al School District South Orangetown Central School District...FOR UPDATED INFORMATION, VISIT ABOUT the Board As the official policymaking body of the South Orangetown Central School

South Orangetown Central School DistrictE L E V A T E . E N G A G E . I N S P I R E !

Central School District

2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 C A L E N D A R

SOT Calendar 2019-2020 v.2.indd 1 7/23/19 1:06 PM

MESSAGE from the Superintendent

Dear Students, Parents, Employees and Friends of the South Orangetown Central School District,

The Board of Education and I welcome you to the 2019-2020 school year! Our vision is to “elevate, engage and inspire” our students by building a culture of high expectations: a culture in which students will possess the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for a variety of post-graduation options. We are excited at the prospect that the new school year brings!

As a school system, our efforts are based on five areas of focus: student achievement, professional excellence, community partnerships, safe and supportive learning environments and well-managed resources. We continue to provide an innovative and creative instructional program that serves the different learning needs of our students. With this in mind, all students must have equitable access to educational opportunities that will allow them to pursue their full potential as responsible citizens and lifelong learners.

Every action that each of us takes is designed to empower every student to explore their unique passions and interests. All this is possible because of community partnerships that are responsive to the needs of our children and their families. Our shared commitment to providing a high-quality education to every child continues to be our ultimate priority.

In addition to this print calendar, you may also wish to visit our website at www.socsd.org. There you will find a wealth of information (calendars, policies, news, etc.) to help you stay connected and involved in our schools. I invite you to learn more about the South Orangetown Central School District and welcome you to join us at one of our many events throughout the year. Please feel free to contact us if we can be of service to you. Together We Can!

Sincerely,

Robert R. Pritchard, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

NOTE: Event dates and times were accurate as of the date of printing (July 19, 2019) and are subject to change. Please refer to www.socsd.org and communications throughout the school year for changes and/or updates.


FOR UPDATED INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SOCSD.ORG

ABOUT the Board

As the official policymaking body of the South Orangetown Central School District, the Board of Education affirms a shared vision for the school district by setting priorities, establishing goals and overseeing operations. It serves as a steward of the community’s investment in public education by ensuring fiscal, legal and programmatic accountability.

Each of our five Board of Education members is elected by a public vote and serves a three-year term without pay. There are no term limits for Board members.

Be informedRegular Board of Education meetings are open to the public. Meeting dates, times and locations are listed below and posted on the District web calendar at www.socsd.org. Please be sure to confirm schedule information prior to each Board meeting, as circumstances may arise that require a meeting to be moved or rescheduled.

Board policies, agendas, minutes and meeting materials may be accessed 24/7 through SOCSD’s BoardDocs portal at www.socsd.org/board-of-education. Agendas and presentation materials are posted the day before a scheduled Board meeting. The Board welcomes citizens’ views on subjects related to matters under its jurisdiction, namely policymaking and District governance.

n All Board meetings are scheduled to begin at 7:30PM in the SOMS Library unless otherwise noted. (All times and dates are subject to change.)

2019:August 19 (7:30AM)

September 5 & 19

October 3 & 17

November 7 & 21

December 12

2020:January 9 & 23

February 6 & 27

March 12 & 24

April 7 & 23

May 7 & 19

June 4 & 18

2019-2020 BOARD OF EDUCATION

B OA R D O F E D U C AT I O N 2 0 1 9 – 2 0 2 0 M E E T I N G C A L E N DA R

DAN LAMADRID, President [email protected]

LEON JACOBS, Vice President [email protected]

THOMAS HENRY [email protected]

CHRISTINE LEE [email protected]

CARA STEPANIAN, Ph.D. [email protected]


SCHOOL YEAR at a Glance

n Meet The Teacher NightsWOS: Sept. 10 (Kindergarten) • Sept. 18 (Gr. 1) • Sept. 25 (Gr. 2)

CLE: Sept. 17 (Gr. 3) • Sept. 24 (Gr. 4) • Oct. 10 (Gr. 5)

SOMS: Sept. 12 (Gr. 6-8) • TZHS: Sept. 26 (Gr. 9-12)

n Holiday RecessesWinter: Dec. 23 – Jan. 1 • Mid-Winter: Feb. 17-21 • Spring: Apr. 9-17

n Superintendent Conference DaysOct. 17 (Half Day) • Nov. 5 (Half Day) • Dec. 13 (Half Day) • Mar. 20 (Full Day)

n Parent/Teacher ConferencesWOS & CLE (Gr. K-5 – Early Dismissal) DAY: Dec. 13 • EVE: Dec. 17

SOMS (Gr. 6-8 – Early Dismissal) DAY: Nov. 5 • EVE: Nov. 4

TZHS (Gr. 9-12 – Early Dismissal) DAY: Nov. 5 • EVE: Nov. 6

n WOS/CLE Trimesters & SOMS/TZHS QuartersWOS/CLE 1st Trimester Begins Sept. 4 ....................................................................Ends: Dec. 3

WOS/CLE 2nd Trimester Begins Dec. 4 ................................................................ Ends: Mar. 20

WOS/CLE 3rd Trimester Begins Mar. 23 ................................................................Ends: Jun. 26

SOMS/TZHS 1st Quarter Progress Reports Online: Oct. 3 .........................Ends: Nov. 1

SOMS/TZHS 2nd Quarter Progress Reports Online: Dec. 11 ....................Ends: Jan. 24

SOMS/TZHS 3rd Quarter Progress Reports Online: Mar. 11 ......................Ends: Apr. 3

SOMS/TZHS 4th Quarter Progress Reports Online: May 20.................... Ends: Jun. 26

n Student PhotosWOS .................................................................................................................................................Oct. 2CLE ...................................................................................................................................................Oct. 3SOMS ............................................................................................................................................ Oct. 15TZHS ..................................................................................................................................... Sept. 24-27

n Sports Registration DeadlinesHigh School: Aug. 26 (Fall) • Nov. 18 (Winter) • Mar. 16 (Spring)

Modified: Sept. 12 (Fall) • Nov. 25 (Winter) • Mar. 23 (Spring)

n AssessmentsSAT (Saturdays) ...........................................Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, May 2, Jun. 6

ACT ............................................................................................................Oct. 26, Apr. 4

PSAT ........................................................................................................................ Oct. 16

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams ........................................................... May 4-15

HS Regents ...............................................................Jan. 21-24, Jun. 2, Jun. 17-25

NYS ELA Gr. 3-8 .......................................................................................... Mar. 25-26

NYS Math Gr. 3-8 ........................................................................................ Apr. 21-22

NYS Science (Performance) Gr. 4 & 8 ........................................................May 27

NYS Science (Written) Gr. 4 & 8 ..................................................................... Jun. 1

NYSESLAT (Speaking) .....................................................................Apr. 13-May 15

NYSESLAT (Listening, Reading, Writing) ...........................................May 18-28

n ConcertsCLE ......................................................................................................... Jun. 10 (Gr. 4-5)

SOMS .......................................................................................Dec. 10-11, May 4 & 6

TZHS ................................................................ Nov. 26, Dec. 18, May 28 & June 2

n Plays & MusicalsSOMS .............................................................................................................. Mar. 20-22

TZHS ........................................................................................... Nov. 1-2 , Mar. 27-29

n Kindergarten Orientation & RegistrationIncoming Kindergarten Parent Orientation ............................................ Feb. 12

Registration Assistance Sessions.................................... Feb. 25, Mar. 18 & 20

Incoming Kindergarten Screening (by appointment) ....................... May 4-11

n Transportation DeadlinesRequest for Transportation to Non-Public Schools ................................Apr. 1

Alternate Site Requests ........................................................................................Jul. 1

WOS Bus Designee Form ................................................................................. Aug. 1


GET involved!

n Parent-Teacher Associations• SOCES PTA (www.socespta.org)

Liz Dudley, President .......................................(516) 578-8577 [email protected]

Brenda Boysa Vice President (WOS) ......................................(201) 390-8250 [email protected]

Andrea Kheocha-on Vice President (CLE) .........................................(347) 762-3706 [email protected]

• SOMS PTA (www.somspta.org)

Gloria Bidmead, President .............................(917) 337-7178 [email protected]

Dina Wolleben, Vice President 1 .................(914) 261-0871 [email protected]

Maureen Schroder, Vice President 2 ..........(845) 304-0465 [email protected]

• TZHS PTSA (www.tzhsptsa.org)

Jeannie Irizarry, President..............................(914) 715-4195 [email protected]

Sherese Loblanco, Vice President 1 .............(201) 819-6249 [email protected]

n Tappan Zee Red & White Booster Club

Sherese Loblanco, President .......................... (201) 819-6249 [email protected]

Kathy Cosimano, Vice President .................. (845) 825-1811 [email protected]

Lisa Malpeli, Vice President ........................... (914) 907-5811 [email protected]

n MentoringThroughout the year, community members and organizations partner with our schools to provide students with valuable opportunities to explore career interests and build real world job skills.

Do you have professional expertise you’d like to share as a guest speaker or mentor volunteer in our schools? Please contact our school principals or Family Engagement Center Coordinator AJ Walker to learn more. Contact information is listed in the District Directory in the back section of the calendar.

n Keep up with SOCSD!

www.socsd.org

Facebook: @southorangetowncsd

Twitter: @southorangetown

@SOCSD_SUPT

@WOSNews

@CottageLaneES

@SOMS_News

@Tappan_Zee_HS

@TZeeAthletics

Instagram: @WOSNews

@CottageLaneES

YouTube: SOCSD Communications

Community members can keep up with what’s happening in SOCSD by subscribing to the Community Communications List at www.socsd.org/for-community!

Subscribers receive district communications such as school news, budget vote reminders and weather- related closing notifications. Most messages are e-mail only. NOTE: Staff, current students and parents of current students are auto-subscribed to these com-munications and should not subscribe to the SOCSD Community Communications List.


G I V E T H E B U S A C H A N C E !

Kindergarten bus orientation, fall high school sports physicals and other

important back-to-school dates are also posted on the District web calendar at www.socsd.org.

School buses are the safest way for students to travel to and from school—and safety is our Transportation Office’s top priority! The annual Incoming Kindergarten Bus Orientation gives our youngest students a chance to learn about school bus safety, practice fastening seat belts and even take a short ride. Throughout the year, all four schools run bus safety drills to reinforce emergency procedures.

Please help us keep our students safe by reinforcing bus behavior rules at home and making sure that your children know their bus number and stop location. Drivers, always stop your vehicle when approaching a school bus with its flashers on.

JULY 2019 S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

SEPTEMBER 2019 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30

AUGUST 2019• HS Fall Sports Registration Opens

• WOS Bus Designee Form Deadline

28 29 30 31 1 2 3

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY


• HS Fall Sports Registration Closes

• Gr. 6 Locker Day 9:00am – SOMS

• Superintendent Conference Day for Staff

• Superintendent Conference Day for Staff

• Board of Education Regular Meeting/Tax Rate Setting 7:30am

• HS Fall Sports Begin

• Gr. 7-12 Sports Physicals 9:00am – TZHS

• Kindergarten Bus Orientation WOS

• Modified Fall Sports Registration Opens

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24


AUGUST 2019 S M T W T F S

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

OCTOBER 2019 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

Dates for Meet the Teacher Nights, PTA meetings and other

key events are also posted on the District web calendar at www.socsd.org.

SEPTEMBER 2019

SOCSD offers a wealth of enrichment opportunities for students, from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Extracurricular activities allow students to discover and explore interests and connect with others who share their passions outside of their typical school day.

WOS and CLE registration information is sent to parents in September. Extracurriculars begin at SOMS and TZHS within the first month of school. Middle and high school students choose the clubs they wish to attend, with no advance registration required. Late buses are provided for both buildings to encourage participation.

Links to extracurricular information will be posted on each school’s home page in early September.

E N R I C H M E N T F O R A L L

Labor Day FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

• TZHS Gr. 9 Orientation 8:15am

• TZHS Gr. 10-12 2-Hour Delay/10:15am Start

• Modified Fall Sports Begin

• Board of Education Regular Meeting 7:30pm – SOMS Library

• Zee Night & Turf Field Grand Opening 5:00pm

1 2 3 4 5 6 7



• FEC K-12 ENL Family Welcome Night 6:00pm

• SOCES PTA Open House 5:30pm – CLE

• CLE Gr. 3 Meet the Teacher 6:30pm

• TZHS Counseling Workshop for Parents of Seniors 8:15am – Rm 951

• WOS Gr. 1 Meet the Teacher 6:30pm

• Community Blood Drive 8:30am-8:30pm – TZHS Gym


First Day of Autumn

• SOMS PTA Meeting 7:30pm – Library

• TZHS Senior Portraits (9/24 – 9/26) g

• TZHS Sophomore Class Ring Sale (Lunch Periods) (9/24 – 9/25) g


• TZHS Financial Aid Evening 7:00pm – Cafeteria

• TZHS Picture Day for Gr. 9-11 (9/25 – 9/27) g

• WOS Gr. 2 Meet the Teacher 6:30pm

• TZHS Meet the Teacher 6:45pm

• TZHS Club Fair (Lunch Periods)

Grandparents’ Day • SOCES PTA Volunteer Fair 5:30pm – WOS

• WOS Kindergarten Meet the Teacher 6:30pm

• SOCES PTA Meeting 8:00pm – WOS

Patriot Day • Modified Fall Sports Registration Closes

• SOMS Meet the Teacher 6:45pm

Rosh Hashanah Begins at sundown

Rosh Hashanah Schools closed

29 30

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28


STAY CONNECTED! To receive timely notification of weather-related school

closings and other important news through SchoolMessenger, be sure to update your contact information with your child’s school building. Emergency and weather-related notifications will also be posted at www.socsd.org and on the District’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.

OCTOBER 2019

From bus drills to fire prevention and beyond, ensuring the safety, security and well-being of our students and staff requires continual emergency preparedness planning, practice, review and refinement by school district administrators and local first responders.

Families play an important role in keeping students safe. Please refer to the back section of this calendar for information regarding emergency response (SHELL) and communications procedures, local resources and actions you can take to help our school district respond quickly, safely and appropriately in the event of an emergency.

S A F E S C H O O L S

SEPTEMBER 2019 S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30

NOVEMBER 2019 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Rosh Hashanah Schools Closed

• WOS School Picture Day

• FEC PreK Playgroups 9:30am & 10:30am

• FEC K-Gr. 2 Family Workshop: Reading & Writing at Home 6:00pm – WOS

• CLE Picture Day

• SOMS/TZHS Progress Reports Online

• WOS Gr. 1 Health Walk 2:25pm


• Gr. 8 Washington Trip Fundraising Begins

• WOS Gr. 1 Health Walk 2:25pm (Rain Date)

• TZHS SAT & Subject Tests

• TZHS Homecoming Dance

1 2 3 4 5



Diwali • Modified Winter Sports Registration Opens

• K-Gr. 5 Family Science Night 5:00pm – WOS


• TZHS PTSA Meeting 7:30pm – Library

Halloween

• CLE Gr. 3 Halloween Parade 10:00am

• SOMS Halloween Parade (Lunch Periods)

• WOS Halloween Parade 2:25pm

• FEC 1st Annual Trunk or Treat 6:00-9:00pm – TZHS

Columbus Day Schools Closed

• SOMS Picture Day

• SOMS PTA Meeting: Social Changes 7:30pm – Library

• TZHS PSAT Exam for Juniors 8:15am


• TZHS Senior Picnic 10:30am

• Superintendent’s Conference Day 1/2 Day for Students


• TZHS Counseling Workshop for Parents of Juniors 8:15am – Rm 951

• TZHS Acoustic Underground 7:00pm – Rm 951

• SOMS Book Fair (10/21 – 10/25) g

• HS Winter Sports Registration Opens

• FEC Mentor Meet & Greet 7:00pm

• TZHS Senior Portrait Retakes

• 46th Annual College Fair 7:00pm – RCC Field House

• FEC Gr. 3-5 Parent Workshop: Reading & Writing at Home 6:00pm – CLE

• TZHS English Honor Society Induction 7:30pm – Library

United Nations Day • SOCES PTA Boo Bingo 6:00pm – CLE

• TZHS Italian Heritage Month Potluck Dinner 6:30pm – Cafeteria

• TZHS ACT Exam

• FEC Parent Workshop: Safety 7:00pm

Yom Kippur Begins at sundown

Yom Kippur Schools Closed

• WOS Gr. 2 Health Walk 2:25pm


• WOS Gr. 2 Health Walk 2:25pm (Rain Date)

• SOMS Gr. 6 Welcome Party 7:00pm

27 28 29 30 31

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26


TIP: Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for November (SOMS &

TZHS) and December (WOS & CLE), but parents and guardians are encouraged to reach out any time during the school year to request a meeting with their child’s teachers and/or school counselors.

SOCSD is creating new opportunities to enhance connections among school, home and community to empower all SOCSD students to achieve to their fullest potential.

As part of this effort, the District launched its Family Engagement Center (FEC) last fall to unite various initiatives to support parent involvement and to offer programs for families from preschool through high school graduation. All FEC programs and services are offered at no cost and include parent education workshops, Pre-K playgroups and a drop-in resource center.

In addition to the FEC, our schools host a growing number of curriculum- aligned Family Nights, orientations for students and parents moving up to a new building, and other events to encourage families to discover what their children are learning and how they may provide support at home.

NOVEMBER 2019

OCTOBER 2019 S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

DECEMBER 2019 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

FA M I LY E N G AG E M E N T

• SOMS/TZHS 1st Quarter Ends

• TZHS Fall Play 8:00pm – Auditorium


• TZHS Fall Play 8:00pm – Auditorium

1 2



Veterans Day Schools Closed• HS Winter Sports Begin

• TZHS Italian Honor Society Induction Ceremony 7:30pm – Auditorium

• K-Gr. 5 Family Tech Night 5:00pm & 6:00pm – CLE

• SOCES PTA Meeting 7:00pm – CLE


• TZHS French Honor Society Induction Ceremony 7:00pm – Library

• Old School vs. New School Basketball Games 5:30pm

• Modified Winter Sports Registration Closes

• TZHS Thanksgiving Concert 7:00pm – Auditorium

• TZHS Spanish Honor Society Induction 7:00pm – Auditorium

Thanksgiving

THANKSGIVING RECESS Schools Closed (11/28-11/29)

• HS Winter Sports Registration Closes

• Modified Winter Sports Begin

• FEC Parent Workshop: PFLAG 7:00pm – SOMS Library

• SOMS PTA Meeting: Social Emotional Learning 7:30pm – Library




• NYSSMA Area All-State • NYSSMA Area All-State

• TZ Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner 6:30pm

Daylight Saving Time ends • SOMS Parent-Teacher Conferences 6:00-8:00pm

ElectionDay Schools Closed• 1/2 Day Elementary Superintendent’s Conference Day

• 1/2 Day Secondary Parent-Teacher Conferences


• SOCES PTA Coffee Chat 9:30am - CLE

• TZHS Parent-Teacher Conferences 6:00-8:00pm

• TZHS Gr. 9-11 Photo Retakes


• Mandated 30-Minute Early Dismissal

• SOMS Gr. 8 DC Trip Fundraising Ends

• SOMS/TZHS Report Cards Online

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23


Keep posted on holiday musical performances and events. Dates can be found

on the District web calendar at www.socsd.org.

DECEMBER 2019

A Best Communities for Music Education designee for five consecutive years, South Orangetown’s music program spans Grades K-12 and emphasizes high-quality instruction and personal dedication as the keys for musicians to reach their full potential.

More than 1,100 students in Grades 3-12 receive instrumental music instruction and perform in a collective total of 26 ensembles. Throughout the year, musicians perform in school and local concerts, as well as in the annual spring New York State School Music Association Solo Festival. Based on their Solo Festival performance, students are selected to participate in the NYSSMA Area All-State and All-State festivals, with exceptional musicians advancing to the National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Honors and All-National Honors ensembles.

Tappan Zee High School music students are challenged to aim for professional standards, which affords them the opportunity to perform in venues such as Radio City Music Hall.

I N S T RU M E N TA L M U S I C I N S T RU C T I O N

NOVEMBER 2019 S M T W T F S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

JANUARY 2020 1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

• WOS/CLE 1st Trimester Ends

• TZHS National Honor Society Induction 6:00pm – Auditorium

• SOMS Picture Retakes


• Fall Varsity Sports Dinner 6:30pm – Casa Mia Manor House

• CLE Gr. 5 to SOMS: Foreign Language & Music Presentation

• TZHS Night Of Scenes 7:00pm – Auditorium

Pearl Harbor Day


1 2 3 4 5 6 7



DECEMBER RECESS Schools Closed (12/23 - 1/1)

New Year’s Eve

• SOMS Winter Concert I 7:00pm – Auditorium

• Elementary Report Cards Sent Home


• SOMS Winter Concert II 7:00pm – Auditorium

• TZHS Concert Choir at Radio City Music Hall


• 1/2 Day Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences

• 1/2 Secondary Superintendent’s Conference Day

• WOS Book Fair (12/17 – 12/18) g

• Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences 6:00-8:00pm – WOS & CLE


• TZHS Winter Concert 7:00pm – Auditorium

First Day of Winter

First Day of Chanukah

DECEMBER RECESS Schools Closed (12/23 - 1/1)

Christmas Eve Christmas Day First Day of Kwanzaa

29 30 31

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28


Spring sports registration opens next month! Infor-mation about registering

for modified and high school sports, the Athletic Placement Process and mixed competition registration, is posted online at www.socsd.org under Athletics.

Last year, hundreds of SOCSD middle and high school students competed in a total of 20 sports on 63 modified, junior varsity and varsity teams. From basketball to bowling, fencing to cheer, our Athletics program fosters personal integrity and growth, healthy competition, teamwork and good sportsmanship as the foundation for success in sports and in life.

Our District fielded several 2018-19 All-American, All-State and All-Section athletes, and our Girls Basketball, Girls Indoor Track & Field and Girls Spring Track & Field teams won Section 1 Championships. Numerous school records were set by our Track & Field team last year, and four Dutchmen were named Lohud/Journal News Rockland Scholar-Athletes.

Athletes and coaches also leverage their talent to make a positive impact, whether raising funds for breast cancer treatment or neurofibromatosis research or running clinics to encourage girls to get involved in sports.

JANUARY 2020

DECEMBER 2019 S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

FEBRUARY 2020 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

D U TC H M E N P R I D E

New Year’s Day Schools Reopen

1 2 3 4



• SOMS/TZHS 2nd Semester Begins


• TZHS Gr. 8 Into Gr. 9 Student/Parent Orientation 7:00pm – Auditorium

• FEC Student Workshop (TZHS): Visioning 3:00pm

• FEC Student Workshop (SOMS): Visioning 3:00pm


• K- Gr. 5 Family Wellness Night 5:00pm & 6:00pm – WOS


Martin Luther King, Jr. Day TZHS Regents & Midterm Exams (1/21 – 1/24 )g

• SOMS Souper Bowl Night 6:00pm – Cafeteria

• Board of Education Regular Meeting 7:30pm - SOMS Library

• SOMS/TZHS 2nd Quarter Ends

• SOMS Gr. 7 Winter Party 7:00pm

Chinese New Year

Epiphany • SOMS PTA Meeting 7:30pm – Library


• TZHS Counseling Workshop for Parents of Sophomores 8:15am – Rm 951


• RCMEA Senior All-County • RCMEA Senior All-County

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

26 27 28 29 30 31

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25


Incoming kindergarten parent orientation and registration for the 2020-21

school year kick off this month. Welcome, Class of 2033!

FEBRUARY 2020

SOCSD students are invested in making a difference in their schools and local community through dozens of service and outreach activities. It is equally important that our students are prepared to engage with the world beyond our neighborhoods. Opportunities like partnering with virtual classmates in Barcelona through classroom technology and discovering our nation’s francophone neighbor inspire SOCSD students to be curious and open to the world around them.

Last year, 49 French language students from South Orangetown Middle School traveled to Quebec City for the school’s much-anticipated, biannual educational trip. The four-day excursion, timed to coincide with Winter Carnival, offered students real-world opportunities to develop their French language skills and included a walking tour of the city, visits to two interactive history museums, dog sledding and a visit with students at Ecole secondaire de la Cité.

G LO B A L C I T I Z E N S H I P

JANUARY 2020 S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

MARCH 2019 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

1



• Modified Spring Sports Registration Opens

• Incoming Kindergarten Registration Assistance 6:00-8:00pm – WOS

Ash Wednesday • Board of Education Regular Meeting 7:30pm – SOMS Library

• Rockland Read-In (Snow Date)

• HS Spring Sports Registration Opens

• FEC Parent Workshop: K-12 Bullying 6:00pm

• CLE Book Fair (2/11 – 2/12) g

• SOMS PTA Meeting: Parent Tech Night 7:30pm – Library

Lincoln’s Birthday

• Incoming Kindergarten Parent Orientation 7:00pm – WOS



Valentine’s Day

• Rockland Read-In

MID-WINTER RECESS Schools Closed (2/17 – 2/21)

Presidents Day

Washington’s Birthday

Groundhog Day • TZHS Gr. 8 Into Gr. 9 Student/Parent Orientation (Snow Date) 7:00pm – Auditorium


• SOCES PTA Coffee Chat 9:30am – WOS


• RCMEA Junior All-County

• TZHS Interact Valentine’s Dance 5:30pm – Cafeteria

• RCMEA Junior All-County

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22


FEBRUARY 2020 S M T W T F S

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

APRIL 2020 1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

March is a fantastic month for community members to experience

our talented students’ work. Don’t miss the 6th Annual K-12 School Maker Faire or the spring musicals at SOMS and TZHS!

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a teaching method used in classrooms throughout our district to engage students in actively building knowledge and skills by working both independently and in groups to solve an open-ended, real-world problem.

With tools and teacher guidance, students take ownership of their learning by figuring out what they need to solve a problem, gathering the necessary resources and information, setting goals and evaluating their own progress.

This student-driven PBL environment allows flexibiliy for teachers to differentiate instruction through small group mini-lessons and one-to-one support to meet the diverse needs of their students.

P RO B L E M - B A S E D L E A R N I N G

MARCH 2020• SOMS Gr. 8 DC Trip Parent Information Meeting 7:00pm


• SOCSD School Maker Faire 6:30pm - TZHS Gym

• RCMEA Intermediate All-County

• RCMEA Intermediate All-County

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• TZHS Interact Theatre Cafe 12:30pm – Cafeteria

• TZHS Spring Musical 2:00pm – Auditorium

• FEC Family Night Under the Stars 6:00pm

• HS Spring Sports Registration Closes

• Modified Spring Sports Begin

St. Patrick’s Day • FEC PreK Playgroups 9:30am & 10:30am

• Kindergarten Registration Assistance 6:00pm – WOS

First Day of Spring


• K-Gr. 5 Family Math Night 5:00pm & 6:00pm – CLE

• SOCES PTA Meeting 7:00pm – CLE

Superintendent’s Conference Day No School for Students• WOS/CLE 2nd Trimester Ends

• Kindergarten Registration Assistance 8:30am-3:30pm – WOS

• SOMS Spring Musical 7:30pm – Auditorium

• 9th Annual Flying Dutchmen 5K 9:15am – TZHS



• Modified Spring Sports Registration Closes

• FEC Parent Workshop: Nurturing Self-Confidence 6:30pm


Gr. 3-8 NYS ELA Assessments



Gr. 3-8 NYS ELA Assessments • SOCES PTA Family Fun Night 6:30pm – CLE



Daylight Savings Time Begins Holi

• HS Spring Sports Begin

• SOMS PTA Meeting 7:30pm – SOMS Library


• WOS Dance Festival TZHS Gym – 6:00pm & 7:15pm


• TZHS Multicultural Show 5:00pm – TZHS Cafeteria

• We The People 11:00am–2:00pm – SOMS

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MARCH 2020 S M T W T F S

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Help your child develop emotional intelligence: When you read together,

point out when a character has a strong emotion. Discuss what the emotion is, what the behavior is, if body language is giving clues about the character’s feelings and how the behavior affects those around them.

Over the past two years, SOCSD faculty and administrators have worked to better support students’ social and emotional development by partnering with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Central to this effort has been the use of the skills-based, RULER approach to help students identify and manage emotions:• Recognizing emotions in ourselves and others• Understanding the causes and consequences of our emotions• Labeling to build students’ vocabulary for describing their emotions• Expressing emotions in ways that are productive and appropriate for a given

time and place• Regulating with strategies to manage feelingsStarting in elementary school, students learn to reflect on how they’re feeling by using the Mood Meter. Once they identify their mood, students are encour-aged to make connections with how moods make their bodies feel. Mindfulness strategies are taught to help students relax and manage their emotions in positive and productive ways.

S O C I A L E M OT I O N A L L E A R N I N G

MAY 2020 1 2

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APRIL 2020• Non-Public School 2020-2021 Transportation Request Deadline


• SOMS Incoming Gr. 6 Parent/Student Orientation 7:00pm – Auditorium

• SOMS/TZHS 3rd Quarter Ends • TZHS ACT Exam

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• South Orangetown PTAs BOE Candidates Forum 7:00pm – TZHS Library

• TZHS History Honor Society Induction 7:30pm – Auditorium

Easter SPRING RECESS Schools Closed (4/9 – 4/17)

Orthodox Easter SCHOOLS CLOSED IF 0 OR 1 SNOW DAY USED

Gr. 3-8 NYS Math Assessments

• SOCES/SOMS PTA Meeting 7:00pm – SOMS Library

Administrative Professionals Day

Earth Day

Gr. 3-8 NYS Math Assessments


• Board of Education Regular Meeting Adoption of 2020-2021 Budget

First Day of Ramadan

Arbor Day

• TZHS Hepcat 7:00pm – Library

Palm Sunday • SOCES PTA Coffee Chat 9:30am – CLE

• FEC Workshop: TZHS Resume Writing 3:00pm

• TZHS Mu Fest (if schools are closed on 4/8)• Board of Education Regular Meeting 7:30pm – SOMS Library

SCHOOLS CLOSED IF 0, 1 OR 2 SNOW DAYS USED


• TZHS Mu Fest

Passover Begins at sundown

Passover

SPRING RECESS Schools Closed (4/9 – 4/17)

Good Friday

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The Annual School Budget Vote & Board of Education Election is Tuesday, May 19.

Voter information and polling locations are published in the back section of this calendar and online at www.socsd.org.

As mentors, guest speakers, audience members, sports fans, PTA and TZ Red & White volunteers, Board of Education and committee members, scholarship and award sponsors, and so much more, our community members’ contributions enrich the educational experience of SOCSD students every day.

Interested in sharing your skills and expertise? See the “Get Involved” page at the front of this calendar for opportunities and contact information. Thanks for your support!

C O M M U N I T Y A P P R E C I AT I O N

MAY 2020

APRIL 2020 S M T W T F S

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JUNE 2020 1 2 3 4 5 6

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Mother’s Day TZHS AP Exams (5/4 – 5/15) g

• Kindergarten Screening – WOS

• SOMS PTA Meeting 7:30pm – Library

• SOMS NJHS Induction Ceremony 7:00pm – Auditorium

• FEC Parent Workshop: Mental Health Awareness 6:00pm

• SOMS Gr. 8 DC Trip (5/14 -15) g

• WOS Kindergarten Field Day 10:00am

• WOS Kindergarten Field Day 10:00am (Rain Date)

• TZHS Night of Scenes 7:00pm – Auditorium

Eid al-Fitr Memorial Day Gr. 4 & 8 NYS Science Performance Assessments

• TZHS Mu Alpha Theta Induction 3:20pm – Library

• WOS Gr. 2 Field Day 10:00am

• Sports Physicals for Incoming Gr. 7-12 5:00-8:00pm – TZHS Library

• TZHS Spring Concert I 7:00pm – Auditorium

• WOS Gr. 2 Field Day 10:00am (Rain Date)

• CLE Gr. 5 Fun Night 6:30pm

• SOMS Book Fair (5/18 – 5/21) g

• TZHS/SOMS Italian Awards 7:30pm – TZHS Auditorium

• SOMS You Make A Difference Awards 7:30am - Auditorium

• Board of Education Regular Meeting Annual Budget Vote & Board Election 7:30pm – SOMS



• WOS Gr. 1 Field Day 10:00am

• K-Gr. 5 Family Literacy Night 5:00pm & 6:00pm – WOS


• CLE Gr. 5 to SOMS for Incoming Gr. 6 Orientation

• WOS Gr. 1 Field Day 10:00am (Rain Date)

• TZHS Science Symposium 7:00pm – Library

SCHOOLS CLOSED IF 0 SNOW DAYS USED

TZHS AP Exams (5/4 – 5/15) g

Incoming Kindergarten Screening WOS (5/4 – 5/11) g

• SOMS Spring Concert I 7:00pm – Auditorium

Cinco de Mayo

National Teacher Appreciation Day


• SOMS Gr. 8 Panoramic Photo


• SOMS Spring Concert II 7:00pm – Auditorium

• Lock Distribution at CLE for Incoming Gr. 6 (5/7 – 5/8) g

• Board of Education Regular Meeting Public Hearing on 2020-21 Proposed Budget 7:30pm – SOMS Library

• COVE Fitness Challenge 10:00am – TZHS

• TZHS Acoustic Underground 7:00pm – Library

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MAY 2020 S M T W T F S

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Field Day events, award ceremonies and Regents exam dates are posted

on the District web calendar at www.socsd.org.

Eighty-six percent of Tappan Zee High School’s Class of 2019 continued their post-secondary education at institutions including Barnard College, Harvard University, Johnson & Wales University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Savannah College of Art & Design, and more than a dozen SUNY schools, while others pursued career training by enrolling at a trade school or enlisting in the military.

TZHS students have access to high-quality school counseling and career exploration opportunities through Senior Seminar, Rockland BOCES Career & Technical Education programs and a wide array of elective and extracurricular options.

JULY 2020 1 2 3 4

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JUNE 2020

C O L L E G E & C A R E E R R E A D I N E S S

Gr. 4 & 8 NYS Science Written Assessments

NYS Regents: US History & Government

• CLE Gr. 3 Field Day 9:30am

• TZHS Spring Concert II 7:00pm – Auditorium

• TZHS SADD Assembly


• TZHS Academic Reception 7:00pm – Auditorium


• Board of Education Regular Meeting Districtwide Celebration 6:30pm - TZHS Cafeteria

• CLE Gr. 3 Field Day 9:30am (Rain Date)


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Flag Day • SOMS/TZHS 4th Quarter Ends


NYS Regents Exams (6/17 – 6/25) g


• CLE Grade 5 Philadelphia Trip

• WOS Gr. 2 Visits CLE


First Day of Summer

Father’s Day SOMS/TZHS Modified Testing Schedule (6/22 – 6/25) g


• SOMS Gr. 8 Moving Up Breakfast

• CLE Gr. 5 Moving Up Ceremony 6:00pm – TZHS

• SOMS Moving Up Ceremony 9:30am – TZHS

• TZHS Graduation 6:30pm

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

Superintendent’s Conference Day 1/2 Day for Students

Rating Day


• TZHS Senior Awards Ceremony 9:00am – Auditorium

• TZHS Senior Prom


• CLE Spring Concert (Gr. 4 & 5) 6:30pm – TZHS Auditorium


• CLE Earth Day at Tallman Park

• SOMS Gr. 8 Dance

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JUNE 2020 S M T W T F S

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AUGUST 2020 1

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Summer reading isn’t just fun: It helps students grow by feeding their

imaginations, exposing them to new ideas and sustaining progress made over the school year so that they’re ready to learn new material in September. Be sure to check out programs at our local libraries!

To support evidence-based instructional innovation and the changing needs of students, SOCSD is adjusting how and where learning happens. For the past few years, our district has invested in student-centered classroom redesigns to facilitate real world, problem-based educational experiences that promote collaboration and technology integration.

Thanks to continued community support, SOCSD is also moving forward with capital projects to address critical system and infrastructure needs and to renovate physical spaces to keep pace with program demands.

JULY 2020

I N N OVAT I V E L E A R N I N G S PAC E S

• Alternate Transportation Site Request Form Deadline

Independence Day

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• SOMS Report Cards Mailed/Not Online

• TZHS Report Cards Mailed/Not Online

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AUGUST 2020

JULY 2020 S M T W T F S

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SEPTEMBER 2020 S M T W T F S

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• Gr. 6 Locker Day 9am – SOMS (Aug. 31)

INDEPENDENCE DAY • WOS Bus Designee Form Deadline

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In the South Orangetown Central School District, student and staff safety is our first priority. When an emergency occurs, school officials evaluate the seriousness of the

situation and determine the best plan of action to respond quickly, safely and appropriately. The South Orangetown Central School District trains its staff and students in the principles

of S H E L L , New York State’s standard Emergency Response Procedures:

Emergency COMMUNICATIONSIn any emergency situation, it is critically important that school leaders and safety personnel respond quickly. Student and staff safety is our first priority.

SOCSD administrators, district communications channels (SchoolMessenger, website, etc.) and law enforcement personnel are the ONLY official sources of information in a school emergency.

n Parents and guardians will be alerted by SOCSD via SchoolMessenger email when their child’s school is managing an incident that has occurred.

n If parent action is needed, SchoolMessenger robocalls (to wireless and landline phones) and emails will be sent to all primary and emergency contact phone numbers on file.

You can HELPn Ensure your child’s school has up-to-date phone numbers, email and street

addresses for you and all emergency contacts.

n Add “[email protected]” to your email contacts list and designate this email address as a trusted or “safe” sender to ensure that you receive SchoolMessenger emails.

n Have a family emergency plan and be sure that you have an alternate child care provider in place and listed as an emergency contact in your child’s record in the event of an early dismissal. Students may only be released to a parent or emergency contact designated for student release. Photo identification is required.

n Wait for information from SOCSD rather than rush to a site.

n Only share information received through official communications channels on social media. Be aware that students and people outside our community are members of local social media groups.

n Reach out to your child’s school to access resources. It is important that students feel safe at school, especially after a crisis. Should there be a need, SOCSD will provide support services to students and/or staff.

n Call for help if students or adults are experiencing a behavioral health crisis or to report a threat:

Rockland County Behavioral Health Response Team Crisis Line (845) 517-0400 or 911

Orangetown Police Department: (845) 359-3700

SPEAK UP Hotline: 1-866-SPEAK-UP

SHELTER-IN-PLACEStudents and staff are

required to remain indoors. May need to

relocate within the building.

HOLD-IN-PLACELimits movement within a building.

Intended for short-term emergencies to keep

students and staff out of an affected area until the

situation is resolved.

EVACUATIONAll immediately

ordered to leave the building or grounds.

LOCKOUTSecures school building

and grounds during incidents that pose an

imminent concern outside of the school. All doors

and windows are locked. Outdoor activity ceases.

LOCKDOWNAll are moved into secure areas within the building to hide. In addition to hiding

and staying out of site, counterattack and escape

may be safer responses.

Emergency PREPAREDNESSn Each of our schools has a unique critical incident

plan specific to the staff, the facility and the students in that school.

n District-wide and building-level safety teams are trained to implement detailed emergency plans focused on prevention, preparation and response.

n Each building conducts at least 15 safety drills a year.

n Our district works closely with local law enforcement and other first responders to ensure that our school safety plans are effective and up-to-date.

n Specific details of SOCSD safety plans and evacuation locations are not made public so as not to jeopardize the efficiency of the plans or the safety of students and staff.

160 Van Wyck Road, Blauvelt, New York 10913(845) 680-1000 • socsd.org

Follow us:Facebook.com/southorangetowncsdTwitter: @southorangetown


DISTRICT Directory South Orangetown Central School District Directory (Use area code 845 for all phone numbers.)

n Central Administration160 Van Wyck Road, Blauvelt, NY 10913

Superintendent of Schools: Robert R. Pritchard, Ed.D ..................680-1050

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction: Brian Culot, Ed.D. .................................680-1017

Executive Director of Finance & Management Services: Alicia Koster ...........................................680-1005

Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services: Karen Tesik, Ed.D. .................................680-1025

Director of Staff Relations: Joseph Lloyd, Ph.D. ..............................680-1030

Director of Technology: George Brady .........................................680-1010

Director of Physical Education, Health & Athletics: William Pilla ............................................680-1640

District Clerk: Kathleen Muscari .................................680-1012

District Treasurer: Laura Zarcone .......................................680-1008

Registrar/Enrollment: Laura DeMaio ........................................680-1137

School Resource Officer:Andrew Vergine ....................................680-1777

• Greenbush Academy Building 623 Western Highway, Blauvelt, NY 10913

Director of Facilities: Jack Rallo .............................................680-1016

Director of Safety, Security & Compliance: John Gulino .........................................680-1812

Supervisor of Transportation: Paul Guglielmo, P.E. ..........................680-1662

n William O. Schaefer Elementary School140 Lester Drive, Tappan, NY 10983

GRADES K-2School Hours: .............................9:15am – 3:30pmLunch Hours: ...........................11:15am – 2:10pmTwo-Hour Delay Start: ..............................11:15amScheduled Early Dismissal Time: .......... 12:15pm

Main Office: .........................................680-1301Fax: .............................................................680-1920

Principal: Sheila Beglin ...........................................680-1303

Assistant Principal: Maggie White ........................................680-1325

Nurses:Riva Fisher, RN ......................................680-1304Jennifer Hind, RN .................................680-1304

School Psychologists:Brian Galvin ............................................680-1324Kaitlin McSwiggan, Ph.D. ..................680-1368

School Social Worker:Jessica Inglis ...........................................680-1028

n Cottage Lane Elementary School120 Cottage Lane, Blauvelt, NY 10913

GRADES 3-5School Hours: .............................9:15am – 3:40pmLunch Hours: ...........................11:15am – 2:10pmTwo-Hour Delay Start: ..............................11:15amScheduled Early Dismissal Time: .......... 12:15pm

Main Office: .............................680-1500 ext. 3 Fax ..............................................................680-1940

Principal: Karen Ramirez .......................................680-1503

Assistant Principal: Robert Schliessman .............................680-1561

Nurse: Karen Fitzgibbons, RN .......................680-1508

School Psychologists: Sean Jones ...............................................680-1545Linda King ................................................680-1554

School Social Worker:Jessenia Cursio ......................................680-1134


n South Orangetown Middle School160 Van Wyck Road, Blauvelt, NY 10913

GRADES 6-8School Hours: .............................8:15am – 3:00pmLunch Hours: ...........................11:16am – 1:25pmTwo-Hour Delay Start: ..............................10:15amScheduled Early Dismissal Time: ...........11:15am

Main Office: .............................680-1100 ext. 3Fax: .............................................................680-1905

Principal: Chad Corey, Ed.D.. ................................680-1101

Assistant Principal: Joseph Onativia ....................................680-1102

Nurse: Margaret Keane, RN ...........................680-1130

School Counselors: Patricia Iannucci ...................................680-1106 Philip Farrugia .......................................680-1107 Siobhan Maiorano... .............................680-1109

School Psychologists: Courtney Malka ....................................680-1112 Steve Sawitsky .......................................680-1023

School Social Worker: Jessica Inglis ...........................................680-1028

n Tappan Zee High School15 Dutch Hill Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962

GRADES 9-12School Hours: .............................8:15am – 3:00pmLunch Hours: ...........................11:19am – 1:30pmTwo-Hour Delay Start: ..............................10:15amScheduled Early Dismissal Time: ...........11:15am

Main Office: .............................680-1600 ext. 4 Fax: .............................................................680-1950

Principal: Rudy Arietta ...........................................680-1606

Assistant Principals: Richard Neidhart ..................................680-1655 TBD ............................................................680-1650

Nurse: Patricia Shalvey, RN.............................680-1647

School Counselors ...............................680-1614 Randy Altman Jaime Holzer Kelly Keane Kathryn Marks TBD

School Psychologists: Katelin Burns, Ph.D..............................680-1613 Bradley Hercman, Ph.D.. ....................680-1610

School Social Worker: Jessenia Cursio ......................................680-1775

n Family Engagement CenterCoordinator: Alexandra (AJ) Walker .......................680-1059 Mobile: .....................................................274-2370

n Continuing Education Director: Terry Campanella .................................379-1012

n On-Site Before & After School Child Care ProgramRockland County YMCA ...................727-1037RocklandYMCA.org

Our Mission Statement In a rapidly changing world, the South Orangetown school community affirms its positive vision of the future by providing a safe and caring environment where the excitement of teaching and learning is shared by all, and where we encourage and nurture the uniqueness of each child.

Through diverse and challenging programs, we promote high academic standards, creative and critical thinking, self-respect and respect for others, and acceptance of our responsibilities in a global society. We are committed to fostering a love of learning in our students.


n Closings, Delays & Early DismissalsEnsuring the safety of our students and staff is a District priority. The decision to close or delay school opening is made by 5:30am. If weather conditions worsen or other situations arise during the school day, an early dismissal decision may be made.

Notifications for closings, delays and early dismissals are sent to staff and families via SchoolMessenger phone and email messages.

Alerts are also posted on the District website (www.socsd.org), Facebook (@southorangetowncsd) and Twitter (@southorangetown) feeds, and submitted to the following media outlets:

Radio: WHUD/100.7 FM , WRCR/1700 AM and WCBS/880 AM

TV: News12 and FIOS1

Families are strongly encouraged to have a family emergency plan in place in the event that school is delayed, canceled or dismissed early.

• Delayed Opening: Morning buses arrive two hours later than their regularly scheduled time. Lunch, but no breakfast, is served. Elementary school parents are encouraged to ask their children to let their teachers know if they need a snack on days when breakfast is not served.

• Early Dismissals: Early dismissals may be scheduled (e.g., Superintendent’s Conference Days) or called in anticipation of inclement weather. Breakfast, but no lunch, is served. After-school activities, the YMCA program and all Continuing Education classes, are canceled.

Students are bused to their regular afternoon stops, including alternate sites. Students who would normally attend afternoon YMCA programs are bused home. If the District is notified by a child care provider that it is closing due to inclement weather, those students will be bused directly home.

• Emergency Dismissal: Students in one or more buildings may be dismissed early due to an emergency. If students may not be dismissed at the standard early dismissal time, all busing-eligible students are bused home.

n Family EngagementStrong partnership between home and school supports student success. Parents are encouraged to reach out to their children’s teacher(s) and/or school counselor at any time throughout the school year with questions or concerns. Building email directories are posted online at www,socsd.org/schools and email addresses typically follow the format of first inital [email protected].

n Food ServicesHealthy breakfast and lunch options are served in SOCSD schools every day.

When students enroll in the District, personal meal purchasing accounts are created and linked to their personal identification numbers (PIN) and photos. In the cafeteria, students provide their PIN when they purchase meals and a la carte items. Cashiers are able to verify each student’s identity at the point of sale and transactions are recorded instantly.

Incoming kindergarteners are mailed their PIN prior to the start of the school year.

• Meal Purchasing: Families may prepay for their students’ school meals online with a credit card or bank account through MyPaymentsPlus.com. Parents can also log on to MyPaymentsPlus.com to check account balances, select whether funds may be used for general or meal-only purchases and to review purchases.

Parents may also prepay for their students’ meals by check (payable to “SOCSD”) or cash directly to the school cafeteria cashier. Remaining account balances carry from year to year and are refunded when students leave the district. Parents who prepay by check or cash also have access to MyPaymentsPlus.com.

Families who may qualify are encouraged to apply for free or reduced-price meals. For more information, contact Food Service at 680-1007.

n RegistrationThe South Orangetown Central School District uses an online registration process to enroll students. Information and required forms are available online at www.socsd.org/registration. For questions or assistance, please call the Registrar at 680-1901.

n Resolving Issues Elementary Academic Programs or Behavior: > Teacher > Assistant Principal or Principal

Middle & High School Academic Programs: > Teacher > School Counselor > Assistant Principal > Principal

Middle & High School Behavior Issues: > Teacher > Assistant Principal > Principal

Special Education: > Teacher > Assistant Principal > Principal > Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services

Co-Curricular Activities (Clubs): > Advisor > Assistant Principal > Principal

Student Athletics: > Coach > Director of Physical Education, Health & Athletics > Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

Student Transportation: > Transportation Office > Supervisor of Transportation > Executive Director of Finance & Management Services

District Policies: > Superintendent > Board of Education

The Superintendent may review unresolved issues once they have been addressed through the appropriate chain of command, as listed above. Decisions are based on Board of Education policy. The Board may also review issues referred to them by the Superintendent.

GENERAL Information


n School Health & Exam RequirementsNew York State law requires a health examination for all students entering the school district for the first time AND when entering pre-kindergarten or kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th grades.

• The examination must be completed by a NY/NJ state licensed physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner and on the approved NYSED Student Health Examination Form or one from your physician.

• A dental certificate which indicates your child has been seen by a dentist or dental hygienist is requested at the same time. The school nurse can provide you with a list of dentists and registered dental hygienists who offer dental services on a free or reduced cost basis upon request.

• A copy of the NYSED Student Health Examination Form must be provided to the school within 30 days from when your child first starts school and when your child starts kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th grades. If a copy is not given to the school within 30 days, the school will contact you.

• If your child has an appointment for an exam during the school year that is after the first 30 days of school, please notify the School Nurse’s Office of that date.

Links to the NYSED Student Health Examination Form and dental certificate are posted on the For Parents page of our school district website (www.socsd.org), under Forms.

Communication between private and school health staff is important for safe and effective care at school. Your healthcare provider may not share health infor-mation with school health staff without your signed permission. Please talk to your provider about giving consent to sharing health information with school health staff at the time of your child’s annual health examination appointment.

All SOCSD schools have a Registered Nurse responsible for the health and medical safety of students in the building. Please notify the School Nurse in your child’s school of any specific medical needs or concerns.

n TransportationSouth Orangetown Central School District provides busing for all public school students in kindergarten through grade 8 with no mileage limitation and for students in grades 9 through 12 who reside more than 1.5 miles from Tappan Zee High School. Transportation is also provided for students who live in eligible Child Safety Zones; those who have an IEP/other approved classification that requires transportation or other special transportation needs; and students who attend non-public schools outside the school district.

If you are unclear as to your child’s eligibility for pupil transportation services, or wish to review your child’s eligibility status, please contact the Transportation Office at 680-1662.

Additional information on busing to alternate locations, bus stop safety evaluation, and transportation requests and deadlines for non-public school students is posted at socsd.org/transportation.

• Lost Items For items forgotten on the bus, please contact the

appropriate bus company directly:

Student Bus: (845) 359-9200 Peter Brega: (845) 268-6107 Rockland BOCES: (845) 627-4756

n VotingVoters must register at least five (5) days before the annual school budget vote and Board of Education election in May. Those registered to vote with Rockland County do not need to register separately to vote in the school election.

Residents may register in person by visiting the District Clerk’s office at 160 Van Wyck Road in Blauvelt. From September through June, hours are 8:00am-4:00pm on school days. During July and August, hours are 9:00am-3:00pm, Monday through Thursday.

Residents may also register by mail by picking up a voter registration form from a US Post Office and mail-ing the completed form directly to Rockland County Board of Elections.

To be eligible to vote, you must be:• A District resident for at least 30 days• A US citizen• 18 years of age or older• Registered to vote in either a general or school election

Absentee VotingDistrict residents may contact the District Clerk via email ([email protected]) or telephone (680-1012) to obtain an Absentee Ballot Application. Click here to access the Absentee Ballot Application online at www.socsd.org/voting-information.

Residents must complete and submit Absentee Ballot Application to the District Clerk:

• At least seven (7) days before the election if the absentee ballot is to be mailed to the resident, OR

• The day before the election if the absentee ballot is to be picked up by the resident

• Once the application has been filed by the District Clerk, the resident will receive the absentee ballot

Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 PM on school election day.

• School Budget Vote & Board of Education Election Polling Sites

District #1: South Orangetown Middle School Blauvelt residents

District #2: Tappan Zee High School Orangeburg residents

District #3: William O. Schaefer Elementary School Tappan residents

District #4: Tappan Zee Elementary School Grandview, Palisades, Piermont, & Sparkill residents


COMMUNITY Contacts (Use area code 845)

n Police DepartmentsTown of Orangetown..........................359-5100 26 W. Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg (24/7 prescription drug disposal site)

Village of Piermont ..............................359-0240 478 Piermont Avenue, Piermont

Village of South Nyack .......................358-0206 282 South Broadway, Nyack

n Fire DepartmentsBlauvelt ....................................................359-8401 548 Western Hwy, Blauvelt

Orangeburg ............................................359-5587 61 Dutch Hill Road, Orangeburg

Piermont ..................................................359-1208 554 Piermont Avenue, Piermont

Sparkill-Palisades .................................359-1324 520 Route 340, Sparkill

Tappan ......................................................359-3907 300 Western Hwy, Tappan

n AmbulanceSouth Orangetown Ambulance Corps (SOAC) .........................................359-3030 70 Independence Avenue, Tappan

n Community & Social ServicesCANDLE ...................................................634-6677 120 N Main Street Suite 301, New City

Center for Safety & Change .............634-3344 9 Johnsons Lane, New City

Child Care Resources of Rockland ....425-0009 235 N Main Street, Spring Valley

Mental Health Association of Rockland ....................267-2172 140 Routh 303 Suite A, Valley Cottage

People to People ...................................623-4900 121 West Nyack Road, Nanuet

PFLAG .......................................................202-1620 PO Box 653, Palisades

• Rockland County Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT)

Main Number (24/7) .......................517-0400

Anonymous Talk Line (24/7) ...800-273-0400

Department of Health ....................364-2512 50 Sanatorium Road, Building D, Pomona

Department of Social Services ...364-3032 50 Sanatorium Road, Buildings C & L, Pomona

• Town of Orangetown Town Hall ............................................359-5100

26 W Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg

Parks & Recreation ..........................359-6503 81 Hunt Road, Orangeburg

n Public LibrariesBlauvelt Free Library ..........................359-2811 541 Western Highway, Blauvelt

Orangeburg Library.............................359-2244 20 Greenbush Road, Orangeburg

Palisades Free Library ........................359-0136 19 Closter Road, Palisades

Piermont Public Library .....................359-4595 25 Flywheel Park West, Piermont

Tappan Library ......................................359-3877 93 Main Street, Tappan

In the event of an emergency, dial 911


ANNUAL Notifications

n Asbestos Management PlanIn accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, the South Orangetown Central School District has an Asbestos Management Plan for the identification and management of asbestos building materials. The plan is available for review during regular business hours (weekdays, 8:00am-4:00pm) at the Safety, Security and Compliance Office, 623 Western Highway, Blauvelt, NY 10913.

n Dignity for All Students ActNew York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act or DASA) seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.

The legislation states that no student will be subjected to harassment or discrimination by employees or students on school property or at a school function based on their actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex.

• SOCSD DASA Coordinators

District-Wide Joseph Lloyd, Ph.D., Director of Staff Relations [email protected] | 680-1030

William O. Schaefer Elementary School Sheila Beglin, Principal

[email protected] | 680-1303

Maggie White, Assistant Principal [email protected] | 680-1325

Brian Galvin, School Psychologist [email protected] | 680-1324

Cottage Lane Elementary School Karen Ramirez, Principal


Rob Schliessman, Assistant Principal [email protected] | 680-1561

Linda King, School Psychologist [email protected] | 680-1554

South Orangetown Middle School Chad Corey, Ed.D., Principal


Joseph Onativia, Assistant Principal [email protected] | 680-1102

Tappan Zee High School Richard Neidhart, Assistant Principal


TBD, Assistant Principal | 680-1650

n Equal Opportunity & Non-DiscriminationThe Board of Education, its officers and employees, shall not discriminate in its programs and activities against any student, employee or applicant on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, creed, religion, religious practice, marital status, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

The Board of Education, its officers, and employees shall not discriminate against students on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, creed, religion, religious practice, marital status, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability. (Board of Education Policy 0100 - Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination)

• Compliance Officer for Title VII & Title IX (adults) Alicia Koster

Executive Director of Finance & Management Services South Orangetown Central School District 160 Van Wyck Road Blauvelt, NY 10913 [email protected] | 680-1005

• Compliance Officer for Title VII, Title IX (adults) & Section 504 (adults)

Joseph Lloyd, Ph.D. Director of Staff Relations 160 Van Wyck Road Blauvelt, NY 10913 [email protected] | 680-1030

• Compliance Officer for Title IX (students) & Section 504/Title II AD

Karen Tesik, Ed.D. Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services South Orangetown Central School District 160 Van Wyck Road Blauvelt, NY 10913 [email protected] | 680-1025

n Family Educational Records Privacy Act (FERPA)The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) affords parents/guardians and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records, including:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the School District receives a request for access. Parents/guardians or eligible students should submit to the Building Principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Building Principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.

Parents/Guardians or eligible students may ask the School District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the Building Principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

continued


Family Educational Records Privacy Act (FERPA) continued

If the School District decides not to amend the record, as requested by the parent/guardian or eligible student, the School District will notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the decision and advise him/her of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amend-ment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent/guardian or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally iden-tifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which per-mits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff); a person serving on the Board of Education; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as school attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist, district’s insurance company, service provider); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educa-tional need to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4. The right not to have Directory Information disclosed without prior written consent. This School District designates the following items as Directory Information, and may disclose any of these items without prior written consent, unless notified to the contrary, in writing, to your child’s building principal by the parent/guardian or eligible student by September 27, 2019, or within 30 days of registering your child in the South Orangetown Central School District: student’s name, address, tele-phone number, date and place of birth, major course of study, participation in school activities or sports, weight and height if a member of an athletic team, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, most recent

school attended, class schedule, photograph, e-mail address, enrollment status, and class roster.

5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.

6. For High School Students Only: The right not to have your child’s name, address, and telephone number disclosed to military recruiters and/or institutions of higher learning without your prior written consent. The No Child Left Behind Act requires the South Orangetown Central School District to disclose to military recruiters and/or institutions of higher learning, upon request, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of high school students, unless you notify the District, in writing, that you do not want such information released by the District without your prior written consent. If you, as a parent/guardian of a high school student, or a student over the age of 18, wish to exercise your option to withhold your consent to the release of the above information to military recruiters and/or institutions of higher learning, you must sign, date and return the form posted online at www.socsd.org/annual-notifications by September 27, 2019, or within 30 days of registration of your child in the South Orangetown Central School District.

n McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance ActThe McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act provides protections for students who are living in a shelter, car, park, bus, train, campsite, other temporary living situation, or with another person or family, due to loss of housing or as a result of economic hardship. Students protected under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act are entitled to immediate enrollment in school, even if they do not have the documents normally required, such as proof of residency, school records, immunization records, or birth certificate. These students may also be entitled to other services. Parents or guardians who believe their child may be eligible should call the Registrar at 680-1137.

n Parents Bill of Rights for Data Privacy & SecurityPursuant to Section 2-c and 2-d of the Education Law, parents and students are entitled to certain protections regarding confidential student information. The District is committed to safeguarding personally identifiable information from unauthorized access or disclosure as set forth below:

1. A student’s personally identifiable information cannot be sold or released for any commercial purposes;

2. Parents have the right to inspect and review the complete contents of their child’s education record;

3. The District is committed to implementing safeguards associated with industry standards and best practice under state and federal laws protecting the confidentiality of personally identifiable information, including but not limited to, encryption, firewalls, and password protection when data is stored or transferred;

4. A complete list of all student data elements collected by the State is available for public review online at http://www.nysed.gov/student-data-privacy/schools/data-elements-collected or by writing to: Information & Reporting Services, New York State Education Department – Room 863 EBA, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234.

5. Parents have the right to have complaints about possible breaches of student data addressed. Complaints should be made in writing to: South Orangetown Central School District, Attn: District Clerk, 160 Van Wyck Road, Blauvelt, NY 10913;

6. The District has entered into with certain third party contractors who have been sent student data and/or teacher data and/or principal data. The following information is required by law:

a. The names of the third party contractors, the exclusive purpose(s) for which the data will be used;

b. The commencement and termination dates of each such agreement;

continued


7. Agreements with third party contractors will ensure that the subcontractors, persons or entities that the third part contractor will share the student data or teacher or principal data with, if any, will abide by data protection and security requirements;

8. A parent, student eligible student, teacher or principal may challenge the accuracy of the student data or teacher or principal data that is collected by filing a written request with the Superintendent of Schools or the District Clerk: South Orangetown Central School District, Attn: District Clerk, 160 Van Wyck Road,

Blauvelt, NY 10913.

n Parent’s Right to Certain InformationIn accordance with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), parents/guardians of students have the right to request specific information about the professional qualifications of their children’s classroom teachers. As the parent/guardian of a student in the South Orangetown Central School District, you have the right to request the following information about your child’s/children’s teachers:

• whether the teacher has met New York State qualifications;

• and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas he or she teaches;

• whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which the State qualifications or licensing criteria have been waived;

• the teacher’s college major;

• whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees;

• If your child is provided services by any instructional aides or similar paraprofessionals, the services provided to your child and the aide’s or paraprofes-sional’s qualifications.

Requests for information about the qualifications of your child’s/children’s teacher(s) should be directed to main office of the school of attendance.

n Pesticide Application NoticeThe South Orangetown School District’s primary control method for dealing with pests in our district is a technique known as Integrated Pest Management. This method of pest control involves using strategies other than pesticides to control pests. However, as with any pest management system, the use of pesticides may be required in some situations. Pesticides may be used periodically throughout the school year both inside the district buildings and on the surrounding grounds. These applications, when required, will be made by certified individuals in accordance with the label directions.

Individuals who wish to be notified 48 hours in advance of pesticide application should complete and submit the notification request form posted on the District website at www.socsd.org/facilities. Prior to any scheduled application, the Director of Facilities shall provide notification to all parties on the list. In the event of an emergency, application that is necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list.

n Sexual Harassment Policy/Student Harassment PolicyIt is the policy of the South Orangetown Central School District to prohibit sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as discrimination against a person of different or the same sex because of their sex. Sexual harassment includes harassment on the basis of actual or perceived or self-identified sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and transgender status. The complete policy may obtained online at www.socsd.org/annual-notifications.

See Equal Opportunity & Non-Distrimination section for Title IX Compliance Officer contact information.

n Student Privacy Rights PolicyThe Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) requires the South Orangetown Central School District to notify you and obtain consent or allow you to opt your child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a student survey, analysis or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas (“protected information surveys”):

• Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;

• Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;

• Sex behavior or attitudes;

• Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;

• Critical appraisals of others with whom the student has close family relationships;

• Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with attorneys, doctors or ministers;

• Religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or parents; or

• Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”) and certain physical examinations and screenings.

n Use of Surveillance on School GroundsThe South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to promote and foster school safety and ensure a safe and effective learning environment. After having carefully considered and balanced the rights of privacy with the District’s duty to promote discipline, health, welfare, and safety of students and staff, as well as that of the general public who has occasion to use school facilities, the Board authorizes the use of surveillance cameras in its schools, its buses, and on school grounds.


Event dates and times were accurate as of the date of printing (July 19), but are subject to change. Please refer to www.socsd.org and communications throughout the school year for changes and/or updates. This calendar was produced in collaboration with the Rockland BOCES Communications Service. Calendar editor and photographer: Jen Citrolo

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PaidMonsey

New York 10952Permit No. 1375

160 Van Wyck Road, Blauvelt, NY 10913(845) 680-1000 www.socsd.org

Robert R. Pritchard, Ed.D., Superintendent

BOARD OF EDUCATIONDan Lamadrid, PresidentLeon Jacobs, Vice PresidentChristine Lee Thomas Henry Cara Stepanian, Ph.D.

Postal Patron

Central School District


Documents

al School District South Orangetown Central School District...FOR UPDATED INFORMATION, VISIT ABOUT the Board As the official policymaking body of the South Orangetown Central School