Carmel Central School District

Cultivating Opportunities for All

• Teachers Go To Class

  The Carmel Teachers' Association partnered with district administration to host a full day of professional learning during the recent Superintendent’s Conference Day at George Fischer Middle School. The event featured more than 60 courses designed to support staff growth and student success.

  “Days like today matter,” Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin said. “It’s one of those rare moments where you get to pause, reflect and reconnect -- with ideas, with colleagues and maybe even with the reason you chose this work in the first place. Today isn’t about adding more to your plate; it’s about giving you something back.”

  The conference day underscored the district’s ongoing commitment to professional growth, collaboration and community, all of which enhance learning experiences for students across Carmel schools.

  “CTA/Superintendent’s Conference Day reflects a strong partnership between district administration and the CTA, with over 60 thoughtfully planned courses designed to meet the needs of our staff,” said Dr. Jeff C. Gorman, assistant superintendent for instruction. “It’s a clear example of our shared commitment to continuous growth and improving outcomes for the students we serve.”

  Educators spent the day engaged in a wide range of sessions, from college preparation and application strategies to interactive workshops on emerging instructional practices. One featured session, “America is 250!” led by history teacher Rob Buccheri, explored the American Revolution and its impact on Putnam County.

  Another popular offering, “Innovation in the Classroom with AI,” introduced participants to tools that can enhance student engagement through interactive content. The session also focused on differentiating instruction and creating standards-aligned materials using AI-powered platforms.

  The day’s programming was coordinated by middle school science teachers Joanna Sweeney and Sara Schmidt, who helped organize a schedule aimed at meeting the varied needs of district staff.

  In addition to professional development, the event featured several CTA-led initiatives. The CTA Scholarship Committee hosted a raffle of themed gift baskets created by each school building, with all proceeds supporting scholarships for Carmel High School seniors.

  ----
  Photos by Denise Santalis

  District News

• Carmel's Music Education Program is Honored

  The Carmel Central School District Music Department has received the Best Communities for Music Education award by NAMM. It is the 17th year Carmel has received this honor. 

   

  "Strong District support of our K-12 Music Program has allowed us to accept this honor every year for over a decade," said Meghan Cabral, Music Department Co-Chair. "Our students' success begins with a strong elementary music curriculum culminating in the annual 4th Grade Chorus performances."

   

  At GFMS, students continue to develop their skills in Classroom Music where they learn to play the Baritone Ukulele and Guitar.

  "More than 90% of 5th graders choose to participate in Band, Orchestra, and/or Chorus, with a large percentage of those students participating in those ensembles throughout Middle School and High School," said Aimee Brainard, Music Department Co-Chair. "GFMS music students have several opportunities to participate in extra-curricular music activities, as well as All-County Honor ensembles and NYSSMA festivals."

   

  At CHS, students are now offered five SUNY College Level Courses and can also receive honors credit for their work in Band, Orchestra, and/or Chorus. Students continue to participate in several extra-curricular instrumental and choral activities. Annually, we have several students audition for and accepted into Area All-State, All-State, and national honor ensembles.

  Carmel High School News

• March Madness for Books

  Six-year-old Kate didn’t hesitate when it came time to choose her favorite book.  “Actual Size” by Steve Jenkins was “the best book in the world,” she said.

  Kate cast her vote on April 16, as first graders at Kent Primary School wrapped up a “March Madness of Books” tournament — a bracket-style competition that had students reading, debating and ultimately choosing their favorite titles.

  The Kent Primary School first-grade team ran the event throughout March and into April, turning reading time into a spirited contest.

  “It works just like basketball brackets, but with books,” said Daina Sinclair, a first-grade teacher. “We started at the ‘Sweet 16’ bracket. Each day we read a book, and every two days we voted on which book we liked better. The winner moved on to the next round.”

  Students revisited books in later rounds, comparing favorites again until only two remained. On the final day, the entire first grade gathered to hear the last two contenders read aloud by first-grade teachers Sinclair and Analiese Anderson before casting their final votes.

  “Actual Size” fascinated students with life-size illustrations of animal features, from a tiger’s jaws to a squid’s eye.

  “I want it to win,” Kate said. “It’s scary and there’s a little creature that is so cute.”

  The other contender, “The Bad Seed” by Jory John, tells the story of a grumpy sunflower seed that eventually learns to change its behavior.

  Mikey, seven, from Sinclair’s class, voted for that choice.

  “I liked ‘The Bad Seed’ because he was bad, but he became nice in the end,” he said.

  As votes were counted, excitement filled the cafeteria. Students cheered loudly for their favorites, reacting to each tally as if it were a buzzer-beater.

  In the end, "The Bad Seed" claimed the title, edging out its competitor 31-27

   

  Kent Primary School News

• Learning and Shopping

  On a recent Friday, the students in Kent Elementary School had the chance to go shopping at the school store.

   

  Anniya, a first grader in Altita Martin’s class, was surprised at how much she could get for her money.

   

  “I had three $1 bills,” she said. “I got a bracelet, two pencils and I got stickers.” She was so pleased with her shopping that she decided to share.

   

  “She gave me a purple pencil, and she kept a blue pencil,” said Diana, Anniya’s classmate and friend.

   

  The school store isn’t just something fun for students to look forward to each month, it also provides a simple, real-world educational experience. It gives students an opportunity to practice money management, make choices, and learn a little about budgeting in a hands-on way.

   

  “During the very first PTO meeting of the year, I discovered that KES used to have a school store, said Erica Intrieri, who is recording secretary for the Kent Elementary PTO. “I remember how much I loved the school store when I was in elementary school, and it immediately felt like something that would be a fun and memorable experience for the students at KES as well. After discussing the idea, the PTO collectively decided it would be great to bring the school store back and get it up and running again.”

   

  The store is open on the first Friday of each month in the cafeteria. After students finish eating their lunch, they are invited to stop by and shop. The store is stocked with small, fun items like colorful pencils and pens, notebooks, activity books, bracelets, fidget toys, and other little surprises. New inventory is added each month so there’s always something different to discover. The goal is to make the school store something students look forward to, an exciting part of the school day that brings a little extra fun while also helping them learn valuable life skills along the way.

   

  “In June, to celebrate a wonderful school year, the end-of-year school sale will be on us,” said KEPTO President Marie Camacho. “This is our way of saying thank you and making sure every child gets to enjoy the experience, regardless of ability to bring money. We can’t wait to see the smiles as students pick out their favorites.”

  Kent Elementary School News

• The 42nd Annual Student Art Show

  Carmel High School will showcase student creativity and skill when its 42nd Annual Student Art Show opens Monday, April 13, in Casey Hall.

  The exhibit features more than 500 pieces of student artwork, highlighting the breadth of talent across the school’s visual arts program.

  The Carmel Central School District offers a wide range of art courses, beginning with studio art in eighth grade and continuing through Advanced Placement classes, where seniors develop portfolios for college applications.

  “We are very lucky to have the amount and variety of the art classes we offer here,” said art teacher Danielle Marino. “We not only have great kids and great teachers, but we have a robust program as well. I don’t know of many other high schools that have ceramics or a black-and-white darkroom.”

  The works on display include drawing, painting, mixed media, graphic design and photography, reflecting students’ broad exposure to the arts, according to department chair Christine Bevan.

  Among the featured student artists is Petra, a senior who focuses on drawing and painting birds. Her work has also been displayed at the Friends of the Great Swamp art show.

  “Birds have been symbols since Roman times,” Petra said. “I like how they can reflect the emotions of people.”

  Tyler, a junior, creates comic book characters shaped by phobias.

  “Phobias show a strong, targeted feeling toward something that can be drawn,” he said.

  The show runs through Friday, April 17, in Casey Hall at Carmel High School.

  Hours are 1 to 3 p.m. on opening day, Monday, April 13; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, April 14–16; with additional evening hours from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday; and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 17.

  Carmel High School News

• Executive Brings Women's History to Life

  In celebration of Women's History Month, students in Carmel High School's SUNY Racism, Sexism, Classism class welcomed Suzanne Tesi, Senior Vice President of People at Fanatics Live and Collect, Inc., for an engaging and inspiring discussion on leadership, innovation, and career growth. Students can receive 3 college credits from SUNY Albany for the class.

   

  Tesi offered students a behind-the-scenes look at Fanatics’ expanding role in the collectible industry, explaining how the company has recently moved beyond traditional sports merchandise into trading cards. She described how the collectibles market works, including the value of limited-edition items, athlete branding, and the growing demand among fans and investors.

   

  To bring the topic to life, Tesi shared Women's Professional Soccer trading cards with the class, giving students a tangible connection to the evolving sports marketplace. She explained how sports have always been a part of her life, Tesi was a NCAA D1 Lacrosse athlete at Towson University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.

   

  Tesi also spoke candidly about her personal and professional journey, which students found especially impactful. The SUNY RSC class asked thoughtful questions ranging from her choice of college to career path to how she successfully balances a high-level executive role while being a mother. Her openness provided a realistic and relatable perspective on navigating both career ambitions and personal responsibilities.

   

  Throughout her presentation, Tesi emphasized the importance of leadership rooted in integrity and courage. Reflecting on her own experiences, she shared:

   

  “One of the best leaders I had taught me the true meaning of courage—that leadership isn't about being popular, it’s about doing what is right even when it’s hard. She showed me that true strength comes from standing by your values and having the courage to make tough decisions with integrity.”

  Carmel High School News

• Embracing Acceptance

  On March 23, Katherine Magnoli held a virtual zoom presentation at Matthew Paterson Elementary School. Ms. Magnoli is a children’s book author and passionate disability advocate dedicated to promoting inclusion and breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities. She is also the founder of KatGirl and Friends Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on empowering individuals with disabilities to share their talents, strengths, and unique abilities.

  Through her work as an author and advocate, she encourages communities to embrace acceptance, understanding, and opportunity for all. During the virtual presentation, Katherine read aloud one of her books and shared her personal story with students. She also invited students to ask questions about her disability, creating a meaningful opportunity for open conversation, learning, and empathy.

  Her presentation helped students better understand the importance of inclusion and reminded them that everyone has strengths that make them unique. This was a great way to celebrate March's Developmental Disability Awareness Month!

  MPES Principal Jennifer Darling, organized and created this amazing experience for the students. The students loved the read aloud and their questions with Katherine were thought provoking, immersive and well prepared.  Thank you to CCSD SEPTO and MPES PTO who sponsored the event.

  Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

• Carmel Takes Top Prizes in County History Contest

  Students at George Fischer Middle School swept the top honors in the Putnam County History Museum’s annual history contest, showcasing their creativity and knowledge of Putnam County’s role in the Revolutionary War. 

  The competition drew entries from seventh graders across Putnam County. Winners were announced March 22 during a reception at the Putnam County History Museum. 

  Adelia won first place and impressed judges with her project, “Spies of the Revolution,” which featured handmade ciphers, turmeric ink and encoded letters demonstrating spy techniques of the era. 

  “I learned that they used invisible ink during the revolution so that if their letters got stolen, their enemies would not be able to read them,” said Adelia, who is 12. “Then I researched and found out how to make invisible ink.”  

  Logan earned second place for “Benedict Arnold: Legendary Turncoat,” a digital video presented as a first-person journal entry from Arnold’s perspective. 

  Logan said he loves history, but he thinks his teachers are the reason Carmel students took all the top prizes in the contest. 

  “I think Carmel put the most effort into the contest,” he said. “At the awards ceremony, the announcer was talking about how involved the Carmel teachers were in getting students interested in this.”  

  Abigail placed third with a poster display that explored the question, “How did Enoch Crosby compare to other spies of the time?” 

  “Enoch Crosby was only a spy for nine months, but he accomplished a lot,” Abigail said. “He shut down a lot of loyalist companies.” 

  The winners received cash prizes ranging from $100 to $500. 

  Lisa Steiner, social studies teacher and department chair at George Fischer Middle School, praised the students’ efforts and said she was proud of their accomplishments. 

  Earlier this year, Steiner organized the school’s first internal history contest for seventh graders to mark the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. That contest was decided last month by judges made up of members of the Junior Honor Society and middle school staff. Some of the students who presented projects in George Fischer Middle School’s history contest went on to compete in the Putnam County History Museum’s contest. 

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Kindergarten "Farm Day"

  It’s not every school day that kindergartners get to hold chickens on their laps. But the youngsters at Matthew Paterson Elementary School recently got to watch, pet and hold four chickens that teacher Heidi Rolewicz brought in from home.  

  “They are so cute,” one little girl said of the birds, named Sweet Potato, Wheezy, Cocoa and Cinderella.   

  The chicken visits were part of a hands-on “Farm Day” that brought the kindergarten reading lessons to life. The day of activities reinforced the farm unit the children had just completed in their reading program, Core Knowledge Language Arts, or CKLA. 

  “It’s a way to follow up on what they learned,” Mrs. Rolewicz said. “Farm Day takes the vocabulary and the concepts they have studied in class and brings them to life.” 

  The students rotated among the four kindergarten classrooms throughout the day and worked on a variety of farm chores.  They milked pretend cows in Jessica Kuney’s ”Dairy Barn,” a creative setup that featured a paper cow with latex gloves for udders. The udders were filled with a mixture of water and white paint to resemble milk.  

  Jaylyn gave it a try. “It was a little hard to squeeze it out,” she said. 

  After milking the cows, they also got to make butter by shaking jars of milk.  Ms. Kuney even brought in some bread so they could taste their homemade butter.  

  In the other classes, students reviewed farm vocabulary, such as “shelter” and “crops,” before participating in creative activities.  The students made a barn craft with different animals in Carol Cassidy and Christina Tucci’s class and then created vegetable crops out of handprints and craft materials in Antoinette Stasiak’s class. 

  A highlight for many seemed to be meeting the four chickens in Mrs. Rolewicz and Mrs. Perez’s classroom.  

  “I have ten chickens,” one boy said proudly. “We get eggs from them.” 

  By the end of the day, students experienced firsthand some of the farm life they had been learning about for weeks.  

  Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

• 19,888 Acts of Kindness

  The Kent Elementary School Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Team set up a fun challenge for the Kent Elementary students.

   

  "We placed all of the Paw Tickets that were distributed to KES students from September 2025 through March 2026 into a clear container and had KES students guess the number of tickets in the container," said Chris Livulpi, fourth grade teacher and PBIS coach at KES.

   

  The winner was Derek from Antonietta Feliciotto's first grade class. Derek's guess was 20,000 tickets and it was the closest to the exact amount of 19,888 tickets!

   

  Kent Elementary staff distributes paw tickets to children who show respectful, responsible and safe behavior throughout the school day, which means KES students have shown respectful, responsible and safe behavior 19,888 times since September! And that's just the number of times teachers have caught them in these acts of kindness!

   

  The school's mascot is a tiger, that's why the tickets are Paw Tickets, and the PBIS slogan is KES RoaRS!

  Kent Elementary School News

• Book Fair Open for Business

  The spring George Fischer Middle School Scholastic Book Fair was fully stocked when the doors of the school library opened to young shoppers on Monday.

  The school’s fall book fair was so popular that the GFMS PTA organizers had to ask Scholastic to provide more books for the spring event.

  “We wanted to make sure we had books for 5th graders and not just older middle schoolers,” said GFMS PTA President Cynthia Sa. “They still like the ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ books, and the ‘Dog Man’ books by Dav Pilkey are really popular.”

  The book fair is a chance for students to shop on their own.

  “Can somebody spare $60?” Brody, a 5th grader, joked as he held up a ‘Fazebear Frights’ graphic novel collection set. “Come on, I’ll pay you back later.”

  He settled on buying just one book in the series instead of the whole collection.

  A couple of students gathered around the cookbook table.

  “I like baking,” one girl said. “I bake everything. I like to make things with sourdough.”

  Another, who said she loved animals, picked up a book about a heroic dog.

  The book fair, which is staffed by volunteers from the GFMS PTA, is open through Friday, March 20.

   

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Kids Snuggle Up to Read Across America

  Students in Heather Carlson and Celeste Pregno's second grade class celebrated Read Across America Week with a "Snuggle Up with a Good Book" Day! Students and teachers wore pajamas or comfy clothes, brought in blankets and their favorite stuffed animal. The students made forts, grabbed some flashlights, and spent the afternoon reading together. The teachers even joined in on the fun by reading their own books and climbing into the forts. A wonderful afternoon spent enjoying the magic of friends and books! 

  Kent Primary School News

• March is Youth Art Month!

  The Carmel community is warmly invited to celebrate our 33rd Annual Youth Art Month Exhibit, taking place at various locations throughout the month. Art from students in kindergarten through 12th grade will be on display at local banks, town halls, libraries and businesses. 

  For more than three decades, this special event has showcased the incredible creativity, imagination, and talent of our student artists. From vibrant paintings and detailed drawings to ceramics and mixed media pieces, the exhibit reflects the hard work and artistic growth happening in our schools every day.

  We are proud to present this year’s exhibit in partnership with the Carmel/Kent Chamber of Commerce, whose continued support helps us highlight the importance of arts education within our community. The artwork will be displayed this month, offering families, friends, and neighbors the opportunity to experience and celebrate the artistic achievements of our students.

   

  Carmel High School News

• Students Perform in Prestigious Concert

  Two CHS students and one outstanding GFMS musician had the privilege of performing with the prestigious New York State Band Directors' Association (NYSBDA) Honor Bands this month, in Syracuse, NY. This prestigious performance is a significant accomplishment, as only the most talented young musicians from across the state are selected to participate.

  Vivienne deGaillande (GFMS), Chloe White (CHS), and Jason Murray (CHS) demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication to their craft. Being selected for this honor band is a testament to their musical talent, hard work, and passion for music.

   

  The NYSBDA Middle School Honor Band brings together some of the best middle school musicians in the state for a weekend of rehearsals and a final concert performance. Under the direction of distinguished conductors, students engage in rigorous practice sessions, collaborate with peers, and experience the thrill of performing at a professional level. Their concert was Saturday night. 

   

  The NYSBDA High School Honor Band is the same format, taking the best HS students in the state for a weekend of rigorous rehearsals and final concert performance. These students rehearsed from Friday morning until Sunday morning with a Sunday 1pm performance.

   

  This is an incredible achievement for Vivienne, Chloe, and Jason, and we couldn't be more proud of them. Their dedication to their music and their discipline has truly paid off, and their performance in this honor band is a reflection of their hard work and commitment.

   

  The students will continue to hone their musical skills and look forward to furthering opportunities to perform and grow as musicians. Their participation in the NYSBDA Honor Band is just one of the many exciting milestones in their bright musical futures.

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Students Perform in Prestigious Concert

  Two CHS students and one of our outstanding GFMS musicians had the privilege of performing with the prestigious New York State Band Directors' Association (NYSBDA) Honor Bands this month, in Syracuse, NY. This prestigious performance is a significant accomplishment, as only the most talented young musicians from across the state are selected to participate.

  Vivienne deGaillande (GFMS), Chloe White (CHS), and Jason Murray (CHS) demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication to their craft. Being selected for this honor band is a testament to their musical talent, hard work, and passion for music.

   

  The NYSBDA Middle School Honor Band brings together some of the best middle school musicians in the state for a weekend of rehearsals and a final concert performance. Under the direction of distinguished conductors, students engage in rigorous practice sessions, collaborate with peers, and experience the thrill of performing at a professional level. Their concert was Saturday night. 

   

  The NYSBDA High School Honor Band is the same format, taking the best HS students in the state for a weekend of rigorous rehearsals and final concert performance. These students rehearsed from Friday morning until Sunday morning with a Sunday 1pm performance.

   

  This is an incredible achievement for Vivienne, Chloe, and Jason, and we couldn't be more proud of them. Their dedication to their music and their discipline has truly paid off, and their performance in this honor band is a reflection of their hard work and commitment.

   

  The students will continue to hone their musical skills and look forward to furthering opportunities to perform and grow as musicians. Their participation in the NYSBDA Honor Band is just one of the many exciting milestones in their bright musical futures.

  Carmel High School News

• Spring Book Fair March 16 - 20

  The GFMS Spring Book Fair will be open to our students on March16th-March 20th. Please use this link view more information and to set up your child's e-wallet for easy and convenient purchasing. 

  
  We are also in need of volunteers to help run our fair. Sign up here, we have plenty of time slots available to choose from. Thank you always for your support!

  George Fischer Middle School News

• History Contest Explores the Revolution

  The spirit of the American Revolution came alive at George Fischer Middle School this winter, as students explored the rich Revolutionary-era history of Carmel and the surrounding Putnam County community in the school’s first-ever history contest.  

  The excitement culminated on Thursday when the winners of the inaugural competition were announced. 

  The contest began back in December with a visit to the middle school library from Kara Matteson, Educational Director of the Putnam History Museum. Matteson spoke with seventh graders about the Hudson Valley’s vital role in the American Revolution, sparking ideas and inspiration for student projects. 

  To enter the contest, students were required to complete a detailed research paper, cite reliable sources in a reference page, and create a hands-on or creative project connected to their topic. 

  “We are really doing this to recognize the 250th anniversary of our country,” said Social Studies Teacher and Department Chair Lisa Steiner. “It is the first time the school has held a history contest.” 

  Social Studies teachers for seventh grade helped the students develop their ideas. School Librarian Lindsay Gerard taught students how to navigate online databases and make use of local resources, including the Putnam Historical Society. 

  The results were as creative as they were educational. One student produced a dramatic video portraying Benedict Arnold, bringing the controversial historical figure to life. Another student wrote a powerful journal from the perspective of an African American soldier fighting during the Revolution. Seventh grader Adelia crafted a working wheel cipher, a device used to encode and decode secret messages during the war.  

  In total, 11 students submitted projects, and their work was proudly displayed in the school library throughout February for classmates and staff to enjoy. Several participants also advanced their research to the regional Jean Saunders History Contest, sponsored by the Putnam History Museum, with those results to be announced in March.   
   
  Projects were carefully evaluated by members of the Junior Honor Society and middle school staff.  

  The contest winners, Adelia (Spies of Revolution), Nyah (Peggy Shippen Arnold), Logan (Benedict Arnold), Chase & Donovan (Rifle Jack and role of African Americans in Revolution, were recognized for their outstanding scholarship and creativity and received special awards for their achievement. 

  George Fischer Middle School News

• A Blind Date Inspires Reading

  George Fischer Middle School Librarian Lindsay Gerard is always finding new ways to encourage middle schoolers to read. This month she set up a Blind Date with a Book contest. "We always say, 'Don't judge a book by its cover,'" she said. "So, we gave them just a little information about each book and made it into a contest."

   

  It turned out that the mystery of what book they were getting was a big incentive. The books wrapped in newsprint were flying off the shelves. Ms. Gerard has had to restock the shelves with wrapped books many times.

   

  To enter the contest, students have to read a book and submit a brief review. The winner will be chosen by raffle on February 26. The prize is -- what else? -- a book to take home and keep.

   

  "I figured if I raffle off a book, students would only participate if they actually wanted to read," she said. "If I raffled off candy, they would be in it for the candy and maybe not for the reading."

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Learning the Meaning Behind a Symbol

  Eighth grade students in George Fischer Middle School learned about the meaning behind symbols like the swastika and what actions they can take if they see such imagery in their school. 

  The lesson in Lisa Steiner’s eighth grade class started with a laughing emoji, a symbol that all the students knew the meaning of without anyone having to explain it to them.  

  “You get to know the meaning when people start using it,” Jenny said. “When a lot of people use a symbol, then you understand it.”  

  Then the class discussed a half–dozen familiar symbols, from the wi-fi signal to the peace sign to the breast cancer ribbon.  

  A short video talked about how the swastika was an ancient symbol used in in many cultures to represent a good life until Hitler appropriated it and it became known as a symbol of hatred and Aryan supremacy. 

  The video featured brutal historic footage of Nazi atrocities and the voices of some Holocaust survivors.  

  “It was a lot,” Mia said after watching the video. “There was so much violence then.” 

  Today, when someone uses the swastika symbol, it represents hatred toward an entire group of people, Ms. Steiner, the social studies teacher and department chair, told her class.  

  The lesson was timely as swastikas have been found in schools throughout the region recently, including in Carmel. When they learned about the history and meaning of the symbol, and how it represents hate, the students agreed that anyone who saw a swastika drawn on a school desk or wall should report it to an adult.  

  “I’m surprised that swastikas still turn up,” Alexandra said. “I thought Nazi activity and all that hate had died down but now it seems like it’s rising again.” 

   

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Student Reps Join Board of Education

  This year, New York State required boards of education to include student representatives, and those chosen for the slots in Carmel intend to make the most of the opportunity. 

  Isabella and River, both seniors, worked alongside Max and Aarav, sophomores. Because all four students juggle packed schedules, they split attendance at the twice-monthly meetings. 

  Each student noticed something different at the meetings. What stood out to Isabella was the public nature of the discussions.  

  “It’s good that everyone can air their concerns,” Isabella said. “There is a sense of accountability because issues are raised and brought up in a public space.” Seeing decisions unfold in real time changed how Isabella understood leadership. 

  Aarav paid close attention to how the board functioned. The formal process was structured and deliberate, and surprisingly interesting. 

  “I learn something about how a board works at every meeting,” Aarav said. “There is a specific order that things must happen on the board. Someone makes a motion, and someone has to second it. It is interesting.” 

  River focused on the relationships in the room. Different opinions did not stop progress, they shaped it. 

  “It’s interesting to see that board members can have different points of view but there’s still a balance there,” River said. 

  Max viewed the role as a new way to connect with the community. 

  “I wanted to be able to speak about issues that are important to me and to other students,” Max said. “It’s a different way of interacting with my community and the teachers and students.”   

  Before each meeting, Superintendent Michael Plotkin meets with the students to review the agenda and explain what to expect. He emphasized preparation and problem-solving.  

  “If you want to bring up an issue, try to propose a possible solution,” Mr. Plotkin said. “That usually sparks a real conversation.” 

  Carmel High School News