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Superintendent's Update: March 10, 2023

March 10, 2023

Dear TUFSD Families and Staff,

“If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else.” This is one of the many famous ‘Yogi-isms’ in which Yankee great Yogi Berra makes an astute observation in a way that makes you wonder a little bit about his message. I share it today because I think it is a perfect way to summarize the many ways in which we are currently reflecting, planning, and improving across our district, several of which are described below. 

At the Board meeting last evening, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Brian Fried, provided an update on the 2023-24 school year budget with a focus on the budget development process and how we, as a district, aim to provide resources that meet our goals while ensuring we remain fiscally responsible to taxpayers. Mr. Fried shared some good news about long-awaited funding from NY State to public school districts and we are committed to determining how to maximize those funds on behalf of our students. I would like to remind you that we are holding the first of our two Budget Workshops tomorrow, Saturday, March 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the Board Room of the Administration Building.

As we figure out “where we are going,” our Board, administration, faculty and staff must also work as a team to consider new ideas and commit to continuous improvement. We know that education must continue to evolve if we are to meet the needs of our students and develop life-long learners. Our upcoming Superintendent’s Conference Day will provide time opportunities for our faculty and staff to enhance their content and instructional knowledge and skills. I look forward to sharing this critical day of professional learning with my colleagues and appreciate their ongoing commitment to collaboration and growth.

Following are a number of important updates and information about the coming weeks

Superintendent's Conference Day: This Monday, March 13th is a Superintendent’s Conference Day.  There will be no school for students on Monday, March 13th.

Spring Forward: Daylight Saving Time will begin this Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 2 AM. At that time, you should set your clocks forward one hour. You don’t want to be late!

Budget Workshop: Our first 2023-24 Budget Workshop will be held tomorrow, Saturday, March 11th at 8:30am in the BoardRoom of the Administration Building. Here is a meeting link.

American Rescue Plan Funding: American Rescue Plan plan funding was provided to the District as part of pandemic funding.  As a result of increased State Aid, we will be using American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding differently.  We are amending our ARP funding plan and seeking community input.  Our current ARP funding plans can be seen through this link.  Our proposed amendment form is available here.  Please use this form to provide feedback to the District regarding our proposed amendment by Wednesday, March 15th.  Thank you for your participation.

Bye Bye Birdie: Sleepy Hollow High School will be performing Bye Bye Birdie on March 24th, 25th, and 26th in the Kusel Auditorium of Sleepy Hollow High School. The show is appropriate for all ages!  Tickets can be obtained in advance or at the door. Please click on this link for more information.

Peabody Preserve Spring Programs: The Friends of Peabody are pleased to offer the Spring Programs in the district’s outdoor classroom. Please use this link (English) (Spanish) to see all of the offerings coming your way, from learning from talented 8th graders how to make seed bombs to performing in a production in the woods of Alice in Wonderland! We are also looking for volunteers to assist with our Community Work Day.  SHHS students can get community service hours. See these links (English ) ( Spanish)  for further details. 

Science Research Students Need Help:  

WESEF - Saturday, March 18, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

  • This event will be hosted at Somers High School
  • We are recruiting judges for this event.  
  • Judge qualifications can be found at wesef.org
  • Information on how to register as a judge is included on the attached flier or at wesef.org

Future Engineers Wanted: On Sunday, March 26th, White Plains High School will be hosting the Tri-State Engineering Expo. This free event aims to inspire young people to pursue an education and career in engineering.  There will be interactive displays, panel discussions, robotics competitions, and more.  Please see this flier and link for further details and to register.

COVID+ Reporting: Please report any COVID positive cases to your building principal and school nurse.

Rapid COVID Tests: If you are in need of additional tests for your child, please complete the following Google Form and we will be able to provide you with additional tests.

As we inch closer to the first day of spring, I want to once again remind you that this weekend is the start of Daylight Saving Time. Clocks ‘spring forward’ by one hour on Sunday, March 12th.  I hope you all have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Chris Borsari

Superintendent of Schools