholar Candidate

Presidential Scholar Candidates (left to right): Ian Horvath, Rachel Li, and Zoe Whalen.

PARP Celebration Draws Enthusiastic Crowd

The Spackenkill Elementary PTA hosted its culminating PARP (Pick a Reading Partner) Celebration on February 8th at Hagan Elementary School in conjunction with the Poughkeepsie Library District. Approximately 300 people attended and enjoyed a laser light show by Prismatic Magic. 

PARP party
 PARP party light show
 

15 Croft Road, Poughkeepsie,  NY

(845) 463-7800

Mission: Inspired by a tradition of excellence and a spirit of continuous improvement, the Spackenkill School District will provide all of our students with the academic and social skills necessary to pursue their goals and become responsible citizens in an interdependent global community.

Vision: All Spackenkill graduates will be lifelong learners who are inspired to pursue their dreams and contribute to the global society.

Please submit story ideas to [email protected]