Carmel Connections: Stories From Our Schools
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Dear Carmel Central School District Community:
As we come to the close of another school year, I find myself reflecting with great pride and gratitude on all that our students have accomplished. There is so much to celebrate, but above all, it is the growth of our children that stands out most.
Over the course of this year, they have gained knowledge and strengthened their academic skills, but just as importantly, they have grown as individuals. They have learned to persevere, to support one another, to ask questions and to take pride in their progress. These moments of growth, both big and small, are what shape who they are becoming, and they remind us why our work together as a school community is so important. I am grateful to CCSD’s hardworking and talented staff for guiding our students every step of the way.
Summer is a special time for children, families and staff. I hope you each find the chance to slow down, reconnect and enjoy the simple moments that often get lost in the busy pace of the school year.
I wish you a healthy, happy and safe summer.
We look forward to welcoming our students back on September 2, 2026, ready to begin another school year together.
Kind Regards,
Michael Plotkin
Superintendent of Schools
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In the weeks leading up to the performance, the students practiced whenever they had a spare moment. Whether rehearsing on stage during the week before the show or learning signs after recess, they approached every practice with enthusiasm and determination. It became a daily joy to hear them singing in the hallway at dismissal. Along with "Proud to Be an American," they performed "America the Beautiful" and a patriotic medley of "Grand Old Flag," "This Land Is Your Land," and "Yankee Doodle," which they learned with Mrs. Madison in music class.
The pride on the students' faces during the performance was matched by the smiles and emotions of their families. One parent commented, “Now I know why he has been singing ‘Proud to Be an American’ at home!” Moments like that remind us how meaningful these experiences are for both the children and their families.
The students feed, care for and watch over the fish as they grow through various stages of the trout lifecycle. 
Then, near the end of the school year, the third graders take the trout and release them into a stream on Green Chimney's Clearpool Campus for Outdoor Education. They say their goodbyes, wish the creatures well and watch the fish swim free.
Students have loved selecting “new” prizes such as bringing a stuffed animal to school, reading a picture book to another class, choosing a favorite teacher book, playing the xylophone during dismissal, sitting with a friend at lunch, enjoying extra recess with their class, class a pajama day, sitting in a special teacher chair, or earning being called first to dismiss for the day.
What makes these rewards especially meaningful is that many focus on shared experiences, kindness, and building community. Students are often choosing prizes that bring joy to their entire class, reinforcing the importance of inclusion and teamwork.
We are so proud of our Matthew Paterson Pandas for demonstrating the 4 Bs every day and helping make our school a positive, caring place to learn and grow!
The librarians also brought some giveaways and set up an interactive display that allowed students an opportunity to share their voices about what they'd like to see more of at their local libraries. Students expressed interest in everything from "iced coffee" to "more Manga" to "comfy seating."