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New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY
New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY There will soon be a student on every school board in New York.A new law requiring all state boards of education to have at least one student member will take effect on July 1, 2025. The students will attend public meetings, but not executive sessions, and won't be allowed to vote. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill on Thursday, Sept. 5. It will also remove the current law requirement that a student member seat be authorized by referendum of the voters of the district.  The bill would also remove the requirement that a student member be a senior at the school and instead require only …

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by Joe Lombardi
Schools
This City In Westchester To Put $5.8M Toward Air Conditioning In 39 Schools This City In Westchester To Put $5.8M Toward Air Conditioning In 39 Schools
This City In Westchester To Put $5.8M Toward Air Conditioning In 39 Schools A city in Westchester is committing millions of dollars toward putting air conditioning in all of its school buildings to help students deal with rising temperatures.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Aug. 28, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Superintendent Aníbal Soler, Jr. revealed that $5.8 million in capital funding would be spent on air-conditioning in the city's 39 public school buildings over the next three years.  The initiative is part of an effort to improve all aspects of the school experience for the city's students, Spano and Soler said.  "Investing in the…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
County Equips School Buses With Stop-Arm Cameras In Hudson Valley County Equips School Buses With Stop-Arm Cameras In Hudson Valley
County Equips School Buses With Stop-Arm Cameras In Hudson Valley A Hudson Valley county is ensuring drivers are fined for not stopping for a stopped school bus by installing new stop-arm cameras. Rockland County Executive Ed Day announced on Tuesday, Aug. 27, that stop-arm cameras have been installed on nearly all school buses countywide in time for the 2024 school year. “These cameras will automatically record any vehicle that illegally passes a stopped school bus, capturing crucial evidence that will be used to enforce traffic laws and hold offenders accountable,” explained Day. “But this program is not about enforcement; it’s about saving lives, and n…

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by Kathy Reakes
Schools
This Hudson Valley School District Latest To Ban Students' Cell Phones: Here's Where This Hudson Valley School District Latest To Ban Students' Cell Phones: Here's Where
This Hudson Valley School District Latest To Ban Students' Cell Phones: Here's Where Students in another Hudson Valley school district will be forced to look up from their phone screens, as officials will be requiring them to lock up their devices for the entire day.  In its end-of-summer newsletter, the Garrison Union Free School District in Putnam County announced that it will no longer allow cell phone use during the instructional day between 8:25 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.  During this time, students will have to store their devices in lockers and keep them powered down or in silent mode. More information about the policy will be contained in the district's updated&nb…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Westchester School District Taps New Technology, Innovation Director Westchester School District Taps New Technology, Innovation Director
Westchester School District Taps New Technology, Innovation Director An educator who has led learning communities on modern concepts such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality has been selected as a Westchester school district's new technology director. Jerrod Blair's appointment as the Irvington Union Free School District's new director of technology and innovation was announced by the district on Thursday, Aug. 22.  Blair, who was chosen after a long search process, will start in the position on Friday, Sept. 6. According to the district, he is a "standout" in the field and has led professional learning communities on topics including AI an…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
HS Club From Northern Westchester Wins National Championship HS Club From Northern Westchester Wins National Championship
HS Club From Northern Westchester Wins National Championship Only two years after it was first started, an aeronautics club from a Northern Westchester high school emerged victorious in a prestigious national competition. The Yorktown High School Aeronautics Club competed in the finals in the Beginner Division of the UAS4STEM competition held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin from Monday, July 22 to Wednesday, July 24, school officials announced on Wednesday, Aug. 14.  The club was one of only five teams of drone enthusiasts to qualify for the finals, which took place during AirVenture, an aviation celebration that garners over a half-million visitors …

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
School Announces Sudden Closure After Almost 30 Years In Westchester School Announces Sudden Closure After Almost 30 Years In Westchester
School Announces Sudden Closure After Almost 30 Years In Westchester After nearly three decades, a nursery school in Westchester has announced that it will shut its doors for good.  New Beginnings Nursery School, located in Tarrytown at the Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns at 42 North Broadway (Route 9), is now closed, owner Patricia Kreamer announced on Wednesday, Aug. 14.  According to Kreamer, the church's consistory voted on Tuesday, Aug. 6 to close the school "without any regard" to the school's staff or families.  "I was not allowed to voice my concerns or advocate for our school since it was behind closed doors,"&n…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War
School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War Elected officials and community members are calling for a Hudson Valley school board member to step down following alleged antisemitic remarks made at a board meeting.  The outrage was prompted following a school board meeting in Putnam County on Tuesday, July 9, when Carmel Central School District Trustee Jim Wise allegedly controversy within the town over a comment on the Israel-Hamas war. The statement in question, "From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free," was defended by Wise in a post on social media on Wednesday, Aug. 7.  "I also reject absolutely the idea that …

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Pair Of New Principals Named At School District In Hudson Valley Pair Of New Principals Named At School District In Hudson Valley
Pair Of New Principals Named At School District In Hudson Valley Two new principals will soon take the lead at two Hudson Valley schools. In an announcement on Thursday, July 25, the Carmel Central School District in Putnam County revealed that new principals were hired for both Kent Primary School and Kent Elementary School.  Vincent Fino, the former Assistant Principal at Carmel High School, will take over at Kent Primary School. He replaces Dan Brown, who retired at the end of the 2023-24 school year, the district said. Meanwhile, John Fratto will be the next principal at Kent Elementary School and replace Michael Setaro, who will begin a new ro…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Superintendent Put On Administrative Leave In Northern Westchester Superintendent Put On Administrative Leave In Northern Westchester
Superintendent Put On Administrative Leave In Northern Westchester A Northern Westchester school district has appointed a new acting superintendent after putting its previous leader on administrative leave.  The North Salem Central School District announced on Wednesday, July 24, that Superintendent Duncan Wilson had been placed on administrative leave.  In his place, Adam VanDerStuyf was named Acting Superintendent on Monday, July 22, according to the school board.  VanDerStuyf, who has been with the district since 2015, has held roles such as Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Personnel Se…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
High School Near Westchester Border To Permanently Close After 100 Years High School Near Westchester Border To Permanently Close After 100 Years
High School Near Westchester Border To Permanently Close After 100 Years A high school near the border of Westchester will cease operations and not re-open in September of 2024. St. Barnabus High School in the north Bronx said the decision was made "with a heavy heart." "Despite such a beautiful and successful celebration of our 100th anniversary, our school is unable to overcome the financial strain it has been under for many years," the school said in announcing the news. "Enrollment levels over the past several years have challenged our ability to meet the costs of providing a quality curriculum.  "In addition, the rising costs of operating the building…

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by Joe Lombardi
Schools
Cyberattack Hits School District In Hudson Valley Cyberattack Hits School District In Hudson Valley
Cyberattack Hits School District In Hudson Valley A school district in the Hudson Valley was the target of a cyberattack that disabled computer services and access to phones and email. In Orange County, the Goshen Central School District announced on Thursday, July 11, that it was the subject of the ransomware incident. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurtis Kotes said the district notified law enforcement and is working with cyber security experts to determine the source of the attack and take the necessary steps to repair the problems as quickly as possible. In an update late Friday afternoon, July 12, Kotes said: "The disaster reco…

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by Joe Lombardi
Schools
New Superintendent Takes Command At One Of Hudson Valley's Largest School Districts New Superintendent Takes Command At One Of Hudson Valley's Largest School Districts
New Superintendent Takes Command At One Of Hudson Valley's Largest School Districts An educator with decades of experience is following in the footsteps of her father and stepping up to lead a large Hudson Valley school district.  On Monday, July 1, Erin Meehan-Fairben officially began her position as superintendent of Putnam County's Carmel Central School District, to which she holds deeply personal ties.  A native of the area, Fairben was born in Putnam County Hospital and was raised within the Carmel community until she was around 5 years old. As a child, she used to play on the steps of Carmel's one-room schoolhouse as her father, Richard R. Meehan,…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
2024 Valedictorian, Salutatorian Announced By Northern Westchester High School 2024 Valedictorian, Salutatorian Announced By Northern Westchester High School
2024 Valedictorian, Salutatorian Announced By Northern Westchester High School Two high-achieving seniors at a Northern Westchester high school are being recognized for landing at the top of their class.  In an announcement on Wednesday, June 12, Byram Hills High School revealed its valedictorian and salutatorian for the class of 2024 are Grace Lin and Daniel Ndocaj, respectively.  The school's administration and faculty celebrated both students' accomplishments. "The achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and excellence throughout their four years at BHHS," said Principal Christopher Walsh, who revealed the top-ranked stu…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
New Superintendent Named At Northern Westchester School District New Superintendent Named At Northern Westchester School District
New Superintendent Named At Northern Westchester School District A Northern Westchester superintendent will soon transition to leading another nearby district in the county. In an announcement on Friday, June 14, the Katonah-Lewisboro School District revealed its next superintendent would be Raymond Blanch, who will be formally appointed in the role by the Board of Education on Thursday, June 20.  Blanch, who has served as superintendent of the Somers Central School District since July 2010, will officially begin in his new role on Monday, July 15.  Blanch's selection follows multiple rounds of interviews conducted by the school board in an ef…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Westchester Students Help Name Baby Falcons Born On Top Of New Tappan Zee Bridge Westchester Students Help Name Baby Falcons Born On Top Of New Tappan Zee Bridge
Westchester Students Help Name Baby Falcons Born On Top Of New Tappan Zee Bridge Thanks to elementary school students in Westchester and Rockland counties, several baby peregrine falcons born on top of the new Tappan Zee Bridge have been bestowed with creative names.  To name the falcons, which were born in late May on top of the new Tappan Zee Bridge, the New York State Thruway Authority and Veolia Water held a contest in which voters could decide between several names chosen by schoolchildren throughout the region. Nearly 200,000 votes later, the results are in — the four winning names are:  Beakoncé, which earned 26 percent of votes and was the idea of Ms…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Yale University Names Maurie McInnis As New President Yale University Names Maurie McInnis As New President
Yale University Names Maurie McInnis As New President The president of Long Island’s Stony Brook University has been selected to first permanent female president of Yale University. Maurie McInnis was named Yale’s 24th president in an announcement by the school. The 58-year-old cultural historian, currently serving as the president of Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, graduated from Yale with a Ph.D in art history in 1996. In the years since her graduation, McInnis has served in senior positions at the University of Virginia and the University of Texas at Austin before moving to Stony Brook University in 2020. She became a Yale trus…

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by Sophie Grieser
Schools
New Assistant Superintendent Named At Northern Westchester School District New Assistant Superintendent Named At Northern Westchester School District
New Assistant Superintendent Named At Northern Westchester School District A Northern Westchester school district has selected a new assistant superintendent who will soon be leaving his current role at another municipality in the county.  In an announcement on Thursday, May 23, the Hendrick Hudson Central School District revealed the appointment of Steven Garcia as its new Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Leadership Development.  Garcia, who currently serves as Executive Director for Human Resources & Leadership in the Pelham Public Schools, will begin his three-year probationary term with the Hendrick Hudson District on Mo…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
How Sweet: NY Educator Named 'Teacher Of The Year' By Cookie Chain Crumbl How Sweet: NY Educator Named 'Teacher Of The Year' By Cookie Chain Crumbl
How Sweet: NY Educator Named 'Teacher Of The Year' By Cookie Chain Crumbl Forget the apple; this distinguished New York teacher is getting a cookie party. Just in time for National Teacher Appreciation Day, cookie chain Crumbl announced the winners of its “Teacher of the Year” awards, given to educators “for their extraordinary commitment to their classrooms.” In New York, the honor went to Monroe County teacher Dan Graf at State Road Elementary School in Webster. Recipients were selected from a pool of over 6,000 nominations that included testimonials from parents, students, colleagues, and friends. They were chosen from each state, the District of Columbi…

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by Michael Mashburn
Schools
HS Senior From Northern Westchester Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist HS Senior From Northern Westchester Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist
HS Senior From Northern Westchester Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist A high school senior from Northern Westchester has won a $2,500 scholarship after being selected as a finalist in a prestigious national program. Samara Brown, a senior at Byram Hills High School in Armonk, has been named one of 2,500 Merit Scholars in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program, the Byram Hills Central School District announced on Monday, May 13.  The program's finalists, who all earn $2,500 scholarships, were chosen for their strong mix of accomplishments, skills, and college potential.  The winners are chosen by a committee of college admissions officers and h…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor
US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor These students have a date with the president. Six graduating seniors from New York were among just 161 high school students across the country to be selected as a US Presidential Scholar, one of the nation’s highest honors for students. Established in 1964, the award recognizes distinguished seniors who have shown exceptional accomplishments in areas like academics, leadership, and service to their school and communities. The program was later expanded to include students in the visual, creative, and performing arts, and in career and technical education fields. In the Empire State, the…

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by Michael Mashburn
Schools
School District In Westchester Taps New Superintendent: 'Honored, Humbled' School District In Westchester Taps New Superintendent: 'Honored, Humbled'
School District In Westchester Taps New Superintendent: 'Honored, Humbled' A current assistant superintendent in Westchester has accepted the top post at a nearby district, officials announced.  In an announcement on Monday, May 13, the Irvington Union Free School District revealed it has selected Mara Ratesic as its new superintendent.  Ratesic, who will begin in the position on Monday, July 1, will be formally appointed to the role during a special Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m.  The current Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at the Bronxville Union Free School District, Ratesic was chosen …

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Carrying Torch: 9 Northern Westchester HS Student-Athletes To Join College Programs Carrying Torch: 9 Northern Westchester HS Student-Athletes To Join College Programs
Carrying Torch: 9 Northern Westchester HS Student-Athletes To Join College Programs Nine standout student-athletes at a Northern Westchester high school are taking the next steps in their sports careers, including several who will join Division I college programs. Nine seniors at Byram Hills High School in Armonk committed to playing their sports at college programs during a ceremonial signing day event, Byram Hills Central School District officials announced on Monday, May 6.  The nine students and their programs were: Dario Amicucci, who committed to High Point University's Division I track and field program; Anastasia Byrnes, who committed to American Univer…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Valedictorian, Salutatorian Announced By School District In Westchester Valedictorian, Salutatorian Announced By School District In Westchester
Valedictorian, Salutatorian Announced By School District In Westchester Two high-achieving high school seniors from Westchester who placed at the top of their class are being recognized for their impressive accomplishments by district officials.  In an announcement on Tuesday, May 7, the Ardsley School District revealed seniors Derek Xu and Lydia Lung have been named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.  District officials said both students consistently made valuable contributions during their four years at Ardsley High School to earn the prestigious positions.  Xu, a talented mathematics student who also plays the violin, serves …

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
HS Senior From Northern Westchester Wins State Oratory Competition For Second Time HS Senior From Northern Westchester Wins State Oratory Competition For Second Time
HS Senior From Northern Westchester Wins State Oratory Competition For Second Time A high school senior from Northern Westchester is officially a back-to-back champion in a statewide oratory speech event.  Aidan Aldea-Lustig, a senior at Byram Hills High School in Armonk, was named champion of the Original Oratory Speech event at the New York State Forensic League Championships, the Byram Hills Central School District announced on Monday, April 29.  During the event, held at The Bronx High School of Science on Sunday, April 14, Aldea-Lustig came out on top amongst 33 other students with a 10-minute address on free speech.  The Orig…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
School In Westchester To Close: 'Sad Day,' Superintendent Says School In Westchester To Close: 'Sad Day,' Superintendent Says
School In Westchester To Close: 'Sad Day,' Superintendent Says A school in Westchester County has announced it will cease operations at the end of the academic year.  In an announcement on Wednesday, May 1, the Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York revealed the Transfiguration School in Tarrytown would close at the end of the 2023-24 academic year.  Officials attributed the decision to close the Catholic school to shifting demographics and lower enrollment, which have "significantly impacted" its ability to continue operating.  The St. Simon Stock School in the Bronx will also close for similar reas…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
School Superintendent In Hudson Valley Accepts Post In Nearby District School Superintendent In Hudson Valley Accepts Post In Nearby District
School Superintendent In Hudson Valley Accepts Post In Nearby District After six years, a Hudson Valley superintendent has announced his upcoming move to a nearby district to remain closer to his family. Superintendent Phil Benante of Putnam County's Haldane Central School District announced on Tuesday, April 30 that he was appointed head of the Arlington Central School District in Dutchess County, according to a letter written to the district community.  In his letter, Benante wrote that he chose to move to the Arlington district because it would allow him to work closer to his family.  The Arlington district includes parts of Beekman, La Gran…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Best High Schools: Westchester Well-Represented In Brand-New Rankings Best High Schools: Westchester Well-Represented In Brand-New Rankings
Best High Schools: Westchester Well-Represented In Brand-New Rankings New York is well-represented on U.S. News & World Report's latest rankings of the nation's best high schools. The brand-new rankings were released Tuesday morning, April 23, and determined by performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare students for college. The highest-ranked school outside New York City is on Long Island: Jericho, at No. 13 statewide and 104th nationally. The top-rated high school in Westchester County is Edgemont at No. 14 in the state and 128th in the nation, with Bronxville, at No. 16 in the state and 151st nationally. Another W…

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by Joe Lombardi
Schools
Ossining School District Named Best Among Best Communities For Music Education Ossining School District Named Best Among Best Communities For Music Education
Ossining School District Named Best Among Best Communities For Music Education Several school districts in Westchester and Putnam counties are being recognized as amongst the best in the entire nation for music education.  A total of 10 school districts across both counties have been named winners of the Best Communities for Music Education Award for 2024 by the NAMM Foundation.  These districts are some of only 975 across the country to receive the award, which recognizes "outstanding" efforts from teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who make sure students can include music as part of their education, according to th…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Westchester School District Earns Best Community For Music Education Award Westchester School District Earns Best Community For Music Education Award
Westchester School District Earns Best Community For Music Education Award A school district in Westchester has been recognized as one of the best in the country for its dedication to music education, officials announced. The Irvington Union Free School District has been named a winner of the Best Communities for Music Education Award for 2024 by the NAMM Foundation, district officials announced on Tuesday, April 9.  The district is one of only 975 school districts nationwide to receive the award and one of six in Westchester, officials added.  The award recognizes "outstanding" efforts from teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community lea…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Hudson Valley School District Taps New Superintendent Hudson Valley School District Taps New Superintendent
Hudson Valley School District Taps New Superintendent After an intense vetting process, a Hudson Valley school district has selected a new superintendent with more than two decades of leadership experience.  In an announcement on Tuesday, April 9, the Garrison Union Free School District in Putnam County revealed that Gregory Stowell was offered the position of superintendent.  Stowell is expected to be officially appointed to the role at the next Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, April 10 at 7 p.m.  Once he takes the district's helm, Stowell will replace Carl Albano, who officially retired from the role in September…

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by Ben Crnic