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Dear Spackenkill Community,
This is the time of year when seniors have to finalize college selection plans. CNN reports that some highly selective college acceptance rates are as low as 4 – 6 %. That’s crazy! I recall my senior year being hopeful and wanting to attend William & Mary College and play lacrosse. When I received my rejection notice I was so disappointed. In realty since I paid 100% for my college out of savings, work, and scholarships, it may have been a blessing in disguise. I loved my college experience at Geneseo, met my future wife, did well enough academically, and enjoyed playing four years of college lacrosse. I share this because if you like me do not get into your preferred college, some day you may look back and realize that life has its own plan for each of us and that plan may be revealed to be much better than we can appreciate today.
We are starting Phase 2 of the Capital Project shortly. Nassau Elementary and Orville Todd Middle School will have asbestos mitigation over the spring recess. The work can include window caulking and floor tile removal. We expect that work at the high school and staging will begin in May. Todd will also start staging and second shift roofing work. Phase 2 also includes HVAC work, entrance renovations, and wall reconstruction (at Todd and Hagan). The high school athletic bids have not been received as yet, so the work schedule could change. All of our permits have been received, including the Army Corps of Engineers. Our Capital Project budget currently looks good, but many of the surrounding districts are having difficulty with their budgets because work has been plentiful for the construction trades.
Looking forward to taking our entire family to Pippin tonight. Break a leg!
My best,
Mark Villanti, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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Hagan & SHS Students Reap Science Fair Awards
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On March 30th, high school students and Hagan fifth graders attended the 60th Annual Dutchess County Regional Science Fair, the first regional science fair in New York State and the longest-running regional science fair in this country affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Science Fair. Approximately 200 qualified volunteers serve as judges for competitive judging awards. We are proud of the accomplishments of our students, who brought home numerous awards on Saturday.
Fifth Grade Results
High School Results
Click here to read the program.
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Above: Hagan students who participated in the fair are Matteo Scala, Grayson Roe, Katherine Darcy, Ben Krakowski, Jaycen Hamlin. Middle row, left Adeline Bingham, Rebecca Nichols, Nathaniel Stout, Colin Stephens, Eleanor Clifton.: Ruby Schwager, Ashleigh Burgess, and Angela Liu. |
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High school students who competed in the fair are (left to right) Ornella Al-Sayah, Sneha Kamada, Grace Katz, Mia Eng-Kohn, Zoe Whalen, Rachel Li, Irfhan Shaw, and Zackary Heraghty. |
Pippin Is THIS Weekend!
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With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner, and musical theater giant Stephen Schwartz, Pippin is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this updated circus-inspired version continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
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8th Grade International Dinner Draws Full House
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The Todd Middle School foreign language department hosted an international dinner last week. The Dining Hall was packed with an estimated 200 people of all ages, who came together to sample food from around the world and learn about global culture. The food was served by faculty and administration. |
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Above: Attendees enjoyed homemade specialties from around the world. |
Todd Student Government President Featured in New Book
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Todd Student Government president Adam Macklin is among those profiled in a new book by Taya Kyle, "American Spirit." Adam's work with Alex's Lemonade Stand, a foundation to support those affected by childhood cancer, is highlighted in the book. Congratulations,
Adam! You are now a national success story!
Click to hear the author talk about Adam's accomplishments.
Click here for a link to donate to Alex's Lemonade Stand and benefit Todd's efforts.
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More Science Wins for SHS
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Science Olympiad
The Science Olympiad Team earned the Best Small School Award and placed 18th overall versus 56 of the top teams in New York State March 15 and 16 at LeMoyne College in Syracuse. New York has the most teams of any state in the country with a total of 678 teams. Individual medals earned were:
3rd Place Boomilever Chris Piatek and Ian Horvath
9th Place Chemistry Lab Rachel Li and Emilio Herrera
10th Place Forensics Emilio Herrera and Luke Hannan
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Above: The team with advisors Kathy Prisco and Amy Matts proudly displays its banner. |
Junior Science & Humanities Symposium
Seniors Mia Eng-Kohn, Zackary Heraghty, and Irfhan Shaw presented PowerPoints and Zoe Whalen presented a poster at the Upstate Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) at SUNY Albany on March 27 and 28. They earned their presentations by placing 1st or 2nd in their group at the Sub-Regional Competition in January.
JSHS is a STEM competition that promotes original research and experimentation in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics at the high school level and publicly recognizes students for outstanding achievement.
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Above left: Seniors Irfhan Shaw, Mia Eng-Kohn, and Zackary Heraghty. Above right: Zoe Whalen with her presentation. |
Chemistry Olympiad
Rachel Li and Qihang Yao have been chosen to represent the local section of the Chemistry Olympiad at the National Competition to be held April 27 at Mount Saint Mary. They were among the top scorers among the 220 students who competed in the local competition. |
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Above: Qihang Yao and Rachel Li were among top scorers nationwide in the Chemistry Olympiad. |
Hagan Runners on Track for 5K
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The Junior Spartans Running Team After School Program for grades 3 through 5 got off to a brisk start on March 25th. Students did a variety of stretches to limber up for running and then alternated between jogging and walking around the Hagan field. The goal of this group is to develop a healthy lifestyle and participate in the 2nd Annual Junior Spartans 5K Run at Vassar Farms on Thursday, May 23, 2019. Last year, the team powered through an extremely hot June afternoon and felt a sense of accomplishment in completing the running course. Everyone finished!
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Todd Students Visit IBM
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Students interested in technology visited IBM in Poughkeepsie on March 21st in partnership with Marist College and learned about coding. These students also meet for Coding Wednesday during the year with Mr. Young, Mr. Houtman, and Mrs. Joy. |
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Positive Post-Its
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Nassau students had a surprise when they came to school on Tuesday morning: Each of their lockers had a Post-It note with a positive message, thanks to the thoughtful members of the PTA, who hand-wrote each one. |
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Fundraiser Update
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Nassau raised $4,165 for the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge. Great work! |
ANNUAL VOTE & ELECTION:
Click here for information about upcoming vote
Click here to download Absentee Ballot Application
Board Seat Petitions:
A seat is available on the Board of Education beginning July 1, 2019 for a five-year term ending June 30, 2024. Petitions for the Board of Education are available in the District Office at 15 Croft Road, Poughkeepsie. Election of School Board Members is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21st. Petitions must be received by the District Clerk by 5 pm on April 22, 2019. For more information, please contact District Clerk Sandra Barbieri in the District Office. Call 845-463-7800 or e-mail [email protected].
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Every spring, the Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Tests are administered to students across New York State. These annual ELA and math tests for students in grades 3-8 are required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015. The tests are designed to measure how well students are mastering the learning standards that guide classroom instruction and help to ensure that students are on track to graduate from high school with the critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning skills needed for success in college and the modern workplace. The tests also show how schools and districts are progressing with the learning standards and can support professional development for teachers. Click here for the Parent Toolkit for the 2019 tests. |
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Upcoming PTSA Meetings
April 8th High School
May 13th Todd
June No meeting
All meetings at 7 PM in middle or high school library
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