Weekly E-Newsletter
October 27, 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we approach the end of the first marking period, I’m excited to share our ongoing initiatives to enhance
social-emotional learning (SEL) in our school community, as these efforts are crucial for fostering
resilience, well-being, and academic success among our students. By prioritizing SEL, we equip our
students with essential skills to navigate challenges, build healthy relationships, and develop a strong
sense of self.
We are actively infusing the Rethink program into our curriculum, providing valuable resources that support
self-awareness and emotional regulation. These skills are particularly important as students face various
pressures both in school and at home. Understanding and managing their emotions empowers students to
thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Our partnership with the Harris Project has been instrumental in raising awareness about mental health
issues, particularly regarding co-occurring disorders. These disorders, which can affect both mental health
and substance use, are often misunderstood. We recently hosted presentations for both our faculty and
staff, as well as a parent presentation on this topic, to provide essential knowledge and resources for
supporting our students. Increasing awareness around these issues helps reduce stigma and fosters an
environment where students feel safe to seek help.
In our commitment to promoting lifelong fitness, we are expanding our physical education offerings to
include fitness electives with a focus on cardio, yoga, and mindfulness practices. These activities not only
enhance physical health but also contribute to emotional well-being, offering students valuable tools for
stress management and resilience.
Next week, we will celebrate our first-ever Red Ribbon Week, promoting drug awareness and healthy
choices among our students. This initiative underscores the importance of making informed decisions and
understanding the impact of substance use on overall health.
We are also excited to introduce the ROADD program in health classes, which focuses on the dangers of
drinking, drugging, and driving. This program provides essential skills for resisting the pressure to ride with
an impaired driver and emphasizes making safe choices. The ROADD program is funded by the
Westchester County Office of Drug Prevention and STOP-DWI, reflecting our commitment to keeping our
students safe.
The success of these initiatives relies heavily on the partnership between home and school. Your
involvement and support are vital in reinforcing these lessons at home, ensuring that our students
understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Together, we can create a nurturing
environment that prioritizes social and emotional development, helping our students thrive both
academically and personally.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to empower our students.
General Announcements:
THS Senior College Essay Writing Workshop:
This event offered incredible benefits to the 31 students who participated, giving them a unique advantage
in their college application process. Each student had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with college
representatives from institutions such as Manhattan University, Manhattanville University, Iona University,
SUNY New Paltz, and SUNY Oswego. During their personalized 30-minute sessions, students received
immediate, expert feedback on their college essays. This valuable guidance helped them refine their
writing, strengthen their applications, and gain confidence as they prepare for the next steps in their college
journey. Spotlight Video
A special thank you goes to Mr. Phil Treglia for organizing this impactful event and ensuring its success.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Jessica Perillo and Mrs. Lauren Nickoletos for
their outstanding coordination efforts, which helped make this opportunity possible for our students.
Parent Portal Log-in For Emergency Contact Form Verification:
Log onto the Parent Portal via a web browser. Click here to access the Parent Portal.
Then navigate to the Forms page by clicking the “Forms” link found on the left hand side of your screen
under “Navigation”. Here you will find the Emergency Contact Form. Click on the form name to open.
Enter up to three emergency contacts (e.g. neighbor, grandparent, etc.) for your child and then click the
blue “Submit” button on the bottom right of the screen. Please also verify your own contact information. If
there needs to be changes made to your contact information, please e-mail Lauren Nickoletos at
nickoletosl@tuckahoeschools.org. Be sure to check all of your children’s Emergency Contact Form by
switching between children on the top left.
TMS Boundless Adventure - 7th Grade:
On Friday, October 25th, our 7th-grade scholars had an unforgettable experience at Boundless Adventure,
where they engaged in a variety of exciting and challenging activities. These outdoor adventures were
designed to test their physical abilities while promoting essential teamwork and communication skills.
Students participated in team-building activities such as high-ropes courses, zip-lining, and obstacle
challenges, encouraging them to collaborate and support one another in new ways.
This trip also provided a unique opportunity for students and teachers to strengthen their bonds outside the
traditional classroom setting. Students witnessed their teachers in a different light, learning about their
interests and seeing them embrace the same challenges, which helped forge new connections and deepen
existing ones.
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Abby Benedetti for her dedication to creating authentic and enriching
experiences for our children. Her thoughtful planning ensured that our students could develop critical life
skills in a fun and supportive environment. Special thanks also to Mr. Andrew Colasuonno for coordinating
the trip and supervising, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Finally, we extend our gratitude to all the
teachers and staff members who attended, showing vulnerability and participating alongside our scholars
to create lasting memories.
TMHS Celebrates Red Ribbon Week
We are excited to announce that the first annual Red Ribbon Week kicks off next week at Tuckahoe Middle
and High School! This important event focuses on raising awareness about drug prevention and promoting
healthy, drug-free lifestyles. We have planned themed days for everyone in the school to participate in,
fostering a spirit of community and engagement around this vital message. Red Ribbon Week Resources
Message from Nurse Devereux - Sleepy Teens
Overtired teens start the day behind the eight ball academically, socially and athletically. Fatigue is also a
safety risk - especially for young drivers. While it's wonderful to see students engaged in so many
endeavors, it's critical to help them prioritize sleep. Adolescents need eight to ten hours of sleep per night
for optimal health and functioning! Students frequently come into my office because they're simply "tired,"
or sent by a teacher because he or she is dozing off in class. Please work with your student to implement
good sleep habits, or "sleep hygiene." A few key points include sticking to a regular sleep schedule (with
minimal change on weekends and non-school days), avoiding caffeine in the afternoon (many
energy/sports drinks contain as much or more as coffee), keeping afternoon naps under 30 minutes,
limiting screen time in the evening and turning phones off overnight. Please see below for articles with
additional information. As always, please feel free to contact me at devereuxj@tuckahoeschools.org
with any questions or concerns.
Articles:
● The importance of sleep during the teen years | BCM
● Teen Sleep: Why It Matters and How We Can Help | Psychology Today
● Student Sleep Health Week - Sleep Education
The Tuckahoe Middle School G.O. Presents: ‘A Night in Paris’
The Tuckahoe Middle School G.O. proudly presents "A Night in Paris" Dance on Friday, November 8th,
from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the Tuckahoe High School Gym. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the
door. Join us for an evening of fun and celebration!
11th Grade College Tour of Fordham University
On Wednesday, October 23rd, a group of 30 enthusiastic 11th graders embarked on an enlightening trip
to Fordham University. The day was filled with exploration as students reviewed the diverse academic
programs and vibrant clubs and activities the university has to offer. Highlights included a guided tour of the
admissions office, the business school, and the beautiful campus grounds. Special thanks to our dedicated
school counselors, Mrs. Perillo and Mr. Treglia, for their meticulous planning and support, making this trip a
valuable experience for all involved.
THS Haunted House
On October 25th, the Tuckahoe High School senior class hosted an unforgettable haunted house that
brought the community together for a night of spooky fun! The creativity and dedication of our seniors
shone through in every room they designed and decorated, showcasing their impressive talents and
teamwork.
A huge thank you to our grade level advisors: Mr. Pizzuti, Ms. Piontkowski, Mr. Abrams and the multitude
of teachers and staff, whose unwavering support made this event possible. Their guidance and enthusiasm
played a significant role in transforming our school into a thrilling haunted experience.
TMHS Picture Retake Dates
We want to inform you about the upcoming picture retake dates for TMHS. High School retakes are
scheduled for November 21, 2024, and Middle School retakes will take place on December 4, 2024.
Information on how to sign your child up for retakes will be provided in the coming weeks.
PTA Announcements
Principal Coffee - Ask Me Anything!:
On Thursday, November 14th, at 6:30pm in the MS/HS Library, the Tuckahoe PTA Middle School and
High School Committees will co-host the second annual "Chat with the Principal" event, featuring yours
truly! Please submit any questions you have for me by Monday, November 4th to
TuckahoePTAMS@gmail.com so they can prepare a flow of questions that lends to an informative and
engaging conversation. And I hope to see many of you for the event on November 14!
PTA General Meeting, Tuesday, October 29 at 7 p.m.
Join Dr. Christopher Keogh, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology, as he unpacks the
"Science of Reading" and its impact on Tuckahoe students and families at our next PTA General Meeting
on October 29, 2024. Please RSVP HERE.
PTA DANCE Registration is OPEN!
PTA Dance is a great after school program open to all students K-12. Visit HERE for class details and to
register!
NEW PTA Environmental & Sustainability Committee
This new committee helps promote recycling, produce less waste and works to teach our students about
sustainability in our community. Click HERE for more information about how to get involved!
For all the latest PTA News and Event Information, please be sure to visit TuckahoePTA.com regularly!
Once Upon A Mattress Broadway Show & Talkback w/ Cast + Crew, Sat. 11/23 - 1 PM
The PTA and TUFSD present a fun-filled family outing to see the Broadway musical comedy
"Once Upon A Mattress"! After the show, stay for an exclusive "talkback' session with the cast and
crew. You must RSVP by Nov 1. For details, please click HERE
Did you know...
The Tuckahoe PTA Community Service Committee provides a bank of community service
opportunities for MS and HS students. If your child signed up for the PTA Community Service
Committee during the Club Fair in September, they will most likely already have access to the Google
Classroom listing opportunities. If they did not sign up, give them code j44c2o4 so they can join using
their school email address, and they will be able to see and sign up for opportunities that interest
them.They can earn service hours towards their National Junior Honor Society/National Honor
Society requirements or for other organizations they may involved with that require community
service hours.
Important Reminders:
TMS Boundless Adventure Trips:
The Boundless Adventure team building trip is quickly approaching for middle school scholars. Please see
the attached link outlining important information about the trip - cost, dress code, date, time and permission
slip.
● Sixth grade will be visiting on Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Time: Depart TMS at 8:30 am and return to TMS by 2:00 pm
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ymSbsmBWOKARzBUtlvbBXtBQHvbxb9cdmj2mpVKeGMI/ed
it?usp=sharing
ReThink Ed at TMS
As we prepare to dive into the month of November, our TMS ReThink Theme will focus on the vital topic of
Goal Setting. This theme is not just an exercise in planning; it is a cornerstone of personal and academic
growth for both students and staff within our school community. We will be sharing the wonderful lessons
and activities that our students will engage in throughout the upcoming month.
TMHS Guidance Presentations for Parents of 8th and 9th Scholars:
On Monday, November 4th, at 6:30 p.m., the Tuckahoe High School Guidance Department invites
parents of scholars in 8th and 9th grades to an important presentation focusing on New York State high
school graduation requirements and strategies for preparing students for the academic rigors of high
school and college. As universities across the country continue to raise the bar for admissions, establishing
a strong academic foundation early is crucial. This includes building a well-structured schedule filled with
challenging and rigorous coursework.
During the presentation, we will explore the importance of taking on academic challenges by enrolling in
advanced placement (AP) courses, maintaining a strong work ethic, and making thoughtful decisions that
can positively enhance a student's college acceptance prospects. By setting high expectations for our
scholars now, we believe they will develop the skills and resilience that universities and future employers
look for in successful candidates.
To further guide our families, we are honored to welcome Ms. Anissa Latif, Assistant Director of
Undergraduate Admissions at Manhattan University, as our special guest. Ms. Latif will provide invaluable
insights into how academic rigor and course selection shape a student's high school profile from a college
admissions standpoint. This is a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of how a well-planned
academic path can influence college readiness and, ultimately, selection by top universities.
While this event is specifically designed for parents of 8th and 9th grade scholars, we also welcome
parents of 6th and 7th grade students to attend, especially if this is your first child entering the secondary
level. This can be a great opportunity to get an early understanding of the academic expectations and to
begin planning for the future.
We encourage you to join us for this engaging and informative session. Together, we’ll discuss strategies to
help your child navigate these critical years, setting them up for success both in high school and beyond.
Please complete the attached parent interest survey and include any questions you would like addressed
during the presentation. Our goal is for you to leave this event feeling fully informed about the academic
demands and expectations of high school, as well as the requirements colleges and universities are
seeking in their future students. We look forward to seeing you there! Here’s the link:
https://forms.gle/9FWyXiBFwgbP6Dvw8
THS Senior Event - Rag-a-Muffin Parade:
The annual Ragamuffin Parade for Cottle School students and our senior class will take place on
Thursday, October 31st. Senior parents should watch for details from the senior class advisors about this
exciting event that celebrates our students and brings everyone together. It’s sure to be a fun-filled
morning!
From the School Counseling Department:
CUNY Apply for Free Campaign dates for the Fall 2025 Semester.
This campaign offers a valuable opportunity for your students to apply to CUNY without the $65 Freshman
Application Fee.
Please note the following important dates:
● For public and private high schools in New York State (non-NYCPS students): The application fee
will be waived if the application is submitted between November 4th to November 15th.
Important Dates
Here is a list of important dates:
Thursday, October 31st - Rag-a-Muffin Parade at Cottle Elementary School
Thursday, October 31st - 6th Grade Trip to Boundless Adventures
Monday, November 4th - Grades 8th and 9th Parents Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 5th - Superintendent’s Conference Day - NO SCHOOL for Students
Wednesday, November 6th - First Quarter Period Ends
Monday, November 11th - Veterans Day - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, November 12th - Grades 10th and 11th Parents Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 14th - Coffee with the Principal at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 21st - THS Picture Retake Day
Friday, November 22 through Saturday, November 23rd - TMS Musical
Tuesday, December 3rd - Winter Chorus Concert at 6:30 p.m.
Sincerely,
R. Arthur, S. DeBellis, A. Colasuonno
-
Cottle Book Fair
Tuckahoe Union Free School District -
Boundless Adventures Trip - 6th Grade
Boundless Adventures Trip - 6th Grade
Tuckahoe Middle School -
Auditorium
Parents Meeting - Grades 8 & 9
Parents Meeting - Grades 8 & (
Tuckahoe Middle School -
1st Quarter Marking Period Ends
1st Quarter Marking Period Ends
Tuckahoe Middle School -
Coffee with the Principal
Coffee with the Principal
Tuckahoe Middle School -
Auditorium
TMS Musical
TMs Musical
Tuckahoe Middle School -
Auditorium
TMS Musical
TMS Musical
Tuckahoe Middle School -
Auditorium
TMS-THS Winter Chorus Concert
TMS-THS Winter Chorus Concert
Tuckahoe Middle School -
TMS Picture Retake Day - Grades 6-8
TMS Picture Retake Day - Grades 6-8
Tuckahoe Middle School -
2nd Quarter Progress Reports
2nd Quarter Progress Reports
Tuckahoe Middle School -
Auditorium
Winter Band Concert
Winter Band Concert
Tuckahoe Middle School -
Auditorium
Winter Strings Concert
Winter Strings Concert
Tuckahoe Middle School