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All City School District of New Rochelle Schools are closed Friday, April 21 in observance of Eid al Fitr
| | | Science Research Students Shine at Regional Contest | | |
On Saturday, March 18, New Rochelle High School's Science Research students participated in the Regeneron Westchester Science and Engineering Fair at Somers High School with 25 students bringing home medals and more than $2,000 in cash and prizes. New Rochelle students stood out, with one Grand Prize win and three first place medals.
More than 550 students from 40 schools throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties participated in the fair, which is the largest high school science fair in the country. Students showcased their work, each detailing an independent science research project, through poster presentations, which were judged by local experts in the fields of life science, physical science, environmental studies, psychology, and engineering.
"I am so proud of all of our science research students–25 awards is an amazing total!” said Science Research teacher Jeff Wuebber. “The quality of research that our students perform is world-class and speaks to our students' immense talent and passion for science."
The winning students are:
- Amena Chaudhary - Grand Prize - International Genius Olympiad Finalist
- Julia Ecker - 1st Place in Microbiology
- Anthony D’Amato - 1st Place in Engineering
- Amena Chaudhary - 1st Place in Behavioral Science
- Ariel Rosencrantz - 2nd Place in Behavioral Science
- Imaad Uzun - 2nd Place in Behavioral Science
- Alishba Zia - 3rd Place in Behavioral Science
- Nikhil Mukraj - 3rd Place in Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
- Elena Adams - 3rd Place in Medicine & Health
- Sasha Arbetter - 4th Place in Behavioral Science
- Lila Ferrucci - 4th Place in Behavioral Science
- Maya Minnitti - 4th Place in Behavioral Science
- Dylan Sadow - 4th Place in Behavioral Science
- Aviva Segal - 4th Place in Animal Science
- Anna Barlis - Honorable Mention in Behavioral Science
- Obinna Njoku - Honorable Mention in Cellular & Molecular Biology
- Alishba Zia - Creative Approach to Research Award
- Devin Riebe - Today's Students, Tomorrow's Engineers Award (For students who exhibit the enthusiasm, desire and intellect to study engineering.)
- Anthony D'Amato - Today's Students, Tomorrow's Engineers Award (For students who exhibit the enthusiasm, desire and intellect to study engineering.)
- Alessandra Pappalardi - Teatown Young Environmentalist Award (For projects that aim to protect natural habitats and/or ecosystems.)
- Andrew Rittenberg - BASF Expanding Knowledge in Science Award (For students who exhibit excitement and an enthusiasm for discovery.)
- Alpha Djalo - Yale Science and Engineering Association Award (For top scores in the categories of Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, and/or Chemistry.)
- Julia Ecker - U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize (Receives a nomination to enter the state water prize competition.)
- Aviela Lim - American Psychological Association Award
- Isabella Reyes - American Psychological Association Award
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High School Junior Named Youth of the Year
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New Rochelle High School junior Vianney Godinez has been named the 2023 Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (B&GCNR) in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.
“Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is honored to have Vianney representing our club as she has been truly a role model for our members," said Becky Mazzanobile, B&GCNR CEO. "Vianney is a leader who is bold, unafraid to always ask the tough questions, and a collaborative problem-solver. We cannot wait to see her continue to bring all her energy, heart, and passion to making our community and our world a better place.”
As the New Rochelle Youth of the Year, Vianney will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the city, receive a $1,000 college scholarship from B&GCNR, and advance to the New York State Youth of the Year competition.
"I am so honored to have been selected. I grew up at the club and learned so much about leadership, teamwork and problem solving there. I’m looking forward to representing us at the NYS competition," said Vianney.
Vianney’s Boys and Girls Club journey began in kindergarten and she has since been a part of many B&GCNR programs, including Smart Girls, Torch Club, and the Youth Civics Council, through which she had the opportunity to advocate for youth issues on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
She currently serves as the junior class president at New Rochelle High School. and enjoys participating in the PAVE dance program.
| | Vianney with New Rochelle High School principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles. | |
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Latinx Youth Leadership Conference Attracts 200
Nearly 200 middle and high school students attended the 10th Annual Latinx Youth Leadership Conference last month, participating in several workshops designed to highlight opportunities for all students both in school and the community.
The event, held at the high school, was organized by the 24 active members of the Hispanic Culture Club and the United Cultures Club. This year's theme, “Ambitions as Boundless as Our Culture,” was chosen by the students to highlight how important and uniting the Latinx culture is and how crucial it is to the identity of Latinx students.
Sophomore Jimena Ortiz has been a part of the planning committee for two years, and says she looks forward to it every year. "It's an important event because it provides a lot of information for all of us here at New Rochelle High School. The keynote speaker kicks things off by giving us an insight on how their Latinx identity has shaped them and their lives, which is always motivational to hear considering that the majority of our school are Latinos."
The keynote address was given by Dr. Rivera-McCutchen, professor of Leadership Studies at CUNY Lehman College, a Hispanic Serving Institution. Dr. Rivera-McCutchen spoke about the importance of family, the role her family had in influencing her career, and her role as a Latina educator, pointing out that Latinas represent only 2% of full time professors in higher education in the country,
“This incredibly motivating and influential speech really hit home for a lot of students.,” said Francisco Sandoval, social studies teacher and conference advisor.
Junior Marilyn Perez has been a part of the planning committee for three years and said she "really enjoyed Dr. Rivera-McCutchen's speech. I loved to hear the story of her journey and career and how she was successful despite being a Latina is a predominantly male profession. As she put it herself, she's kind of a big deal- which she is! A true inspiration for my classmates and I."
The conference consisted of 11 workshops covering several topics ranging from “Latino Leadership in our Climate Emergency,” to “Law Enforcement and Latinos,” and “Women in Tech and the Workforce." Others highlighted opportunities available in high school, such as AP coursework, a session on mindfulness and summer job opportunities.
Senior Ariana Barrios, who has been a part of the planning committee since freshman year was a presenter for the workshop "What to expect from High School," geared towards middle schoolers. She enjoyed the fact that she was "able to better prepare the younger generation and make them more excited for what's to come with their experience in High School".
About 30 students from Pawling middle and high schools also attended the conference, and were impressed with what they saw. "Our students were so inspired by the conference that one of my students, Andy Landaverde, is actively working on creating a Latinx Club at our school,” said Jessica Garcia, a Pawling English teacher. “ New Rochelle's advocacy towards young leaders is so amazing and so inspiring. The empowerment of students is incredible to witness".
"The conference means that no matter where you are from or what you are like, your dreams do not have to stop just because someone is discriminating against you. NEVER GIVE UP!" said Pawling’s Landaverde.
“Overall, the conference was a success and it means so much to our students,” said Sandoval.
Sophomore Maya Concha has helped plan the conference since her freshman year. "It’s something that I look forward to every year. To put something of this importance and caliber for the school is extremely rewarding. I can't wait for next year!"
| | | | Trinity Families Celebrate International Heritage | | |
After a three-year hiatus, Trinity’s International Night is back! Families from nearly 20 countries attended the colorful event last month, celebrating the global nature of the school population.
Many came dressed in traditional clothing and brought a wide range of delicious foods to share. There were frijoles con crema from Mexico, chuchitos from Guatemala, papas from Peru and cannolis from Italy. Families came representing Afghanistan, Albania, Columbia, China, Haiti, Pakistan, and more.
Trinity ENL (English as a New Language) teachers, Myriam Valle, Kim Vaccaro, Lucy Giordano, Laylee Longi and Denise Caridad led their first and second grade English Language Learners in the song, “Hello to All the Children of the World,” who then gave a performance highlighting parts of the world specific to the students’ own countries. English Language Learners in grades three, four and five performed their own version of the book, “My Granny Went to the Market,” by Stella Blackstone.
After the performances, a mariachi band performed while families enjoyed food samples from various countries.
In preparation for the event, which was sponsored by Trinity’s PTA, students in the ENL department learned about the different foods from the various countries, discussing foods and symbols from their own countries. A slide show presentation was created based on the book that was presented and read on International Night.
It was a wonderful night for students to share their heritage. "I was really nervous reading but I loved coming dressed in my Venezuelan dress and eating different foods," said fourth grader Anabella Oropeza.
“Most of the presenters were newcomers from grades three, four and five. They took pride in reading in English about their own countries,” said Myriam Valle, who helped organize the event. “Families were happy to participate in an event that brought our school closer as a community.”
"I took off from work to see my son sing tonight,” said Maria Cardona, mother of Frankly Gabriel Cardona. “This is such a good experience for my son and for myself."
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Board of Education Approves 2023-2024 School District Budget, Capital Bond Proposition
The Board of Education approved the 2023-2024 school district budget and bond proposition that will go before voters on May 16. The proposed $316.1 million budget includes a tax levy of 0.98% - less than one percent – for the second consecutive year. The spending plan aligns with the school district’s Strategic Roadmap directions of student learning; safe, supported, connected schools; superb staff; and resource management and would invest resources in key strategic priorities.
The budget proposal represents a 5.82% increase in spending over last year’s budget thanks to the state honoring its pledge to fully fund our foundation aid. The budget does not include any new administrative, faculty, or staff positions.
Included with the budget proposal is a $29 million bond proposition. to add secure entry vestibules at each of our schools, update the high school’s Whitney M. Young Auditorium - an important community asset, to bring mechanical ventilation for classrooms at Isaac E. Young Middle School, and to acquire properties adjacent to Columbus Elementary School to accommodate future growth from downtown development and alleviate parking and traffic concerns.
The public hearing on the proposed budget will be held during the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 2 at the New Rochelle High School Library at 7:00 p.m. More detail on the budget and the bond proposition can be found on our website.
| | Barnard and Ward Staff Members Recognized for Tenure | | Congratulations to Barnard Early Childhood Center’s Jennifer Pilarte for earning tenure! | |  | Congratulations to Ward's Kelly Pirone, Lucero Oceguera, and Sarah LaMotta on achieving tenure! (pictured with Principal Franco Miele) | | |
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Green Schools Committee Shares Accomplishments and Recommendations with Board of Education
Student representatives from the City School District of New Rochelle Green Schools Committee gave a presentation at the Board of Education’s (BOE) meeting on Tuesday, outlining the committee’s successes to date and detailing its goals and aspirations for future sustainability improvements in our school district.
The Green Schools Committee is comprised of students, parents, community leaders, faculty, and staff from throughout the district and is led by Jefferson Elementary School Principal Kim Nieves, community volunteer Jennifer Peck, parent Nicole Forman, and NRHS science teacher Carmen Glenn.
The student-led presentation focused on the committee’s many green initiatives, including reducing the use of plastics, advocating for the use of recyclable packaging, increasing green spaces and gardens at our schools, reducing the amount of printed material in the school district, conducting energy audits, and advancing an environmental curriculum in our schools, to name a few.
Senior Peyton Edwards said, “I believe that environmental education should be introduced to our curriculum from an early age. I believe that if something is worth being taught in schools, then more people will start to believe that it is important, especially children. This especially applies to environmental education. Providing environmental education to children will give them a deeper understanding of conflicts we are facing and train them to have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions to address them.”
“By implementing the Green Schools initiative, banning single-use plastics, and bringing back recycling, compost, and garbage bins, we can create a culture of sustainability in our school district,” said senior Darrin Greaves II. “We can set an example for other schools and show our community we are committed to caring for our environment.”
The committee’s goals were reinforced by students who spoke during the public comment portion of the BOE meeting.
The Green Schools Committee will take part in the City of New Rochelle Earth Day Sustainability Festival at Anderson Plaza on Saturday, April 22 from 12 noon – 4 p.m. Learn more about the committee or sign up on our website.
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Students Hear Marine Scientists Discuss
State of the Oceans
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New Rochelle High School Marine Science students last month attended a panel discussion featuring notable marine scientists at Grace Farms in New Canaan.
Headlining the panel was National Geographic Explorer at Large, Sylvia Earle, “arguably the world’s most famous living oceanographer,” according to high school science teacher Carmen Glenn.
The panel also featured a number of young, up-and-coming marine scientists affiliated with the Black in Marine Science organization, which promotes collaboration and leadership for Black marine scientists.
“The panelists talked about how the oceans act as a watchdog: warning humans and protecting us from perils we face from climate change, coral bleaching, ocean acidification and overfishing,” said Ms. Glenn.
Twenty-three New Rochelle juniors and seniors attended and later spoke with some of the panelists.
“It was really fun; it made me realize I really do want to focus my life on marine science,” said junior Ilya Blough. “I learned a lot and was very intrigued the entire time.”
“They were very consistent in their statements about needing to save the oceans and what we can do to save them,” noted senior Javier Martinez.
“Today’s youth are inspiring,” said Ms. Glenn. “They care deeply about the planet and its people. Our trip to Grace Farms gave students a chance to hear from leaders in the field of Marine Science who also focus on inclusion and justice.”
The event was part of the Nature Conservancy’s annual Nature Talks series and featured Dr. Sylvia Earle, marine biologist, oceanographer, president and chairman of Mission Blue, and National Geographic Explorer at Large; Dr. Camille Gaynus, Board Chair of Black in Marine Science; Dr. Elizabeth McLeod, Global Reef Systems Lead at The Nature Conservancy; and Dr. Tiara Moore, Black in Marine Science Program Lead at The Nature Conservancy.
Olivia Vigue, a junior, was impressed with the all-woman panel. “I thought it was all really cool and interesting to hear about all the research all the women were doing. The fact that women have a big place in the field sticks with me,” she said.
“It was an honor to get to hear Sylvia Earle and the other marine biologist’s take on the environmental impacts we have and the importance of conservation,” said junior Joshua Baskett.
“We all depend on ocean health,” said senior Eduarda Gavilanes.
| | | Trout Release Concludes Months-Long Project | | |
After six months of raising trout in a 55-gallon tank in their classroom at Trinity Elementary School, Griselda Pena's fourth grade students and Terri Agravat’s fourth grade STEAM class released the trout fingerlings into the Pocantico River at Rockefeller State Park in Sleepy Hollow earlier this month.
The classes received the 100 brook trout eggs in October, and have cared for the “fry,” helping feed them and monitoring the water quality of the tank while learning about stream ecology, aquatic habitats, watershed protection, trout anatomy and their life cycle.
The months-long study is part of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s Trout in the Classroom program, created to foster sensitivity about the importance of water resources. This is the third year that Trinity students have participated.
Mrs. Agravat said it’s been a big hit among students. “They are excited to come into my classroom each day and see the development of the trout from eggs to fingerlings (young fish),” she said.
For the release, the classes were joined by representatives from New York State Parks and New York City Department of Environmental Protection. “They helped us to acclimate and release the trout into the stream. Students learned about how the trout's needs will be met in their new natural habitat,” said Ms. Pena.
"My favorite part of the trip was when we brought the trout to the river and let them go. I loved that part because the trout were finally home," said Camila Senteno.
Olivia Kurbanova agreed. "My favorite part of the trip was releasing the trout and seeing them in their natural habitat! Just so peaceful!"
The students also observed macroinvertebrates that the trout eat in the wild, such as: caddis fly larva, scuds, and gilled snails and explored a watershed forest on a nature hike.
“This first-hand experience caring for this indicator species helps to foster a sense of environmental stewardship in our students,” said Mrs. Agravat.
| | Bikes at Barnard Add to Phys Ed Program | | |
Physical education classes are on a roll at Barnard Early Childhood Center with the recent arrival of two dozen 12-inch Strider balance bikes.
The bikes are perfect for his K-2 students, said physical education teacher Marc Cohen, helping them develop confidence and coordination.
“They love it. In 28 years of teaching, it’s the best thing I’ve taught kids to do,’ he said. “The beauty of it is that everyone can succeed, no matter what their athletic ability,” he explained. “The kids who are not typically into physical education were smiling and happy. It’s amazing!”
The Strider bikes, which do not have training wheels, help young riders find balance before starting to pedal and introduces them to freedom of riding through a natural progression. The bikes were purchased with the help of the All Kids Bike program, a national organization promoting activity in young students. The kit includes 24 bikes and helmets, an instructor’s bike and an 8-lesson curriculum.
Mr. Cohen said that he assembled the bikes with the help of his son, Stephen, an ALMS seventh grader.
After a few short weeks, the bikes are already having an impact, with one parent emailing Mr. Cohen with the news that her son is now able to ride his two-wheeler at home. “Something we had been trying to get him to do and now he does with ease!” she said.
“The bikes are part of a districtwide initiative to provide experiences for children so that they find something they identify with and will want to live an active lifestyle,” said Tilsa Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Supervisor of Health & Physical Education Pre-K-12. “An experience such as learning to ride a bike as early as kindergarten builds motor skills and full-body sensory awareness. The children are not only learning the essentials of riding a bike, they are also practicing communication skills and social skills,” she said.
Ms. Rodriguez-Gonzalez said that she’s working to get bikes into more schools and is considering adding other programs, such as skating, to physical education classes in the primary grades.
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Learning Life Lessons in Science Research
Most people are aware of Alzheimer’s Disease, and most also know about Down Syndrome. But how many are aware that there is a correlation between the two?
That’s what high school junior Isabella Reyes set out to discover in her science research project last summer.
Following an interest in genetics, Isabella worked with a mentor, Dr. Vanessa Guzman of the Columbia University Medical Center, to investigate the knowledge gap between the correlation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Down Syndrome.
“I was trying to find out what people know or don’t know about this linkage between Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome, which is one of the leading causes of death in individuals with Down Syndrome,” Isabella explains.
While it’s not clear why this link exists, Isabella looked at some factors that will help close the knowledge gap on the issue.
She analyzed 650 responses she received on her Amazon Mturk survey, a crowdsourcing website frequently used for science research projects.
Along with other science research students, Isabella presented her methods and findings at the WESEF competition last month. She received the American Psychology Association award in the Behavioral Analysis category.
Aside from deciding on her project subject, Isabella says the hardest part of the science research class has been finding a mentor. “It took me a while; I got my mentor at the last minute and she was able to help me develop ideas.”
The methods involved in finding a mentor is one of the valuable skills learned in science research. Students must make cold calls, reach out via email and even snail mail to make a connection. And they learn to take rejections.
“It’s all part of the process,” explains science research teacher Jeff Wuebber.
For Isabella, it’s all worth it. “I learned a lot about the time management, dedication and preparation” she says.
“I think that it is an amazing course and would definitely help prepare you for college and beyond because you have so many connections and gain so much knowledge.”
With another summer ahead of her, Isabella is now looking for her next science research project.
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Science Research Course Has Life Changing Impact on Student
When Andrew Rittenberg started looking into projects for his science research class as a sophomore he knew he wanted it to involve space and began to look in the field of astrophysics or theoretical physics. But, after exploring a number of options he found himself drawn to Astrobiology and, using public resources on NASA’s website to access data and research, conducted a statistical analysis on how the human body responded to viral infections while in a microgravity situation. “It’s something that could be useful for space and future civilizations in space,” he explains.
Andrew presented his project via a 12-minute recorded video at the WESEF competition (it was during COVID, so everything was virtual) and placed third in the Computational Biology division, earning an honorable mention at the Genius Olympiad.
“It was interesting, but I didn’t want to pursue that further,” he says. As his junior year got under way, Andrew started looking for another avenue of research.
It was a college visit that changed everything. Drawn to Hartford University’s physics program, which he knew was getting grants from NASA, the young space buff made an appointment with an associate professor in the physics department, Dr. Brian Wells. While there, he was shown around the optical physics lab, a tour that changed everything. “I hadn’t thought about this field, but it was extremely cool,” he said.
“I went back to school and read one of Dr. Wells’ published papers,” said Andrew. He was hooked and asked the professor to be his science research mentor.
The pair developed a research project focusing on the characteristics of polylactic-acid (PLA) for its applications in metamaterials, which Andrew completed last summer. It may have commercial and practical applications to engineer affordable, highly quality optical products and components, he says.
He’s already had acknowledgement of his work, winning the “BASF expanding knowledge in Science '' award at WESEF last month. “It was very cool,” he said.
Now approaching the end of his senior year, Andrew believes he would “like to end up doing more Astrophysics. I’d like to complete this,” he says and is contemplating an offer from Hartford University.
Reflecting on the science research program at New Rochelle High School, Andrew says, “It’s been a long research journey.” And one, he believes, which has had a tremendous impact on his future.
“I really enjoyed it, and I can say that everything that I have achieved in high school I owe to (science research teacher) Mr. Wuebber,” Andrew says.
“I came into the program as an average procrastinating teenage boy and wanted nothing to do with reading. I don’t know where I would be in high school had I not done science research. I’ve made great friends and met kids in other schools on the same intellectual level.
“It’s been really amazing. I will miss it when I leave.”
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Social Studies Department Marks Women’s History Month
In recognition of Women's History Month in March, the New Rochelle High School Social Studies Department hosted two panel discussions last month to foster equity and inclusion and celebrate women of achievement. ,
The panel held on March 24, 2023 focused on Women and their Civic Engagement, highlighting women and their roles within our communities. Guest panelists included State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, New Rochelle Council Member Yadira Ramos-Herbert, school district Board of Education member Roshanie Ross and New Rochelle High School Law & Government teacher Heather Manley.
Panelists provided New Rochelle High School students with insight regarding the roles and responsibilities all community members hold in uplifting and supporting young girls and women's voices in the political sphere. Panelists also spoke about the importance of women activism through elected officials, and the challenges that some of these representatives still face in a male dominated arena.
A week later a second panel highlighted the importance of teaching HERstory and emphasized women's presence in the field of education. Panelists included Dr. Rosa Rivera-McCutchen Professor, Education & Leadership, Lehman College CUNY; Candace Pinn, president of WABSE (Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators); Barbara Davis, co-director of the Westchester Historical Society; NRHS Women Studies Teacher Kristen Saglibene; Piper Genkin, president NRHS Social Studies Honor Society; and Elieen Weisnier, secretary to NRHS Social Studies Honor Society. Panelists provided New Rochelle High School students with insight surrounding the roles, experiences, and contribution of women in history and how Social Studies classrooms can genuinely incorporate HERstory while empowering young girl's voices in the educational and professional fields.
More than 100 students attended each event.
“The goal of the Social Studies Department in bringing these events to New Rochelle High School was to highlight the importance of these narratives while working with the larger community to ensure the conversations regarding women's equity and inclusion are continuously fostered as well as supported,” said Social Studies teacher Kristen Muschio.
“The exclusion of women from history curricula and civic engagement harms all students regardless of gender or gender preference. We must continue to highlight the brilliant role of women, past and present, and whose stories need to be told,” noted Gustavo Barbosa, Social Studies Department chairperson.
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Fair Preps Students for Summer Jobs
About 350 students attended the high school Business Department’s fourth annual job fair last month, meeting with representatives from almost 20 local businesses, clubs, and community organizations.
The event, held in the rotunda around the Whitney Young Auditorium, enabled students to explore a wide range of summer job opportunities from lifeguarding and staffing summer camps to serving frozen custard. New Rochelle Parks and Recreation, Universal Technical Institute, Playland and a number of clubs and summer camps were among the organizations represented.
The fair followed a series of three sessions hosted by members of the Business and Marketing Honor Society, who coached students on how to create a resume, interview skills, and gave them job-hunting tips.
Mckenley Desamours was among the students attending, saying, "When you have the opportunity presented to you, always take it. I look forward to the summer and getting some work experience!"
“The job fair has grown every year since 2019,” said work-experience coordinator Peter Davis, who helped organize the event. The Business Department looks forward to the future growth and success of this event as it's a great opportunity for the students of New Rochelle High School.”
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Pilot Home Visiting Program Kicks Off Next Month
The City School District of New Rochelle will launch a pilot home visitation program for all schools beginning in May. The program is a part of our efforts to reimagine and strengthen family engagement and leverage the power of relationship-driven home visits. The school district is working in collaboration with Parent Teacher Home Visit (PTHV), an organization that successfully implemented similar projects nationally.
PTHV’s core principles, that will be the foundation of our program, include:
1. Visits are voluntary and arranged in advance.
2. Teachers are trained and compensated for visits.
3. Visits focus on hopes and dreams.
4. Educators visit a cross-section of students.
5. Educators go in pairs and reflect.
Each school will have up to four staff members who, in collaboration with their building principals, will select the students they visit. Home visits, which are completed in pairs, are only made after securing the student’s family consent. At the end of the school year, our staff members will review their visits and identify key lessons learned to apply on future efforts.
More information on Parent Teacher Home Visit can be found at www.phtvp.org. If you have questions, please contact Eddie Castro, Director of Family and Community Engagement at ecastro@nredlearn.org.
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Harambee Dancers Visit Jefferson
Jefferson Elementary School students were treated to a visit from the Harambee Dance Company last month, organized by the school’s Multi-Cultural Committee, which works to enrich students with experiences from various cultures through workshops, performances, assemblies, and field trips.
As part of an African American Culture Assembly, the Harambee Dance Company delighted students and staff with African and African American dance, music, and drumming, expanding students’ understanding of dance.
“The group was led by artistic director and choreographer Sandella Molloy, and brought an exciting, energetic performance that was amazing,” said second grade teacher Ural Hogans, who helped organize the visit.
"It was exciting and fun!. I learned some of the history of African dance which was very interesting. I would love to see it again!" said second grader, Amelia C.
Jefferson’s Multi-Cultural Committee has hosted many visitors to promote greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures, including Cumbia for Kids for Hispanic Heritage Month, Incanto Productions for an Italian heritage celebration, and the Redhawk Company for an Indigenous peoples celebration.
Upcoming performances and workshops include Music of the Earth for Earth Day; A Day in Clay, a diverse multicultural ceramic arts program; an Asian American Heritage Assembly for Asian American Month; and Industrial Rhythm with high energy and dance.
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NRHS Students featured in Scholastic Book Clubs video
There are some familiar faces in the video promoting the Scholastic Book Clubs’ Book of the Week, Clubhouse Mysteries: Lost in the Tunnel of Time by Sharon M. Draper. Student Government President Matthew Dodd, a senior, and his brother Malachi Dodd, a junior, joined “The Book Boys” to promote the story about a group of friends who explore a tunnel that was once used as part of the Underground Railroad.
NRHS teacher Ms. Kerry-Ann Reeves is a teacher advisor for Scholastic Books. Their creative producer reached out to her for a recommendation of students to be in the video. She shared the book with Malachi and Matthew, who loved it, and agreed to do the “Brain Break” video.
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Love's Labour's Lost Plays to Sold Out Houses!
Congratulations to the cast, crew, student musicians, and production team of Love’s Labour’s Lost, who performed to sold out audiences throughout their performance weekend! Sample some of the Rising Star cast performance!
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Sabrina’s Murals Bring Color and Joy to CSDNR Buildings
Local artist Sabrina Crowley is bringing an artistic vibe to CSDNR schools and central administration. Crowley, a FIT graduate, originally started out working in technical design and eventually switched gears and ultimately became a muralist after the birth of her second child. She first designed a room for her newborn and wanted to bring something both colorful and enchanting.
“I’ve always been interested in art,” Crowley said. “I loved to draw and paint, pottery and sewing. I was very interested in the hands-on approach.”
Crowley has done many murals at several of our schools, including Trinity, Davis, IEYMS, and even City Hall.
“The murals bring life to our building in new ways (schools with kids and inspiring teachers have life...this just adds another dimension),” said Davis Principal Anthony Bambrola. “Everyone comments on the beautiful artwork when they come into Davis.”
In addition to designing murals in schools, she has also created murals for offices, hospitals and private homes.
“I hope it makes my clients smile and bring joy into any space that I paint a mural in,” Crowley said. “Each client has a feeling they want portrayed when they walk into the room. My goal is to make that feeling come alive.”
For aspiring artists, Crowley says to “explore specific industries or areas of interest that allow you to be creative.”
Crowley’s murals also have intentional aspects that reinforce our values around inclusivity and affirmation of our welcoming environment.
| | | Winter Sports Athletes Recognized for Achievements | | |
Congratulations to the following teams on receiving the Scholar-Athlete Team Award from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association:
Boys Indoor Track
Girls' Indoor Track
Girls' Bowling
Girls Basketball
Boys' Swimming
| | | Kudos to our athletes recognized in their respective sports: | | |
Girls' Basketball
Brianne Foley - All-League
Rylie Rosenberg - All-League, All-Section
Cheerleading
Heaven Brown - All-League
Gwen Cinquemani - All-League
Edison Diggs - All-League
Ava Seward - All-League
Alexandra Torres - All-League
Sydney Thomas - All-League
Swimming
Nathaniel Dower - All-League
Wrestling
Mariella Koufalis - All-League
Matteo Crino - All-League, All-Section
Jonas Torres - All-League, All-Section, Honorable Mention - Journal News
Bernardo Correa - All-League
Sebastian Rdoriguez - All-League
Jerson Ochoa - All-League
Faraz Rasuli - All-League
Wesley Smith - All-League
Taylor Rhett - All-League
DeAndre Woods - All-League, 2nd Team - Journal News
Zaeem Jamsheed - All-Section
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Boys' Basketball
Malik Gasper - All-League. All-Conference, All-Section
Zyon Lord - All-League. All-Conference
Ice Hockey
Jason DeSalvo - All-League, All-Section Honorable Mention
Tyler Hembury - All-League, All-Section Honorable Mention
Boys' Indoor Track
Anderson Krasner - All-League
Esteban Delgado - All-League
Michael Godshall - All-League
Karun Kalamavalavan - All-League
Jackson O'Rourke - All-League
Isaac Maiese - All-League
Girls' Indoor Track
Samantha Delgado - All-League
Kaitlyn Casas - All-League, All-County, All-Section
Melinda Reid - All-League
Alivia Smith - All-League
Alexis Smith - All-County
Kylie Griffith - All-League
Jaelee Hewitt - All-League, All-County
Valentina Wallin - All-League
Sharon Yang - All-League
Rosie Palmer - All-League, All-County, All-Section
Olivia Solomon - All-League, All-County, All-Section
Ariel Esposito - All-Section
Melissa Joseph - All-County
| | Pioneers Celebrate Seniors Night | | |
The New Rochelle High School Pioneers played their last home game this week and came out with a 44-39 victory over White Plains. Following the game, the Pioneers celebrated six graduating senior athletes: Christopher Conte, Salvador Corona, Gabby Irrizarry, Alyssa Padilla, and William Monzon.
Under the direction of Coach Rhonda Boychew, the Pioneers team is looking forward to Spring Games at West Point Military Academy on April 22.
| | Congratulations to our 8th Grade Girls and 5th Grade Boys for Winning Tri-County Championships! | | | |
NRHS Varsity Baseball
Defeated Horace Greeley 3-1
Defeated Rye 13-8
The season is off to a great start!
| | | Spring Softball in South Carolina! | | | |
NRHS Alum Inspires Students with Words of Encouragement
New Rochelle High School alumni and Washington Nationals Pitcher Josiah Gray, the son of Monica Gray who works in our CSDNR Human Resources Department, recently recorded an inspirational message for students. Mr. Gray is an incredible role model on and off the mound and was recently selected as the Official Player Ambassador to the Washington Nationals’ Youth Baseball Academy. You can view his message here: https://youtu.be/rwnASj_CoNQ Thank you, Josiah!
If you happen to be in Washington, D.C. this weekend, Saturday is the Washington Nationals' Josiah Gray Bobblehead Day, when they play the Cleveland Guardians at Nationals Park!
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Hear What Our Students Have to Say On Keeping it Real
New this week - hear about our Green Schools projects!
| | Thank you IEYMS Food Pantry Volunteers! | | |
In partnership with Feeding Westchester, Isaac E. Young Middle School this week hosted a food pantry that provided more than 460 people from 125 families with 8,000 pounds of food. Thank you, volunteers!
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Want to Know What's Going on in the Community? Check Out Our New Events Page!
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Have Good Alumni News To Share?
Email news, updates, photos, and information along with your preferred contact information to mmahaffey@nredlearn.org. Thanks!
| | The City School District of New Rochelle is pleased to distribute this Newsletter during the academic year to highlight news, our students, teachers, staff, programs, innovations, services, and activities. | | City School District of New Rochelle | nred.org | | | | | |
