Carmel Central School District

Cultivating Opportunities for All

• 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

• 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

• Kindness is Contagious

  Four girls in Alison Cordone’s fourth grade class decided they wanted to spread positivity throughout Matthew Paterson Elementary School, so they started a Kindness Bookmark Club called “Spread the Word!” 

   “Their goal was to make a bookmark with a phrase or an illustration of kindness for every student in the fourth grade,” said Ms. Cordone. “They want their bookmarks to be a reminder to spread kindness wherever you go.” 

   But after making their first 100 bookmarks, the group – Samantha, Lucy, Adrianna and Scarlett – decided to go a few steps further. They solicited help from their classmates and together the class made bookmarks for one half of the school’s students and stickers for the other half. 

   “The whole reason we are doing this is because we want to spread kindness around the school,” Scarlett said.  

   Their work was showcased at a Random Acts of Kindness Assembly on Wednesday, January 21 for the entire school. In two separate sessions, students from kindergarten to fourth grade listened to “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” It’s a story about how kind actions help “fill” others’ buckets, while unkind choices empty the bucket. Then they watched a video where students shared their acts of kindness. “I helped a friend by bringing food to the table,” Lillian said. “I stopped to ask someone if they were ok,” Ethan said.  

  At the end of the assembly, the students in Ms. Cordone’s class handed out the bookmarks and stickers and heard the thanks from all their schoolmates.   

  Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

• 2026-27 Universal Pre-Kindergarten Information

  Dear Carmel Community,

   

  We are happy to share that our Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program will continue for the 2026-27 school year. 

   

  Our 2026-27 registration packet and other information will be available on our UPK page starting Monday, January 26, 2026.

   

  Completed registration packets will be accepted starting on Wednesday, January 28. 

   

  Registration will close on Friday, April 10, and parents/guardians will be informed of their child's assigned location by Friday, May 1. 

   

  Answers to Frequently Asked Questions are available here: Carmel 2026-27 UPK FAQs ​

   

  We will also hold information sessions with our UPK partners in February and will communicate the dates and times of these sessions on Monday, January 26th.​

   

  We look forward to welcoming our youngest learners as we embark on the second full year of our Carmel UPK program. If you have any questions before then, please feel free to reach out to:
  
  Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent of PPS
  (845) 878-2094
  ekennedy@carmelschools.org
  
  For Spanish speaking assistance, please contact:
  Mrs. Denise Ramirez
  Bilingual Outreach Coordinator
  (845) 540-9094

  Dramirez@carmelschools.org 
  
  Sincerely,

  Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent of PPS

   

  District News

• Fourth Graders Have a Dream

  Fourth graders in Amy Constantinides and Sandra Cairl’s class at Kent Primary School honored Martin Luther King Jr. Day by learning about the life and legacy of the civil rights leader and reflecting on his dream for a more just and peaceful country. 

  Students discussed Dr. King’s work and the impact he had on the nation. “He fought hard so kids could go to the same schools,” said Vivian. Thea shared that Dr. King believed in freedom for everyone. “He was saying let freedom spread out so we can all have it together. I think what he did was awesome,” she said. Alexander added that Dr. King used peaceful protests to stand up for what he believed in, even when it meant going to jail. 

  After listening to a book about Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, Ms. Constantinides invited students to write about their own dreams for themselves and their community. The class shared thoughtful hopes for world peace, kindness, food for everyone and an end to littering. 

  Some students also wrote deeply personal dreams. One boy shared that he hopes everyone can stay in this country, while another wrote that his dream is for his family not to be deported. 

  Through discussion, reflection and writing, the lesson helped students connect Dr. King’s message to their own lives and the world around them—showing that his dream continues to inspire even the youngest voices 

   

  Kent Primary School News

• Quick Thinking Saves a Child from Choking

  One day last month, Jeanine Lopez, a paraprofessional at Matthew Paterson Elementary School, was in the school’s cafeteria during lunch when a fourth grader named Ethan began choking, panicked and just got up and ran.  

  Ms. Lopez was able to grab him. She kept her cool and quickly did the Heimlich maneuver. The first thrust of her clenched fist did nothing. Then she performed a second, and a third. On the fourth thrust to the boy’s upper abdomen, the piece of the mozzarella stick he had been eating popped out. He could breathe again. She had saved Ethan’s life.  

  A member of Matthew Paterson’s Safety Team, Ms. Lopez is certified in CPR, first aid, AED, Narcan emergency and, luckily, the Heimlich maneuver.  

  “There is nothing I wouldn't do to help a child in any emergency,” Ms. Lopez said. “As a paraprofessional you must always be mindful of your environment and student’s needs. My advice to anyone who works with children is to be trained in emergency situations because the more you are informed and trained, the better you are prepared. My advice to others in this emergency is to remain calm, trust your training, and act quickly.”   

  Ms. Lopez was recognized at the January 13 Board of Education meeting. 

  “In a moment that could have ended very differently, Jeanine acted with calm, courage, and quick thinking,” Matthew Paterson Elementary School Principal Jennifer Darling said. “When a student was in danger, she didn’t hesitate—she stepped in and performed the Heimlich maneuver, saving that child’s life. 

  “Because of her training, her bravery and her willingness to act, a child went home safely that day. We are beyond grateful and proud to have Jeanine Lopez as part of our school community. Thank you for being a true lifesaving hero.” 

  Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin then honored Ms. Lopez as well.  

  “This Certification of Recognition acknowledges that Jeanine Lopez has been recognized for her dedication and outstanding care for the children of the Carmel Central School District,” Mr. Plotkin said at the meeting.  

  Ms. Lopez has been shy about taking the credit she deserves. As the audience applauded her at the meeting, she just held Ethan’s hand and smiled.  

  Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

• Writing and Creating Holiday Memories

  The seventh graders in Glara Dorgan’s English Language Arts class at George Fischer Middle School celebrated the holidays through creative writing and art.  

  “We could make something about any winter holiday memory,” Julie said. “It could have been any holiday from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.”   

  Alex, Adrian, and Matthew made an entire house for the holiday season.  

  “Ours is about the magic of family and friends and the wonder of Christmas,” Alex said.  

  The students worked on a writing assignment that focused on their favorite winter or holiday moment,” Ms. Dorgan said. “Then they used vivid imagery and sensory details to bring these moments to life either by drawing a window scene on paper or creating a three-dimensional float.”    

  Charlotte drew her favorite Christmas scene—the tree with many presents.  

  Oren and Carter built a house that featured sledders on the roof.  

  “We both had the same idea, and we thought we could incorporate it into one project,” Carter said. 

  “We wanted to show how we spent the snow day,” Oren said.  

  Brody showed his sense of humor with a diorama he could slip over his head and wear. It involved a bush with a sled sticking out of it and a spider on the side. He had a lot of fun walking around the classroom and explaining to everyone what they were seeing.  

  “I went sledding, and I hit a bush, and when I got up, I saw that there was a spider in the bush,” Brody said.  

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Bringing the Middle Ages to Life

  Learning about the Middle Ages is part of the fourth-grade curriculum. To bring the curriculum to life, the fourth graders at Matthew Paterson Elementary School showed one another what they learned about the Medieval Period.  

  The students had to pick a topic – Castles and Knights, Lord of the Manor or Serf, Medieval Village – and then decide how to present it to the class. They could make a diorama, a poster or a Power Point presentation. Then each of the fourth-grade classes took turns visiting each other's classrooms and seeing what their schoolmates created.   

  Johniel’s diorama showed what life was like during the Plague. 

  “I learned that hundreds of people died because doctors then didn’t have the tools they do now,” he said. “Their streets were really dirty. There was sewage everywhere. They used to hold flowers in their mouths to keep from smelling the bad smell.” 

  Daniel, 9, said it took him half the weekend to make his diorama.  

  “I had help,” he said. “My mom made the moat. My uncle showed me how to use the 3D printer to make the castle.”  

  Emily thought it would be fun to live in a big castle.  

  “I think I would have liked to live in the Middle Ages,” she said. “They didn’t have to go to school.”   

  Still, in some ways not much has changed since the Middle Ages. Then, as now, several students agreed that it would have been better to be the Lord of the Manor than a serf. 

  Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

• See the KES 2025 Staff Holiday Video

  Every year, the music teacher Ms. Madison makes a holiday video featuring Kent Elementary School Staff to show the students at the annual sing-along. 

  See the 2025 KES Holiday Video here. 

  See the playlist to all past years' videos here. 

   

   

  Kent Elementary School News

• Carmel's Rich Revolutionary History

  Seventh-grade students recently had the exciting opportunity to meet with Kara Matteson, the Educational Director of the Putnam History Museum. During her visit to the GFMS library, Ms. Matteson introduced students to the Jean Saunders History Contest and shared insights into the rich Revolutionary-era history of Carmel and the surrounding Putnam County community.

   

  Students chose a topic that sparked their interest and began researching using reliable online sources and school library databases. Many explored notable local figures such as our hometown hero, Sybil Ludington, or our county’s namesake, Israel Putnam. Others focused on broader themes from the era, including the role of African Americans in the Continental Army, significant geographic sites, and additional aspects of Revolutionary history.

   

  Seventh grader Nyah selected Peggy Shippen Arnold. “Finding 100% true information was challenging since many things are still questioned about her role, since she played it so well,” she said.

   

  “Israel Putnam was an American Revolutionary war general known for his bravery and he was the key patriot leader early in the revolutionary war," Yinehidy, a seventh grader, said. "It’s been interesting collecting facts and evidence, and it was a bit challenging finding the sites for the evidence.”

   

  With guidance from school librarian Lindsay Gerard and their social studies teachers, students are now working on both a research paper and a creative project to showcase what they’ve learned. We look forward to seeing their thoughtful and engaging final products in the new year.

  George Fischer Middle School News

• New Members Inducted into National Honor Society

  Carmel High School proudly welcomed 58 new students into the National Honor Society (NHS) on December 11.  

  Membership in NHS is a distinction earned through dedication and perseverance. The juniors and seniors who were inducted, each achieved a minimum unweighted cumulative grade point average of 89.9, completed 30 hours of community service within the past academic year and held leadership positions or responsibilities in school, the community, or the workplace. 

  The evening’s induction ceremony was student-led, but Carmel Central School District leaders spoke to the group as well.  

  “Let this induction serve as both a recognition and a call to action,” Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin said. “Allow yourselves to dream with ambition and to serve with humility. Allow your curiosity to lead you to undiscovered places and your character to guide your every step. The true mark of honor is not only what you achieve, but how you choose to uplift others along the way.” 

  Including the new inductees, the Carmel High School Chapter of the National Honor Society now includes 110 members, and each one serves as a role model for scholarship, service, leadership and character.  

  “This event celebrates students who have not only demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, but who have also shown a deep and ongoing commitment to service, leadership, and character,” said English Teacher Joanne Morgan, the National Honor Society Advisor for CHS. “Their dedication in the classroom and in our community reflects the very best of what NHS stands for, and I could not be more proud of each one of them.” 

  Carmel High School News

• New Principal for Kent Elementary

  We are excited to announce that at the Tuesday 12/16 Board of Education meeting Kerry Weltman was appointed as the new principal of Kent Elementary School.  

  Ms. Weltman brings strong leadership experience and a deep belief in building positive relationships with students, staff and families. She is committed to providing Kent Elementary School with stability and growth over the coming years.  

  Ms. Weltman, an administrator at Carmel High School, is especially known for how well she connects with kids. She makes students feel seen, heard and valued, and she takes time to understand what each child needs to succeed. Skilled at identifying areas where a school can improve, Ms. Weltman works collaboratively with teachers and families to make meaningful, student-centered changes. Just as important, she cares deeply about creating a warm, welcoming school community. Her goal is for every child and every family to feel that they belong at Kent Elementary and are an important part of our school.  

  Please join us in welcoming Kerry Weltman to Kent Elementary School! 

   

  Kent Elementary School News

• Carmel Musicians Play at Rockefeller Center

  Students from George Fischer Middle School and Carmel High School joined about 100 musicians from around the world to play holiday tunes at Rockefeller Center's 52nd Annual TubaChristmas in NYC on Sunday, December 14.  

  This was the third consecutive year that George Fischer Middle School music teachers Erika Wahlers and Eric Pecor led Carmel students to participate in the event.  

  “Tubas are not instruments that typically have melodic parts,” Ms. Wahlers said. “Tuba Christmas is an event that allows tuba players to make up an entire ensemble, meaning tuba players get to be the melody, the harmony and the bass. This provides a unique playing opportunity for the students that they do not get every day in school.” 

  Carmel High School ninth grader Andrew returned for his third TubaChristmas and decorated his tuba by topping it off with a house with lights. Benjamin, an eighth grader, decorated his tuba with a holiday ribbon. It was the first time that seventh graders Evie and Claire got to play music in front of the world’s most famous Christmas tree, and they decorated their tubas with lights, garland and ribbons.  

  The students got to play holiday classics like Deck the Halls, Joy to the World, Silent Night, Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, but the event was about more than music.  

  “The students are able to connect with other tuba players from Carmel but also get to meet tuba players from other schools, professional musicians and adults who have continued to play for the joy of making music,” Mr. Pecor said. “This is a fun performing opportunity where students get to share holiday cheer.” 

  TubaChristmas (the name is trademarked) was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day 1902. Now, tuba and euphonium players from around the world gather in front of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center for one afternoon a year to play Christmas carols on their horns.  

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Science That Makes Your Hair Stand on End

  In John Hildenbrand's AP Physics II class at Carmel High School, the students recently experimented with a Van de Graff machine.  

  A Van de Graaff generator is a machine that uses friction to build a massive electrical charge on a hollow metal sphere.  

  The students in Mr. Hildenbrand’s class had so much fun that their hair stood on end. Students took turns experimenting with the machine, and then Assistant Principal Allison Golan ad a chance to step into the action. Check out the static energy coursing through her hair!   

  Carmel High School News

• Third Graders Celebrate the Harvest

  Third graders at Matthew Paterson Elementary School had an amazing time celebrating the Harvest Festival! Students kicked off the day with a pumpkin hunt, followed by decorating their own pumpkins with lots of creativity and color.

  They played festive rounds of fall bingo, and the kids worked together to build a turkey trap using toothpicks and marshmallows - their engineering skills were impressive!

  One of the biggest highlights was the candy apple station, where students got to choose from a variety of delicious toppings to make their own fall treat.

  It was a wonderful day filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of autumn fun! 🍂🍎
  We’re so proud of how our third graders celebrated the season together!

  Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

• Science Day

  The third-grade team at Kent Primary School proudly hosted their first Science Day of the year, an event brimming with excitement and discovery.

  Science Day featured four captivating experiments, each intricately designed around the themes of Forces and Interactions. Every third-grade teacher crafted an engaging and interactive lesson, immersing students in hands-on activities that sparked curiosity and fostered a deeper understanding of scientific principles.

  The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm as students eagerly participated in each experiment, making learning an exhilarating adventure.

  Kent Primary School News

• Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

  Some enterprising third and fourth graders at Kent Elementary School started their very own newspaper. The first issue of KES PAWPRINTS was published in November. The 16-page publication included everything you’d expect to find in a good local newspaper. It had interviews with new teachers and the school’s new interim principal, Jeff Noto; stories on news events like the Halloween Costume Caper; opinion pieces on indoor vs. outdoor recess; and even a student poll. It also included newspaper staples like puzzles, comics and sports coverage. 

  Nicholas wrote about Carmel’s 8-and-under football team:  

  “Carmel won the Red Zone Championship,” he wrote. “Jack, in third grade, scored a touchdown. Michael (MJ) caught a catch for a first down and scored a touchdown.” 

  Elodie and Nora wrote about upcoming events:  

  “This year we will have some amazing school events, from the glow party to the book fair,” they wrote. “A new event this year will be the Talent Show. The information will be out soon. Be sure to be on the lookout!”  

  In all, 32 students participated in the newspaper club, said club co-advisors music teacher Antonia Madison and reading teacher Trisha Emmeluth. 

  “We started the newspaper because we wanted to offer our students something meaningful beyond their regular school day,” Ms. Emmeluth said. “Something they could truly get excited about. The newspaper gives them a chance to create together, share their voices, and build something that can grow stronger every year. My hope is that it becomes a place where curiosity, teamwork, and confidence all come to life.”   

  See KES Pawprints here. It was distributed in print to Kent Elementary students.  

  Kent Elementary School News

• Mentors and Buddies

  The Kent Primary School Mentor-Buddy Program, spearheaded by Principal Vince Fino and the PBIS team, launched in November and has already made a positive impact.

   

  The program pairs classes from different grade levels for 20–30 minutes of connection and collaboration. During each session, students are matched with a buddy and participate in SEL activities designed to help them build relationships and get to know one another.

   

  Students and staff have already expressed how much they enjoy the program. Younger and older students alike are excited to see their buddies in the hallway, on the bus, and throughout the school day. The program will continue throughout the year, offering ongoing opportunities for mentorship and community-building.

   

  In November, Susan Paggiotta’s kindergarten class and Aimee Pagano’s third-grade class met to collaborate on a festive Turkey Art Project.

  Kent Primary School News