Carmel Central School District

Updates from the Superintendent

• September 22, 2022

  Dear Carmel Community,

  We are just a few weeks into the school year and so many exciting classroom lessons, meetings, athletic games, and student club and PTO-sponsored events have already taken place on our school campuses. The 2022-2023 school year has already started off strong and there is still so much more to come!

  I am writing to you today to share some exciting district initiatives underway and upcoming community events where you can join in the conversation to help shape the future of our district.

  Strategic Planning
  I am pleased to share that Carmel Central School District will be working with Syracuse University’s Office of Public Research and Development in the School of Education to develop a new strategic plan that will help advance us forward over the next several years. The last time we reviewed a strategic plan for the district was prior to the pandemic and so much has changed in two years! We are excited to embark on this journey over the next several months with the goal of a unified plan for our district’s future.

  Throughout the fall, our strategic planning partner will be conducting conversations with key district leaders, identifying benchmark studies and reviewing our previous strategic plans to create a starting point. This includes a 10-year review of our student achievement data. As we move into late-winter and spring, our partners will look to conduct surveys with parent groups, teachers and students to gain feedback on our district’s climate. We look forward to the opportunity to hear from you in this strategic planning process and value the contributions you each can provide. See additional information about our strategic planning process.

  Coffee & Connections with the Superintendent
  It has been my desire since I joined the district last year to host regularly scheduled gatherings to hear directly from our parents and community. Now that the stressors of the pandemic have been greatly reduced and we are able to safely gather together, it is the perfect opportunity to start our Coffee & Connections with the Superintendent events. My hope is to provide an informal setting and refreshments for open dialogue on select topics during the year. I have scheduled three of these in-person meetings and hope that you will make plans to join me on November 1, February 15 and May 30.

  The first Coffee & Connections event on November 1 will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the George Fischer Middle School library. At this first event we will be discussing curriculum initiatives and details of the strategic planning process. Please bring your questions and comments and I will bring the coffee and snacks!

  At the beginning of the school year, I challenged the district staff to make the 2022-2023 school year the year of connections. I would like to extend that challenge to our parents and community as well. We hope you will take the time to come out and connect with our district and help support the educational journey of our district students.

  Best regards,

  Mary-Margaret Zehr
  Superintendent of Schools

  Superintendent of Schools

• September 9, 2022

  Dear Carmel Community,

  We have now completed our first week of the 2022-2023 school year and the exciting and familiar cadence of the school year is well underway. Our district students have already begun connecting with friends – new and old, learning new skills, exploring possibilities, and are just enjoying being back together in the classroom. I am honored to have a front-row seat to watch them grow and succeed in our classrooms in the coming weeks and months.

  As you know, Carmel Central School District collaborates closely with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department to place School Resource Officers (SROs) in our District schools. We greatly value our working relationship with the Sheriff’s Department and are so appreciative of the assistance that our trained SROs provide to ensure and maintain a safe educational environment for our students and staff in our school buildings.

  Last week, we were made aware of a new program that the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department has instituted department-wide which would require the SROs assigned to work in school buildings to wear body-worn cameras effective at of the start of the 2022-2023 school year. In order to understand how this new policy might impact our schools, I, along with several other superintendents in our county, asked to meet with Sheriff McConville and other Putnam County officials to gain a clearer explanation of how and when these devices might be used.

  In that meeting, Sheriff McConville assured the school districts that the body-worn cameras will only be enabled in the school environment to record incidents and interactions involving the SROs when the officer needs to perform necessary law enforcement activity, or when the officer believes it necessary to protect school staff and students. A copy of a letter that was sent from Sheriff McConville documenting the reasons for implementation of this program is attached to this email for your reference.

  Our district has already begun the process of reviewing our procedures to determine if any need to be updated in light of the new body-worn camera requirements. We are continuing to work out the specific details about how and when body-worn cameras worn by our SROs will be implemented in certain situations.

  We remain ever thankful for our SROs and the support that they and the County provide and look forward to our continued collaboration in ensuring school safety. If you have any questions regarding this, please feel free to contact my office directly at (845) 878-2094 ext. 201, or the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department at (845) 225-4300.

  Sincerely, 

  Mary-Margaret Zehr
  Superintendent of Schools 

  Superintendent of Schools

• August 29, 2022

  Dear Carmel Parents & Students,

  Welcome to the 2022-23 school year! I hope that your summer break was enjoyable and relaxing and that you are ready to enter an incredible academic year in our district. We have so much planned for our students and we cannot wait to watch them learn, grow, and make meaningful connections this year.

  We look forward to welcoming our students and staff back to our buildings for the first day of the school year later this week. As a reminder, Thursday, September 1, will be a full day of school for our students in grades 1-12, and a modified school day for our incoming kindergarten students with an orientation and bus run. Detailed information about the schedule for the incoming kindergarten students was emailed directly from the elementary schools’ principals.

  There is so much excitement for the 2022-23 school year, a year that is beginning with a sense of normalcy that we have missed the last two school years. Once again, our amazing teachers and staff are committed to creating a supportive, safe, educational and, of course, fun learning environment for all students.

  As part of our commitment to keeping our buildings safe, here are a few reminders and updates for coming back to our buildings for the 2022-2023 school year.

  • On August 11, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released updated guidance and COVID mitigation strategies for K-12 schools for the 2022-2023 school year. A summary of the guidance for parents/caregivers from the New York State Department of Health is attached to this email and posted on the COVID-19 section of our website.
  • The CDC continues to recommend that people stay home when sick. Any student or staff member who has symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, should stay home. If a student or staff member is symptomatic, they will be sent home.
  • Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate at home for five (5) days and may return on day 6 if symptom-free for at least 24 hours. Upon return, individuals should wear a mask in our buildings through day 10 after ending isolation.

  We are just a few days away from seeing our students’ smiling faces, hearing the excited buzz of young minds ready to learn in our hallways, and kicking off a wonderful school year. Thank you for your partnership and support in your child’s educational journey in our district. We hope that you will join us at our many events and celebrations this year.

  Once again, welcome to the 2022-2023 school year!

  Best regards,

  Mary-Margaret Zehr
  Superintendent of Schools

  Superintendent of Schools

• August 18, 2022

  Dear Carmel Community, 

  I am writing to you to share the news of a leadership appointment within the district.  

  At Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, based on my recommendation, Michael Setaro was appointed as the new principal of Kent Elementary School. Michael will begin at Kent Elementary School in September and comes to the district with nearly two decades of educational leadership and teaching experience. 

  He began his teaching career as a reading teacher at Kildonan School, where he was also the Social Studies Coordinator and Department Chair. In 2010, he began teaching middle school Social Studies in Millbrook Central School District where he also completed his administrative internship. His educational leadership experience expanded in his roles as Assistant Principal in two schools in Arlington Central School District, where he also had the opportunity to serve as a Committee on Special Education (CSE) chair. Most recently, Michael has served as an elementary school principal and MTSS Coordinator in Millbrook Central School District. 

  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Arts in History, and holds NYS certifications in Building and District-Level Leadership.  

  As he enters the district in the position of principal at Kent Elementary school, Michael plans to focus on the following goals: prioritizing the social-emotional learning and well-being of students and staff; forming initial relationships with families and community members; and highlighting engaging instructional practices. His extensive leadership experience and his ability to make personal connections will be an asset to our district and the Kent Elementary School community. 

  We are excited for Michael to join the district’s administrative team and we look forward to working with him at Kent Elementary School. We also thank our interim principal, Anthony DiCarlo, for his dedicated guidance in the role over the last several weeks. 

  As always, should you have any questions, please reach out to my office for guidance. I look forward to seeing all our students and staff back in just a few short weeks for the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year at Carmel Central School District. 

  Sincerely, 

  Mary-Margaret Zehr 
  Superintendent of Schools 

  Superintendent of Schools

• June 24, 2022

  Dear Carmel Community,

  In what feels like a blink of an eye, another school year has come to a close. We have had quite a journey during the 2021-22 school year, but this year ends with a more familiar sense of normalcy that we have not felt in the last two years. As we close the door on the 2021-22 school year, we eagerly open the door to the 2022-23 school year and its infinite possibilities.

  Before we officially depart for the summer break, I would like to take this opportunity to share a few messages of appreciation and congratulations.

  To our students, especially the Class of 2022, congratulations on an amazing year full of wonderful memories, growth, accomplishments and, of course, fun. Last night, we had the privilege of graduating 384 Carmel High School seniors who are more than ready to accomplish great things in their next chapter. We wish our seniors much success and happiness in the years to come and remind them to stay in touch! To all our students returning to our schools in the fall, we look forward to adding more wonderful memories with you in your next chapter with us.

  To our incredible teachers and staff, thank you. Thank you for your adaptability, continued creativity, and commitment to meeting the needs of each and every student who entered our buildings, despite any challenges that came your way. You are the heart of our district, and we would not be able to do what we do without you. I remain immensely grateful for all that you do for our students every day.

  To our Carmel parents and guardians, thank you for sharing your children with us and allowing us to help them grow every day. Our district has spectacular students and that stems from you as parents and guardians. Your support, partnership, and active involvement in your child’s educational journey are a testament to our shared desire for success for each district student. We look forward to continuing to work with you in new ways to ensure that continued success.

  I wish you all an enjoyable summer break and look forward to seeing you back in the fall!

  Best wishes,

  Mary-Margaret Zehr
  Superintendent of Schools

  Superintendent of Schools

• June 22, 2022

  Dear Carmel Community,

  I am writing to you today to share some updates to the staffing changes within our district that I shared recently with you. These updates were shared at last night’s Board of Education meeting.

  Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
  As I shared in a previous email, the district has not yet been able to identify a permanent replacement for the open role of Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. I am pleased to share that upon her return from an approved leave in early fall, Carmel High School Principal Lauren Santabarbara will take on the role of interim Assistant Superintendent for Instruction through the end of the 2022-23 school year. Lauren will have some overlap time with our current interim, Dr. Mary Foster, to ensure a seamless transition and Mary will be available to the district as a mentor for the role.

  In spring, we will re-evaluate the role and make a decision regarding advertising for a permanent hire in the role for the subsequent school year.

  Carmel High School Interim Principal
  Last month, Deborah Weisel was appointed to the interim principal position at Carmel High School to fill the role for Principal Lauren Santabarbara while she is on her approved leave. Deborah will remain in the position as Lauren steps into the interim Assistant Superintendent role while we work to find a longer-term interim principal at Carmel High School. We have plans to re-evaluate this role, as well as the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction role, in spring to determine our next steps. We will continue to update the Carmel community as we work to fill positions permanently.

  As we look ahead to the 2022-23 school year, I am confident that our district will continue to advance in new and wonderful ways that keep our students’ success at the center of all that we do. Thank you for your continued partnership to make our district the best that it can be.

  As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with any questions.

  Sincerely,

  Mary-Margaret Zehr
  Superintendent of Schools

  Superintendent of Schools

• June 8, 2022

  Dear Carmel Community,

  The conclusion of the 2021-2022 school year is quickly approaching, and I look forward to seeing the many celebrations and end-of-year activities that will be taking place in our schools over the next few weeks.

  I am writing to you today to let you know of some staffing updates and changes within our district that will take place over the next several weeks and months.

  Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
  After completing an extensive search for a new Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, we have not yet been able to identify a candidate that would be the best fit for our district. Our survey from earlier this year identified that the community would like someone in this position who is student-centered and highly collaborative among other qualities. We are committed to finding a replacement that meets and exceeds the expectations of our community, so rather than settle on a candidate, we have begun searching for an interim until a full-time replacement has been identified. Our current interim, Mary Foster, will be with us through June 30. We will continue to update the Carmel community as we work to fill the position on a temporary basis.

  Kent Elementary School Principal
  As many of you are already aware, Kathryn White has resigned from her position as principal of Kent Elementary School. Her last day with our district will be June 30 after the conclusion of the current school year. We thank her for her service to our district and wish her all the best in her next chapter as an educational leader.

  We have begun advertising for a full-time replacement with plans to appoint a candidate later this summer for an anticipated start at the end of September. Until then, we will be filling the role with an interim who will work this summer and throughout the beginning of the school year until a full-time replacement is hired. At last night’s Board of Education meeting, Anthony DiCarlo was appointed to the interim elementary school principal position beginning July 5. Anthony recently retired from his role as Superintendent of Schools for Mahopac Central School District and has a wealth of knowledge as an educational leader. He has previously served many years as both an elementary and middle school principal in several districts, and I am confident that he will be an asset to our district and the Kent Elementary School community during this transitional time.

  Carmel High School Interim Principal
  At last night’s Board of Education meeting, Deborah Weisel was appointed to the interim principal position at Carmel High School. Deborah will be filling the role for Principal Lauren Santabarbara while she is on an approved leave through early fall. Deborah is no stranger to our district and many of you may remember her fondly from her time as the principal of Kent Elementary School prior to her retirement in 2018. Her previous knowledge of our district will be an asset as we quickly begin preparations for the 2022-2023 school year. We look forward to welcoming Deborah back to our district temporarily beginning June 27.

  We look forward to working with our interim administrators over the next several months to advance our district in new directions. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with any questions.

  Sincerely,

  Mary-Margaret Zehr
  Superintendent of Schools

  Superintendent of Schools

• May 25, 2022

  Dear Carmel Community,

  I write to you today with a heavy heart in the wake of the tragedy that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, yesterday.

  Our hearts go out to Robb Elementary School and the entire Uvalde community, especially those families who are dealing with the loss of a loved one after a senseless act of violence.

  Our counselors and Pupil Personnel Services department are available to address the social-emotional needs of any student or staff who needs support and/or an outlet to discuss the incident. We encourage anyone needing support for any reason to please reach out to them. 

  At Carmel Central School District, the safety and security of our students and staff is always our highest priority. Our district will continue to maintain all the protocols and procedures that we have in place to ensure safety. We appreciate your ongoing partnership and understanding of our enforcement of these protocols to help keep our schools safe. 

  Our School Resource Officers work with our local and state law enforcement agencies every day to ensure the safety of all our students. We remain grateful for our long-standing working partnership with the Putnam County Sherriff’s Department and the New York State Police who are committed to keeping our community safe and work diligently to prevent tragedies from occurring. Our district is also supported by a regional safety coordinator through Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES to ensure that we stay up to date on all school safety protocols. Our District-wide Safety Team meets regularly to review, revise, and implement procedures designed to keep our campuses safe. 

  In the wake of the news out of Texas, please reassure your children that our district takes the responsibility of keeping them safe very seriously. We encourage them to speak to their teacher, guidance counselor, or any adult in their immediate vicinity if they ever feel uneasy or unsafe at any time during the day.

  We will continue to keep Robb Elementary School and the Uvalde, Texas, community in our thoughts as they navigate this senseless tragedy.

  Sincerely,

  Mary-Margaret Zehr
  Superintendent of Schools

  Superintendent of Schools

• May 24, 2022

  Dear Carmel Community, 

  At the Board of Education meeting on May 3, based on my recommendation, John Fratto was appointed to the tenure-track position of assistant principal at Carmel High School. John’s appointment fills the vacancy that was created when John Fink became the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Business earlier this year. 

  John will join our district on June 6, 2022, and comes to us with extensive knowledge as a teacher and educational leader. As an educational leader, John has a comprehensive background in research-supported practices for curriculum, instruction, and assessment in order to develop and sustain rigorous standard-based, data-driven educational programs that encourage and enable all students to be successful learners. 

  He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from SUNY Buffalo and Master of Adolescent Education from Canisius College where he was also certified as a teacher of social studies for Grades 7-12. For the first seven years of his career, John taught social studies in Monticello Central School District and Beacon School District, where he brought his knowledge base of the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework, taught inclusion classes and was a student council coordinator. 

  In using his teaching experiences as his foundation, John continued his career as assistant principal at F. D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park. Over the past two years, John has gained experience as the School Safety Coordinator where he partnered with the district safety team to advance the district wide safety plan and align the school’s protocols with the State Education Department. John also supported and launched programs such as the F. D. Roosevelt National Honor Society Peer Tutoring Program. 

  We are excited for John to join the administrative team in the Carmel Central School District, and we look forward to working with him to advance our district in new directions. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with any questions. 

  Sincerely, 

  Mary-Margaret Zehr
  Superintendent of Schools 

  Superintendent of Schools

• May 18, 2022

  Dear Carmel Community,

  Yesterday, Carmel Central School District voters approved the proposed $134,774,187 budget for the 2022-23 school year, with 1,910 voting in favor and 1,657 voting no. Additionally, voters elected three members to the Board of Education. Incumbent Jason Paraskeva and newcomers Dawn Dall and Valerie Crocco were all elected to serve three-year terms through June 30, 2025.

  Thank you to the community for showing support for our schools and voting in favor of the proposed 2022-23 budget. Yesterday, we saw the highest in-person voter turnout in our district in the last 50 years, which is a testament to the priority of our community to exercise their right to vote and make their voice be heard.

  Our Board of Education and district administration worked hard to create a budget proposal that we believed provided the needed support for our students while also keeping the tax levy low, and we are pleased that the voters agreed.

  The Board of Education is expected to confirm the results of the budget vote and Board member election at its next meeting on May 24.

  Thank you, again, for your continued support of our schools.

  Sincerely,

  Mary-Margaret Zehr
  Superintendent of Schools

  Superintendent of Schools