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School Budget Analysis

An analysis of the cost of each program area supported by the school budget has been completed and a summary of the findings was presented at the February 11 Board meeting (click here for presentation).  The goals were to:

  - Promote greater understanding of how funds are allocated across budget categories and what kinds of expenses are included in each budget category

- Provide a format for analyzing expenses in the context of other districts in Westchester & Putnam Counties, various mandates and standards that drive them, efficiency considerations, and outcomes achieved

 - Identify potential opportunities for savings based on the above

The resulting list of potential savings opportunities will serve as the framework for the 2010-11 budget proposal that will be presented to the Board of Education at the March 4 Board meeting.

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School Building Consolidation Study

Like school districts everywhere, we are faced with the prospect of insufficient revenue to cover projected expenses during the 2010-11 school year and beyond.  Greater efficiency, along with reductions or eliminations of discretionary programs and services, will be required in order to produce a balanced budget.  Since the Washington Irving School formerly housed three grade levels, but now houses two, one potential option for reducing our expenses that might have a lower impact on students than measures such as increasing class sizes or eliminating programs would be to close or lease either Tappan Hill School or John Paulding School.  This would be accomplished by moving the third grade from Morse School to Washington Irving and moving the first grade from John Paulding to Morse School. 

A committee consisting of administrators, teachers, non-instructional staff, parents, and a village government representative was established to provide a cross section of perspectives in studying this option.  The charge of the committee was to compile all of the relevant information necessary for the Board of Education to make a fully informed decision about whether to seriously consider pursuing a building closure option.  A summary of their report was presented at the February 11 Board of Education meeting.
Click below for presentation and report:

Building Consolidation Presentation
Building Consolidation Report                                                                                                    (Posted 2/14/10)

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Congratulations to the 2010 Dinner Dance Honorees

The Foundation For the Public School of the Tarrytowns is pleased to announce that the District's Performing and Fine Arts teachers, Peter Royston, Alison Paul, and the members of the Performing Arts Boosters have been selected as the Foundation's 2010 Dinner Dance Honorees.

At this year's Dinner Dance and Auction on April 24th, the Foundation will be celebrating all the Arts programs in our school district, and the teachers and community leaders behind the programs that make Arts an important part of our student's lives.

As school budgets face budgetary pressures, arts programs often are the first targets of reduction in funding.  We live in a community that has supported the arts, not only in the school budgets, but in countless hours of time and energy contributed by members of the public. With this in mind, the Foundation wants to celebrate its own commitment to the Arts, whether it is media arts, theater arts, pottery, music, etc., as we continue to provide the most innovative and enriching arts programs possible.  And, this is all thanks to our dedicated honorees.

Invitation's to this year's event will be mailed in March. We send invites to every household in our school district. If you wish to receive an invite, but may not be on this mailing list, please contact me at the information under my name.  I will be happy to send you an invitation.

Thank you,
Shelly Colley
Foundation Administrator

The Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns
100 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
P: 366-8457
F:  366-7948        (Posted 2/4/10)

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A Special Message from the Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns

Back in December, you received our Annual Appeal letter from the Foundation, telling you about new, advanced microscopes that were purchased for Middle School students, as well as information about other initiatives that we fund for all of the students in our district.

If you have not yet responded to this annual community drive, there is still plenty of time to do so.  We need community donations to continue the programs, in every school, that we fund each year.  Any donation, large and small, makes a huge difference in our district.  And, it all goes back to your child. 

Please read the following to get a clearer idea of where your money goes, and what could be lost, if we do not bring in the same level of donations this year:

Facts about the Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns

        1. Each year, the Foundation gives $40,000 to the Pre-k through 12th grade Arts Plan to support Music, Fine Arts, Theater Arts and Dance.

        2. The Foundation gives $15,000 in Creativity Grants for which district teachers may apply to support existing curriculum. Some examples of these grants are: Rugby, Kinder-Opera, Plant Life and Organic Gardening, Audible Kids-Audible Books, and Dance and Culture in the Spanish Language Arts.

        3. Funds totaling $20,000 were donated by the Foundation for a complete television studio and broadcasting program. This studio allows Sleepy Hollow High School students to develop skills in the broadcasting, information technology, and journalism fields. Local access programs are transmitted from this studio.

        4. The Foundation wrote a grant through the NYS Education Department and received $14,000, funding new exercise bicycles for the SHHS/MS gym, a climbing wall for Tappan Hill, and two Macintosh workstations for the SHHS art and technology program.

        5. An $11,000 Foundation commitment to the science curriculums in the SHHS/MS will fund the programs: 21st Century Science, Sleepy Hollow Green Car, Dry Ice Simply Sublime, as well as the additional purchase of more technically advanced microscopes for middle school students.

        6. The Foundation board recently approved an Athletics Plan that, along with the District, will allocate funds for sports programs.

       7. $8000 in Foundation donations helps to fund the 8th grade annual trip to Washington, D.C.  For many of these students, this is the first time they have been to our nation’s capital.

       8. What the students call “Books in a Bag,” educators call “Leveled Reading Books” – a take-home book program which helps take emerging readers to greater fluency. This program was implemented at Tappan Hill, John Paulding and Morse schools.

        9. The Foundation has provided more than $10,000 in new level reading books that continue to challenge and form our youngest readers.

Please feel free to contact me at 366-8457 or foundation@tufsd.org.

Shelly Colley  (Posted 1/28/10)

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Preparing for College@ Warner Library! 

A Free  Four Part Series for Parents and Teens

Feb. 4^th 2009, 5 – 6:30 PM
ACT vs. SAT - Kaplan explains the differences between the Act and Sat tests.

Feb. 11^th, 7 – 8:30 PM
The Campus Visit– questions to ask, people to speak with, etc.

Feb. 25^th, 7 – 8:00 PM
Financing College - the diffeent ways to fund a college education.

March 18^th, 5 – 6:30 PM
Test Strategies 01 – KAPLAN gives tips on how to become a better test taker.

Registration is requested by calling Reference @ 914-631-7734 or visiting the library. (Posted 1/28/10)

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NYSUT Annual Food Drive 2010   

The NYSUT Annual Food Drive, sponsored by the Teachers Association of the Tarrytowns, will run from January 19^th to February 5^th.  Donations will support the Food Bank for Westchester.  Please be mindful not to donate outdated or damaged food items.  If you would like to make a monetary contribution, please make checks payable to Food Bank for Westchester. 

The Food Bank’s new web site is www.FoodBankforWestchester.org .  Please visit the site to obtain more information and to see a list of the most needed items.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact the food drive coordinator David Suarez dsuarez@tufsd.org. 

Your contribution will not only help those less fortunate than you, but it will also teach your child a valuable lesson in giving and caring for others.  Thank you for caring and helping your community!   (Posted 1/14/10)

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Sleepy Hollow High School 

Please join us at our next meeting…

Monday, February 1^st at 7:30^pm in the SHHS Library

ON THE AGENDA:

·         District Technology Director, Mrinalini Rajwar, and science teacher, Janet Longo-Abinanti will demonstrate how to access and use our new ‘Parent Portal’ to teacher’s gradebooks.

 

 

·         Participate in a discussion, facilitated by Superintendent Howard Smith and Principal Carol Conklin, about next year’s school budget and its potential impact on the high school.

 

 

·         Receive an overview of the student course selection process for 2010-2011.    (Posted 1/20/10)

 

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Hey Kids, Saturday, January 23rd is…
Movie Morning!!!
Your votes have been counted and the movie you have chosen is:
G-Force!!
** EPTA bake sale will immediately follow the movie **
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OFFICIAL MOVIE TICKET
Where: Washington Irving School
When: Saturday, January 23, 2010
What Time: 10am to 12pm
(doors open at 9:30am)
Price of Admission: One Parent
Dear Parents, each child must be accompanied by an adult. If you would like to help out during the show please contact: Andrea Gottschall at 332.6064 or andig797@aol.com

 (Posted 1/20/10)

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For Teen Guys and Gals:  'Make Valentines for your Special Valentines'

Learn how to make uniquely beautiful Valentine Cards - it's easy and fun! @ The Warner Library, Tuesday, Feb. 8th, 3:30 - 5 PM, in the Teen Area.  (Posted 1/19/10)

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The following is an update of the Creativity Grants that you may have applied for:

The Foundation received 43 grant requests for a total of $90,420; last year we received 20 grant requests, totaling $30,000.  We were extremely impressed with the quality of the grant applications, and the overall merits that came through on these proposals. 

During our review of all the grants, we noticed that many of the grants could fall into other Foundation buckets, such as Elementary /Secondary Arts, Athletics, Needs Assessment, and District Budget.  We are taking those grants out of Creativity Grants and having the aforementioned committees review them.  These committees will review them as quickly as possible, and we will get back to you with final decisions.

Teachers submitting grants that were reviewed as Creativity Grants specifically, will be notified in the next day or two regarding approval.

Thank you for your patience while we try to accommodate as many grant applications as possible.  Please feel free to contact me at any time.

Kindest regards,

Shelly Colley
Foundation Administrator

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General Meeting
Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 7:00pm

Please join the EPTA of the Tarrytowns for:

Changing Behaviors

Exchanging Your Child's Bad Behaviors For Good Ones

 A presentation by author and parenting coach Tom Palermo

Tom Palermo established Positive Parenting in 1991 to assist parents in developing the heightened skills necessary to manage today's daily challenges that face both parent and child. Mr. Palermo address such issues as: how to end yelling, effective disciplining, relationship building skills, quality teaching techniques, setting goals for self and child, achieving compliance, and quality modeling skills.

http://www.positiveparenting.tv/ppt.html

Please join us for Mr. Palermo's presentation on:

• Reinforcing and teaching appropriate behaviors.
• Teaching to inappropriate behaviors and teaching new skills and values.
• Creating measurable change in inappropriate behaviors.
• Understanding and utilizing the Opportunity To Teach Tool.

Location:         John Paulding - Multi-purpose room

Schedule:        7:00 - Presentation by Mr. Palermo

• Complimentary Child Care will be provided
• Spanish translation will be provided

You do not need to be a member to attend our meetings – Our meetings are open to all!   (Posted 1/7/10)

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After School and Camp Programs at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

After School Winter 2010

After School Spring 2010

Vacation Camp 2010

Summer Farm Camp 2010

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Long-Range Strategic Planning

During an October 23  " Forward Thinking " session,  a large group of community members and school employees engaged in a long-range strategic planning  exercise.   By the end of the session, a number of "critical uncertainties" about future trends and their implications for our schools were identified.  Since then, these critical uncertainties have been reviewed with our administrative team and the consultant who facilitated the session on October 23.  A possible scenario framework  for use in exploring implications of trends related to two of the critical uncertainties  has emerged and we want your comments and suggestions. To accomplish this, we have set up a blog: http://tufsdblogs.org/planning/

You are invited to access the blog and review the summary of our original session, along with the draft scenario framework proposal. The blog format can be used to comment on the proposed framework and/or suggest an alternative framework for consideration.

The period for input will extend from now through January 4. Please feel free to forward the blog link to anyone you think might be interested in participating as well. The more the merrier! As noted in the description accompanying the blog, we will assemble a smaller representative working group to review all of the input in January and agree on a framework to propose to the Board of Education for use in developing future scenarios for further exploration.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Howard W. Smith

 

SAVE THE DATE
Saturday April 24, 2010

Mark your calendar and join us at the Doubletree Hotel for our 16^th Annual Dinner Dance and Auction. Volunteers are needed.
Contact Shelly Colley in the Foundation office at (914) 366-8457 or by email at foundation@tufsd.org and help us create a fun and successful gala event.  (Posted 12/10/09)

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Community Outreach Food Drive
December 14 through December 18

The EPTA is working together with Christ Church, the YMCA, the United Methodist Church, the Kids’ Club of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, Whimsies Incognito and The Warner Library to collect food for holiday baskets for local families.

What can you do?
Donate canned vegetables, bags of rice or bags of dried beans

Donate C’Town gift cards

Where can these be dropped off?

The Warner Library
121 North Broadway, Tarrytown
Monday, Thursday 1pm to 9pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am to 5pm

Whimsies Incognito
35 South Broadway, Tarrytown
Monday through Friday 10am to 7pm

Christ Church
43 South Broadway, Tarrytown
Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm

How else can you help?

              Volunteer for packing or distributing gift baskets by contacting Rachelle Gebler at ddgebler@yahoo.com or 332-0182.

Happy Holidays!

(Posted 12/10/09)

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Star Trek 2009 Movie at Warner Library

Have more fun on your School Break!.  Enjoy the latest 'Star Trek' movie @ the Warner Library, Monday, December 28th, 6 - 8 PM on the library's third floor.  Raffle and snacks provided.  All ages welcome. (Posted 12/10/09)

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Special Message from the Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns

This week you will be receiving a letter from the Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns regarding our annual community appeal.  Please read this letter as it will tell you about the types of programs that the Foundation funds for your children and all of the children in our school district.  Contact the Foundation office to find out how you can help advance the educational experience for all our students in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns.  As a community-based volunteer organization, we could not do this without your help. The Foundation is a non-for-profit organization whose mission is to encourage and enhance academics, athletics, the arts, technology and other  programs of the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns.  We are committed to enriching learning experiences so that all students can excel.  Click here for the letter.

Please contact Shelly Colley, 366-8457 or email Foundation@tufsd.org

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Westchester Ballet Company's production of The Nutcracker

Did you know there are 8 students from Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow performing in Westchester Ballet Company's production of The Nutcracker?  This magical family holiday classic with spectacular scenery and costumes, classic choreography and special stage effects is conveniently located at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. Be sure to look for:

1 lovely Party Child attending Clara's Christmas parlor
1 Mouse battling in her parlor;
4 Snowflakes twirling across the wondrous stage;
1 Page welcoming Clara to the Kingdom of Sweets;
2 Clowns, 1 Chinese Tea, 3 Russian Dancers;
and 1 Page as well as 3 Crystalline Flowers.....
... All from Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow

Tickets are ONLY $18 for adults, $12 for children (ages 2-10) and seniors (ages 60 and up) if purchased in advance. Here the easy accessible links to order your tickets from. (Posted 11/12/09)

Flyer

Advance Order Form

Group Order Form

Coupon                                                                                       

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The EPTA and A Nu Toy Store

Holiday Toy Drive

To benefit

Open Door Family Medical Centers

Help make holiday magic happen for children in need. 

Why are we hosting a toy drive?

·     To help Open Door Family Medical Centers ensure that the children they serve in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown have a new toy this holiday season.

When is the toy drive?

·        November 16th – December 4th

What types of toys are needed?

·        New, unwrapped toy for children ages infant to 14 years.

·        Think about the toys and games you and your family like!

·        Gift cards from local businesses.

·        Maximum value of $20.

Where can donations be dropped off and/or purchased?

·        A Nu Toy Store located at 36.5 Main Street, Tarrytown

Who can I contact?

·        Rachelle Gebler, ddgebler@yahoo.com, 332-0182

Open Door Family Medical Centers is a nonprofit community-based health center providing quality primary care and human services at affordable prices to the community, particularly the economically disadvantaged. Please contact Alicia Ward, Volunteer Coordinator, by phone at 914-502-1468 or by email award@ood.org. Visit our  website at  www.opendoormedical.org (Posted 11/10/09)

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Family Science Night

Wednesday, November 18, 2009
6:30pm to 8:15pm
(Registration begins at 6:15pm. Activities begin at 6:30pm sharp)
Sleepy Hollow High School
(Please make sure to use High School entrance – look for the balloons!)
For all students in Kindergarten through 5^th grade
The EPTA and the Sleepy Hollow High School science department invite you to a fun-filled night of discovery and exploration. Here is a sampling of what our scientists have planned for your enjoyment:

Water World
CSI – Sleepy Hollow
Super Slime
The Science of Lemons
The Search for Sugar

* There will also be a drop off for food and gift card donations for the

EPTA Fall Food Drive *

* For questions, please contact Christina Clarke at tinaclarke@aol.com or Rachelle Gebler at ddgebler@yahoo.com

(Posted 11/10/09)

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Please join us for the

Fall Food Drive

November 16 through November 20

to support the RSHM Life Center Families and local Thanksgiving food programs

 

This year the EPTA will continue its commitment to helping local families in need by sponsoring a food drive.

We are offering 2 ways to help our local families:

* Donations of canned food items  will be given to a local Thanksgiving food program

* Donations of C’Town gift cards will be given to the RSHM Life Center

All donations may be dropped off in the lobby of your child’s school during the week of November 16 through November 20. There will be a bin for food donations and gift cards can be given to your child’s teacher.

This event is sponsored by the EPTA. Please feel free to contact

Rachelle Gebler at ddgebler@yahoo.com or 332-0182 with any questions.

Thank You!

 (Posted 11/10/09)

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General Meeting
Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 6:45pm
Please join the EPTA of the Tarrytowns for:

Paying Attention to Attention
Rethinking ADHD
A special presentation by Dr. Paul Yellin

Dr. Paul B. Yellin is the Director of The Yellin Center for Student Success, a New York City-based clinical organization dedicated to helping struggling students experience genuine success in school and in life. An Associate Professor of Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Yellin is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, having served as President of the New York City Chapter.  He has also served on the New York State Task Force on Mental Health and Childhood Learning Differences.

Please join us for Dr. Yellin's presentation on:

• A comprehensive approach to understanding, diagnosing, and treating attention problems.
• How best to understand and manage attention-related symptoms- including medical and non-medical approaches.

Location:         John Paulding - Multi-purpose room

Schedule:        6:45 - General EPTA meeting
                        7:00 - Presentation by Dr. Yellin

• Complimentary Child Care will be provided
• Spanish translation will be provided

You do not need to be a member to attend our meetings –
Our meetings are open to all!

 (Posted 11/10/09)

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Dear Teachers, Administrators, Support Staff, Students and Parents:

It is that time of year again when the Foundation is pleased to announce the 2009-2010 Creativity Grants Program.  If you have an idea that you have not been able to realize for lack of funds, now is the time to put that idea on the computer.

Our goal is to support your creativity in meeting the state mandated curriculum and testing requirements.  We especially welcome ideas that have not been introduced in the district before or that cross disciplines or age groups.  Use us to bring in resources to help you do your job more efficiently and creatively.

We welcome grant participation from student/teacher and parent/teacher teams as well as teachers alone or in collaboration with other teachers.  We have a total of $15,000 available and will make individual grants of up to $1,500 and collaborative grants of up to $5,000 for use between January 15, 2010 and December 31, 2010.  There is no limit to the number of applications from each school.

Applications are due by November 24, 2009.  The Guidelines and the Application are available on the Foundation website.  Go to www.tufsd.org/foundation/, click on Grants, click on the highlighted blue “online grant application” and you can apply directly on-line.  Save the grant application in a word document, and then send back to me as an attachment.

A Creative Grants committee reviews each grant application and makes a final decision in January 2010
I am available via email or phone 366-8457 to answer any questions that you might have.

Kindest regards,

Shelly Colley
Foundation Administrator

(Posted 10/20/09)

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The Green Committee/WLM Morse Gently Used Clothing Sale was a great success!

Participation in this fall's event was excellent.  Several Morse and TUFSD Green Committee staff worked hard to plan and run the event.  Our district custodial staff worked hard to collect, store and deliver donations to Morse School.  Mrs. Randazzo and students from Morse created eco-art that made this (and will make future events) special.  We were blessed with the support of dedicated parent volunteers who made it possible for us to get thousands of items ready for our shoppers.  Our grade 3 Brownies were also fantastic volunteers throughout the event on Saturday. 

Overall, more than 200 families donated clothing, shoes, sporting equipment and books to the sale.  Over 95 families came through the doors on Saturday, many finding needed clothing for their own families as well as an extended network of family and friends.  The vast majority of items were taken for reuse by TUFSD families and the rest will go to the Village Recreation department and the local Salvation Army.

Families who attended were also able to meet with representatives from Hudson Health, the Westchester Hispanic Coalition and New York Life.  These groups offered families support with health care, local services and child identification.  Special thanks to Ms. Cayon and Ms. Feliciano for making this possible.

Finally, we shifted our focus from charging $10 per bag to welcoming donations, starting the suggested donation at $1.  This allowed many families to take home a larger quantity of needed clothing, while it inspired others to donate even more than they might have.  The event team agreed that, especially this year, it felt right to focus the event on reusing and recycling rather than fundraising--and we were thrilled and validated that we could still raise over $400 while doing it!

Thank you to all of our volunteers and to everyone who spread the word about this event. This sale is a tradition brought to TUFSD and Morse by Elisabeth Hickey and we remain grateful for the inspiration for such a valuable event!  We look forward to the next event this April that will be part of our Green Week celebration.  (Posted 10/18/09)

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New Tanaka Greenhouse Dedicated at WI

After many months of hard work on the part of representatives of Hitachi America Corporation and the school district, a brand new greenhouse at the Washington Irving School was dedicated in a ceremony on October 8.  A number of years ago, Mr. Tanaka, a former president and CEO of Hitachi America who is now deceased, was instrumental in establishing a foundation that resulted in a substantial grant to the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns.  The funds remained dormant awaiting just the right idea for how they could be put to best use.  When it became apparent that the aging greenhouse at WI was no longer safe or suitable for use in support of the "greening" of the science program, it was agreed that the funds should be devoted to replacing the greenhouse.  The new greenhouse, complete with thermostatically operated vents, shades, and an irrigation system, was dedicated in memory of Mr. Tanaka.  The ceremony was attended by a number of representatives from Hitachi, along with parents who had been instrumental in reviving the gardening program at WI, and school officials who were instrumental in making the arrangements for the installation of the new greenhouse.  Special thanks was given to Board President Mimi Godwin for her leadership and initiative in working with Hitachi to make the greenhouse project possible.  Click here for a link to a slide show of students, parents, Hitachi volunteers, and teachers enjoying our new greenhouse.   (Posted 10/11/09)

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Martial Arts Demo Class

Come to the Warner Library for a free introductory workshop conducted by Yoo's Martial Arts on Tuesday, Oct. 13th, 3 - 4 PM For Ages 11 - 19. (Posted 10/11/09)

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Navigating the Common Application and Personal Essay

Let an experienced college admissions counselor take you step-by-step through the application process and give you suggestions for writing a personal essay that will impress, at the Warner Library, Wednesday, Oct. 14th, 4 - 5PM. Free for all attendees. (Posted 10/11/09)

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General Meeting
Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 6:45pm
Please join the EPTA of the Tarrytowns for:
S.N.A.C.K.S.
(Simple, Nutritious, And Creative Kid-friendly Snacks)
A special presentation by Abbey Gilligan

Abbey Gilligan is a 5th grade teacher at Washington Irving, as well as a Holistic Health Counselor. A graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and a member of the American Association for Drugless Practitioners, Ms. Gilligan observes the effects of food and nutrition on children daily, and strives to help people make lifelong changes that enable them to reach their current future health goals.

Please join us for Ms. Gilligan's presentation on:

• Creating healthy eating habits in children.
• The hidden side effects of sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.

Ms. Gilligan's presentation will include some healthy and delicious snacks for parents to sample. So come ready to nibble.

Location:         John Paulding - Multi-purpose room

Schedule:        6:30 - General EPTA meeting
                        7:00 - Presentation by Ms. Gilligan

• Complimentary Child Care will be provided
• Spanish translation will be provided

You do not need to be a member to attend our meetings –
Our meetings are open to all!

 (Posted 10/3/09)

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District-Wide Day of Recycling!

Save the Date and Clean out your Closets! On Saturday, October 17th, the TUFSD Green Committee, SPEAR, PTSA and EPTA will be co-sponsoring a District-Wide Day of Recycling!

On our Day of Recycling, families from can participate in several events:

• Electronics Recycling at Sleepy Hollow High School: Recycle electronics from computers, to TVs, to cell phones. Proceeds from recycling electronics will go towards scholarships for Sleepy Hollow graduates.
• Gently Used Clothing, Books and Sporting Equipment Sales: Come to the Morse School to buy gently used clothing for all ages and all seasons. And,buy gently used cleats, gloves and other sporting equipment.

WE NEED DONATIONS to make these events successful. Please clean out your closets to look for the following: clothing (for all ages, sizes and seasons...especially cold weather seasons); sporting equipment; electronics to recycle. You will be able to drop donations off at any TUFSD school building between Oct 13th and 15th. (Posted 9/20/09)

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Back to School - At the beginning of every school year I share summary information with the Board about enrollment trends, summer program outcomes, and our non-instructional operations.  Our enrollment this fall is up by about 3% as we continue to have new students from all over the world move into our school district.  Class sizes generally fall within our guidelines, although the premium we place on giving high school students access to the courses of their choice sometimes results in lower or higher numbers of students in a given class than we would like.  We operated a successful home-based elementary program and school-based secondary school program this summer and many of our teachers were actively involved this summer in refining our curricula.  Our fall sports numbers are healthy and all of our varsity teams have proven themselves to be very competitive during our initial interscholastic contests.  We are busing the same number of students compared to last year, but with one third fewer buses.  More seats are filled and the bus runs are averaging about two minutes longer.  However, we will be able to relax the tighter enforcement of our transportation eligibility standards that we began the year with and open up unfilled seats to secondary students living in areas where they have traditionally been able to ride a bus to school.  Our school lunch program is serving approximately 60% of our students and the new middle and high school cafeterias are enabling us to offer more choices to students.  Finally, a lot of good old fashioned cleaning and painting was done in our buildings this summer and the results speak for themselves as you walk through our schools.  All in all, we are off to a great start!  The full school board presentation can be viewed by clicking here.

                                                                                           Howard W. Smith, Superintendent of Schools                                   
(Posted 9/18/09)

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The Rose Ceremony – Thursday, Sept. 24th at 9:30 a.m.  - Sleepy Hollow High School Auditorium

The fall Rose Ceremony starts off our school year with twelfth graders saying “Welcome” to our first graders with a rose and a tee-shirt proudly proclaiming them as Sleepy Hollow’s Class of 2021.  In June there will be a reciprocating ceremony in which the first graders will wish the seniors “good luck and farewell” as they graduate.  Parents of first and twelfth graders are invited to attend The Rose Ceremony. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. and last for about an hour.   Please note this program is exclusively for 1st and 12th graders and their parents; underclassmen and middle school students are not permitted to miss class to attend.

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