Upcoming Events and Event Highlights
 Upcoming Events and Event Highlights has been created to keep you posted of district happenings during the 2009/2010 school year.  This page is updated frequently so please do check back often.  To view many of the student achievements at SOCSD, go to Student and Staff Achievements

Orangetown Substance Abuse Committee has established an anonymous underage drinking hotline 1-888-838-dare (3273)  to report underage drinking parties, kids in crisis, etc.

Upcoming Events

SOCSD Computes For its Share of the Pi

TZHS will have two teams participating in this years Moody's Mega Math Challenge. On the weekend of March 6 & 7, TZHS will enter as two of 633 teams, each comprised of three to five students, making 2,884 students from 18 states poised to compete for a chance to share $ 100,000 in scholarship prizes. The entirely internet based, applied math modeling challenge is unknown to the participants until they download the problem at 7am on their appointed day. Teams can work in classrooms, libraries, homes, or literally anywhere they choose. They have until 9:00 p.m. that same night to research the problem, formulate assumptions, develop and test a model, analyze their findings, and summarize their response in a solution paper, which they must then upload to the Moody's Challenge website.

After a laborious, two-stage judging process by teams of Ph.D. level applied mathematicians, the top six teams will present their findings to a final panel of professional mathematicians at the Moody's Corporation headquarters in NYC on Wednesday, April 28. Winners will then be announced and presented with scholarship prizes at an awards ceremony immediately following the final round of judging.

The Moody's Challenge, began in 2006 in New York City and surrounding counties, and now represents the entire East Coast. Over $400,000 in scholarship prized have been awarded since its inception.


Event Highlights
2009 - 2010
 2008-2009 Event Highlights Archive
2007-2008 Event Highlights Archive
 2006-2007 Event Highlights Archive

Cottage Lane Visits the Challenger Center

Last week, Cottage Lane's fifth grade students had the opportunity to visit the Challenger Center in Suffern, NY. The "junior astronauts" were confronted with 21st century interactive learning experiences involving teamwork, communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. They experienced working in a simulated environment emulating a visit to the moon, while responding and reacting to situations which might be encountered during space travel.

 

TZHS Italian Students Enjoy La Boheme At The Met

Fifty-five Tappan Zee High School students, family members and teachers attended a performance of Giacomo Puccini's opera La Boheme at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center on Tuesday evening, March 2nd. Each year, as part of the Italian curriculum, Italian teachers Tricia Castelli, Maria Stillo and Christina Crowe teach a unit on Italian opera, selecting a different opera each year, and watching video clips from that opera. As a closing to the unit, students, their families and friends have the opportunity to participate in the yearly trip to the Met. "The performance was a spectacular conclusion to the opera unit", said Castelli. "It's always exciting to see the reaction on the students faces to live opera."

 

Brrrrrrrrr.....But Not Too Cold For Penguins !!

Tappan Zee HS students were out in full force on a cold February 28th, in support of this year's annual Penguin Plunge to raise funds for Rockland County's Sean DePatto and Mickey Reeves. The TZHS Lacrosse Team and the TZHS Leos donned suits and braved the reported 38 degree waters of the Hudson River.

Penguin Plunge, Inc. assists the families of seriously ill children with the huge cost of medical and related health issues. The TZHS students helped out by selling tickets and raffles, distributing T-shirts, serving donated food and snacks and "working" the warming tent. Over 100 brave souls plunged into the Hudson at Nyack Memorial Park.
 

 

Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz
SOMS Science Class Employs New Uses For Headache Relief

Students in Mr. Stephen Cohn’s 8th grade Earth Science class were busy at work last week testing the effect of temperature on the rate of chemical weathering. This lab reviewed many skills covered in past years of Science and Math, as well as new concepts students learned this year. The class was broken up into groups. Each group had to bring a beaker of tap water to a pre-determined temperature either by adding boiling water or ice cubes. When the correct water temperature was reached, an Alka-Seltzer tab was dropped into it and the length of time the tablet took to dissolve was recorded. Results were then shared and the information from 5 different beakers, each with a different temperature, and the time it took to dissolve the tablet, was graphed. Final observation: The hotter water dissolved the tablet in the least amount of time, and the colder water took the longest to dissolve the tab.

 

Tappan Zee Elementary Students Separate Fact From Fiction

Tappan Zee Elementary School teacher Eileen Griffith, along with her student teacher, Desirae Olsen, a 2005 SOCSD graduate, presently attending St. Thomas Aquinas College, recently completed a three week ELA unit of study on the genre of non-fiction. Olsen, who will be graduating in May with a BS in elementary education/special education grades 1 - 6,worked closely with the students during this unit. Included topics were: a study of the elements of non-fiction, the differences between a fact and an opinion, the creation of a class "Fact Box," in which students placed facts from their independent non-fiction reading, and also, the creation of an animal research project.

As a culminating activity, Ms. Olsen created an audio-video slide show, including non-fiction captions for each student's photograph which she gave to each child to bring home. "This was very exciting for the students as it created a direct self-to-text connection between themselves and the curriculum being studied", commented Ms. Griffith. The non-fiction unit of study will continue this week with an interdisciplinary approach between ELA and Social Studies whereby each child will prepare a report on one of the fifty states in the United States.

 

William O. Schaefer Students Rock Rockland's Read-In

The Annual Rockland Read-In is a countywide event sponsored by the Rockland School Library System (RSLS) giving students in the county, at all grade levels, an opportunity to share in the joy of reading. Each participating school building reports to the RSLS the number of minutes spent reading during the Read-In. RSLS in turn tallies the number of minutes spent reading county-wide.

The William O. Schaefer School, one of the five SOCSD participating buildings, spent the day enjoying shared activities. Grandmas and Grandpas joined classes to read with the students while parents contributed healthy snacks and fruit for munching. Comfy pajamas were the dress of the day and, walking through the school, it was not unusual to see students lying on their pillows, legs crossed, engrossed in their books of choice.

Students in Ms. Kerri Goldstein's 1st grade class were surprised with a visit from NYS Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski who spoke with students and then sat down and read a book to them.

"It's a wonderful day spent in appreciation of the importance of reading and the many pleasures we get from it," commented William O. Schaefer Principal, Nora Polansky.

 

...but where's the book ?

Students at Tappan Zee Elementary had a big surprise when, unbeknownst to them, they were about to become the authors of this month's read aloud book. Every month, the new word of the month is introduced during the read aloud at each grade's assembly. This month, Principal Bill Lee, Asst. Principal Beth Lipton, and school psychologist Sean Jones decided to put a new twist on the project by announcing to the assembly, there was no book, and asking the students if they thought they themselves could be this month's authors. An overwhelming positive response was heard and very soon a theme was decided upon. The book would be based on recent events and people they had been studying this month. They would write about Haiti. After seeing slides of Haiti's beautiful topography and vegetation before the earthquake, and pictures of the major damage afterward, students developed a story that depicted their thoughts, feelings, actions and understanding, as well as their hopes and dreams for the future of Haiti and its people. As a result of the assembly, the students secured a deeper understanding of national and global issues and the effects those issues can have on humanity.

The word of the month..............thankful.

 

TZHS Creates Blankets for Project Linus

TZHS teachers Ms. Donna Grasso and Ms. Barbara LaBrake worked with students in their 3-D I & II classes, instructing them on knitting and crocheting in preparation for creating blankets for donation to Project Linus. Project Linus is a nationwide group of volunteers whose goal is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need, through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”

Originally focused on cancer patients, Project Linus has expanded its focus to include any seriously ill child including those waiting for organ transplants, heart surgery, children suffering from AIDS, burns, child abuse, and other life-threatening conditions. TZHS will donate several blankets to the project.

For additional information on Project Linus please go to www.projectlinus.com

 

Viva la SOMS!!!

As part of their studies of the French language and culture, SOMS students recreated the world famous celebration of the Nice Carnival. This event is well known for its flower floats as well as the beautiful area of France it is set in. The Nice Carnival is one of the major carnival events, along with the Brazilian Carnival and the Venetian Carnival. It is held annually in February in Nice, France. The event attracts over a million visitors every year and spans a two week period with the final day on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).

This year’s theme at the SOMS Carnival was “Our Blue Planet”.  After having researched the history and the customs associated with this celebration, French students took their Problem Based Learning Projects and created floats on topics related to environmental issues. The floats were exhibited in the SOMS library where Art teachers and various observers rated them. Winners were declared Kings and Queens of the 2010 SOMS French Carnival! "We were overwhelmed with the amazing creativity and enthusiasm the students showed for this project," commented SOMS French teacher Ms. Marie-Laure Spatz.

 

SOMS Heeds the Call of the Wild

Students in the 8th grade of the South Orangetown Middle School had the opportunity to learn about the plight of the North American Wolf. Representatives from the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY, came to the assembly, accompanied by Atka, a grey wolf, to attempt to clear up common misconceptions regarding wolves. "It is our job", said Maggie, who was leading the lecture, "to make sure wolves will be around for a long time. Wild wolves are elusive and will stay away from humans," she continued. "It is the mission of the Wolf Conservation Center to promote wolf conservation through education, and to convey the fact that wolves in the wild are not dangerous to people, but are, in fact, afraid of them. Wolves will run if they see humans," she added. After asking the students to remain seated, Atka was brought in by his handler, Becky. He walked all around the auditorium giving everyone the opportunity to see him at close range while he observed his surroundings. As he continued his observation, students were given the chance to pose any questions they had. When the assembly was over, Maggie invited students to visit the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY, to see some of the wolf pups and to be able to study the wolves in their natural habitat.

 

SOMS Music Department Field Trip a Huge Success!
186 students enjoyed a production of “42nd Street” at the Westchester Broadway Theatre this February. Representing the major performing ensembles of SOMS, students witnessed the spectacles of live professional and high-quality acting, dancing, music, lighting, and set design... many for the first time! Our students were commended by theater administration and staff, actors/actresses, and several additional parties in attendance for their outstanding behavior and enthusiasm. Many thanks to the SOCSD community for supporting our students and Music Department!

 


 

Family Resource Center Hears The Story of Stone Soup

Last week, The South Orangetown Family Resource Center welcomed Sarah, her brother Lucas and their Mom to hear the story of "Stone Soup" by author Jon J. Muth, which was being read to the children that day. The story is based on an old fairy tale in which strangers trick a starving town into giving them food to make a soup. "It is actually a lesson in cooperation and teamwork", said FRC coordinator Margaret Umbrino. After hearing the story, the children made their own "Stone Soup" in Miss Margaret's magic oven. Sarah came dressed, "all in gray, looking like a stone" to make the special soup. Delicious stone soup was had by all to warm a cold winter's day.

 

SOMS Builds Stronger Math Skills Through Technology

SOMS Math teacher Mrs. Kathleen Moore and her student teacher from Iona College, Frank Keenan, skyped with “Frank the Builder” in an exercise requiring her students to use their math skills and concepts in solving real world problems. “Frank the Builder” is planning a home improvement project to finish his basement. “Frank” asked the students to assist him with calculating the amount of insulation he would need to insulate his four walls. He also asked them to calculate the number of gallons of paint required based on the square footage of the basement. Students used measurement conversions and area formulas in order to compose a response to "Frank" that answered his questions about the amount of paint and insulation he needs for his basement. Ms. Moore observed, "The students enjoyed participating in, and working together with their classmates on the problem solving skills needed to complete this interactive activity." One of the students was heard commenting that this is much better than staring at a worksheet!


 

Internet Safety Presentation
 How to keep your children safe as they use the web.

Presented to the community on 1.27.10
English          En Espanol

 

South Orangetown Students Stretch Mind and Body in New Yoga Program

Ms. Eileen Carey, a certified yoga instructor, has been invited to work with SOMS and TZHS students as part of a 5 year SOCASA/DFC (Drug Free Community) Grant. SOCASA, South Orangetown Community Awareness of Substance Abuse, is a Drug and Alcohol Task Force in Orangetown whose goal is to increase communication and awareness about substance use and abuse between parents, students, educators and community members in order to reduce accidents and fatalities. A portion of the DFC Grant is being used to provide yoga to our students in order to expose them to a healthy lifestyle activity and to create positive coping strategies for dealing with stress. According to health teacher Vicky Shaw, " Many students expressed feelings of extreme stress and are searching for ways to cope. Most students report that they love doing yoga in school and are excited about the chance to do it again!”

 

Cottage Lane Students Connect with Haiti's Plight

As the world rushes to aid Haiti's population who are without shelter and basic necessities, students at Cottage Lane Elementary are making an effort to do their part. Along with teachers Kerri McBride and Jacob Tanenbaum, the students in Kristine Wagner, Joseph Onativia, and Maryann Aaron’s classes are connecting with Haiti in more ways than one. Last week, their classes brought in contributions of clothes and supplies as part of a district fundraiser relief effort. In Social Studies class, students read about Haiti and how an earthquake devastated their country. In Science class, students simulated earthquakes to understand that the earth’s crust is not solid and that it is made up of plates that slowly shift. Through the use of technology, students were fortunate enough to "virtually connect” with Haiti. Andy Fowler, father of one of Cottage Lane's students, is an engineer for NBC and is on assignment in Haiti covering this disaster. Classes videoconferenced with him and were able to ask him questions. “When Mr. Fowler told us that 90% of the schools were destroyed, it made me want to do more,” stated Mathew Russell. David Fowler added, “Seeing my dad on the video and the impact he made on my classmates, made me realize how important his job is. People watch television and see what is happening in the world, and they want to help. I am proud to be his son.” This special opportunity enabled students to develop deeper understandings about a country that will now have to rebuild itself. Cottage Lane Principal Brian Culot stated, "It was an incredible experience for the students to be able to communicate directly with a member of the media with firsthand knowledge of the devastation in that Country. They were asking insightful questions and were particularly interested in how the students and children were dealing with this terrible situation."

 

TZHS Leos Offer A Week-End of Service

On Thursday, January 25th the TZHS Leos collected themselves after school to begin preparation of a dinner they volunteered to cook and organize for the homeless of Rockland County the next night. On the program that afternoon was preparation of the sauce for the pasta, and two batches of sugar cookies for dessert. Friday, brought with it some cold temperatures and the re-assemblage of the Leos along with; Tricia Castelli, Leo Club Advisor; Kathy Knorowski, parent; and Ron Fritz, Blauvelt Lions President at the Piermont Reformed Church in Piermont, NY. The Church participates in the SafeHaven Program, providing food and shelter to the County's homeless. The group completed the cooking, finalized the preparation, and a dinner of pasta with homemade sauce, roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, bread and dessert was served to about 20 thankful diners by a wait staff of fifteen Leo chefs.

That Sunday morning, January 24, the Leos gathered once again, bright and early, and along with advisor Tricia Castelli, community members Rini Tyler, Blauvelt Lion President Ron Fritz, and Erica Fritz joined members of the Immaculate Conception Church located in Stony Point, NY, on a Breakfast Run which was organized through Midnight Run. TZHS and SOMS Leos as well as TZHS Italian Honor Society members put together over 70 toiletry packets to distribute to homeless individuals in addition to the hot food, drinks, and clothing brought by church members and served and distributed to over 100 homeless recipients that morning in New York City.

 

 

Ms. Nancy Visits South Orangetown's Family Resource Center

Ms. Nancy Russell, a good friend of the South Orangetown Family Resource Center, is a youth service librarian from Tappan. One of the many volunteers who share their talent and time with the Center and its children, she shows her love of reading with the families of South Orangetown. " The children just love Ms. Nancy", said FRC coordinator Margaret Umbrino. "They always look forward to her visits with us."

 

TZE Students Display Acts Of Kindness

In a project developed and led by Assistant Principal Beth Lipton and school psychologist Sean Jones, Tappan Zee Elementary School has instituted an Acts of Kindness program. Each month, a word of the month is introduced to the student body through a skit performed by the students and read aloud by Ms. Lipton and Principal Dr. William Lee. Then, as students are observed on any day that month demonstrating behaviors that illustrate the word, they are given AOK (Acts of Kindness) tickets. Every member of the TZE staff is given AOK tickets to distribute to any student they feel is communicating the word of the month through a kind act. Students bring tickets they receive back to their classrooms, and, at each grade level, the class with the most AOK tickets presented during any one month, enjoys a Principal's Lunch with Dr. Lee. The program has been a huge success with students putting into use new vocabulary words and creating through them an awareness of examples of kind acts in their daily lives.  Last month's word, "perseverance", garnered students in Mrs. Eileen Griffith's second grade class a lunch with Dr. Lee through each of their Acts of Kindness.

 

South Orangetown Central School District and the Community of South Orangetown Heed Haiti's Call for Assistance

Last week, when the South Orangetown Central School District was contacted by the Chestnut Ridge School Bus Company for assistance in the collection of food and clothing for the victims of Haiti's earthquake, the District and the South Orangetown community came together. Letters and email notifications immediately went out from each of the district buildings requesting assistance and providing a list of what was most critically needed. Given only one week to complete the appeal, William O. Schaefer, Tappan Zee Elementary, Cottage Lane and SOMS made the commitment to collect food and clothing while TZHS's Foreign Language Department organized a cash donation collection. With time of the essence, and the need growing daily, donations began to trickle into the lobbies of each of the buildings immediately. In the last three days prior to pick-up, each of the schools was receiving 50 - 75 additional bags of food and clothing each day. Included in the sea of bags and boxes were cases of water, pack and play cribs, sleeping bags, blankets, tents, sheets, diapers, first aid items, food, clothing, and toys. On Friday, January 23, Chestnut Ridge said they would send one of their full size buses to the four buildings to collect the donated food and clothing items. It was immediately apparent one bus was not going to be enough. By the time the last box was loaded, SOCSD and the community of South Orangetown had donated enough to pack TWO of Chestnut's big buses and TWO of their vans with relief items. "We had no idea the response was going to be this huge," said Chestnut spokesperson, Norman. "It is overwhelming."

Additionally, the students and staff of TZHS raised $1375 in just two days towards the Haitian relief drive. Donations will be going to the American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and Partners in Health. Other donation drives are still ongoing at the high school.

Although it was the Chestnut Ridge Bus Company who put out the call, it was the collaborative efforts of the students and staff of the South Orangetown Central School District along with the community of South Orangetown that made this plea for help so incredibly successful. The District reached out, once again, to the community it serves and, working together, a powerful partnership will bring much needed assistance to the people of Haiti.

 


Tappan Zee Elementary Teaches Respect and Fair Play Through Bowling

Traditionally, when students return from the winter break, Tappan Zee Elementary School's gymnasium is transformed into the TZE Bowling Lanes. Students learn the basic skills involved in bowling, including scoring and pin setting. However, the primary focus is to foster a respectful learning atmosphere that teaches them to depend on each other while creating and maintaining a safe and collaborative environment. Each child has the opportunity to be a bowler, pin setter and ball returner. Students pictured are from Mrs. Maria Minor's third grade class during their physical education class with PE teacher Jon Jacobs.

 

SOCSD Hits a High Note at Junior All-County Music Festival

The South Orangetown Central School District was well represented at the Annual Junior All-County Music Festival held at the Fieldstone Secondary School in Thiells on January 8th and 9th. A total of 42 band, chorus and orchestra students in grades 7, 8 and 9 were selected to participate based on their New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) scores earned in solo competition last spring. The festival was hosted by the Rockland County Music Educators Association (RCMEA) which is made up of 160 teacher/members from public and private schools in Rockland County. The RCMEA's mission is to foster and promote music in the schools of Rockland County and to advocate the educational value of music through program opportunities.

Students were put through an arduous rehearsal schedule beginning on Friday from 4pm until 8 pm, returning Saturday morning at 8:45am, and continuing until concert time at 4 pm. The orchestra took to the stage first, followed by the chorus, with the band closing the festivities.

During the festivals, students are given the opportunity to interact with other students from all other school districts in the County, sharing their love of music in their individual instrument of choice.

 

SOMS Students "Bridge the Generations"

On December 21st students in Ms. Arlene Sorensen and Ms. Marie Bauer’s classes hosted a Holiday Tea for their senior citizen pen-pals as part of their "Bridging the Generations" project. The ongoing project welcomes senior members of the community to interact with students through shared memories and experiences. Students interviewed their senior pen-pals about holidays and traditions and winters past. A surprise visit was made by Leon Thomas III who is the grandson of senior pen-pal Mrs. Naomi Anthony. Thomas, an actor and musician, had a starring role in the movie August Rush. He will be acting in a new television show called “Rising Stars" which is scheduled to air on television in the spring of 2010. Leon, along with the students and teachers enjoyed hearing "the living history" which was generously shared by their elder mentors.

 

WOS Students Create "Covered Cupboards" for Meals On Wheels

On December 21, surrounded by individually packaged and seasonally decorated boxes of donated food items, Carissa Coslit, Volunteer Coordinator of Rockland Meals On Wheels, thanked the students and staff of WOS for their generous time, effort and commitment to the homebound residents of Rockland County. A special speaker at the presentation was Ms. Jeanne Salvato, who was a recipient of one of the boxes during a 2 month illness which left her unable to go outside her home. "When you're sick and you can't help yourself, this little box means everything to you", Salvato told the students. The "Covered Cupboard" project was created so that during the winter months, if Meals On Wheels is unable to deliver a hot meal because of inclement weather, recipients are assured a day's worth of food. The "Cupboards" are actually decorated shoeboxes filled with a day's worth of non-perishable food items and delivered, in advance, to be opened in the event a hot meal cannot be delivered. This year, event coordinator Mary Chaudoir (WOS Kindergarten Spec. Ed. teacher) announced that 235 "Covered Cupboards" were collected and donated to Rockland's Meals On Wheels for distribution this winter. Ms. Chaudoir thanked all the students and told them, "This could not have been a success without the boys and girls of William O. Schaefer."

 

SOMS American Idol Club Brings Cheer to Nyack Manor Nursing Home

On December 14th, SOMS American Idol Club, under the direction of teacher Ms. Arlene Sorensen, performed a Holiday show at the Nyack Manor Nursing Home. The group entertained and sang traditional songs for the assembled audience. "The joy, smiles and good cheer that is visible around the room makes the entire holiday season so much more meaningful. I wish everyone could experience this feeling", said Sorensen.

 

TZE Students Unveil a Prankster


 On Wednesday morning, December 16, students at TZE were called down to the gym to help the staff solve a “prank” on Dr. Lee. They saw a brief newscast about the incident and a “security camera” video of Dr. Lee entering his office. When Dr. Lee entered the main office he was surprised to see a number of footprints on the rug and was shocked when he opened his office door and discovered a large pair of underpants hanging above his desk. The students were sent back to their classrooms to analyze a set of clues to help solve the case. The clues included examining fingerprints, footprints, handwriting and a secret code. One hour later they gathered in the gym and were able to identify the prankster. It was none other than 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Schaefer. The “prank”, based on the popular reading series “Captain Underpants”, was created by Ms. Lipton, Mrs. Hill, Mr. Eckert and Mrs. Schaefer. It challenged the students’ to use their analytical skills while making for a fun and exciting morning. Thanks to all for making this an event that will not be forgotten.

 

The Halls Are Alive With The Sound Of Music

Music filled the air at the South Orangetown Middle School in preparation for their music department's winter concert. Students from Cottage Lane Elementary were invited to the middle school to hear a dress rehearsal of the Treble Choir, under the direction of Mr. Charles Yassky; the Symphonic Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Matthew Rotjan; the Symphonic Band, under the leadership of Ms. Janice Tocco; and the 7th & 8th Grade Chorale, led by Ms. Priscilla Pena-Carney. New sounds as well as some old holiday favorites were on tap as all four groups rehearsed their parts and practiced their entrances and exits to the enjoyment of their young and appreciative audience.

 

NO MORE BULLYING

"Bully No More" was the title of last Friday's four assemblies at South Orangetown's Tappan Zee Elementary and Cottage Lane Elementary. Yojo, a blue furry creature was the messenger of this character-education program directed at elementary school students. Yojo and his human pal Vince use comedy to explain what bullying is, what's wrong about it and what to do if you are being bullied or see someone being bullied. The team was joined by ZEE who, through his own experiences, understands the true meaning of bullying and wanted to lend support to his furry friend. Each 45 minute show was both enjoyable and educational and kept students and teachers captivated waiting to see what would happen next.

 

John Flaherty Visits SOMS

On November 9th, John Flaherty, former Yankees catcher and current sports announcer for the YES Network, visited 8th grade students at the South Orangetown Middle School. His unlikely focus was mystery books, and students were happy to have him!

8th graders in Miss Murphy and Mrs. McBride’s ELA classes have been immersed in a mystery unit for the past five weeks. One of their tasks has been to create a website to get others hooked on reading mysteries. Students spent days tracking down “famous” members of the South Orangetown community about mystery books that got them hooked. The “famous” interviews consisted mostly of other students, teachers, administrators, and community members. But students were most delighted to meet John Flaherty and add his famous interview to their WebPages.

Flaherty shared his childhood favorite mystery titles as well as the mystery books he is currently reading. He also mentioned some of his favorite sports mystery authors and titles. He answered students’ questions about books, baseball, and more! Deirdre R. was one of the lucky 8th graders in the audience who clearly enjoyed Flaherty’s visit. “I thought it was a great experience.” She went on to say, “I loved that I got to meet a former Yankee. It was a thrill! And it was cool to see that even a Yankee player can find time to read!”

So, what book titles get the pros hooked? You’ll just have to wait until the students’ Mystery websites are launched. These sites will soon be linked to the South Orangetown Middle School webpage. Keep your eyes and ears open for their release!

 

SOMS Math Students Get An "A" for Algebra

Students in Ms. Maureen Hobday and Mr. Vincent Piscitelli's 8th grade math classes were treated to a problem solving algebra workshop by visiting engineer Mark Love of Engineers Teaching Algebra. The object of the workshop was to show students the everyday value of algebra, and to encourage advanced math and science concepts. Students were shown math applications for manipulating fractions, ratios and percentages, and the creative use of estimations and reasoning prior to computing results to problems. The workshop was a hands-on experience offering challenging activities which included solving mathematical problems using newly developed skills gleaned during the workshop.

 

Tappan Zee Elementary Donates Food
for the Holidays

Mrs. Sunita Hill's third grade class at Tappan Zee Elementary organized a food drive to help support People to People during this holiday season. The theme of the drive was, "Box in Dr. Lee". Students and staff brought in canned and boxed goods and kept the bounty in principal Lee's office during the collection period. Thanks to their efforts and the generosity of the TZE Community, over 750 pounds of canned goods were collected. The approximate value of the food is $1,560. On Friday, November 20, the collection was delivered to People to People just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

 

TZHS Italian Club Wins Trophy

The Tappan Zee High School Italian Club was recently awarded a trophy for "Best School Spirit" at the Rockland County Columbus Day Parade Awards Ceremony on November 17, 2009. The group marched in the parade along with many other Italian-American organizations showing their enthusiasm for Italian culture with close to 1000 other participants this past October in Haverstraw. This is the fourth consecutive year the TZHS Italian Club has been honored for their participation in the event.

 

Cottage Lane Students Learn The True Meaning of Veteran's Day
On Monday, November 9th students from Ms. Lane, Ms. Heilbronn and Mr. Krump's 5th grade Social Studies classes walked from the Cottage Lane School to the Camp Shanks Memorial at Bataan Road and Western Highway. There they gathered at the memorial where they heard comments from their teachers and classmates and thought about the true meaning of Veteran's Day. Some of the students had interviewed veterans in their studies and some had visited the Camp Shanks monument. They took turns presenting their thoughts and observations to the assembled group. Dr. Mitchell, Superintendent of Schools, joined the group and shared with the students his thoughts that this gathering "is more than about Veteran's Day alone. It's about understanding the sacrifices and respect required from one another in order to keep our country safe for us." When Cottage Lane Principal Brian Culot walked up to the monument, he shared his observances with the students saying, "This area is very rich in history. There were great sacrifices that many who have come through here have made so that we and our families could live in freedom." The students, having a newly acquired feeling for the true meaning of Veteran's Day, then gathered for the walk back to Cottage Lane.

 

Harlem Superstars Take On "Zee's All-Star" Team At TZHS
The Harlem Superstars Comedy Basketball Team returned to South Orangetown Tuesday night to take on Zee's All-Star team of SOCSD teachers and coaches. Dutchmen Arena was packed to overflow capacity with elementary and middle school students and their parents who witnessed the comedy, dancing and acrobatics of the Superstars. Despite a valiant effort by Zee's All-Stars, the Superstars came out on top with a very slight (96-48) lead. The Superstars (and Zee) stuck around until every last autograph was signed and every face had a smile. A good time was had by all.


 

TZ Holds Inaugural Hall of Fame Induction Dinner

Reminiscing was the order of the night on Sunday, November 8th as TZ hosted its inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Induction at The Colonial Inn in Norwood, NJ. Nine athletes, Coach Bill Moran and the 1954 State Champion Cross Country Team were inducted. The athletes ranged from the class of 1954 to the class of 1980 and included Hubie Nealy '54, Howie Pierson '54, Joe D'Auria '55, Gene Martin '55, Ed Rechtorovic '62, George Coates '63, Don Fischer '75, Joan Neuendorf '79 and Robert Neuendorf '80. Their hall of fame plaques are permanently mounted in the lobby of Dutchmen Arena at TZHS. Anyone wishing to nominate someone for a future hall of fame class can get the information on the TZ Athletic website.


 

SOMS Italian Club Students Enjoy A Taste Of Torino's
Once again Torino's Italian Deli, on Erie St. in Blauvelt, extended a warm welcome to the South Orangetown Middle School Italian Club members for an afternoon of learning and fun. The students learned about and tasted different cheeses and foods from different areas of Italy. Polenta, parmigiano, and tartufi (truffles) were on the menu of the day. They saw how mozzarella was made and sampled freshly made cheese and delicious Italian bread. To end the visit, students were served pasta and meatballs with Torino's homemade tomato sauce. A delicious afternoon was enjoyed by all.

 

Tappan Zee Physical Educations 2nd annual Bear Mountain Hike
Mr. Cromer, Mr. Gaine and Mr. Frawley led a group of 20 TZHS students to the top of Bear Mountain yesterday as part of the Hiking PE elective at TZ. Great weather, great view and great workout.  A good time had by all in addition to an excellent day of cardio.

 

SOMS Students "Chalk" Poetry To Spread Awareness

 Students in Ms. Kerri McBride and Ms. Stephanie Stehly's 7th grade ELA classes decided to take their poetry unit to a different level. On Wednesday, November 4th, with chunky sticks of sidewalk chalk in hand, they "chalked" some of the poetry they have been studying onto the sidewalk in front of SOMS. Over the past few weeks, the students have been reading and analyzing examples of modern and classic poetry. They decided to find a way to share and generate this new learning and interest in the poetry they had been working with. The plan to "chalk" the poems around the school grounds for others to enjoy was quickly agreed upon. "They are trying to spread an awareness and appreciation of poetry, said Ms. Stehly. "It is a way for them not only enjoy poetry, but to get a deeper understanding of it at the same time."   Watch a video

 

LEOS and ZEE Assist at SOCSD Flu Clinic
Over 500 seasonal flu vaccinations were dispensed at the flu clinic at TZHS on Thursday, October 29th sponsored by the TZHS PTA. Pre-registration on the Flu Busters website, (the company through whom the clinic was run), for anyone interested in receiving the vaccine was held for two weeks prior to the actual clinic. As word spread throughout the community the response quickly grew. Walk-ins were also welcome as long as the vaccine supply held out. The TZHS Leos were on hand to help at the sign-in desk as well as to guide visitors through the lines. Everything was running smoothly when ZEE lumbered into the cafeteria. He decided that he wanted the vaccine too, and the scramble to find the right size syringe began. He closed his eyes, held his breath and was surprised to know it was over before he knew it even happened. He then went on to reassure those that followed. Four tables of registered nurses, including one from the Pearl River School District and a Physician's Assistant from Rockland made it a full community effort and got everyone through the process quickly with many smiles and very few tears.

 

TZHS Leos Work in Fall Cleanup at Blauvelt Lions Park

On a chilly but colorful Sunday, fifteen TZHS worked alongside Jane Haughey, Blauvelt Lion and Lion's Park Chairperson, and Tricia Castelli, Blauvelt Lion and TZHS Leo Club Advisor, to assist in the fall cleanup in Blauvelt Lions Park. The group raked leaves, pulled out annuals and pruned the remaining plants in preparation for the new spring planting which will take place in April. In addition to their landscaping duties, the Leos spruced up the benches and the gazebo to prepare them for a long winter's nap.

 

A BOO-tiful Time Was Had By ALL

It might have been the day before Halloween this year, and not a very sunny one at that, but that didn't stop the students of the South Orangetown CSD from donning costumes and showing off their "other" side. Everyone, both fictional as well as non-fictional and even some questionable characters were spotted in the hallways, cafeterias, and in parades. Students, teachers and administrators all took part in the eerie fun of the day.

 

Tappan Zee Elementary Students Given "The Power of Words"

On Wednesday, October 28th, the South Orangetown Rotary, in a joint effort with Orange & Rockland Utilities, presented Tappan Zee Elementary's entire third grade with their own copy of a Student Dictionary. Bruce Woolley, Director of the Literary Project for the South Orangetown Rotary explained the Rotary is a service organization and the Literary Project, now in its fourth year, has been "extremely rewarding and successful.'

Dr. Kenneth Mitchell, Superintendent of South Orangetown Schools and, himself a South Orangetown Rotarian, spoke to the assembly of students and told them that this gift will give them "the power of words".  He urged them to glance through the dictionaries and to always look up any word they hear that is unfamiliar to them.

Tom Brizzolara, Orange & Rockland's Director of Public Affairs and South Orangetown Rotary member addressed the student assembly by answering questions about Orange & Rockland's role in their lives and by telling the assembly, "We are pleased to partner with the Rotary and to have been able to purchase these books for the dictionary project."

The students then lined up around the gymnasium and filed across the front of the room each accepting their new gift with huge and grateful smiles.

 

And Up they Go!

 Students in SOMS 6th grade science classes gathered outside the building to observe and analyze the data resulting from their hands-on experiments in their "Soda and Mentos" unit. The question: "Which liquid will have the greatest reaction when combined with mint flavored Mentos?" With bottles of Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite, and bags of Mentos in hand, the students separated into working groups setting up the bottles for the event. Mentos, large soda bottles, geyser tubes, pens, large graduated cylinders, duct tape and markers were all pressed into service until the final stage of the experiment where one bottle of each of the sodas, (on top of which a cylinder loaded with 11 mentos was attached), was placed along the side of the building. The building was incrementally marked to measure the height achieved by the fizzling bottles. "Pin pullers" yanked the pins separating the soda from the mints and students feverishly watched while recording their observations of height and volume expended during flight. The experiment was repeated a number of times as a "control", and the results were averaged out.

Final deduction: Diet Coke will give you the most blast for your Mento!!

 

First Grade Authors Tap Their Writing Skills

As first grade classes in William O. Schaefer launched their Writers Workshop Unit, the entire grade went to work on their first personal creative writing attempts. In a salute to their success, a grade-wide author's celebration was held. During the celebration the authors split up into different classrooms and shared their stories with classmates from other classes and with students in kindergarten classes. Everyone listened as classmates read their stories out loud to their friends and teachers. Could there possibly have been a future author among them? Stay tuned. Only time will tell.

 

Are you "Germ Smart"?

Volunteers that attended the Germ Smart Parent assembly are. Thanks to local pediatrician, Dr. Alana Levine, WOS school nurse Kathy Spiro and program developer Kristan Bridges (PTA VP at WOS) parents learned how to keep their kids healthy. They were also instructed in the new Germ Smart curriculum that is being piloted at WOS this year. In the next few weeks almost 50 parent volunteers will be joining teachers in their classrooms to teach the program to the children.

Remember to ask your child about their hand washing pledge!

Free samples were provided to all attendees by Sani Professionals, Weleda and The Soap and Paper Factory. Sani Professionals is also donating stands, dispensers and Sani Hands wipes to the school this year to help launch the program!

 

It's Apple Pickin' Time
The cool temps and vibrant leaf colors that herald the beginning of the Fall season gave way to the equally important annual rite of apple picking for students of SOCSD's Early Childhood Program. Buses unloaded at Dr. Davies Farm as a stream of excited faces looked around in anticipation of the event. Huge pens of picked pumpkins were strewn about the farm and examined closely for possible purchase. When empty bags, parents and students were collected in a central area the group was led to trees filled with apples along the orchard. The trip, done in two sessions, and sponsored by the SOCES PTA, was a huge success.
 

 


Family Resource Center Welcomes Families Back At Annual Breakfast

In grand buffet style, Family Resource Center families, under the direction of coordinator Margaret Umbrino, brought in prepared and/or purchased breakfast fare and quickly became comfortable at tables set up for their Fall Welcome Back Breakfast. Moms, Dads, Grandmas, and Grandpas attended the event, comingled with other families and watched the children as they engaged themselves in arts and crafts and interaction with the other children. The Family Resource Center acts as an important conduit between families and County programs and services.

 

SOMS Principal in Lock Up to Support Fundraiser and to Launch Month of the Young Adolescent

SOMS Principal Karen Tesik was "arrested" as part of the Rockland Lockup for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and, at the same time, kicked off the Month of the Young Adolescent by converting her cash bail requirement to a pledge by the students of the South Orangetown Middle School of 2,500 hours of community service during the month of October.

Orangetown Supervisor Thom Kleiner signed a proclamation declaring October as The Month of the Young Adolescent in Orangetown.

 

Librarians Visit Tappan Zee Elementary & Cottage Lane

With the month of September being recognized as Library Card Sign-Up Month, librarians from the Children's Libraries of Tappan, Blauvelt, and Palisades spread out into classrooms in TZE and CL to speak with students and share ideas about the library and the different library programs. Many of the students were excited to share with their classmates and the librarians their knowledge of the different programs offered by the libraries, and the fact that many already had library cards. The groups discussed new books and old favorites and some of the new offerings planned for this year. Applications were passed out to all students who did not already have library cards to become members.

 

A Brisk Evening For SOCSDs Early Childhood Center's Welcome Back Picnic

Fall was definitely in the air as SOCSDs Early Childhood Center welcomed back new and returning families to the program for the 2009-10 school year. Children played on the swings and other playground apparatus while parents met new friends and hugged old ones. Hosted by the South Orangetown Community Elementary Schools (SOCES) PTA, the picnic was alive with stories of summer vacations, ballgames, team sports, the exchange of new recipe ideas, and much more. As dusk fell upon the playground and picnic areas, jackets were put on the children, and a bunch of sleepy faces made their way back to their cars to go home.

 

ZEE NITE III

Zee-Nite III was a big success despite the rain!  The kids had a good time with Mr. Met, the music, dunk tank, face painting and games!

  • All of our varsity teams were victorious:
  • Girls Swimming over Pearl River 100-68
  • Boys Soccer over Spring Valley 4-1
  • Girls Soccer over Ramapo 5-0
  • Volleyball over Spring Valley 3-1
  • Football over Peekskill 44-8
  • Girls Cross Country came in 1st in the Suffern Invitational

 

Lions and Leos and ZEE........ Oh My !!

Last Sunday, under a mostly sunny end-of-summer sky, the Blauvelt Lions held their annual Applefest at Piermont's Flywheel Park. On hand, and of great assistance to the success of the day were the Tappan Zee HS Leos, who helped with the food, face painting, tattoos, popcorn, fishbowls, jewelry, inflatables and anything else that required their help and talents. Then, in the early afternoon, the sound of thundering footsteps came from around a corner. To the delight of the children (and many of the adults).....it was ZEE. Everyone pulled their weight to make sure a good time was had by all. South Orangetown Central School District's Superintendent Dr. Ken Mitchell, also a Lion, grabbed a spatula and assisted with grill duties along with his fellow Lions. In addition to the games, food, and crafts the Applefest offered many vendors selling everything including jewelry, handbags, dolls, antiques and much more. It would have been difficult to order up a better day or turnout for the festival.