News & Headlines

• Two High School Science Teachers Inducted into NYS Master Teacher Program

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the selection of Mahopac High School teachers Michael Mahoney and Elizabeth Stephans, along with 273 other educators from across the state, to join the New York State Master Teacher Program (NYSMTP) in partnership with the State University of New York and Math for America.

  In effort of strengthening the state’s K-12 STEM education, the NYSMTP honors the work of the highest-performing STEM teachers by establishing an expert community dedicated to developing expertise in teaching science, technology, computer science, robotics, coding, engineering, and math courses across grades K-12, including Advanced Placement, honors, Regents and International Baccalaureate levels. These educators will join the network of Master Teachers created in 2013, bringing the total number of Master Teachers across New York State to 980.

  “Education is the cornerstone to success, and it is the brilliant, dedicated teachers in New York who make a difference in countless lives and inspire the leaders of tomorrow,” Governor Cuomo is quoted on the NYS Education website. “Congratulations to the 275 newest members of the Master Teacher Program, who will join the ranks of the top educators in the state as they work to further their skills and their impact on students in every corner of this great state.”

  “Mr. Mahoney and Ms. Stephens are each a true testament to our District-wide commitment to prepare each and every student for college and career readiness with a strong STEM foundation,” said Anthony DiCarlo, Superintendent of Schools.

  Like their fellow Master Teachers, Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Stephens are active beyond their classrooms.

  Michael Mahoney earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Science Education from SUNY New Paltz, and has worked at Mahopac High School for 20 years. Mr. Mahoney has taught Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, AP Environmental and Living Environment, and Syracuse University Project Advanced Forensics. Mr. Mahoney is actively engaged with the Teachers Teaching Teachers program that trains educators in new content, skills and pedagogy. He also created a program to help new teachers transition into their profession. Admittedly, Mr. Mahoney says he learns as much from them as they learn from him. Mr. Mahoney is excited about his new project that allows students to work side-by-side with STEM researchers in Costa Rica to preserve the rainforest. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Mahoney is looking forward to joining his peers in various professional learning teams. His focus is learning and teaching others about reaching the new generation of students, the digital natives. His approach to learning can be summed up by Henry Ford’s statement, “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.”

  Elizabeth Stephens earned her bachelor of science degree in biology with a concentration in biotechnology from the University of Delaware, her Master of Science degree in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College, and a master of arts degree in Secondary Education from Mercy College. In addition to teaching Regents Living Environment, Introduction to Science Research and Advanced Science Research at Mahopac High School for eight years, Mrs. Stephens has been an active participant in various school-wide initiatives and committees, and is the acting science department chair. As a result of employing the “flipped classroom“ model, Mrs. Stephens provides students with a differentiated approach to learning, using class time to engage them with “minds-on“ activities such as simulation and role-playing activities that reinforce content. She enjoys the opportunity to build strong relationships with her students in Science Research, a multi-year program where they create, complete and present original STEM research of their interests. Outside of class, Mrs. Stephens enjoys horseback riding and camping with her husband and three children. Her professional interests include research on technology integration and its influence on child and adolescent brain development. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Stephens is a member of the Digital Native Professional Learning Team and participated in the Safety of Genetically Engineered Food, 3-D Printing and the Statistical Inference mini-courses.

  Throughout their four-year participation in the Program, Master Teachers:

  • Receive a $15,000 stipend annually.
  • Engage in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year.
  • Work closely with pre-service and early career teachers to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers.
  • Attend required regional cohort meetings, participate in and lead several professional development sessions each year.

  District News & Headlines

• HS Counselors Awarded the NY Outstanding Program, Practice, Project Award

   

  The Mahopac High School College Counseling Program, headed by Ron Pollaro and Dennis DiSanto, has been awarded the 2018 New York State Outstanding Program, Practice, or Project Award by the New York State School Counselors Association (NYSSCA). This award recognizes the best professional practice in the field among New York State school districts.

  Pollaro and DiSanto work together to lead the high school counseling team to present a comprehensive College Counseling Program for MHS students and families.

  Some of the highlights of the College Counseling Program are:

  • Financial Aid Night
  • Mahopac University Night
  • College Mini Fairs (twice per week)
  • National Hispanic College Fair
  • MHS Sophomore Advisory

  “On behalf of the Mahopac High School educational community, I would like to congratulate our Counseling Team, especially Mr. DiSanto and Mr. Pollaro, for their tremendous work for our students and parents,” said Dr. Matthew Lawrence, Mahopac High School Principal.

  Pollaro and DiSanto will attend the NYYSCA Annual Conference at the Sagamore in Lake George on Friday, November 16, to receive the award.

  “We are proud to have the leaders in the state working with our high school students every day to become college and career ready,” said Anthony DiCarlo, Superintendent of Schools.

   

  District News & Headlines

• Project #MHSREADS!

  Literacy is the building block of all learning. To instill lifelong learning and the love of reading, Mahopac High School is participating in Project #MHSREADS. The outdoor digital display board will feature a daily announcement with book titles that teachers, administrators and staff are reading.

  Parents and caregivers can model literacy at home, too, by talking to your children about something you’ve read and having them witnesses you reading.

  District News & Headlines

• Elementary School RUNNING Tradition

  Fostering student athletes beginning, the #MahopacWay tradition lives on with the annual Mahopac Elementary Schools Cross Country and 5K races held in October. Students begin to develop the basic running fundamentals and learn the health benefits training for these running events.  “Our aim is to create not just life-long learners but life-long runners, as well,” said Lauren Kittredge, Austin Road Physical Education teacher.  In fact, high school students from the cross country and track teams return to their roots and help with the races.

  The Cross Country race includes all students who run by age on the Lakeview grounds.  The 5K is made up of 4th and 5th graders who’ve committed to train before school before race day at FDR Park. This year’s 5K race was a record setting finish with all participants finishing under 41 minutes.

  District News & Headlines

• Take a Stand. Lend a Hand.

  Along with schools across the country, the Mahopac Schools participated in a week-long celebration of making healthy choices and community connections with Red Ribbon Week.  By helping students build a foundation of mindfulness to themselves and their community, the risk of substance abuse is lessened.
  “Substance abuse prevention starts with the promotion of good mental health in kids and teens,” said Valarie Nierman, MCSD Health Coordinator.  The District is committed to helping each individual student.  Read more.

  District News & Headlines

• Austin Road's Pumpkin Patch

  Austin Road’s back field area was transformed into a Pumpkin Patch.  Diane Binns, along with her husband and the kindergarten teacher team, created their annual whimsical pumpkin patch.  Students were able to select their own pumpkin generously donated by Stop & Shop in Somers Commons. 

  District News & Headlines