From the Heart Summer 2017 by Mount Pleasant CSD

SUMMER 2017

From the Heart Mount Pleasant — The Heart of Westchester County

The Mount Pleasant Central School District Newsletter Volume 16 Issue 5

Five Year Strategic Plan Complete The District sets priorities for the next five years

Educating each student today for endless possibilities tomorrow.

Nick Tobiasen flashes a smile to the crowd.

Inside the grad issue… Wellness Day.........................2 Retirements...........................4 Underclassmen Awards........6 Senior Awards.......................7

Class of 2017.................... 8-9 WHS News..........................10 WMS News..........................11 CES News...........................12 HES News...........................13

Kudos............................ 14-15

School calendars

2017-18 school calendars will be sent home with the youngest child in each family on the first day of school. Printed calendars also will be available at the branch library, town hall and the recreation center as well as the main offices of all schools and the district office. The calendar is also available online on each school’s home page.

Preparing students to live in an ever changing world equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve personal and professional success requires public schools to plan thoughtfully with foresight of the future. The children who graduate from Westlake High School this year and next will face a brave new world upon entering post-secondary education and the workforce. Children who graduate from Westlake High School five years from now will face an even more unknown and dynamic future. Over the past two years, the Mount Pleasant Central School District has been engaged in the process of strategically planning what lies ahead and creating a roadmap to students’ future success. A strategic plan is a tool that school district’s use to set and communicate priorities and common goals. Background: In 2015-16, the Mount Pleasant CSD completed the final year of its first 5-year strategic plan. Crafted through a collaborative process that included student, teacher, administrator, community and board of education member input, the first strategic plan laid the foundation for the success experienced in recent years. Focus was placed on learner-centered classrooms which fully engaged all learners. Superintendent Dr. Susan Guiney is proud of the accomplishments of that first plan and that Westlake High School was named as one of Newsweek’s Top 500 Schools in America. She wants to continue that success and strives to “make Mount Pleasant the place where people want to move to give their children a great education”. For this second cycle of 5-year planning,

Who’s my teacher?

Placement letters and school schedules will be available on each school’s Parent Portal in late August. Reminder emails will be sent out to parents.

the district’s focus is to continue to build on its strengths and align with the newly created vision and mission statements. The mission statement answers the question “why do we exist?” while the vision statement answers the question “where are we going?” When asked “why do we exist?”, the answer that emerged was “To educate each student today for endless possibilities tomorrow.” The vision of the district’s future is that “Each student will experience educational excellence and graduate as a self-directed, creative, curious and critical thinker who consciously and ethically engages their world with purpose.” To that end, the services of Lynn Sawyer, an international educational consultant, were engaged. With her help, the district elicited feedback once again from all segments of the community to put the strategic process in place. Clear priorities have emerged from those discussions which have become the foundation of the Mount Pleasant Strategic Plan: Leadership, Academics, Facilities, Students, Finances, and Community. The framework of the plan is built around the concept of creating specific, measurable goals linked to these priorities. Members of the school district’s team are committed to owning and achieving these goals within a specific timeframe and communicating them with the larger community. Please visit www.mtplcsd.org/strategic_plan to read more about these goals. The district is excited to have a clearly defined path of action guiding them over the next several years to help students and the district as a whole reach their greatest success. It is when everyone works together as a team that we can achieve our highest goals.

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

Mount Pleasant celebrates a month of healthy living May was National Physical Fitness and Health month. It was a month dedicated to physical health and mental wellness in the Mount Pleasant School District. Each school celebrated a day dedicated to living well. At Westlake High School’s Wellness Fair, the front lobby was transformed into an exhibition hall with information stations about nutrition, social-emotional and physical well being. Many of the school’s extracurricular clubs contributed to the day by setting up tables to share important information. The Photo Club hosted an Instagram challenge to get people moving, the Peer Advice and Leadership Service Club had tips about how to manage stress and the Italian Club had information about the power of positive thinking. Food services provided a visual representation of the amount of sugar in popular sweetened beverages. Many were shocked to see that a 16 ounce Coke had over 9 teaspoons of sugar. Students also had the opportunity to try out “chair fitness”, exercises that can give a full-body strength and cardio workout while sitting in a chair.

At Westlake Middle School’s Wellness Day, students enjoyed an afternoon of small group seminars focused around health and wellness. The day, coordinated by middle school teachers Michelle Glass and Claire Iannone, consisted of seven different workshops for each grade. Students learned about fitness, nutrition, stress management, mindfulness, internet safety, and the negative effects of alcohol and e-cigarettes on the body. They had the opportunity to meditate, participate in cross fit challenges, do yoga and learn about healthy food choices. Students were reminded of the importance of using caution when on social media and the internet. Workshops were led by teachers, police officers, Dr. Bronstein, Mrs. Parrottino and County Legislator Margaret Cunzio. It was a day filled with good advice and positive messages about how to fuel a body and live responsibly.

Columbus Elementary School celebrated Wellness Day with all sorts of fun activities that centered around physical, nutritional, and emotional wellness. At a morning assembly, Principal Cunzio and several teachers performed a skit to demonstrate the importance of good sportsmanship. Mr. Cunzio had the students rolling with laughter as he stomped around acting like a sore loser, showing the children how their thoughts and behaviors affect others. Afterwards, 4th and 5th grade student leaders chose exercises and stretches to share with their classmates to get everyone moving and physically fit! The 3rd graders “worked out” with County Legislator Margaret Cunzio, who led them in stretches, exercises, yoga and meditation. Next the 4th and 5th grade students enjoyed a presentation from Mt. Pleasant School Resource Officers Detective Valentino and Sergeant Greenberg about internet safety and online etiquette. All grade levels had time in their classrooms to enjoy Mindful Minute activities, BrainPop lessons on wellness and other fun activities prepared by classroom teachers. In the end, all agreed that it was a great day celebrating all aspects of wellness.

Students at Hawthorne Elementary had a fun day focusing on their well-being. Phys Ed teacher Bob Bendlin, along with the Wellness/Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Committee, coordinated a day of activities to promote healthy living. Each grade attended a morning assembly to talk about the importance of being a good sport. They were treated to an amusing skit by school psychologist Kristina Walraven and school guidance counselor Connie Cotrone. They introduced “Destroyer of Fun”, an Unthinkable character that gets into our brains and causes us problems when we play games. Next, special guest Darrell Johnson from Positive Coaching Alliance talked to the kids about the importance of “filling the tank” for themselves and their teammates with positive encouragement. Finally, they heard from Valhalla High School senior and son of Mr. Bendlin about what it takes to be a team captain. In the afternoon, the students split their time learning about the importance of water safety and partaking in a group yoga class where the children learned to use breathing and relaxation techniques to help them remain calm in a stressful situation. The kids loved practicing their Down Dogs and Cat/Cow stretches.

WHS

WMS

s s e n l l We Day

CES

HES

Chris Pinchiaroli President Board of Education

As we come to the end of yet another school year, I would like to take this time to reflect on some of what has been accomplished over the past ten months. It has been a year filled with many achievements – and there’s plenty of credit to go around. The year began on a positive note with overwhelming support from the community on the infrastructure bond. The Board of Education members, the district and many members of the community came together to help get a “yes” vote on this much needed initiative. As you read this, construction will already be underway on the Westlake campus and at Columbus Elementary. The next three years will be busy for our facilities department. We will actively manage the work to see to it that your money is spent wisely. Student accomplishments at all grade levels, as usual, have been outstanding this year. For example, the rapidly growing high school science research program brought home awards in every competition they entered, the middle school band earned superior ratings at the Music in the Park festival, and girls varsity volleyball and boys varsity lacrosse made it to regional and state championships respectively. Each member of the Class of 2017 should be commended for the many years of hard work they invested to bring them to the end of their high school career. 99% of the 141 Westlake grads will be pursuing a post-secondary education. They are leaving us well prepared and we wish them all the

Thank you to retiring board members Laurie Donato and Eric Schulze for their many years of service.

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

Congratulations, we have much to be proud of

best! As a group, the Class of 2017 was offered over $17 million in scholarships and awards based on academic performance. Impressive indeed! On a sad note, two of our board members will be retiring after many years of dedicated service. We are especially grateful for the time and energy that Eric Schulze and Laurie Donato have given to help make the Mount Pleasant Central School District the best that it can be. They will be missed. We do, however, have two great replacements that we are pleased to welcome, Maria Jost and Laura Michalec Olszewski. The entire board looks forward to working with them. Best wishes for an enjoyable summer. See you in September.

Organizations gift $140K in donations, grants, scholarships School organizations have been amazingly generous throughout the years in their support of our students and this year was no different. Technology, learning materials, trips, equipment and scholarships are just some of the ways these organizations have helped to broaden our children’s education. Education Foundation The Mount Pleasant Education Foundation awarded $45,328 including: • $8,000 for 26 Chromebooks and Cart for the social studies department • $5,000 for a cyclorama theatrical backdrop for the Westlake theater/auditorium • $3,995 grant to purchase an InkJet printer for WHS art and science classes • $1900 for virtual reality material for Westlake library • $8,088 for band instruments for WMS • $616 for poster frames for WMS • $964 for guided reading material/mentor texts for WMS • $7,913 for 26 Chromebooks and Cart for third grade • $2,436 for reading kits for first grade • $692 for classroom books in first grade • $5,724 for 21 iPads with 7 docking stations for kindergarten

Elementary PTA The Elementary PTA provided over $50,000 in equipment, technology and cultural events for Hawthorne and Columbus students. • $10,000 in general school grants • $4,000 for indoor and outdoor equipment • $6,000 for the fifth grade Broadway trip • $8000 in cultural arts programs • $2000 in new library books • Day planners for grades 2-5 • T-shirts for field days • Class pets at HES • Boo Hoo Breakfast • Teacher appreciation and hospitality

• 8th grade dance, breakfast, and moving up ceremony hospitality • (3) Water fountain/bottle fillers • 7th/8th grade band Music in the Parks • 8th grade Washington D.C. scholarships

Westlake Middle School Westlake Middle School PTA donated nearly $15,000 to provide the following: • Student Planners • Back to School Night hospitality • Teacher & staff appreciation breakfast and lunch • Science Olympiad Team sponsorship • Hoops for Heart hospitality • Cultural arts presentations • WMS student vote • 8th Grade Community Project celebration hospitality • Trout in the Classroom bus - science • Field Day ice cream socials

WAC This year the Westlake Athletic Club provided over $16,000 of support to the athletes and teams for training and to make the experience at athletic events enjoyable. • Lights and fireworks for homecoming • Indoor training facilities for varsity spring sports • Grant for golf training facility • Transportation for cheerleading at Florida competition • Music and DJs for special home games and playoff games and senior tribute nights

High School PTA WHS PTA monies raised went to deserving seniors and teacher grants. • $5,000 in scholarships for seniors • $2,500 for week-long distracted driving assemblies • $1,500 for Westlake Day • $650 for teacher appreciation days

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

Retirements Mimi Beyer, WMS

After 31 years in the Mount Pleasant School District, 22 of them in the middle school, special ed teacher Mimi Beyer will be saying goodbye. Ms. Beyer spent most of her time teaching ELA in a collaborative or modified environment. She started her career in Mount Pleasant quite by accident when she turned in her resume to the principal at Columbus Elementary school in Hawthorne as opposed to the planned Columbus Avenue Elementary in Valhalla. She said she was in the “wrong place at the right time” and it ended up working out beautifully. After 9 years at Columbus, Ms. Beyer followed a graduating 4th grader to the middle school and has stayed there since. While most would agree she’s certainly earned her retirement, she admits she’s not quite ready to give up teaching yet. Ms. Beyer will go back to work part time in the fall at The Ursaline School in New Rochelle where she will support students with IEPs in ELA and Social Studies. Kathy Fay, CES

Kathy Fay has been a speech pathologist for over 40 years, starting her career in a hospital setting and then coming to Columbus Elementary 22 years ago. She has worked with individuals and small groups to provide support for

countless students over the years. Her colleagues are sad to see her go. Ms. Fay gives thanks to the wonderful parents and their children whom she credits with always making her laugh and keeping her young. Mary Skwarek, WHS

Mary Skwarek is leaving the Mount Pleasant School District after 14 years of service. She started her tenure at Columbus Elementary School as a teaching assistant in the Communication Development Program, a special education program. After 11 years there, she moved to Westlake High School three years ago and continued in a similar role. She remarked that “It has been an honor to be part of so many wonderful teams, and to have the privilege to work on the education of our children.” Gina Tomanelli, HES

Gina Tomanelli is leaving Hawthrone Elementary school after more than 17 years. She served as a teaching aide and assistant in special education throughout her tenure. She has worked one on one with students as well as in a collaborative classroom environment. She is looking forward to helping take care of her new granddaughter after her retirement.

Congratulations! June Vetere, CES

June Vetere will be leaving Columbus Elementary after 22 years as a teaching assistant and aide. She came to the district after she took time off from a career in business to raise her children, both of whom are Westlake grads. Her last year was spent in fourth grade, but she has held a variety of roles over the years including providing reading support at all levels. She has made lifelong friendships with her colleagues and will greatly miss the students. She plans to spend her new-found free time enjoying familytime, reading a few good books and doing some traveling. Rosemary Whalen, District Office

Rosemary Whalen has served as the payroll clerk in the District Office for the past eight years. Her quiet work behind the scenes has been appreciated by all in the district, especially on payday! She was always quick to offer professional advice for anyone with questions. She will be missed by her colleagues. Ms. Whalen plans to enjoy her retirement spending time with family and friends and completing many long overdue projects.

Goodbye eChalk Class Pages, Hello Google Classroom We are excited to announce that we will be using Google Classroom, a blended learning platform developed by Google for education, instead of eChalk Class Pages for 2017-18. This decision was made after Google Classroom was piloted, and positive feedback was received from teachers, students, and parents. Google classroom enables teachers to create and distribute assignments to all students in a paperless environment. The students utilize various Google modules such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, to complete their assignments, then submit their work electronically. Teachers are able to comment on

students’ work to assist them while the assignment is being worked on, and grade the final version of the assignment upon submission. Assignments appear on student’s calendar according to due dates, and are color coded for easy identification. Google Classroom sends automatic summary reports to parents to inform them of upcoming assignments and tests, and also to alert them of missed assignments. Parents will receive an invitation from teachers via e-mail which must be accepted before they can receive the summary reports. Join us on back to school night to learn more about Google Classroom.

Susan Guiney Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools

It is with pleasure and with a great sense of Wildcat pride that the Mount Pleasant Central School District extends congratulations to the Class of 2017, and the families and friends who contributed to the students’ success. Congratulations, also, to the second, fifth, and eighth graders who are “moving up” this year. June is a time to celebrate the learning and achievements of our students as each award ceremony, concert, and senior presentation, among so many events, showcases exemplary performances by our students. In our district, students continue to raise personal expectations for what they believe they can accomplish and achieve. This year’s graduating class will be attending colleges and universities across the country, and have received over $17 million in scholarships and grants. Thank you for a fantastic year! As the 16/17 school year concludes, it is the perfect time to express sincere gratitude to the many individuals and groups who volunteered and contributed time, funding and effort throughout the course of the year. A very special thank you is extended to the PTAs, the Westlake Athletic Association, and the Mount Pleasant Education Foundation for their ongoing support. Thank you, too, to the many parents and volunteers who served on committees or who participated in school events. Your collaboration and feedback added to our district’s growth and success. As a school community, we wish to recognize and

Teacher

NEWS

Congratulations to WMS English teacher Krystal Haight. The New York State English Council has selected her as a 2017 Early Career Scholarship Award Winner. The Early Career Scholarship awards new teachers who have excelled in content delivery, used innovative teaching strategies and/or served the school or district as an emerging leader. She has demonstrated the qualities of this award by implementing best practices, and challenging students to become skillful readers and writers. She will be honored at the NYSEC Awards Luncheon on October 27. Ms. Haight joined the district three years ago and recently received tenure. WMS English teacher Krystal Haight uses Nearpod technology to interactively engage her students.

thank the members of the faculty and staff who are retiring this school year after years of dedication to our students. These individuals have inspired students to pursue careers and passions in a variety of fields and supported the efforts of the district. Please join me in wishing a happy, healthy retirement to Mimi Beyer, Kathy Fay, Mary Skwarek, and Gina Tomanelli, June Vetere and Rosemary Whalen. I also wish to recognize board of education members, Laurie Donato and Eric Schulze who have dedicated many years of board service to our community. Both Laurie and Eric have worked passionately as members of the board to support the students and families of Mount Pleasant. Thank you for your selfless service to our students. As thoughts of relaxing BBQs and vacations keep our students and staff busy this summer, it seems unbelievable that all eyes are already on September here in the district office and in our buildings. Renovations are underway in the district that address the aging infrastructure, we are preparing to welcome new and returning staff and importantly, we are awaiting the arrival of our students back to school again, including our newest learners, the Class of 2030, in Kindergarten. Thank you again for all that you do for the children and families in Mount Pleasant. As always, it is an honor to be your superintendent and I look forward to seeing you in the fall. I wish you a restful, healthy and happy summer!

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

A year to remember ends; another begins

WHS English Program Wins Award

It gives us great pleasure to announce that the New York State English Council has selected Westlake High School’s Envisions Program: Critical Writing and Research for a Program of Excellence Award. The course strives to teach the essential skills of visual and text analysis in addition to effective writing, researching, and presentation skills. Teachers from the English and science departments collaborated to develop the curriculum for the course to encompass honors science. For students wishing to earn honors credit in science courses, they must engage in an independent scientific research project in an area of personal interest utilizing the skills developed in the Envisions program. The award is presented to exemplary ELA programs which support creative instruction and learning and that have been in place for at least three years. Many high quality programs were submitted for review, so being selected is a great honor. Envisions was found to be of exceptional merit and innovation. The nature of the program contributes to a lifetime of learning. Congratulations to the Westlake High School’s English Department led by Janet Matthews and the Science Honors Option team for the successful implementation of this wonderful program.

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

Underclassmen awards celebrate achievement The auditorium was jam-packed with accomplished students and proud parents on the evening of May 30. The annual Westlake High School Underclassman Awards Night once again celebrated the many deserving freshman, sophomore and junior students for their academic efforts and dedication to their school and community. The evening was kicked off with a welcome speech from Principal Keith Schenker. He praised the students’ extraordinary efforts and accomplishments, “Succeeding in school does not happen by chance, it comes with putting in the time and hard work. You stand here this evening as shining examples of perseverance and it is this quality, not just your good grades that will carry you far in life.” College awards The awards portion of the ceremony began with special college awards and scholarships presented to 11th grade students with exceptional academic performance or a demonstrated commitment to service. Many of these awards included full or partial tuition scholarships. The Harvard-Radcliffe Book Award for “excellence in scholarship and commitment to high moral character” went to Christine Sharabun. Rochester Institute of Technology granted four scholarships of $24,000 each. The RIT Award in Computing for distinguishing academics, being active members of their school and community and demonstrating interest and ability in computing went to Dhanya Mundackal and Luciano Giannini. The RIT Innovation & Creativity Medal and Scholarship carries the same criteria and went to students who demonstrate an interest and ability in creativity. Megi Syku and Zachary Chapins were the recipients. Saint Michael’s College Book Award is given to a junior who embodies their vision of serving others and acting with a social conscience. The recipients are eligible for a potential full-tuition scholarship if they choose to apply and attend. Awardees were Emily Rubino and Michael Farina. The Wellesley Book Award honors young women who have been top

scholars in high school and are engaged in extracurricular areas. Keira Donnelly received this award. Wells ColAward winners (clockwise from top left): Christine lege Award Sharabun (Harvard-Radcliffe Book Award), Brian Kelly (RIT Award in Computing), Zachary honors a Chapins (RIT Innovation Award), Keira Donnelly junior for (Wellesley Book Award), Chris Panzarella, “c o m m i t Brian Kelly and Charles Panzarella (Boys State ment to Attendees), Michael Farina and Emily Rubino academic (Saint Michaels College Book Award) achievement” while acting as a leader among his or her peers. Leadership, whether in the classroom, in clubs or on the athletic fields is a trait that the college looks Summa Honors for in its applicants. This year’s recipiSumma honor roll recognition was given to ent, Cordelia Jannetty, will receive students in each grade who had a 95 aver$40,000 over four years if she chooses age or better for each quarter They are: to apply and attend Wells College. Each year the Thornwood American Grade 11 Gianni Garritano Legion sponsors service oriented and Talin Bedonian Loren Iannucci Allison Brunetto civic minded young men and women Bryan Mesquita Keira Donnelly in the 11th grade to attend the annual Joelle El Hamouche Victor Mora Boys and Girls State Conference. Michael Farina Brian Mynes Richard Petrillo Brian Kelly, Charles Panzarella and Joseph Flynn Lauren Sala Christopher Panzarella were selected Luciano Giannini Anthony Scaglione to attend Boys State and Cordelia Isabelle Joseph Faith Summers Brian Kelly Jannetty will attend Girls State. Freyja Varga Subject area awards The evening continued with the recognition of students from each grade level who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and outstanding effort in each of the subject areas and for service to their school. Finally, the summa honor roll was read to recognize those students who have been on the high honor roll all three semesters. (See box at right.) The entire list of recognitions can be found under school news on the WHS website.

Zachary Lubart Christina Mangione Philip Markuszewski Erin Mc Morrow Maeve McArdle Divya Mundackal Caroline Murray Terence O’Brien Arianna Palmiero Charles Panzarella Christopher Panzarella Nicholas Papaleo Kelly Pierce Susan Pinchiaroli Christine Sharabun Megi Syku Seunghyun You

Grade 10 Christopher Bauco Stephen Donato George Doulos

Kaylee Zheng

Grade 9 Lea Bonsignore Amanda Bradley Colleen Bradley Samantha Castellano Julia Clark Arianna Edwards Olivia Eng Paul Gschneidner Katelyn Jaime Samantha La Scala Caleb Levitt Gabriella Muratore Nicole Musial Liam Naughton Kristin Pierce Roman Raguso Jake Szeszko Maeve Verna

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

The Principal’s Award for Outstanding Conribution to Student Government went to (l to r): Aidan Glendon, Kyle Donnery, Mackenzie Maher, Faith O’Briskie, Olivia Schettino, Nicholas Stivaletti, Francis Veltri, Ben Yamuder, Brenda Servin, William Reeves, Kelli Kinlen, Kevin Julian and Tom Olszewski (not pictured: Kiera Tully)

Senior Awards Night

At the annual Senior Awards Night, held June 5th at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains, deserving graduates were celebrated for their academic and athletic accomplishments as well as service to the community. Those pictured here are among the many in the Steven Buglione and Grace O’Brien accept the Berger Hardware Soccer Scholarship.

Class of 2017

who received recognition and thanks from their school and community.

The AAUW Award was presented to Julia O’Connell for excellence in writing and to Chloe Burns for outstanding ELA student.

Natalie Alfieri and Ryan Stasolla were selected to receive the Silvio’s Restaurant Award presented by Westlake Alum Michael Di Nardo for their commitment to community service.

Jill Cannata was the recipient of the Mt. Pleasant Community Theater and Rose’s School of Dance award presented by Rose Cremonese-Norton

Mia Malandruccolo received six awards including the Louis Milone Achievement Award presented by Angelo and Louis Milone for her work with children with disabilities.

Anthony Paduano presented the National Honor Society Recognition award to Brian Bennett and Blerina Verzivolli.

Aidan Glendon received the Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club Edward and Otto Berger Award presented by Noelle Whearty.

The Thornwood Fire Department awarded the Kristie Fisher Memorial Scholarship to Vincent Tully, Aidan Healy, George DellaCalce and Chris Paniagua (not present).

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

2017 CLASS OF

Graduates

Achille Abate Christopher Abbate Alina Acevedo Joshua Acevedo F Tighe Ahern Arianna Albino Natalie Alfieri G ★ Carmen Amendano Camron Amerson Michael Anderson G ★ Justin Angeles G Justin Arrichiello Madison Arrichiello F

Jetmir Asllani F ★ Haseeb Azhar G ★ Amber Babich Joseph Bastardi John Bastone F ★ Brian Bennett G ★ Jessie Bernard Andrew Borrero Elizabeth Brentano G ★ Steven Buglione G Chloe Burns F ★ Gina Calvi F Cristina Canlas Jillian Cannata F

Jenna Sputo and Michael Rendina

Caleigh Carr F ★ Rianna Cassone F Karina Contreras-Lopez Manuel Corona ★ John Cristantiello F Kyle Dearborn G Kyle DeCuffa George DellaCalce David DeLoughry F ★ Elena DiDomizio F Kyle Donnery F ★ Adrianna Elias Matthew Encarnacao Brian Eng F ★ Alexandra Falkenberg F ★ Joseph Ferri Michael Fischer F Deanna Forella F ★ Olivia Fratta F Casie Galletti F Julianna Galluccio F ★ Taylor Garritano F Emily Giuseffi G ★

Alina Acevedo

Aidan Glendon F ★ James Gorman Nicholas Grosso Kiran Hanif Aidan Healy F Philip Iacono Alison Iannucci G ★ Vincent Incatasciato Alexa Irizarry G ★ Lauren Johanson F ★ Kevin Julian F Jessica Kaplan G ★ Kelli Kinlen F ★ Ruben Lara G

College and University Acceptances

The Class of 2017 has been accepted into 185 colleges, universities, vocational and technical schools.

The University of Alabama Albertus Magnus College Albright College American University Barry University Bentley University Berkeley College Binghamton University Bloomsburg U. of Pennsylvania Boston College Boston Conservatory at Berklee Boston University Brandeis University University of Bridgeport Brooklyn College of the CUNY Bucknell University

Castleton University The Catholic University of America Centenary University Champlain College City College of New York CUNY Clarkson University Clemson University Concordia College - New York University of Connecticut Cornell University University of Dayton University of Delaware DeSales University Dominican College Drexel University Duquesne University

Dutchess Community College Eastern Connecticut State Emerson College Emmanuel College Evangel University Fairfield University Fairleigh Dickinson University Fashion Institute of Technology Flagler College Florida State University University of Florida Fordham University Geneva College George Mason University The George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology

Zachary Lattanzio Cristian Lazo Amber Lulanaj G ★ Kelly Lynch F Mackenzie Maher F Samantha Malandrino Mia Malandruccolo G ★ Julia Mancuso F Angela Mangione F ★ Alessandra Maniscalco F Juliana Manzo F Matthew Marcella Michael Marron G Ryan Marron ★ Kelly Martin F ★ Sofia Mastandrea Emily McBride Emmett McCormack Kyle McHugh Sashay McKenzie Wilmer Miguel Kevin Morales Kevin Mulgrew

University of Hartford Hartwick College University of Hawaii at Manoa High Point University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University Hunter College of the CUNY Iona College Ithaca College Johnson & Wales University Keene State College University of Kentucky Keystone College King’s College Kutztown U. of Pennsylvania Lafayette College Lasell College LIM College (Laboratory Institute of Merchandising) Long Island University

Meenu Mundackal F ★ Delia Murphy Adam Newman Grace O’Brien G ★ Faith O’Briskie F Julia O’Connell G ★ Thomas Olszewski Tyler O’Neill Matthew Orlander G ★ Jose Ormedo Christopher Paniagua F Derek Pasieka Diana Pellegrino Michael Perfito F Dean Perkins Alexa Picciano Nicholas Pierro Peter Psaltakis F ★ Michele Pullano F Vincenzo Pullano William Reeves G Michael Rendina Dean Riccio G

Louisiana State University Loyola University Maryland Loyola University New Orleans Lynchburg College Lynn University University of Maine Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marist College Marquette University U. of Maryland, College Park Marymount Manhattan College Marywood University MA Coll. of Liberal Arts U. of Massachusetts, Amherst Mercy College Merrimack College Messiah College University of Miami Michigan State University

Nicholas Rivello Joseph Ruggiero F Julianna Rush F Amanda Sabha F Dylan Scales Noelle Scaplehorn Olivia Schettino F Emma Schulze F Brenda Servin G Kaia Sherman F ★ Shamel Shuler Vincent Sica F Joseph Sinapi Jacqueline Siry G ★

Joe Ferri with Principal Schenker University of Michigan Misericordia University Monmouth University Montclair State University Mount Saint Mary College College of Mount Saint Vincent Muhlenberg College Nassau Community College Nazareth College New England College U. of New Hampshire at Durham University of New Haven New Jersey Institute of Technology The College of New Jersey University of New Orleans College of New Rochelle New York Institute of Technology New York University North Carolina State University Northeastern University

Jenna Sputo F Ryan Stasolla F ★ Nicholas Stivaletti G ★ Nicholas Tobiasen Kiera Tully Vincent Tully Lauren Unger F ★ Carlos Vallejo G Xavier Varga Francis Veltri F ★ Valeria Venturini G ★ Blerina Verzivolli G ★ Marc Villucci Peter Vogel G ★ Marlene White Michael Withus Benjamin Yamuder G ★ Ariana Zaimi G Briana Zambardi G ★ F Summa Cum Laude G Magna Cum Laude F Cum Laude ★ National Honor Society

Nova Southeastern University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Providence College Purchase College - SUNY Queens College of the CUNY Quinnipiac University Ramapo College of New Jersey Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island College University of Rhode Island University of Richmond Roberts Wesleyan College Rochester Institute of Technology University of Rochester Rockland Community College Roger Williams University Rowan University Rutgers University-New Brunswick Sacred Heart University

Salutatorian Kelly Martin

A high achiever in many ways, Alexandra (Ally) Falkenberg keeps top grades, serves as treasurer of the Service Club and Math Club, plays two varsity sports, has a black belt in karate, takes part in the school band and spends time outside of school tutoring middle schoolers. She obviously also has a knack for managing her time well. As a senior, Ally had a rigorous workload taking five AP classes. Last year, she earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award based on her exam scores. No stranger to awards, she received 7 of them at Senior Awards night, including the English and Social Studies Excellence Awards. Last year she was recognized as a National Merit Commended Student scoring among the top 3% in the country on her PSAT. In November, she was nominated as Thornwood Lion’s Club Student of the Month due to her service record. Naturally, with such impressive stats, Ally has been inducted into many of the school’s honor societies: National Honor Society, Italian Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and English Honor Society. Despite all the demands on her time, Ally is an avid athlete as well. She has played varsity soccer and lacrosse since her sophomore year. If all of that wasn’t enough, she also plays the trumpet in the high school’s wind ensemble and jazz band. Ally will be heading to the University of Michigan this fall where she plans to study pre-med.

Kelly Martin certainly has an impressive resume. Kelly has excelled academically throughout her high school career, earning outstanding achievement honors in her mathematics, science, language and design courses. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Italian Honor Society. At the Senior Awards night she received several awards including the NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Additionally, Kelly is actively involved in her school. She serves on the Building Leadership Team and was copresident of the PALs club for 3 years. She has dedicated countless hours to teaching young students the sport she is passionate about, volleyball. She volunteers her time coaching CYO at Holy Rosary as well as assisting with Westlake’s JV team. She is certainly someone young athletes can look up to and learn from. She has captained the Varsity team for the past two years, helping them earn a Class B-Section 1 Championship title and then competing at the NYS Regional Finals. She has been named All-Section, All-Conference and All League and recently was given the prestigious ConEd Athlete of the Week Award. Kelly will be attending Binghamton University in the fall where she was accepted into the highly selective PricewaterhouseCoopers Scholars Program.

Saint Anselm College Saint Joseph’s College-ME Saint Leo University Saint Michael’s College The College of Saint Rose Savannah College of Art and Design School of Visual Arts The University of Scranton Seton Hall University Siena College Simmons College University of South Carolina Southern Connecticut State Springfield College St. John’s University St. Thomas Aquinas College State University of New York at Plattsburgh at Albany

at New Paltz Stevens Institute of Technology Stonehill College Stony Brook University Suffolk University SUNY Buffalo State College SUNY College at Brockport SUNY College at Cobleskill SUNY College at Cortland SUNY College at Geneseo SUNY Morrisville State College SUNY College at Old Westbury SUNY College at Oneonta SUNY College at Potsdam SUNY Delhi SUNY Fredonia SUNY Maritime College SUNY Oswego SUNY Polytechnic Institute Syracuse University

Temple University The Ohio State University The University of Tampa The University of Texas, Austin Towson University Tulane University University at Buffalo The SUNY The University of the Arts Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech University of Virginia Waynesburg University Westchester Community College The College of Westchester Western New England University Worcester Polytechnic Institute York College of Pennsylvania

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

Valedictorian Alexandra Falkenberg

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

WHS

Model UN Capstone Project in it’s second year.

Photos by Olivia Fratta

Jack Simon presents his research on sustainable development at the Model UN capstone project on May 24. Below, Poster presentations outline original solutions to global issues.

On May 24th, the gymnasium was transformed into an exhibition hall for UN Conference Day. Tenth grade students, as part of their year-end social studies Capstone Project, conducted research on a world issue affecting an international country. Based on the Model UN, students spent two months researching a country of their choosing to gain a deeper understanding of the problems and present an original solution, essentially acting as diplomats for their country. Issues ranged from Global Nuclear Disarmament to Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. Social Studies teacher Tricia Oliveras confirms that the Capstone Project builds on important skills that students have been working on since the beginning of high school, such as the ability to communicate both in writing and through presentation. It also gives them

Sophomore scientists win awards.

Sophomore Westlake science research students had a clean sweep of awards at the 2017 Westlake Science Fair! This year, 284 1st-year science research students from 16 schools presented poster boards of their intended research to over 200 judges. Every Westlake competitor received trophies: Lee Cohen (1st Place, Animal Science), Stephen Donato (1st Place, Behavioral Science), Frank Malandruccolo (2nd Place, Behavioral Science), Chris Bauco (3rd Place, Earth & Planetary Science/Physics), Anthony Scaglione (1st Place, Environmental Science/Plant Science), and Bryan Mesquita (3rd Place, Microbiology). The Westlake science research program, directed by Lawrence McIntyre is a three-year program during which students design, conduct and present research on an original topic. Students begin in sophomore year by reading and studying scientific journals in an area of their interest, then developing initial hypotheses. After securing a mentor

a broader perspective on international issues facing the world today. Sophomore Samantha Karlosky, who studied the Rights of Indigenous Women in Brazil, admitted it was a "challenging project, but it taught me a lot about Brazil specifically and how to research in general". She said she had trouble finding detailed information about her subject on the traditional UN website so she had to dig a little deeper to find what she was looking for. She acknowledges that it has set her up well for future projects. On UN Conference Day students were required to give three 10-minute presentations to an active audience and then switch roles to serve as the audience. Teachers and administrators circulated listening to and grading each student. The creative solutions were quite impressive. These students are on a great path to becoming tomorrow's leaders.

to help guide their research, s t u d e n t s c o n d u c t investigations and collect data over the next several science research students win at Westlake Science years. Students Sophomore Fair. From left: Frank Malandruccolo, Lee Cohen, Stephen Donato, then present program director Lawrence McIntyre, Anthony Scaglione, Bryan their research Mesquita, and Christopher Bauco. Below: Faith Summers poses in papers and with her science research poster. poster board presentations, which they can submit for competition in high-level science fairs and symposiums locally and nationally. The growing program has a record 23 students enrolled for next year. With such a depth of talent, the Westlake science research team is sure to keep winning awards while at the same time producing tomorrow’s doctors, researchers and scientists.

WMS

Creating tomorrow’s philanthropists Donating supplies to animal shelters. Educating others on the importance of eating organic. Increasing recycling options at school. Volunteering at a children’s hospital. These were just a few of the projects tackled by students during the inaugural year of the 8th grade Community Leadership Project (CLP). As part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, students were tasked with identifying a problem in the local or global community and coming up with a solution to solve it. Westlake Middle School principal, Dr. Adam Bronstein, was thrilled with the enthusiasm displayed. Work on the projects began in the fall semester when students were introduced to the topic and given the opportunity

to choose an area of interest. Regular meetings with CLP advisors (teachers across all academic disciplines) and detailed journal entries kept the students on track for completing their task. One of the goals of the CLP was to help students develop an awareness of the needs which exist in their community and to encourage participation in service activities. Service could be either direct (gathering donations for a food bank for example), indirect (creating a website for an organization) or focus on advocacy or research. Not only does the project aim to create a generation of students who prioritize the importance of service, it gives students the tools to be successful in planning, implementing and reflecting on original work. Deanna Reynolds decided to focus

Moving Up Moments

Anthony D’Armiento recieves his diploma. Below, Dr. Bronstein and the Meistersingers perform an original song based on The Sound of Music. He serenaded the class asking them to consider “What’s in me that helps me to achieve?” Right: Dr. Guiney congratulates Luca Sica.

on raising awareness on the importance of eating organic. She was interested to learn about the chemicals that are in many of the fruits and vegetables that we buy in the grocery store and the damage that these chemicals can do to our bodies as well as to the surrounding water sources. She created a website to share her discoveries with family and friends to encourage them to make healthier choices. This project not only initiated lifestyle changes, but also taught her valuable skills that she will be able to put to use throughout her academic career. When asked about one of the benefits of undertaking the CLP, Deanna replied “I learned how to make a website. That’s something I never thought about doing before.” On June 7th, parents, teachers and administrators were invited to a year-end celebration. The gym was filled to capacity with 8th graders showing off their hard work with tri-fold presentations detailing their experiences. The range of topics covered was truly impressive, especially considering this was the first group of students to undertake the project. “I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year” Dr. Bronstein enthuses.

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

Left: Skyler Neal, Emma Milo and Jillian Walpole display their “Passion for Pets”. Below: Deanna Reynolds shares her research on organic foods.

Photos by Mike Pezzuti

Alessandra Blasone, left, inspired her fellow graduates to be their best. Below, Samantha Lubart, Carter Falkenberg and Nicholas Farrell stand as honor roll students are recognized.

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

CES At Columbus, kindness is contagious

How can kids help change the world? By performing one random act of kindness at a time! Students at Columbus Elementary kicked off their Kindness Week (March 6-10) with an entertaining assembly by “The Magic Storyteller” Chris McBrien. Mr. McBrien, a former elementary teacher, uses curriculum based stories to entertain the students while educating them about the importance of being kind and respectful citizens. Students learn how kindness is shown through respecting others and themselves, being responsible for their actions and working together. From the simple act of picking up something someone has dropped and giving it back to them, to including everyone in activities and working as a team to get projects done, students learn that showing kindness truly makes the world a happier place! The students were laughing hysterically as Mr. McBrien relayed tales of his childhood incorporating comedy, magic and ventriloquism. He brought many “friends” along to demonstrate that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover and that everyone is unique and has a gift to offer the world. Students were challenged to perform 50 acts of kindness during the week and were given a list of ideas. Some of them included “hold the door open for others”, “pick up litter” and “compliment people”.

Chris McBrien does magic with the help of Gianna LaScala, Giana Rotondi, and Bryan Hernandez. Below, the Kindness Tree, painted by Caitlyn Lyons, is adorned with messages of kindness.

The children enthusiastically took to the task and signed a pledge to commence the exciting week. In class, students worked on a variety of kindnessthemed activities, one of which was to complete a chain link. They were asked to write something kind someone did for them on one link and join their links together as a class. All the classes then joined links for a building wide chain. This chain link and signed pledge were put on display in the cafeteria as a continual reminder that kindness spreads and can cause a chain reaction. Additionally, former CES student and rising senior at WHS, Caitlyn Lyons, painted a Kindness Tree outside the cafeteria. Art teacher Laura Lee Chambers helped students create the “leaves” that

adorn the tree, each indicating an act of kindness performed during Kindness Week. A special thank you to the elementary PTA for sponsoring the assembly and to the Kindness Committee (Connie Cotrone, Lisa Manning, Suzanne Ketchum, Kathy Fay, Dawn Pesce, Michelle Golczewski and Cathy Moore) for planning a meaningful life lesson for everyone.

Moving Up Moments

Gairely Zari Rosa Rojas accepts her dipolma from Mr. Cunzio.

A happy Moving Up day for Steven Dimovski.

Brandon Bly, Milania Bartolovic and Elliot Albaum perform the school song.

Jessica Borducci moves her tassel to the left to complete her graduation.

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

Left: First graders use magnetic boards to make word blends. Right: Kindergarteners in Mrs. Albaum’s class tap out letter sounds.

HES

Fundations makes reading FUN! Children have a natural curiosity to compare, contrast, and generate patterns with letters and words. Word study teaches students how to use this inquisitiveness to strategically support their spelling attempts and to help them decode unfamiliar words while reading. This year a literacy program called Fundations was implemented at the kindergarten and first grade level at Hawthorne Elementary School. Fundations is a multisensory approach to teaching letter sounds and words using a developmentally appropriate method. The program makes it fun for the students to learn to read while at the same time laying the groundwork for long term literacy skills. Students learn

why certain words are spelled the way they are, and learn to transfer that knowledge to other, unfamiliar words. Fundations is a systematic program that includes phonics, reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, handwriting and spelling. Teachers use strategies during each lesson to reinforce the concepts they wish to impart. One technique used is “Tapping Out Sounds”. Children are taught to use their fingers to tap out each sound in a word so that they can identify each part and then match it to letters. This encourages students to use both their minds and their bodies to facilitate learning. Another strategy used is “Echoing”.

Echo, a snowy white owl puppet, and her baby owl, Baby Echo, are used to encourage the students to follow along. The children have responded enthusiastically and love to be chosen to lead the lesson. The program was a big hit with teachers this year. Teachers have reported that students are developing a deep understanding of letters and sounds, and are using this knowledge when reading and writing. The momentum will continue next year when the Fundations program will be implemented in the second grade. Giving students the tools to truly understand how to decipher words and their meanings in a way that makes it fun and easy sets them up for great success in the future.

Moving Up Moments

Vincent Tedesco flashes his friend Isabella Mieli a smile.

Jacquelyn DiPaolo is excited to be a 3rd grader now!

Mrs. Luzon’s class performs for the crowd.

Julia MacSweeney and Haley Odar lead the class in the Pledge of Allegiance.

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

And kudos to…

Student Artists Artists Elena DiDomizio and Casie Galletti had their work televised on the CBS Sunday Morning Show hosted by Jane Pauley. As a component of the PreAP/AP Art curriculum, students were asked to create a graphic design/ Art by logo using a celestial, or Elena “sun theme”. This assignDiDomizio ment was based on the variety of artworks that accompany stories shown on the TV program. Their illustrations were chosen from thousands of entries sent from professional and student artists Art by Casie from all over the country Galletti and abroad. Both girls are planning to study art at college in the fall. They also shared the NYSATA award for excellence in the visual arts given by the teachers of Westlake High School. Winning Filmmakers Congratulations to Westlake High School media students Nick Rivello, Tom Olszewski and Nick Tobiasen. Their film “Sidekick for Hire” was recognized for 5 different awards at the Ten Day Film Challenge Statewide screening May 19, 2017 in Astoria. Their superhero film was nominated for Best Use of Character, Best Cinematic Technique and Best Special Effects. Sidekick for Hire won Best Use of Character, and received 5th Place overall in NY State. The 10 Day Film Challenge is an intense and invigorating competition in which teams of students make a movie—write, shoot, edit and score it—in just 10 days -during the school day only!

PTA Awards

Each year the Westlake High School PTA awards scholarships to qualifying seniors, this year 10 seniors were presented with scholarships of $500 each at the Senior Awards Night on June 5th. All award monies were raised through PTA fundraising events and campaigns that were supported by the generosity of community members and local businesses. Some of the events/campaigns included a wine tasting, an email donation request to district families, sales of congratulatory lawn signs and

National Runner 9th grade student, Eric Nieves, competed in the New Balance Nationals track meet in North Carolina on June 16. He raced the 100-meter dash based on his qualifying time in a previous race. He placed 14th overall in the competition! ACE Award Winners Congratulations to Brian Bennett, Kathleen Bennett, Olivia Eng and Ryan Fudale for taking on the Astorino Challenge in Education (ACE). The ACE

a raffle for reserved graduation seats. In order to qualify for the WHS PTA scholarship, students had to submit a writing sample and either the student or an immediate family member (parent/guardian) must have been a member of the PTA for each year attending WHS. This year’s award recipients were: Brian Bennett, Kyle Donnery, Lauren Johanson, Angela Mangione, Christopher Paniagua, Peter Psaltakis, William Reeves, Jacqueline Siry, Nicholas Tobiasen and Carlos Vallejo. Challenge offers students in grades 6-12 the opportunity to win a season pass at Rye Playland. Students must obtain a GPA of 95 or above, have perfect attendance for the year, or raise their GPA by 10 points from the previous year. Both Brian and Kathleen have had perfect attendance since kindergarten.

Foreign Language Scholarship Haseeb Azhar was the winner of the Putnam-Westchester Region Foreign Language (PoWeRFuL) Educators schol-

Thornwood Lions Club Students of the Month

Students who exhibit ‘service above self’ are nominated by faculty and staff to be chosen as Thornwood Lions Club Student of the Month. These students demonstrate a commitment to their school and community through their service to others.

Mia Malandruccolo

Manuel Corona

Ally Falkenberg

Aidan Glendon

Jessica Kaplan

Peter Vogel

Angela Mangione

Brian Bennett

Science Honor Society

20 students were inducted into the Science Honor Society on April 19th. Inductees need to maintain an 85 average and take the National Science Honor Society Pledge promising “to encourage the pursuit of scientific knowledge that benefits mankind”. New members this year include: Michael Anderson Keira Donnelly Joelle El Hamouche Alexandra Falkenberg Michael Farina Luciano Giannini Jennifer Hutnik

Ducklings! A Sure Sign of Spring

This spring, students in Virginia Campbell’s classes at WMS and 2nd graders at HES had the opportunity to hatch ducklings as part of the Cornell University Cooperative Extension program. The 4-H Incubation and Embryology Project encouraged scientific observations and critical thinking. Students learned about the life-cycle process by taking part in caring for the embryos which were kept in an incubator in the classroom, then observing and interacting with the ducklings once they were hatched. The 2nd graders were thrilled to be able to have an opportunity to take home their little friends over the weekend until they were old enough to bring to a local farm. Students enjoyed the experience so much, they almost didn’t realize all the scientific concepts they were learning about! Above, Ms. Campbell teaches students how to hold the ducklings properly. Right, students in Ms. Newman’s class admire their baby ducks.

Isabelle Joseph Brian Kelly Zachary Lubart Kane Lyons Angela Mangione Katelyn Murphy Terence O’Brien

ALUMNI CORNER

Middle School Band Competitors Westlake Middle School’s 7th and 8th Grade Band attended the Music in the Parks Festival on June 3rd in Jackson, NJ. The ensemble, led by band teacher, Erin Sica, performed two band arrangements in front of judges at Jackson Liberty High School. They were awarded three trophies and the highest possible rating for an ensemble, superior, at the awards ceremony in the Six Flags Showcase Theater. The group was honored to receive 1st place trophies for “Top Concert Band in Middle School Division 1A” and “Overall Best Middle School Band” for the day. They also won the “Esprit de Corps” trophy which recognized only one of the day’s groups for outstanding sportsmanship and character.

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

arship. He submitted an essay about why others should study foreign language. His entry was chosen from among many submitted by Westchester foreign language students. He will receive a certificate of honor and $150.

Charles Panzarella Christopher Panzarella Nicholas Papaleo Susan Pinchiaroli Christine Sharabun Austin You

2016 Peter Giannini, a freshman at Stonehill College in Easton, MA, had a once-in-alifetime opportunity to sing for Pope Francis in Rome, Italy this spring as part of Stonehill’s Chapel Choir. In addition, they performed during Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. The 32 members of the choir were proud to serve as representatives of the Roman-Catholic college. Peter is working toward a dual degree chemical engineering. The program allows students to earn B.A. in Chemistry in three years at Stonehill, then transfer to University of Notre Dame to earn a B.S. in Chemical Engineering after two more years. He made the dean’s list both semesters this year and finished with a 3.8 GPA. Despite a busy schedule, Peter says taking part in the weekly choir rehearsals and performances helps him relax and start the week on a positive note.

FROM THE HEART • Summer 2017

Mount Pleasant Central School District

Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid White Plains, NY Permit No. 9415

West Lake Drive, Thornwood, NY 10594 Board of Education Chris Pinchiaroli, President Thomas McCabe, Vice President Vincent Graci Maria Jost Laura Michalec Olszewski Colleen Scaglione Neglia John Piazza

STEAM Symposium

Superintendent Dr. Susan Guiney

We are excited to present our first annual STEAM Symposium on August 1516. Read more about it at www.mtplcsd.org/steam

* * * ECRWSS * * * POSTAL CUSTOMER THORNWOOD, NY 10594

Correspondence Phone: 769-5500 • Fax 769-3733 Web: www.mtplcsd.org Email submissions newsLINK@mtplcsd.org

Wildcat News—2017 Spring Sports Recap BASEBALL

(12-10)

Scholar Athlete Team Sectionals: Round 1 winners Coach: John Consorti Assistant: Michael Trainor All-Section: Thomas Iazzetta, David DeLoughry All-Section Honorable Mention: Thomas Carpenter All-League: Thomas Iazzetta, David DeLoughry, Thomas Carpenter, Vincent Sica, Michael Zulli GOLF

Scholar Athlete Team Coach: Sean Mayer All-League: Frankie DellaBovie, Kyle McHugh BOYS LACROSSE

(16-5)

Scholar Athlete Team Sectional Champions, Regional Champions, NY State Semi-finalists Coach: Hunter Burnard (Coach of the Year) Assistant: Mark Castellano All- American: Robert DiNota (Offensive MVP for Section Championship) All-Section: Robert DiNota All-Section Honorable Mention: James Gorman All League: Robert DiNota, Dylan Donnery, James Gorman, Nicholas Ryan (Defensive MVP for Section Championship) College play: James Gorman (Albright College) GIRLS LACROSSE

LAX Coach of the Year Hunter Burnard

(4-6)

(7-10)

Scholar Athlete Team Coach: Dan Smith Assistant: Nicole Dacchille All-League: Ally Falkenberg, Jesi Oswald, Viktoria Hudd

Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team Makes School History For the first time in it’s 10-year history, the Westlake Boys Varsity Lacrosse team won a sectional title, a regional title and made it all the way to the State Championships. For a team that had never made it beyond the sectionals in the past, they took the Section 1 league by surprise and kept racking up the wins. In the Regional Championships, the team trailed by 3 with only two minutes left in the game. 3 quick goals by James Gorman, Ryan Donnery and All American Rob DiNota forced the game into overtime, where Kyle Donnery was able

SOFTBALL

(15-4)

Scholar Athlete Team League Co-Champions with Valhalla (7-1) Coaches: Claudio Barbieri (Coach of the Year) Assistants: Mike D’Angelo, Vanessa Nastri All-Section: Allison Brunetto (most outstanding pitcher) Daniella Mulvey All-Section Honorable Mention: Kelly Pierce All-League: Elizabeth Brentano,

to finish the task and secure a trip to the NY State Class D finals. Unfortunately, the team’s coach, Hunter Burnard, was unable to make the trek to Rochester with the team as he was scheduled to get married in Pennsylvania at the exact same time. Despite missing their coach, the boys played their hearts out, but came up short in the final game. It was a season a long time in the making and everyone agreed when Kyle Donnery said they were “living the dream!”

Allison Brunetto, Daniella Mulvey, Jamie Perfito, Antonia Perino, Kelly Pierce BOYS TENNIS

(5-6-1)

BOYS TRACK

(10-0)

Scholar Athlete Team Coach: Frank Chiera All-League: Justin Angeles, Philip Markuszewski Scholar Athlete Team League Meet: Fifth place Coach: Sky Smith

Assistant: Devon White All-League: Eric Nieves (200m) GIRLS TRACK (8-1)

Scholar Athlete Team League Meet: Third place Coach: Betsy Groat Assistant: Sal Fuschetto State Qualifiers: Samantha Castellano (Javelin), Juliana Castellano (Discus) All-League: 4x8 Relay Team: Arianna Edwards, Joelle ElHamouche, Mary Lyons, Faith Summers (League Champions)