Superintendent's Update: March 17, 2023

March 17, 2023

Dear TUFSD Families and Staff:

On this St. Patrick’s Day, some of our kindergarten classes have been determined to catch a leprechaun! But they’re not leaving this challenge to the luck of the Irish. Students started this adventure by completing a writing unit and, today, engaged in a STEM activity for which they used popsicle sticks, cardboard, pipe cleaners, glue, etc. to use their creativity and critical thinking skills to build leprechaun traps. While the students did find the end of the rainbow and even some gold, those magical leprechauns managed to get away. 

At WI, our faculty and staff are using the popular March Madness college basketball tournament to create a fun learning experience for students through the Tournament of Books. Featuring 16 titles that promote positive character traits, students will determine who will be crowned WI's Book of the Year. Will there be a bracket buster like many of us have already experienced with the real tournament? Stay tuned for the results. 

I’d also like to give a shout out to our middle school students who last week participated in a Mediation Lab in which they practiced mindfulness—a type of meditation in which one focuses on being deeply aware of what they are sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. We thank the Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns for the grant for this program.

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

Crazy Socks Day: As part of our March Kindness and Inclusion month events, students and staff will celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Day on Tuesday, March 21st . Individuals with Down Syndrome have an extra chromosome. (3 - 21 chromosomes - which is why we celebrate on 3/21). Since chromosomes can look like socks - we will be having a district-wide crazy sock day to raise awareness. Please wear your craziest socks to work and school on Tuesday!

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.

Budget Workshop: The second 2023-24 Budget Workshop will be held tomorrow, Saturday, March 18th beginning at 8:30AM in the Administration Building or through this link.

Board of Education Meeting: The next meeting of the Board of Education will be next Thursday, March 23rd beginning at 8:00PM in the Administration Building or through this link.

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!

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.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Christopher Borsari

Superintendent of Schools