Summer 2021 Vol. 69 No. 3

Published by the Board of Education, Pleasantville Union Free School District, Pleasantville NY

Dear Community Members,Our pandemic school year – which began with a hybrid remote/in-person learning schedule and progressed to fully in-person in April – ended with the usual (and close-to-normal) flurry of activities: Senior Prom, 4th and 8th grade moving-up ceremonies, our High School graduation (though at Parkway Field instead of in front of PHS; many thanks to the Village for making that possible!), farewells (our retirees are on pages 6-7) and new appointments. I want to thank everyone who participated in the various administrator searches (for Superintendent of Schools, BRS Principal and Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, Assistant Director of Special Education, and Assistant Superintendent for Business) and the entire community for its support of our 2021-22 budget.

Our Board of Education led the search for our next Superintendent of Schools. Board President Larry Boes, who chose not to run for reelection this year, had the honor of announcing the results of that search at the June 30 Board of Education meeting, his last. Dr. Tina DeSa will become Deputy Superintendent of Schools on November 1, working with me to assure a seamless transition to Superintendent on January 1, 2022. Dr. DeSa is currently Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services in the Arlington School District. You can read more on the District website (Board of Education>Superintendent Search).

On behalf of the District, I thank Mr. Boes for his nine years of ser-vice to our students, our staff, and our community. During that time, we implemented two Strategic Plans, embarked on two capital improvement projects (the second of which will be completed this summer; see page 11), hired three building principals, initiated the joint Board of Education/Student Government meetings, and created the Finance and Growth and Enrollment committees. In addition to his service on the Board, Mr. Boes has contributed in many meaningful ways to a whole host of organizations (Pleasantville Masons, Fund for Learning, Dad’s Club, P-Daddy Group); cheered our Panthers in all kinds of weather; attended Rotary Pancake Breakfasts, Tina Gambino Race/Walks, Break the Hold’s “Into the Light” walks; and more. Thank you!

Also on behalf of the District, I am delighted to welcome Michael Pinkava, our new BRS Assistant Principal. Mr. Pinkava, who was one of 180 applicants for the position, was special education coordinator and teacher at an elementary school in Queens. He joined new BRS Principal Rachel Hunger on July 1 and has been working with her on plans for the upcoming school year.

Larry Boes Tina DeSa

Michael PinkavaDan Brink

John Chow, Tim Whipple

We also welcomed two other highly qualified professionals: High School special education teacher Dan Brink, who is now the Assistant Director of Special Education; and John Chow, Assistant Superinten-dent for Business. He succeeds Tim Whipple, who was recruited by the Harrison School District. Please enjoy the rest of the summer!Mary Fox-Alter Superintendent of Schools

Adelphi UniversityAlvernia UniversityAmerican International CollegeAmerican UniversityAppalachian State UniversityArizona State University, TempeAshland University Auburn UniversityBabson CollegeBard CollegeBarry UniversityBates CollegeBellarmine UniversityBentley UniversityBerklee College of MusicBoston College Boston University Bryant UniversityBryn Mawr College Bucknell University California State U, Long BeachCalifornia University of PACase Western Reserve UniversityCastleton University Catholic University of America Central Connecticut State U.Champlain CollegeChristopher Newport UniversityCity University of New York: City College John Jay / Criminal Justice Queens College Clark UniversityClarkson UniversityClemson UniversityColby College Colgate UniversityCollege of the Holy CrossColorado CollegeColorado School of MinesColumbia College, ChicagoColumbia UniversityConnecticut CollegeCornell UniversityCurry CollegeDaemen CollegeDean CollegeDePaul UniversityDickinson CollegeDrexel University East Stroudsburg University of PAEastern Connecticut State U.Eastman School of MusicEckerd CollegeElon University Emerson CollegeEmory UniversityEndicott CollegeFairfield University Fairleigh Dickinson UniversityFashion Institute of TechnologyFisher CollegeFlorida Atlantic UniversityFlorida State University Fordham University Franklin & Marshall College George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College Hamilton College Hartwick College

Hawaii Pacific University Hobart William Smith CollegesHofstra UniversityHoly Cross College Indiana University at BloomingtonIndiana University of PAIona College Ithaca College James Madison University JeffersonJohnson & Wales UniversityKean UniversityKeene State College Kenyon CollegeKing’s College LondonKutztown University of PALa Salle UniversityLafayette College Landmark CollegeLe Moyne CollegeLehigh UniversityLesley UniversityLewis & Clark CollegeLong Island UniversityLouisiana State UniversityLoyola University ChicagoLoyola University MarylandLoyola University New OrleansLynn UniversityLyon College Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marist College Mary Baldwin UniversityMaryland Institute College of ArtMarywood UniversityMassachusetts College of Art and

DesignMassachusetts Institute of

TechnologyMcDaniel CollegeMcGill UniversityMercy College Mercyhurst UniversityMerrimack CollegeMichigan State UniversityMiddlebury CollegeMississippi State UniversityMitchell College Mount Saint Mary CollegeMuhlenberg College New England Institute of TechnologyNew Jersy City UniversityNew York Institute of TechnologyNorth Carolina State UniversityNortheastern University Norwich UniversityOhio Wesleyan UniversityPace UniversityPennsylvania College of Technology Pennsylvania State University: Altoona Harrisburg Lehigh Valley University ParkPepperdine UniversityPlymouth State UniversityProvidence College Queen City CollegeQuinnipiac University Reed College

Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteRider UniversityRochester Institute of Technology Roger Williams UniversityRutgers UniversityRyerson University Sacred Heart UniversitySaint John Fisher College Saint Leo University Saint Michael’s CollegeSalisbury University Salve ReginaSan Diego State University Sarah Lawrence CollegeSavannah College of Art and DesignSchool of Visual ArtsShippenburg University of PASiena College Simmons UniversitySkidmore College Southern Connecticut State U. St. John’s University, New YorkSt. Lawrence University St. Thomas Aquinas College State University of New York: Albany Binghamton Buffalo Stony Brook SUNY College: Alfred Buffalo State Brockport Cobleskill Cortland Delhi Environmental Sci. & Forestry Farmingdale Geneseo New Paltz Old Westbury Oneonta Oswego Plattsburgh Potsdam Purchase SUNY Community College: Broome Dutchess Onondaga Westchester Stonehill College Syracuse University Temple UniversityTexas Christian UniversityTexas State UniversityThe College of New JerseyThe College of Wooster The New SchoolThe Ohio State University The Sage CollegesThe University of EdinburghThe University of TennesseeThe University of the SouthTri-County Technical CollegeTrinity CollegeTufts UniversityTulane University Union College U.S. Air Force AcademyU.S. Coast Guard Academy

Class of 2021 — College Acceptances and Destinations

University College LondonUniversity of Alabama University of ArizonaUniversity of California: Irvine San Diego Santa Barbara Santa CruzUniversity of Colorado: Boulder Colorado Springs University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of DenverUniversity of FloridaUniversity of GeorgiaUniversity of HartfordUniversity of IllinoisUniversity of KentuckyUniversity of MaineUniversity of Mary WashingtonUniversity of MarylandUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst BostonUniversity of Miami University of MichiganUniversity of MississippiUniversity of MissouriUniversity of New EnglandUniversity of New HampshireUniversity of New HavenUniversity of North Carolina: Asheville Chapel Hill WilmingtonUniversity of OregonUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pittsburgh University of Rhode Island University of RichmondUniversity of Rochester University of San FranciscoUniversity of Scranton University of South Carolina University of South FloridaUniversity of Southern MaineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of St. Andrew’sUniversity of Tampa University of TorontoUniversity of Vermont University of VirginiaUniversity of Wisconsin Ursinus CollegeUtica CollegeVassar College Vermont Technical CollegeVillanova University Virginia Military InstituteVirginia State UniversityWake Forest UniversityWesleyan University West Virginia University Western Connecticut State U.Western New England University Wheaton CollegeWilkes UniversityWorcester Polytechnic InstituteXavier UniversityYork College of Pennsylvania

Bold type indicates the schools the Class of 2021 will attend in the fall, as of July 16, 2021. This list of colleges and universities includes 61 that are rated most/highly competitive; 71, very competitive; and 152, competitive (based on Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges).

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Presented at the PHS Senior Awards Night on May 27, 2021.

American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese: Honor Award Charlotte Ward Service Award Benjamin Hahn

American Association of University Women: Outstanding Female Student Angelie Wallace Outstanding Female Writer Sarah Schuster

Athlete of the Year Award: Female Isabelle Kapoor Jenna McAllister Mary Grace O’Neill Male Brennan McDermott

Barbara and Dennis Vaccaro Award — for a senior who has demonstrated commitment to the community through volunteer work and service: Phoebe Luciano

Break the Hold Scholarship — for students who performed valuable community service to “Break the Hold” on mental illness: Katherine Albaum Meaghan Ennis Charlotte Ward

Community Scholarships — The Community Scholarship Fund awarded 7 scholarships totalling $15,000 this academic year, including these special awards that are managed by the committee: Liberal Arts Award: Nicholas Wiebke Rotary Award for Community

Service: Ella O’Malley Mary Grace O’Neill

Class of 2021 — Awards and Scholarships

Debbie Perino Scholarship — for a female athlete who exemplifies talent and dedication on the field and in the classroom: Mary Grace O’Neill

ECHO Community Service Award — for volunteer efforts: Phoebe Luciano Maia Mayers

Ed Dans Celebrate Science Award — in honor of PHS science teacher Ed Dans: Lauren Peacock

Heart of Pleasantville Award — given by Pleasantville STRONG to two seniors who demonstrate compassion, kindness, leadership, determination, perseverance, and integrity: Meaghan Ennis Ryan Scardina

Helen Heed English Award — for skill and creativity in English: Benjamin Hahn

Holy Innocents Award — for exceptional service and volunteer efforts to the parish community: Michael Colllins Meaghan Ennis Brennan McDermott Julia O’Reilly Maeve Roney

Isaac Newton Math Award: Ben Klingner

John E. Morgan Band Award — for musicianship, character, leadership, service, and scholarship: Nicholas Wiebke

Leonard Shon Scholarship —given by the Pleasantville Volunteer Fire Department to honor Mr. Shon’s life and service: Brendan Cooper Meaghan Ennis

Lions Club Award — for the re-cipient’s winning essay on his/her involvement in community service: Meaghan Ennis

Valedictorian Carolyn Lee and Salutatorian Benjamin Hahn earned recognition as AP Scholars with Distinction, served as co-presidents of the National Honor Society, and also are members of the English, Science, Social Stud-ies, and Spanish honor societies.

Carolyn has been a starter for four years on the Girls Varsity Soccer team (and captain this year) and an active participant in student government. She initiated an internship at a local dentistry practice that confirmed her goal of be-coming a pediatric dentist. Carolyn will attend Columbia University.

Benjamin began swimming competitively at the age of six and qualified for the Junior Olympics in the backstroke. He is a member of the Boys Varsity Swim team and plays bass in the Jazz Band. Benjamin’s interest in politics and economics led to an internship with New York State Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti and work as a campaign fellow this past fall on Mondaire Jones’s congressional campaign. He will attend the University of Pennsylvania.

Valedictorian Carolyn Lee, Salutatorian Benjamin Hahn

Class of 2021 — Awards and ScholarshipsMarie Oettinger World Languages Award — Isabelle Kapoor

Mondaire Jones Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition — for outstanding and invaluable service to the community: Julia O’Reilly

Mount Pleasant Italian American Organization Award — Lia DiPaolo

National Merit Scholarship Letters of Commendation Carolyn Lee Lauren Peacock Sarah Schuster Finalist Benjamin Hahn

New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence — Each year, 8,000 scholarships are awarded to top scholars from registered New York State high schools based on student grades in certain Regents exams: Benjamin Hahn Carolyn Lee Lauren Peacock Abhaya Ravikumar Christina Skrzypczak

PHS Social Studies Award — for a senior who exhibits the qualities of inquiry, appreciation of diversity, involvement in the local community, and awareness of the global community: Meaghan Ennis

P.I.A. Service Award — for outstand-ing completion of student ambassador commitments: Ella Agabob Carolyn Lee

Pleasantville Friends of STEM Leadership Award — for consistent involvement in and support of STEM-related extended learning opportunities: Abhaya Ravikumar

Pleasantville Volunteer Ambulance Corps Award — for valuable service to the Corps and the community: Ethan Spanierman

Tina Gambino Sports Award — for a student athlete who exemplifies the character and ideals of Tina Gambino and her family: Julia O’Reilly

VIP Award — for outstanding com-munity service to the VIP Recreation Program for special needs children: Abhaya Ravikumar William Serlin Connor Whynott

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2021 Class Survey Number of Seniors ...............145

Attending Post-Secondary Schools ............................. 95%

Employment ......................... 1%

Gap Year .............................. 3%

Military ................................. 1%

National Merit Scholarship: Finalist ....................................1 Letters of Commendation .......3

President’s Award for Academic Achievement —presented by the President of the Pleasantville Board of Education to the students who placed in the top 10% of the Class of 2021.

Top row: Lauren Arnold, Jillian Frank, Benjamin Hahn, Isabelle Lahiri, Carolyn Lee. Middle row: Jenna McAllister, Jack Minelli, Julia O’Reilly, Lauren Peacock, Hayley Piccolino. Bottom row: Abhaya Ravikumar, Sarah Schuster, Christina Skrzypczak, Charlotte Ward, Connor Whynott. Photos: PHS Yearbook

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Class of 2021 — Awards and Scholarships

COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT ATHLETES, bottom: Katie Moses (Hamilton, soccer), Mary Grace O’Neill (Fordham, softball), Analese Picart (Salisbury, soccer); middle: Lauren Mathews (Long Island University, soccer), Matt May (Wesleyan, lacrosse), Isabelle Kapoor (University of Connecticut, track & field); top: Dylan Hoxhaj (Fairleigh Dickinson, football), Tom Browne (Westchester Community College, baseball), Mike Collins (SUNY Potsdam, soccer), Brennan McDermott (Bellarmine, lacrosse). Not pictured: Lauren Arnold (US Air Force Academy, swimming).

Presented at Commencement on June 25, 2021.

Barbara C. Zimmer Memorial Scholarship — for seniors who intend to study music in college and contributed time and talent to the betterment of the High School and the community: Richard (Jake) Leis Noah Solomon

Community Scholarship Fund Truslow Hyde Scholarship: Victoria Stargiotti

Dr. Renato M. Vellutino Scholarship — for a senior who has significantly enhanced the cultural life of the High School and Village communities and plans to pursue a career in some aspect of the performing arts: Anthony Parnizari

Friends of Visual Arts (F.O.V.A.) Scholarship — for seniors who have excelled in the visual arts and significantly enhanced the cultural life of PHS by virtue of their character, service, and leadership: Caroline Jimenez Laila Vedovino

Joseph W. & Suzanne S. Moran Scholarship — for a senior who has maintained high academic standards and shown exemplary character in school and in the community: Tia Poquette

Pleasantville Alumni Association Scholarship — for outstanding service to both Pleasantville High School and the Pleasantville community: Lauren Cicale Lachlan Gray Laila Vedovino Nicholas Wiebke

Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association Award — for a cheerful, positive attitude and outstanding public spirit: Brendan Cooper

Tess O’Driscoll Mary Grace O’Neill

Richard F. Modica Memorial Scholarship — for contributing to all areas of the performing arts program and demonstrating good character and leadership: Lauren Peacock

Rosebury Scholarship — to encourage students who continued to improve scholastically to pursue higher education: Lia DiPaolo Ben Klingner Phoebe Luciano Jenifer Moya Shannon Muldoon Eduardo Mussello Venturini

R u t h & Wa l t e r G o o d m a n Scholarship — for scholarship in English Language Arts and overall school citizenship: William Serlin

Tina Gambino REFLECTIONS Memorial Scholarship — for seniors who earned the respect of peers and mentors, achieved to their academic potential, and participated in athletic, co-curricular, and community service programs: Caroline Jimenez Victoria Stargiotti Nicholas Valdivieso

District News

John Bauerlein served 12 of his 31 years in education as the District’s Athletic Director. H e i n t r o d u c e d n e w initiatives, such as the Family ID registration proces s and impac t concussion protocols, and oversaw improvements to our athletic facilities including the tennis courts and the High School fitness center. Though he will miss the students and coaches and working with Maureen, he is happy to leave his role as District Covid-19 Coordinator behind. His plans: None as yet!

James Campbell has been the High School’s Student Management Liaison for 11 years and coached boys and girls basketball and soccer teams throughout. He plans to spend more time with his grandchildren, to travel without the restrictions of a school calendar, and “sub so I will be able to keep in touch.”

Jennifer Demaree leaves the Middle School after 12 years as a building-level aide, greeter, and – for 6 of those years – attendance officer. Her plans: enjoy life and travel.

Peggy Galotti has given 32 of her 38 years in education to her BRS

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John Bauerlein

Peggy Galotti

James Campbell

John KoziolJennifer Demaree

Mary Ann Meade

Betsy Hill

Elizabeth Hamel

family – as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, assistant principal, and principal (2006-2021). She

will miss the relationships she built with parents, s t a ff , s tuden t s , and community members in service to “a single common goal: to provide a learning environment where students’ academic, social and emotional needs are met.” What won’t she miss? “Not sure; loving your job each day doesn’t leave much” for her Not Miss list, but she will enjoy spending more time with her family.

Elizabeth Hamel has been a school counselor for 32 years, 20 of them at the High School. She and col league Joyce Connell initiated and ran Link Crew, a freshman orientation program, for many of those years. She will miss “watching my students grow and mature” and “seeing them achieve their goals.” She looks forward to visiting her children in California and Ireland and doing more volunteer work at her local animal shelter.

Betsy Hill retired from her position as Middle School librarian in 2006, then returned in September of that year as a teacher aide and yearbook coordinator. She plans to work with the

Best Wishes to Our Retirees

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Eileen Prizeman

Maureen Sacher

Best Wishes to Our Retireessenior citizen population in her town in the fall.

Middle School science teacher John Koziol is another two-time retiree, first in 2011 and now in 2021. He plans to enjoy life, “taking one day at a time.”

Mary Ann Meade has been the strings and orches t ra teacher a t the Middle School and the High School for 22 years and will miss “the wonderful students and families” she met. Prior to joining the District, she taught at colleges and conservatories and performed professionally i n t h e R i d g e f i e l d Symphony. She plans to “take a break from teaching for a while” and return to performing.

Eileen Prizeman, the District’s 2018 Teacher of the Year, has been a second grade teacher at BRS for 31of her 34 years in education. She served on the school’s Character Education committees, was active in the teachers’ association, and organized/played accordion in an Irish Concert assembly on March 17 for many years. She will miss the “great feeling of working with wonderful people and doing important things every day.” Next: “helping people with disabilities have better choices for vocational opportunities and housing,” travel with “my gem of a husband,” more time with her sons, and visiting her BRS retiree friends.

Maureen Sacher has been the Athletic Department’s clerical aide for 25 years. She will “miss everyone I have worked with” but is happy to miss “looking for a parking spot every day.” Her plans include a 12-day Mediterranean cruise in the fall, for starters.

District and School News

Varsity Sports Fall II AwardsFootball. All Section: Jack Collins. All Conference: Michael Balducci, Matthew May, Brennan McDermott, Michael Oliveira. All League: Jack Collins, Dylan Hoxhaj, Matthew May, Brennan McDermott, Daniel Picart, Massimo Stinziani. All League Honorable Mention: Rial Boes, Kieran Cotter, Michael Gordon, Michael LaCapria, Dom Matica, Ryan Miller, Aidan Picart, Nya Pierre, Jude Safieh. Class B League B Player of the Year: Offensive Receiver, Brennan McDermott; Offensive Lineman, Jack Collins. Journal News/lohud Westchester/Putnam All Stars, Honorable Mention: Jack Collins, Brennan McDermott.

Swimming. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team. All Section: Lauren Arnold. All League: Lauren Arnold. Con Ed Player of the Week Award: Lauren Arnold. Journal News/lohud Westchester/Putnam All Stars, Honorable Mention: Lauren Arnold (500 Freestyle).

Volleyball. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team. All League: Jenna McAllister, Mia Togneri. All League Honorable Mention: Meghan Hogan, Isabella Lleshaj, Madison Schneeweiss.

Winter AwardsBoys Basketball. All League: Daniel Picart. All League Honorable Mention: Justin Cronk.

Girls Basketball. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team. Section I Team Sportsmanship Award. All Section: Jenna McAllister. All League: Lila Donohue, Tina Matica, Jenna McAllister, Mary Grace O’Neill. League MVP: Jenna McAllister.

Boys Indoor Track. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team.

Girls Indoor Track. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team. All County: Brienna Ahmetaj, Isabelle Kapoor.

Lauren Arnold

School News

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Girls Track – League Champions

Seated: Coach Luis Lizarzaburu. Standing, 1st Row: Maeve Roney, Mitzy Garcia Blacio, Adriana Catalano, Cristina Chango; 2nd Row: Coach Tim Dirgins, Ava Horigan, Ella O’Malley, Amber Nanaj, Izzy Kapoor, Kate Moroney, Brienna Ahmetaj, Coach Kaitlyn Zapletal. Not Pictured: Elizabeth Allardyce, Eva Bucci, Annie Macphee, Maeve McCourtney, Emily Merritts, Kirsten Owens, Olivia Pacile, Abhaya Ravikumar, Annie Rogovin, Roxanne Smith, Angela Zheng. Photo: Tim Dirgins

Baseball. All Section: Thomas Browne. All League: Thomas Browne , Anthony Pa lma, Matthew Satriale. Conference III Central League Pitcher of the Year: Thomas Browne. Journal News/lohud Westchester/Putnam All Stars Team, Honorable Mention: Thomas Browne.

Golf. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team. All Section: Sara O’Leary. All League: Eva Anderman, John McCarthy, Sara O’Leary.

Boys Lacrosse. All Section: Ryan Challice, Brennan McDermott. All League: Ryan Challice, Jack Collins, Brennan McDermott. All League Honorable Mention: Nick Bates, Nat Cooper, Matt Fuccillo, Daniel Picart, Ryan Raefski. Journal News/lohud Westchester/Putnam All Stars, Honorable Mention: Ryan Challice, Brennan McDermott.

Girls Lacrosse. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team. All Section: Reilly Byrne, Abby McAllister. All Section Honorable Mention: Grace Capko, Summer DeLuca, Analese Picart. All League: Reilly Byrne, Grace Capko, Summer DeLuca, Abby McAllister, Analese Picart. Journal News/lohud Westchester/Putnam All Stars, Honorable Mention: Reilly Byrne, Grace Capko, Summer DeLuca, Abby McAllister, Analese Picart.

Softball. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team. All Section: Mary Grace O’Neill. All Section Honorable Mention: Bridget Giglio, Ashley Rosen. All League: Lena Freberg, Bridget Giglio, Mary Grace O’Neill, Ashley Rosen. League 3C Co-Player of the Year: Mary Grace O’Neill. Section One Diamond Nine Plus One: Mary Grace O’Neill. Journal News/

lohud Westchester/Putnam All Stars, First Team: Mary Grace O’Neill.

Boys Tennis. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team. All League: Oliver Giebelhaus.

Boys Track. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team.

Girls Track. NYS Scholar/Athlete Team. All Section: Ava Horigan (4x100m Relay), Isabelle Kapoor (100m Hurdles, 4x100m Relay, Pentathlon), Ella O’Malley (4x100m Relay), Maeve Roney (4x100m Relay). All League: Brienna Ahmetaj (High Jump, 400m Hurdles), Elizabeth Allardyce (4x800m Relay), Adriana Catalano (1500m, 3000m, 4x800m Relay), Ava Horigan (Long Jump, 4x100m Relay), Isabelle Kapoor (100m Hurdles, Triple Jump, 4x100m Relay), Kate Moroney (800m,

Spring Awards—NYSPHSAA Award of Excellence for exemplary display of sportsmanship, ethics & integrity—

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School News 4x800m Relay), Ella O’Malley (4x100m Relay), Abhaya Ravikumar (4x800 Relay), Maeve Roney (100m, 4x100m Relay). All County: Ava Horigan (4x100m Relay), Isabelle Kapoor (100m Hurdles, 4x100m Relay, Pentathlon), Ella O’Malley (4x100m Relay), Maeve Roney (4x100m Relay). Westchester Track Officials Outstanding Senior Female Athlete: Isabelle Kapoor. Journal News/lohud Westchester/Putnam All Stars, First Team: Brienna Ahmetaj (Pentathlon), Ava Horigan (4x100m Relay), Isabelle Kapoor (100m Hurdles, 4x100m Relay, Pentathlon), Ella O’Malley (4x100m Relay), Maeve Roney (4x100m Relay); Honorable Mention: Brienna Ahmetaj (High Jump), Adriana Catalano (3000m), Isabelle Kapoor (Triple Jump), Amber Nanaj (High Jump).

NYS Scholar/Athlete Team – a team’s average GPA for 75% of its roster must be greater than or equal to 90.00.

PHS Science Research

On June 5, six sophomores in the High School’s Science Research Program competed in the 2021 Somers/Westlake Science Fair, the only science research competition of its kind in New York State that provides the opportunity for first-year science research students to present their intended research design in a formal setting. Over 494 students from 33 schools and 316 judges participated in the fair,

Top row: Shubhro Biswas, Mia Hoxhaj, Daniel Kauber. Bottom row: Alexander Kylander-Kreiner, Ella Moroney, Emma Murphy.

held virtually this year to accommodate Covid-19 protocols.

Mia Hoxhaj (Behavioral Science) and Alexander Kylander- Kreiner (Life Science) each won third place in their categories. Shubhro Biswas and Daniel Kauber presented in the category of Physical Science); Ella Moroney and Emma Murphy presented in the category of Life Science.

8th Grade Writing Contest

Pleasantville author Joe Wallace announced the winners of the ninth annual 8th Grade Writing Contest: Grace Gerosa (poem, “Not Meant to Be”), Mae Krouse (short story, “Calico Critters”), Zachary Nielson-Papish (short story, “Sand”), Kaylee Sullivan (essay, “The Impact of Styles”), Katie Wildey (poem, “Sincerely, Jane Doe”) and Camilla Zabikhodjaeva (short story, “I Die in the End”). Four winners of this year’s 11th Grade Writing Contest – Angie Berg, Abigail Lee, Miranda Miller, and Jordan Rosen – served as judges with Mr. Wallace, who co-sponsors the two writing contests with The Village Bookstore.

This year’s winners offer a varying collection of short stories, poems, and opinion pieces that spotlight social change and teenage strife. These pieces are featured in Imaginings, the 8th grade literary magazine, which is available on the District website (Panther Spotlights>Academics).

Top row: Grace Gerosa, Mae Krouse, Zachary Nielson-Papish. Bottom row: Kaylee Sullivan, Katie Wildey, Camilla Zabikhodjaeva.

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School and Board News

National Honor Society, Part 2

Weston Coleman, Alexandra Connelly, Chloe Dillane, Michael Gordon, and Meghan McGarry were also inducted into the National Honor Society, but did not appear in the Fall/Winter 2020-2021 District Newsletter.

Roger Reese Awards

PHS students Will Cowitt, Ella Moroney, Kirsten Owens, Sarah Schuster and Mia Turchin were semi-finalists for Best Actor/Best Actress in the 11th annual Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance. They were chosen based on their performances in A Grand Night for Singing, the school’s spring musical, directed by Nadia Rizzo. Twenty-seven high schools throughout the Greater New York area participated in the virtual event.

Tenure GrantedAt its April 20 meeting, the Board of Education approved tenure recommendations for art teacher Gregory Nemec (PHS); social studies teachers Lindsay Ehrman (MS) and Melanie Siokalo Hagey (PHS); special education teachers Sean Campbell (PHS), Dora DeBiase (MS) and Kyle Garrigan (BRS); and Middle School administrators Donald Marra (principal) and Adam Chagares (assistant principal). Also receiving tenure: Dan Iorio in his position as Director of Educational Services; and Timothy Whipple, Assistant Superintendent for Business.

Annual Budget Vote and Board Election ResultsA total of 991 votes were cast in the Annual Budget Vote and Board Election that was held in the Middle School Multipurpose Room on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

District voters approved the proposed budget of $53,834,774 for the 2021-2022 school year by 873 (Yes) to 108 (No).

Incumbent Emily Rubin Persons was successful in her bid for a fourth term on the Board of Education, receiving 641 votes. Michael Busch was elected to his first term of office with 668 votes. First-time candidate Sara Hukkanen received 519 votes.

Upcoming Board Meetings Unless otherwise noted, meetings will take place in the Pleasantville High School Library Media Center and begin at 7:30 p.m. Meetings will also be shown on Zoom.Board meeting dates are listed on the District website calendar and are announced on 741-1460. Click on BoardDocs under Board of Education for the meeting agenda and Zoom information.

•Tuesday,August10 •Tuesday,August31 •Tuesday,September14 •Tuesday,September28

PHS Alumni Plaza The PHS Alumni Plaza brick-purchasing program is an ongoing fundraiser fo r the P leasan tv i l l e Fund for Learning. Visit phsalumniplaza.org to purchase a brick for a PHS

graduate or retired District employee. Brick donors and honorees are invited to the annual bricklaying ceremony that is held at Alumni Plaza on Saturday morning of Homecoming Weekend.

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Fund for Learning GrantsDespite the near-lack of opportunities for fund-raising during the 2020-2021 school year, the Pleasantville Fund for Learning awarded six Excellence in Education grants totaling $24,486 that foster innovation and enrichment in our schools. These grants will fund the following educational programs, which are not covered by state and federal funding or tax revenues.

• Celebrating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: materials related to multi-cultural literature for BRS classroom libraries; submitted by Rachel Hunger, Jennifer Picco, and Kim Schulman.• Enhancing Technology in Elementary STEAM Program: Play 300 Dino Robots, Play 700 Ollobot Robots, and Wonder Workshop Do Creativity Kit for BRS STEAM classes; submitted by Chrissie Moses.• Music Studio: headphones, microphones, and storage bins for Middle School music classes; submitted by Rachel Heyman.

District News

Rachel Hunger, Jennifer Picco, Kim Schulman, Chrissie Moses, Keith Gardener

Amanda Rimm-Hewitt, Rachel Heyman, Jon Vercesi, Mary Ann Meade, Barbara Berg

• PMS Garden: picnic tables for the Middle School garden; submitted by parents Sonia Fujimori, Lana Pattinson, and Ali Serebin.• Solo Music Library: a Music Library for vocals, strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion; submit-ted by Barbara Berg, Rachel Heyman, Mary Ann Meade, Amanda Rimm-Hewitt, and Jon Vercesi.• STEAM in Action: kinesthetic learning equipment for understanding STEAM concepts at BRS; submitted by Keith Gardener and Chrissie Moses.

Summer Facilities ProjectsThese facilities projects are taking place during the summer months and will complete the Capital Project Bond that was approved by voters in May 2019.

Bedford Road School• Metal roof recoating.• Gutter and leader replacement.• Library renovation.• Casement window repairs.

Middle School• Gym bleacher replacement.• Classroom and corridor asbestos tile replacement

and new tile floor installation.• OT/PT and locker room reconfiguration.• Landscaping improvements for the entrance

planting beds and courtyard.• New school sign installation.• Electrical service upgrade.

High School• Auditorium asbestos tile removal and new tile

floor installation.• Double-hung window balance replacement for

82 windows.• 1972 wing single-pane window replacement.• 1972 wing electrical service upgrade.

Bedford Road School and the Middle School are closed throughout the summer due to construction.

The Board of EducationPresidentShane McGaffey (914-409-3487)McGaffeyS@pleasantvilleschools.orgVice PresidentJill Grossman (917-755-1785)GrossmanJ@pleasantvilleschools.orgMembersMichael Busch (929-277-7144)BuschM@pleasantvilleschools.orgEmily Rubin Persons (914-747-0136)PersonsE@pleasantvilleschools.org Angela Vella (914-769-5729)VellaA@pleasantvilleschools.orgSuperintendent of Schools Mary Fox-AlterDistrict Websitepleasantvilleschools.orgBoard Meetings and School Closings: 741-1460Editor / PhotographerJulie Schwartz

Board of EducationPleasantville Union Free School District60 Romer AvenuePleasantville, New York 10570

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDWHITE PLAINS, NYPERMIT NO. 7046

Children with Special Education Needs If you have a child between the ages of 3 and 21 that you have reason to suspect may be in need of special education services, you have the right to refer your child to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE; for children age 3 until age 5) or the Committee on Special Education (CSE; for children age 5 to age 21). For preschool aged children, you may contact the District’s CPSE Coordinator, Dr. Rachael Goldrich, at goldrichr@pleasantvilleschools.org and for school aged children, you may contact the Director of Special Education, Dr. Rukmini Bhalla, at bhallar@pleasantvilleschools.org or (914) 741-1400 x60510.

Digital DevicesDigital devices (student and staff) will be available for pick up between noon and 3 p.m. from the patio of the High School Cafeteria starting on August 9. Devices can be picked up Monday through Thursday, 12–3 p.m., during the weeks of 8/9, 8/16, and 8/23.

District CalendarThe 2021-2022 District Calendar will be mailed in August to households that have children attending District schools. Other residents may request a calendar by sending their names and addresses to jschwartz@pleasantvilleschools.org or to District Calendar Request, 60 Romer Avenue, Pleasantville NY 10570.

The first day of school for students is Thursday, September 2.

District website>Panther Spotlights: Arts

BRS, MS & PHS Art Shows