Welcome to the Sleepy Hollow Middle/High School News Page

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 8^th-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)

Dr. Parens, Holocaust Survivor, Visits the 8^th 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)

Sleepy Hollow Middle School Presents

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

WASHINGTON IRVING SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
Wednesday, May 7 at 9:00 am & Thursday May 8 at 12:15 pm and 7:00 pm Evening performance tickets $10 adults, $5 children 4th grade and up.

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)

Be a part of Frankenstein The Spring Middle School Play!

WHAT: YMCA Theatre, in conjunction with Sleepy Hollow Middle School, presents FRANKENSTEIN, a theatrical adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic HORROR tale about a mad scientist who creates a monster on the laboratory table. The Creature rises up to confront its creator with the ultimate question: “Why am I here?” Full of compelling characters, breathtaking set pieces and special effects, FRANKENSTEIN is an unforgettable theatrical experience!

WHEN: Auditions: March 18 & 20 after school on the South Side of the Cafeteria. Rehearsals: start after the SHHS Spring Musical is over. Performances: _May 7 & 8 (4 performances; 3 daytime, 1 evening).

WHERE: Rehearsals will take place at SHMS, Mondays Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays after school. (Posted 3/6/08)

In celebration of National Library Week coming in April, Middle School students have launched the Great Sleepy Hollow Library Reading Contest. Seventh and eighth graders will read and review books and submit entries, hoping to capture the top prize for their English class: a very "literary" party hosted by the Library. See the special displays of good books to read in the Library and ask the staff for further suggestions. Good luck to all and READ ON!!! (Posted 1/23/08)

According to Gillian Berger,“It’s really helpful to get different

perspectives on the issues in genetics.” On Monday, January 7, Ms. Jackson’s Living Environment classes enjoyed just such a unique perspective. Guest speaker, Dr. Robert Marion, delivered a lecture that he usually gives to medical school students. Dr. Marion is a Professor of Genetics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Director of the Center for Pediatric diagnosis and Development of the Einstein Medical Center. His very engrossing lecture concerned three US presidents and a bit of genetic speculation. Dr. Marion led the class through the steps of differential diagnosis. Dr. Marion was impressed with the breadth of knowledge displayed by the 8^th grade students, lingering to answer their questions after his talk. “These kids have a terrific grasp of concepts. This material is tough for my med students,” he remarked, “I’d really like to come back next year.” Sophie Parens agrees, ”He should come back next year. Hearing from someone who works with kids with genetic differences gave me a much better understanding.” The students always benefit from “real world” visitors revealing the worth and applications of the material they are just learning. Great thanks go to Ms. Doran, who was instrumental in bringing us such a distinguished lecturer. (Posted 1/21/08)

IBM Mentor Place Mentoring Program Recruiting 7th Grade Middle School Girls:

IBM Mentor Place gives students the unique opportunity to communicate online with an IBM employee. Each student will have weekly interactions with experienced female scientists and engineers as mentors. These mentors will be available throughout this academic school year. Only ten students will be given the opportunity to receive one-on-one online mentoring. In the exchange of electronic messages, both student and the IBM e-Mentor are encouraged to work together on online activities and discuss career interests.Students will not meet with the mentor outside of class. A teacher appointed by the school will monitor messages regularly for content. The fulfillment of this commitment, (including weekly attendance and participation) during this school year will determine their admission into the IBM EXITE Camp starting July 28th until August 1st, 2008. For more information email DBenedict@tufsd.org or Ms. Sandy Ocasio, CSI Director socasio@tufsd.org. (Posted 1/17/08)

Due to Mr. Borsari's impending departure from Sleepy Hollow Middle School, we are in the process of searching for his replacement for the 2008-2009 school year. We are most interested in your input which will be very useful during the selection process for the new principal.

Please take a few moments to complete this survey using one of the links below, no later than Friday, January 25, 2008.

Eighth Graders Visit Sagamore Hill and the Dolan DNA Center

The eighth grade classes of Sleepy Hollow Middle School recently enjoyed a full-day field trip to Long Island to visit Sag

amore Hill, President Theodore Roosevelt’s home, and the Dolan DNA Center, a world-renowned center for genetics research. At Sagamore Hill, students walked through the 26^th President’s home, which is preserved as it was during his residency from 1887 to 1919. The visit to the Sagamore Hill Museum gave students a glimpse into TR’s life before, during, and after his presidency. The experience at the Dolan DNA Center offered our eighth grade students an opportunity to experiment in the wonderful world of molecular biology in a genuine laboratory. Students genetically engineered bacteria with the GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) gene for bioluminescence. A great time was had by all. A special thank you to Ms. Virginia Jackson for organizing the trip for the entire grade and to Mr. Cy Hughes for his assistance in transportation! (Posted 12/19/07)

Students from the 7^th grade Red Hot Legendz Team collected and prepared four care packages to be sent to the 64^th Armored Unit of the 3^rd Infantry Division, currently stationed in Iraq. Additionally, the students created holiday cards, postcards, and some wrote letters to help maintain or boost the spirits of our American servicemen and women during this holiday season. A plethora of items were donated to help benefit the 64th who is at the forefront of the Iraqi War. A big thank you is extended to all the students and parents who helped make this a successful endeavor. This event proved to be extremely valuable to the students who really showed the true meaning of the holiday season. Go Red Hot Legendz!! (Posted 12/3/2007)

Last week, the 8th grade class took a trip to Ellis Island as a culmination of their study on Immigration. Even though the weather was cold and rainy, the students still had a great time. After completing a scavenger hunt which took them through the Great Hall, Reception areas, Baggage Room, Dormitory, and Medical Ward, a number of children were even able to find relatives on the Wall of Honor. (Posted 11/28/2007)

Middle School Students Visit The Madden Outdoor Education Center

During the week of October 2, the Sleepy Hollow Middle School students visited the Madden Outdoor Education Center in Kent Cliffs, New York with their instructional Madden Center

teams. Each team enjoyed a full day at the center participating in organized recreational activities emphasizing teamwork and cooperation. Groups were challenged with such tasks as scaling a 12-foot wall with the help of a dangling rope on the reverse side, using only each other for climbing assistance. Other groups were faced with the task of moving everyone from one platform to another several feet apart using only two planks, neither of which spanned the distance between the platforms. The Spider’s Web, See Saw, and Barrel Climb were among the other obstacles groups faced. Throughout this exciting day students on all four teams were challenged to work together, communicate effectively, and rely on the help of teammates to overcome challenges. Students will draw upon this experience to help them work together effectively in school. The middle school students wish to extend a great big thank you to Mr. David Benedict, Sr. for organizing the trip for all four teams and to Mr. Cy Hughes for helping with transportation! (Posted 10/23/2007)

The Community Schools Initiative Programs would like to invite all Sleepy Hollow Middle School students to explore different career options and fields of study in our Career Exploration workshops. This year students will gain hands-on experience that will turn into life long skills that they will need for the 21st Century. The activities planned will reinforce academic lessons, while allowing time for self-expression and becoming effective leaders. Click here for flyer.

The workshops will begin October 24th through May 28th, 2008.
*Enrollment is on a First Come First Served Basis* (Posted 10/19/2007)

The Sleepy Hollow Middle School Student Council has introduced some changes this year. Each homeroom class has elected a representative and an alternate to the Student Council Senate. The Senate membership then decided upon the type of elected officials they wanted to represent them. They decided on an 8^th grade President, 2 Vice- Presidents (one from each grade), a Secretary, and a Treasurer. Once the government body is in place, the Student Council will draft a Constitution that they will bring back to their homerooms to be ratified.

Student Council, along with Mrs. Randazzo’s Art classes, is holding a “Design the Middle School T-shirt contest.” The winning design, voted on by the student body, will become the new Middle School t-shirt which will be sold as a fundraiser to support school trips and activities.(Posted 10/19/2007)

Sleepy Hollow Middle School is proud to announce the Horsemen Herald, our very own school newspaper. The Herald will be focusing on the the inner workings of our school and is being facilitated by Ms. Angel Linteau and Ms. Audra Emmerich. Aiding in our publication, our fine student journalists will be covering a variety of topics and events. We are excited to get the journey started and look forward to our first official publication in November. (Posted 10/19/2007)

On Friday, July 6th, over 30 Sleepy Hollow Middle School Students from our Summer Institute and the YMCA's Shakespeare Troupe braved the heat and sun and took part in the Shakespeare in the Park's "Summer Shake-Up" program. This program, sponsored by The Public Theater and Bank of America, was held at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. The students, led by The Public's teaching artists, investigated Shakespeare's text through games and improvisations and also had the chance to learn about professional opportunities in the theater. The highlight of the day was a special viewing of the The Public Theater's production of Romeo and Juliet.(Posted 7/19/2007)

The Community Schools Initiative Summer Program
The Community Schools Initiative Summer Programs invited all 6^th, 7th, and 8th grade students of Sleepy Hollow Middle School to participate in their FREE six-week Summer Workshops. The workshops began July 9th and will run through August 9th, 2007.

InThe Mix: In collaboration with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, students are encouraged to develop habits that contribute to a healthy lifestyle by participating in nutritional training. They are learning how to create, prepare, and cook healthy meals and snacks. Students also visit the Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown and learn how healthy foods are harvested. In addition, the YMCA in Tarrytown offers Martial Arts and Hip Hop classes.
Tues.-Wed.-Thurs. 10AM-1PM

Ocean Adventures: The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut inspires our students to appreciate the Long Island Sound through living exhibits, marine science, and environmental education. This summer students are taking a journey into the “sea world”. Students learn how to fish for ocean sea creatures, dissect squid, and engage in many cool team projects.
Tues.-Wed.-Thurs 10PM-3PM

Fashion Camp: The Westchester Fashion Academy in White Plains teaches our campers how to design model figures & clothing through sketching & create trend boards from inspiration. They also design garments and will create a portfolio of their work to display at our grand finale on August 9.
Monday through Friday 10AM-3PM (Posted 7/19/2007)

Based on the historical events that occurred in Patriot's Park during the Revolutionary War, The Capture of Major Andre tells the story of three patriots and their capture of the spy John Andre. Full of danger and excitement, The Capture of Major Andre is a theatrical time machine, taking audiences back to this pivotal moment in the history of our area and our country. Directed by Peter Royston, this production will be presented this week at Patriot's Park. Click here for flyer (Posted 5/22/2007)

Spring Orchestra Concert
The Sleepy Hollow Middle and High School Spring Orchestra Concert is this Tuesday, May 29th (the day after Memorial Day) in the Washington Irving Auditorium at 7:30 PM. If you are interested in hearing an eclectic array of string orchestra music, you are invited to attend our concert! (Posted 5/21/2007)

First Annual Middle School College Fair
Ms. Cruz and Mr. Jacobs organized a class trip to the Westchester County Center in White Plains on May 7, 2007. Our eighth grade middle school students were given the opportunity to meet with approximately 80 admissions representatives from various colleges and universities during the first annual BOCES Middle School College and Career Fair. Research suggests it is best to begin thinking about college no later than middle school. A student who decides to go to college before high school is able to use all four years to help reach his/her goals knowing what courses are needed in high school to be accepted to the college of one’s choice. Some of our middle school students are currently taking as many as 4.5 high school credits.

Colleges from all over the country are realizing the importance of early college awareness. During the first annual Middle School College Fair admissions counselors came from as far as Maryland, Ohio, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Vermont and Florida. Additionally, many SUNY and CUNY schools were in attendance to answer questions and provide valuable information and early awareness about colleges and the admissions process. Students returned to Sleepy Hollow Middle School with packets of information. The students overwhelmingly felt the trip had been a success. The college fair culminates this year’s career curriculum in which our students discussed possible career and college goals after graduation. (Posted 5/20/2007)

Starting Dates
Football                                    August 20th
All other Varsity Sports             August 27th
Modified Sports                        September 6th

Physicals will be offered during the first week of June – date to be announced

Fall Sports Offered
Varsity                            JV                                  Modified
Football                          Football                         7th & 8th grade Football
Boys’ Soccer                  Boys’ Soccer                 Boys’ Soccer
Girls’ Soccer                  Girls’ Soccer                  Girls’ Soccer
Cross Country                Volleyball                       Cross Country
Girls’ Swimming                                                   Volleyball
Volleyball

The Great Potential Program
The Great Potential Program at Sleepy Hollow Middle and High Schools is sponsoring a Food Drive for the Homeless from May 9th through May 25th. We solicit your support through the donation of non-perishable food items. Receptacles are located in the main offices of each school.
We thank you in advance for your support

Cheryl Burton,
Social Worker/Site Director
Sleepy Hollow Middle and High School
Great Potential Program
332-6278 (Posted 5/9/2007)

The First Annual "Career Day" at Sleepy Hollow Middle School was a Tremendous Success!
On March 29th, 2007, CSI/21st Century programs hosted the first Sleepy Hollow Middle school career day. We invited 25 local professionals to take part in this event. The presenters spoke about a variety of careers including; nursing, banking, catering, law, technology, real estate and news broadcasting . Each class of students was visited by three professionals, each with a mission to help the students understand the connection between academics and the workforce. We received rave reviews from teachers, students and the professionals that volunteered their time for this event. On behalf of the CSI/21st Century staff, we want to thank the administration, teachers, students, and our presenters for making this day a great success. (Posted 4/18/2007)

Seventh Graders in Mr. DiLeo's Music Class Learn How to Make Podcasts. After researching the music topics of their choice and listening to existing examples of Podcasts on the web, seventh grade students in Mr. DiLeo's music class created scripts for their own radio shows. Mr. DiLeo recorded each show and taught the students to import music from their CD's and create their own jingles, stingers and introduction music using Apple's GarageBand software. Click on the links below to listen to the students' Podcast Radio Shows. (Posted 3/27/2007)

Middle School Presents: The Capture of Major Andre
This spring Sleepy Hollow Middle School will be presenting its first independent theatrical production: The Capture of Major Andre

Based on the historical events that occurred in Patriot’s Park during the Revolutionary War, The Capture of Major Andre tells the story of three patriots and their capture of the spy John Andre. Full of danger and excitement, The Capture of Major Andre is a theatrical time machine, taking audiences back to this pivotal moment in the history of our area and our country.

Directed by Peter Royston, this production will be presented in May at Patriot’s Park. Rehearsals will be after school three days a week.

An informational meeting will be held on Monday, March 19^th from 3:00 pm to 3:30 at the south side of the cafeteria for all students interested in being involved. Along with acting in the production, there are many ways to be involved, including stage crew, marketing and writing.

Auditions for actors will be held on Monday, March 26^th and Tuesday, March 27^th. Open to Middle School Students only! Click here for informational meeting flyer. For more information, call Mr. Royston at 914-589-4405. (Posted 3/13/2007)

Seeking Community Professionals to Volunteer in our Annual “Career Day” at Sleepy Hollow Middle School
On Thursday March 29^th, 2007 the Community Schools Initiative/21^st Century Programs, in collaboration with Sleepy Hollow Middle School, will host a Career Day for all middle school students. We seek eager professionals from all fields to introduce our students to the real world of work. This activity is scheduled to take place from 1pm until 3pm. Each professional volunteer will provide our students with a 20-minute career introduction. We welcome professionals of all professions. If you would like to participate, please click here to print and complete the Participants Biographical Sketch form and return to Ms. Sandy Ocasio, Project Director via email Socasio "at" tufsd.org (replace "at" with @ and remove spaces) or fax (914) 333-0687. Thank you in advance for your consideration and we look forward to our collaboration. (Posted 3/8/2007)

Students Visit South Africa
The African-American Heritage Club of Sleepy Hollow Middle/High School is traveling to South Africa during the February break. The highlights of the trip include visits to Johannesburg, SOWETO, Capetown, Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned, and a Safari. The group will be taking school supplies to donate to a school that they will be visiting. (Posted 2/13/2007)

Please note: The PTSA meeting scheduled for Monday, February 12 has been cancelled. The next meeting will be held March 17, 2007 (Posted 2/9/2007)

To all Performing Arts Students and Parents: Baked Goods Needed for Show
We need your help in providing individually wrapped snacks for sale at the Middle School Variety Show on Feb. 15. The money made from the concessions at this show will go towards our annual Music Awards Breakfast at the end of the year and the Competition Trip. Please send in baked goods and other snacks with your performing arts student by Thursday, February 15. Baked goods can be given to Mrs. Persad, Mr. Sprague, or Mrs. Trenczer.

Thanks again for your support. Any questions, please feel free to email: btrenczer "at" @tufsd.org (Replace "at" with @ and remove spaces) (Posted 2/7/2007)

Middle School Variety Show
Students and Parents are welcome to attend the Sleepy Hollow Performing Arts Boosters’ Middle School VARIETY SHOW. There will be dancing, singing, live bands, acting, and a live D. J. Thursday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Morse School in the Joe Carmody Auditorium. Admission is $5.00 for students/$6.00 for adults. Children Under 3: admission is free. (Posted 2/7/2007)

The CSI/21st Century Enrichment Experience
In 2002, the Community School Initiative (C.S.I) was established, resulting in an expansion of day, after-school and summer program opportunities offered to Sleepy Hollow Middle School students. This program is funded by United Way and lead by Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS). As a result of the District’s satisfaction with the quality of these services and the strong spirit of collaboration extended by the District to CSI, WJCS was invited to provide additional services under the 21st Century Learning Center grant.

During the school day CSI/21st Century programs is a drop-in center to all SHMS students and their families. Our team of Social Workers Eve Hausler, Rosalia-Kullock Sosa, and Kimberly Lisack offer parent-child support groups, prevention counseling and family outreach.

After school we offer an array of enrichment opportunities to our middle school students, below is a brief description of our 2007 winter/spring programs.

Maritime: The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut inspires our students to appreciate the Long Island Sound and protect it for future generations. This is done through living exhibits, marine science, and environmental education. The Maritime Aquarium’s traveling teachers travel to Sleepy Hollow to deliver educational programs to Sleepy Hollow Middle School students after-school on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The workshops run for 8 weeks and include: Boat building (miniature size), researching Global Warming and its affect on our environment, and dissecting fish that live in the sound.

Web Design: Think Quest is a curriculum that allows our middle school students to connect, create, and research, while working in teams to build a dynamic and educational website. Our students meet with Ms. Daphnee Momporousse, Enrichment Coordinator every Monday afterschool and are working diligently toward competing in the nationwide Think Quest competition in April.

Big Brother/Big Sister Mentoring Program: New York Life employees are trained as mentors and are matched with SHMS student who take part in this mentoring program. They help our students explore career options and promote a positive school experience. Ms. Olga Irizarry leads the group on Wednesday's after school. During the summer our students are invited to take part in a big celebration that gives them opportunity to meet mentees from other middle schools in the Westchester Region.

Kids X-Press Magazine: In support of our "Fit Kids" fitness program, our students will work toward putting together a health magazine, which will include topics of obesity, eating disorders and exercising. Our hope is to teach our students and their peers how to lead a healthier lifestyle. Kids X-Press professionals meet with our students every Tuesday after-school.

Please contact Sandy Ocasio, Program Coordinator at 914-333-0063 for additional information.

Eighth Graders Visit Washington, D.C.
On Wednesday, May 16 through Friday, May 18, the eighth-grade class at Sleepy Lincoln Memorial

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 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 8^th-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. 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 11 chaperones and The Foundation for helping to make this trip so successful. (Posted 6/2/2007)

Middle School Steering Committee
The MS Research Steering Committee, composed of 25 teachers and parents from Sleepy Hollow Middle School and Washington Irving, as well as administrators and a member of the Board of Education, has begun to strategically examine the research based recommendations of national and state organizations including; the New York State Education Department, the New York State Middle School Association, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the National Middle School Association to develop a vision statement/position paper which outlines the essential elements of an exemplary middle school. In addition to our examination of current research, committee members will also participate in site visits to regional middle level programs to observe best practices in action. To find out more about the committee's work view the minutes and presentation materials. Click here to view minutes from 12/13/06 meeting. Click here to view presentation. (Posted 1/12/2007)