Winter 2018-19
From the Heart Mount Pleasant — The Heart of Westchester County
The Mount Pleasant Central School District Newsletter
Volume 18, Issue 2
May the Code Be With You
Middle schoolers experience the power of coding There’s nothing like a little friendly competition to create motivation and engage students in learning new skills. That’s exactly what WMS Tech Ed teacher Ely Perry had in mind when he introduced the Cyber Robotics Coding Competition (CRCC) to his students. The CRCC is a cloud-based robotics tournament that teaches true beginners the basics of programming and coding. Students progress through a series of activities utilizing drag-and-drop blocks (Blockly programming). This easyto-use interface helps students learn computational thinking and the coding process. As they complete missions that introduce them to programming, mechanics, and physics, the challenges becomes more advanced. Students are eventually given access to the code behind the blocks, allowing them to begin to learn Java, the language of programming. “What I really liked about the program was that students were able to work at their own pace. Those who mastered it quickly could move ahead to the next level which allowed me to give a little extra help to the others that needed it,” reflected Mr. Perry. The video-game look and feel of the lessons makes it fun. The school-toschool competition is what keeps them
motivated. Schools can compete locally and statewide. There are several phases to the competition. Phase one is Boot Camp. During Boot Camp, students learn the foundations of programming. With more than 50 missions to complete, this 6th graders Adam Cartano, Caleigh Finck, Aine O’Sullivan, and James phase lasts several Miele were chosen to represent Westlake at the CRCC finals. weeks. Each school earns points for from across NY. A second team was inclusivity (what percentage of their invited based on the inclusivity score. 6th total population are participating) and graders Adam Cartano, Caleigh Finck, for completing missions accurately. The Aine O’Sullivan, and James Miele were next step is Qualifiers. Missions become chosen to represent Westlake. The finals more challenging and complex. As consisted of a “code-a-thon” where 15+ teams complete the 20+ missions, they missions had to be completed under a continue to earn points. The schools time constraint. The students admitted with the highest average scores from that the finals were a bit more challenging Boot Camp and Qualifiers are then than they expected, but that they really invited to participate in the live finals. enjoyed it. Aine O’Sullivan remarked, Westlake placed first out of 30 teams in “I would definitely recommend this to the Boot Camp which earned them a spot others because it was a fun and exciting for one team of two students in the New York State Finals in Long Island where Continued on page 2 they competed against middle schoolers
Important Dates Kindergarten pre-registration Parents of children entering kindergarten in September 2019 should fill out a pre-registration form, available at www.mtplcsd. org. The form should be submitted by February 1, 2019. Pre-registration forms are also available in the Hawthorne Elementary School office and the District Office.
WMS presents
WhS presents
Jan 31- Feb 2 @ 7 p.m. Feb 3 at 1 p.m.
March 29, 30, April 5 & 6 at 8 p.m., March 31 at 1 p.m.
J.S. Whearty Theater at Westlake High School
J.S. Whearty Theater at Westlake High School
Out-of-district transportation forms
Students attending an out-ofdistrict school in September 2019 must fill out a transportation application and return it to the District Office no later than April 1, 2019. Applications are available at www.mtplcsd.org under the “Transportation” quick link on the home page.
From the Heart • Winter 2018-19
The Future is Bright
Happy New Year! As we turn the calendar to January and celebrate the beginning of a new year, it is a great time for us to take pause and reflect on all of the positive experiences that have transpired since September. In the spirit of truly being a lifelong learner, I have taken great pleasure in all that I have learned about our academic, artistic and athletic communities. I am confident that the future Kurtis Kotes, is bright for our schools and our community. It is my Ed.D. hope for our students and their families that they too Superintendent feel the passion and fulfillment in their learning every day at Mount Pleasant. For our high school students, especially our seniors, this is a time that can prove to be very busy and stressful. Most, if not all of them, are deeply involved in the college application process. The excitement of their acceptances will soon follow providing them all such fulfillment for the hard work that they have put in for so long. They, as have so many other Westlake graduates, serve as role models for younger students as an example of hard work and dedication. We wish each and every senior great success in their college search processes. For all of our other high school, middle school and elementary students, we are at the midpoint of the year! This is a great time for them to evaluate what
Coding
Continued from page 1
experience.” The CRCC is arranged and sponsored by ISCEF, a non-profit educational foundation. CRCC Competition Master Trevor Pope explained, “We want to make sure that every single student has access to coding and robotics. Whatever job you apply to, if you don’t understand technology at some level, you will be at a disadvantage. Kids now need to be more technology savvy for their future.” A core value of CRCC is to show that anyone at any age can learn to code. Thanks to programs like these, and teachers like Mr. Perry, Westlake students are setting off on the path toward the future.
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Mr. Perry explaining the coding software to students in the classroom.
has been working well for them and to determine where they need to grow. Continue to work hard and persevere all the way until June. Summer will be here before you know it! My very best to the Wildcat Community! I look forward to continuing to see the great things that happen throughout all of our schools!
Welcome Mr. Amann
Congratulations to Mr. Ken Amann who will be taking the reins as the Westlake High School Assistant Principal. The much beloved Mr. Amann has been teaching math to high school students in Mount Pleasant for more than 25 years. In 2005, he was appointed the Mathematics Curriculum Leader for grades 6-12, a role which has allowed him to help shape the successful math curriculum taught at Westlake today. In a letter to the community Mr. Amann states, “I am honored to serve in this new role and look forward to serving the students, parents, teachers, and community of Mt. Pleasant Central School District.”
Thank you for your service, Mr. Novak After serving as the WHS Assistant Principal for two and half years, Dan Novak will be saying goodbye to Westlake at the end of January to pursue an opportunity that brings him back to his roots. Mr. Novak will take over the role of Regional Coordinator for Environmental Education at the Putnam - Northern Westchester BOCES. This position marries his love of teaching natural science and his commitment to educational leadership. He will be working with a staff of naturalists and teachers as they work to create educational programs that affect students’ environmental ethic and help them connect with nature, each other and the planet as a whole.
In a letter to the staff and students, Mr. Novak expressed how much he will miss the daily interactions with the wonderful community he was welcomed into from day one, “It has truly been my privilege to serve as your school leader and it is an experience that will shape me forever. I can only hope that I have been able to make a positive impact on as many individuals as have impacted me and that the Westlake way continues to be one of open-mindedness and growth for years and years to come.” His new position will also give him the opportunity to continue to develop the non-profit that he helped create, Hudson Valley H2O. The goal of HVH2O is to foster a connection with the environment, especially the Hudson River, by providing waterfront educational programs for local schools and the community with free or lowcost access to canoes and kayaks for exploration of the area. Best of luck to you, Mr. Novak!
For the fourth straight year, local veterans were honored publicly by the Columbus Elementary School community. The annual “Take a Vet to School Day”, a History Channel initiative, was celebrated two days before Veterans Day. The students and staff were excited to welcome more than 60 veterans from the Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq wars and to show them appreciation for their service. It was also a great opportunity for young students to learn about the significance of the day. “I think it’s very good for the younger generation to realize what we’ve all gone through just to keep us the great country we are,” expressed U.S. Navy veteran Dennis Cucinella who was at Columbus visiting his niece and nephew. Since it’s inception in 2015, the attendance has more than doubled. The
school-wide event, organized by Columbus teacher Christine Galbo, whose father served in Vietnam, is a highlight for many of the local veterans. They are able to share stories and memorabilia from their time served and feel the appreciation from all those in attendance. Superintendent Dr. Kurtis Kotes summed it up when he said “There is no greater gift that we can give than that of ourselves. These people sitting here today gave us the gift of service to our country. Please know how grateful we truly are for everything that you have done.”
Veterans Chester Edwards and Dennis Cucinella were bestowed with a Westlake High School diploma by Superintendent Dr. Kurtis Kotes. They left high school to serve their country before having the chance to graduate. Left: Scan the QR code to watch the video of the ceremony.
From the Heart • Winter 2018-19
CES celebrates the Fourth Annual Take a Vet to School
Clockwise from top Left: Veterans of all ages enjoyed a welcome breakfast at Columbus Elementary School. Marine veteran Frank Pellegrino shares photos from his time in service. The Boy Scouts rolled out a special American flag. Boy Scouts salute the veterans as they present the colors.
Kindness is Contagious Columbus students attended an assembly in January to kick off an exciting new kindness initiative, the Ben’s Bells Kindness Project, generously funded by the elementary PTA. The mission of Ben’s Bells is to teach individuals and communities about the positive impacts of intentional kindness and to inspire people to practice kindness as a way of life. According to Ben’s Bells, research demonstrates that kindness benefits our physical and mental health, and that recognizing kindness in others increases a person’s happiness and satisfaction. Through staff role playing, discussion and videos, students at the assembly learned that kindness is a skill which can
be taught and practiced. The assembly focused on how words and actions impact others’ self-esteem. Students learned that showing empathy for others can truly make a difference in the world. Character education lessons in the classroom in the coming months will focus on learning how to resolve conflicts in kind and respectful ways. The Ben’s Bells Kindness Project allows students and staff to nominate people they have observed showing intentional acts of kindness toward themselves or others. Each month, one winner from each grade and one staff member will be selected and recognized publicly. To learn more about this wonderful
program, a Ben’s Bells family workshop will take place during the PTA meeting on February 12th. It will be a great opportunity to learn how Ben’s Bells can positively impact our school community and the world at large.
Students eagerly take forms to nominate their peers for showing kindness.
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From the Heart • Winter 2018-19
Happy New Year!
Colleen Scaglione Neglia BOE President
On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year. The beginning of this school year was an exciting time for Westlake as we welcomed our new Superintendent, Dr. Kotes. The students, administrators, faculty, staff, and community have positively embraced his leadership. Dr. Kotes has quickly familiarized himself with all the improvements funded by the 2016 school bond, including the work currently completed and what is planned for the summer of 2019. In the fall, the Board of Education attended the NYSSBA conference in New York City and heard from educational leaders across the state on ways to attain excellence in public education. We were also fortunate to share in the “Take a Vet to School” day at Columbus Elementary School where we acknowledged and thanked our veterans for their service to our country. The administrators recognized our local veterans Dennis Cucinella and Chet Edwards, who were awarded an honorary high school degree. Finally, before the break, we had the opportunity to celebrate our students’ achievements in winter concert performances, sporting events, and academics. The Citizens Budget Advisory Committee and Facilities Advisory Committee have started to review the district’s needs and recommend areas to improve. As we approach the budget season, their valuable input is greatly appreciated so that we can create a fiscally responsible 2019-20 school budget that continues to support our current programs and focus on important student initiatives. As we will soon be welcoming a new Assistant Principal, we would like to take a moment to thank Assistant Principal, Mr. Novak, for his role at Westlake High School and wish him well in his future endeavors. May you and your family have good health and happiness in the New Year.
Exploring New Opportunities
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WHS senior Chris Bauco had the opportunity to attend the AGU (American Geophysical Union) Fall Meeting in Washington DC and present his original research on Paleoclimate in the Subpolar North Atlantic. The conference attracts over 28,000 Earth and space scientists from around the globe where they attend seminars and exchange ideas. The related Bright Stars program accepts applications from only 100 high school students and allows them to present to various experts in attendance. In addition to the incredible exposure to professionals in the field, Chris’ research abstract was published in the AGU database and he had the opportunity to sit-in on scientific exhibitions and demonstrations. “It was a great experience because I was able to meet some of the top scientists across many of the Earth and space science fields. I was able to speak with professionals about their research and discuss my project with them as well. I think it really helped me understand what cutting edge research is being done today” enthused Chris.
Standing Out in a Fiel In this day and age getting into the college of your dreams takes a lot of hard work, discipline and maybe a little bit of good luck. There are thousands of students vying to be admitted at many of the top schools. Good grades and high test scores are obvious requirements for admission, but with so many applicants meeting those requirements, how do you get noticed? A well written, creative essay just might be the answer. The process of applying to college can be overwhelming, so it’s important to break things down into manageable tasks. According to WHS guidance counselor Nick DiPaolo, 11th graders should be focused on college exploration at this point. It’s a great time to do research, visit schools and find the right fit while continuing to focus on their studies. Once the spring rolls around, it’s time to shift gears and start thinking about the essay. In May, guidance hosts a “College Essay Symposium” designed to set students on the path to writing that great college essay. The majority of students will use the Common Application to apply to their choice of colleges, as it is accepted by more than 800 schools. The beauty of the Common App is that students only have to input their applicant details once for every college on their list. It is here that students will be asked to write an essay of no more than 650 words - a relatively small space to portray their character and strengths to an admissions counselor deciding who to admit to their school. There will be several prompts the student can choose from (see sidebar for a list of prompts from the 201819 Common App). No matter what the prompt is, the goal is always the
ld of Stand-Outs: The Importance of the College Essay same: the colleges want to learn more about the student. The prompts can help get the creative juices flowing, but the writer must be careful not to focus on the event per se, but how it relates to who they are as a person. Students must be comfortable writing about themselves. The essay is not the place to recite a resume of activities, but rather an opportunity to showcase their deeper values and characteristics. The next thing to consider is the theme of the essay. Be unique. Students should try to find something that might set them apart from their peer group. It’s tempting to talk about that game winning touchdown or a close relative passing, but it’s best to avoid topics that have been written about over and over again. Mr. DiPaolo remembered, “One student talked about his role as a ‘father figure’ in his friend group. It was a role that he didn’t seek out, but one that his friends naturally assigned to him over the years. It spoke to his leadership qualities and his caring and responsible nature.” WHS Science teacher Lawrence McIntyre, who as a former editor has helped dozens of students through the essay process, tells students to pick three themes that highlight who they are and weave those into their story. It’s important to follow directions and answer the prompt, but don’t be afraid to take responsible risks when writing an essay. Be creative and highlight strengths. Don’t be boring! Once the Common App essay is done, the work doesn’t end there. Most colleges will require supplemental essays that are specific to each school such as “Why do you want to attend our school?” or “Tell us why you have
chosen your major.” Students should always have specific background information on the schools to which they are applying so they can give wellinformed answers. Don’t be among the thousands of students writing “Because the campus is beautiful.” According to WHS Principal Keith Schenker, a visit to campus can help set the framework for what to talk about in the supplemental essays. The potential student can discover something on a visit that they may not have been able to learn from online research. They might hear about the small class sizes or access to professors or a special ritual that all students partake in. “If you can talk beyond the basic things and understand that they really want you to be part of their culture, that certainly stands out,” Mr Schenker says. It can help to look at the school’s mission statement in order to truly understand what the school is trying to accomplish. The biggest piece of advice from guidance, teachers and students who have been through the process is that it is never too early start brainstorming topics and working on a draft. The summer after junior year is the perfect time to get started. It allows time for the writing process to develop and to get feedback from teachers. Senior Faith Summers agrees, “Start early to get the revisions in and don’t have too many people look at it. If you have too many opinions it gets confusing.” Senior Chris Bauco confers when it comes to the editing process, “Make sure you have your voice in it; not someone else’s.” In the end, while it’s hard to estimate how important the essay is in the application process, or if it will even be read in some cases, it’s important to take
From the Heart • Winter 2018-19
Graduates from Westlake’s class of 2018 proudly wear their college gear.
the essay seriously. Assume that it will be read and that it will have a bearing on admission chances. With so many students applying to the same colleges, a great essay may be the one tool that allows you to stand out in the crowd.
Essay Questions from the 2018-19 Common Application 1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. 5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? 7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice.
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From the Heart • Winter 2018-19
Congratulations to … Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to senior Amanda Rubeo who was awarded the 17th annual Aimee Chu Hung Braun TravelStudy Scholarship during the National Honor Society induction ceremony. The award recognizes students who give of themselves to others. For the past several summers, Amanda has volunteered her time at the North East Special Recreation Department to serve as a camp counselor to children with special needs. After graduation, Amanda will pursue a degree in elementary education with a minor in special education and hopes to continue a life of service to those who need help most.
Lions Club Students of the Month
Amanda Rubeo, Richard Petrillo and Bryan Mesquita have been chosen as “Thornwood Lions Club Student of the Month” for November, December and January respectively. Students are chosen for putting “service above self.” The seniors were nominated by their teachers and guidance counselors who cited exceptional service to their school and/or community. The September through January students of the month were recognized at a Lions Club dinner in January.
Girl Scout Silver Award
Freshman, Charlotte Catarina, a tenth-year girl scout, was honored with a Silver Award in November. The Silver Award is the highest award that a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. Her project, “Birthday Bash”, was an idea created out of empathy for underprivileged children when she was thinking about her own birthday. It took a year to plan and over 60 hours to organize. Raising money through a tag sale, and soliciting donations from neighbors and local businesses, Charlotte and a few friends threw a real birthday party for nearly 60 young children affiliated with Lifting Up Westchester, most of whom never had a birthday party before.
HOBY Winner
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Sophomore Julie Pinchiaroli 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 HOBY Leadership Seminar to be held in June at Adelphi University.
Julie will participate in leadership skill development with other sophomores from the New York State area. She was nominated by members of the faculty for her outstanding leadership ability, positive attitude, sensitivity to others and excellent communication skills.
Photography Awards
Aaron Blizzard (class of ‘19) and Luis Pani (class of ‘18) were awarded a National Award of Excellence in Photography. Their work was selected among thousands of entries for the “wrk x fmly” student photography contest. The students were challenged to show the impact of work on family, and vice versa, through the eyes of a young person. Only 90 photographers had their work selected out of 950 students.
Teachers in the News Tom Hall - WMS
The Croton Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited has awarded WMS Science teacher Tom Hall the Outstanding Teacher Award for 2019 for his long standing commitment to Trout in the Classroom, an educational program that teaches students about the life-cycle of brook trout. Mr. Hall has been sharing this program with his students for more than 15 years. The hands-on science lesson fosters a conservation ethic and gives students a better understanding of ecosystems.
Christine Cazes - CES
CES reading specialist Christine Cazes has published her second book, “Gem’s Gift”. Gem’s Gift, the story of a young squirrel who experiences the wonders of the seasons, received the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award in the category of Children’s Literary Fiction. “Gem’s Gift” is the second book in her Westorchid series. The first, “Punkin”, also won a Pinnacle Book Award. She is busy working on part three of the series about a family of swans.
Top Musicians
Each year the top elementary and intermediate level musicians in the county vie for a spot in the Westchester County School Music Association All-County Music Festival. Musicians selected for the festival are invited to perform in an advanced large ensemble with other Westchester students under the direction of a guest conductor. This year’s Elementary and Intermediate All-County performances will be held in March at SUNY Purchase. Students are chosen for the All-County ensembles based on their scores at one of the hundreds of NYSSMA (NY State School Music Association) festivals held each spring. The following student musicians were among the highest scorers in the 2018 evaluations and were selected to perform in March: Elementary All-County Band: (5th and 6th Grade) Michael Ardis - Tuba Adam Cartano - Baritone Jason Chiera - Clarinet Caleigh Finck - Clarinet Tycho Force - Tuba GianMarco Miraglia - Tenor Saxophone John Nichols - Alto Saxopohone Aine O’Sullivan - Flute Luke Puthiyamadam - Tenor Saxophone Logan Schwan - Mallets Michael Sica - Trombone Joseph Vulcano - Alto Saxophone Intermediate All-County Band and Orchestra: (7th-9th grade) Michael Clarke - Trombone Marco Graci - Trombone Joseph Miele - Euphonium Javier Wurster - French Horn Intermediate All-County Chorus: Adriana Escobedo Samual Kiamie Zoe Lisa Michael Newell Krista Pomilla Kathleen Rivello Henry Sliss
Celebrating our Students Has your current student or Westlake graduate received a recognition or award? Let us know! Email details to awalsh@mtplcsd.org
Sixty five juniors and seniors were inducted into Westlake High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society in a ceremony on January 8, 2019. Inducted students have maintained a combined minimum average of 88 percent over their high school career and have demonstrated exemplary leadership, character and service. New inductees are: Giuliana Piazza Katelyn Jaime Rebecca Cross Natalie Anderson Kristin Pierce Stacie Kinlen Aaron Dearborn Jacqueline Andrews Jessica Prauda Samantha La Scala Serena Dell’Orto Jason Ausiello Roman Raguso Caleb Levitt Kathryn DeVito Paul Bedus Antonio Resciniti Lauren Lyden Brendan Di Liberti Julia Behring Bailey Rodgers Mary Lyons Katherine Di Liberti Emma Bigley Beatrice Scoca Matthew Martin Kenneth Dronzek Lea Bonsignore Frank Shreli Daniel McCormack Kyra Earley Courtney Bonyai Elizabeth Snyder Kaitlyn McGuinness Arianna Edwards Amanda Bradley Emily Specht Justin McIntosh Olivia Eng Colleen Bradley Jake Szeszko Nicole Micela Sadie Feighan Samantha Castellano Marissa Tradito Arianna Muratore Paul Gschneidner Leah Castellano Emma Trainor Gabriella Muratore Declan Hegarty Peter Cavazzini Tyler Tsiakaros Nicole Musial Kiera Higham Julia Clark Maeve Verna Liam Naughton Alexandra Howard Juliana Colabatistto Edvin Verzivolli Riley Neglia Nicole Izzo Joseph Cory Christopher Villucci
Italian Honor Society welcomes 27 On November 7th, 2018, 27 new members were inducted into La Societa’ Onoraria Italica, Sezione Francesco Redi (Italian Honor Society, Francesco Redi Chapter). The Italian Honor Society recognizes students who have achieved excellence in Italian studies and promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of Italian culture. Students must have two full years of Italian with a grade of 90% or better and be signed up to continue at the next level. Additionally, they must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 85%. Inductees include: John Baccardi Amanda Bradley Colleen Bradley Peter Cavazzini Julia Clark Juliana Colabatistto Aaron Dearborn Brendan DiLiberti Katherine DiLiberti Sadie Feighan Jonpeter Fiorenza Edmund Greco Stacie Kinlen Samantha LaScala
Nicholas Lespi Matthew Martin Nicole Micela Helen Michael Arianna Muratore Nicole Musial Salvatore Nardone Julia Perricelli Giuliana Piazza Emily Salvi Beatrice Scoca Marissa Tradito Christopher Villucci
English Honor Society adds nine Nine new members were inducted to the prestigious English Honor Society on December 6, 2018. Inductees who have demonstrated English mastery, have had three articles published and have participated in literacy outreach are:
From the Heart • Winter 2018-19
65 new members inducted to National Honor Society
Spanish Honor Society inducts 31 The Lazarillo de Tormes chapter of the WHS Spanish Honor Society is a national high school organization which recognizes high-achieving Spanish language students in advanced level classes. Thirty-one new members were inducted on December 19, 2018. Induction is based on Spanish scholarship, cultural leadership and integrity. New members are:
Jeff Auquilla Julia Behring Emma Bigley Lea Bonsignore Courtney Bonyai Leah Castellano Samantha Castellano Lucas Castellanos Lee Cohen Joseph Cory Rebecca Cross Serena Dell’Orto Kassandra Green Paul Gschneidner Caleb Levitt Kevin Martinez
Michelle Miranda Gabriella Muratore Matthew Mynes Liam Naughton Riley Neglia Eric Nieves, Jr. Kristin Pierce Roman Raguso Milenka Ramon Bailey Rodgers Emily Specht Isayr Tinoco Maeve Verna Edvin Verzivolli Alice Warford
Amanda Bradley Colleen Bradley Rebecca Cross Arianna Edwards Nicole Izzo
Katelyn Jaime Samantha LaScala Gabriella Muratore Nicole Musial
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From the Heart • Winter 2018-19
Save the Dates
2019-20 Budget Presentations March 13 at 7:30 p.m. Budget Overview and Non-Instructional Budget
March 20 at 8 p.m. Instructional Budget
Both presentations will be held in the Westlake library
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 Colleen Scaglione Neglia, President Laura Michalec Olszewski, Vice President Vincent Graci Michael Griffin Michael Horan Maria Jost Chris Pinchiaroli Superintendent Dr. Kurtis Kotes Correspondence Phone: 769-5500 • Fax 769-3733 Web: www.mtplcsd.org Editor/email contributions Alyson Walsh/awalsh@mtplcsd.org
Wildcat News … Fall Season Recap Cross Country
(2-4 Boys, 5-1 Girls)
Scholar Athlete Team Coach: Sky Smith Post-Season/Sectional Results: Boys: 31st place in sectional meet. Girls: 21st place in sectional meet. All-League: Nicole Musial, Arianna Edwards, Faith Summers Football
(6-3)
Scholar Athlete Team Coach: John Castellano, Assts. Jose St.Victor, Scott Reynolds Post-Season Results: Advanced to Sectional Semi-Finals All-State 2nd Team: Jack Simon All-State 4th Team: Andrew DeBiase All-Section: Andrew DeBiase, Jack Simon All-Section Honorable Mention: Dylan Ahern, Edmund Greco All-League: Andrew DeBiase, Jack Simon, Dylan Ahern, Edmund Greco, Salvatore Nardone, Gianni Garritano, Nicholas Veltri, Thomas Iazzetta Boys’ Soccer
(1-3-12)
Scholar Athlete Team Coach: Joe Callagy, Asst. John Modena Post-Season Results: Advanced to 1st round of playoffs. All-Section Honorable Mention: Frank Malandruccolo All-League: Miguel Catarino, Gerry Cicchillo, Frank Malandruccolo Girls’ Soccer
(9-8-1)
Scholar Athlete Team Coaches: Kurt Thomas, Claire Yergeau Post-Season Results: Advanced to 1st round of playoffs. All-Section: Elle Verna All-League: Elle Verna, Jackie Andrews, Maeve Sheehan, Giuliana Piazza
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Career Milestone
Westlake senior Sydney Roell not only hit a lot of volleyballs this fall, but she also hit a major milestone. Sydney achieved the distinction of spiking her way to her 1000th kill mark of her volleyball career. Her efforts helped her team win the first round of the Class B Sectional Volleyball Championships and advance in the post season. Volleyball
(15-5)
Scholar Athlete Team Coach: Carmen Bates, Asst. Gina Perino Post-Season Results: Advanced to Semi-Finals All Conference: Lia Poggearelli All-Section: Lia Poggearelli, Sydney Roell All-Section Honorable Mention: Angelina Guarneiri All-League: Stacie Kinlen, Lia Poggearelli, Sydney Roell Girls’ Swim/Dive
(3-6)
Scholar Athlete Team Coaches: Anthony Pizzolla, Kevin Martin, Mike Darland Post-Season Results: 4th in Conference 1 Championships, 10th in Section 1 Championships
Cheerleading
Coach: Lauren Buffamante All Section: Dylan Agosto, Sophia Falkenberg All League: Dylan Agosto, Sophia Falkenberg, UCA All American Cheerleaders: Dylan Agosto, Gianna Agosto, Ashley Avella, Madelyn Davis, Sophia Falkenberg, Christina Garritano, Alexa Kalle, Alyssa Sestito, Anna Sherman, Taylor Steilman & Chloe Vigilio UCA Pin It Forward “Why America Needs Cheerleaders” Award: Dylan Agosto, Taylor Steilman