Complete details available on the District Registration Page.
Dear Mahopac Parent/Guardians and Staff,
As stated in previous correspondence, the MCSD may be designated as a school district required to administer bi-weekly COVID-19 screening tests to 20% of in-person students and staff as a result of the positivity rate in Putnam County. These Binax Rapid Antigen Tests have been provided to the MCSD by NYS DOH and are conducted by using a simple anterior nasal swab which provides results in fifteen minutes. We need to meet the 20% required testing threshold for MCSD to remain open and in our hybrid model. If the positivity rate among in-person students and staff is lower than the designated number at the time of the Governor’s order, the MSCD may not have to continue with the testing and schools can remain open.
Over the past week, we have been reviewing the testing requirements and scheduling of our testing plan. The requirements are that we randomly select students equally over each building. Should your child be selected, you will receive an email from the district containing a consent form as well as the testing information including the location and time. If your household does not receive an email, your child(ren) are not subject to screening at this time. In order to complete the tests in an orderly and safe manner, it will warrant a number of days that our hybrid students will be on remote asynchronous instruction while students in those buildings are being tested. Should MCSD be designated by the Governor to test, we will then provide a testing schedule.
As I have mentioned many times, we face fluid scenarios that are unprecedented in education and continue to need patience and understanding. Please be assured we will make the best decisions possible, based on the information from New York State and Putnam County, and always with the health and safety of our students and staff as the priority.
We are delighted to have our Blue Cohort students physically back in school today and tomorrow and look forward to our Gold Cohort Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Please continue to follow the practices of completing the daily health screening, wearing a mask, wash/sanitize your hands, and social distancing. Also as a reminder, if you believe at any point you and/or your child may have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you and your child should self-quarantine and be tested. If you suspect your child is becoming ill, that child should stay home. Some symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, nausea, muscle pain, fatigue, and issues with smell and/or taste. You should consult with your physician for more medical advice.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. I will keep you informed of the testing protocol possibility as appropriate.
Sincerely,
Estimados padres / tutores y personal de Mahopac:
Como se indicó en correspondencia anterior, el MCSD puede ser designado como un distrito escolar que debe administrar pruebas de detección de COVID-19 quincenales al 20% de los estudiantes y el personal en persona como resultado de la tasa de positividad en el condado de Putnam. Estas pruebas rápidas de antígeno Binax han sido proporcionadas al MCSD por NYS DOH y se llevan a cabo utilizando un hisopo nasal anterior simple que proporciona resultados en quince minutos. Necesitamos cumplir con el umbral de prueba requerido del 20% para que MCSD permanezca abierto y en nuestro modelo híbrido. Si la tasa de positividad entre los estudiantes y el personal en persona es menor que el número designado en el momento de la orden del gobernador, es posible que el MSCD no tenga que continuar con las pruebas y las escuelas pueden permanecer abiertas.
Durante la semana pasada, hemos estado revisando los requisitos de las pruebas y la programación de nuestro plan de pruebas. Los requisitos son que seleccionamos estudiantes al azar por igual en cada edificio. Si su hijo es seleccionado, recibirá un correo electrónico del distrito que contiene un formulario de consentimiento, así como la información de la prueba, incluida la ubicación y la hora. Si su hogar no recibe un correo electrónico, sus hijos no están sujetos a evaluación en este momento. Para completar las pruebas de manera ordenada y segura, se garantizará una cantidad de días en que nuestros estudiantes híbridos estarán en instrucción asincrónica remota mientras los estudiantes en esos edificios están siendo evaluados. Si el gobernador designa a MCSD para realizar la prueba, proporcionaremos un calendario de pruebas.
Como he mencionado muchas veces, enfrentamos escenarios fluidos que no tienen precedentes en educación y continúan necesitando paciencia y comprensión. Tenga la seguridad de que tomaremos las mejores decisiones posibles, basándonos en la información del estado de Nueva York y el condado de Putnam, y siempre con la salud y seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y personal como prioridad.
Estamos encantados de tener a nuestros estudiantes de Blue Cohort físicamente de regreso a la escuela hoy y mañana y esperamos nuestra Gold Cohort los miércoles, jueves y viernes. Continúe siguiendo las prácticas de completar el examen de salud diario, usar una máscara, lavarse / desinfectarse las manos y distanciarse socialmente. También como recordatorio, si cree que en algún momento usted y / o su hijo pueden haber estado en contacto cercano con alguien que tiene COVID-19, usted y su hijo deben ponerse en cuarentena y hacerse la prueba. Si sospecha que su hijo se está enfermando, debe quedarse en casa. Algunos síntomas de COVID-19 incluyen fiebre, tos, dolor de garganta, secreción nasal, dolor de cabeza, dolores musculares, náuseas, dolor muscular, fatiga y problemas con el olfato y / o el gusto. Debe consultar con su médico para obtener más consejos médicos.
Gracias por su comprensión y paciencia. Lo mantendré informado de la posibilidad del protocolo de prueba según corresponda.
Board of Education Special meeting will be held on January 14, 2021. Due to Executive Order 202, the Board meeting will be held virtually.
It is anticipated the Board will move immediately into executive session to discuss a personnel matter.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyyGXNnB-fKndXzHrPO_WqA/videos?
Once live stream begins, YouTube link will update
The MCSD has six snow/emergency days allocated for the 2020-21 school year which can be used while still maintaining the required number of instructional days for students. Snow/emergency closures create complications beyond learning such as child care, power outages, and access to technology. Therefore, MCSD will continue to close or delay school based on weather conditions.
If we need to close due to the weather, we will use one of the six days built into the school calendar and there will be no remote learning for that day. Stay safe.
This Calendar includes school breaks, holidays, and color cohort days for the entire 2020-2021 school year. *Please refer to specific communications from schools for building specific changes and updates.*
January 15, 2021
Dear Mahopac Community,
After many weeks physically separate, it was wonderful to have students and teachers back together in all our buildings this week. We were even able to welcome back a number of students that had been fully remote in the Fall. I appreciate hearing from so many of you regarding our plan for increasing in-person instruction for students. At this time, neither DOH nor CDC have decreased their six feet social distancing requirement, and therefore our classroom capacity remains unchanged. Please rest assured that if and when this changes, we will expeditiously increase our in-person instruction accordingly.
In spite of the challenges we have faced this year, our community has come together to support one another and find creative solutions. As difficult as the situation has been, it is important to take a step back and assess where we can improve, but also where we succeeded. To gather this feedback, we will once again be utilizing a Thoughtexchange. Please share as many thoughts as you can regarding both what went well, and areas the District should revisit to ensure continued improvement. The more we hear from our community, the better positioned we are to grow as a District. Please click here to share your feedback.The Thoughtexchange closes January 24. Thank you in advance for participating.
Here are today’s updates:
Overall, this week was an excellent start to 2021. I thank each of you for your support, and your preparedness for the possibility that we may be forced to shift to remote instruction, as we continue to navigate this situation.
Have a great three day weekend and stay safe,
Anthony DiCarlo
Superintendent of Schools
__________________________________________________________________
15 de enero de 2021
Estimada comunidad Mahopac,
Después de muchas semanas separados físicamente, fue maravilloso tener a los estudiantes y maestros nuevamente juntos en todos nuestros edificios esta semana. Incluso pudimos dar la bienvenida a varios estudiantes que habían estado completamente alejados en el otoño. Agradezco escuchar a muchos de ustedes sobre nuestro plan para aumentar la instrucción en persona para los estudiantes. En este momento, ni el DOH ni los CDC han reducido su requisito de distancia social de seis pies y, por lo tanto, nuestra capacidad de salón de clases permanece sin cambios. Tenga la seguridad de que, si esto cambia, aumentaremos rápidamente nuestra instrucción en persona en consecuencia.
A pesar de los desafíos que hemos enfrentado este año, nuestra comunidad se ha unido para apoyarse mutuamente y encontrar soluciones creativas. A pesar de lo difícil que ha sido la situación, es importante dar un paso atrás y evaluar dónde podemos mejorar, pero también dónde lo logramos. Para recopilar esta retroalimentación, utilizaremos una vez más un Thoughtexchange. Comparta todos los pensamientos que pueda sobre lo que salió bien y las áreas que el Distrito debería revisar para asegurar una mejora continua. Cuanto más escuchamos de nuestra comunidad, mejor posicionados estamos para crecer como Distrito. Haga clic aquí para compartir sus comentarios. Thoughtexchange cierra el 24 de enero. Gracias de antemano por participar.
Aquí están las actualizaciones de hoy:
En general, esta semana fue un excelente comienzo para el 2021. Agradezco a cada uno de ustedes su apoyo y su preparación para la posibilidad de que nos veamos obligados a cambiar a la instrucción remota, mientras continuamos navegando por esta situación.
Que tengas un gran fin de semana de tres días y mantente a salvo,
Anthony DiCarlo
Superintendente de escuelas
On November 20, parents, coaches, District administration, and teammates gathered on the turf - masked and socially distanced - to celebrate our student-athletes’ commitment to playing at the collegiate level. The event was broadcast on LocalLive.
Congratulations Shannon Becker (University Of Notre Dame/Softball), Brett Shane Crecco (Mercy College/Lacrosse), Krista Dietz (Pace University/Field Hockey), Gigi Genovese (Pace University/Lacrosse), Vincent Mariella (Susquehanna University/Baseball), Tatiana Moran (Mercy College/Lacrosse), John T. Nolan (Pace University/Lacrosse), Caitlyn O’Boyle (Tufts University/Basketball), Jack O’Connor (Suny Oneonta/Baseball), and Hailey Pereira (Bryant University/ Soccer)!
April Ljumic, High School Assistant Principal, and Kelley Posch, High School MHS LIFE and Math teacher have been selected to present a breakout session for the Putnam|Northern Westchester Curriculum Council’s Virtual Learning Regional Conference, which will be held via Zoom on Friday, December 4, 2020. April and Kelley are co-facilitating a break-out session entitled: “More Than Screens: Forming Lasting Relationships in a Virtual World” with Dan Novak and Catherine Leist from the Center for Environmental Education at PNW BOCES. In this session, teachers and administrators will focus on creating and fostering relationships built on trust in a hybrid and virtual setting. Mahopac High School’s “MHS LIFE” 9th grade program will be showcased for its work in building positive long-term relationships and its collaboration with the Center for Environmental Education of PNW BOCES to continue this great work in a virtual setting. Showcased practices are designed to build empathy, facilitate communication, and encourage lasting personal development and healthy relationships even through a screen.
Jaime Virola, Jr. scored in the top 2.5% on the PSAT/NMSQT among all Hispanic and Latino test takers in the region. As a result, he has been invited to participate in the National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP).
“We are extremely proud that Jaime has been honored as part of the National Hispanic Recognition Program,” said MHS Principal Matt Lawrence. “This recognition celebrates his success thus far and the brightness of all that's ahead. Please join me in congratulating him on this outstanding academic achievement.”
When he learned that he had been recognized, Virola said, “It is not about enduring the hard work, but about loving the work you do. You will be surprised how far anyone can travel if they enjoy the journey.”
Participation in this program enables students to highlight their outstanding educational achievement to top colleges and universities. In a statement regarding NHRP, The College Board said, “Colleges know that students who have earned this recognition are some of the most talented across the country.
The New York State School Boards Association recognizes October 19 - 23 as #SchoolBoardRecognitionWeek. This is a time to promote awareness and understanding of the important work performed by school board members. The Mahopac Central School District is joining all public school districts across the state to celebrate School Board Recognition Week to honor local board members for their commitment to Mahopac and its children.
“It takes strong schools to build a strong community, and these men and women devote countless hours to making sure our schools are helping every child learn at a higher level,” Superintendent Anthony DiCarlo said. “They make the tough decisions every month and spend many hours studying education issues and regulations in order to provide the kind of accountability our citizens expect.”
Mr. DiCarlo said the key work of school boards is to raise student achievement by:
• Creating a shared vision for the future of education
• Setting the direction of the school district to achieve the highest student performance
• Providing accountability for student achievement results
• Developing a budget that aligns district resources to improve achievement
• Supporting a healthy school district culture in which to work and to learn
• And much more!
“School board members give the Mahopac citizens a voice in education decision making. Even though we make a special effort to show our appreciation in October, their contribution is a year round commitment,” DiCarlo said. “Thank you to the members serving our district President Michael Mongon, Vice President Adam Savino, and Trustees Ben DiLullo, David Furfaro, Lawrence Keane, Lucy Massafra, Tanner McCracken, Ray McDonough, and Michael Simone.”
Max Semegran has been chosen to participate in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Festival. The festival will be held virtually.
Over 7,000 student musicians from across the state compete for a spot in one of the eight All-State ensembles. Being named as a violinist is the result of an arduous process including performing scales, a solo or ensemble piece of choice from the designated NYSSMA repertoire, and a sight reading piece. The judges score and comment on the students' performances according to defined guidelines set by NYSSMA.
“Participating in such a prestigious event significantly benefits students,” said Mahopac High School Orchestra Director Evan McGregor. “I truly wish Max could meet fellow musicians and perform to an in-person audience, but the experience still offers an opportunity to learn and play challenging material. Last year, Max was selected as an alternate but ultimately did not get selected to participate, so this year being able to participate as a full member of the All-State String Orchestra is particularly gratifying. I'm proud of the work he's done and I think a fine example of Mahopac's potential.”
“In addition to earning a perfect ACT score, being named a National Merit Semifinalist, being a three season athlete, and now NYSSMA All-State, Max is a peer leader, brother, and community member,” said MHS Principal Matt Lawrence. “Over the years we’ve had the pleasure of watching him grow and flourish. We look forward to his All-State performance.”
Superintendent Di Carlo and Athletic Director Stephen Luciana talk Fall Athletics in the latest edition of Spotlight https://youtu.be/SA7oTgbWb1w
Congratulations to Max Semegran and Alexa Tyberg who were named Semifinalists and Angelo DiTocco for being named a National Commended Scholar in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Competition.
Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
Each of the students shared his and her reaction to the news. Max stated, “I am thankful to my parents, teachers, and the Mahopac High School administration for all their support. These incredible people facilitated an environment that allowed me to achieve this goal.” Alexa said , “I'd just like to say that I'm excited about National Merit and it was really cool to learn I had qualified for it.” Angelo said, “I didn't expect this to happen, but I appreciate the honor!"
They received this distinction by scoring among the top 5% of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 scholarship program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.
To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.
Finalists will be announced in February 2021.
Michelle Tween has joined Austin Road Elementary as the school’s new assistant principal.
“I speak for everyone at Austin Road in saying that I am pleased to welcome Michelle to the Austin Road Family,” said Principal Bryan Gilligan. “I am grateful to the administration and The Board of Education for working diligently to select someone with the combination of educational experience and philosophy that she brings. I look forward to working closely with her to continue the good work being done at Austin Road to the benefit of all our students. I believe that her passion and dedication to early childhood and elementary education is well-aligned with mine and am confident will make a great team.”
Prior to joining Austin Road, Mrs.Tween spent nearly a decade as Director of Early Childhood Education at the Chapel School in Bronxville supervising and supporting preschool and K-2 team leaders, teachers, and teacher aides. Her other duties included coaching and observing teachers in instruction, management, and planning. She also created and implemented a schedule and protocol for school-wide faculty instructional rounds to create a culture of collegiality and collaboration. She was a reading specialist and a classroom teacher for Kindergarten, first, and second grades and participated on and led several educational and community committees including chairing the Cultural Competence Curriculum Review Committee.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Austin Road team. The warm welcome I received from Mr. Gilligan, the staff, and all of the teachers has been nothing short of amazing,” said Mrs. Tween. “Everything that I was told about the culture of Austin Road is what drew me here, and my experience so far is better than I could have imagined. Austin Road’s commitment to each other, to our students, and to our families will continue to keep us a truly connected and strong community.”
Mrs. Tween, who lives in Eastchester, NY, earned both a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fordham University and a master’s degree in early childhood education and early childhood special education as well as an advanced diploma in school building leadership from The College of New Rochelle. She returned to Fordham to earn an Ed.D in Educational Leadership, Administration & Policy and is planning to graduate in 2021.
When Austin Road Elementary students can't sing together (check out the video here!), they sign together instead! Music teacher Elizabeth Day, using technology and sign language, helped her students perform "Thanks a Lot" by Raffi in celebration of Thanksgiving and in gratitude. Enjoy!
The Lyrics of the song are:
This Calendar includes school breaks, holidays, and color cohort days for the entire 2020-2021 school year. *Please refer to specific communications from schools for building specific changes and updates.*
The Mahopac Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Anthony DiCarlo are pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Luciana as Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics for the Mahopac Central School District. He was appointed during a special meeting on May 6, 2020.
Luciana has an extensive background in physical education, health and athletics and will join Mahopac from the Pelham Public School District, where he served as director of health, physical education and athletics. During his tenure, he worked collaboratively with each department implementing the district’s philosophy of inspiring excellence to address the academic, physical, and emotional needs of his students. Specifically he increased the number of athletic teams, created a student athlete committee, and played an integral role in capital improvements related to district athletics. Prior to Pelham, he served as the Assistant Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics in the Yonkers Public Schools and taught physical education at Greenburgh Eleven and P.S. 32 in the Bronx. He has also held various coaching positions in football, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse in Ardsley and Chester.
“I am pleased to welcome Mr. Luciana to Mahopac,” Superintendent of Schools Mr. DiCarlo said. “His commitment building school spirit and promoting a positive culture will be an excellent fit in Mahopac as we work to define the future of our programs. His passion for athletics and his student-centered approach will serve us well in leading our physical education, health and athletics department. ”
Luciana earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland and his master’s degree in school administration Mercy College.
“I am honored and humbled to join a team of administrators that fosters such a high standard of student achievement and pride,” Luciana said. “I would like to thank the Board of Education for entrusting me with the highly-respected athletic programs of the Mahopac Central School District. I am eager to begin our partnership and bring my dedication and experience in fostering academic and athletic excellence to the Mahopac community.”
Mr. Luciana succeeds Frank Miele who came out of retirement to step back into the Athletic Director position in Spring 2019, “Frank provided us with steady, reliable leadership just when we needed it most, “DiCarlo said. “He re-established the connections among our athletic department, student athletes, coaches, and community which have positioned us well for the next chapter in Mahopac Athletics. His legacy in Mahopac will live on forever. I cannot thank him enough.”
Luciana will step into his new position on July 1.
Michael Mongon, a 1979 graduate of Mahopac High School, will serve as Mahopac Board of Education President for the 2020-2021 school year, while Adam Savino assumes the role of vice president.
Mongon and his wife, Lynne, a 1981 graduate of MHS, together have six children including three MHS graduates. Mongon is a Sports Fields and Parks consultant and Assistant Superintendent for Parks in New Jersey. He also serves on the Town of Carmel Recreation Committee.
“It’s all about creating an environment where our schools’ staff, both instructional and non-instructional, feel supported, trusted and respected,” Mongon said. “This can be achieved with strong leadership, vision and communication – hallmarks of creating and establishing a true team.”
Although cognizant of the challenges facing school districts amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mongon nonetheless said he was looking forward to helping Mahopac teachers, non-instructional staff and administrators emerge from the crisis stronger than ever. He praised the district for getting Chromebooks to students during the distance learning period.
“When everyone had to shut down and switch to remote learning, our first thought was how are we going to ensure that all students can get to a computer,” said Mongon. “We were one of the districts able to outfit all of our students with Chromebooks.”
As the district moves forward, Mongon said he would like to enhance training for teachers who need to gain greater confidence with instructional technology, while continuing to support those teachers who are already facile in the use of technology.
“We have excellent teachers and an amazing and very skilled support staff,” he said. “We have to give them the resources to do their jobs effectively. It is an entire team effort.”
Savino, who has worked in the utility industry for 30 years, is also a longtime resident, having been raised in Mahopac. The father of two was elected to the board in June 2019, having served as co-president of the Lakeview PTO for two years. He is active in the community, notably as a member of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department and Vice Chair of the Board of Fire Commissioners.
Please enjoy this Spotlight for all District Families about busing.
Parents and guardians, please click here to take the Transportation Department’s survey to help us plan for September.
During the COVID -19 Pandemic and pursuant to the Resolution passed at the Board of Education meeting held on November 12, 2020, public participation for comments/questions will be implemented via virtual technology through Zoom. Due to the fact that there are two different times during the meeting where public participation is afforded, (1) on agenda items and (2) on non-agenda items, the participants will be divided into those two categories and then speak in the order in which their request was received. Please see below for guidelines to participate:
