March 23, 2025

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your ongoing support and partnership throughout the
school year. Your active involvement in attending events, serving as chaperones, sponsoring activities, and
participating in the PTA makes a world of difference. Your dedication helps create a vibrant and supportive
community that benefits our students and enhances their experience. We are truly grateful for all you do
and look forward to continuing our work together in the future!

General Announcements:

Team Spotlight:
Congratulations to our incredible varsity girls and boys basketball teams for their outstanding achievements
this season! Both teams made history by winning the Section One Championship, the NYS Regional
Championship, and advancing to the State Final Four. This marks the first time in our school's history that
both teams reached the State Final Four in the same season. Your hard work, dedication, and team spirit
have made us all so proud. Here's to an unforgettable season and a bright future ahead!

March is Disability Month:
March is Disability Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the strengths and contributions of individuals with
disabilities and raise awareness about the importance of inclusion. During this month, we would like to
express our deepest thanks and appreciation to all special education teachers and support staff. Your
dedication, compassion, and commitment to empowering every student make a lasting impact. You create
an environment where all students can thrive, and your hard work ensures that each child receives the
support they need to reach their full potential. We are truly grateful for everything you do to make a
difference in the lives of the students and families you serve. Thank you!

TMS ‘Under the Sea’ Dance
What a fantastic time was had at the middle school dance on Friday, March 21st! With a great turnout and
an energetic crowd, students danced the night away to the beats spun by DJ Bio. They enjoyed delicious
food, great music, and plenty of fun with friends. A huge thank you to Mrs. Benedetti for coordinating this
amazing event, and to all the chaperones and parents who helped make the evening a success. It was
truly a night to remember!

National Junior Honor Society
Attention National Junior Honor Society candidates: Please remember that the 10 hours of documented
community service are due by April 9th, 2025. Be sure to submit all required materials on time to Mrs.
Benedetti or Mr. Colasuonno. To access the hours log, click here.

TMS New York State Examination Schedule:
Tuckahoe Middle School will administer the New York State (NYS) exams as follows: the ELA exam on
April 7th and 8th, the Math exam on April 24th and 25th, and the 8th Grade Science exam on April
30th. All NYS exams will be conducted through Computer-Based Testing (CBT), and students will be
required to use their school-issued Chromebooks for each test. Additional details and logistics for the NYS
exams will be shared in the near future. Please stay tuned for further updates.

THS Junior Achievement Update:
On March 19th, 34 upperclassmen from Tuckahoe High School participated in Junior Achievement (JA)
Day, an exciting event that brought both joy and valuable learning opportunities to our scholars at Cottle
Elementary School. The THS students were divided into small groups, where they taught lessons on
financial literacy, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with the younger scholars.

In addition to earning volunteer hours, the THS students had the chance to demonstrate their leadership
skills and gain firsthand experience of the challenges and rewards of being a classroom teacher. As one
student shared after the experience, "I didn't realize how difficult it is to be a teacher."

This experience was a rewarding one for both the students at Cottle and the THS volunteers. JA Day
provided a unique opportunity for our scholars to step into the role of teacher, apply their knowledge, and
inspire younger students in a meaningful way. Leading up to the event, THS students spent weeks
reviewing lesson plans and practicing their presentation skills in preparation.

Overall, JA Day was a tremendous success, offering students growth in leadership, communication, and
teamwork for all involved. We are confident that the passion and dedication of our students made this day
unforgettable, and we look forward to future opportunities for collaboration and learning.

Message From Ms. Iamonico, Library Media Specialist:
We’re thrilled to share that our March 21st author visit with Tommy Greenwald was a great success!
Students enjoyed learning about the writing process and gained valuable tips from Mr. Greenwald, author
of Game Changer, Deadzone, Dinged, and Rivals. The March Madness Book Bracket was also a hit, with
students enthusiastically predicting which of Greenwald's books would come out on top.

A special thanks to Ms. Melissa Iamonico, our Library Media Specialist, for coordinating this event and
bringing so much joy to our students. One of our goals is to support our scholars in discovering the joy of
reading, and events like these help foster that passion.

Thank you to the PTA for supporting our Books n' Bites session and to Mishel Syed and Madeline Lee for
helping decorate for Ramadan. We also have a book display featuring Muslim authors and characters,
perfect for anyone seeking new reading ideas!

Tuckahoe Theatre Works: Fiddler on the Roof
We wanted to take a moment to offer my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of our scholars for
their outstanding performances in Fiddler on the Roof—this year’s THS Spring Musical! You truly brought
the stage to life with your incredible talent, dedication, and hard work.

Your performances were nothing short of amazing, and it was evident that countless hours of practice and
collaboration went into making this production such a success. The show provided all of you with a
wonderful opportunity to showcase your abilities, whether through acting, singing, dancing, or simply
supporting each other behind the scenes. You made the entire community proud, and your energy and
passion were felt by all who attended.

A special thank you is also in order for Mr. Charles DuChateau and Mr. Richard Grasso. Once again,
congratulations to all of you on an exceptional performance. You should all feel incredibly proud of what
you accomplished. We look forward to seeing more of your amazing talents in the future!

Exciting Career Session for Students - March 27th:
Join us for an informative session on SUNY Westchester Community College’s Workforce Development &
Community Education non-credit training programs. Explore pathways into healthcare, information
technology, and the trades that can set you on a path to increased earnings and career opportunities and
growth. Our short-term courses provide in-demand skills and industry-recognized credentials to help you
enter or advance in high-growth fields. Whether you're looking for a new career or to enhance your current
skills, we offer affordable and accessible training. Join us to learn about available resources, and take the
next step in your professional journey!

High School Guidance Updates:
Upcoming Course Selection for the 2025-2026 School Year - Step by Step Directions
Current 8th grade families have already received an email with important information regarding course
selection for the 2025-2026 school year. We ask that you take the time to sit with your child to review and
complete the Google Form together. Working together ensures that course choices align with your child’s
academic goals and interests. Below are the links for your convenience.
8th-->9th grade course selection link 25-26 scheduling form.

Course selection 9th--> 10th
2025-2026 Course Selection Form To support you in this process, we have provided a step-by-step
video.
Course Selection 10--> 11th
2025-2026 Course Selection Form To support you in this process, we have provided a step-by-step
video.

Updated High School Course Catalog:
Linked here is the updated 2025-26 High School Course Catalog, which outlines all course offerings for
the upcoming school year. We encourage both families and students to review this document carefully to
explore available courses, note any new additions, and understand course sequences and prerequisites.

Key Updates:
● Math Streamlining: "Principles" courses have been replaced with Regents-level courses to provide
a more cohesive pathway.
● Expanded AP and Honors level Offerings: Additional Advanced Placement (AP) courses are now
available in English and Technology to offer students more opportunities for academic challenge.
AP Seminar English 10 will be offered in the tenth grade, while we continue to offer English 10 at the
Regents and Honors levels. Two new honors-level math courses, Geometry Honors and Algebra II
Honors, will now be available to students as well!

As always, students are encouraged to push themselves academically and take advantage of rigorous
coursework.Hard copies of the course catalog are available in the high school guidance office.
Additionally, families attending a scheduled conference with their child’s school counselor will receive a
printed copy during their meeting.

Binghamton University Campus Tour – Tuesday, March 18th:
We are excited to share that 29 of our students recently had the opportunity to tour Binghamton University
on Tuesday, March 18, giving them a firsthand look at what college life has to offer. During the visit,
students explored a variety of academic programs, including a tour of the Engineering building, which
showcased the university’s state-of-the-art facilities. They also visited the housing options, where they had
the chance to walk through a dorm room suite style, giving them a glimpse of what living on campus could
be like.

One of the highlights of the day was a visit to the Career Development Center, where students learned
about valuable resources for building resumes, practicing interview skills, and accessing job placement
opportunities. To top off the experience, students enjoyed lunch in the marketplace, dining alongside
current college students, and getting a true sense of the vibrant campus atmosphere.

Please see this link with a video from Binghamton University for any student who may have missed the
experience. https://www.binghamton.edu/admissions/undergraduate/visit/tour/index.html
We hope this tour inspired our students as they begin to think about their future college and career paths. It
was an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to providing more opportunities like this in the
future!

University of South Carolina Visits - Thursday, April 4th:
We are thrilled to announce that Marissa Strominger, the regional recruiter for the University of South
Carolina, will be presenting to our 11th-grade students at Tuckahoe High School on Thursday, April 4,
2025, at 11:00 AM! This event is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Mrs. Perillo, Mr. Treglia,
and the entire high school administration, who have consistently focused on aligning educational
opportunities with our students’ interests and aspirations. This year, 7 out of the 9 applications to USC
have been accepted—a significant increase from last year's 4 acceptances—highlighting the growing trend
of our students applying to and gaining admission to southern universities and colleges. Marissa will offer
invaluable insights into the college application process, admissions requirements, and campus life. Don’t
miss this incredible opportunity to hear directly from an expert and learn more about how to navigate the
college journey!

Manhattan University Campus Tour- Tuesday, April 8th:
We are thrilled to have 30 students registered for the Manhattan University Campus Tour on Tuesday,
April 8th. It’s inspiring to see our scholars seize this opportunity, proactively gathering valuable information
that will guide their future decisions. Our 10th-grade students will have the exclusive chance to explore the
campus from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, gaining first-hand insight into university life and the academic
environment.

Information for Families of 11th Graders:
Important Testing Dates for ACT and SAT:
Notice to 11th grade parents: It is a good idea to start registering your child for the SAT or the ACT.
Below are the testing dates and websites.
Please see the attached link for registering for the upcoming ACT and SAT tests:
REGISTER FOR ACT HERE REGISTER FOR SAT HERE

Register for SUNY College Fair
Tri-State Engineering Expo:

News from the PTA:
Looking to join the PTA for the 2025-26 Year?
If you are looking to volunteer your time to plan fun and educational events, partnering with school
staff and exposing our children to the amazing world around them, then you are a perfect match for
the TUFSD PTA Executive Board! Please visit our website TUCKAHOEPTA.com for details. Submit
your interest HERE.

Community Service Club: Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
1) Please sign up to assist at Hope Community Services. Volunteers in the Soup Kitchen will pack
and serve to-go meals, prepare dinners, serve the guests and assist with clean up. Dates remaining
are March 26, April 30, and May 28.
2) The PTA is also looking for MS/HS volunteers to assist in their Earth Day activities on Saturday,
April 5.

Sign up for both Hope Community Kitchen and PTA Earth Day HERE.

Taste of Tuckahoe, April 2 (for MS/HS students, during lunch hours)
It’s time for this year’s Taste of Tuckahoe, a signature PTA event! To celebrate the Tuckahoe Middle
& High school students, the PTA is providing a medley of cuisines from beloved area restaurants.
Students will be able to sample dishes from Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and American fares. Visit
HERE for details and to sign up to donate & help during the event.

Earth Day Celebration, April 5, 11am- 3pm @ Cottle
Join us April 5 at Cottle! Donation and volunteer opportunities. Visit HERE for more details.
Yankee vs Toronto Blue Jays Game Fundraiser, April 26, 1:05 pm @ Yankee Stadium
Join the PTA at the Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, April 26 at 1:05pm. Your ticket
includes a Yankees backpack and a $15 voucher for concessions. Buy your tickets HERE!
Deadline to buy tickets is April 12.

PTA Spring Social, May 2, 7:30pm @ Wykagyl Country Club
Tickets are now on sale for PTAs biggest fundraiser of the year! Join us to connect with other
parents, enjoy a much-needed adult-only night out and raise some money to support the fabulous
programs the PTA provides to all Tuckahoe students! We will have a number of prizes and raffles to
enjoy, so bring your ‘lucky’ wallet! The night includes music, wine, beer, and a dinner buffet. Visit
HERE to purchase your tickets.

Evening Event, Dr Joanna Robin on “Letting Kids Fail: Building Confidence and Resilience, May 7,
7:30pm @ TMS/HS Library

Dr. Robin’s presentation will focus on the crucial role of allowing children to experience failure in
building resilience and confidence, highlighting the importance of making mistakes and providing

corrective feedback and promoting a growth mindset by encouraging effort - and much more. More
details as well as a RSVP and link to submit questions is HERE.

Important Dates
Here is a list of important dates:
Monday, March 31st - Modified Spring Sports Begin
Wednesday, April 2nd - Taste of Tuckahoe
Thursday, April 3rd - Third Marking Period Ends
Wednesday, April 9th - Friday, April 11th - 8th Grade Trip to Washington D.C.
Monday, April 14th - Monday, April 21st - NO SCHOOL - Spring Recess

Sincerely,
R. Arthur, S. DeBellis, A. Colasuonno

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