WVCSD EdTalk: July 3, 2024
Following, is the text of Dr. Leach’s commencement address to the Class of 2024 on June 29:
Good morning, Class of 2024, families, and friends. Today, we celebrate a remarkable journey. As you reflect on all you’ve accomplished, savor the simple joys and cherish the meaningful relationships in your lives.
I first met many of you back in second grade. Despite all my efforts attending concerts, athletic events, and visiting classrooms, you still think of me as the ‘snow guy.’ Eventually, I embraced my new nickname, but then a new figure emerged: meteorologist Ben Noll. You began relying more on this storm chaser’s snow day predictions, turning his tweets into gospel. While it stings a bit—after all, I did sign the diplomas you are receiving today—it’s fine. But now, Ben is even selling merch and subscriptions. I could have sold #LeachSnowDays coffee mugs and offered monthly subscription updates: “So, Warwickians, Cascade Road and Black Rock might be a mess… stay tuned for updates.” Clearly, Ben capitalized on an opportunity I missed.
I must admit, this class is exceptionally talented. From championships to musicals, top-tier college acceptances to countless community service hours, you have truly excelled. But to be honest, your greatest talent seems to be conjuring up snow days. The Class of 2024 loves snow days! Whether it’s spoons under pillows, inside-out pajamas, ice cubes in the toilet, or other quirky rituals, you are unmatched in summoning the snow day gods.
Parents, you may not know this, but the elaborate snow day plans your kids concocted at recess were legendary. Students, praying for a snow day on test day didn’t always work out, but you made it – you’re here today! However, the plots to hack the district’s robo-call system were a step too far.
But I understand. We all need moments to pause, reflect, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. And today, as we celebrate your achievements, continue to find joy in those simple moments, wherever life takes you.
Your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles come from what you might call the pre-digital age. There was no Ben Noll, no robo-calls at 5:00 AM, no internet, and no Doppler radar. Getting an accurate local weather forecast was challenging. In those days, we had radios. We’d wake up at 5:00 AM, open the window to see if Mother Nature had delivered, and hunker down by the radio. Heart pounding, we’d wait for the DJ to list school closures alphabetically. If you lived in Warwick, you waited until the very end, which was torture. Hearing “Warwick Schools” was the thrill of victory; not hearing it was the agony of defeat. And in that agony, staring at incomplete homework, you contemplated faking a sore throat.
Graduates, don’t get me wrong—we loved a good snow day too. Who doesn’t? We could sleep in, watch TV, stay up the night before for the Knicks, Islanders, or Rangers games, and go outside to play. It was fantastic. It was a time for us to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Filled with joy in those moments, for that day, life took us to a more peaceful and playful place. In fact, I can confidently say that your parents and I miss the “dark ages” a bit. It was a simpler time; one where we spent a few more seconds taking a deep breath, delaying gratification, and savoring the simple suspense and pleasures of life.
Class of 2024, as we gather to celebrate your achievements, I want to leave you with this advice: always make time to pause, reflect, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. It’s now up to you to create those moments for yourself, as my 5:00 AM snow day calls are a thing of the past for you.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in deadlines, the pursuit of success, and constant information. You can find yourself buried in your phone, watching TikTok or texting away. But true fulfillment often lies in quiet, unhurried moments.
Take time to appreciate the beauty around you in Warwick. Whether it’s a stunning sunset, birds chirping, or friends’ laughter, these moments bring immense joy and tranquility. As you move forward, take breaks from your busy schedules to enjoy a walk in nature, a good book, or a heartfelt conversation.
Remember to celebrate your small victories along with the big ones. Whether it’s acing an exam, making a new friend, finishing a project, or simply getting through a tough day, each accomplishment is a step forward. Pause and give yourself the credit you deserve.
And share these experiences with your family. Cherish the relationships you build. In the end,
it’s the connections we have with others that truly enrich our lives. Put the tech away. Take time to be present with your loved ones, to listen, to share, and to support each other. These moments of connection will become some of your most treasured memories.
Lastly, be kind to yourself. Life will have its setbacks, but it’s important to pause and reflect on how far you’ve come. Allow yourself the grace to make mistakes, learn from them, and continue to move forward.
As you embark on the next chapter of your life, hold on to these simple joys. They will guide you, keep you grounded, and remind you of what truly matters. Wherever life takes you, may you find peace and happiness in the simplest of moments. And remember, Class of 2024, in the real world, there are no snow days, but if you ever need a weather update, you know who to call!
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Here are some highlights from our schools this week:
Park Avenue Elementary School
Third grade students worked in groups in science to research animal habitats and survival needs around the world. Based on their findings, they built dioramas – using shoe boxes and sundry art supplies – to create visual representations of their animals’ habitats. The students paired their dioramas with opinion essays on the topic of animals being housed in zoos. As an end of year activity, the third grade had some artistic fun by making their own sand art design! Students also worked on compelling visuals in art class, using plastic jars, primary colors, and a few special neon colors to create striking jar art. They watched a video for inspiration, and then attempted their own designs, including beaches and sunsets, marbled patterns, or layered techniques. Thank you to the Park Avenue PTA for the materials, and to Ms. Diane Kilbride for spearheading this project.
On June 26th, everyone dressed in purple and gold Park Ave spirit wear for, as the fourth graders were sent off with our very first Clap Out! K-3 classes lined the hallways, joined by faculty, staff and administration, to cheer on the fourth graders as they passed by. It was a fun way to say good-bye and good luck, and although it was sad on one level, everyone shared in the excitement for the many new and exciting adventures awaiting our graduates at the middle school!
Our fourth graders exercised their communication and leadership skills throughout the year by planning and presenting our morning announcements. Classes were on a rotating schedule to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, give weather reports, and announce lunch menus. Announcements also included unique elements such as Math Joke Monday, Tuesday Trivia, Weird But True Wednesday. During June, the fourth graders added a new feature: Gratitude Letters. Each letter was written for a teacher or staff member, and many shared reminiscences and special memories from Park Avenue. The announcement gave the students a way to practice their speaking skills (including using a strong speaking voice) that they truly enjoyed all year.
Best of luck to all of our fourth graders. We will miss you!
Sanfordville Elementary School
Glow Day kicked off the final week of school at Sanfordville! Glowing elements were incorporated into all kinds of fun-filled instructional activities for the students throughout the day. Of course, students and staff were all decked out in bright neon colors, and there were many glow sticks seen being waved in celebration throughout the hallways.
Ms. Jackson, Ms. Marotta and Ms. Loubier’s classes celebrated a year of academic successes with year-end celebrations! The classes each invited family members to join them on Monday, June 24, in one of the schools outdoor classrooms. Ms. Jackson’s guests watched a video presentation of the class throughout the year. Ms. Loubier’s guests enjoyed a picnic. Sudents performed songs during each of the celebrations, and every student was recognized and received a certificate. We can’t wait to see the amazing things these students do in first grade!
Faculty and staff gathered at Silvio’s Villa Ristorante to honor our 2024 retirees. Join us in congratulating Ms. Sirico, Ms. Greiner, Ms. Murphy, and Mr. Casimir! Thank you for the positive impact you’ve made over the years on our students, their families, and your colleagues.
Warwick Valley Middle School
The 4th Annual Student vs. Staff Kickball Game, one of the schools most anticipated annual events, brought the entire middle school out to the JV softball field. The staff team, eager to redeem itself after last year’s loss, faced off against a determined team of 8th graders, and the match-up proved to be a nail-biter.
Students and staff traded leads through seven intense innings, with the students holding a 14-11 lead. With two outs remaining, the staff team mounted a comeback, closing the gap inch by inch. The tension was thick, as a potentially tide-turning, two-out pop fly spun in the air. In one breathless moment, the students were able to secure the final out, putting the staff’s comeback bid to an end and clinching their second consecutive victory! Congratulations to the Mighty Ducks, on their hard-fought 14-13 victory. The series record now stands at 2-2, and the faculty team will undoubtedly be looking forward to next year’s match with renewed determination.
Following Monday’s fun, Tuesday was bittersweet, as our 8th graders celebrated and said goodbye to middle school at the annual moving-up ceremony. The high school was filled with a mix of joy and nostalgia as students, teachers, and families came together to mark this significant milestone. Madison Tyzbir served as the student emcee for the event, guiding the proceedings with grace and enthusiasm. Beatrix Wendell was the Principal’s Award Speaker, having earned the Principal’s Award for having the highest combined GPA from grade 5 through her final year, a testament to her hard work and dedication over the years.
Dr. Leach shared congratulatory remarks, acknowledging our students’ achievements and the support of their families. Principal Jared Yapkowitz also addressed the attendees, expressing his pride in the students’ growth and accomplishments. As the event concluded, there was a huge sense of anticipation and excitement for the future, mixed with heartfelt goodbyes and cherished memories of middle school days. We wish all of our 8th graders the best as they move up to high school.
Warwick Valley High School
The final two weeks of the school year are packed with activities and events that are full of recognitions, celebrations, remembrances and excitement for the future. It is also the very important time of year when NYS Regents exams are administered. Regents exams are standardized tests that are taken by students across the state and are a requirement for earning a high school diploma in New York. The exams align with New York State Learning Standards and provide a measure of students’ proficiency, knowledge and skills in four key subject areas: Math, English, Science and History. Which Regents exams a student is required to take is dependent upon the type of diploma the student is pursuing: Regents Diploma, Advanced Regents Diploma, or Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.
The final two weeks of celebration and testing culminated Saturday, with our annual WVHS Commencement Ceremony. It was a pleasure to celebrate our Class of 2024, for all of their hard work and dedication! Thank you to the families and friends who gathered with us at the school for the ceremony, and to the distinguished guests who joined us from neighboring school communities. To the Class of 2024: everyone at the high school – administration, faculty and staff – are all so proud of each of you. You have achieved incredible things, and you are poised to continue! We look forward to hearing from you in the years to come, and to delight in your future successes. Best wishes for bright futures!