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Budget 2017 NEWSLETTER

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Superintendent of SchoolsMichael M. Brooks

Board of EducationPresident

William Bell

Vice-PresidentSusan Horton

TrusteesRussell Conley

James KuhaFrank Milazzo

JoAnn ReedJeffrey Walker

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Continued on page 2

Story and photos, page 4

Seven “sled dogs” help one musher up a hill during Marlboro Elementary School’s “IKIDerod” event this spring.

The Marlboro Central School District is presenting voters with a $56,736,857 budget

that refl ects a decrease in the tax levy. Voters will decide on the spending plan on Tuesday, May 16 at the former Milton Elementary School. Polls will be open from 6 AM to 9 PM. The election of three members to the Board of Education will also be on the ballot.

“We had a responsibility to be respectful of taxpayers’ limits, while at the same time remaining focused on the academic needs of our students,” Superintendent Michael Brooks said about balancing this year’s budget. “We feel we’ve developed a proposal that enhances opportunities for children, but also maintains our long-term fi scal stability.”

REDUCES TAX LEVY The tax levy is the total amount of taxes needed to support the budget. The proposed budget decreases the tax levy by 0.81 percent and meets the criteria of the New York State tax cap formula for a simple majority voter approval. This is the second consecutive year that the District has faced a negative tax cap and the third year in a row that there has been a reduction to the tax levy.

Tax Levy Decreases Under Proposed Budget: Focus on Academics and Preserving Economic Stability

Over the past several years, the loss of revenues from the Dynegy revaluation has posed major challenges to the budget development process. Fortunately, the impact of the tax shift is stabilizing as a result of State Aid payments catching up to the loss in the tax base. This is helping to offset the local impact of the Dynegy revaluation.

The tax rate increase for the 2017-2018 school year is estimated to be 2.71 percent. This increase is solely attributed to the continuing court-ordered devaluation of the Roseton facility.

Annual Event Encourages Teamwork Among MES Students

Continued on page 7

Marlboro High School Presents

The Addams FamilyThey’re creepy and they’re kooky,

mysterious and…talented! Kudos to the Marlboro High School Drama Club, who performed The Addams Family for audience members this past March. Written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, the musical comedy is based on characters created by Charles Addams in his single-panel gag cartoons, which depict a ghoulish family with an affi nity for all things macabre.

As quirky as they are, they still have to face many of the same challenges as any other fam-ily. In the show, the Addams kids are growing up and Wednesday has fallen in love with

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$90 MCSD Historical Levies and Tax Rates

levy Marlborough Tax Rate Plattekill Tax Rate Newburgh Tax Rate

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2009-2010 2010-2011 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2011-2012 2017-2018

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Continued from page 1

WHAT WOULD A CONTINGENCY BUDGET MEAN?

This year’s tax levy formula once again created some unusual circumstances. Marlboro was one of a few school districts from across New York State

whose levy limit formula created an unpredicted negative tax cap number.Under contingency rules, should a district fail to gain voter approval on its

budget, it may place a second budget before voters in June. Should this budget also fail, a district must adopt a contingency budget.

Interestingly, rules under the tax cap legislation state that a contingency budget must have a zero increase in the tax levy. Since Marlboro’s proposed tax levy is already below zero, this would mean the tax levy could technically be increased from (0.81) to zero percent. However, under a contingency budget, some local control over the types of expenses the District can make are also lost.

In this year’s case, meeting the contingency guidelines would result in the removal of $55,000 worth of equipment expenditures and would require the District to charge outside groups for use of its facilities.

PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTSA variety of program enhancements and opportunities for students are included in the proposed budget, while still providing taxpayers with a decrease in the levy. The District is constantly evaluating its academic programs to identify what areas can be improved to help strengthen student performance. Enhancements supported by the 2017-2018 budget proposal include:• The addition of a part-time Math teacher and a full-time Reading/Literacy

Specialist to address instructional support gaps in Grades 7-12.

• The addition of a Library Media Specialist to support the growing use ofonline/digital media, as well as the District’s ongoing technology initiative.

• The addition of a full-time Social Worker at the Elementary School.

• The addition of a new swimming physical education unit at the High Schooland planetarium visits for the Elementary School.

• The improvement of safety and security through the addition of a SchoolResource Offi cer, assigned to the Middle School.

• The introduction of Board Docs, an online portal that would provide the publicwith easy access to Board of Education documents, including school boardagendas, minutes, and policies.

Workshop Day Inspires Middle School Students Marlboro Middle School (MMS) students took a

break from their normal routines to participate in a

schoolwide Workshop Day on March 3.

The event featured a variety of hands-on, teacher-led

workshops that focused on technology, wellness, and

team building. Students were engaged as they tried their

hands at programming robots, worked together to design

Rube Goldberg machines, rolled up their sleeves to make

culinary creations, competed against each other in games

of chess, and much, much, more.

According to MMS Principal Debra Clinton, the

purpose of the event, which took place the morning of a

Superintendent’s Conference Day (a half day for students),

was to take a step away from daily classroom activities,

giving students an opportunity to try new things, recharge

their batteries, and become reinspired by learning.

“Teachers came up with

the ideas for the workshops

and students were given

the choice of which

three to attend,” Clinton

explained. “It was a huge

undertaking. It required a

lot of hard work, planning,

and collaboration but in

the end, it really paid off .

Students were learning and

having fun.”

Clinton hopes to make

the event an annual one at

the school.

Marlboro Middle School students watch a video of themselves successfully testing a Rube Goldberg machine they created during Workshop Day.

Marlboro Middle School students have fun with ozobots, small, programmable robots that respond to different colored markers, during one workshop.

Marlboro Middle School students use science, math, and reading skills to break into a locked box during one workshop, led by English teacher Chelsea Wolfert (standing at left).

Marlboro Middle School students work together to build towers out of dry pasta and marshmallows during one workshop.

OTHER FACTORSThe single largest factor impacting expenses is an increase in contractual obligations. Payroll costs, including mandated New York State retirement system contributions, and increases in health insurance costs account for the majority of increased expenses. Special education costs are also up, which is the result of an increase in out-of-district placements and related services.

ADDITIONAL REVENUES AND SAVINGSAn infusion of additional revenues is helping to offset the 4.21 percent budget increase, while also reducing the tax dollars needed to support expenditures.

This year, the District has received a signifi cant increase in State Aid revenue. For 2017-2018, the District is slated to receive $16,717,455 in State Aid, compared

to the $13,747,368 allocated to Marlboro for the current year. This increase, along with the implementation of various fi scal management strategies, was a factor in developing the proposed budget.

In addition, two retirements have been announced, which will generate some savings since it is likely that new hires will start at a lower salary than the veteran staff they are replacing.

Last year, the District refi nanced the 2006 elementary school renovation project, a move that decreased the debt service and will save a total of $1.8 million over the next 11 years. A change in the way fuel costs are budgeted for has also generated additional savings for the District.

Marlboro plans to use $3,758,926 of its fund balance to further reduce taxpayer cost. The fund balance refl ects the difference between a district’s revenues and fi nal expenses at the end of each fi scal year.

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Dear Community Members:

Iam pleased to present you with the proposed 2017-2018 school budget. Please review the information in this newsletter as you prepare to participate

in the budget vote and school board election. In developing the budget proposal, the Board of Education and our administrative team used the following goals as a focal point:

• Continued academic excellence• Long-term fi scal responsibility• Public transparency of District and Board of Education operations

A collective group of educational staff and Board of Education members worked for the past few months to craft this budget. We believe that we have found a careful balance of responsibility and excellence, which ensures we are continuing to provide a high-quality program for our children.

Our challenging academic programs, quality arts off erings, and high-achieving athletic teams are a source of pride for this community. We are preserving these important programs in this budget.

The children of Marlboro continue to achieve, advance, and impress us each and every day in their academic pursuits, their performance in the arts, and their excellence in athletic competition.

Sincerely,

Michael M. BrooksSuperintendent of Schools

Message from the Superintendent

Budget VoteTUESDAY, MAY 16

6 AM to 9 PM

Milton Elementary School

At Marlboro High School (MHS), if they can imagine it, they can build it. That’s

because students—like those in Thomas Fassell’s Engineering & Robotics class—have access to a 3D printer and they are using it in some fun and creative ways.

Senior Connor Corrado recently spent weeks designing, printing, and building a remote-controlled airplane out of mostly 3D printing plastic. Meanwhile, sophomore Dalton Stephens teamed up with senior Joseph Parker to design and build a replica of a storm trooper helmet (from the popular Star Wars franchise) out of a stronger, more fl exible material.

Connor said working on his project was a rewarding experience. “The best part was throwing [the plane] up and watching it fl y,” he explained.

This science elective course is offered to MHS students in Grades 10, 11, and 12. Fassell said he is proud of his students, who are successfully using technology to manufacture different things.

“I’m glad they have the opportunity to work on projects like these,” he shared.

3D Printer Helps Turn High School Students into Engineers

Marlboro High School senior Connor Corrado shows off the remote-controlled airplane he built using a 3D printer.

Marlboro High School sophomore Dalton Stephens (left) and senior Joseph Parker work together to build a storm trooper helmet out of parts made in a 3D printer.

This year, one hundred percent of Anne Casey’s College English students passed the SUNY Ulster

competency exam, making them eligible to receive three transferable college credits. To celebrate, the English Department at Marlboro High School hosted an event during which students mingled over refreshments before sharing their portfolios – a collection of their revised writing from the entire course – with teachers, family members, and friends.

From l.-r.: Marlboro High School seniors Yazeed Haidaoui, William Bernicker, and Marc Melita compare culminating projects from their College English course.

Students’ Writing Talent on Display During Annual Celebration

Teacher of the MonthCongratulations to Marlboro Middle School English teacher Hayden Carlin, who was recently named “Teacher of the Month” by the radio station Q92.1. Carlin was nominated by Elizabeth Lofaro, a Grade 8 student. “It means a lot,” Carlin said about the honor. “I’m glad [Elizabeth] felt strongly enough about my teaching to take time out of her busy schedule to do this for me.”

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STAR Exemption Program Continues

The School Tax Relief (STAR) program that was passed by the

Legislature in 1997 to provide Basic and Enhanced school tax relief for owner-occupied primary residences is continued under the New York State budget.

Existing homeowners will continue to see the relief in the form of an actual reduction in their property tax bills, while new homeowners, or those who have recently moved, will pay their

full tax bill and receive a refund check directly from New York State.

Owner-occupied primary residences where the owners’ total income is less than $500,000 are eligible for STAR.

The Basic STAR exemption is offered to all property owners on their owner-occupied primary residences. Homeowners who are aged 65 or older who meet income criteria are eligible for even greater tax savings through the Enhanced STAR exemption. Seniors must apply for Enhanced STAR each year.

For more information, contact your local assessor or visit www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/index.htm.

Annual Event Encourages Teamwork

Among MES Students

Grade 5 students at Marlboro Elementary School (MES) recently participated in a fun activity simulating the

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, held in Alaska each March. During the appropriately named “IKIDerod,” teams of students raced around the school fi eld on handmade wooden sleds, stopping at diff erent checkpoints along the way.

According to Grade 5 teacher, Michele Onusko, this is the 15th year that MES students have participated in this event. She explained that the classes spend time studying Alaskan climate, geography, and culture, as well as the history of the Iditarod. By using technology to track the real race online, the students get to know the mushers (the individuals who drive the sleds) and their dogs.

Onusko says the race simulation allows students to see what its like to be a part of a dogsled team. Each team included one musher and about eight "sled dogs." Mushers were responsible for feeding and watering their "sled dogs" at each checkpoint and putting on and removing dog booties to protect "paws." There was even a vet check along the way.

“The goal of this unit and the culminating event is to help children understand the character traits that it takes to become a successful team member and student,” Onusko said. “Integrity, diligence innovation, teamwork, attitude, respect, optimism, and determination.”

A team of students work together during the IKIDerod to learn what it’s like being part of a dogsled team.

Grade 5 students from Marlboro Elementary School participate in an event simulating Alaska’s Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

Continued from page 1

Members of the Marlboro Central School

District community came together for

an evening of music, dance, food, and culture

as they celebrated Marlboro Middle School’s

13th annual Diversity Night on April 5. The

purpose of the event was to educate students,

parents, and community members about the

diff erent cultures that are represented throughout

the District.

Guests mingled in the school’s cafeteria as they

sampled foods from around the world. Culturally

diverse cuisines from Italy, Poland, Russia, Costa Rica,

Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Jamaica, and England

were all on the menu thanks to the hard work of

Middle School students and their families. Colorful

and informative exhibits were on display at many of

the tables, allowing guests to learn more about the

art, music, and culture of the countries where some

of their favorite foods originated.

Visitors also gathered in the school’s gymnasium, where entertainment was provided

by the Marlboro Central School District Jazz Band and Madeline’s Dance Studio.

District Comes Together to Celebrate Diversity

� Marlboro High School students NatashaBorchert (left) and Ariana Brown (right) minglewith Marlboro Elementary School studentAbigail DeBenedictus.

Marlboro Middle School students and staff serve up homemade Italian zeppole during Diversity Night on April 5.

Grade 6 student Eva Carbone and her grandmother serve meatballs to Grade 6 student Amelia Seager.

Grade 6 student Jenna Calabrese and her mother, Donna, check in on their delicious creation.

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Are You Qualifi ed to Vote?In order to be eligible to vote you must be:

n18 years of age or older.

nA citizen of the United States.

n A resident of the Marlboro Central School Districtfor at least 30 days prior to the vote.

Absentee BallotsAbsentee Ballots are available for residents who are unable to vote at the polls on Tuesday, May 16.

For more information, please contact the District Clerk at the Administrative Offi ces, 21 Milton Turnpike, Suite 100, Milton or at 845-236-5803.

2017-2018 Proposed Budget AvailableCopies of the 2017-2018 proposed budget are available at all of the District’s buildings, as well as at the Marlboro Free Library and the Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library in Milton. Stop by one of the following school offi ces to obtain a copy:

n MarlboroElementary School

nMiddle School

ABOUT VOTING

Your Local Assessors Town of Marlborough (845) 795-5049

Town of Plattekill (845) 883-7331 Town of Newburgh (845) 564-4550

Basic STAR Exemption Impact Under the Budget Proposed for the 2017-2018 School Year

Estimated Basic STAR Exemption Savings1 $ 8771The basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption is authorized by section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law.

Esti

“Shall the Board of Education be authorized to expend the sum of $56,736,857 to meet the estimated expenditures for the 2017-2018 school year and to levy the necessary tax therefor?”

TRUSTEE FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION (Three (3) – 3-Year Positions) - Vote for Three (3)

Susan Horton

YES NO

John Cantone

BUDGET PROPOSITIONSample Ballot

The annual budget vote for the fi scal year 2017-2018 by the qualifi ed voters of the Marlboro Central School District, Ulster County, New York, will be held at the Milton Elementary School in said district on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 between the

hours of 6:00 am and 9:00 pm, prevailing time, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting ballot or machine.

** List Separate Propositions that are not included in the Total Budgeted Amount: (Tax Levy associated with educational or transportation services propositions are not eligible for exclusion and may aff ect voter approval requirements)

Description Amount

No Separate Propositions

* Provide a statement of assumptions made in projecting a contingency budget for the 2017-18 school year, should the proposed budget be defeated pursuant to

Section 2023 of the Education Law.

Tax Relief Programs Help Reduce Burden on Veterans, Disabled & Senior Citizens

The Disability and Senior Citizen School Tax Exemption, as well as

the Veterans Exemption, as described in the New York State Real Property Tax Law, remains in effect and continues to be supported by the Marlboro Central School District Board of Education.

Under these programs, tax relief will again be provided to qualifying individuals for the 2017-2018 school year. This is accomplished by exempting a portion of the assessed value of qualifying individuals’ residential property. To participate in the exemption programs, individuals must meet certain qualifi cations, and an application must be submitted with the local assessor’s offi ce and renewed annually.

For more information, contact your local assessor’s offi ce.

nHigh School

n AdministrativeOffi ces

James Kuha

Overall Budget Proposal Budget Adopted for the 2016-17

School Year

Budget Proposed for the 2017-18

School Year

Contingency Budget for the 2017-18

School Year *

Total Budgeted Amount, Not Including Separate Propositions $ 54,445,926 $ 56,736,857 $ 56,681,857

Increase/Decrease for the 2017-18 School Year $ 2,290,931 $ 2,235,931

Percentage Increase/Decrease in Proposed Budget 4.21% 4.11%

Change in the Consumer Price Index 1.26%

A. Proposed Levy to Support the Total Budgeted Amount $ 34,225,463 $ 33,948,733

B. Levy to Support Library Debt, if Applicable $ 0 $ 0

C. Levy for Non-Excludable Propositions, if Applicable ** $ 0 $ 0

D. Total Tax Cap Reserve Amount Used to Reduce Current Year Levy $ 0 $ 0

E. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy (A + B + C - D) $ 34,225,463 $33,948,733

F. Total Permissible Exclusions $ 2,749,205 $ 1,312,627

G. School Tax Levy Limit, Excluding Levy for Permissible Exclusions $ 31,476,258 $ 32,636,106

H. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy, Excluding Levy to Support Library Debt and/or Permissible Exclusions (E - B - F + D)

$ 31,476,258 $ 32,636,106

I. Diff erence: G – H (Negative Value Requires 60.0% Voter Approval – See Note Below Regarding Separate Propositions) **

$ 0 $ 0

Administrative Component $ 4,496,084 $ 4,941,388 $ 4,930,888

Program Component $ 40,966,903 $ 42,650,099 $ 42,634,099

Capital Component $ 8,982,938 $ 9,145,371 $ 9,116,871

School District Budget Notice

The proposed budget levy is less than the potential contingent budget levy. The proposed levy is a 0.81% reduction from last year’s levy. A contingent budget levy could

remain the same as last year’s levy, an increase of $276,730 compared to the proposed budget levy. A contingent budget would result in the removal of $55,000 worth of

equipment expenditures and would require the district to charge outside groups for facilities usage.

BUDGET VOTE • TUESDAY, MAY 166 AM – 9 PM • MILTON ELEMENTARY

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Marlboro High School (MHS) has named its Top 10 students—including its

valedictorian and salutatorian—of the Class of 2017. These students reached the highest level of achievement, not only in academics, but also in an array of athletic and extracurricular endeavors.

Valedictorian William Conti leads his class with a grade point average (GPA) of 101.985. During his tenure at MHS, William was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Student Government, and Science Olympiad. He also played JV Baseball and Golf, earning himself a MHAL Scholar Athlete Award this year.

William, who holds a part-time job at the Ship Lantern Inn, is the son of Laurie Bewick and Andrew Conti of Marlborough. He will attend Northeastern University in the fall, where he plans to study business administration. He hopes to one day have a career in fi nance.

The second highest-ranking graduate and salutatorian of the Class of 2017 is Marc Melita. An active member of his school community, Marc serves as historian of the National Honor Society and belongs to the Spanish Honor Society and Link Crew. He is also a member of the Science Olympiad and Mock Trial teams and has played Tennis since his sophomore year.

Marc, who earned an impressive 100.380 GPA, has received many Scholar Awards throughout his time at MHS and has spent his summers working at Rocking Horse Ranch in nearby Highland.

Marc will be attending SUNY New Paltz in the fall, where he will study mathematics. He plans on eventually transferring to another school to continue on his path towards becoming an actuary. He is the son of Teresa and Ernest Melita of Marlborough.

Along with announcing the valedictorian and salutatorian, MHS also named its next eight high-achieving academic students. They are: Jennifer Herd, Erin Flynn, Isaac Allen, Julie Truncali, Claude Stephens, Jacob Dreyer, Catherine Ramos, and Nicholas Mackey.

High School Names its Top Students

Marlboro High School valedictorian William Conti (right) and salutatorian Marc Melita.

Student Artists Earn National RecognitionMarlboro High School art teachers Emeline Hastings and Amy Tremblay

are proud to announce that three of their students received gold and

silver medals in this year’s National Scholastic Art & Writing competition.

Senior Sophia Fulgoni won gold and silver medals in the photography

category while junior Jake Diana and senior Kiley Hogancamp earned gold

and silver medals, respectively, for painting.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation's longest-running,

most prestigious recognition program for creative teenagers, and the

largest source of scholarships for talented young artists and writers. Artistic

submissions are judged by luminaries in the visual arts and panelists look for

works that best exemplify originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a

personal voice or vision.

“Sophia, Kiley, and Jake have been working so hard towards

this,” said Hastings. “Ms. Tremblay and I are very proud of them.”

The students will celebrate their wins along with other

national medalists during a ceremony at Carnegie Hall in

New York City on June 8. All three plan to study art in college

in the future.

Elementary School Students ‘Score’ with Love of Reading

Marlboro Elementary School’s annual three-week Pick a Reading Partner

(PARP) program came to an end this spring and as a reward for their efforts to read with an adult for a minimum of 15 minutes each day, students were treated to a visit by members of the Harlem Wizards trick basketball team, courtesy of the school’s PTA.

The fun and interactive assembly tied in perfectly with this year’s PARP theme, “Score with a Good Book.” The students, who were invited to dress in their favorite sports uniform or team colors for the occasion, were highly entertained as teammates Tojo Henderson and Big Mike showed off their skills on the basketball court. It was unclear what impressed the young audience members more—the players’ talent and sense of humor, or their extraordinary height!

Kiley Hogancamp won a silver medal for her work “Half & Half.”

This photograph by Sophia Fulgoni earned her a gold medal in the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

High School Students Act as Role Models for Young Readers

Kindergarten students at Marlboro Elementary School are especially excited

to “hit the books” this year, thanks to some special reading partners from Marlboro High School. Students from Anne Casey’s Grade 9 English classes visited the youngsters several different times this spring, showing them that reading isn’t just for studying, it is a fun and engaging pastime.

Big Mike, a member of the Harlem Wizards trick basketball team, greets Marlboro Elementary School students during a PARP assembly in March.

From l.-r.: Marlboro High School students Jake Diana, Kiley Hogancamp, and Sophia Fulgoni earned gold and silver awards in the prestigious National Scholastic Art & Writing competition.

Marlboro Athletes ShineDuring 2016-2017 Schoo

l Year

7

• The Varsity Softball and VarsityBaseball teams earned New York StateChampionships for the 2016 springseason.

• Emma Messenger and Grace Messengerwere named MHAL Tennis DoublesChampions and Section IX TennisDoubles Champions. This is a fi rstfor Marlboro and the fi rst time aMHAL team has won the Section IXChampionship.

• The Varsity Boys Golf team fi nishedwith the best record in school history,going 10-2.

• 74 percent of all students whoparticipated in fall sports were on the1st Quarter Honor Roll.

• Eight teams qualifi ed for NYSPHSAATeam Scholar Athletic Awards with 75percent of their rosters boasting a 90percent or higher overall average.

• An impressive 125 student athleteshad an average of 85 percent or higherduring the 1st Quarter.

• A total of 115 students received Mid-Hudson Athletic League (MHAL)Scholar Athlete Awards for earning aGPA of 90 percent or higher in the 1stor 2nd Quarters.

• The following teams qualifi ed forsectionals: Tennis, Boys Golf, Football,Boys and Girls Soccer, Boys and GirlsSwimming, Boys and Girls CrossCountry, Boys and Girls Basketball,and Boys and Girls Indoor Track.

A total of 844 athletes from Marlboro High School participated in the 2016-2017 sports season, playing for Modifi ed, Junior Varsity, and Varsity teams. Here

are some highlights from the fall, winter, and spring:

Lucas Beineke, an average boy from Ohio.

Relationships are tested and craziness en-

sues when the Addams invite the Beinekes

over for an awkward dinner party. In the

end, the clan realizes that they are stronger

than they imagined and their love for one

another triumphs.

The musical starred Trevor Eichler as

Gomez, Hannah Sullivan as Morticia,

Kaitlyn Longo as Wednesday, Emily Eichler

as Pugsley, Jake Diana as Uncle Fester,

Michael Sanchez as Lucas, Isabella Martinez

as Alice Beineke, Tyler Kluge as Mal Beineke,

Christine Tomer as Grandma, and Justin

Connolly as Lurch. Popular songs included

“Pulled,” “When You’re an Addams,” and

“What If.”

The cast and crew spent weeks preparing

for the show, which was directed by music

teacher Katie Budryk, with assistance from

Spanish teacher Tamara Natoli. Students

were involved in everything from building

and painting the sets to designing the lights

and running the sound. They also made

props and costumes, did hair and makeup,

and helped publicize the show.

“It has been a wonderful experience work-

ing with this group of students,” Budryk said.

“They came in ready to work each and every

day. I treasure the creativity and dedication all

of them brought to this production.”

Continued from page 1Marlboro High School Presents The Addams Family

8

The Marlboro Middle School (MMS) Drama Club brought the African

savannah to life on stage this winter when they performed Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.

The 60-minute musical, designed specifi cally for middle school-aged performers, is based on the 1994 Disney fi lm and the subsequent Broadway production. It tells the story of a curious young lion cub named Simba (played by MMS’s Eva Carbone), who struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. Along the way, Simba encounters a colorful cast of characters including spunky lioness Nala (Jordan Carbone and Leilanis Sanchez), charismatic meerkat Timon (Nyssa Rodriguez), and loveable warthog Pumbaa (Lillian Menichiello). To claim his rightful place on the throne and save his beloved pride lands, a grown up Simba (Zach Zehr) must fi nd his inner strength and confront his wicked Uncle Scar (Megan Ameigh).

The musical featured familiar songs from the Disney fi lm such as “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” as well as originals penned for the Broadway production.

The 44-member cast was directed by English teacher Chelsea Wolfert and choreographed by Larissa Orlando. Wolfert said her goal for the experience was to immerse the students in the theatrical world while also teaching them about key elements that go into producing a high-caliber musical.

“We knew we would be in for a challenge, but the kids met it full-force,” Wolfert said. “The students worked diligently since their auditions back in October and they were so excited to showcase their efforts for the community. We couldn’t be more proud of how they did.”

FCCLA Members Earn Top Honors During State ConferenceFamily, Career and Community Leaders of

America (FCCLA) members from Marlboro Middle School and Marlboro High School joined hundreds of other students at the 2017 New York State FCCLA Leadership Conference in March.

The meeting provided students with the opportunity to attend leadership training, hear keynote speakers, explore colleges and careers, and participate in more than 30 STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) event competitions. These events represented college and career readiness skills taught in a Family and Consumer Sciences classroom.

Congratulations to the following students, some of who qualifi ed to advance to the National FCCLA Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee this July:

From Marlboro High School:Grace McKay – Illustrated Talk – Bronze

From Marlboro Middle School:Ava DelSalto and Leilanis Sanchez – Food

Innovations – BronzeEmma Greiner and Emma Repke –

Environmental Ambassador – Gold (National Qualifi er)

Sophia Benanti and Isabella Vicari – Focus on Children – Gold (National Qualifi er)

Jessica Singh and Cole DeSantis – Focus on Children – Silver (National Qualifi er)

Margaux Snow and Emily Rifkin – Focus on Children – Silver

Zaquan Jackson – Recycle and Redesign -Silver- National Qualifi er

Zyquan Jackson – Recycle and Redesign – Silver (National Qualifi er)

Jimin Beare – Recycle and Redesign – Silver Sarah Mackey and Elizabeth Lofaro –

Entrepreneurship – Silver Naseem Haidaoiu and Austin Palmer –

Illustrated Talk – Bronze

Marlboro FCCLA adviser Ann Marie Giacoia took 25 students to this year’s conference, her largest group yet. "FCCLA allows me the opportunity to see these students grow,” Giacoia said. “The impact it has on them brings a smile to my face."

Marlboro FCCLA alumni and co-adviser Chelsea Wolfert added, "It's an organization like no other. These students learn public speaking, goal planning, formal writing, and have doors open to them that others students are not privy to. From member, to alumni, to adviser, I am proud to share this organization with my students."

FCCLA members from Marlboro Middle School and Marlboro High School joined hundreds of other students at the 2017 New York State FCCLA Leadership Conference in March.

Marlboro Middle School Presents

The Lion KingLion King, Jr.

Marlboro Elementary School students

celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday and the

National Education Association’s Read Across

America Day on March 2 by reading books

written by the beloved children’s author and

making Cat in the Hat-themed crafts. Some

even got to enjoy a Dr. Seuss favorite, green

eggs and ham. Of course the day wouldn’t

have been complete without a visit from the

tall, mischievous feline, and Assistant Principal

Shaneequa Cameron was happy to don the

costume (complete with the famous red and

white-striped hat and a red bow) to oblige.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

The Marlboro Central School District off ers equal educational and employment opportunities, including career and technical education opportunities, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or other protected categories under state or federal law, in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Michael Bakatsias, Assistant Superintendent, and Robin Hecht, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Marlboro Central School District, 21 Milton Turnpike, Milton, NY 12547, (845) 236-8000. Inquiries regarding discrimination on the bases listed above may also be made to the United States Department of Education, Offi ce for Civil Rights, 32 Old Slip, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10005, (646) 428-3800, ocr.newyork@ed.gov.