NRHS Senior Named National Merit Scholar | | |
New Rochelle High School senior Momir I. Petrovic has been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, putting him in the top one percent of students in the country.
Last fall, Momir learned that he had made semi-finalist status in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship program, which recognizes talented high school seniors with outstanding academic achievement.
“Being a finalist is, surprisingly, not as shocking as being a semifinalist. Out of 16,000 semifinalists, 15,000 become finalists,” he noted.
Those finalists go on to compete for 7,280 Merit scholarships worth nearly $28 million, with the cut-off for scores varying from state to state.
High school juniors entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT. The nationwide pool of finalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.
At school, Momir is a board member of the Computer Science Honor Society. He is currently taking some classes at Iona University in advanced game development and discrete math.
Momir is planning on studying computer science in college but hasn’t decided where yet.
“After that I want to get a job as a software developer while pursuing game development as a hobby,” he said.
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TWO AT THE TOP:
Valedictorian and Salutatorian Named
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Congratulations to our newly announced New Rochelle High School 2023 valedictorian Julia Ecker, and salutatorian Leah Shefferman.
Both students expressed gratitude for the recognition and thanked family and New Rochelle faculty for helping them in their achievement.
“New Rochelle has unlimited opportunities, many of which helped me to both explore and further my academic interests,” said Julia.
“I have had a great experience at New Rochelle and feel that I have had access to so many great resources and opportunities, beginning with fantastic teachers and including lots of AP classes and the PAVE program (which has let me pursue my love of music),” said Leah. “The math and science courses I've taken at NRHS definitely sparked my interest in STEM.”
Julia also has a strong interest in science. “I have been a part of Science Research for four years, including pre-science research, which has helped foster and grow my love for science. The science research program has presented incredible opportunities, allowing me to engage in two separate internships with doctors and providing me with experience that will undoubtedly aid me in the future.”
Julia serves as co-president of the New Rochelle United Science Exploration Program, is the president of Ignite - the freshman peer mentoring program at the high school - and serves as co-vice president of Service for the National Honor Society. She is in the Science, Math, English, and Foreign Language Honor Societies.
“I want to thank my parents for their support, my brother for his guidance and tutoring sessions, and all my teachers for their support and always patiently answering my endless questions,” Julia said.
She isn’t yet sure where she will be going to college but plans to study biology and biological or medical anthropology.
Outside of school, she has worked at her temple for seven years, where she is an assistant teacher for Judaics and Hebrew. She is also the president of a local chapter of BBYO, a Jewish youth organization that unites Jewish teens across the world and she tutors with Quaranteen Tutors, a free online tutoring service.
Leah is a drummer and percussionist in the high school’s Jazz and Symphonic bands and is playing drums in the pit for the school musical "Love's Labour's Lost.”
She is on the board of Science Honor Society, Music Honor Society, and Chinese Honor Society, and is also involved in the Math Honor Society.
“Outside of school, I enjoy working with children as the president of Quaranteen Tutors, as a long-time volunteer at Songcatchers, and as a swim instructor,” Leah said.
“I would like to thank my family and friends for always supporting me and being there for me, and my teachers also for being an inspiration and encouraging me to do more,” she said.
Leah is not sure of her college plans at this point but plans on studying a field related to applied mathematics or engineering. “I hope to be able to connect STEM to other areas to solve interdisciplinary problems using math, such as those related to the environment and politics,” she said.
| | Leah (left) and Julia with New Rochelle High School principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles. | |
Westchester Evans Scholars and New Rochelle High School’s Michael Arteaga (above) and Damian Capistran (below) | | |
Caddie Jobs Result in College Scholarship
Two New Rochelle High School students have been awarded a prestigious full housing and tuition grant for college, thanks to their golf caddie jobs.
Seniors Michael Arteaga and Damian Capistran are among four Westchester Evans Scholarships awarded this year, with recipients chosen based on a strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need, and outstanding character, according to an announcement by the Metropolitan Golf Association Caddie Scholarship Fund (MGACSF).
Michael, who caddied at Winged Foot Golf Club, says his parents instilled the importance of education in him at a young age. In the fall, he will begin college at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD, where he plans to study finance.
“During one of my first rounds at Winged Foot, I caddied for a bank executive who inspired me to study the stock market and the economy,” Arteaga says. “He also told me about his humble beginnings and that I could get everything I wanted in life if I put my mind to it and worked hard.”
Damian also caddied at Winged Foot and will attend Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, where he plans to study mechanical engineering.
“The same determination I used to succeed as a caddie will help me become a successful mechanical engineer,” he says.
The Evans Scholarship is valued at more than $125,000 over four years. Scholarship candidates must meet the qualifications of both the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Foundation and the Westchester Golf Association Caddie Scholarship Fund.
“This is an incredible achievement for the recipients whose lives will be transformed by this amazing program,” said John Connor, president of the Westchester Golf Association Caddie Scholarship Fund.
Currently, 1,100 caddies are enrolled at 22 universities across the nation as Evans Scholars, and more than 11,800 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.
| | | | Board Announces New Superintendent | | Dr. Corey W. Reynolds, currently Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, starts new role on July 1, 2023 | | |
A familiar face will take the reins in New Rochelle schools when Superintendent Jonathan P. Raymond leaves the district at the end of June. In what promises to be a seamless transition, the district’s current Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Dr. Corey W. Reynolds, has been selected by the New Rochelle Board of Education as the school district’s next superintendent.
The board unanimously approved a three-year contract with Dr. Reynolds at its March 14 meeting after a two-month search that attracted 37 applications.
“We are excited about Dr. Reynolds’ vision for collaborating with our children, community, and talented teachers and staff to ensure every student is nurtured and supported,” said Board of Education President William Iannuzzi. “The promotion of Dr. Reynolds enables our school district to maintain continuity and stability, and it provides ample time for Dr. Reynolds to be introduced into the role by current Superintendent Jonathan P. Raymond.”
“Dr. Reynolds has a deep understanding of our school district. That, blended with his experience as a teacher, principal, and administrator at several Westchester County school districts, will inspire dynamic new initiatives that will further advance achievement for the whole child,” Mr. Iannuzzi said.
“I look forward to continuing the substantial innovations implemented by Mr. Raymond, as well as partnering with our dedicated faculty, staff, students and community on new strategies that advance academic, social, and emotional learning,” said Dr. Reynolds. “All are vital for career and life readiness. It is important that we, as individuals, have high self-expectations for excellence every day–in every interaction–for the success of our children.”
He will continue his Human Resources responsibilities in upcoming months, while being a voice in school district strategies as he welcomes a transfer of knowledge from Mr. Raymond.
“Dr. Reynolds was one of my first hires when I came to New Rochelle,” said Superintendent Raymond. “I have come to rely upon him for his knowledge, experience, judgment, commitment to New Rochelle, and his love for children. He is going to be an exceptional superintendent.”
Community engagement was an important component of the Board of Education’s selection process. A Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), composed of school district stakeholders from a variety of constituencies, provided guidance and feedback after hearing presentations from the superintendent finalists.
Reynolds offers well-rounded experience working in Westchester County school districts. He started as an elementary school teacher in the Mount Vernon and Greenburgh Central School District schools, and then rose through administrative ranks as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Personnel in Greenburgh, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in the White Plains School District, Assistant Superintendent for Supervision, Curriculum, and Instruction for Elementary Administration in the Yonkers Public Schools, and was an assistant principal and principal for a decade in the Ossining Union Free School District.
Dr. Reynolds is also committed to engaging with the community. He has served on the Leadership Advisory Committee for the Putnam/Northern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services Center for Educational Leadership, and the City of White Plains My Brother’s Keeper Initiative Advisory Board. He also has served as president of the Beta Alpha Alpha Scholarship Foundation, which has donated over $250,000 in scholarships to Black and Latino Westchester County males attending colleges across the country.
Reynolds has a bachelor’s degree in English from Seton Hall University, a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Fordham University, a second master’s degree from the College of New Rochelle in School Administration and Supervision, and a doctorate from Seton Hall in Education Leadership, Management, and Policy.
A webpage introducing Dr. Reynolds has been created on the City School District of New Rochelle website. Visit https://www.nred.org/page/incomingsuperintendent for a full biography and an introductory video.
| | Dr. Reynolds thanked the Board of Education for its faith in his abilities to support students, families, and community. | | |
Board of Education Meeting at Jefferson Elementary School Put Students, Faculty in the Spotlight
City School District of New Rochelle Board of Education members were treated to the sights and sounds of Jefferson Elementary School at their March 14 meeting. During the meeting, two Jefferson teachers were recognized for achieving tenure.
Principal Kim Nieves said, “Reading teacher Christina Vitolo is a talented reading teacher who provides her students with multisensory literacy instruction. She incorporates all of the important elements of literacy into her lessons,” said Ms. Nieves. “Ms. Vitolo has developed meaningful relationships with her students. She is a member of our STEAM team and the safety committee. Ms. Vitolo is committed to supporting Jefferson students leading them to success.”
Principal Nieves also had high praise for Special Education teacher Daniele Prete. “Ms. Prete is a special educator. She works with students in grades 4 and 5, preparing them for middle school. Ms. Prete is gifted in differentiating her instruction. She knows how to meet the needs of her students while pushing them forward to meet grade level standards. Ms. Prete’s students demonstrate significant growth. Ms. Prete is also an active member of the Special Education Parent Teacher Association,” she said.
Ms. Nieves said both newly tenured educators are passionate about their work and have proven their dedication to the Jefferson community.
Following the tenure presentations, the Board of Education and audience members were treated to a dance performance by Jefferson students, poetry readings, and a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” by the Jefferson Tiger Tones.
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Trinity Black History Gallery Walk Inspires Future Leaders
In what may become a new school tradition, a Gallery Walk of Black History took place as the culminating event of Trinity Elementary School’s Black History Month observance.
The gallery walk showcased student responses to books they read, detailing the accomplishments of Black Americans whose valuable contributions have a lasting impact on our lives today.
From a list of stories and activities that centered around the theme, “Continuing to Make History: How Black Americans Impact Our Everyday Lives,” students created responses that illustrated how these individuals have impacted our lives or identified lessons that could be learned from their experiences.
Teachers selected student work for the Gallery Walk on February 28 for an impressive display of student writing and artwork from every grade level.
To engage the Gallery Walk participants, students wrote positive feedback or indicated what they had learned on post-it notes that were then posted on the displays. During class visits, students were all smiles as they gave and received compliments about each other’s work.
Both teachers and students enjoyed the interactive Gallery Walk experience. Second-grade
teacher Ann Marie Manganiello said, “Our class enjoyed learning more about how Black
Americans have and continue to impact our everyday lives. The book titles were unique and the
assignments were thoughtful, intentional, and engaging. It was impactful to see other student’s
work and to read the comments left on the notes near our work.”
The Trinity Gallery Walk was created by the school’s Black History Month committee members,
Adrienne Quinn, Brittany Anderson, James Hardee, Jonathan Harris, Jen Betz, and Maria
Desir.
“Your teamwork and ability to create a meaningful event…has helped start a new tradition of
collaborative learning and celebration at Trinity,” said Assistant Principal Bridget Merturi. “We
are looking forward to continuing this work next year!”
| | Jefferson's Inaugural Computer Science Open House Ignites Student Interest | |
English: https://registration.powerschool.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=36705&culture=en | | |
Summer Stars Exploration 2023 Registration is Open!
City School District of New Rochelle families can now make their summer plans with Summer Stars Exploration 2023. Programming will run from July 5 through August 3 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. for elementary and middle school students. And, Summer Stars Exploration is free!
Summer Stars Exploration students will participate in activities that include college and career exploration, wellness, drumline, majorettes, sports, physical fitness, team building, social emotional learning, mindfulness, arts, coding, and more! The program includes free transportation, lunch and a snack.
Summer opportunities will be offered at Jefferson, Columbus, and Ward Elementary Schools. All CSDNR students are eligible to participate, regardless of their home school. Students will be placed according to their home zones. All middle school students will be placed at NRHS.
Don’t miss your chance to participate! Registered families will be selected by lottery and will be notified of placement by email. Families can then accept or deny the placement. If needed, families will be placed on a wait list.
| | | | High School Students Get Practical Lessons on the Law | | |
Twelve New Rochelle High School students from Gary Weed’s college Business Law class took part in the annual Street Law Conference hosted by the Verizon legal team and Pace Law School at the Elizabeth Haub School of Law in White Plains.
Street Law is a global, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with more than 40 years of experience developing classroom and community programs that educate young people about law and government. Each year, a school from the region is selected to participate in the program.
The conference featured three workshops: Advertising law, Immigration Law, and First Amendment Rights. It was the capstone event for the class, and was preceded by several other in-person activities highlighting aspects of the legal profession. In February and March, participants from the Verizon legal team and Pace Law students visited Mr. Weed’s class, delivering engaging seminars on advertising, immigration law and contract law.
The students also went to Pace Law School to participate in a Legal Careers Conference, which included hands-on workshops with real-world, project-based learning experiences.
The students clearly valued the experiences, with several expressing an interest in the legal profession, noting that the visits gave them a better understanding of what is involved.
Junior Manahel Shuja said, “The visit to Pace Law allowed me to participate in activities that enhance my knowledge and understanding of what the life of a law student is like, as well as what a lawyer does on a daily basis. The whole experience was a very fun and unique one. I really enjoyed it.”
For Ke’Shawn Walker, also a junior, “the experience was fantastic! I was able to get a better understanding of how to go about preparing for a career in law not only by participating in the day’s workshops, but by getting the opportunity to speak with current law school students as well as lawyers currently in practice.”
| | Students presenting their arguments at Pace in a 4th Amendment Moot Court Case. Photo Law 1, from left, Jorge Navarro and Jenna Manahel Shuja. Photo Law 2 from left: Basil Mathai, Auturo Mendez, Joseph Oliva, and Adea Celaj. | | New Rochelle High School College Business Law students at the Street Law Conference with Verizon legal team members, Pace Law students and faculty. | | NRHS Students Attend Annual Human Rights Institute for High School Leaders | |
Student Research Project in the Clouds
In some ways, New Rochelle High School junior Devin Riebe has Covid to thank for helping him find his area of study in his Science Research course. During the lockdown, he started collecting NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and learned about blockchain technology, where NFTs are stored. One thing led to another and Devin developed an interest in data storage.
“With my experience with the blockchain I found it interesting, and my curiosity built. I wanted to see how to expand on it in everyday life,” he explained.
Devin was fortunate to have a family friend familiar with the field and asked IT Specialist Brad Easton, who works at the Department of Defense, to be his mentor and they came up with a project to compare digital storage methods: blockchain technology vs. the more commonly used cloud storage.
His proposal won him recognition before he even started. As a sophomore, Devin presented his project at a science research competition at Somers High School and won first place in the Computer Science Category.
Last summer, Devin got to put the project into action and he decentralized data storage using blockchain technology, applied it to real-world situations and compared it to cloud storage.
“I tested the two systems by storing different size files and then tested the two systems with electronically generated files. I have collected the speed, cost, and security of different size file types (thousands of times),” he said.
After all that, he determined that cloud storage is, for now, easier to use and more efficient, especially for short term storage. “That might change and things evolve,” he cautions.
The whole experience has been very fulfilling for Devin, who plans to pursue another research project next summer.
“It’s a great experience,” he said. “I don’t know how college is exactly, but it feels like it might be like what science research offers.”
He recommends that students take the pre-Science Research course as freshman to get a feel for the program. “Whether you are interested in science or not. It’s a wide open field.”
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Science Research Student Stands Out in Albany
High school senior and science research student Aviva Segal brought home a silver medal from the Upstate Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) in Albany earlier this month, placing second in the competition’s Environmental Science category.
Aviva studied manganese toxicity in horseshoe crab eggs in beach habitats as part of her three-year science research course. She evaluated the toxicity threshold at which horseshoe crab eggs fail to thrive.
The horseshoe crab population is in decline, she explained, adding that this is a matter of concern to both ecologists and the pharmaceutical industry, as horseshoe crab blood is used in some vaccines. Horseshoe crab eggs are also an important part of the marine shore ecology and are a vital food source for the red knot, a migratory shorebird.
“Manganese is very toxic to horseshoe crabs,” said Aviva, explaining that the element is seen in increasing amounts in the environment. “Manganese is in a lot of cleaning products, batteries, and pesticides,” she said. “And incineration of these products results in its spread along beach habitats.”
Aviva worked with a mentor from Hofstra University’s Department of Ecology, Dr. Nicholas Santangelo.
The first part of her science research investigated whether other environmental stresses enhanced the horseshoe crab egg’s susceptibility to manganese (it did) and her most recent research determined the level at which manganese toxicity adversely impacts horseshoe crab populations. “One part per million appears to be the limit,” she said.
Aviva will attend Tufts University next fall where she plans to study environmental science.
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Congressional Art Competition Seeks
High School Entries
The office of Congressman Jamaal Bowman is encouraging New Rochelle High School students to submit entries to the national 2023 Congressional Art Competition, which recognizes artistic talent around the nation.
Entries of original artwork are encouraged from high school students who either reside or attend high school within New York’s 16th Congressional District from grades 9-12.
The winning student will have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year and may have the opportunity to travel to the Capitol for a Congressional Art Reception. The second and third place winners will have their artwork displayed in Congressman Bowman’s district offices.
Submissions will be accepted until May 5, 2023 through the online submission form. All submissions must include a completed Privacy Release Form and a digital release form. Full details can be found here.
| | The winning artwork from NY-16 in 2022 | | |
Parents See What’s Hidden In Plain Sight
An interactive presentation titled Hidden in Plain Sight was held on March 1 at the high school’s Linda E. Kelly Theatre to alert parents and guardians about the risks of drugs and alcohol use among young people.
Presented by middle school and high school Student Assistance counselors Pina Palmisano and Nicolette Loaiza, the talk to more than 40 parents gave them the opportunity to see what drug paraphernalia may look like and how to recognize the signs of alcohol and drug use.
“Hidden in Plain Sight is a dynamic, interactive presentation to educate about how young people can conceal their alcohol, vaping, and other drug use by setting it up in a mock bedroom,” said Ms. Palmisano. “Parents have the opportunity to see what items may look like as well as receive education about the risks of using these drugs and alcohol.”
During the talk, parents are also given tips on talking with their children and are provided with resources of support available in the community.
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Apiary Coming to
New Rochelle High School
In the next couple of months there’ll be an extra buzz around the high school when two beehives will be installed – complete with queens and worker bees – on a hill near
House 4.
The hives are the result of an independent study project by high school senior Ashley Valencia after she took her AP Biology exam as a junior.
“My teacher, Dr. (Patrick) Cushing gave me the idea and has been so encouraging through the whole process,” said Ashley. “He has been the best teacher and advisor to help make this possible.”
After discovering that Mamaroneck High School had some bees, as well as nearby neighbors to New Rochelle High School, Ashley was on a mission. “I did some research and it really sparked an interest in bees and and how they could help our own garden and greenhouse,” she said.
Ashley created a very thorough proposal in which she argued that “the apiary can be used as a learning environment for science classes and the Garden Club,” she said. “It will provide an environment where students can learn hands-on how to care for bees and their lifestyle and produce honey.”
She said she chose the siting of the hives very carefully – both for the health of the bees and for the school community. “They’ll be placed on the way to House 4 on a hill across from Huguenot Lake. It will be nice and quiet for the bees, not too distracting for the school, and yet accessible and close to the school garden, where the bees can pollinate.”
Both the high school principal, Dr. Dagoberto Artiles, and the district superintendent, Jonathan P. Raymond, have been very supportive of the project, Ashley said.
The honey won’t be available until the bees have been in place for about a year and have adapted to their new environment, Ashley explained.
Although she won’t be in school after this year, she has a succession plan in mind.
“My sister will be a freshman next year, and the Garden Club will be there to take care of them and possibly harvest the honey,” she said.
Ashley is on the executive board of the high school’s Garden Club, which typically attracts 40-50 students at its monthly meetings. “The bees will be a big asset to our garden,” she said.
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Tutor.com Student Testimonial
NRHS senior Brianna Paul is one of many students discovering the value of the free online tutoring system Tutor.com.
“I’ve used it almost every day, particularly in math,” she said. Math department chairperson Xiomara Gonzalez told the student it would be helpful when she couldn’t schedule time to attend the math department’s extra help.
“Tutor.com was extremely helpful, whenever–like at 11 pm at night!” Brianna said. “It is really good for math; it's a really nice tool,” adding that she particularly liked being able to speak to the tutor, rather than just using the chat feature.
“It gives you a lot of time (almost 40 minutes),” Brianna said, adding she also used Tutor.com for college applications. “It gave help on scholarship and college statements,” she said. “They have everything on there!”
Tutor.com has more than 3,000 tutors in more than 250 subjects, ready to help any and all CSDNR students, 24-7.
To connect with Tutor.com, students should sign into their district device, go to their ClassLink platform and click on the Tutor.com icon. They will be immediately connected to a live tutor. On a non-school district device, sign into the launchpad and then click the Tutor.com icon.
Questions: email ecastro@nredlearn.org.
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New Rochelle Featured in Mercy College Handbook
The New Rochelle City School District has long had a relationship with Mercy College’s Center for STEM Education and some of our teachers have become an important part of the initiative.
In its recently published 2022: Year in Review, the Mercy College Center for STEM Education highlights Trinity Elementary School’s STEM programs, which Terri Agravat and Johanna Vasquez presented at the National Marine Educator Association at Hofstra University last July.
They are also noted, together with Anny Vanegas, for their work with FLORES (see page 11.)
New Rochelle students of all grades participating in Mercy College’s Saturday STEM Academy are also featured in the publication.
| | | | It’s Spring Sports Season! | | |
Boys Varsity Lacrosse
3/24 New Rochelle vs. Ossining
3/27 New Rochelle at Edgemont
3/30 New Rochelle vs. Nyack
4/04 New Rochelle at Clarkstown North
4/11 New Rochelle at Roosevelt
4/14 New Rochelle vs. Pelham
4/18 New Rochelle at Eastchester
4/20 New Rochelle vs. Harrison
4/24 New Rochelle at Mamaroneck
4/26 New Rochelle vs. Dobbs Ferry
4/29 New Rochelle vs. Croton-Harmon
5/02 New Rochelle vs. Scarsdale
5/04 New Rochelle at Clarkstown South
5/10 New Rochelle vs. White Plains
5/12 New Rochelle vs. Irvington
5/16 New Rochelle vs. Nanuet
Girls Varsity Lacrosse
4/25 New Rochelle at John Jay
4/27 New Rochelle vs. Harrison
Boys Varsity Baseball
4/01 New Rochelle vs. Roy C. Ketcham
4/04 New Rochelle at John Jay
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Boys Varsity Tennis
4/12 New Rochelle vs. Harrison
5/02 New Rochelle at Harrison
Girls Varsity Softball
4/22 New Rochelle vs. Roy C Ketcham
Boys Varsity Golf
4/24 Boys Varsity Golf vs. Valhalla
New Rochelle Pioneers Basketball
3/30 New Rochelle vs. Mamaroneck
4/13 New Rochelle vs. White Plains (Senior Day)
4/20 New Rochelle at Mt. Vernon
4/26 New Rochelle at Port Chester
5/02 New Rochelle at White Plains
New Rochelle Pioneers Track
4/15 Time trials at Mahopac
4/22 Spring games at West Point
6/9-6/11 Summer games at Ithaca
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The week of March 13th was the annual
Author's Week at Davis!
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The school welcomes authors each year to come visit with the students about their books, how to generate ideas, and the writing life.
On Tuesday, March 14th, Davis welcomed author Bruce Coville to meet with third, fourth, and fifth grade students in separate assemblies. Mr. Coville is known for many popular titles, including Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher, The Unicorn Chronicles, and the My Teacher is an Alien series. He talked to the students about enhancing their story writing with sensory details, character emotions, and "showing, not telling."
"Having Bruce here was great. He's such an experienced children's writer," said Davis Principal, Anthony Bambrola. "It's crazy, though, how his visit comes full circle for me. He came to my elementary school when I was ten years old, as well."
And then on Thursday, March 16th, Davis kindergarten, first and second graders welcome author Laurie Keller. Ms. Keller has written popular children's books such as, Arnie the Doughnut and The Scrambled States of America. Ms. Keller took each grade through a drawing activity during their assembly. where students learned how to make our character expressions come alive with subtle details.
Second grade student, Millie Black, enjoyed the visit and Kelller's books - "Her books are interesting and colorful. I like Arnie the Doughnut - it's so funny!"
The annual events are organized in partnership between the dedicated volunteers of the Davis PTA, along with the Davis reading staff and school librarian, Tara DeRubeis. "Davis is incredibly fortunate to have authors come to visit every year. This opportunity is very exciting for students and staff alike. Being able to hear the struggles that real authors have allows us all to realize that writing can be very enriching and exciting. The author visits are highly anticipated events here at Davis."
| | Davis hosted our annual Author's Week last week, with school visits by authors Laurie Keller (K-2) and Bruce Coville (3-5). | |
What is the best use of our increased
Foundation Aid and ESSER funding?
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We are gathering input from parents, teachers, and other stakeholders as we develop a plan to use our increased Foundation Aid from New York State and our federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. Our ESSER grant was awarded through the Education Stabilization Fund established by Congress to “prevent, prepare for, and respond to” COVID-19.
Allowable uses of the funds include:
- Supporting physical health and safety, such as developing strategies and implementing public health protocols including, to the greatest extent practicable, policies in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Meeting students’ social, emotional, mental health, academic, and other needs; and
- Operational continuity and other allowed uses.
We encourage all community members to answer these two questions. The school district will review and consider your responses as part of our budget development.
| | | Hear What Our Students Have to Say On Keeping it Real | |
Want to Know What's Going on in the Community? Check Out Our New Events Page!
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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 | | | | | |
