The Clarkstown Connection
October 2023
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear Clarkstown Central School District Families and Staff,
The last few weeks have been busy as we prepare our District and students to be more "Future Ready." As part of CCSD’s transition to the Tri-State Consortium — an alliance of public school districts committed to systems thinking and collaborative inquiry — I attended a work session this week with Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Julie Kotler Snider. We examined strategies to increase access for all students in our enrichment and advanced courses.
The Board of Education held a work session on capital planning during its meeting on October 26. The strategic process involves managing and allocating financial resources in order to develop, maintain and improve our District facilities and physical infrastructure. This endeavor plays a key role in ensuring that educational spaces are safe, functional and conducive to effective teaching and learning. On a related note, our ThoughtExchange has generated amazing community feedback that will help inform future decisions regarding capital work priorities. If you have not yet shared your thoughts or rated other ones, please consider doing so. The deadline for the ThoughtExhange is Friday, November 3.
In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, Lakewood Elementary School recently hosted a "Stop Bullying Now" cultural arts show. The event also took place during its building-wide Respect and Kindness Spirit Week. We are committed to establishing peaceful and caring environments in which all children can feel safe while learning.
Lastly, several of our athletic teams have performed well this month. Clarkstown Varsity Field Hockey defeated Scarsdale 1-0 during the Section Semifinals. We wish them good luck ahead of Sunday’s Section Finals! See the October Highlights below for the latest win out of Felix Festa Middle School.
Now, let’s take a look back at some of the memorable moments and accomplishments from October.
Sincerely,
Marc P. Baiocco, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Clarkstown Central School District
October Highlights
Fourteen Vikings and Rams received recognition in the 2024 National Merit® Scholarship Competition. Congratulations: Lydia Jung (semifinalist, pictured); James Bloete, Nicolas Cavalluzzi, Alexander Kim, Matthew Joseph Lifrieri, Ryan Olson, Ryan Thomas (commended students, Clarkstown High School South); Menachem Abramowitz, Chris Anil, Max Caivano, Selena La, Amulya Mandapaka, David Silverman and Finnegan Thompson (commended students, Clarkstown High School North)!
A Look Ahead
Halloween 2023 Festivities
It's that spooky time of year again! CCSD's annual Halloween parades will take place on Tuesday, October 31 and, as a reminder, we ask that costumes meet the following guidelines:
- Costumes should not prevent students from fully participating in learning activities.
- Do not bring weapons/look-alike weapons, spikes, chains and/or ropes to school.
- Do not wear clothing that depicts drugs or alcohol, nor their usage.
- Do not wear costumes that have inflatable features or fans inside of them.
- All makeup, hair and accessories must be done at home.
Please keep in mind that administrators have the right to require students to change their apparel if it is inappropriate. More detailed guidelines may be available from your child's school.