爆料TV

Cultivating Opportunities for All

• Carmel Musicians Play at Rockefeller Center

  Students from George Fischer Middle School and 爆料TV joined about 100 musicians from around the world to play holiday tunes at Rockefeller Center's 52nd Annual TubaChristmas in NYC on Sunday, December 14.  

  This was the third consecutive year that George Fischer Middle School music teachers Erika Wahlers and Eric Pecor led Carmel students to participate in the event.  

  鈥淭ubas are not instruments that typically have melodic parts,鈥� Ms. Wahlers said. 鈥淭uba Christmas is an event that allows tuba players to make up an entire ensemble, meaning tuba players get to be the melody, the harmony and the bass. This provides a unique playing opportunity for the students that they do not get every day in school.鈥� 

  爆料TV ninth grader Andrew returned for his third TubaChristmas and decorated his tuba by topping it off with a house with lights. Benjamin, an eighth grader, decorated his tuba with a holiday ribbon. It was the first time that seventh graders Evie and Claire got to play music in front of the world鈥檚 most famous Christmas tree, and they decorated their tubas with lights, garland and ribbons.  

  The students got to play holiday classics like Deck the Halls, Joy to the World, Silent Night, Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, but the event was about more than music.  

  鈥淭he students are able to connect with other tuba players from Carmel but also get to meet tuba players from other schools, professional musicians and adults who have continued to play for the joy of making music,鈥� Mr. Pecor said. 鈥淭his is a fun performing opportunity where students get to share holiday cheer.鈥� 

  TubaChristmas (the name is trademarked) was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day 1902. Now, tuba and euphonium players from around the world gather in front of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center for one afternoon a year to play Christmas carols on their horns.  

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Science That Makes Your Hair Stand on End

  In John Hildenbrand's AP Physics II class at 爆料TV, the students recently experimented with a Van de Graff machine.  

  A Van de Graaff generator is a machine that uses friction to build a massive electrical charge on a hollow metal sphere.  

  The students in Mr. Hildenbrand鈥檚 class had so much fun that their hair stood on end. Students took turns experimenting with the machine, and then Assistant Principal Allison Golan ad a chance to step into the action. Check out the static energy coursing through her hair!   

  爆料TV News

• Third Graders Celebrate the Harvest

  Third graders at Matthew Paterson Elementary School had an amazing time celebrating the Harvest Festival! Students kicked off the day with a pumpkin hunt, followed by decorating their own pumpkins with lots of creativity and color.

  They played festive rounds of fall bingo, and the kids worked together to build a turkey trap using toothpicks and marshmallows - their engineering skills were impressive!

  One of the biggest highlights was the candy apple station, where students got to choose from a variety of delicious toppings to make their own fall treat.

  It was a wonderful day filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of autumn fun! 馃崅馃崕
  We鈥檙e so proud of how our third graders celebrated the season together!

  Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

• Science Day

  The third-grade team at Kent Primary School proudly hosted their first Science Day of the year, an event brimming with excitement and discovery.

  Science Day featured four captivating experiments, each intricately designed around the themes of Forces and Interactions. Every third-grade teacher crafted an engaging and interactive lesson, immersing students in hands-on activities that sparked curiosity and fostered a deeper understanding of scientific principles.

  The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm as students eagerly participated in each experiment, making learning an exhilarating adventure.

  Kent Primary School News

• Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

  Some enterprising third and fourth graders at Kent Elementary School started their very own newspaper. The first issue of KES PAWPRINTS was published in November. The 16-page publication included everything you鈥檇 expect to find in a good local newspaper. It had interviews with new teachers and the school鈥檚 new interim principal, Jeff Noto; stories on news events like the Halloween Costume Caper; opinion pieces on indoor vs. outdoor recess; and even a student poll. It also included newspaper staples like puzzles, comics and sports coverage. 

  Nicholas wrote about Carmel鈥檚 8-and-under football team:  

  鈥淐armel won the Red Zone Championship,鈥� he wrote. 鈥淛ack, in third grade, scored a touchdown. Michael (MJ) caught a catch for a first down and scored a touchdown.鈥� 

  Elodie and Nora wrote about upcoming events:  

  鈥淭his year we will have some amazing school events, from the glow party to the book fair,鈥� they wrote. 鈥淎 new event this year will be the Talent Show. The information will be out soon. Be sure to be on the lookout!鈥�  

  In all, 32 students participated in the newspaper club, said club co-advisors music teacher Antonia Madison and reading teacher Trisha Emmeluth. 

  鈥淲e started the newspaper because we wanted to offer our students something meaningful beyond their regular school day,鈥� Ms. Emmeluth said. 鈥淪omething they could truly get excited about. The newspaper gives them a chance to create together, share their voices, and build something that can grow stronger every year. My hope is that it becomes a place where curiosity, teamwork, and confidence all come to life.鈥�   

  . It was distributed in print to Kent Elementary students.  

  Kent Elementary School News

• Mentors and Buddies

  The Kent Primary School Mentor-Buddy Program, spearheaded by Principal Vince Fino and the PBIS team, launched in November and has already made a positive impact.

   

  The program pairs classes from different grade levels for 20鈥�30 minutes of connection and collaboration. During each session, students are matched with a buddy and participate in SEL activities designed to help them build relationships and get to know one another.

   

  Students and staff have already expressed how much they enjoy the program. Younger and older students alike are excited to see their buddies in the hallway, on the bus, and throughout the school day. The program will continue throughout the year, offering ongoing opportunities for mentorship and community-building.

   

  In November, Susan Paggiotta鈥檚 kindergarten class and Aimee Pagano鈥檚 third-grade class met to collaborate on a festive Turkey Art Project.

  Kent Primary School News

• Balloons Over Kent Primary

  The first graders at Kent Primary School brought the magic of the season to life with a charming, pint-sized version of New York City鈥檚 famous Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

  To kick off their project, students read Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy鈥檚 Parade by Melissa Sweet. Then they watched a video showing how Macy鈥檚 designs its massive balloons and features a new balloon every year. 

  With excitement bubbling, the students headed to art class, where they cut out and colored animal shapes, which they attached to their own balloons.  Their imaginations soared: Elena transformed her balloon into a bright pink cat.  

  鈥淚 love cats so much,鈥� she said.  

  Gabriel turned his balloon into a dog, complete with flashing lights for extra flair. 

  The celebration ended with a march outside, where families lined up to cheer on the young parade-makers. 

  Kent Primary School News

• World War II Veterans Teach History

  Two 99-year-old Veterans of World War II spoke to eighth graders at George Fischer Middle School on Friday, and they didn't mince words. When students asked them to describe the experience in one word, Ralph J. Osterhoudt, Sr. who entered the U.S. Army before even graduating from high school and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, said "Hell." He described the scenes of destruction he saw in France and Germany and reminded the students that soldiers who fight wars are often just 18 years old. Nils Mockler, who served in the Marines Corp and fought at Iwo Jima, told students about the battle and the pride he felt when he finally saw, from a far distance, the American flag being raised at the top of Mt. Suribachi. "It was the size of a postage stamp, and it was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life. I knew we were going to make it."  

  Osterhoudt said he would always be proud of his service. "You are speaking English today," he said. "If we didn't win that war, you might not be speaking English."  

  Several members of the Board of Education and local political leaders, including Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, attended the ceremony, and thanked the veterans for their service. Congressman Mike Lawler spoke by video from Washington D.C. 

  In introducing the veterans, Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin said: "It's important to teach the next generation about history, so we don't repeat it. " He thanked George Fischer Middle School Social Studies Teacher Lisa Steiner and Assistant Superintendents Jeff Gorman and Ken Silver for arranging the program. 

  The lesson had an impact on the auditorium full of eighth graders. Paul, a 13-year-old, said it made him think about his family.

  "I wouldn't even be alive if it wasn't for them," Paul said. "My whole family is from France. My grandparents immigrated here after the war. It's crazy to think about. My family might have been caught up by the Nazis if it wasn't for the veterans who defended us." 

   

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Mix-It-Up Day

  At the yellow table, all the boys said they liked dinosaurs. It is one of the things they shared during Matthew Paterson Elementary School鈥檚 mix-it-up day, when students are assigned to lunch tables with children who are not already their friends. It鈥檚 a day to make a new friend.  

  鈥淚 love t-rex,鈥� said Benjamin, who is in first grade.  

  鈥淢e too,鈥� said a new friend. 

  鈥淭hey are so big,鈥� Benjamin said. 鈥淭hey have big teeth. They have big legs. The only thing I don鈥檛 like about them is their tiny hands.鈥�  

  Mix-it-up day is only one way that Matthew Paterson Elementary School Pandas, as students there are known, practice kindness. It is part of their Panda Power Promise 

  During a week last month all the students celebrated their success completing the 鈥淔irst 30 Days鈥� refresher lessons. Each day the Pandas participated in different fun activities that ranged from earning a 鈥淧anda Power at Home,鈥� to 鈥淗ats Off to Positive Behavior鈥� (with hats and fun hair), to 鈥淪ock it to Negative Behavior鈥� (wearing fun and mismatched socks) and more.  

  Their efforts culminated in a special celebration where each student proudly signed the Panda Power Promise, committing to making our school a kind, caring, and positive place to learn and grow.  

  Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

• Seniors Get Instant College Decisions

  Forget the long, agonizing wait for college admissions letters. Some 爆料TV seniors are learning their fate instantly, without even leaving school. 

  Through Instant Decision Days, local universities send admissions representatives directly to 爆料TV鈥檚 Counseling Office to meet with students one-on-one and deliver immediate admission decisions. 

  Recently, 10 Carmel seniors met with Manhattan University Associate Director of Admission Jose De La Cruz and Admission Counselor Michael Troia. 

  Among them was Gianna Palazzo, 17, who beamed when she heard that she was accepted. 

  鈥淚t鈥檚 so nice to know that you got in somewhere,鈥� Gianna said, smiling. 鈥淚鈥檓 not sure where I鈥檓 going to go to college yet, though.鈥� 

  Gianna, who plans to study chemical engineering, has taken six Advanced Placement courses and 10 college-level classes through Westchester Community College, Syracuse University Project Advance and other programs. During her interview, she discussed with the admissions team which credits might transfer to Manhattan University. 

  鈥淲hat I want to do is use those credits to get ahead with requirements so I can focus on my major,鈥� she explained. 

  Instant Decision Day acceptances are not binding, and students admitted through the program still have until May to make their final choice. 

  爆料TV counselor Kristen Mancini said the event makes the college admissions process more accessible and less stressful for students. 

  鈥淔or the past several years, CHS has partnered with local colleges to offer Instant Decision Days, providing students with the opportunity to meet directly with admissions representatives and receive an immediate admission decision,鈥� Mancini said. 鈥淓ach year, CHS typically hosts two to three colleges, depending on student interest and college availability.鈥� 

  This year鈥檚 participating institutions include Manhattan University, Iona University and Western Connecticut State University. 

  During the meetings, students can ask questions, learn more about each university, and receive their admission decisions in person, making the process faster, more personal and a lot more exciting. 

  爆料TV News

• A Mock Congress Debates Laws

  Students in Kerry Hackert鈥檚 U.S. History classes at 爆料TV recently stepped into the shoes of lawmakers during a Mock Congress designed to explore how the American legislative process works. 

  As part of their study of the U.S. government, students first examined the legislative branch and learned how a bill becomes a law. They were then divided into committees to draft their own legislation on major national issues. This year鈥檚 topics: the drinking age and the death penalty. 

  Working in teams, students researched their assigned issues, analyzed arguments for and against, and crafted bills that reflected their proposed policies. Each committee then presented its bill to the full 鈥淐ongress,鈥� where spirited debate and questioning followed before votes were cast and the bills were sent to 鈥淧resident Hackert鈥� for final approval. 

  In one class, the mock lawmakers voted to keep the national drinking age at 21. Representative Ava Connors, who led the committee in favor of maintaining the current law, gave a persuasive speech emphasizing the dangers of lowering the drinking age. 

  鈥淜eeping the drinking age at 21 gives younger kids a harder time getting alcohol,鈥� Connors said. 鈥淚f the drinking age is 18, the approximate age of a senior in high school, younger people will have easier access. This could lead to alcohol abuse at an earlier age, and research shows the brain doesn鈥檛 fully develop until around age 25.鈥� 

  In a different class, however, the outcome was different: the class voted to lower the drinking age to 18. Despite their differing decisions, both classes reached the same conclusion on another issue -- voting to keep the death penalty legal, though several students presented compelling arguments to abolish it. 

  Hackert, who organized the Mock Congress, said the project remains a highlight of the year. 

  鈥淚 love doing this every year because there are always students who don鈥檛 talk much in class but really shine in this format,鈥� Hackert said. 鈥淭hey feel more comfortable, they鈥檙e engaged, and they come to class excited. I was also very proud of how respectfully they discussed and debated with one another.鈥� 

  爆料TV News

• Don't Miss the CHS Drama Club's Fall Play

  The CHS Drama Club presents "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon" by Don Zolidis November 14 through November 16 at Casey Hall. 

  You may think you know the story of Cinderella, Rapunzel, or Hansel and Gretel, but you鈥檝e never seen them quite like this. Guided by a team of Narrators, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon is a madcap ride through all 209 of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. An ensemble cast zips from story to story, weaving each one together as we discover the origin stories of some of literature鈥檚 most well-known characters. November 14-16 in Casey Hall at CHS.

  Shows are:
  Friday Nov 14 @ 7pm
  Saturday Nov 15 @ 2pm & 7pm
  Sunday Nov 16 @ 5pm
  
  Visit for more Information and tickets!

  爆料TV News

• Awareness Months Bring Students Together

  Since she started at Matthew Paterson Elementary School three years ago, Principal Jennifer Darling wanted to find a way to use the various awareness months that dot the school calendar and give children a real understanding of what is being recognized, whether it鈥檚 September 11, or anti-bullying efforts, Native American heritage or women鈥檚 history.  

  鈥淭here are so many awareness months, weeks or days now,鈥� Darling said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 helpful to have a structured plan on how to address them and to make them the shared experience for children that they are intended to be.鈥�   

  So Principal Darling and the Welcoming and Affirming Committee got to work.  

  鈥淚 wanted to start in the library and build on the reading curriculum, Core Knowledge Language Arts,鈥� Ms. Darling said. 鈥淭he committee wanted to add a digital piece.鈥� 

  What they came up with was a Book of the Month project. They picked out books for different age groups that would speak to the heritage, history or event that was being highlighted that month. The school librarian, Teaching Assistant Susan Fitzpatrick, now reads the chosen book to the classes during their scheduled library time.  

  鈥淭he classes follow each read-aloud session by using the Book Creator digital program to develop skills and share their thoughts,鈥� said third grade Teacher Michele Love. 鈥淭he students might create a comic based on what was read to them or write a letter.鈥�  

  For Veterans Day, Ms. Fitzpatrick read 鈥淰eterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood鈥� by Valerie Pfundstein to each class. When she finished the book, she had each student write a postcard thanking a veteran for their service.  

  鈥淭hat really got them thinking,鈥� Fitzpatrick said. 鈥淎 lot of the students have parents or grandparents who served in the military, and they wanted to talk about those people in their lives.鈥�   

  鈥淚 want to thank the committee for all its hard work,鈥� Ms. Darling said. 

  The committee includes the following teachers, staff and parents: Jess Kuney, Jess Curran, Christine Demme, Michele Love, Michelle Belasco, Kathy Allen, Megan Adams, Lorenza Triebenbacher, Sydney Gaspar, Susan Fitzpatrick and Pascale Zeynali. 

   

  Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

• First Grade Doctors to the Rescue

  Students in Corinne Phillips and Julie Ann Burton's first grade class at Kent Primary School put on lab coats and stethoscopes and became doctors for a day.  

  The students put together puzzles of skeletons, wore aprons decorated with internal organs, and listened to each other's hearts with a stethoscope.  

  Carmel Central School District's reading program Core Knowledge Language Arts, or CKLA, is a science of reading-based program that emphasizes skills like phonics, decoding and blending sounds.  

  鈥淭he reading program introduces young readers to a wide vocabulary while building on topics like science and social studies,鈥� said Dr. Jeff Gorman, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction.  

  When the first graders finished their unit on the body, Mrs. Phillips let them dress up and act like doctors as a way to reinforce some of the vocabulary and topics they had read about.  

  "We had a memory game with germs, a food pyramid sort and some playdough body systems," Ms. Phillips said. "The class enjoyed rotating through each station They enjoyed calling each other Dr. and then their last name, as well as using the vocabulary we have learned." 

  Kent Primary School News

• Second Graders Make Scarecrow for Garden

  When Sarah LoCascio鈥檚 daughter started school four years ago, LoCascio knew they would both miss the outdoor time they spent together in the garden.  

  鈥淚鈥檓 a gardener and my daughter always worked with me in our garden,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen she started kindergarten, I thought maybe I could bring the gardening to school, then every single student could experience gardening.鈥� 

  And that is how the Kent Elementary School Garden was born. LoCascio met with administrators, set up a non-profit to raise funds for the work and recruited volunteers to help build a fence, create the raised beds and maintain the garden. In 2021, the garden was planted for the first time.  

  Now, gardening is part of every Kent Elementary student鈥檚 education. Each class is invited to participate in garden programs every fall and spring. 

  鈥淚n the fall, they pick vegetables, harvest, collect seeds and water the plants,鈥� LoCascio said. 鈥淎ll the kids love to water.鈥� 

  In the spring, students grow seeds in classroom seed kits and later plant the seedlings in raised beds in the garden.  

  The vegetables the students grow are donated to local food pantries each year, and the students take such pride in helping feed those in need, said Erica Intrieri, the garden treasurer.  

  鈥淭his year we donated 60 pounds of food to Second Chance Foods, a pantry in Brewster,鈥� Intrieri said. 鈥淲e grew a lot of cabbage and cabbage is heavy.鈥�  

  On a recent day when the first frost was expected, Alexandra Stenger鈥檚 class of second graders came out to the garden, which sits in the side yard of Kent Elementary.   

  鈥淒oes anyone know what a frost is?鈥� LoCascio asked. 

  鈥淭hat鈥檚 when it鈥檚 lower than 32 degrees, and sometimes the plants die,鈥� said second-grader Leanna. 鈥淏ut if the root is still in the ground, sometimes it grows again in the spring.鈥� 

  Even though it was the end of the season and the pumpkins had not grown as planned, the students did not mind. They got to build a scarecrow instead. 

  They stuffed an old pair of jeans, green sneakers and a pink plaid shirt with plenty of crumpled newspaper.  

  Then the class took a vote on naming the scarecrow. They settled on 鈥淢rs. Sunflower.鈥�  

  鈥淒oes anybody know the purpose of a scarecrow?鈥� LoCascio asked.  

  All the hands shot up: 鈥淚t鈥檚 to scare away the birds.鈥�  

  The students said they could not wait to start gardening again in the spring.  

  Kent Elementary School News

• Valedictorian and Salutatorian Named

  Alexander Robinson was in his Advanced Placement Calculus class on Monday morning, when his name came over the loudspeaker, and he was called down to the 爆料TV Counseling Office.  

  鈥淢y friends all looked at me, like they knew something big was about to happen,鈥� said Alexander, who goes by 鈥淴ander鈥� for short.  

  It turns out they were right.  

  Xander, 17, of Patterson, was named 爆料TV Valedictorian for 2026 and Megan O鈥橲ullivan, 17, of Carmel was named Salutatorian. 

  鈥淲e are very proud of Xander and Megan for this outstanding accomplishment," 爆料TV Principal Brian Piazza said. "These are two great students who represent 爆料TV at its best. Their commitment to academic achievement and service to our community is a great example for all the students in our building. I could not be prouder to recognize Megan as Salutatorian and Xander as Valedictorian for the Class of 2026.鈥�  

  Xander, a Boy Scout on the way to being named an Eagle Scout in Carmel Troop 1, is not only a great student, he is the social media manager of the 爆料TV Chapter of the National Honor Society, a member of Tri-M, the music honor society, and plays on the Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Bowling teams. 

  Though he plans to study computer science in college, Xander said his favorite class was Advanced Placement Physics 2. 

  鈥淚t really opened my eyes, being able to look at things in the real world and see the physics behind them,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t made me think in a new way about how things work.鈥� 

  Salutatorian Megan credited her fellow Carmel Central School District students for helping her succeed.  

  鈥淚 made some awesome friends here, and I know I鈥檓 going to have them as friends for life,鈥� Megan said. 鈥淢y friends, family and teachers helped me through.鈥� 

  Megan, who plans to study computer science, has been active in the Science Club, the Go Green Club and Students Assisting Students, or SAS. In SAS, she returns to her alma mater Kent Primary School, to help tutor children. Her biggest community project, however, is adapting toys to make them accessible for disabled children.   

  Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin congratulated Xander and Megan. 

  "They each worked hard and took some of the most challenging classes that 爆料TV offers,鈥� Mr. Plotkin said. 鈥淚 am so proud that Carmel Central School District has paved the way for their future success. We look forward to hearing about these students' progress and growth as they engage in their adventures beyond high school." 

  Kristin Mancini served as counselor for both students.  

  鈥淭hey are exceptional students and exceptional people,鈥� Ms. Mancini said. 鈥淭hey have had a big impact on the other students here and on the outside community through their service work. They are humble and, I think, were genuinely surprised.鈥�  

  爆料TV News

• Buddies in Math and Reading

  Exciting happenings are bubbling over in Aimee Pagano's third grade class at Kent Primary School. Students are stepping up and embracing the power of Buddy Beads during math time.

   

  When a student masters their independent practice and follows all the instructions, they earn the prestigious honor of wearing a set of Buddy Beads! With this fantastic achievement, they transform into a 鈥渕ath buddy,鈥� taking on a teacher role for the period. These budding educators provide invaluable one-on-one support to classmates who might be facing challenges with the math concepts, and they even check their peers' work to ensure it鈥檚 on the right track!

   

  But that鈥檚 not all 鈥� the classroom is buzzing with anticipation for the brand-new Read Beads initiative! After diving into a book that aligns with their reading level, students engage in a dynamic book talk with Mrs. Pagano. Once their discussion wraps up, they get to pick a shiny new bead to commemorate the book they just read and add it to their growing Read Bead chain.

   

  At the end of the year, they鈥檒l proudly bring home their chains, showcasing their reading adventures and accomplishments throughout the year.

  Kent Primary School News

• Thank you, Board of Education

  The New York State School Boards Association named October 13-18 as School Board Recognition Week, a time to promote awareness and understanding of the important work performed by local school boards.  

  Since the Carmel Board of Education did not have a meeting that week, new Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin took the opportunity to extend the district鈥檚 thanks to the Board during the Tuesday, Oct. 21 meeting. It also happened to be Mr. Plotkin鈥檚 first meeting as Superintendent of Schools.  

  鈥淲e pause to honor the extraordinary dedication of the Carmel Central School District Board of Education,鈥� Mr. Plotkin said. 鈥淓ach of you give countless hours, often behind the scenes, to ensure that every decision you make supports the success, safety and well-being of our Carmel students. Your leadership guides our vision and anchors our community in shared purpose. The progress we celebrate, which includes strong schools, innovative programs and caring classrooms, stands as a direct reflection of your commitment. For all of that, we want to say 鈥楾hank you.鈥欌�� 

  The district thanked the board members with a certificate of appreciation, drawings from elementary school students, tissue paper flowers made by art students and the gift of one service from the 爆料TV auto shop, where oil changes, tire rotations and detailing are all part of the curriculum.

  The Board members, President Melissa Orser, Vice President John Curzio, II, Trustee Jordi Douglas, Trustee Frank Grasso, Trustee Nicholas Magliano, Trustee Michael Torpey and Trustee James Wise, all serve as volunteers in the unpaid Board positions. 

  District News

• Schools Welcome Superintendent Michael Plotkin

  Michael Plotkin鈥檚 first day as Carmel鈥檚 Superintendent of Schools started out with a tour of George Fischer Middle School, where he seemed to already know just about everyone.  

  That鈥檚 because Mr. Plotkin has been an active parent in the Carmel Central School District for decades.   

  His walk through the middle school hallways was punctuated with hugs and handshakes as he rekindled old relationships and quickly made new ones.  

  Fifth grade teacher Deanna Belascio reached out in greeting. 

  鈥淚 had all of his daughters,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey grew up, but I stayed the same age; I have only taught here for 26 years.鈥�  

  Further down the hallway, Assistant Principal for fifth grade Joe Keenan offered a bear hug. 

  鈥淭hanks for taking this on,鈥� Mr. Keenan said. 鈥淭his is a big job, but you鈥檙e going to do really well here.鈥�   

  Up in the sixth-grade wing, even students called out to him.  

  鈥淒o you remember me?鈥� sixth grader Giuliana asked. 鈥淚鈥檓 Kevin鈥檚 daughter.鈥�  

  鈥淥f course, I remember you,鈥� the new superintendent said. 鈥淟et鈥檚 take a selfie so I can send it to your father.鈥� 

  Her father served as the D.A.R.E. officer in Mr. Plotkin鈥檚 previous district, Croton-Harmon. 

  Since it was a Friday, several middle school Carmel Rams Football fans were wearing their jerseys.  

  鈥淎re you going to the game?鈥� Mr. Plotkin asked as he slid into a booth in the school library where a group was working on an independent study project. 

  鈥淵es, my brother is on the team,鈥� said a boy named Henry.  

  鈥淢y son, Ben, is on the team,鈥� Mr. Plotkin said. 鈥淚鈥檒l tell him to say hi to your brother.鈥�  

  Then it was on to the building鈥檚 lowest level, where he spoke with the cafeteria manager about the day鈥檚 lunch (Taco Pizza), stopped to talk to the kids learning coding in the technology classroom, and checked into Head Custodian Terrence McQuade鈥檚 office to see the equipment that keeps the building humming.  

  Of course, he knew Mr. McQuade from back in the day. 

  鈥淚 used to do the youth wrestling program here, and he was instrumental in making sure that we didn鈥檛 kill ourselves,鈥� Mr. Plotkin joked.  

  Before he headed over to 爆料TV and the district鈥檚 three elementary schools, Mr. Plotkin stopped to hear the students in Erika Wahlers鈥� music class practice drumming to a Halloween song.  

  鈥淭hat teacher was friends with my daughter when they were in school,鈥� he said.  

  With his outgoing and friendly demeanor, it seems Mr. Plotkin will soon know everyone in the Carmel Central School District. 

   

  District News

• Students to Perform at Festival

  About 40 爆料TV students will perform with the top high school musicians from throughout Putnam, Dutchess and Columbia counties at the Area All State Festival, to be held at Arlington High School on November 21 and 22.

  Carmel students will participate in four ensembles -- Treble Choir, Mixed Choir, Orchestra and Band.

  Sean Kmiotek, a percussionist, is attending Area All State for the second year in a row.

  鈥淚t was great being around all those talented musicians,鈥� he said.

  Students are selected for the festival based on their spring NYSSMA solo evaluation scores.

  Peter Ballantoni, orchestra teacher, said the annual event creates a great opportunity for students.

  鈥淚t pushes them to be stronger musicians,鈥� Ballantoni said. 鈥淭heir performance at NYSSMA allows them to participate, and because of that they are inspired to work harder.鈥�

  Parker Vanacoro, a sophomore, is looking forward to participating in Area All State for the first time.

  鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be a great experience,鈥� Parker, a vocalist, said. 鈥淚 think I will learn a lot.鈥�

  Neenah Julien, a junior, will sing in the Treble Choir. 

  鈥淚 am so excited to go,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 think it will be great.鈥�  

  Carmel Central School District is known for its strong music department.

  "We are honored every year for our students to be chosen for this high achievement,鈥� Meghan Cabral, band teacher and co-chair of the district鈥檚 Music Department. 鈥淓ach year the talent and competition gets stronger for these honors ensembles, and we are proud to have such a great representation once again from 爆料TV Music Department.鈥�

   

  爆料TV News