Announcements / News

Two buildings, two classes, two systems — one shared goal! Dawn McCarthy’s sixth grade science class and Heidi Bernasconi’s high school Sports Exercise class teamed up after discovering that both were preparing for upcoming tests on the circulatory and respiratory systems. The Falcons and the Rams worked through four stations designed to collect data and help prepare for their respective exams. The cross-grade collaboration encouraged peer learning and helped CCSD students feel more confident heading into test day.

High school will be here before they know it — at least for the Class of 2030, who headed to Clarkstown high schools North and South to tour their future campuses. In addition to meeting Principal Tarantino (CHSS) and Principal Reim (CHSN), eighth graders also had the chance to walk the hallways and hear from current students on what high school is really like. One South senior summed it up best: "Don't be afraid. Join the club, join the team, make new friends."

Earlier this week, Felix Festa Middle School students had the privilege of hearing from motivational speaker Tommy McGuire, a CCSD alumnus (Class of 2011) and brother of FFMS Athletic Coordinator Andrew McGuire. Tommy’s story — rooted in resilience — reminded the sixth graders that even life’s hardest moments can help us grow stronger.

Tommy grew up much like many of the current Falcons: navigating the hallways, playing sports and building lifelong friendships. At Clarkstown High School South, those friendships only deepened as he played basketball, baseball and football — serving as the starting quarterback and a team captain — alongside some of his closest friends.

But after suffering a life-changing spinal cord injury just weeks after graduating from Manhattan College, Tommy discovered a new side of strength — one grounded in patience and perspective. With the support of family, friends and the community, Tommy found new ways to move forward with purpose and positivity. This week, he brought that spirit to FFMS’s Falcons Foundations classes. Students heard about Tommy’s journey from an able-bodied athlete to navigating life with a drastically changed body, and how resilience helps when life doesn’t move as fast as we want it to. They also explored practical tools for handling challenges that feel out of our control, discovering how shifting our mindset can turn obstacles into opportunities. “My message to all of you is: welcome challenges with confidence, practice having patience and think about the word ‘perspective’ that I talked about,” said Tommy. “And the last thing, always have a support person or group when times in your life are tough or challenging.”

We are grateful to Tommy for returning to CCSD to share his message that aligns perfectly with the District’s Portrait of a Clarkstown Learner initiative. We look forward to welcoming him back next week as he continues these conversations with more Falcons.

It’s Computer Science Education Week, and this year’s theme, “CS Powers AI Innovation,” highlights why computer science skills are essential for today’s learners. As AI continues to shape the world around us, CCSD is exploring thoughtful, classroom-centered uses of technology that strengthen student learning while maintaining teachers’ leadership in instruction.

At Felix Festa Middle School, Fiona Sia’s seventh grade class recently used NotebookLM to prepare for a test on Colonial America. NotebookLM is an AI-supported tool within Google Classroom, that helps users make sense of materials. Educators can create a unit by uploading resources from their lessons, ensuring students only work from teacher-approved content. Students can then use the tool to build study and visual guides, generate summaries and create quizzes or flashcards, helping them see connections and practice computer science habits like organizing information and problem-solving. In class, Fiona guided the seventh graders through practice questions generated from her materials before they moved on to their next task.

As we mark #CSEdWeek (December 8-14), the District is celebrating the ways our learners are building the foundational skills needed to understand and use these technologies responsibly.

Clarkstown High School North was transformed into a hub of curiosity and discovery today, as it hosted its third annual Science Research Showcase. High schoolers from both North and South represented CCSD as they presented their findings to peers in neighboring districts, including Nyack Public Schools, South Orangetown Central School District and Suffern Central School District. For the first time, Felix Festa Middle School students attended the showcase, getting an inside look at the commitment and creativity behind science research.

For Immediate Release

Public Hearing and Comment Period for amendments to District-Wide Safety Plan to add Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Annex and revised Code of Conduct related to AI use.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Clarkstown Central School District Board of Education will conduct a Public Hearing to consider the proposed amendments to the Districtwide Safety Plan and the Code of Conduct.

The proposed amendments to the Districtwide Safety Plan will add a Cardiac Emergency Response Annex to the Districwide safety plan in accordance with Desha’s Law and amendments to Education Law §§ 917, 2801-a(2), and 2801-a(3)(a).

The proposed revisions to the Code of Conduct address the use of AI.

The hearings will be held on December 11, 2025 at the Board of Education Meeting, Chestnut Grove District Office at 7:30pm.

In accordance with state regulations, the revised District-Wide School Safety Plan and Code of Conduct amendments are available for public comment for a minimum of 30 days prior to its adoption. The proposed change are available on the district website or you can request copies by emailing the District Clerk.

• Cardiac Emergency Response Annex and is available for review on the District website: www.ccsd.edu/safety.
• Code of Conduct will be available for review Code of Conduct Revised Sections

Written comments may be submitted to the District Clerk at districtclerk@ccsd.edu no later than Wednesday December 10, 2025. Members of the public are also invited to present comments in person at the scheduled public hearing.

Sincerely,

Lucy Crosbie

Clarkstown Central School District is pleased to announce that it will once again be partnering with the interactive Holocaust-education program, Names, Not Numbers®. Today marked the start of this year’s collaboration, featuring remarks from creator Tova Fish-Rosenberg and Dr. Marc Baiocco. “The survivors are people who bring such tremendous experiences to life…in the areas of innovation, creativity and empathy. All of the hallmarks that we’re working on within that Clarkstown Commitment,” said Dr. Baiocco. “So, this year is more special than ever for me, because it’s starting to take all of the tenets of the #ClarkstownCommitment and make them come alive through our Names, Not Numbers® partnership. This is going to be a very unique and authentic learning experience.”

Jeffrey Salgo, a retired associate director and producer with CBS News, coached students on interviewing techniques and tips, including the three major responsibilities an interviewer has to their interviewee — history, research and empathy. CCSD is excited to see how the Falcons, Rams and Vikings use their journalism, research and video production skills to create their very own documentaries.

Felix Festa Middle School hosted a D.A.R.E graduation, marking an important milestone for students — and for the first time, it was CCSD sixth graders who proudly took to the stage! The D.A.R.E program plays a vital role in equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to make safe and responsible decisions. Through meaningful discussions and lessons with D.A.R.E. officers, participants strengthen their understanding of good citizenship, sound judgement and personal responsibility — qualities that extend far beyond the classroom. Thank you to the Clarkstown Police Department, our dedicated D.A.R.E. officers, and the local representatives who joined us to celebrate this special occasion. Your partnership and continued support make a lasting impact on our students and schools.

Clarkstown is proud to welcome Officer Michael Graham as a school resource officer (SRO) at Felix Festa Middle School! Officer Graham brings over a decade of law enforcement experience and a deep commitment to student safety and community engagement. After he was hired in 2013 by the Clarkstown Police Department and graduated from the Rockland County Police Academy, Officer Graham served as a patrol officer. Throughout the last 12 years, he has continued his professional development with specialized training in radar operation, personal radiation detection and has served as an emergency medical dispatcher since 2015.

In 2018, he became a field training officer, mentoring and training new officers, and in 2023, he joined the Clarkstown Accident Investigation Unit, completing extensive training in collision reconstruction. Most recently, Officer Graham completed the The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Basic School Resource Officer (SRO) Course in March 2025, earning certifications in threat evaluation and reporting. Since then, he has served as an alternate SRO at several CCSD schools, stepping in when needed to ensure a continued presence and support for learners and staff.

Please join us in giving a #ClarkstownCSD welcome to Jessica Knoblich, who joins the administrative team at Felix Festa Middle School as Assistant Principal.

Jessica comes to CCSD from the Hendrick Hudson School District, where she was a special education teacher and administrative intern. After beginning her career as a 1:1 aide, a role that she says helped shape her commitment to supporting the diverse learning needs of all students, Jessica has spent the past 20 years pursuing her passion for education. "I’m excited to bring my experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to student success to the Clarkstown community," she says. "Collaborating with students, staff, and families is something I truly value, and I’m proud to be a member of such outstanding teams. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead."

Congratulations Jessica!

Another familiar face in the #ClarkstownCSD has moved from interim to AP: Cara Royal, who as of July 1st, is now the Assistant Principal, A School, at Felix Festa Middle School!

The 2025-26 school year is Cara's 15th in the district. She taught music at Laurel Plains for 11 years, before becoming a chorus teacher at Festa. Last year, she served as the interim A School assistant principal—a job she's aspired to since childhood. "My mom was an assistant principal so it's always been a role I was interested in," says Cara. "I’m so excited to continue building connections with our students, staff, and families. I can’t wait to welcome the incoming sixth graders to Festa! Supporting them as they grow more confident, become more independent and find their place in middle school is incredibly rewarding."

Congratulations Cara!

Introducing our newest Rams and Vikings! Clarkstown today celebrated the achievements of 679 students at Felix Festa Middle School with a Grade 8 Moving-up Ceremony at Clover Stadium. During a memorable morning at the ballpark, eighth graders not only took in the atmosphere but also words of praise and encouragement from members of the administration, fellow classmates and homeroom teachers. “At Felix Festa, we talk to all of our students about being their best selves. We help them define what being their best self is,” said Campus Principal Dr. Michael St. John. "You have all excelled on the field and stage, at academic competitions and, most importantly, in the classroom." Congratulations and good luck at your next – and last – stop in CCSD!

Several of our CCSD students, staff and administrators from Felix Festa Middle School and Clarkstown High School South this week were recognized in Albany for their work with the Holocaust Education program — Names, Not Numbers®. "These projects transform the traditional study of the Holocaust into an experiential learning journey," said attendee and Superintendent Dr. Marc Baiocco. "Assemblyman Patrick Carroll's recognition highlights the importance of this work in fostering empathy, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of history, particularly in combating antisemitism and other forms of hatred." We are so proud of our educators and learners for this well-deserved recognition!

Thank you to the Clarkstown community for your continued support of our District! The following are the official results of the annual School Budget Vote and Board Election held on Tuesday, May 20.

The 2025-26 Proposed Budget passed with 2,798 "yes" votes or 76% of the vote; there were 879 "no" votes. The budget totals $265,386,114 - reflecting a 4.82% budget-to-budget increase and a 2.45% tax levy increase.

John Maltbie was reelected and Christopher Conti was elected to the Board of Education for three-year terms beginning on July 1, 2025 and concluding on June 30, 2028. We congratulate and thank them for serving our students and learning community.

Thank you once again for prioritizing this year's vote and election. Your continued involvement in, and support of, a CCSD education is greatly appreciated.

Full STEAM ahead! Thank you to all those involved in making STEAMfest 2025 such a success. Last evening's event at Felix Festa Middle School was the perfect example of lifelong learning in action and how each of us has the power to "Unleash the Hero" in all of us. From school-aged children to grown adults, everyone suited up and answered the call to become more knowledgeable in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). CCSD — together with our partners in education — is getting our students Future Ready.

Across CCSD, students and staff are hard at work fine-tuning their instruments for our Spring 2025 Concert series. Here's a look at the Grade 6 chorus rehearsal (pictured: Niamh McCabe's class) at Felix Festa Middle School — where our songbirds, the Falcons, performed on May 6. More opportunities to hear our talented student-musicians are coming up on:

• May 7 at 6:30pm and 7:30pm (chorus, grades 7-8);
• May 13 at 6:30pm and 7:30pm (orchestra and band, Grade 6); and,
• May 14 at 6:30pm and 7:30pm (orchestra and band, grades 7-8).

“Once upon a time…” is how the story begins, but Into the Woods is where the adventure truly starts! From the enchanted forest to iconic fairy tale characters, the Felix Festa Middle School Drama Club's Spring 2025 musical is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience! Here's a sneak peek at rehearsals ahead of this weekend's performances — kicking off CCSD's celebration of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®). Show dates are TONIGHT and tomorrow, March 7 and 8, at 7pm and Sunday, March 9 at 2pm; purchase tickets here.

Prior to the Nazis, did you or your family experience any antisemitism? Can you describe when your family began to think about fleeing Germany? What does being Jewish mean to you? These are just some of the carefully-crafted questions that students at Felix Festa Middle School are using to lead their projects with Names, Not Numbers®*.

CCSD this week was honored to host Hannah Holsten, a Holocaust survivor and subject of this year's documentary project. We are pleased to once again provide our learners with the unique experience (and privilege!) of hearing first-hand accounts of this event in our world's history. While eighth graders are able to practice responsible journalism and other skills, the greatest lesson is teaching them to be truth seekers and strive to become a part of something bigger than themselves. We thank Hannah and all of the brave individuals for being so generous with their time over these last few months, and cannot wait to share their stories with our community. More to come! 

*Names, Not Numbers® INC is an interactive, multi-media Holocaust film documentary project created by educator Tova Fish-Rosenberg: www.namesnotnumbers.org.
*Names, Not Numbers® is generously supported by a prominent national foundation.

The Clarkstown Central School District is pleased to announce that we will once again be partnering with the interactive Holocaust-education program, Names, Not Numbers®. Students will have the rare honor of connecting with survivors – ensuring that their stories continue to be heard and told. Felix Festa Middle School teacher Rebecca Freimann recently "introduced" her group to this year's interviewees: Hannah Holsten and Frieda Seidner.

We are excited to see how Falcons use their journalism, research and video production skills to create their very-own documentaries. Thank you in advance to everyone responsible for making this possible. More to come! 

The New York State Education Department recognizes October as National Principals Month. In CCSD, we are fortunate to have an amazing team of 13 principals who work tirelessly to support our students and staff, while fostering a culture of excellence in our schools and throughout the District. Our building leaders are passionate about their work with learners so, this year, we asked each of them to share their favorite thing about the age group at their school. See below for what each one had to say!

Bardonia Elementary School | Birchwood School | Clarkstown High School North |
Clarkstown High School South | Felix Festa Elementary School | Lakewood Elementary School | Laurel Plains Elementary School | Link Elementary School | Little Tor Elementary School |
New City Elementary School | Strawtown Elementary School | West Nyack Elementary School | Woodglen Elementary School

October 23-31, 2024 is Red Ribbon Week! Celebrated annually since 1988, the campaign inspires children throughout the country to find creative ways to lead happy, brave and drug-free lives. Felix Festa Middle School is a proud participant.

Facilitated by FFMS' student assistance counselors (SACs) and hosted by the Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.) Club, our Falcons this year organized several lunchtime activities to help their fellow colleagues and classmates be kind to their mind. Our learners and faculty spent the week practicing mindfulness and blowing bubbles of stress away, were visited by Harper — a Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause therapy dog — and posed with friends during Be Your Best Self(ie) Day. These and other resources will allow our CCSD students to make positive choices rather than choosing dangerous, destructive ones.

The Clarkstown Central School District last evening was honored to host a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at Felix Festa Middle School. In the presence of staff, students and community members, Gabe's Greenhouse was officially opened and dedicated to the memory of one of the beloved Morgan children. Before exploring the newly-renovated courtyard, attendees heard beautiful songs performed by the chorus and heartfelt stories shared by several guest speakers.

From its conception in January to now, Gabe's Greenhouse is a labor of love between the Grade 7 Student Council, Beautification Committee and countless other integral partners. "What is truly beautiful about this project is that it became a catalyst for bringing people together and highlighting the goodness [that resides here]," said teacher and Committee leader Michaela Muckell. "Please know that the generosity of our entire Clarkstown community will live on forever and touch the lives of thousands of students to come. Your support has helped us to build [not only] a beautiful tribute to Gabe that will commemorate him as we continue to heal, but also an outdoor classroom that will become a space to develop future-ready and sustainability skills."

How to unite, especially in times of need, is one of the greatest lessons we can teach our children. Thank you, CCSD, for your continued dedication to quality education in all of its forms. Watch coverage of the unveiling here and view more photos here.

Welcome back, CCSD! The 2024-25 school year officially kicked off this week. Good luck to all of our new and returning students and staff! See photos from across the District below.

Laurel Plains Elementary School | New City Elementary School

Birchwood School | Clarkstown High School South

Bardonia Elementary School | West Nyack Elementary School | Clarkstown High School North

Lakewood Elementary School | Woodglen Elementary School | Felix Festa Middle School

Link Elementary School | Little Tor Elementary School | Strawtown Elementary School

Please join us in congratulating Clarkstown Central School District administrator Cara Royal who, effective August 10, was named the A-School assistant principal at Felix Festa Middle School (FFMS)! Although new to this role, Cara is not new to FFMS or CCSD. She first joined the District as a music teacher at Laurel Plains Elementary School. Over the next 11 years, Cara taught general music, chorus, band and orchestra.

She made the move to FFMS in 2022, where she continued her journey as a music educator and worked as the music director for the school’s recent productions of “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid.” “As a new administrator, it’s important for me to know that our students and staff feel supported and empowered,” said Cara. “My main goals, as we enter the new school year, are to make genuine connections and make sure our students and staff know that their perspectives and goals are valued and appreciated.”