District News Archive

The Journal News Awards SHHS Student Newspaper in Four Categories

Hoofprints, the Sleepy Hollow High School student newspaper, was one of twenty Westchester high school newspapers honored at the 18th annual Journal News High School Journalism Awards ceremony at The Journal News headquarters in White Plains on May 29, 2008. Hoofprtints won three art and design awards- an honorable mention in Page Design for the Go Green layout, 3rd place in Overall Newspaper Design and 2nd place in Illustration for artwork accompanying a poem about Martin Luther King, Jr. The newspaper also won an honorable mention writing award for the article Conquer the Common Cold. This is the third consecutive year that Hoofprints has won awards in this prestigious contest. This year's four awards are the most ever achieved by SHHS. Link to the photo gallery of the event @ http://jukebox.lohud.com/photos/popup/index.php?gallery=Journalism%20Awards%202008&offset=21 . Link to the article @ http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805300319

To view issues of  the award-winning newspaper click on the link in the right column on the TUFSD home page. A year-end double issue will be arriving mid-June. (Posted 6/1/08)

          Dance Residency Program    

As part of the School Districts Cultural Arts Program, the Children of John Paulding participated in a Dance Residency Program. Facilitated by Ms. Laura Danelski of the Tappan Zee Dance Group, this five-week curriculum took place from Monday, April 28, 2008 to Friday, May 30, 2008. The children participated in the program once a week during a regularly scheduled Physical Education class.

The objectives of the residency were to give the children an:

  • Overview for dance
  • Understanding of dance vocabulary
  • Experience in using formal dance steps
  • Opportunity to explore different actions and shapes with their bodies
  • Occasion to utilize their imaginations and be creative
  • Opportunity to increase muscle strength, endurance and flexibility
  • Activity that was physically challenging
  • Experience that was fun

This program was made possible with funds provided through the District Elementary Arts Plan, which is funded by the school district, the Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns and the EPTA. The residency reinforced the school’s academic curriculum through movement. Since every child learns differently, education through movement touches some students very deeply, driving home creative and academic concepts. Also, this dance residency was fun, physically challenging and a great creative outlet for the children. The students had the opportunity to explore movement and develop their confidence by participating in a positively structured experience. In addition, this residency taught students about the arts, how to view dance and how to behave as an audience of the arts.

The children had a wonderful experience and this productive program was a huge success.  (Posted 5/28/08)

Student Composers

Mrs. DiNome’s general music students transformed into composers through a unit of piano composition.

Students in Mrs. D’s classes were taught piano introduction, form and composition. Ninety percent of the classes had never played piano before. Students performed their compositions in the lobby during homeroom for all to hear!

Please click here to listen to an example of their original work! (Posted 5/27/08)

Elementary Schools Receive Books from the Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation

On May 21st excited students across the district waited for the Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation truck to pull up in front of their schools.  The Foundation provides schools with the educational resources needed to address the needs of their population.  Joined by members of the Westchester Community Foundation, Carolyn Oliver and Erinn Cosby of the Hello Friend/ Cosby Foundation delivered hundreds of boxes of books.  The boxes contained an amazing selection of Scholastic books including hardcovers, Caldecott winners, non-fiction, fiction, and Spanish titles all will be incorporated into classroom lending libraries.  Once the treasured deliveries were inside each building, Erin Cosby, the Hello Friend/Ennis Cosby Foundation members and members of the Westchester Community Foundation visited with teachers and took tours of the schools.  At John Paulding, Ms. Cosby even treated the students to a read aloud of Go Away Big Green Monster. At Morse, Ms. Cosby read one of her favorite books, "Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?" At Washington Irving, Ms. Cosby eagerly embraced teachers and students as they came into the hall to meet her.  Her eagerness to support education and educators was evident in her smile as she proudly told children how important it is to her parents that all children receive a good education and that they do well in school.  Teachers and students from our schools are thankful to Ms. Cosby and the Westchester Community Foundation, Susan D. Edwards, its coordinator, and Scholastic, Inc. for making this possible. Click here for photo gallery. (Posted 5/22/08)

WISE Presentations 2008:  Looking for Volunteers to Evaluate

Twenty-six of Sleepy Hollow’s seniors embarked on individualized projects during their Spring semesters.  All are invited to attend their presentations as they share their goals, experiences, and what they learned on this educational adventure.  Presentations will take place in the Administrative Building boardroom on June 3rd, June 5th and June 10th from 9:00am-6:00pm.  Each student’s presentation is approximately 30 minutes, followed by Q & A, and feedback from community, faculty and student evaluators.  If you would like to volunteer to be an evaluator, or if you would like more information on topics to be presented, please contact Jessica Hunsberger at jhunsberger@tufsd.org or 332-6228. Click here for the presentation schedule (Posted 5/22/08)

Attention Sleepy Hollow School Juniors

A five-day summer program for juniors who intend to pursue or may be interested in pursuing a career in accounting is being sponsored by the New York State Society of CPAs. 

Additional information and details can be obtained from Don A. Kiamie at donalbert@optonline.net, or 212 213-2112. 

Warner Library

A great community resource is Tarrytown’s own Warner Library.  WI’s AIS reading teachers along with 4th, 5th and 6th graders, took a crisp walking trip for a personal Warner Library guided tour given by the children’s librarian.  The librarian shared the many offerings Warner’s Children’s Library has for our students.  Summer programs abound.  Prizes are available for those who keep a reading log; Spanish texts and tapes, videos, CDs and games are all part of  Warner’s contribution to summer fun.  We encourage all students to frequent the library, especially during the hot summer months when air conditioning is part of the reading fun.  (Posted 5/22/08)

Music Notes

As part of their ongoing study of orchestral instruments, all 2nd graders were treated to a special workshop on May 12th.  Musicians from the Westchester Philharmonic visited our school and demonstrated woodwind instruments.   Students were able to see “up close” and hear a flute, bassoon, clarinet, oboe, saxophone and recorder.   They learned about single reeds and double reeds and why a saxophone is really a woodwind instrument.  They learned that flutes are used all over the world and even heard ones from India and Ireland.   Seeing and experiencing these instruments “in person” is such a wonderful experience for the children.   They are looking forward to next year in 3rd Grade when they’ll study recorders with Mrs. Giuseffi!  (Posted 5/22/08)

Author Aimee Friedman Plans to Visit Sleepy Hollow High School

New York Times bestselling author Aimee Friedman will visit Sleepy Hollow High School on Thursday, June 12, 2008.  Ms. Friedman plans to visit Mrs. Meyer’s 9th grade Honors English classes to discuss the writing process, her background and how she became a writer.

Ms. Friedman is the author of the popular young adult trilogy South Beach, French Kiss, Hollywood Hills, along with A Novel Idea, the graphic novel Breaking Up, and most recently, her first hardcover novel The Year My Sister Got Lucky.  Her writing is also included in two short story anthologies, Mistletoe and 21 Proms. 

Aimee Friedman is also an editor at Scholastic Publishing.  For more information, visit her website at www.aimeefriedmanbooks.com(Posted 5/22/08)

Sleepy Hollow HS Ranked in Newsweek

Sleepy Hollow HS is proud of its standing Newsweek's recent ranking of the top high schools in our country.  The article reports on the top 1300 out of 27,000 high schools, this year Sleepy Hollow HS ranked 388.  Read the article to learn more ...

Newsweek Article                                       (Posted 5/21/08)           

Sleepy Hollow Middle/High School Pioneer Team

Congratulations to the following athletes from the Sleepy Hollow Middle/High School Pioneer team.  They competed this past Saturday at the Special Olympics Spring Games at Mahopac  High School in Track and Field.

Jesse– 50 Meter – 5th place, 100 Meter – 3rd place, Softball throw – 5th place

Brenda– 50 Meter – 2nd place, 100 Meter – 2nd place, Softball throw – 1st place

Byron– 50 Meter – 5th place, 100 Meter – 4th place, Softball throw – 1st place

Tommy– 50 Meter – 2nd place, 100 Meter – 2nd place, Softball throw – 1st place

Congratulations on a job well done! (Posted 5/21/08)

Sleepy Hollow High School Selected as Exemplary High School in New York State 

Sleepy Hollow High School has been selected by the Magellan Foundation as one of five New York State high schools for a research project that focuses on programs and practices that lead to high graduation and low drop-out rates.

The Magellan Foundation is a not-for-profit group who seek to strengthen and improve the leadership of schools.

Out of more than 640 schools that were studied in New York State with similar challenges, Sleepy Hollow High School was among the top 40 in reaching benchmark graduation rate standards, and as such was included in a process for review of exemplary high schools, and ultimately chosen as one of the five high schools to be visited and researched in detail to showcase as a model school.    

A team from RMC Research and a NYS Education Department Official will visit Sleepy Hollow High School on May 14th and 15th to learn about special programs and teaching strategies that have led to high graduation and low drop-out rates.  They will conduct interviews with individuals and groups, collect and analyze materials used in the classroom and study how the school identifies and handles students in need of special assistance. 

Photographs from the two day visit will be added to the Magellan Foundation website at www.magellanfoundation.org (Posted 5/21/08) 

Picasso People at Washington Irving School
Picasso People is based on the well-known Modern artist Pablo Picasso.  He was born in Spain in 1881 and developed a painting style called Cubism.

Picasso People is a one-man show performed by Carlton Van Pyrz.  The show began with “Carlton the Curator” leading students through a gallery tour of some of Picasso’s most popular works of art.  He then brought to life those various works using mime, mask, puppetry, narration, and music.  “The inspiration of Picasso’s work is explored in a light-hearted array of clever stories and vignettes based loosely on his true-life experiences.”

Picasso People is an exciting way for students to develop an appreciation for art in combination with music and live theater.  This program supports a unit taught on Pablo Picasso in Miss Gallo’s 5th Grade art classes. (Posted 5/21/08) 

3 2 1 Action!

6th grade scientists in Mrs. Conjura’s classes became producers, researchers, directors, editors, musicians, and voice-over artists while developing movies about the planets in our solar system.  Students used iMovie to put all of the components of their movie together and GarageBand to compose original musical scores to enhance the movies.  The movies were premiered in class and students used Senteos, an interactive clicker, to answer quiz questions developed by each planet team after their movie was viewed.  All the movies were put together like a feature film DVD.  After viewing her movie on premiere day one student said, “I feel so proud!”  Click to view the Jupiter clip ( 9 MB, please allow the project to load) (Posted 5/20/08) 

Eighth Graders Visit Washington, D.C.

On Wednesday, May 14 through Friday, May 16, the eighth-grade class at Sleepy Hollow Middle School went on their annual trip to Washington, D.C.  The students toured Arlington National Cemetery; the Lincoln, Washington, and FDR Memorials; the Smithsonian’s Air and Space, Newseum, and Holocaust Museums; and the Vietnam War, World War II, and Korean War Memorials.

At the Lincoln Memorial, the students and chaperones viewed the 10-foot marble statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting in his chair.  At the Holocaust Museum, the 8th-graders and chaperones were moved by the images and videos of the victims of such severe brutality.  At the Vietnam War Memorial, everyone saw the huge wall with the engraved names of soldiers who were lost in the war.  At the Air and Space Museum, the students learned about NASA’s aircrafts and the history of aviation.  A highlight of our visit to D.C. was a 4-D movie at the Newseum, which awed our students with its realism.  Our final night in Washington, D.C. included a cruise through Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Overall, the Washington, D.C. trip was an educational and fun time for all.  The students would like to thank their chaperones and The Foundation for helping to make this trip so successful. (Posted 5/20/08) 

Spring Orchestra Concert

The Sleepy Hollow Middle and High School Spring Orchestra Concert is Wednesday, May 21st at 7:30 PM in the Washington Irving Auditorium.  Students should arrive at 6:30 PM to the W.I. cafeteria dressed in all-black, dressy clothes.  All Middle and High School string players will be staying in the auditorium for the entire concert in order to show support for one another and to inspire each other!  The concert should be about an hour long and will feature a wide range of music.  Come and enjoy the show!" (Posted 5/19/08) 

Jump Rope For Heart

On Monday, February 4, 2008 and Tuesday, February 5, 2008 our school held an American Heart Association “Jump Rope for Heart” event. On these days, the children participated in a variety of jumping activities during their Physical Education class.

The goals of the program were for the students to have fun, practice jumping skills, experience intense physical exercise and learn more about their bodies.

The children had a wonderful time and performed admirably. For their outstanding effort, all participants received a sticker and certificate.

Thank you to Kelly Anniccherico, Sam Caccamise, Heather Campbell-Huston, Michelle Crepeay, Christina Clark, Corie Buonanno, Diana Edelstein, Lisa Filipovich, Virginia Lustyik, and Mark Taylor for volunteering their time and helping make the event so successful. Without them the activities could not have run so smoothly and the experience would not have been so much fun!

Special thanks to Tina Farlekas and Robin Pell for their invaluable efforts in the running of this event. (Posted 5/19/08) 

Children's Shakespeare Festival at SUNY Purchase

Students from Washington Irving School have been invited to take part in the Children's Shakespeare Festival at SUNY Purchase on Tuesday, May 20th. Schools from around Westchester County come to this annual event.  Students who participate enjoy watching expert actors on the SUNY Purchase stages perform scenes from Shakespeare, and they are even greeted by actors playing the Bard and Queen Elizabeth! During the festival our 4th, 5th and 6th graders will get the chance to perform scenes from A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, which was part of this year's YMCA after school theatre program, directed by Peter Royston and produced by Barbara Turk. To read more about this exciting event, go to http://www.artscenter.org/education/shakespearefestival.aspx. (Posted 5/14/08) 

Congratulations to the Staff of Hoofprints!

Hoofprints, the Sleepy Hollow High School student newspaper, has won awards in three different categories in the Journal News High School Journalism Contest. The student winners and specific awards will be announced at a reception at The Gannett Journal News on May 29th. To view issues of the award winning newspaper, click on the link in the right column on the TUFSD home page. (Posted 5/14/08) 

Dr. Parens, Holocaust Survivor, Visits the 8th Grade

On May 5th, the 8th grade was privileged with a visit from Dr. Henri Parens, a child psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. Dr. Parens visited with each team, discussing his experiences during the Holocaust and the time he spent in a relocation camp in France before he escaped to the United States. The students also took part in a questions and answers session with this real life primary source.  Dr. Parens also spoke about the dangers of prejudice and bullying.  We would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Parens for taking the time to visit with us and sharing his harrowing experience. (Posted 5/13/08) 

 

Family Science Night

Wednesday, June 4, 2008
6:30pm to 8pm
(Registration begins at 6:15pm)
Sleepy Hollow High School
(Please make sure to use High School entrance – look for the balloons!)

For all students in Kindergarten through 6th 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:

“Volcano World” – work in groups to build an “active” volcano

“The Electric Company” – learn about static electricity and build your own electric circuit

“Fire and Ice” – make ice cream using liquid nitrogen

“A Look Inside” – what exactly is inside that frog?

"CSI Sleepy Hollow" - using fingerprints to identify criminals.

"Operation" - a look at the organs in the human body.

* For questions, please contact Rachelle Gebler at ddgebler@yahoo.com  or 332-0182 or Nancy Checchi at nchecchi@tufsd.org.  (Posted 6/1/08)

2008 Sleepy Hollow High School Photo Showcase

 

The Sleepy Hollow High School Photo Showcase will be held at the Warner Library from May 8th to May 28th.The exhibit features 60 art pieces including digital photography and imaging along with traditional black and white photos created by students enrolled in Studio in Media Arts and Photography classes.

The opening reception and awards ceremony will be held Monday May 12th from  3:3Opm to 5:00 pm.  (Posted 5/11/08) 

 

Life’s just a Renaissance at Caramoor!

Can you tarantella?  The 9th grade global students can and with flair!  Their mastery of the popular Renaissance dance was a spectacular sight of swirls and turns, accompanied by 14th century instruments and Italian tunes.  The 9th graders visited Caramoor and participated in a day of Renaissance experiences: from falconry to an impromptu enactment of Don Giovanni, many of whom took part in the play, costumes and all.  As they are currently studying the Renaissance, our visit to Caramoor on April 29th and May 5th was a perfect opportunity to become true “Renaissance men and women”, at least for a day.  “Un ringraziamento speciale” to the Foundation’s Arts’ Council’s generous support, which allowed all our students to participate.  Fare-thee-well fair mistresses and good sirs!  (Posted 5/8/08) 

Earth Day

The students of Ms. Cristella's second grade class left a green footprint this Earth Day! The avid readers collectively read over 100 non-fiction books in an effort to save the rainforest.  In return, Scholastic Inc, in affiliation with the International Rainforest Alliance, sponsored 100 acres of the Choco Forest in Ecuador under Ms. Cristella's class name.  The Choco Forest is home to more than 9,000 species of endangered plants, animals, and amazing natural resources.  The class can now be found online under the Classrooms Care Green Hall of Fame.  The second grade students hope they inspire the greater community to do their part to make a difference and protect the sacred rainforest.  As one student so aptly pointed out, "EVERY day is Earth Day!" (Posted 5/7/08) 

On Saturday, April 5th, the Morse School Green Committee held its first “Gently Used” Clothing Sale, which was a great success!

A lot of beautiful clothing was donated by district families, many of whom came to replenish their families’ wardrobes with “new to you” clothing.  At $10 per bag of clothing it was a great bargain. The sale raised over $1400.00, which will be used to support the Green Committee’s efforts to create a student garden at Morse.  We would like to thank all of the staff and families who helped with this project, especially Kristen Restivo and Elisabeth Hickey who planned the event.  A special thank you also goes to Rachelle Gebler, EPTA President, who did much of the labor involved in the sale and organized members of the EPTA to help with copying, distribution of flyers, and other necessary tasks.  Without everyone’s help, we would not have been so successful.  Thank you!!!  (Posted 5/7/08) 

The Minds That Move The World

Thanks to the generosity of Cablevision, eight of Sleepy Hollow’s greatest minds, along with Ms. Hunsberger and Ms. Langston, had the good fortune of hearing former Vice-President and Nobel prize winner, Al Gore speak at Radio City Music Hall on Friday, May 2nd.  Gore’s talk was part of the Radio City Speaker Series that features prominent politicians and media figures sharing thoughts and opinions on today’s political landscape.  Sleepy Hollow students were able to make connections with ideas discussed in the Advanced Placement Government and Politics class, and were inspired to take action politically and socially in the future. (Posted 5/6/08) 

Third Grade Artists at Morse School Studied Joan Miro

Joan Miro (1893-1983) was a Spanish painter and sculptor who produced vivid abstract works of art during much of the 1900s. His works often have very descriptive titles. Joan Miro's name is pronounced “hoän mro.“

We talked about Miro’s paintings as we looked at several reproductions of his work.  Then, like Miro, third grade artists used lines and shapes to make abstract pictures that are filled with shapes that remind us of people, creatures and objects.  We learned that a shape can look like more than one thing and that two people can interpret art differently and both have a valid point of view.

Students worked individually drawing and coloring Miro-style.  We used many of the skills we learned earlier this year when we made Cubist paintings.  Finally, we used the crayon-resist technique, coloring our shapes with primary colored crayons and then creating a background with watercolor and large wash brushes.  (see gallery) (Posted 4/28/08) 

Celebrating Young Authors at Tappan Hill

On April 17, Tappan Hill held their first school-wide writing celebration.

Students from different classes shared their “Small Moments” stories with each other.  Classrooms were beautifully decorated and classical music played in the background, while the young authors read to each other. Special guests included Ms. Milliam, Principal, Mrs. Schoenberg, Reading Teacher, Ms. Almogabar, ESL Teacher and Dr. Smith, Superintendent of Schools.  Anyone walking around the school would have seen proud authors reading as well as active listeners.  The publishing party ended with delicious snacks for everyone to enjoy. (Posted 4/28/08) 

3rd Graders Attend Westchester Philharmonic Concert

On April 15th, all 3rd graders were treated to a wonderful concert at Purchase College.  In preparation for the trip, they studied and listened to music by Beethoven, Handel and Haydn with Mrs. Giuseffi in music class.   Since this is Maestro Paul Dunkel’s final year at the Philharmonic, the theme of the education concert was “conducting”.    Students prepared with Mrs. Giuseffi by watching and participating with a demonstration DVD created just for this concert.    They also worked with a member of the Philharmonic who came to the school in March to demonstrate brass instruments and conducting styles.  The concert was generously funded by the BOCES Arts-in-Education Program.    Morse school has been fortunate to participate in the Philharmonic’s Education Concert for over 10 years. (Posted 4/28/08) 

Great Sleepy Hollow Library Reading Contest

Congratulations to all who participated in the first annual Great Sleepy Hollow Library Reading Contest!   Middle School students have been burning the midnight oil for months, reading and summarizing books, trying to capture individual prizes and win the class prize. Mrs. Setness' 7th grade period 3/4 class earned first prize. Mr. Tejeda's 7th grade period 3/4 class was the Runner-Up.  Annie Plotkin won the 7th grade first prize and Benjamin Tschan was the Runner-Up. Ranggy Tapia took the top 8th grade honor and Emily Eagan earned the Runner-Up prize. Individual winners received gift certificates for local businesses and an official contest certificate to proudly display.  Reading not only makes you smarter, it inspires you to a world of possibilities-keep reading!!! (Posted 4/19/08) 

“A Visit From Raul Colón” - Monday April 14, 2008

Raul Colón is an acclaimed artist whose work has appeared in numerous publications including The New York Times, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal. The artist is especially renowned for his children’s book illustrations for which he has received many accolades.  Some titles include:

  • Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt, Raul Colon (Illustrator)   
  • Mama Had A Dancing Heart by Libba Moore Grey, Raul Colon (Illustrator)
  • Roberto Clemente by Jonah Winter, Raul Colon (Illustrator)
  • Play Ball! by Jorge Posada, Raul Colon (Illustrator)
  • Orson Blasts Off! By Raul Colon (Author/Illustrator)
  • Sugar Cane: A Caribbean Repunzel by Patricia Storace, Raul Colon (Illustrator)
  • Dona Flor: A Tale of a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart by Pat Mora, Raul Colon (Illustrator)

Raul Colón presented to the 8th grade writing classes of Sleepy Hollow Middle School about the process of writing and illustrating children’s books to launch a grade wide project where students will be creating books for the students of John Paulding.  He brought to life the process, while introducing the research and knowledge it takes.  Raul took the students through the sequence of steps truly involved in creating children’s books through presenting his own personal work.  (Posted 4/16/08) 

 Hike for Discovery

Terri Huntington, 4th grade teacher at W.I., is currently embarked in a four-month hiking clinic, Hike for Discovery, to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Nearly every weekend approximately 35 hikers meet and hike one of the many trails found in Orange, Rockland and Westchester Counties.  Hikes range from 4 to 11 miles and cover a varying range of difficulty.

The hiking clinic serves two purposes:  training for a hike in the Rocky Mountains in June, and raising a minimum of $3800 to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Information regarding Hike for Discovery can be found on line by clicking on www.hikefordiscovery.org .  You can get to Terri’s website to see how she is doing in her training by clicking on “Support a Participant” and entering her name.

Next year, Hike for Discovery will hike in the Smoky Mountains as the culminating activity.  Terri has found that this is a great way to get fit and support a worthy cause at the same time.  (Posted 4/16/08) 

IBM Engineers Visit 7th Graders at Sleepy Hollow Middle School

On Monday, April 14th Scientist from IBM provided all 7th grade science students with an opportunity to study Superconductivity. Using liquid nitrogen, the scientist demonstrated the chemical properties and behavior that takes place on different forms of matter.

The students were presented with a problem concerning the use of liquid nitrogen and its affects on a superconductivity plate. Using the scientific information and laboratory skills learned in class, the students accepted the challenge and provide many solutions to enhance the superconductivity process.

The students found the experience working with the IBM Scientist most rewarding and challenging.  (Posted 4/14/08) 

April is National Poetry Month. 
This month students throughout the country study and celebrate poetry.  Students at W.L. Morse are encouraging everyone throughout the district to join in the celebration by participating in “Poem in Your Pocket Day” on April 17, 2008.

To celebrate the imagination and creativity of poetry, children and adults of all ages are asked to carry a poem in their pockets to share with friends, classmates, teachers and families. Students will be given opportunities to read their favorite poems throughout the day.  Join us in celebrating!  Keep a poem in your pocket to share with someone!   (Posted 4/12/08) 

 

KEEP A POEM IN YOUR POCKET
Keep a poem in your pocket
And a picture in your head
And you’ll never feel lonely
At night when you’re in bed.
The little poem will sing to you.
The little picture it brings to you
A dozen dreams to dance to you
At night when you’re in bed.
SO...
Keep a picture in your pocket
And a poem in your head
And you’ll never feel lonely
At night when you’re in bed.

Beatrice Schenkde Regniers

Celebrate Earth Day

This year, there are several ways for TUFSD families to celebrate Earth Day. 

·         Families can join in the County-Wide effort against global warming while having fun at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, Sunday, April 13 (11am-3pm, parking free).  To learn more, visit www.westchestergov.com.  

·         Celebrate as a town on this month’s Third Friday (April 18th) where the theme will be Earth Day.  

·         Participate in the Village Wide Clean Up on Saturday, April 19 at 10am at Neperan Park, the Lakes Parking Lot, and Sarah Michaels Park.  Email info@tarrytownenvironmental.org or visit www.tarrytownenvironmental.org to learn more.

Stay tuned to learn more about how our students and faculty will celebrate Earth Day this year! (Posted 4/11/08)

Sleepy Hollow Middle School Receives “Choose to Lead Award”

Sleepy Hollow Middle School was honored at the Pepsico Youth Leadership Conference, sponsored by Teen Life Associates, on April 9, 2008 with the “Choose to Lead” Award.  The award was given for the “Food Drive for the Needy” project, which the students sponsored last Spring.

Each year Middle School students who participate in the Youth Leadership Conference, are challenged to create a school/team project, in an effort to develop their leadership skills.   Under the supervision of Dr. Burton, Great Potential Site Director at Sleep Hollow Middle and High School, the students determined that leading a food drive would be an effective way to meet a community need. Bins for the collection of non-perishable foods were place in Middle School classrooms and in the main offices at the middle and high schools.  Middle school classes competed for bringing in the most items weekly for one and a half months.  The process was monitored by the students of the Great Potential program for the duration of the project. The winning classes were treated to a pizza or ice cream sundae party; however, all of the students appreciated the opportunity to help those in need.  At the end of the food drive, the students in the Great Potential Program, accompanied by Dr. Burton delivered the items to the Even Start Program in Tarrytown, and met with Sue Gitlitz, the Program Director, who taught them more about the program which provides support services for families with low income and low literacy skills.

Jahkeline Ascencio, Jennifer Naulasaca, and Carmen Medina attended the conference on April 9, accompanied by Dr. Burton.  The award was presented to Sleepy Hollow Middle School by Kate Sullivan, co-anchor for the WCBS morning show, who will be announcing the school’s project on Channel 2 on Monday, April 14, 2008, between 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. (Posted 4/11/08)

John Paulding Students Make Their Radio Debut!

On Thursday, April 3 John Paulding’s first graders were the featured school on WHUD (100.7fm) radio’s Pledge of Allegiance.  The school tradition of saying the pledge each day together in the all-purpose room was taped by the station in early March.  The airing took place during Mike & Kacey’s 8th anniversary morning show.  Despite a few errors in identifying the 11 classes of first graders that took part the students sounded great and made their teachers proud!  Click here to hear our newest radio stars! (Posted 4/7/08)

Sleepy Hollow Middle/High School PTSA Laptop Scholarship Fund

The Parent Teacher Student Association of the Sleepy Hollow Middle/ High School is asking for your support for our Laptop Scholarship Fund for very deserving graduating seniors. Every year a scholarship committee gets to read applications from outstanding students at Sleepy Hollow High School and their journeys towards the future. 

Since 2001 we have awarded 35 laptop computers.  We thank you for your past support and since the pool of applicants continues to increase – we are once again asking for your help to award these well deserving students.  Click HERE to see how you can support this wonderful scholarship fund. Please remember every little bit helps and no donation is too small!!!  (Posted 4/7/08)

Freedom in Roman History

To appreciate what we all share now as Freedom in our lives, sometimes we must remember when it was not so commonplace.  Dr. Bernard's Latin language students  were asked to imagine what it would be like if everything in their life were thrown into the Roman period of slavery!  They expressed their thoughts of a time when Freedom, and Civilization, was paid for by the enslavement of many less fortunate men, women and children.  Here is what some have written. (Posted 4/6/08)

Audio 1     Audio 2    Audio 3     Audio 4    Audio 5

First Grade Students Visit Kendal On-The-Hudson

Children from Room 6 at the John Paulding School had an exciting visit to Kendal On-The-Hudson Nursing home. While they were there, each child decorated spring eggs with residents of Kendal. Students have been learning about egg decorating as an art form from around the world. This experience provided them with a wonderful hands-on opportunity to create eggs much like the ones they learned about in class. In addition, children started to form friendships with the staff and residents of Kendal. Before visiting day, students were taught how to pose questions to the elderly members of Kendal and carry on conversations. Some questions asked were “What was school like when you were my age?” “Did you ever attend John Paulding School?” “What did you do with your children during family holidays?”

The conversations were inspiring and several children remarked as they were leaving their new friends that “This was the best day ever!”  (Posted 4/1/08)

Poet Ted Scheu Comes to John Paulding

Thanks to funding by The Foundation and a the EPTA, the students of John Paulding recently had the Poet, Ted Scheu, come to work with them.  The students first met Ted with a whole school assembly in the morning.  Ted introduced himself and shared his love of poetry with the students by reading them some poems he had written.  He made the students laugh and giggle.  He taught them that poetry can help you see the world in a different way and showed them that poetry can be both beautiful and fun!  Then, he created a Spring Is… poem with the students. 

After the school wide assembly, Ted spent two days going to individual classrooms and taught the students about poetry.  He continued to inspire and motivate the students to the craft by sharing some more of his own work.  He taught the students about similes and metaphors and how to create them.  After teaching the students in a whole group, he had the students create a poem using similes.  Their poems were titled, I Am...  Ted had the students compare themselves to objects that they connected to.  The students had so much fun experimenting and being creative with their poems! 

At the end of the lesson, Ted had the students practice reading their poem out loud.  Then, he went around the classroom and asked for volunteers to share their work.  He gave each child constructive feedback and positive praise on a job well done.  After Ted left, the students felt motivated and encouraged that they could revise their poems and continue creating more poems during poetry month in April! 

Ted’s future endeavors include a K-2 collection of poems due to be published in 2009.  This collection of poems follows the theme of his latest work that just came out titled, “I tickled my teachers” which includes poems that are geared more for students in grades 4-6. (Posted 4/1/08)

"Reading Buddies"

Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 Washington Irving (WI) students visited their “Reading Buddies” at John Paulding for the first time.  WI students read aloud self-selected picture books to the first graders modeling how good readers sound when they read aloud.  The readers focused on their fluency and phrasing which in turn captivated their audience.    All were well prepared as they took students on picture walks, activated prior knowledge, and asked comprehension questions. 

The first graders were an attentive audience that impressed their older peers with meaningful text connections.  They seemed enthralled as they rotated from reader to reader hearing various tantalizing stories.  One first grader was overheard saying, “Wow!  I want to read like that when I get big.” 

It is our hope to continue helping WI students shine as they build their self-esteem and they get to re-visit their “Reading Buddies” in the future. (Posted 3/30/08) 

I Like Ants! They Make My Mama... Dance...

On Friday March 14, John Farrell, singer, author and songwriter entertained the students at Tappan Hill School.  The children were completely captivated by his interactive approach that allowed the children to become an important element to the show using song, storytelling, and sign language.  John Farrell was also impressed by the number of his songs that the children already knew how to sing. Throughout the year teachers play his CD’s and sing along with his music in the classrooms.  We love his songs!  Each song helps children explore important issues such as respect for oneself, community, and the earth in a fun and delightful style. Some of our favorite songs are: Library Song, Habitat, I Like Ants and Love Grows.   John introduced us to his new book, Dear Child. It was an outstanding concert!

If you are interested in purchasing  his CD’s for your child,  the order forms are available in the main office at Tappan Hill School. (Posted 3/30/08) 

The Eleventh Annual Black History Jeopardy Contest


Excitement filled the air as Mrs. Gonzalez welcomed everyone to the Eleventh Annual Black History Jeopardy Contest on Wednesday afternoon, March 19, 2008.   As Mrs. Gonzalez introduced the eight 5th grade contestants, the auditorium resonated with enthusiasm.

Proud parents, teachers and classmates were once again in awe of the talented 16 student contestants and the PowerPoint Black History Game Board.  It was evident through the constant “buzzing in,” and the correct responses that the contestants spent hours preparing for the competition.          

This year’s categories were African American Firsts, Arts & Entertainment, Black History Brain Quest, Education, Picture This, Science and Technology, and “Quotable Quotes.”   The Arts and Entertainment audio clues included: Georgia by the soulful Ray Charles, Take the A Train by the  incomparable Duke Ellington, The Entertainer by the Ragtime genius Scott Joplin and No One by the talented, multi-Grammy winner, Alicia Keys.  

The four highest scoring teams secured a golden opportunity to compete in Final Jeopardy.  This year’s semi-finalists included the following:  Imani from Mr. Adams’s class along with her partner, Jojo of Mrs. Conjura’s class as our fourth place winners.  Austen of Mr. Jacobs’s homeroom and partner, John from Ms. Creary’s class were the third place winners.   In second place were Henry from Mrs. Gonzalez’s class and his partner Ellis of Ms. Leveille’s class.  Demetri from Mr. Dietz’s homeroom and Dominic from Ms. Carty’s class triumphantly captured first place.  Each semi-finalist will receive a Baskin Robbins gift certificate, a Barnes & Noble gift certificate and a 2008 family pass to sites of the Historic Hudson Valley.  The grand prize winners, Demetri and Dominic, will also receive a $50.00 savings bond.  

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Meghan Fitzgerald, Assistant Principal, congratulated all the participants and staff for their participation.  Last year’s 5th grade semi-finalists who returned to help with this year’s program were judges, Ben and Manisha, and technicians, Meghan and Ramon.  A special thank you goes to Neal Spitzer and Jean O’Brien for their invaluable support, and kudos to Gabrielle Carty and Linda Elmore for a job well done.  (Posted 3/27/08) 

Summer Arts Camp  

The district will once again offer its MULTIARTS CAMP for children  this summer. The program will meet for three weeks, July 14-17, July 21-24 and July 28-31.  The program meets four days a week, Monday-Thursday, from  9am-noon.  Each day children K-grade 4 will enjoy three arts activities, a lively mix of visual art, dance/creative movement, music including African drumming and dance, and theater games.  A flyer will be sent home with students in early April with registration and contact information as well as with news about Peter Royston’s Open Call Drama Camp. (Posted 3/27/08) 

Tappan Hill’s Abstract Collages Are Visual Melodies!

Tappan Hill’s kindergarten artists have been considering the relationship between art and music.  Studying the work of Russian-born abstract master Wassily Kandinsky, the students created watercolor responses to various classical music selections.  Exploring the techniques and work of collage artist Romare Bearden, the children created multi-colored painted papers in response to jazz music.  In a culminating project, celebrating African American History Month, the children created watercolor paintings based on an American jazz composition.  In order to highlight and develop these images, the students cut out inventive free-form shapes from their decorated papers.  These shapes were strategically placed and fastened to the abstract paintings in order to create a sense of balance and movement—indicative of a musical experience.  While creating these sophisticated abstract works, the children learned specific watercolor techniques to develop brightly colored paintings.  These pieces were carefully executed and painstakingly crafted.  The children learned how to wait for things to dry and they were dazzled by the results! (Posted 3/25/08) 

John Paulding  Students Create in Collage!

John Paulding’s first grade artists took on the challenge of collage!  Creating all of their own materials, the students designed patterned papers as well as solid-color papers that could be used for skin tone, sky, plant life, and other natural elements.  Colors were selected and mixed in order to best represent those found in our world. Creating images that present the illusion of depth, the students had to develop background, middle ground, and foreground components.  In order to do this, the decorated papers were cut into representational shapes that became part of a believable interior space or outdoor landscape.  Once the scenery was finished, main characters and other captivating elements could be adhered to the surface.  Studying diverse collage artists including Pablo Picasso, Romare Bearden, and children’s book illustrator Eric Carle, the students worked hard to create their own pieces.  Each work is a whimsical exploration of color, line, shape, balance, pattern, and depth. (Posted 3/25/08) 

Please join us for the Foundation’s Dinner Dance on Saturday, May 10th at the Westchester Marriott; help bring exceptional and enriching programs to all of our students, Pre K -12th grade. Click here for the invitation.

If you have auction items that you would like to donate, we would love to hear from you.  Please contact Shelly Colley by calling 914-366-8457 or email foundation@tufsd.org.

Or take out an advertisement in our Dinner Dance Journal!  We are honoring Bill Burnette and The Warner Library.

If you would like to take out an ad in the Dinner Dance Journal for that special someone such as a teacher, coach, or graduating senior, please send ad and payment to Julie Clayton, Foundation Journal, 200 North Broadway, or email: foundation@tufsd.org

AD Rates (deadline April 12)
Special message           $25
Business Card 2x3.5      $75
Quarter Page 4x5          $125
Half Page 5x8               $250
Full Page 8x10              $400

Auction Items – Many More Arriving And Will Be Posted Each Week

Please check our listing of auction items each week. Click here for auction items. The list that you currently see is just the start  -- we will be adding new items each week.  By the end of April, we hope to have as many as 230 auction items!

Look For New Items Next week  -- Something Special from the Castle of Tarrytown, beautiful art work, gift certificates to local restaurants and so much more.  (Posted 3/20/08) 

Leonardo da Vinci Traveling Exhibit Visits Washington Irving School


From March 17th to 28th, reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s murals will be decorating the lobby of WI.  The traveling exhibit of three paintings by the Renaissance Genius includes his most prominent works; Mona Lisa. The Last Supper; and a copy of some of his inventions, (circa 1942).  Leonardo da Vinci is renowned for his inventions, knowledge of Science and paintings. 

The exhibit will enrich all WI students as well as enhance the learning of the students in Dr. Bernard’s 6th grade Italian classes who will be studying Italian artists.  (Posted 3/21/08) 

"Nature Up Close"

Fourth grade artists at Washington Irving School studied the life and work of American artist Georgia O'Keeffe.  Georgia O’Keeffe worked in many styles and painted many different subjects over her long career as an artist.  For our work, we focused on her large scale, cropped images of flowers, shells, bones, and other natural objects.  O’Keeffe painted her subjects BIG so people would notice.  She once said, “No one notices a flower because it is so small and they haven’t the time.  To see it takes time.”  Working from small objects such as flowers, leaves, shells, and insects, students created large scale, close up oil pastel drawings.  These colorful student creations focused on small details and value changes.  (Posted 3/17/08) 

WordMasters Challenge

Three students representing Washington Irving School recently won highest honors in this year’s WordMasters Challenge – a national language arts competition entered by over 250,000 students annually, which consists of three separate meets held at intervals during the school year.

Competing in the very difficult Gold Division of the Challenge, fifth grader, Jordan B. and sixth graders MacKenzie H. and Lily S. earned earned perfect scores in the year’s second meet, held in February.  In the entire country, only 69 fifth graders and 122 sixth graders achieved at this level.  Other students at the school who also achieved outstanding results included fourth graders., Sere P. and Dominique M.; fifth graders Jason C., John C., Heather B., Mikey F, Sara F. and Joey G., and sixth graders Dhruv S, Johnny K., Katie C. and Tomas C.  The school’s students were coached in preparation for the Challenge by Karen Cook. 

The WordMasters Challenge is an exercise in critical thinking that first encourages students to become familiar with a set of interesting new words (considerably harder than grade level), and then challenges them to use those words to complete analogies expressing various kinds of logical relationships.  Working to solve the Challenge analogies helps students learn to think both analytically and metaphorically.    

Congratulations WordMasters!  (Posted 3/16/08) 

EPTA Movie Morning

Saturday, March 1 and the W.I. auditorium is turned into a movie theatre! About 100 people attended the first ever EPTA Movie Morning featuring the movie Surf’s Up. Thanks to the wonderful sound system provided by the Foundation, the popcorn machine provided by Main Street Sweets and the help of some very dedicated EPTA volunteers, this Movie Morning was a huge success. The EPTA would like to thank all of the families who came out on a snowy morning to support this event and we would especially like to thank Mr Neil Spitzer and Ms Jean O’Brien for the generous gift of their time and talents. (Posted 3/12/08) 

March 14th, 2008 is Pi Day!  

 The Math and Science Honor Society of Sleepy Hollow High School will be hosting a variety of events on Friday, March 14th, 2008 in celebration of Pi Day.  Students can wear a white t-shirt with their favorite math formulas, facts and figures on it in order to receive extra credit in their math classes.  Students can compete in a Rubik's Cube Challenge, a Suduko Challenge, a Tetric Challenge or the A-Bomb Challenge (a math contest against Mr. Alterbaum)!  After school there will be a pie sale to benefit the Honor Society's Earth Day Events.   Contact Mr. Jason Choi (jchoi@tufsd.org) or Mrs. Jennifer Walsh (jwalsh@tufsd.org) for more details.  (Posted 3/11/08)