December 15, 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As you are aware, this week we met with students at both the middle school and high school to emphasize
the importance of being an "Upstander" rather than a "Bystander." We highlighted the vital role our scholars
play in creating a safe, respectful, and supportive school community. By choosing to speak up, intervene,
or seek help when they witness harmful behavior, students can contribute to a positive environment where
everyone feels valued and secure.

Additionally, we addressed the serious consequences of intentionally spreading false information or
engaging in actions that cause fear or concern among students, staff, and parents. Such behaviors
undermine the trust and safety of our school community, and we remain committed to addressing them
swiftly and appropriately.

An important message we are communicating to students is the need to speak with us whenever they see
or hear something concerning. Students should feel confident that their names will not be shared or
discussed with others. This is not “snitching”—it is being an "Upstander" and taking a proactive role in
ensuring the safety and well-being of their peers and the school community.

We are deeply thankful for the support of School Resource Officer Louros, the entire faculty and staff, and
our scholars, who work together to make Tuckahoe Middle High School a truly special learning community.
Your dedication and collaboration help create an environment where students can grow academically,
socially, and emotionally.

We also kindly ask for your support in reinforcing these messages at home. By discussing the importance
of accountability, empathy, and making responsible choices, you can help your children understand how
their actions and words impact not only themselves but also their peers and the broader community.
Together, we can ensure that Tuckahoe Middle High School remains a place where all students can thrive.
Thank you for your partnership!

General Announcements:
Superintendent Search Forum:
Please see the attached documents from the firm conducting the superintendent search:
Superintendent Search Permission Slips for Students-Community Forum - 01-27-25
Superintedent Search Invitation for Community Forum- 01-27-25

Message from Nurse Devereux:
Tis the season...for colds and flus
Thankfully, the 2024-2025 flu season has thus far been fairly mild in New York. But it is still the time of
year when various respiratory illnesses make their rounds. There are a number of culprit viruses including
influenza, RSV and the common cold. Fortunately, most older children and teens are quite resilient, and
will experience relatively mild symptoms. However, adolescents with underlying conditions such as asthma
or immune compromise may be more likely to develop complications including sinusitis, bronchitis or
pneumonia. Elderly or infant family members may also be at heightened risk. The best ways to prevent
the spread of respiratory infections are consistent hand washing and covering your sneeze or cough -
preferably into a tissue or your elbow. The influenza vaccine is available - your pediatrician should be able
to administer it. If your child is under the weather, be sure he or she is drinking plenty of fluids and resting.

Fevers of >100.3 mean a day off from school, and your student shouldn't return until fever free (without
fever-reducing medications) for 24 hours. For severe symptoms, including, but not limited to, difficulty
breathing, wheezing, symptoms that don't get better after 7-10 days, high fever in combination with a
stiff/painful back of neck, have your child evaluated by a doctor. Please see below for some topical articles
and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions. devereuxj@tuckahoeschools.org
● https://choc.org/news/7-common-respiratory-diseases/
● https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/health-concerns/childhood-illnesses/flu/
● https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=common-cold-in-children-90-P02966
● https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/rsv-respiratory-syncytial-virus
Iceland Informational Meeting (Date Change):

Thank you to the families who have registered for the Iceland informational meeting. Unfortunately, our
presenter is under the weather, and we have rescheduled the meeting for Thursday, January 9th, at 6:30
p.m. in the TMHS library. If you haven’t registered for the trip yet, we encourage you to learn about this
exciting opportunity for our scholars to extend their learning beyond the classroom environment.
● Please complete the QR code below to register for the informational meeting.

This trip offers students a unique opportunity to experience Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and natural
phenomena up close, from volcanic fields to geothermal springs and glaciers. With a focus on science and
environmental studies, students will connect classroom learning to real-world exploration, gaining valuable
insights into Iceland’s unique geology, ecology, and sustainable practices.

Join us for the In-Person Information Session:
● Date: Thursday, January 9th
● Time: 6:30 p.m.
● Location: Tuckahoe High School Library

During the meeting, we’ll cover all trip details, including the itinerary, costs, travel requirements, and the
learning experiences students can expect. This is an exciting adventure designed to inspire curiosity and a
deeper understanding of environmental science and earth systems. Don’t miss out on this incredible
chance to explore Iceland’s wonders! We look forward to seeing interested students and parents there.
Tuckahoe Middle School Debate Team Shines at December 14th Tournament!

We are excited to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of the Tuckahoe Middle School Debate Team
at the December 14th tournament! This event, held across two campuses, gathered 321 debaters from
schools in the Tri-state area, and Tuckahoe proudly fielded five varsity and four novice teams. Competing
at Blind Brook Middle/High School, our students displayed incredible poise, confidence, and determination.

Our team's success reflects the courage and growth of each debater, and we couldn't be prouder of their
hard work and progress. A special thank you goes out to our dedicated volunteer high school debate
judges—Emily Sperbeck, Leonie Chalfen, Truman Shih, Amanda Shkreli, and Jocelyn Adelstein—whose
expertise and commitment were instrumental to our success.

We also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dawn Risi and David DePaso, who provided on-site
coaching, judging, and encouragement throughout the tournament. Our coaches, Pat O'Connell and
Laureen Colasacco, deserve thanks as well for their leadership and dedication in preparing our teams.
As our program continues to grow, we are always looking for volunteer judges, including high school
students, teachers, and parents. If you’d like to support our team, we’d love to have your help at the next
tournament on January 25th.

Congratulations again to all our debaters, and a special shout-out to Meredith Lally, who was recognized as
the Top Speaker from Tuckahoe and placed 10th overall in the tournament!
Thank you for celebrating this milestone with us as we continue to foster a culture of excellence and
resilience in Tuckahoe Debate!

TMHS - Winter Band:
Last Wednesday, the Tuckahoe Bands presented their Holiday Concert, On a Winter's Eve, to an
enthusiastic and packed auditorium. The evening began with the 6th Grade Band, delighting the audience
with an energetic performance of jazz and holiday favorites. They were followed by the 7th and 8th Grade
Band, whose rapidly developing skills were evident in their impressive repertoire.

Next, the Jazz Ensemble showcased exceptional musicality, performing an engaging mix of swing,
Dixieland, ballad, and funk pieces that captivated listeners. The Drumline then offered a glimpse into the
band classroom, demonstrating their mastery of rudimentary techniques and collective music-making
through dynamic and synchronized performances.

The evening concluded with the Tuckahoe High School Concert Band, whose lyrical and expressive
ensemble playing left a lasting impression on the audience. Their emotional depth and musicality brought
the night to a powerful close.

The full auditorium throughout the event stood as a testament to the vibrant and diverse music being
created within the Tuckahoe Band Program.

Holiday Cheer Week:

Athletic Spotlight:
On Monday, December 2nd, the THS Auditorium was filled with eager student-athletes and their families,
all gathered to attend an insightful and impactful session led by Mark Leinweaver of Perfect Playcement.
The event focused on the college recruiting process proved to be both informative and meaningful. Mark
shared invaluable advice on navigating the complexities of recruiting while highlighting the crucial role of
character in achieving athletic success at the collegiate level. Attendees left with a wealth of knowledge
and a deeper understanding of how to pursue their dreams in the world of collegiate athletics. The session
was a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and gain crucial insights for the future.
To Watch the Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDajH-FW3NA

News from the PTA
PTA Winter Coat Drive, December 10th through December 17th, Main Entrances
The PTA Community Service Committing is collecting new or gently used coats in all childrens sizes. All
coats collected will be donated to Bundles of Joy and given to those in need. Boxes are located at the
Cottle and TMS/HS main entrances.
Upcoming Cooking Class for 6th Graders - registration coming soon!
The new course, brought to you by the PTA, will cost $210 and open only to 6th graders. The dates are
January 13, January 27, February 3, February 10, February 24 and March 3 and will take place in the
Home and Career Center in High School, 2:35 p.m. - 3:35 p.m. Registration details coming soon!
SAVE THE DATES! (details coming soon)
● January 23rd and 25th at 7 p.m., Community Exercise Class @ Rumble Boxing, New Rochelle
● February 4th at 7 p.m., Community Exercise Class @ The Dance Company (Barre Effect),
Tuckahoe
For all the latest PTA News and Event Information, please be sure to visit TuckahoePTA.com

High School Guidance Updates:
THS - Alumni Panel - Giving Back to Tuckahoe
On Wednesday, December 18th, the Tuckahoe High School Guidance Department will host our annual
Alumni Panel, featuring former students who will share their college experiences and reflect on how
Tuckahoe High School played a key role in their academic success. This event offers our current students
a unique opportunity to hear directly from alumni who have navigated the challenges of higher education
and have gone on to excel in their respective fields.

Our esteemed alumni will discuss their personal journeys, including how the lessons, skills, and values
they developed at Tuckahoe helped them transition to college life and thrive. They will also highlight the
importance of involvement in extracurricular activities, time management, and how they made informed
choices that shaped their college paths.

This panel provides invaluable insights for students as they prepare for their own academic futures.
Hearing from alumni not only inspires but also allows students to gain practical advice and perspective
from those who have walked the same halls, making their future goals feel more attainable. The event will
give students a glimpse into what lies ahead, helping them to better understand how their time at Tuckahoe
can set them up for success in higher education and beyond. We are excited for our current students to
learn from the experiences of our alumni and gain a deeper understanding of the impact that Tuckahoe
High School can have on their college journeys.Additional topics that will be discussed is as follows:
○ College application tips
○ Navigating college life
○ Majors and career paths
○ Overcoming common college challenges

THS Financial Aid Information:
The U.S. Department of Education has officially opened the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student
Aid) for the 2024-2025 school year. Filing the FAFSA as soon as possible is essential to ensure that
students receive the most accurate and timely financial aid offers. Early submission helps determine
eligibility for federal and institutional aid, including scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.
We strongly encourage all students and families to create a Studentaid.gov account now, if they haven’t
already, to streamline the FAFSA filing process once it becomes available. The earlier you file, the better
your chances of maximizing available financial assistance.

For additional support, we’ve included a helpful link to a resource from our Summer College Workshop
presentation by Manhattanville University. This video will guide you through the FAFSA process:
Watch the Workshop Video

TMHS Upcoming Winter Concerts:
Join us for our annual winter concerts and enjoy the wonderful performances by our talented scholars,
perfect for the whole family!

Important Dates
Here is a list of important dates:
Monday, December 16th - Winter Strings Concert
Monday, December 23rd through Friday, January 3rd - NO SCHOOL - Winter Recess
Friday, January 17th - Winter Pep Rally
Friday, January 17th - Augie Nardone Scholarship Basketball Games at Eastchester High School
Tuesday, January 21st through Thursday, January 23rd - New York State Regents Administration

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

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