From the Heart Spring 2017 by Mount Pleasant CSD

SPRING 2017

From the Heart Mount Pleasant — The Heart of Westchester County

Volume 16, Issue 3

Impressive feat: All nine science research students who competed at the WESEF Science Fair came home with awards. Back: Zach Lubart, Philip Markuszweski, Xavier Varga. Middle: Peter Psaltakis, Ryan Stasolla, Charles Panzarella. Front: Isabelle Joseph, Meenu Mundackal, Joelle El Hamouche

Clean Sweep for Westlake at the Prestigious 2017 WESEF Science Fair! The third time’s the charm for science research teacher Lawrence McIntyre. With a record nine students entering the prestigious Regeneron - Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF) held on Saturday March 4th at Sleepy Hollow High School, each one came home with an award. More than 570 students presented their original scientific research to 300 plus judges as they competed for over $100,000 in prizes in this highly competitive science fair. At Westlake High School, the Science Research program is a three-year program during which students design, conduct and

The Mount Pleasant Central School District Newsletter

present research on an original topic. Students begin by reading and studying scientific journals in an area of their interest, then developing initial hypotheses. After securing a mentor in their chosen field to help guide their research, they conduct investigations and collect data. The following year, students present their research in a detailed scientific paper and poster board presentation, which they can submit for competition in high-level science fairs and symposiums locally and nationally. It is a rigorous program which attracts students interested in pursuing a career in the STEM fields. Currently there are 16 Continued on page 4

Facilities Updates Ready for Summer Start

Spring has sprung and just as many people are heading outdoors to get ready for the upcoming season, the buildings that make up the Mount Pleasant Central School District are being prepared for their seasonal updates. Hawthorne, Columbus and the Westlake campus will be a buzz of activity as many facilities improvement projects funded through our capital bond and recent annual budgets get underway. What Can You Expect? Work at all locations is expected to commence at the end of June when the students depart for the summer. Andrew Lennon, Director of Business Administration and Eric Strack, Director of Facilities, have been working diligently with the district’s architect and construction management teams to ensure all the required approvals are in place and permits are received so that the much anticipated work can begin as planned. At Hawthorne, approved in the annual capital budget, the exterior Continued on page 2

Important Dates April 17: School board candidate petitions due

Residents of the district who wish to run for two open seats on the Board of Education should fill out a nominating petition available at the District Clerk’s office. Completed petitions must be submitted to the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 17.

April 27: Incoming K parent orientation

Parents of incoming kindergartners will be welcomed at Hawthorne Elementary at 3:30 p.m. where they will receive valuable information including: the K screening process, overview of the school day, PTA welcome, question and answer session and a tour of the building.

Open to current 7th, 8th and 9th graders.

For more information and to register, please visit mtplcsd.org/steam

FROM THE HEART • Spring 2017

Community Involvement is Key to Success Spring is officially underway! Days are filled with new learning and the afternoons are somewhat muddy as Westlake athletic teams venture outside for practices and competitions.

Susan Guiney, Ed.D Superintendent

Facilities Update - Community Involvement, Bond, and Capital Work This school year, the district initiated a Facilities Advisory Committee. The committee, comprised of parents, community members, and staff, toured the school facilities and is discussing the district’s five year facilities plan. With so much to accomplish in our school buildings, it’s important to keep a careful eye on planning and take economies of scale especially as the district begins its bond infrastructure work and funds capital projects through the annual budget. So much is planned for this summer at all of our buildings from new roofs to updated heating systems (see page 1 for more details). Our schools will host construction crews and materials this summer rather than campers at Westlake and Columbus. While it won’t look glitzy when it’s done, these major infrastructure improvements will make a critical difference in our buildings and classrooms. Thank you to the Facilities Advisory Committee for their ongoing support and shared expertise as we move forward.

Community involvement and building partnerships with parents are important in any successful school disPupil Personnel Update - Superintendent’s Adtrict.

visory Council Increasing opportunities for community involve-

Facilities

Continued from page 1

facade will undergo masonry work. Additionally, the cupola will be replaced due to deterioration. On the Columbus campus, also included under the capital budget line, there is much work planned for the summer. Permits are in place to begin the HVAC system and control upgrades, roof replacement, boiler replacement, installation of natural gas lines and conversion from steam pipe heating to a more efficient hot water heating system. The work is expected to be completed before the start of school in September. Another important project this summer is the replacement of the elevator at the Westlake campus. The current elevator, which is original to the middle school, is in need of replacement. Permits are now in place and the new elevator will be up and running during 2017-18 school year. Funds appropriated in the Operations and Maintenance budget will be stretched

ment and building partnerships with parents are important in any successful school district. This is especially true in the area of Special Education as we address the learning needs of students with disabilities. Last year, the Board of Education and I spent time speaking with parents and community members regarding the restructuring and redevelopment of the special education department in our schools. As an outgrowth of these conversations, and in conjunction with a member of our school community, Ms. Maria Jost, the Superintendent’s Advisory Council was formed this year. This group establishes a cadre of knowledgeable parents and staff who will serve as a personal resource to other parents with children in special education. As part of the Advisory’s conversations, we learned that many families are asking for a description of “Pupil Personnel Services”, the new name of the special education department. In the past under the title of “special education”, the department included health services and the nurses, the school psychologists, and the guidance department. This department focuses on so much more than students with disabilities. Knowing this, we decided to rename this department “Pupil Personnel Services”, a name that describes all the areas encompassed by the department and all of our students. We look forward to sharing more information with parents and the community on this timely topic. Looking forward to seeing you at the many events planned for this spring!

to cover many other routine maintenance items and minor upgrades. In addition to the annual painting and repairs, other items on the agenda include replacement of many interior and exterior doors around the district to address issues related to deterioration, energy efficiency, fire safety and security. Ceiling tiles are in need of replacement in multiple locations as well. Funds generated from the bond will cover the cost of many of these necessities, however, not all doors and ceilings were included in the original plan. Mr. Strack is also hopeful that funds from the facilities budget will be used toward improvements in the middle school cafeteria including renovating the floor and ceiling tiles, lighting and furniture. Additionally, these funds, together with generous donations from the PTA, will be spent on drinking fountains and bottle fillers to be added in select locations. Bond Related Work After the facilities bond was approved in October 2016, plans were set in place for

phase one of implementation of capital improvements. It takes many months to acquire state approvals and building permits for the planned projects. The first item on the agenda is roof replacement and repairs at Westlake Middle School and over the high school auditorium. The work is expected to begin at the end of June and continue throughout the summer. A construction staging area will be set up adjacent to WHS. In the future it will move to the base of the campus on the tennis courts. This will allow for easy delivery of materials and minimal disruption to the campus as work continues over the next several years, but will, however, render the courts unusable for the remainder of the construction timeline. We are excited to be moving forward with this long anticipated work. While the students enjoy time away from the classrooms, the campuses will be far from quiet. When the students come back in September with their shiny new shoes, the buildings will be shining with their new upgrades as well.

Top: The Pires family hams it up in Kindergarten. Below: Mrs. Partelow’s first graders sing for their parents. Second graders put on a show. Alina Diaz and her mom work on math games.

During the months of February and March, Hawthorne and Columbus students had the chance to show off their classrooms and work to their families. Each grade enjoyed an evening where parents were welcomed to take part in some of the lessons being taught to their children. Kindergartners had a Dr. Seuss theme. In addition to showing off all of their work around the classroom, the students had a Cat in the Hat mask that they completed with their families. First graders sang songs, completed math games and worked on a kite project together. The second graders joined forces to put on an energetic concert about being kind to others. Over at Columbus, fourth grade students and their parents were treated to an evening of fun and games involving math. It was a way to share some of the concepts the children are being taught through the common core curriculum. Fifth graders enjoyed a night of science showing off their research projects (read more about it on page 5). The third grade will enjoy their Celebration of Leaning evening on May 9th.

FROM THE HEART • Spring 2017

Celebrating Learning

IB in Action: The Community Leadership Project

The experience teaches the students to work independently on a self-directed project, communicate effectively in a variety of situations and gain an appreciation for community service. Rich Hennessy, who teaches 7th and 8th grade social studies and is one of the CLP supervisors, says students have risen to the challenge. He is amazed at their accomplishments, especially considering Olivia Cartano, Samantha Lubart, and Isa- this is the first group of students to underbella Graci play music for the elderly. take this program. Throughout the halls Martin Luther King Jr. has been quoted of the middle school, posters encourage as saying ‘If I cannot do great things, I can people to recycle water bottles to raise do small things in a great way’. This year, money for school improvements, buy 8th grade students have the opportunity baked goods to help animal shelters, and to learn just how much those small things donate games and art supplies to the local add up. As part of the Middle Years Pro- children’s hospital. Eighth graders Olivia Cartano, Isabelgram (MYP) IB curriculum, the Commula Graci and Samantha Lubart parlayed nity Leadership Project (CLP) challenges students to determine a need in the com- their passion for music into a meaningful project playing small concerts for resimunity and take action to address it. At the beginning of the school year, dents of the Jewish Home for the Elderly WMS Principal, Dr. Adam Bronstein, conducted an assembly kicking off the inaugural event. Students are tasked with identifying a problem, investigating a solution, and then implementing a plan of action. At the conclusion of their service, students must reflect on their experiences and present their data for a grade. The project culminates in an evening celebration where all students share their reKaraqi, Brianna Meuse and Thea Sinis search with teachers, family and friends. Nicole collect food for the SPCA.

in Fairfield, CT where Samantha’s grandmother works. Each has played individually for years, but for this project they played as a group. The response was better than they could have hoped for. One of the caregivers told them that a woman who was singing along with their music hadn’t uttered a word in months. All the residents continue to ask when they will be coming back, which the three girls would love to do. Another group, Nicole Karaqi, Brianna Meuse and Thea Sinis, decided to focus on helping the animals at the local chapter of the SPCA. They spent about 10 hours over several weekends collecting food, toys and cleaning products to benefit the organization. They were thrilled to deliver a huge haul to the Briarcliff Manor chapter. Nicole admits that when she first learned about the project it sounded a little overwhelming, but that it turned out to be fun and exciting to make a difference and help others. She definitely plans to continue her community service efforts outside of school. Students are currently in the reflection stage of the process and will be working on presentations to be shared at the evening celebration on Wednesday, June 7th. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend to learn more about the great, small things that are happening under the framework of the IB curriculum.

FROM THE HEART • Spring 2017

Science Fair Continued from page 4

students enrolled in the program, with 23 registered for next year. They spend a minimum of 3 hours per week during the school year and countless more over the summer conducting their research and pursuing their scientific passion. Congratulations to the following students for their impressive achievements: Junior Joelle El Hamouche won 4th place in Medicine & Health for her original study Investigating the EET-PGC-1aHO-1 axis: The Role of CO in Mitigating Obesity and Diabetes Through Regulation of Adipocyte Differentiation. Joelle was mentored by scientists at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY. Junior Isabelle Joseph won 4th place in Cellular & Molecular Biology for her original study Evaluation of Gremlin1 as a Candidate Gene in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants Using Clinically Obtained DNA Samples. Isabelle was mentored by scientists at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY. Junior Zach Lubart won 3rd place in Behavioral Science for his original study Perceptions of Nurse Stereotypes Among High School Students. Zach was mentored by a scientist at City University of New York in Manhattan, NY. Junior Philip Markuszweski won the Ricoh Sustainable Energy Award (for outstanding efforts addressing issues of environmental responsibility and sustainable development) for his original study Less Stress for the Lone Wolf? How Pack Size Affects Stress Levels in a Woodland Sanctuary. Philip was mentored by a scientist at the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY. Senior Meenu Mundackal won 3rd place in Medicine & Health for her original study Investigation of VancomycinAssociated Nephrotoxicity Among Pediatric Patients Before and After a Sepsis Protocol. Meenu was

mentored by a scientist at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY. Junior Charles Panzarella won 4th place in Medicine & Health for his original study Using Optokinetic Reflexes to Quantify Vision in Non-Communicative Pediatric Patients. Charles was mentored by scientists at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, NY, and Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY. Senior Peter Psaltakis won the American Meteorological Society Award (for a creative scientific endeavor in atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences), the Stockholm Junior Water Prize (for top water-related projects) with a nomination to compete at the state level, and 3rd place in Computational Biol- Peter Psaltakis presents his original science reogy and Bioinformatics for his origi- search poster which earned him a nomination to nal study Safe to Swim Today? Predic- compete at the state level. tive Regression Models for Enterococci The students and he would like to Levels. Peter was mentored by a scientist thank the many colleagues who helped at Manhattan College in Riverdale, NY. them practice their presentations, as Senior Ryan Stasolla won the Office of well as the Mount Pleasant Education Naval Research Award (for outstanding Foundation for a generous grant to build projects in science, technology, engineer- wooden poster boards so students could ing and/or mathematics) for his original display their work more professionally study Cracking the Complex: New Insights and competitively. into the Interactions Between FSFG Repeats and NTF2 in the Nuclear Pore Complex. Ryan was mentored by a scientist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Seeking research mentors If you are a professional in one of Bronx, NY. Senior Xavier Varga won 4th place in the fields below and are interested in Chemistry for his original study Mag- overseeing a student’s original research netocrystalline Anisotropy and Magnetic project, contact Lawrence McIntyre at Properties of Gadolinium, Terbium and lmcintyre@mtplcsd.org. Dysprosium. Xavier was mentored by a Science fields: Earth/Planetary scientist at the U.S. Department of En- Animal Engineering ergy’s Ames Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. Environmental Behavioral/Social Mr. McIntyre is extremely proud of his Biochemistry Mathematical entire group and all the work they put in Cellular Biology Medicine/Health to achieve this success. He notes “This Molecular Biology Microbiology is a unique course where students learn Chemistry Physics real-world skills for college and life” Computer Science Plant

3rd Place Finish at States! Senior Ryan Stasolla (left) won 3rd place at the at the 2017 Upstate NY Junior Science and Humanities Symposia (JSHS) for his poster presentation titled “Cracking the Code: New Insights into the Interactions Between FSFG Repeats and NTF2 in the Nuclear Pore Complex”. The 69 students from 41 schools who presented their original scientific research at the 32nd Annual event were the finalists from over 500 talented science research students who competed at regional events.

Westlake’s Middle and High School Science Olympiad teams achieved great success at the Lower Hudson Valley Science Olympiad Regional Competitions this winter. The high school competition was held at Byram Hills High School on February 11th and the middle school event was on March 4th at Scarsdale Middle School. Approximately 40 students, along with team leaders Mr. Thomas Hall and Mr. Raymond Szczcerba, spent many afterschool hours over the past several months preparing for these prestigious events. The Science Olympiad is an academic competition consisting of 23 events covering earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Each school is allowed to enter a team of 15 students, but at Westlake Middle School the interest is so strong that there are two teams able to enter each competition. The team is encouraged to compete in all 23 events with each student choosing two or three subjects to focus on. Events can be knowledge-based (written exam), hands-on (lab practicals or device testing), or engineering-based (participants bring a pre-constructed device to do a specified task). The middle school team placed 10th out

of 30 teams with many top awards (see sidebar). The coaches were most proud of earning the Spirit Award for Sportsmanship. The morning of the competition, other teams arrived with a hovercraft not meeting the safety regulations and several Westlake students jumped in to give a hand to the competitors so that they too would be able to compete. Mr. Hall, who teaches 7th and 8th grade science at Westlake Middle School, stresses that this is more than a club, it is a team. It requires coaching, preparation, commitment and practice throughout the entire year. These students have dedicated themselves to something they are passionate about. Both Mr. Hall and Mr. Szczcerba, who have been running the Science Olympiad clubs together for about five years, agree that the biggest source of support comes from the parents, without whom the club would not survive. They help in every sense from purchasing supplies and bringing food to late night work sessions to helping their kids come up with solutions to their engineering challenges and driving them to competitions. Its is a true team effort and one that is rewarding for everyone involved.

Westlake Middle School Team Top row: Ray Szczerba, Macarthur Varga, Kaitlyn Park, Elisabeth Carpinelli, Marilyn Morocho, Olivia Cartano, Christina Kelly, Jenna Cain, Pranav Vadapalli, Peter Mardjonovic, Richard Clark, Tom Hall. Middle Row: Alessia Pellegrini, Arianna Pelligrini, Andrew Park, Jake Pallogudis, Vito Malaj, Matteus Louzada. Front Row: David Levine, Moses Khan, Rizon Eldho, Ryan Cowles, Ava DiSalvo, Jonathan Rubeo

Igniting the Interest Early

Fifth graders have also had the opportunity to delve into science research. In March, Columbus hosted the Fifth Annual Science Fair. The science fair is an exciting event that encourages students to think like young scientists. Students demonstrated their understanding of the scientific method and showcased their problemsolving and writing skills through varied experiments, such as The Best Way to Wash Your Hands, Does Mint Really Cool?, and Soda and Your Teeth. Then they presented their hypotheses, data, and conclusions for

Medal winners Middle School 1st place: Kaitlyn Park and Olivia Cartano — Disease Detective 1st place: Elisabeth Carpinelli and Ava DiSalvo — Herpetology 1st place: Jake Pallogudis and Pranav Vadapalli — Rocks and Minerals 1st place: Jenna Cain and Christina Kelly— Wright Stuff 2nd place: Vito Malaj and Matteus Louzada — Hovercraft 5th place: Kaitlyn Park and Andrew Park— Meteorology 6th place: Richard Clarke and Moses Khan — Mystery Design

FROM THE HEART • Spring 2017

Science Olympiad Teams Place at Regionals

High School 4th place: Amanda Sabha and Dean Perkins — Helicopter 7th place: Luke Kramer and Dean Perkins — Robot Arm

Westlake High School Team Top row: Ray Szczerba, Alexa McGill, Jennifer Hutnik, Megi Suko, Xavier Varga, Dean Perkins, Luke Kramer, Caleb Levitz, Tom Hall. Front row: Joelle El Hamouche, Isabelle Joseph, Danielle Porco, Amanda Sabha, Paul Gschneidner, Helen Michaels, Olivia Eng

visitors. Friends and family got involved by voting for their favorite experiments at computerized voting stations. Congratulations to everyone on a job well done. Most Surprising Results: Jackie Nuccio and Eva Cangialosi - The Birthday Paradox Most Useful Information: Joshua Cowles and Joey Casella - Bacteria on Your Body Best Overall Project: James Maxwell and Sophia Remo - Gummy Bear Osmosis

Joshua Cowles and Joey Casella present their science research project: Bacteria on Your Body.

FROM THE HEART • Spring 2017

In the Theater...

This year, the John S. Whearty Theater was home to two incredible shows performed by Westlake Middle School students and the Westlake Players of Westlake High School. In February, WMS performed “Getting to Know the Sound of Music”. Dr. Nancy Engel directed two separate casts for WMS students in “Getting to Know the two successful nights of perforSound of Music” mances. In March, the Westlake Players presented Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” directed by Phil Cutrone. They played to sold out audiences in each of their five performances. “The Little Mermaid” was one of the most spectacular musicals done in recent years. Congratulations to all involved in the productions. Westlake Players present “The Little

Social Studies Honor Society inducts 24 Westlake High School’s Rho Kappa chapter of the National Council for the Social Studies inducted twenty-four new members on March 7. Criteria for membership include high honors in social studies with an overall GPA of 85 or better, community service and a completed community project. Inductees are: Sally Bedus Allison Brunetto Julianna Buckley Amelia Caston Zachary Chapins Keira Donnelly Joelle El Hamouche Michael Farina Luciano Giannini Isabelle Joseph Brian Kelly Zachary Lubart

Christina Mangione Gabriella Maniscalco Daniella Maric Maeve McArdle Divya Mundackal Caroline Murray Terence O’Brien Charles Panzarella Kelly Pierce Susan Pinchiaroli Lauren Schneider Austin You

Mermaid”

Lower Hudson Regional Media Arts Award Winners

Several dozen Westlake High School students submitted their Photography, Graphic Design, Computer Art and Films and Video’s to the Lower Hudson Regional Media Arts Show and won Exemplary Awards. Presidents’ Awards were presented to Noelle Scaplehorn (2D Design), Emily Rubino (2D Design), Tommy Olszewski (Film and Video) and Tommy Olszewski, Nick Rivello, Aidan Glendon, and Julia O’Connell for their film “The First Date”. In order to receive this award students must submit an entire body of work which shows noteworthy content, a creative approach, attention to composition, a command of craft, and be visually and technically outstanding. Congratulations to the following students from Claudia Abate and Lauren Morris’ classes:

Exemplary Awards – 2D Art:

Exemplary Awards – Video:

Arianna Albino Jillian Barbero Mikaela Birch Jillian Cannata Caleigh Carr Pheobe Chen Kyle Dearborn Sophia DiMiceli Rachel Faso Michael Fischer Casie Galletti Liam Gibbons Kiran Hanif Lauren Johanson Caroline Mooney Dhanya Mundackal

Arianna Albino Adrianna Albino Michael Fischer Aidan Glendon* Sean Martin Julia O’Connell* Tommy Olszewski* Nick Rivello Tom Rubino

Denise Nguyen Emily Pensabene Dean Perkins Cayleigh Power Emily Rubino* Noelle Scaplehorn* Lauren Schneider Emma Schulze Angelica Seigler Kaia Sherman Alessandro Spetrillo Taylor Steilman Kiara Terrero Freyja Varga * President’s Award

* President’s Award

From Top: Caleigh Carr: Marie Averopoulos Pop Art (Graphic Design), Kia Sherman: Chalk, Emily Rubino: Veins

Valedictorian/Salutatorian

Congratulations to seniors Alexandra (Ally) Falkenberg and Kelly Martin for being named Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively. These students ranked number one and number two in Kelly Mar- their class academically. tin and Ally Ally will head to UniverFalkenberg sity of Michigan in the fall and Kelly will be attending Binghamton University.

HOBY Leader

Sophomore Richard Petrillo was chosen as this year’s Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Student Ambassador. One sophomore is chosen each year to represent Westlake High School at a three-day Richard HOBY Leadership Seminar Petrillo to be held in June at Adelphi University. Richard will participate in leadership skill development with other sophomores from the New York State area. He was nominated by members of the faculty for his outstanding leadership ability, positive attitude, sensitivity to others and excellent communication skills.

All-County Performers

The All County Music Festival, held at SUNY Purchase on March 4, included students from our elementary and intermediate music levels. This festival showcases outstanding musicians. Elementary All-County band: Isabella Alberti, Samuel Kiamie, and Tobias McNamara. Intermediate All-County Band: Michael Clarke, Marco Graci, Matthew McClure, Joseph Miele and Javier Wurster and Roman Raguso. WMS chorus students included: Jennifer Straface, Charlotte Catarina, Emma Delau, Michael Straface, Macarthur Varga, Alessia Pellegrini and Zoe Lisa.

Young authors

Some of Westlake’s most talented writers were chosen to attend the Annual Young Authors Conference in March at Westchester Community College joining over 360 student writers from 24 high schools. Westlake students had the opportunity to work with professional writers, educators, novelists, poets, journalists, screenwriters and editors from diverse fields. Congratulations to the following students on being named an outstanding young author: Amanda Bradley, Colleen Bradley, Samantha LaScala, Nicole Musial, Arianna Edwards, Liam Naughton, Jake Szeszko, Lea Bonsignore, Gabi Donovan, Olivia Eng, Katelyn Jaime, Caleb Levitt, Paul Gschneidner, Roman Raguso, and Sam Castellano. Kylie Gottlieb and Freyja Varga participated in the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Young Authors Master Class where their writing was selected to part of a prestigious county-wide anthology

Lion’s Club Students of the Month

solving skills in a fun, safe and electronic free environment. Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts participated in individual Game Nights where they relinquished their electronics to problem solve and communicate with one Valeria another. Afterward, Valeria Venturini donated the games to North East Westchester Special Recreation in Hawthorne which provides year round services to children with special needs.

FROM THE HEART • Spring 2017

And kudos to …

PE Award Recipients

Fifth graders Riley Giaccone, Jake Nargi, Catherine Nebel and Aidan Short have been selected by their physical education teachers to receive the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance award. The award recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, sportsmanship and good citizenship in physical education class. The four will receive their awards at a ceremony at Beacon High School on May 13th.

Scrap Paper Magazine

Jessica Kaplan

Peter Vogel

Angela Mangione

Jessica Kaplan, Peter Vogel, Angela Mangione and Brian Bennett have been chosen as Thornwood Lion’s Club “Student of the Month” for January, February, March and April reBrian spectively. The seniors were Bennett nominated by their teachers and guidance counselors for their exceptional service to their school and/ or community. They were recognized at a Lion’s Club dinner on April 6th and received a plaque for their “service above self.”

Gold Award Winner

On March 10th, WHS Senior Valeria Venturini followed up her 2013 Silver Award with her Gold Award, the highest honor for a Girl Scout. She has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten. Her project, entitled “Reconnect”, helped foster communication and problem

Westlake High School’s literary magazine “Scrap Paper” received several awards this year. For the second year in a row, they won the Award of Excellence in the 2016 Student Literary Magazine contest sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English. The contest attracted 355 entries. The Award of Excellence is given to school magazines that demonstrate high quality in all ratings categories, but in particular strong writing. It is the second highest honor behind a “superior” rating. They also won a 2nd Place award from the American Scholastic Press Association. The Scrap Paper staff includes Chloe Burns, Katie Burns, Jillian Cannata, Kyra Higgins, Denise Nguyen, Sarita Servidio, Lauren Unger, Valeria Venturini and Blerina Verzivolli.

Teacher Certifications

Congratulations to the following teachers who recently passed the Google Certified Educator Level 1 Exam after completing the in-house Google Certified Educator Study Group facilitated by Mary Knopp and Dr. Nasrin Rouzati: Carolyn Blanchard, Claire Iannone, Deirdre Kelly, Mary Knopp, Brian McClintock and Sarah McPherson.

FROM THE HEART • Spring 2017

16 May

Mark Your Calendar Tuesday May 16th Budget Vote and School Board Elections 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Westlake H.S. More information will be coming soon.

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 Laurie Donato Vincent Graci Colleen Scaglione Neglia John Piazza Eric Schulze

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

Superintendent Dr. Susan Guiney Correspondence Phone: 769-5500 • Fax 769-3733 Web: www.mtplcsd.org Editor/email contributions Alyson Walsh/awalsh@mtplcsd.org

Wildcat News … Winter Season Recap There were many milestones this winter season as Westlake athletes excelled on the court, pool, rink, mat and track. BOYS’ BASKETBALL

(7-14)

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

(13-9)

Wildcats in the News

Scholar Athlete Team Coaches: Chad Charney, Creig Graves, Jeff Charney All-League: Joseph Ferri Scholar Athlete Team Sectionals: First round win vs. Pleasantville Tournament Champs: Sacred Heart Kathy Mayer Classic Coaches: Sean P. Mayer; Asst. Nicole Dacchille All-Section: Natalie Alfieri, (MVP Kathy Mayer Classic) All-League: Natalie Alfieri, Jesi Oswald (All tournament team Kathy Mayer Classic) ICE HOCKEY

(4-15-1)

Second in Conference III League C Post-Season Results: Won opening round vs. ETB in OT. Coaches: Josh Isenberg, Chris Abramo All-Section Honorable Mention: Shayan Farjam, Vincent Spaziante All-League: Shayan Farjam, Vincent Spaziante WINTER TRACK

Scholar Athlete Team Coach: Devon White, Martin Rodriguez League Champs: High Jump: Pete Vogel; 4 x 200: Eric Nieves, Brian Kelly, Timothy John Policarpio, Kane Lyons; Shot Put: Julia Remo BOYS SWIM/DIVE (6-1)

Scholar Athlete Team 1 st Place League 2 , Sectionals- 12 th Place Coach: Anthony Pizzolla, Michael Williams, Mike Darland All-League: Liam Naughton

Natalie Alfieri hits 1000 points Natalie Alfieri made Lady Wildcat basketball history as the first female athlete to score a career high 1,000 points! She did so at the Blind Brook game on 12/8 where they pulled out a 51-35 victory. Natalie was selected to the All-Section team for the third straight year. She was also named MVP of the Kathy Mayer Classic and won the Isabel Costa Academic Athletic Award. This prestigious award is given to a player that demonstrates achievement in basketball, academics, community and school involvement. Natalie will be playing basketball for SUNY Geneseo next year. WRESTLING

(2-6)

Scholar Athlete Team JV Sectionals: 2rd place: Jacob Petfield; 3rd place: Victor Mora Coaches: Sal Fuschetto, Nick Vieni All-League: Brian Eng, Victor Mora, Jacob Petfield

Domenick Fensore selected for National Team camp. Congratulations to sophomore Domenick Fensore for being selected to USA Hockey’s 2017-18 U.S. National Under-17 Team. Domenick was one of only 23 players in the country chosen for this honor. He was noted for his agility, explosive skating style and poise with the puck during tryouts. The defenseman will spend the next two years in Plymouth, MI attending school and training with the national team. At the end of his tenure with Team USA, he will suit up to play for Quinnipiac University to which he has already committed.

CHEERLEADING

Competition: 1st Place Pocono Regional; 1st Place Garden State Championship; 3rd Place North Rockland Competition; 1st Place Scarsdale Competition; 6th Place National HS Cheerleading Championship- Orlando Florida Coaches: Lauren McNamara, Nicole Casale

FROM THE HEART • Spring 2017

16 May

Mark Your Calendar Tuesday May 16th Budget Vote and School Board Elections 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Westlake H.S. More information will be coming soon.

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 Laurie Donato Vincent Graci Colleen Scaglione Neglia John Piazza Eric Schulze

* * * ECRWSS * * * POSTAL CUSTOMER HAWTHORNE, NY 10532

Superintendent Dr. Susan Guiney Correspondence Phone: 769-5500 • Fax 769-3733 Web: www.mtplcsd.org Editor/email contributions Alyson Walsh/awalsh@mtplcsd.org

Wildcat News … Winter Season Recap There were many milestones this winter season as Westlake athletes excelled on the court, pool, rink, mat and track. BOYS’ BASKETBALL

(7-14)

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

(13-9)

Wildcats in the News

(4-15-1)

Scholar Athlete Team 1 st Place League 2 , Sectionals- 12 th Place Coach: Anthony Pizzolla, Michael Williams, Mike Darland All-League: Liam Naughton

(2-6)

Scholar Athlete Team JV Sectionals: 2rd place: Jacob Petfield; 3rd place: Victor Mora Coaches: Sal Fuschetto, Nick Vieni All-League: Brian Eng, Victor Mora, Jacob Petfield

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