Nanuet Union Free School District

🍅 Thank you to everyone who came out to the Farmer's Market earlier today! The crops at the OEC have been booming this summer and its a joy to share them with the Nanuet Community. 🌽

🥕Farmer's Market this Friday at the Nanuet Outdoor Education Center!

🥬 Friday, August 2, 2024
🍅 11am - 1pm (or until the crops are all gone!)

The market is for member's of the Nanuet community and produce will be sold at a reduced price. We hope to see you there!

🎨 ➕ 🏈 = 😁 It is almost time to put the finishing touches on the final week of the District's Family Resource Center (FRC) summer camps! For the past four weeks, Nanuet campers have been enjoying their time at Highview Elementary, taking part in the annual art and sports camps.

This week, art students have been trying their hand at clay and paper mache, in addition to creating cars, games, machines and even fashion out of recycled boxes. Out on the field and in the gym, counselors are teaching students about conditioning and stretching ahead of games like football and baseball.

Thank you to all of counselors who have helped provide these educational opportunities for our children entering grades 1-6!

🐝 The Nanuet OEC is buzzing with activity! BEElieve it or not, our Nanuet students have been harvesting honey and making candles this week alongside Outdoor Education Center Director Nancy Galdi. The honeycombs and beeswax come courtesy of the District’s beehives, located just outside the OEC garden.

The third and fourth grade worker bees helped scrape the wax off the honeycombs before Galdi placed the wooden structures in a spinner used to extract the honey for jarring. The discarded beeswax is later used for candle making, which our third graders had an opportunity to try before heading back to Highview.

“Nothing is ever wasted with a honeybee,” Galdi reminded her beekeepers in training.

Especially the honey! Students got to taste several varieties of the sweet treat during their visit, including the honey produced at the OEC. After dipping their miniature spoons in the jar, students took in the smell and taste before referencing a honey flavor wheel.

Could week BEE any better?!

🌞 Capping off another great week at the District's Family Resource Center (FRC) summer camps! Located at Highview Elementary, these art and sports camps keep students engaged and active throughout the month of July. Thank you to all of our counselors (not all pictured) for continuing to provide educational opportunities for our children entering grades 1-6!

🍽 Earn while your children learn! Positions are available within the Nanuet Schools Food Service Department. September through June Schedule at 4-6 hours per day. No nights or weekends and work day ends by 2pm.

Other Benefits:

⚫ Employee Assistance Program
🟡 Join New York STATE Retirement Program
⚫ Paid Sick Days/Holidays
🟡 Paid Bereavement Pay
⚫ Perfect Attendance Bonus

For more information, please contact Food Service Department at 845-627-9831.

Alright Aidan! Golden Knights, meet your Lohud Sports 2024 Rockland Player of the Year! Good luck next year at Pace!

Baseball: Nanuet's Aidan Kempf leads the 2024 lohud Rockland All-County team A catalyst in Nanuet's section title-winning year, Pace commit Aidan Kempf is lohud's 2024 Rockland player of the year. Meet the All-County team.

Congratulations to our very own Christian Grimshaw, a member of the Class of 2024 and a Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) student, who competed in this year’s SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Competition in Atlanta, Georgia.

Christian, who earned a gold medal at the New York State Competition this past April, put his skills to the test, competing in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair. 🔧

We are proud of you and good luck next year!

Check out the June edition of The Nanuet News!

secure.smore.com/n/26nuw

The Nanuet News June 2024

🌞 Summer - it’s your time to shine! Just like that the 2023-2024 school year is in the books! There were plenty of hugs, smiles and high-fives to go around this morning, as our Golden Knights stepped out the door, all pumped for the summer break. Thank you to students, faculty and staff for another amazing year. We will see you in September!

🎓💛🖤🎓 Congratulations to the Nanuet Senior High School ! Under a clear blue sky, nearly 200 Seniors donned their cap and gowns at this afternoon’s commencement ceremony and became Nanuet’s newest alumni.

"No matter what it took to get to this moment, you have made it,” class Salutatorian Dahlia Kordit told her classmates gathered at Clover Stadium. "Take a moment to reflect on your time.”

Valedictorian Arnav Mehta echoed Kordit's sentiments of reflection, asking his fellow graduates to remember what “makes us the class of 2024.” Along with the teammates, friends, classmates and hard work, Mehta attributed the class’ identity to "the emotions that made our arms tingle and our heads spin.”

Before ending his address, he encouraged everyone to ask themselves this question as they enter the next stage of their lives, "Are you climbing the mountain cause you want the world to see you or because you want to see the world?”

In attendance for today’s ceremony were members of the Nanuet Board of Education, including President Christine Camilleri who handed graduates their diplomas along side Principal Mike Mahoney. Joining them on stage were members of Nanuet administration and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lisa Brady who told students in her closing remarks to seek “happiness in your lives and peace in every corner of you world.”

Congratulations Golden Knights and good luck in all your future endeavors!

🎓 Congratulations to the A. MacArthur Barr Middle School ! Today’s Moving Up Ceremony, held at Clover Stadium, celebrated the 190 eighth graders on their way to Nanuet Senior High School next year.

“When faced with new opportunities don’t look for easiest path,“ Barr Principal Michelle O’Sullivan told students with their families and friends looking on from the stands. “Embrace challenges, ask questions and step out of your comfort zone.“

Speaking to her classmates, eighth grader Emma Ng compared middle school to a game of Tetris. Both can be difficult at times and each requires a level concentration to make the pieces fit into place. But as Ng reminded everyone gathered, that in life, like a video game, each obstacle along the way is what makes us stronger.

Thank you to those who attended today’s ceremonies, including members of the Board of Education and administration.

Congratulations and enjoy your summer! See you next year!

💛🖤 These Golden Knights are on their way to Highview Elementary! The George W. Miller Elementary walked the halls of their school like the rock stars they are, during this morning's annual Second Grade Clapout. Faculty, staff and students lined the hallways to cheer on these future third graders before they exited the school and made their way on to the field where family and friends were excitedly awaiting their arrival. A loud roar came over the crowd as the classes lined up and waved at those gathered before them. Good luck next year in Highview!

Thank you to all of our 2023-24 PTA Volunteers, several of who were recognized during Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting. Not only do these volunteers help to make important events like our Moving-Up ceremonies possible, but they also offer scholarships to graduating seniors. Special thanks to the following individuals for your partnership this year! Your dedication to our students faculty and schools is deeply appreciated.

Nanuet Elementary PTA 2023-24
Kathryn Musto, President
Debbie Harriss, Miller Vice President
Michelle Garrido, Highview Vice President

Barr Pta 2023-24
Loretta Walsh, President
Alissa Dempsey, Vice President

Nanuet High School PTSA 2023-24
Carol Ann Materasso, Co-President
Kathy Urzi, Co-President
Carmelina Tartaglia, Vice President

Nanuet PTA Council 2023-24
AnneMarie Paquette, President
Maureen Nicolich, Vice President

🎓 Next stop - Middle School! Congratulations to the Highview Elementary ! 158 fourth graders were celebrated this morning during the school’s Moving Up Ceremony, held at the Nanuet Senior High School Auditorium. “Dazzle your teachers, next year“ Principal Matthew Lutz encouraged students. “As you rise up, I want you to think about who you will eventually become when you finish eighth grade.“

Today’s ceremony included fourth grade memories, musical performances led by Music Instructor Shannon Cokeley and a class slideshow remembering the journey of our young Golden Knights through George W. Miller and Highview. Good Luck next year at A. MacArthur Barr! We will see you in September! 🥳 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ 🥳

Congratulations Ashlin Davila!

In a partnership with the New York Chapter of the National Association of Water Companies, Veolia awarded $3,000 scholarships to eight outstanding local high school students. Today, we congratulate Ashlin Davila of Nanuet Senior High School (Nanuet Union Free School District)!

When Ashlin is in the room, you can expect a good conversation. Her teachers have noted Ash’s keen ability to raise the level of class discussion through her genuine thirst for learning - especially as it relates to the environment.

After relocating to Nanuet from the South Bronx, Ash was quick to immerse herself in advance classes and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a summer internship as a Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Next Gen Hudson River Educator and an active member of the 4-H Youth for Climate Action program, where she helped monitor glass eels in the Minisceongo Creek.

Commonly described as extraordinarily articulate, it’s no surprise Ash finds herself at home as first speaker on the Debate Team. Through participation in the NY Newspapers Foundation’s Media Literacy Program, she also won an essay contest, earning top honors for the eastern NY region.

While maintaining an A+ GPA, Ash’s commitment to community has led her to volunteer with her church and as outreach director for a non-profit organization called Teens 4 Teens. In this role, Ash assisted with global aid distribution to schools, organizations and orphanages.

As a native of Honduras, Ash has experienced first-hand what it is like for communities that have limited access to clean water. Personally understanding these challenges drives her deeply rooted desire to create a sustainable future where no one is excluded from accessing essential resources.

Ashlin will be attending Lehman College for a degree in environmental science.

Congratulations Siya Balapal!

In a partnership with the New York Chapter of the National Association of Water Companies, Veolia awarded $3,000 scholarships to eight outstanding local high school students. Today, we congratulate Siya Balapal of Nanuet High School (Nanuet Union Free School District)!

India’s groundwater loss is set to triple by 2080. This lesser-known fact is not lost on Siya Balapal. Inspired by her great-grandfather’s irrigation engineering tactics, which played a critical role in preserving and sustaining South Indian farmland, Siya is motivated to do her part to combat climate change.

As a member of Cornell Cooperative Extension's Youth for Climate Action program, Siya was exposed to how creative engineering could repurpose a landfill into a solar field. Her enthusiasm for problem-solving is supported by what her teachers describe as “unlimited energy and tireless work ethic.”

In addition to being a straight A student across advanced classes at Nanuet High School, including Physics 101 and 102 Honors, Siya is also an accomplished musician and a skilled vocalist who has consistently earned top NYSSMA scores at the county and state levels. She is a four-year member of the Girls Varsity Tennis team and leads the Math League, Science Olympiad and Mock Trial teams.

Her extra-curricular activities include participation in the Polar Ambassadors Program and Columbia’s Climate School, along with volunteering with a host of organizations, including Lahmont Doherty Earth Observatory, New Jersey’s Audubon’s Lorrimer nature Sanctuary and Keep Rockland Beautiful.

Siya will be attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for a degree in environmental engineering.

⭕️ What better way to spend recess than having foam rings flung in the air from a robot!? George W. Miller Elementary students were paid a visit by members of the Knightronz on Friday afternoon. The Nanuet Senior High School robotics team, led by Instructor Steven Martin, brought robots to entertain and inspire the next generation of engineers and programmers. The highlight for our young Golden Knights was chasing down the giant orange rings sent soaring into the sky by DeCapo #7318.

At , moving up from second to third grade means a move up the block for our young Golden Knights. To make the transition from George W. Miller Elementary to Highview Elementary a bit easier, second graders got a tour of their future home on Friday. Serving as their guides were members of the current third grade class; each one carrying a checklist of all the school’s must see stops. Along the way, students took time to talk about Highview, ask questions and share pointers about the move to a new building. See you in September!

A regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on June 18 at 7:30pm in the Nanuet Senior High School Global Learning Commons. The meeting will include a celebration of our PTA volunteers. The meeting will also be broadcast live on our YouTube channel (youtube.com/) for those unable to attend. A direct link will be posted on our website at nanuetsd.org.

Welcome to Madame Taylor's Wax Museum! Kerry Taylor's ELA classes at A. MacArthur Barr Middle School this quarter have been reading up on the lives and accomplishments of famous people throughout history. Sixth graders used a combination of research, literacy and presentation skills to help bring Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, Lionel Messi and Beyonce - just to name a few - to life for their peers during this culminating activity at the end of last week. The interactive experience allowed for our students to ask one another questions and provide constructive feedback. We look forward to seeing this project all year and they did not disappoint!

🇺🇸 Happy Flag Day from our George W. Miller Elementary first graders! Every June, the class celebrates the Stars and Stripes and our country with the patriotic "I Am America!" concert. The year end performance, led by elementary music instructor Shannon Cokeley, features classics like "Allegiance Rap," "God Bless America," "You're a Grand Old Flag" and “This Land is Your Land.” The celebration was capped off with the class picnic.

Congratulations to A. MacArthur Barr Middle School student Mia Bouton for being honored by Rockland County Government and County Executive Ed Day. Mia is pictured with Day and Barr Science Teacher Heather Schucker.

Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources

🐶 Puppies! We know full well that pictures of adorable animals may distract you from reading this post. But that is okay, these dogs are meant to be distracting.

For the second year in a row, the student run “Paws and Relax,” is an opportunity for Nanuet Senior High School students to take their mind off finals and ease their stress with a cuddle session.

Nina Zifchak, a Nanuet junior who first came up with the idea after a visit to Manhattan College, is the driving force behind “Paws and Relax!" For just a $5 donation, students and staff get the opportunity to interact with puppies and kittens in between testing.

Nina says it was a no brainer to bring back this event, “I am so happy the school lets us do this and I get such joy out of seeing the look on everyone’s faces when they spend time with the animals.”

Thank you to Nina (2nd picture) and our PAWtners at Heaven Can Wait - Northstar Dogs for adoption and Four Legs Good NY NJ! Looking to adopt a rescue? Check out their pages for more information.

🟡⚫️ In just over a week, Highview’s oldest students will become A. MacArthur Barr’s youngest. Ahead of next week’s Moving Up Ceremony, the fourth grade class had the opportunity to come together and celebrate their achievements with a day of FUN! Today was packed full of games, activities and bouncy castles! Thank you to the Highview faculty, staff and Nanuet Elementary PTA for making today’s event a success!

The Fourth Grade Moving UpCeremony takes place Thursday, June 20 at 9:45am in the Nanuet Senior High School Auditorium. See you there!

🎻 Violin? Viola? Bass? You are never too young, or too old, to start playing an instrument. Last week, George W. Miller Elementary second graders were given the opportunity to consider their musical direction when they move up to Highview in September. Led by Instructor Nurkit Kucksom, members of the A. MacArthur Barr Middle School Chamber Orchestra performed a special concert for the third-graders-in-waiting to show off the string instruments available to play. Joining Lucksom was Highview Music Instructor Andrew Brett who explained the process of getting set on the musical journey. Thank you to our Barr musicians and of course our Miller students from being such amazing audience members!

🎓 “In fourteen days, you will be alumni. Today is a very special day.” And with those words from Nanuet Senior High School Principal Mike Mahoney, "Senior Day" was underway. To start things off, the turned back the clock and returned to the halls of George W. Miller Elementary School for the annual “Senior Clapout”.

Donning their caps and gowns, ’s oldest students received a sensational send off from the District’s youngest students. Joining our K-2 learners for the celebration of our seniors were Miller staff and faculty, many of whom taught our future grads nearly a dozen years ago. After they took the trip through the K, Grade 1 and Grade 2 wings of the school, students took a trip down memory lane catching up with their teachers and checking out their old class photos.

Other “Senior Day,” festivities included the distribution of yearbooks, games, activities and lunch. The countdown to graduation is on! 🎓2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣

Kicking stress to the curb. Finals, regents, projects - the end of the school year can be packed with pressure for a middle school student. The A. MacArthur Barr seventh grade class hit the pause button on Friday to turn their attention to health and wellness.

Across several stations, students were introduced to different ways to ease anxiety and improve their overall well being. Active stations like Martial Arts, Zumba and four corners demonstrated the benefits of boosting endorphins, while a breakout session with alumni and past Dom Narcisco Memorial Foundation scholarship winners focused on the importance of leadership.

Thank you to all of our participants and Barr seventh grade teacher Francine Stefanoff for organizing! Good luck to all of our Middle School students as they close in on the end of the school year!

🎼 Music to our ears! Nanuet Senior High School musicians were celebrated Friday afternoon during the annual Music Department Awards. Throughout the ceremony, students were recognized and honored for their various achievements and contributions to 's thriving music program during the 2023-2024 school year.

Director of Music (K-12) Mark Skaba and company sang everyone's praises before presenting the final honor, Musician of the Year, to Nanuet Senior High School Junior Maren Savino (Viola)

Thank you to our equally talented teachers who have been instrumental in our student-musicians' success. The families of our students and Nanuet Music Partners

Congratulations to all!