Thank you to dental hygienists Jennifer Coon and Larissa Ford, who recently visited Sally Mankoo’s ES kindergarteners to talk about dental hygiene. These little ones are pretty smart, too, because they knew which foods the “Happy Tooth” would like them to eat, and which foods make the “Sad Tooth” sad. WELL-DONE, everyone!
Bryon Imbarrato’s Otisville third-graders, like all district third-graders, have been working on fractions during their math lessons. They’ve been comparing fractions using pictures, number lines and even playing Fraction War --- an educational card game based on the classic game of "War," designed to help players practice comparing, simplifying, and finding equivalent fractions. Two or more players flip cards showing fractions, and the player with the largest fraction value wins the round and keeps all cards. The game ends when one player collects all the cards.
Third-graders study fractions to build a foundational understanding of parts-to-whole relationships, which is critical for future success in algebra, geometry, and STEM careers. This introduction helps students move from concrete, whole-number thinking to more abstract concepts, including comparing, ordering, and understanding equivalent fractions.
Third-graders study fractions to build a foundational understanding of parts-to-whole relationships, which is critical for future success in algebra, geometry, and STEM careers. This introduction helps students move from concrete, whole-number thinking to more abstract concepts, including comparing, ordering, and understanding equivalent fractions.
Learning a foreign language is a cornerstone of strong academic programs in school districts like Minisink Valley because it nurtures cognitive growth, deepens cultural understanding, and strengthens students’ future career opportunities. Studying another language challenges the brain in unique ways, sharpening critical thinking, improving memory and enhancing multitasking skills.
At the same time, learning a foreign language broadens students’ perspectives by exposing them to different cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking, including building empathy and global awareness. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to speak more than one language is not just an academic asset; it is an essential skill that allows individuals to communicate effectively, collaborate across cultures and thrive in a global society.
The Middle School recently celebrated National Foreign Language Week by inviting five students to share their native language or language spoken at home with the school community via morning announcements with some sentences in those languages! They did great!
Thank you to:
--- Taras Pylpchuk, Ukrainian
--- Adrien Kusztykiewicz, Polish
--- Christel Toussaint, French
--- Santiago Valencia, Spanish
--- Andrew Suen, Mandarin Chinese
At the same time, learning a foreign language broadens students’ perspectives by exposing them to different cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking, including building empathy and global awareness. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to speak more than one language is not just an academic asset; it is an essential skill that allows individuals to communicate effectively, collaborate across cultures and thrive in a global society.
The Middle School recently celebrated National Foreign Language Week by inviting five students to share their native language or language spoken at home with the school community via morning announcements with some sentences in those languages! They did great!
Thank you to:
--- Taras Pylpchuk, Ukrainian
--- Adrien Kusztykiewicz, Polish
--- Christel Toussaint, French
--- Santiago Valencia, Spanish
--- Andrew Suen, Mandarin Chinese
Three High School students who attend the Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) distinguished themselves among more than 500 competitors at the recent New York State SkillsUSA Leadership and Championships qualifier, hosted by Southern Westchester BOCES in Rye Brook. Congratulations and well-done!
Junior Alex Vicaretti earned second-place honors in the Heavy Equipment category, demonstrating exceptional skill and technical knowledge.
Senior Sean Bellew also secured third-place honors in the Criminal Justice category, highlighting his interest for a potential future career in this or a similar field.
Junior Edward Edwards was part of a team that captured third-place honors in the CSI category, showcasing strong investigative and teamwork abilities.
“I couldn't be more proud of our students for their contributions, dedication, and efforts throughout the competition,” said OUB CTEC Principal Eugene Hewitt. “They represented themselves, their programs, and Orange-Ulster BOCES in the finest light. They should be extremely proud of themselves, as we all are of them.”
Junior Alex Vicaretti earned second-place honors in the Heavy Equipment category, demonstrating exceptional skill and technical knowledge.
Senior Sean Bellew also secured third-place honors in the Criminal Justice category, highlighting his interest for a potential future career in this or a similar field.
Junior Edward Edwards was part of a team that captured third-place honors in the CSI category, showcasing strong investigative and teamwork abilities.
“I couldn't be more proud of our students for their contributions, dedication, and efforts throughout the competition,” said OUB CTEC Principal Eugene Hewitt. “They represented themselves, their programs, and Orange-Ulster BOCES in the finest light. They should be extremely proud of themselves, as we all are of them.”
Congratulations and best wishes to the senior members of the Girls Varsity Basketball team, who were honored for their many contributions to the team’s success during their recent Senior Night: Alyssa Doane, Cassie Jennings, Kate O'Neill and Elizabeth Yozzo! (Their costumed red attire was for a skit they performed that evening!
Eighth-grader Noah Watley proudly represented the district yesterday, March 10, at the Orange-Ulster BOCES Regional Spelling Bee — and he did a fantastic job! Noah advanced all the way to the fifth round, correctly spelling several challenging words along the way! UnBEElievable! Well-done, Noah!
Among the words he nailed were passage, prism, hipsterism, and nutation — no easy feat. Noah’s impressive run came to an end on the word “caudex,” but not before showing incredible skill and composure.
“We are all so incredibly proud of Noah and what he accomplished at the Spelling Bee,” said Middle School Librarian Maggie Spicehandler, who annually organizes the Middle School's Spelling Bee.
Among the words he nailed were passage, prism, hipsterism, and nutation — no easy feat. Noah’s impressive run came to an end on the word “caudex,” but not before showing incredible skill and composure.
“We are all so incredibly proud of Noah and what he accomplished at the Spelling Bee,” said Middle School Librarian Maggie Spicehandler, who annually organizes the Middle School's Spelling Bee.
In schools both big and small, down the hall and up the stairs,
Something wonderful happens when a story is shared!
All year long, our schools unite—what a marvelous sight—
The High School and Elementary working together just right.
They partner and plan, they laugh and they read,
Planting the tiniest, book-loving seed.
And what was the reason for such a recent fine day?
Why, Read Across America, hip-hip-hooray!
A day for all readers—both grown-ups and youth—
To celebrate stories, imagination, and truth.
Though March 2 was the official date on the chart,
Schools celebrated all week with books at the heart.
For that special day, as many folks know,
Is the birthday of the great Dr. Seuss, long ago!
His whimsical tales, with rhymes that delight,
Helped spark this celebration of reading just right.
The afternoon sparkled—it ran like a dream—
Thanks to a truly terrific team!
A cheer for our librarians who helped lead the way:
Mia McLean and Stephanie Byrne —hooray, hooray, hooray!
And thanks to the Elementary teachers so kind,
Who nurture young readers and curious minds.
Plus a marvelous crew of High School students who came
To read and bring stories and joy just the same:
Lana Besson, Joshua Geller, Natalie Butts too,
Trystan Rosario and Elliot Mankoo.
Chloe Alexis and Jaelis Roa,
Evan Washalski helped stories grow-a!
Sunshine Vance and Samiyah McKenzie joined in with cheer,
Madison Zysk made the pages appear.
Jazlin Sessoms and Heather Day,
Gavin McGinnis read... hip-hip-hooray!
Kathleen Gutierrez and Hana Ebbert too,
Madisyn Nunez-Troy joined the crew.
Mariah Sierra and Hannah Ringus—three cheers, we say!
For helping make reading the star of the day.
For when schools come together and stories take flight,
Young readers discover a wonderful sight:
That books are adventures, both cozy and grand—
The best kinds of journeys are held in your hand!
Congratulations to Senior Boys Varsity Basketball players Liam Barry and Chris Krupinski, who were honored for their many contributions to the team during their recent Senior Night! We wish you all the best!
Congratulations to Junior Hannah Wieboldt, who was recently selected as the 2026-27 New York State Dairy Ambassador!
Hannah is the 63rd dairy promoter selected to represent New York State’s dairy industry, a distinction that dates back to 1963. She has been serving as the Orange County Dairy Ambassador since Spring 2025.
As New York State Dairy Ambassador, Hannah will now serve as a spokesperson and advocate for dairy farmers by attending special events to engage with and educate consumers on the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy foods, how farmers care for their cows and their land in order to produce a sustainable product, and the importance of the dairy industry to the New York State economy.
New York State Dairy Ambassadors were selected based on their communications skills and knowledge of the dairy industry. The Dairy Ambassador program aims to build critical professional skills and confidence of young individuals who are passionate about the dairy industry.
Ambassadors will be involved in statewide promotions and events. Participants will gain experience collaborating with a team, knowledge of ADA North East promotion and marketing programs, and will participate in sessions led by experts in public speaking, social media, team building and leadership.
•With 2,800 licensed dairy herds and more than 16 billion pounds of milk produced annually, New York State is a leader in dairy production in the United States.
•The dairy industry is the largest agricultural commodity in the state, and according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
•New York ranks nationally as the fifth largest producer of milk and is also the largest producer of yogurt and cottage cheese.
Hannah is the 63rd dairy promoter selected to represent New York State’s dairy industry, a distinction that dates back to 1963. She has been serving as the Orange County Dairy Ambassador since Spring 2025.
As New York State Dairy Ambassador, Hannah will now serve as a spokesperson and advocate for dairy farmers by attending special events to engage with and educate consumers on the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy foods, how farmers care for their cows and their land in order to produce a sustainable product, and the importance of the dairy industry to the New York State economy.
New York State Dairy Ambassadors were selected based on their communications skills and knowledge of the dairy industry. The Dairy Ambassador program aims to build critical professional skills and confidence of young individuals who are passionate about the dairy industry.
Ambassadors will be involved in statewide promotions and events. Participants will gain experience collaborating with a team, knowledge of ADA North East promotion and marketing programs, and will participate in sessions led by experts in public speaking, social media, team building and leadership.
•With 2,800 licensed dairy herds and more than 16 billion pounds of milk produced annually, New York State is a leader in dairy production in the United States.
•The dairy industry is the largest agricultural commodity in the state, and according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
•New York ranks nationally as the fifth largest producer of milk and is also the largest producer of yogurt and cottage cheese.
Wait… wait… wait a second!
Did you hear it’s going to be almost 75 degrees tomorrow?! That's a little wild, right?
Before the snow completely melts into a memory, let’s rewind and check out Stephanie Guifre and her Otisville Physical Education students, who made the most of the massive snow we've had with some snowy outdoor fun—snowshoeing style!
Snowshoeing is an awesome physical education activity because it’s a high-energy, low-impact, full-body workout that’s great for all skill levels. It strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular endurance, and challenges balance—all while keeping students active and engaged outdoors. It works the core and legs, and if poles are used, the upper body gets a great workout, too!
Fun fact: snowshoeing can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour…Just maybe not when it’s 75 degrees out
Did you hear it’s going to be almost 75 degrees tomorrow?! That's a little wild, right?
Before the snow completely melts into a memory, let’s rewind and check out Stephanie Guifre and her Otisville Physical Education students, who made the most of the massive snow we've had with some snowy outdoor fun—snowshoeing style!
Snowshoeing is an awesome physical education activity because it’s a high-energy, low-impact, full-body workout that’s great for all skill levels. It strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular endurance, and challenges balance—all while keeping students active and engaged outdoors. It works the core and legs, and if poles are used, the upper body gets a great workout, too!
Fun fact: snowshoeing can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour…Just maybe not when it’s 75 degrees out
Be there this Saturday! It's Project Graduation's TRICKY TRAY! Support the Class of 2026 and have a great evening out!
Did you know that as part of the Middle School’s general music curriculum, all students have or will be exploring the use of Soundtrap, a powerful digital audio workstation (DAW) designed for music creation and podcasting?
Soundtrap’s interface is intuitive, which means students can start making music quickly — even if they don’t read music or play an instrument. Students can create beats, songs, and soundscapes; record vocals or instruments; and use loops and virtual instruments and can be real creators of their own genre of music! Not only can they create their own music, they can express themselves through original lyrics, podcasts and storytelling!
Take a peek at Matthew Finck’s sixth grade music students, who were recently working on centering the verse/chorus song structure, commonly referred to as AB form. After listening to four popular song examples, students were tasked with composing their own verse/chorus songs using Soundtrap on their Chromebooks.
Mr. Finck demonstrated editing techniques with his Smart Board, sharing his own original music compositions using Soundtrap. Students will apply their newly acquired skills to record themselves narrating scary stories, complete with sound effects.
Soundtrap also offers students an opportunity to further refine their creativity, problem solving, listening, editing, collaboration and communication skills --- all important abilities for them to master as they advance in their academic careers!
Soundtrap’s interface is intuitive, which means students can start making music quickly — even if they don’t read music or play an instrument. Students can create beats, songs, and soundscapes; record vocals or instruments; and use loops and virtual instruments and can be real creators of their own genre of music! Not only can they create their own music, they can express themselves through original lyrics, podcasts and storytelling!
Take a peek at Matthew Finck’s sixth grade music students, who were recently working on centering the verse/chorus song structure, commonly referred to as AB form. After listening to four popular song examples, students were tasked with composing their own verse/chorus songs using Soundtrap on their Chromebooks.
Mr. Finck demonstrated editing techniques with his Smart Board, sharing his own original music compositions using Soundtrap. Students will apply their newly acquired skills to record themselves narrating scary stories, complete with sound effects.
Soundtrap also offers students an opportunity to further refine their creativity, problem solving, listening, editing, collaboration and communication skills --- all important abilities for them to master as they advance in their academic careers!
STICKS DOWN, GAME ON!
Ross Potter’s and Jonathan Sakadelis’ IS fourth-grade physical education students are enjoying zooming into action with fast and fun floor hockey games! It’s an great activity which gets hearts pumping and feet moving as students further build agility, and motor skills while promoting teamwork and sportsmanship in a fast-paced, engaging, and safe environment. Using lightweight equipment, students develop essential skills like stick handling, passing, shooting and, of course, good sportsmanship!
Ross Potter’s and Jonathan Sakadelis’ IS fourth-grade physical education students are enjoying zooming into action with fast and fun floor hockey games! It’s an great activity which gets hearts pumping and feet moving as students further build agility, and motor skills while promoting teamwork and sportsmanship in a fast-paced, engaging, and safe environment. Using lightweight equipment, students develop essential skills like stick handling, passing, shooting and, of course, good sportsmanship!
Congratulations to the three indoor track and field individual athletes and two relay teams who have advanced to the March 7 and 8 NYSPHSAA State and Federation Championship via their successes at the Feb. 28 Section IX State Qualifier meet, held at the Armory Track & Field Center in New York.
Scoring individual/team event victories which now qualify them to compete at state competition are:
--- Ella Michelitch in the high jump with a 5' 10.5” finish. This is a school program record and ranks her No. 1 in New York State. Ella also qualified in the long jump via her runner-up finish of 18' 9.5", which is also the highest program record and places her No. 8 statewide.
--- Robert LaBarbera in the 600 meter run, with a 1:20.37 finish. This is the second highest program record and places him as No. 2 statewide.
--- Maximillian Wickrath in the 55 meter dash with a :6.32 finish. This is a school program record and places him as No. 2 statewide.
--- The boys 4x400 meter relay team of Max Wickrath, Angel Mendez, Stetson Terpak and LaBarbera outlasted Newburgh Free Academy with a 3:21.26, ranking this finish as the third highest in the school program and placing them as No. 2 statewide.
--- The girls 4x400 team of Ferrah Hill, Chloe Beck, Salma Samdaoui and Ella Michelitch advanced after a tight battle with Monroe-Woodbury and Warwick Valley with a 4:00.37 finish. This is the second highest program finish and places them as No. 10 statewide.
The 4x400 relay lineups will be filled out by alternates Jeremiah Alexis, Emma Berkshire, Lyla LaBarbera and Michael Moran.
Minisink Valley will compete against athletes representing all 11 NYSPHSAA sections for state medals, as well as qualifiers from the AIS, CHSAA and PSAL for Federation podium positions. Qualifiers in individual events and relays were selected by virtue of winning events at a section qualifying meet or having achieved a state standard performance.
The state championship will be held at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island.
Scoring individual/team event victories which now qualify them to compete at state competition are:
--- Ella Michelitch in the high jump with a 5' 10.5” finish. This is a school program record and ranks her No. 1 in New York State. Ella also qualified in the long jump via her runner-up finish of 18' 9.5", which is also the highest program record and places her No. 8 statewide.
--- Robert LaBarbera in the 600 meter run, with a 1:20.37 finish. This is the second highest program record and places him as No. 2 statewide.
--- Maximillian Wickrath in the 55 meter dash with a :6.32 finish. This is a school program record and places him as No. 2 statewide.
--- The boys 4x400 meter relay team of Max Wickrath, Angel Mendez, Stetson Terpak and LaBarbera outlasted Newburgh Free Academy with a 3:21.26, ranking this finish as the third highest in the school program and placing them as No. 2 statewide.
--- The girls 4x400 team of Ferrah Hill, Chloe Beck, Salma Samdaoui and Ella Michelitch advanced after a tight battle with Monroe-Woodbury and Warwick Valley with a 4:00.37 finish. This is the second highest program finish and places them as No. 10 statewide.
The 4x400 relay lineups will be filled out by alternates Jeremiah Alexis, Emma Berkshire, Lyla LaBarbera and Michael Moran.
Minisink Valley will compete against athletes representing all 11 NYSPHSAA sections for state medals, as well as qualifiers from the AIS, CHSAA and PSAL for Federation podium positions. Qualifiers in individual events and relays were selected by virtue of winning events at a section qualifying meet or having achieved a state standard performance.
The state championship will be held at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island.
Stephanie Giufre’s and Tom Uhrig’s Otisville physical education students have been working their way through different stations doing different types of exercises to reinforce the importance of fitness! Plus, it’s always fun to do this with some great background music!
Skyler Klein’s Otisville second-grade music students continue to be in the midst of an “arranging project,” where they take a preexisting song and create their version using glockenspiels! Their selected song was "Rabbit Run." Students previously brainstormed ideas for what instruments they could include and what they could play...and they're doing great!
A glockenspiel is a musical instrument with shiny metal bars that you hit with small hammers (mallets) to make bright, bell-like sounds. It is a percussion instrument, often used in orchestras to sound like birds or magical bells. The name is German for "bell play," and it looks like a small piano.
A glockenspiel is a musical instrument with shiny metal bars that you hit with small hammers (mallets) to make bright, bell-like sounds. It is a percussion instrument, often used in orchestras to sound like birds or magical bells. The name is German for "bell play," and it looks like a small piano.
We’re so proud of the performances given by our Odyssey of the Mind teams this past weekend at the New York State Region 5 competition held at Orange-Ulster BOCES! The Otisville team earned seventh place honors in its division for tackling Problem 5/“Taller Tales of John Jivery.” Congratulations to team members Christian Barth, Evan Jackson, Charlotte Kelly, Tristen Lapertosa, Callan Mark, Malina Myrie, Emma Thompson and Coach Jenna Colman!
The team created and presented a humorous performance about an original tall tale. The tale included a team-created hero or heroine that performed an incredible feat, a unique explanation of how something began or came to be and a surprise for the audience. Each event was accompanied by a visual weather effect that represents an emotion! WELL-DONE, everyone!
The team created and presented a humorous performance about an original tall tale. The tale included a team-created hero or heroine that performed an incredible feat, a unique explanation of how something began or came to be and a surprise for the audience. Each event was accompanied by a visual weather effect that represents an emotion! WELL-DONE, everyone!
We’re so proud of the performances given by our Odyssey of the Mind teams this past weekend at the New York State Region 5 competition held at Orange-Ulster BOCES! The Middle School team earned third place honors in its division for tackling Problem 1/“Off the Rails!” Congratulations to team members Ashton Gibbs, Christian Hines, Jemma Marsala, Quinn Murphy,Victoria Papp, Alicia Suen and Coach Madison Wyman!
The team became conductors and engineers as they continued to design, build and operate a train vehicle. As the train traveled the course it needed to have a new car attached at each stop.
Along the route, it encountered challenges that made the train travel in different ways. After all of its cargo was picked up, the items were unloaded and assembled into a work of art. Their performance included the use of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, a humorous conductor character and a villain character that tried to prevent the train from getting to its destination! WELL-DONE, everyone!
The team became conductors and engineers as they continued to design, build and operate a train vehicle. As the train traveled the course it needed to have a new car attached at each stop.
Along the route, it encountered challenges that made the train travel in different ways. After all of its cargo was picked up, the items were unloaded and assembled into a work of art. Their performance included the use of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, a humorous conductor character and a villain character that tried to prevent the train from getting to its destination! WELL-DONE, everyone!
Kudos to the Otisville Elementary student scientists, who showcased magnificent work during the Feb. 26 Science Fair!
Their work is amazing! THANK YOU to the Otisville PTO for organizing and hosting this wonderful evening!
Elementary school science fairs are crucial for fostering long-term interest in STEM, building critical thinking, and developing communication skills through hands-on, self-directed projects. They allow students to explore personal passions, encouraging curiosity, resilience through trial-and-error, and the ability to apply the scientific method to real-world problems!
Their work is amazing! THANK YOU to the Otisville PTO for organizing and hosting this wonderful evening!
Elementary school science fairs are crucial for fostering long-term interest in STEM, building critical thinking, and developing communication skills through hands-on, self-directed projects. They allow students to explore personal passions, encouraging curiosity, resilience through trial-and-error, and the ability to apply the scientific method to real-world problems!
Emma Grunenberg’s IS fourth-graders recently explored the powerful forces of nature via a Natural Disasters Station Lab focusing on earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.
At the earthquake station, students built two towers — one with wooden blocks and one with Lego pieces — on a cookie sheet and simulated an earthquake by shaking it. They observed how different materials and building styles affect stability and how structures respond to ground movement.
At the tsunami station, students saw that by dropping a small object and then a larger object into water, waves are created and that stronger forces cause bigger impacts. Students observed how larger disturbances can move objects more dramatically, just like real tsunamis.
At the volcanic eruption station, students watched how volcanic eruptions can impact humans, animals, plants and the environment. From lava flows to ash clouds, they saw how eruptions can destroy habitats, affect air quality and change landscapes. Students also brainstormed solutions to help protect organisms, such as evacuation plans, protective shelters and monitoring systems.
Learning about natural disasters is crucial to transform fear into understanding, building safety and developing resilience. It helps students comprehend Earth's powerful processes, such as earthquakes, volcanoes and weather, while empowering them with knowledge for emergency preparedness and fostering empathy for those affected.
At the earthquake station, students built two towers — one with wooden blocks and one with Lego pieces — on a cookie sheet and simulated an earthquake by shaking it. They observed how different materials and building styles affect stability and how structures respond to ground movement.
At the tsunami station, students saw that by dropping a small object and then a larger object into water, waves are created and that stronger forces cause bigger impacts. Students observed how larger disturbances can move objects more dramatically, just like real tsunamis.
At the volcanic eruption station, students watched how volcanic eruptions can impact humans, animals, plants and the environment. From lava flows to ash clouds, they saw how eruptions can destroy habitats, affect air quality and change landscapes. Students also brainstormed solutions to help protect organisms, such as evacuation plans, protective shelters and monitoring systems.
Learning about natural disasters is crucial to transform fear into understanding, building safety and developing resilience. It helps students comprehend Earth's powerful processes, such as earthquakes, volcanoes and weather, while empowering them with knowledge for emergency preparedness and fostering empathy for those affected.
