May 30, 2025

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are a caring community that looks out for one another, especially for our children. As the school year
comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support and
partnership throughout the year. Your involvement has been instrumental in making this academic year a
successful and enriching experience for our scholars.

Our students have shown tremendous growth, creativity, and resilience, and we are incredibly proud of
their achievements. From hands-on projects and exciting activities to collaborative team-building exercises,
they have embraced every opportunity to learn and grow. These experiences have not only fostered their
academic development but also strengthened their social and problem-solving skills.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the PTA and all parent volunteers for their dedication
and support. Your contributions have greatly enhanced our school community and provided valuable
resources for our students.

General Announcements:
Student Spotlight:
This month’s Student Spotlight shines on one of our exceptional juniors, Ms. Leila Gargiulo, who has
earned acceptance into two of the nation’s most selective military leadership programs: the West Point
Summer Leaders Experience and the U.S. Air Force Academy Summer Seminar. Both programs, a
testament to her dedication, boast acceptance rates of only ten percent, and cannot be purchased or
bypassed; each requires a competitive application process grounded entirely in merit.

To qualify, Leila assembled a comprehensive portfolio of extracurricular and community engagement
activities, from serving as a volunteer EMT with Eastchester EMS to leading start-up initiatives and
participating in team sports. Her academic credentials - GPA, transcript, and SAT score, were bolstered by
strong recommendations from both teachers and supervisors. Once on campus, she will undertake
rigorous coursework in battlefield tactics, hostage negotiation, and mechanical engineering, complete
physical assessments, and participate in marksmanship training. Throughout the experience, students are
organized into platoons under the mentorship of a dedicated Platoon Leader, ensuring that each participant
enhances teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving skills.

In addition, Leila has been selected for Girls State, a prestigious program that chooses only two
representatives from each county following an extensive interview process. This honor recognizes her
outstanding leadership, passion for public service, and commitment to community involvement.

Acceptance into these programs not only reflects her remarkable drive and character but also positions her
for an even stronger candidacy when she later applies to the United States Military Academy at West Point
or the Air Force Academy. We applaud her achievements and look forward to the leadership she will
undoubtedly bring to whatever frontier she tackles next.

Team Spotlight:
We are thrilled to announce that our varsity baseball team has won the Section 1 Class C Championship
this evening at Purchase College, defeating rival Haldane in a best-of-three series sweep! The final score
was 7–2.
A huge shoutout to our outstanding coaches, James Puma and TJ Walsh, for their leadership and
dedication. Special congratulations to Jack Rideout, who was named Game MVP for his incredible
performance.
With this victory, the team now advances to the New York State Playoffs and will compete for the Regional
Championship next week. Stay tuned for more information.

Iceland Trip - Update:
The excitement surrounding our upcoming trip to Iceland is palpable throughout our learning community.
Mrs. Melanie Buchanan will serve as the trip advisor and is currently coordinating a meeting with
participating scholars and their families in June. We will share the date and time for this meeting shortly.

TMS Buddy Day:
On Tuesday, June 10th, our 6th-grade scholars will warmly welcome and host 5th-grade scholars from
Cottle Elementary School. Following a brief introduction with building administrators and the middle school
staff, the 6th graders will eagerly guide our guests on a tour of the building. They will highlight key locations
such as the nurse’s office, gym, library, and cafeteria to help the 5th graders feel familiar and comfortable
in their future school environment.

During the tour, the Cottle students will learn about the exciting special events and activities held at TMS,
sparking their enthusiasm for the upcoming school year. We are incredibly proud of our 6th graders, who
will demonstrate exceptional leadership and hospitality. Their efforts will not only showcase their maturity
but also play a crucial role in easing the transition for the rising 6th graders as they prepare to join TMS in
September.

Tuckahoe Guidance Department Updates:
2nd Annual College Workshop for Rising Seniors:
The Tuckahoe High School Counseling Department is excited to invite you and your student to our Second
Annual College Workshop on Friday, June 27th, from 7:45 AM to 11:30 AM in the Tuckahoe High School
Auditorium. To date, 19 students have already registered for this valuable event, which is designed to
support families as they navigate the college admissions process together. Representatives from
Manhattan University, Iona University, and Manhattanville University will share insights on how to support
your student’s college search, plan a compelling college essay, complete the Common Application, and
understand financial aid options. Students entering their senior year and their parents or guardians are
encouraged to attend. Your participation will make a meaningful difference in your student’s journey to
college, so please RSVP by completing this form: https://forms.gle/pJ2FTvpMpzoX1Tf3A. We look
forward to partnering with you on this exciting path ahead!

THS Creating Opportunities for Scholars:
Over the past year, our School Counseling Department has redoubled its efforts to create meaningful
college and career opportunities for every senior. By establishing new partnerships with institutions, from
community colleges to highly competitive universities, we’ve broadened students’ exposure and
demystified the admissions process. Through targeted workshops, one-on-one advising, and
essay-coaching sessions, our scholars have gained both the confidence and the skills to apply widely and
thoughtfully. Because of the collective efforts of our learning community, many of our scholars have been
accepted to schools at the top of their list.

The impact shows in this year’s results: we supported 102 applications, up from 82 last year, and saw
admission offers climb across the board. Notable highlights include first admits at Boston College and a
jump from zero to five admits at Northeastern University. Meanwhile, long standing partners like Iona and
Westchester Community College continued to welcome nearly all our applicants.

These gains are no accident. Our team has implemented data-driven strategies, tracking application
trends, tailoring support for highly selective schools, and expanding mock-interviews, to ensure each
student’s profile shines. As we look ahead, we’ll keep refining these approaches so that every scholar
knows their aspirations are within reach. See the attached three slides highlighting our scholars
accomplishments.

Tuckahoe Middle High School String Program at Lincoln Center:
Last Wednesday, students from Tuckahoe Middle and High School’s String Program, along with members
of Tuckahoe Theater Works, took a remarkable trip to Lincoln Center, the heart of the performing arts in
America, and arguably the world. The students split into three groups for an in-depth tour of the iconic
campus, home to the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, and the Metropolitan Opera. They
were treated to behind-the-scenes views of the stunning architecture and artistic spaces, and observed live
rehearsals by both the NYC Ballet and the NY Philharmonic.

Following the tour, students gathered for lunch in the newly renovated David Geffen Hall before attending a
matinee performance of the musical Floyd Collins. The production starred Broadway favorite Jeremy
Jordan and folk-pop sensation Lizzy McAlpine, both delivering unforgettable performances. Featuring a
folk-influenced score, the show tells the true story of a Kentucky cave explorer who became trapped
underground in 1925, sparking a national media frenzy. The production was especially inspiring for our
string students, whose upcoming end-of-year concert, Orchestral Roots, explores folk music in the
orchestral repertoire.

To cap off the experience, students participated in a talkback session with members of the cast, orchestra,
and crew. Excitement filled the room as both Jordan and McAlpine joined the conversation, generously
sharing their insights and answering student questions with warmth and candor. Many of the Floyd Collins
company members commented they were genuinely impressed by how respectful and focused the
students were.

We are especially grateful for Mr. duChateau's leadership and dedication to enriching our community
through the arts. His commitment ensures that our students not only witness world-class culture but also
engage with it in deeply meaningful ways.

Important Reminders:
MHS Final and NYS Regents Exam Schedules:
Attached are the final exam schedules for the middle school and high school programs. The last day of
classes for high school students ONLY is Monday, June 16th. Middle school scholars are expected to
report for in-person instruction through June 27th, which will follow an early dismissal schedule. As a
reminder, final or Regents exam grades count for 10% of high school students’ final year-end grade
● TMS Final Exam Schedule
● HS Final and NYS Regent Exam Schedules
TMS Junior National Honor Society Induction Ceremony:
The Junior National Honor Society Induction Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 11th, at 6:00
p.m. in the TMS auditorium. This invitation-only event honors students in grades 7th and 8th who have met
the rigorous NJHS criteria. Those selected by the committee have consistently demonstrated academic
excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community service.

8th Grade Awards Night:
The 8th Grade Awards Night is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11th and will commence following the
Junior National Honor Society Induction Ceremony at 7:30 p.m.
TMS DARE Picnic and Pool Party at Lake Isle:
We are excited to announce an upcoming event for our 7th-grade students (ONLY) - a DARE Picnic and
Pool Party at Lake Isle on Thursday, June 5th (Rain date: June 9th)!
This event, organized in collaboration with local law enforcement, aims to celebrate the completion of the
DARE program while providing a fun and safe environment for our students to enjoy. Transportation will be
provided to and from Lake Isle by school buses. Permission slips have been sent out, and all activities will
be supervised by school staff and law enforcement officers.

THS Graduation Rehearsals
The two mandatory Tuckahoe HS Graduation Rehearsals will be held on Monday, June 23rd at 11AM and
on Tuesday, June 24th at 9:30AM. All THS graduates are required to report to the auditorium to begin the
rehearsal. We are eager to prepare our graduates for this monumental event in their lives.
THS Senior Scholarship Awards Night
As a reminder, the Senior Scholarship Awards Night will be held on Thursday, June 12th at 6:30 p.m. We
look forward to seeing students and their families at this special event as we honor their hard work and
dedication throughout their four years at THS.

THS Senior Internship Program:
As our seniors immerse themselves in their internship experiences, we extend our sincere appreciation to
the exceptional businesses and organizations that have partnered with us this year. Through your
mentorship, guidance, and willingness to open your doors, our students have gained invaluable insights
into professional life and have developed essential skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
These real-world learning opportunities are a critical part of our commitment to preparing students for
college, careers, and civic life. Thank you for playing a vital role in shaping the next generation of leaders,
innovators, and professionals.

This year’s internship sites include but are not limited to:
Louis Campana Architecture Firm, Yale Pediatrics, Montefiore Medical Center, White Plains
Hospital, Kerelaw Engineering, Mastercard Headquarters, Village Hall, Mt. Vernon Courthouse
under Judge Johnson, Lotus Threads, IMP Plumbing, Platinum Porches, Mt. Sinai, and Muscoot
Farms. For a complete list click here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ufo-XHb7KXhHEImtC32CqzJag9yQ3lV1Nfgj8qQ1B9w/edit?u
sp=sharing

News from the PTA:
End of Year PTA Celebration, June 5, 7pm
ALL ARE WELCOME! Join us at the Generoso Pope Foundation for an evening of appreciation as we
celebrate our Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, Lisa Gerken, and incredible Volunteers. Ceremony
followed by small bites, light refreshments, and entertainment. Plus, learn how you can get involved with
the PTA!

SAVE THE DATE - June 25, 8th Grade COLOR WARS (during school hours) - more details to come.

Please Join the Tuckahoe Athletic Council for the 2025-2026 School Year:
Important Dates
Here is a list of important dates:
Tuesday, June 3rd - Varsity Athletic Awards Ceremony & Hall of Fame Induction
Wednesday, June 4th - Senior Prom
Thursday, June 5th - 7th Grade DARE Picnic
Monday, June 9th - Strings Spring Concert
Tuesday, June 10th - Buddy Day
Wednesday, June 11th - NJHS Induction & 8th Grade Awards
Thursday, June 12th - Senior Scholarship Awards Night
Friday, June 13th - World Language Honor Society Induction
Monday, June 16th - 4th Quarter Ends

Sincerely,
R. Arthur S. DeBellis A. Colasuonno

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