WVCSD EdTalk: December 18, 2024

I would again like to express my deepest gratitude for your overwhelming support in approving the 2024 Capital Project last week. Your vote of confidence is not just a commitment to our schools, but a testament to the strength and unity of the Warwick community.

On Tuesday, December 10, Warwick Valley Central School District voters passed the 2024 Capital Project by a vote of 575 to 216, for a 72.7% approval of the referendum.

The $19,544,469 capital project was developed through a process of careful collaboration between the Warwick Valley school board, district administrators and engineers, utilizing the New York State Building Condition Survey to identify aging, outdated or energy-inefficient school infrastructure and facilities issues. The project carries zero additional tax impact on local taxpayers.

This capital project will address high-need repairs and improvements in roofing and infrastructure, avoiding the potential of more costly emergency expenses in the future. It will also fund enhancements for the security of our schools. These are important long-term investments for our students, staff and the community.

Specifically, the 2024 Capital Project features a $550,000 investment in security with an additional $500,000 in state funding for a total investment of more than $1 million. Security enhancements include the hardening of 150-plus exterior doors throughout the district. The district will continue to replace outdated roofing at Warwick Valley High School, Warwick Valley Middle School/District Office, Park Avenue Elementary School, the Kings building and the Pine Island building for a total cost of $8.1 million.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning work will be performed at the high school for an estimated cost of $2.1 million. Air conditioning in the gym will replace old and ineffective unit ventilators that do not provide air conditioning. In addition, air conditioning units will be installed in 10 to 12 classrooms. When complete, approximately 98% of the building will be air conditioned.

Windows at Park Avenue and the high school will cost an estimated $2.1 million. Windows will be replaced in the back of the original 1929 building. It also replaces failing windows in the 1991 wing of the building that have issues such as broken seals, not opening easily and are not energy efficient. This will complete the window work at Park Avenue. Windows in a portion of the high school will also be replaced as part of an ongoing project.

Other projects include:

• The replacement of bleachers with safety concerns and mechanical part failures at the high school and the middle school, which will cost $1.25 million.
• Plumbing work at Sanfordville and Park Avenue for $1.1 million.
• Purchase and installation of a new electrical panel at the high school, replacing one that is original to the building and is at capacity for $1 million.
• Sidewalk repairs district-wide for $135,000.

You can read a full breakdown of the 2024 Capital Project details here.

As we move forward with the implementation of the capital project, we will keep you informed as transparency and accountability are important to our efforts. Once again, thank you for your support of our school district, our schools and our students.

Here are some highlights from our schools this week:

Park Avenue Elementary School
The Student Council continued its amazing engagement with the broader community by joining others at the Wreaths Across America Parade.  The parade route ended at the Orange County Veterans Cemetery where the Student Council held American flags, greeted participants, and cheered arriving vehicles, which included a large truck transporting this year’s wreaths. Law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions were present as were fire departments, military representatives and public officials. The Nam Knights showed up roaring into the grounds and made sure to once again thank our Student Council for its amazing work raising $4,500 for this wonderful event. Club advisors, students, and parents helped place the wreaths on the graves of veterans over the weekend. 

Third graders enjoyed a special opportunity to meet Ashley Hickey from the Orange County Water Authority. During a four-day program, Ms. Hickey taught third graders about a variety of water topics that align with the third grade’s current science unit. Although the students’ main and current focus is the water cycle, they discussed other areas such as water conservation and pollution. Ms. Hickey brought in a groundwater model, which helped her demonstrate how water is collected from rain and other precipitation in reservoirs. She also modeled how water can be pumped out of wells so we can benefit in basic ways such as showering and drinking. Students also took part in an active simulation mimicking water runoff and its many negative implications.

Our first graders are so excited to have Mystery Readers in their classrooms. Parents were asked to sign up to read a story to the class without letting their own child know they were coming.  Students are enjoying listening to a variety of stories, mostly holiday and winter-themed. They are also loving having a family member come into their classroom to share a book that is special to their own family. Thank you to all participating family members.

Sanfordville Elementary School
Sanfordville’s Student Leadership Club collaborated with all four schools and WTBQ to collect toys to be donated to the Toys for Military Tots Drive. Sanfordville families donated over 100 toys to the drive this year. The representatives from SES that helped load the toys on the trucks included some of the leadership students, teachers and the principal.

We are incredibly proud of our elementary students, families and staff for their heartfelt participation in the Toys for Military Tots program. This initiative not only brings joy to children of our military families but also reinforces the values of compassion and gratitude within our school community. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who serve our country and their families. We thank everyone in our community for their generosity and support!

As part of their studies of Native American, fourth grade students at Sanfordville Elementary had the pleasure of listening to professional storyteller Madelyn Folino. Students were able to connect their knowledge from social studies to the legends that she was sharing. This immersive storytelling experience of listening to various Pourquoi tales helped students gain further understanding of how different Haudonosaunee cultures explained the natural world around them. Thank you Ms. Folino.

Sanfordville held a PIE Informational Night. Mrs. Maraia, the PIE teachers, and several PIE community members provided a presentation to potential PIE families. Families learned about the cornerstones and the history of the PIE Program and had the opportunity to chat with current PIE families and teachers in small groups. These cornerstones include multiage classrooms, integrated curriculum, parent involvement and nature appreciation.

The students in Ms. Harrington’s PIE 3/4 and Ms. Denny’s PIE 1/2 classes were able to meet Lady.  Lady, is a 5 month old calf that is being raised on the Wisner farm. The students were able to ask questions related to raising cows, and they also were able to feed Lady some butternut squash snacks while she was visiting Sanfordville. After visiting with Lady, the students were able to work with the students from the WVHS FFA and Mrs. Colgan in their classrooms.

Kindergarten and first grade students were treated to a visit from the PTA-sponsored Polar Express. Our parent-volunteer train conductor read the classic Polar Express to our students after they received a special golden ticket, a magical bell and a hot chocolate! Students were on the edge of their seats as they listened to his animated version of the story. Thank you PTA.

Warwick Valley Middle School
As a kickoff to their upcoming science units, MAC students teamed up with their teachers, Mr. Kirschke and Ms. Piascik to design innovative systems that solve everyday problems. Working in small groups, students received basic supplies such as cardboard, dominos, a tennis ball, and string, while also having the freedom to incorporate additional materials from home. The activity encouraged students to think outside the box and explore creative solutions through hands-on experimentation.

The creative projects showcased impressive problem-solving skills, including a page-turner for books and a device that turns off a light switch while watering a plant. These inventive designs demonstrated students’ ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply scientific principles in meaningful ways. The students took ownership of their learning, presenting their creations with enthusiasm and explaining the scientific concepts behind their designs. Students also supplied constructive feedback to one another.

This hands-on activity helped to lay the groundwork for future science lessons, supporting the fifth-grade systems unit and the sixth-grade study of kinetic and potential energy, and energy transfer. Through blending creativity with scientific exploration, students are building a strong foundation for deeper learning in the weeks and months ahead. Mr. Kirschke and Ms. Piascik praised the students’ resourcefulness and teamwork, emphasizing how projects like these help nurture a lifelong passion for science and innovation.

Warwick Valley High School
Warwick Valley High School celebrated its annual Winter Concert Series, a much-anticipated tradition that highlights the exceptional musical talent of its students. Each performing group — band, orchestra, and chorus — took center stage on separate evenings, offering unique and captivating performances that left audiences inspired.

The Band Concert opened the series, with students delivering powerful and polished performances. The musicians showcased their technical skill and artistry, filling the auditorium with vibrant sounds. From lively, upbeat pieces to festive holiday numbers, the band demonstrated remarkable range and a commitment to excellence.

The Orchestra Concert followed, mesmerizing the audience with its precision and harmony. The strings section, in particular, captivated listeners with its rich, emotive sound. A highlight of the evening was a piece composed specifically for the chamber orchestra by Dr. Dackow, adding a unique and personal touch to an already outstanding program.

The series concluded with the Chorus Concert, a perennial favorite that always promises an unforgettable show. The choir dazzled the audience with performances from multiple vocal ensembles, each offering distinct arrangements and showcasing diverse musical styles. From harmonized classics to uplifting contemporary selections, the chorus delivered dynamic and heartfelt renditions that left a lasting impression.

The Winter Concert Series serves as a testament to the talent, hard work, and dedication of Warwick Valley High School’s student musicians, as well as the exceptional guidance of their music educators. Congratulations to all the performers for delivering such memorable performances and spreading the joy of music this winter season!