WVCSD EdTalk: November 13, 2024

The Warwick Valley Central School District is asking voters to consider a proposed capital improvement project with zero additional tax impact on local taxpayers. The vote is scheduled

for 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday, December 10. Of the $19,544,469 proposal, state building aid would pay for approximately $11,805,112. District officials estimate that $7,739,357 million would be paid through funds already set aside in the district’s capital and repair reserve funds.

The needs addressed in the proposal have been prioritized and planned based on a New York State Building Condition Survey (BCS) conducted by a team of licensed engineers and registered architects, as well as the observations and documentation of WVCSD management and staff.

By addressing these needs, the capital project aims to avoid costly emergency repairs in the coming years, create valuable energy savings, and make a healthier and safer learning environment for students and staff.

The proposal would fund much-needed new roofing, infrastructure improvements to critical items such as HVAC, windows, bleachers, plumbing, sidewalks and electrical systems, and

installations and upgrades to security measures.

All residents of the Warwick Valley CSD should anticipate a newsletter to be mailed to their home in early December. We encourage you to visit our website at warwickvalleyschools.com to learn more about this proposal.

Here are some highlights from our schools this week:

Park Avenue Elementary School
Park Avenue Elementary School hosted its annual Veterans Day event on Friday, Nov. 8.  The celebration, which has been taking place for 25 years, was well attended by family members of our students that served all branches of the military. We were honored to have with us Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David Leach, assistant superintendents Meghan McGourty and Cindy Leandro, as well as Board of Education President Keith Parsons and board member William Fanos.  Student Council Advisors Amy Buliung and Theresa Canfield prepared a wonderful ceremony that included:

• The presentation of colors by fourth grade Student Council members
• Singing of the National Anthem by third grade teacher Ms. Carolyn Weller
• Pledge of Allegiance led by Village of Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard
• Presentation of the flags of the various branches of the military; accompanied by the Warwick Valley High School Meistersingers. Later in the program, the Meistersingers performed, “America the Beautiful” and accompanied our students when singing, “Thank You Soldiers “
• “Pachelbels’s Canon” and “God Bless America” by the Warwick Valley Wire Choir, directed by Elissa Maynard
• Address to students and guests by Lt. Colonel Eric Durkins, Commander of the 105th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
• “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “This Land is Your Land” sung by the entire student body

One of the highlights of the event took place when Dr. Leach read the names of all veterans present, including the branch they served and their rank. Veterans stood and were acknowledged by all present.  In addition, Student Council members presented Mr. Christian Farrell, director of Orange County Veterans Services, a check for $4,400!  The money will be used to purchase wreaths that will be placed on the graves of veterans during the holidays.

Students also presented Mrs. Canfield with flowers and thanked her for starting this event 25 years ago and for continuing to be such an important facilitator of its success.  Lastly, John “Cheech” Richichi of the NAM Knights presented Principal Bill Biniaris and Student Council Advisors Ms. Buliung and Ms. Canfield with a plaque for the school’s efforts related to our veterans. 

In addition to the Student Council Advisors, our teachers and staff, we would like to thank our wonderful PTA for their invaluable support with setting up the gym and providing breakfast for our special guests.

Sanfordville Elementary School
Sanfordville first graders just finished up their social studies unit on Citizenship/Rules and Laws. Additionally, the first graders are wrapping up their Readers Workshop unit on building good reading habits. In Writers Workshop, the students are in the middle of their Small Moment unit- writing personal narratives about themselves. Many of the classes have started their “Mystery Reader” program where they invite parents in to read a story to the class. Parents send in three clues about themselves and the class guesses who the reader is. The kids are LOVING this!

STEM classes have been working with pumpkins all week. Kindergarten classes are working on pumpkin bridge stations. Each table had a different material for them to build with. As a team, students had to construct a bridge over their pond that can hold the plastic pumpkin.  First grade classes are working on pumpkin zip lines! Students were in their planning stage where they had to work on their sketches and select the material they were using. The teams are working together to imagine a device that can be attached to the zip line to safely transport their pumpkin.

Students in the fourth grade have been learning about different organisms’ structures and behaviors needed for survival. Their Science Unit wrapped up with a performance task in which the students became “Junior Zoologists” on a mission to solve a problem. On their mission they were the first to see a new species of animal that was found on a remote island. Their mission was to learn how the animal senses and responds to danger. In teams, the students created a model of this new species using different materials,including recyclable items, that were then brought to a “zoo” for others to learn about. The students also created an animal identification sign, using Google Drawing, to display in their zoo exhibit, which explained their findings.  Fourth grade classes enjoyed visiting a neighboring “zoo” to see other students’ work. 

Along with our PTA, staff, and Sanfordville families, the students from SES Leadership Club enjoyed passing out lemonade and cheering on the runners at the Beautiful People Walk on November 3.  Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help and congratulations to all of the participants!

Warwick Valley Middle School
We kicked off our annual food drive on November 6, and it will continue through Friday, November 14. The WVMS Student Senate has organized this event to support local families and make a positive impact in the community. Each grade level has been assigned a specific food item, and the goal is to collect as many donations as possible to help fill holiday food baskets for those in need. Teams will be collecting soup, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, pasta, canned corn, and other items. The team with the highest donation total will be treated to an ice cream party as a thank you for their efforts. As WVMS Student Senate advisor Mark Botta said, this is a great opportunity for students to come together, contribute to a good cause, and show their school spirit.

Here is what each team is collecting: Red 5 – soup; Blue 5 – turkey gravy; Yellow 5 – mashed potatoes; Purple 5 – pasta; Green 5 – canned corn. Of course, we are accepting all kinds of food donations, and could also specifically use canned green beans, yams, cranberry sauce, pasta sauce, stuffing, and fruit cups. Students can bring non-perishable food items to school throughout the week. Every donation counts!

Through the food drive, WVMS students demonstrate a commitment to helping others while displaying all of the characteristics of a Portrait of a Graduate. Donations go to local organizations that provide food to families in need during the holiday season. Let’s make this year’s food drive a huge success and show the power of the Wildcat community.

Warwick Valley High School
We recently welcomed 8th-grade families to the high school for an Open House designed to introduce prospective students and their parents to the exciting opportunities that await them at the high school. The event provided families with a glimpse into the dynamic programs, academic pathways, and extracurricular activities that make Warwick Valley High School a special place to learn and grow.

The evening began with a warm welcome from school administration, who emphasized the school’s commitment to supporting student growth and highlighted some of the unique programs available, including AP and college-credit courses, STEM and agriculture electives, and specialized career and technical education (CTEC) options offered both in-house and through O-U BOCES.

Families toured the school, met passionate teachers, and engaged with current students who shared their own experiences and insights. The event showcased the high school’s robust array of clubs, performing arts, and athletic programs, offering something for every interest and encouraging students to explore new areas and thrive within the school community.