APRIL 5, 2024

I wanted to share additional information about the solar eclipse and provide an update on administrative hires.

Solar Eclipse

As a reminder, on Monday, April 8th, we will be experiencing a solar eclipse. The district plans to dismiss all three buildings at our regular times. We recognize there may be parents/guardians that for various reasons wish to pick their children up early. If so, I wanted to let you know that your child’s attendance record will be marked excused. Please inform your child’s school via School Messenger (BRS) or by calling the main office (PMS and PHS) so that we are aware of any change in your child’s dismissal plan.  

Please see the previous Pville Press for information about the solar eclipse.  

We look forward to this unique celestial event! 

Administrative Hires

Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services and Human Resources

Following the resignation of the Supervisor of Special Education in October, I took the opportunity to restructure the administrative position. The Board of Education approved the creation of a new position, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services and Human Resources. We are pleased to announce that Jessica Alexander has accepted our offer to serve in this role starting July 1, supporting our district in multiple areas. 

Middle School Principal

Over the past seven years Pleasantville has been fortunate to have Dr. Adam Chagares as the Middle School Assistant Principal and now Interim Principal. On July 1, he will be the next Principal of PMS. We are excited for his continued dedication and service to the school and our district.

I know that you join me in welcoming both Ms. Alexander and Dr. Chagares to their new positions in our District. 

For the youth,

Dr. Tina DeSa

Superintendent of Schools

Summit attendees, including Ashley Madden (left), discussed CODA with Westchester high schools.

On Thursday, March 21, students from Pleasantville High School’s Sources of Strength (SOS) club attended Westchester County’s Youth Summit, in partnership with The Harris Project. The virtual conference focused on Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness (CODA) and Prevention, which addresses the combination of mental health challenges and substance misuse. SOS is a national, evidence-based suicide prevention program that focuses on resilience, healthy choices, and school-wide relationship building. 

Mary Ann Flatley, K-12 SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) Counselor and school advisor for Sources of Strength, led PHS students as they participated in discussions with other Westchester County schools on the topic.

One of the presentations featured PHS senior Ashley Madden, who has advocated with The Harris Project for five years and spoke of her commitment to the organization. She shared her advocacy experiences of testimonies, mental health panels, and community initiatives. Ashley presented information from her Science Research project that focused on CODA, specifically on student athletes' perception of risk, knowledge, and decision-making with regard to mental health challenges and substance misuse. 

The results of Ashley’s study suggested that, after receiving information about COD, student athletes' perception of risk increased, and they were more likely to reach out for support for themselves or a peer when facing mental health challenges. Students became more aware and were better equipped to make informed decisions with accurate information on COD and avenues for help and support. Ashley’s study contributed to filling the research gap between COD and adolescent perspectives and knowledge. 

In addition to her work with The Harris Project, Ashley’s advocacy work has resulted in her being featured on the front cover of the 2022 Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) prevention toolkit across the United States and recently being awarded the 2024 JR Tesone Youth Public Health Service Award by Westchester County’s Board of Health. 

PHS has participated in the Westchester County Youth Summit since 2016. On Monday and Tuesday, April 8 and 9, student conference attendees will share information on CODA during high school PE classes. In addition, there will be wellness tables during lunch periods on CODA topics, including the importance and benefits of seeking support from trusted adults. Pleasantville Strong will be joining in PHS CODA week by having CODA Trivia activities and prizes. 

The Harris Project is the only non-profit dedicated to the prevention and treatment of COD, with the goal of increasing understanding, raising awareness, and transforming the system of care to meet the needs of those with COD. The organization was begun by Stephanie Marquesano, a Westchester parent whose son, Harris, struggled with COD and died by accidental overdose at the age of 19. 

Second Grade Sustainability: Learning About Recycling

Meanwhile, second graders have been delving into the world of recycling. They discovered the significance of reducing, reusing, and recycling materials to minimize waste and conserve valuable resources. By learning about recycling practices, they are becoming proactive stewards of the environment in their own communities.

First Grade Exploration: Pond Study and Ecology

First graders actively engaged in a pond study, where they explored aquatic ecosystems. Through this study, they gained insights into the delicate balance of nature and an understanding of how organisms interact with their surroundings. This hands-on exploration fostered an appreciation for the natural world.

Library Focus: Celebrating Earth Month 

April is Earth Day all month long, says school librarian Patrick Murphy. Focusing on his recurring theme that “no one is too small to make a difference,” he is emphasizing the power of even the smallest of actions in making a big difference for our planet. From setting up bird feeders to participating in litter clean-ups and planting gardens for pollinators, each action plays a crucial role in fostering a healthier planet for generations to come.

Murphy has curated a collection of books and resources that highlight the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability. Throughout the month, he will be spotlighting titles that will include: The Crayons Love Our Planet by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, The Curious Garden by Peter Brown, and The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins and Jill McElmurry.

Exploring the Wonders of a Solar Eclipse in Science Class

Science classes are focused on the phenomenon of a solar eclipse as they begin their Earth Month observances. Teacher Christen Moses has initiated an engaging exploration into the intricacies of this celestial event, guiding students through an enlightening journey of discovery. Across grade levels, students in each class have been exploring the relationship between rotations of the earth, moon and sun to better understand how an eclipse happens. 

Second grader Oliver Gundy looks at worms to better understand their role in the recycling process.

First graders in Elena Garcia’s class look at life cycles of organisms in ponds

First graders look to find living organisms in pond water samples

First grader Mica Dell’Olio touches a painted turtle as part of the study of pond life

Kindergarteners and first graders have created an orbiting moon that covers the sun and blocks its light. Second graders have made models of the eclipse, showing the moon, blocking the sun and creating the shadow of darkness on earth. Third graders are making kinesthetic models of the eclipse using clay and felt to show the alignment of the sun, moon and earth. Fourth graders are making a full model to show the revolution of the earth around the sun, as well as the revolution of the moon around the earth. In summary, Moses said, “As all three bodies become fully aligned, we witness the magic of a total eclipse.”

Science teacher Christen Moses demonstrates the rotations of earth, moon and sun during a solar eclipse.

PHS Panther Paws for a Cause team members at the gala (Photo courtesy of Hillary C. Photography)

Patrick O’Keefe and Katie Wildey were recently honored at a gala sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Westchester/Fairfield Region.

As heads of Pleasantville High School’s Team Panther Paws for a Cause, Patrick and Katie, along with 15 other tenth and eleventh graders, participated in the fundraising initiative, raising over $33,000 for blood cancer research. This was part of the LLS Westchester/Fairfield Region Student Visionaries of the Year campaign.

PHS team leaders Katie Wildey and Patrick O’Keefe (Photo courtesy of Hillary C. Photography)

PHS junior, cancer survivor and honored hero Steven Pettus delivering his speech at the gala

Pleasantville high schoolers were inspired by one of their own. Steven Pettus, a 17-year old junior at PHS, beat cancer last year. “I only need three words to truly convey the person I am,” said Pettus. “I beat cancer.” 

Overall, teams from 20 area school districts raised $787,000 during the seven-week campaign. Steven was also the honored hero for this campaign and gave a moving speech at the gala about his personal journey and how he now lives as a survivor with the goal of keeping others from ever going through what he did. 

PHS staff members Allison Steinberg and Gregg Fonde facilitated fundraising ideas and offered counsel as students reached for their goals. 

About Steven, Steinberg remarked, “It was incredible to see one of our own students get up and share his story, inspiring the crowd to never give up!”

The competition was part of a seven-week leadership development program that enabled participating students to learn skills ranging from entrepreneurship, marketing, and team and project management.

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