Congratulations to Junior Ethan Rodriguez, who won the OCIAA High School Championship Tennis Tournament, yesterday, May 20! He now advances to sectionals next week!
Varsity Coach Michael Sirico proudly notes that Ethan is now ranked as the No. 1 boys tennis player in Orange County. That’s huge!
Congratulations to eighth-grader and Girls Varsity Lacrosse goalie Olivia Gonzalez on reaching 100 saves — an incredible milestone! Reaching 100 saves reflects not only outstanding reflexes and skill, but also consistency, toughness, composure under pressure, and her major impact on her team’s success throughout the season. As Coach Jessica Gurrieri stressed: “This is truly an amazing achievement for an eighth-grader” and a sign of tremendous talent and potential ahead.
Who remembers frog and/or fetal pig dissection in biology lab? We probably all had the chance to do this, and that includes Brendan McGann’s High School “College Biology” students!
These labs allow students to move beyond diagrams in a textbook and see firsthand how anatomy is organized, how organ systems interact and how structure supports function --- which makes biology becomes real and tangible.
“The frog and fetal pig dissection labs become some of the more memorable experiences of the biology course,” said Mr. MGann. “At first, there may be nervousness, hesitation or general curiosity, but very quickly those emotions often transform into fascination and genuine scientific inquiry. I hope these moments become more than just ‘dissections.’ They’re opportunities to teach respect for life, professionalism in science, teamwork, critical thinking and the importance of observation. For many students, it is also the first time they realize they may have an interest in medicine, veterinary science, forensics or research. It's great to see students recognize that science is not simply memorization. It is exploration, curiosity, and understanding the living world.”
Frogs and pigs are chosen for dissection because they represent different groups of vertebrates:
• Frogs show adaptations for amphibian life.
• Fetal pigs are mammals and have anatomy surprisingly similar to humans.
Comparing them helps students understand evolutionary relationships and shared vertebrate body plans.
These labs allow students to move beyond diagrams in a textbook and see firsthand how anatomy is organized, how organ systems interact and how structure supports function --- which makes biology becomes real and tangible.
“The frog and fetal pig dissection labs become some of the more memorable experiences of the biology course,” said Mr. MGann. “At first, there may be nervousness, hesitation or general curiosity, but very quickly those emotions often transform into fascination and genuine scientific inquiry. I hope these moments become more than just ‘dissections.’ They’re opportunities to teach respect for life, professionalism in science, teamwork, critical thinking and the importance of observation. For many students, it is also the first time they realize they may have an interest in medicine, veterinary science, forensics or research. It's great to see students recognize that science is not simply memorization. It is exploration, curiosity, and understanding the living world.”
Frogs and pigs are chosen for dissection because they represent different groups of vertebrates:
• Frogs show adaptations for amphibian life.
• Fetal pigs are mammals and have anatomy surprisingly similar to humans.
Comparing them helps students understand evolutionary relationships and shared vertebrate body plans.
After weeks of adventure, laughter and literary exploration, Tara Frawley and Kelly Manganiello’s Otisville fifth-graders proudly completed their study of "Don Quixote!"
Students brought the story to life through a recent and lively Readers Theater performance, showcasing their creativity, expression, and hard work. The characters and scenes unfolded as students stepped into the roles of knights, squires, and storytellers — each taking up the spirit of the tale with imagination worthy of La Mancha. A Readers Theater performance allows a story to be told by reading it aloud, rather than memorizing lines or acting with full costumes and sets. Teachers use this approach because it helps build reading fluency and public speaking skills, strengthens comprehension as students come to understand their characters, and encourages teamwork and listening skills.
Following the performance, the class gathered for a festive feast inspired by the spirit of Don Quixote to celebrate all they accomplished together. Like the hero himself after a long quest, students shared in the rewards of their journey. It was a memorable afternoon filled with learning, laughter and celebration.
Most fifth-grade classes read adapted or abridged versions of Miguel de Cervantes’ "Don Quixote," because it's widely considered a gateway to classic literature. The core story is fun and memorable: A man imagines himself as a knight and sets out on grand adventures — famously tilting at windmills. Teachers often use the novel to explore themes like imagination versus reality, courage, and how perspective shapes what we see. In addition to building reading stamina and vocabulary, the unit also opens the door to broader lessons about history, storytelling, and even how modern media reimagines timeless ideas.
Students brought the story to life through a recent and lively Readers Theater performance, showcasing their creativity, expression, and hard work. The characters and scenes unfolded as students stepped into the roles of knights, squires, and storytellers — each taking up the spirit of the tale with imagination worthy of La Mancha. A Readers Theater performance allows a story to be told by reading it aloud, rather than memorizing lines or acting with full costumes and sets. Teachers use this approach because it helps build reading fluency and public speaking skills, strengthens comprehension as students come to understand their characters, and encourages teamwork and listening skills.
Following the performance, the class gathered for a festive feast inspired by the spirit of Don Quixote to celebrate all they accomplished together. Like the hero himself after a long quest, students shared in the rewards of their journey. It was a memorable afternoon filled with learning, laughter and celebration.
Most fifth-grade classes read adapted or abridged versions of Miguel de Cervantes’ "Don Quixote," because it's widely considered a gateway to classic literature. The core story is fun and memorable: A man imagines himself as a knight and sets out on grand adventures — famously tilting at windmills. Teachers often use the novel to explore themes like imagination versus reality, courage, and how perspective shapes what we see. In addition to building reading stamina and vocabulary, the unit also opens the door to broader lessons about history, storytelling, and even how modern media reimagines timeless ideas.
The district’s K-12 Art Show, held last evening, was a vibrantly gorgeous celebration of student creativity, showcasing an impressive collection of artwork created across a wide range of mediums, alongside exceptional work from our media, production and film students.
From expressive compositions and striking use of color to thoughtful mixed-media pieces and digital storytelling, the exhibit transformed the high school cafeteria and auditorium into a true gallery experience!
We hope many of you were able to attend and witness the tremendous talent of our student artists representing all five district buildings. Events like these are a wonderful reminder of the power of the arts to bring a community together — connecting students, families, educators, and neighbors through creativity, imagination and shared pride.
Hundreds of proud students and even prouder families filled the show to celebrate not only the artwork created by the children in their own lives, but also to admire and encourage the work of all participating artists. The evening reflected the collaborative spirit and cultural richness that make our school community so special.
THANK YOU to the district’s art faculty for curating such a magnificent and thoughtfully installed exhibition, to everyone who supported the scholarship auction of furniture and clocks and to the high school’s Step Dance Team for their dynamic performance!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid02xsVFMrvxVVmJZ5QCMgC5PBeeDvgjMzEZAQiA3r3UCDQd6VXq3f7qhtXBFKe9kqk5l?__cft__[0]=AZbX_xIm4L32rE1Jz-gzl63jTzYc8uLFmA00ZZsY8-PauqmUM1qQr6LQOuWkz-N_YQk0FD-namhvBdHhCGK9OOS8w_T4Ixck8vf4xCaPuVynUx4GLCTunm1bx-01w_PywuC7LBK3zN28jrW82BiNux0sU_k7QP6L9WjGGgdR9H5ZTA&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
From expressive compositions and striking use of color to thoughtful mixed-media pieces and digital storytelling, the exhibit transformed the high school cafeteria and auditorium into a true gallery experience!
We hope many of you were able to attend and witness the tremendous talent of our student artists representing all five district buildings. Events like these are a wonderful reminder of the power of the arts to bring a community together — connecting students, families, educators, and neighbors through creativity, imagination and shared pride.
Hundreds of proud students and even prouder families filled the show to celebrate not only the artwork created by the children in their own lives, but also to admire and encourage the work of all participating artists. The evening reflected the collaborative spirit and cultural richness that make our school community so special.
THANK YOU to the district’s art faculty for curating such a magnificent and thoughtfully installed exhibition, to everyone who supported the scholarship auction of furniture and clocks and to the high school’s Step Dance Team for their dynamic performance!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid02xsVFMrvxVVmJZ5QCMgC5PBeeDvgjMzEZAQiA3r3UCDQd6VXq3f7qhtXBFKe9kqk5l?__cft__[0]=AZbX_xIm4L32rE1Jz-gzl63jTzYc8uLFmA00ZZsY8-PauqmUM1qQr6LQOuWkz-N_YQk0FD-namhvBdHhCGK9OOS8w_T4Ixck8vf4xCaPuVynUx4GLCTunm1bx-01w_PywuC7LBK3zN28jrW82BiNux0sU_k7QP6L9WjGGgdR9H5ZTA&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
The High School Drama Club’s recent Drama Club Banquet and Awards Ceremony at Shannen Park celebrated the club’s amazing accomplishments and performances of this school year, which also featured ”Paper Plate Awards” from drama seniors recognizing funny and meaningful memories in the drama program. Congratulations to all!
Recognitions and awards included:
Best Actor from Arsenic and Old Lace: Gavin McGinnis
Best Actress from Arsenic and Old Lace: Hana Ebbert
Best Supporting Actress from Arsenic and Old Lace: Keira Everle
Best Actor from Spamalot: Chris Cinelli
Best Actress from Spamalot: Gianna Pecorella and Heather Day
Best Supporting Actor from Spamalot: Hunter Gomez
MVP Stage Crew from Arsenic and Old Lace: Leah Hoolan
MVP Stage Crew from Spamalot: Logan Hujus
MVP Pit Orchestra Musician: Nolan Mann
MVP Tech Crew: Josh Gellar
MVP House: Lorine Avril
Most Improved Crew Member: Gavin Hoolan
Most Improved Pit Member: Brice Jashembowski
Most Improved Freshman Cast Member: Aryanna Torelli
Most Improved Sophomore Cast Member: Gianna Pecorella
Most Improved Junior Cast Member: Katie Warnken
Most Improved Senior Cast Member: Faith Padavano
NYSTEA Award recognizing student excellence and leadership in theater:
Hana Ebbert and Gavin McGinnis
Directors Award for Most Improved: Meadow Monaco, Kelsey Merzabach, Emma Batz, Liam Burns, Lexie Gibbs and Jackson Veety
Directors Awards for Outstanding Students:
Creativity and Versatility: Yuvia Portugal
Professional and Preparedness: Heather Day and Logan Hujus
Dedication and Perseverance: Nolan Mann and Keira Everle
Willingness and Flexibility: Gianna Pecorella
Schools, like Otisville Elementary, hold kindness-themed sidewalk chalk days to make positive behavior visible and interactive while also reinforcing social-emotional learning! Students take the idea of the importance of kindness and write supportive messages in shared spaces for all to see! The activity further shapes a school’s culture and sense of community. 💚💚
Take a peek at Otisville''s gorgeously colorful “Kindness Chalk Walkway,” created yesterday, May 18. These third-grade students were among all K-5 students who wrote insightful messages --- many paired with creative artwork! Everyday words, messages and actions are definitely meaningful to others!
These wonderful messages reinforce the importance of positive behaviors in an engaging way. Students took abstract ideas like empathy, caring, encouragement, and inclusion and put them concrete actions by writing supportive messages on the school’s walkway. Activities like this create a wonderful a sense of student ownership and belonging because students collectively shape the atmosphere of the school in a way that so many can see, including their peers, faculty/staff and visitors!
Take a peek at Otisville''s gorgeously colorful “Kindness Chalk Walkway,” created yesterday, May 18. These third-grade students were among all K-5 students who wrote insightful messages --- many paired with creative artwork! Everyday words, messages and actions are definitely meaningful to others!
These wonderful messages reinforce the importance of positive behaviors in an engaging way. Students took abstract ideas like empathy, caring, encouragement, and inclusion and put them concrete actions by writing supportive messages on the school’s walkway. Activities like this create a wonderful a sense of student ownership and belonging because students collectively shape the atmosphere of the school in a way that so many can see, including their peers, faculty/staff and visitors!
Take a peek at the awesome class trip recently taken by Otisville fourth-graders to the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, N.J., a former zinc mine that struck educational gold after the mine closed in 1986!
Today, visitors can travel deep underground through nearly 1,300 feet of mining drifts and tunnels while exploring exhibits packed with rocks, minerals, fossils, mining equipment and glowing fluorescent minerals. One of the highlights of the tour is the famous “Rainbow Tunnel,” where ultraviolet lights make the ore veins shine in brilliant shades of green, red and orange. Along the way, students learn about geology, engineering, mining history and how natural resources are extracted from the earth.
This museum is an excellent fourth-grade class trip because it combines science, history and hands-on learning in a way that feels like a real underground adventure. Students can see authentic mining gear, discover how miners worked “below the surface,” and get a firsthand look at life in the mine shaft while guided by knowledgeable educators. The fluorescent rocks, blasting demonstrations and interactive activities like sluicing and mineral discovery centers keep curiosity mining at full capacity from start to finish. We know these students struck a rich vein of memories they’ll treasure for years to come!
Today, visitors can travel deep underground through nearly 1,300 feet of mining drifts and tunnels while exploring exhibits packed with rocks, minerals, fossils, mining equipment and glowing fluorescent minerals. One of the highlights of the tour is the famous “Rainbow Tunnel,” where ultraviolet lights make the ore veins shine in brilliant shades of green, red and orange. Along the way, students learn about geology, engineering, mining history and how natural resources are extracted from the earth.
This museum is an excellent fourth-grade class trip because it combines science, history and hands-on learning in a way that feels like a real underground adventure. Students can see authentic mining gear, discover how miners worked “below the surface,” and get a firsthand look at life in the mine shaft while guided by knowledgeable educators. The fluorescent rocks, blasting demonstrations and interactive activities like sluicing and mineral discovery centers keep curiosity mining at full capacity from start to finish. We know these students struck a rich vein of memories they’ll treasure for years to come!
Jonathan Bond's High School “Mindful Self Design” and Chris Ruckdeschel's ”SUPA Psychology” classes’ recent class trip to the Pocono Environmental Education Center was a great outing which reinforced the importance of collaboration, critical thinking and teamwork, all intended to enhance their classroom experiences.
While on outdoor trails, students were challenged to overcome a series of obstacles, including scaling climbing walls without assistance, balancing across slacklines strung between trees and solving complex team puzzles. Moments of hesitation and uncertainty quickly transformed into confidence and success through peer encouragement, collaboration and positive support. Whether experiencing the excitement of completing a slackline trek or celebrating the satisfaction of solving puzzles together, students discovered the value of teamwork, communication and perseverance — lessons that extend far beyond the trails and can be applied to nearly every aspect of their lives.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is a nonprofit environmental education center located inside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Dingmans Ferry, Pa. In partnership with the National Park Service, the center provides hands-on outdoor education programs for schools, families, scouts and community groups through activities such as guided nature hikes, summer camps, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching and environmental workshops. The 38-acre campus includes cabins, yurts, trails, ponds, and classrooms, and is widely known for promoting environmental awareness and outdoor recreation in the Pocono region.
While on outdoor trails, students were challenged to overcome a series of obstacles, including scaling climbing walls without assistance, balancing across slacklines strung between trees and solving complex team puzzles. Moments of hesitation and uncertainty quickly transformed into confidence and success through peer encouragement, collaboration and positive support. Whether experiencing the excitement of completing a slackline trek or celebrating the satisfaction of solving puzzles together, students discovered the value of teamwork, communication and perseverance — lessons that extend far beyond the trails and can be applied to nearly every aspect of their lives.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is a nonprofit environmental education center located inside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Dingmans Ferry, Pa. In partnership with the National Park Service, the center provides hands-on outdoor education programs for schools, families, scouts and community groups through activities such as guided nature hikes, summer camps, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching and environmental workshops. The 38-acre campus includes cabins, yurts, trails, ponds, and classrooms, and is widely known for promoting environmental awareness and outdoor recreation in the Pocono region.
Seniors and their guests danced the night away at last Friday’s Senior Ball, creating memories that will stay with them for years to come. The evening was filled with glamour, laughter, and so much joy — another unforgettable chapter in their journey at Minisink Valley!
From elegant gowns to sharp tuxedos, everyone looked absolutely spectacular, making the night even more special! THANK YOU to the families who shared these beautiful photos with us! See more photos on the district's Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid02E9BZNijLzwP8tD3dzxHwnoRSxRFqjCYRJkuHcCfSbQyLZTWkDWAXNEZfE4Yb391wl?__cft__[0]=AZawHJrTx7SHyWYpQ446Pv44iwa1T6K8DeTa4R4kq6guYO4JZ3WOEl8-gcR3MW9h2CfZb7ODXAEW8t33iD6S_VKkp_3IWLkid812iwjgY_TYx8-XWPS9DtCMqB4zJbFriXVtDDyOqnfhHPi_58HLu3Arb3-wzL4Uvgu7Z_Qz9Q8Ahk10BL7FEGB2PWr7uZIr5wM&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
The Elementary School held its annual Transportation Day this past Friday, a tremendously fun and interactive day where students could see firsthand how all kinds transportation vehicles are a very important part of their lives!
Students enjoyed seeing different types of vehicles, especially when they could explore them up close! They learned more about how vehicles work and how they interface in so many ways with everything they and their families do. Take a peek!
THANK YOU to everyone who was a part of this wonderful learning experience. Transportation Day is successful because of strong community involvement! So many of our community and business colleagues want to share not only their vehicles, but experiences, and knowledge with students…and we’re very grateful! Their participation gives children real-world learning opportunities and helps them understand the important roles people play in keeping a community functioning, connected and safe. When a school and business/community members work together, students gain a richer and more memorable learning experience!
Students enjoyed seeing different types of vehicles, especially when they could explore them up close! They learned more about how vehicles work and how they interface in so many ways with everything they and their families do. Take a peek!
THANK YOU to everyone who was a part of this wonderful learning experience. Transportation Day is successful because of strong community involvement! So many of our community and business colleagues want to share not only their vehicles, but experiences, and knowledge with students…and we’re very grateful! Their participation gives children real-world learning opportunities and helps them understand the important roles people play in keeping a community functioning, connected and safe. When a school and business/community members work together, students gain a richer and more memorable learning experience!
Excitement was in the air as Tara Frawley and Kelly Manganiello’s fifth-grade students teamed up this past Friday with Kelly Bernice and Shannon Barbone’s second-grade class for a post Arbor Day hands-on environmental project about tree planting!
Together, the students prepared pine tree seedlings to go home for families to plant and nurture. The older students stepped into leadership roles, proudly guiding and encouraging their younger partners throughout the activity. The result was more than just a lesson in planting—it was a meaningful experience that built friendships, confidence and a strong sense of teamwork across grade levels.
This inspiring collaboration supports New York State’s “25 Million Trees by 2033” initiative, launched by Gov. Kathy Hochul in her 2024 State of the State address. The ambitious program aims to plant 25 million trees across New York by 2033, with every tree planted since Jan. 1, 2024, counting toward the goal.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation encourages everyone to take part by recording planted trees through its real-time Tree Tracker:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/.../486772938dfd43d1bacd3525...
Pine tree seedlings are the very young stage of pine trees—basically the “baby trees” that grow after a pine seed germinates.They start out small and delicate, usually with a thin stem and a few soft, needle-like leaves (called cotyledons at first). As they grow, they develop the familiar bundles of pine needles and gradually form a stronger root system that helps them survive drought, wind, and changing weather.
Pine seedlings grow slowly at first: Most pine species focus on building strong roots before they shoot up in height. Most pine seedlings do best in open, sunny areas rather than heavy shade. Even as seedlings, they help stabilize soil and eventually provide habitat for birds and wildlife.
Mature pines are well adapted to poor soils and can survive in challenging environments.
Together, the students prepared pine tree seedlings to go home for families to plant and nurture. The older students stepped into leadership roles, proudly guiding and encouraging their younger partners throughout the activity. The result was more than just a lesson in planting—it was a meaningful experience that built friendships, confidence and a strong sense of teamwork across grade levels.
This inspiring collaboration supports New York State’s “25 Million Trees by 2033” initiative, launched by Gov. Kathy Hochul in her 2024 State of the State address. The ambitious program aims to plant 25 million trees across New York by 2033, with every tree planted since Jan. 1, 2024, counting toward the goal.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation encourages everyone to take part by recording planted trees through its real-time Tree Tracker:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/.../486772938dfd43d1bacd3525...
Pine tree seedlings are the very young stage of pine trees—basically the “baby trees” that grow after a pine seed germinates.They start out small and delicate, usually with a thin stem and a few soft, needle-like leaves (called cotyledons at first). As they grow, they develop the familiar bundles of pine needles and gradually form a stronger root system that helps them survive drought, wind, and changing weather.
Pine seedlings grow slowly at first: Most pine species focus on building strong roots before they shoot up in height. Most pine seedlings do best in open, sunny areas rather than heavy shade. Even as seedlings, they help stabilize soil and eventually provide habitat for birds and wildlife.
Mature pines are well adapted to poor soils and can survive in challenging environments.
Meet James Arias, Roman Gangi and Luciano Palacios ---physics students par excellence! They are the third place winners in the Rochester Institute of Technology's 8th Annual Physics Olympiad! WELL-DONE, gentlemen!
The trio are students of High School Physics Teacher Martin Greco. His students were among the many New York State high school students invited to participate. They worked in teams for three hours on several, extremely challenging physics problems.
The RIT High School Physics Olympiad involves solving challenging physics problems that go beyond standard classroom material, covering topics such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and more. The competition features questions designed to test analytical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than memorization. Its goal is to encourage interest in physics and STEM fields while giving students experience with competition-style questions similar to those seen in more advanced contests like the United States Physics Olympiad.
The trio are students of High School Physics Teacher Martin Greco. His students were among the many New York State high school students invited to participate. They worked in teams for three hours on several, extremely challenging physics problems.
The RIT High School Physics Olympiad involves solving challenging physics problems that go beyond standard classroom material, covering topics such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and more. The competition features questions designed to test analytical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than memorization. Its goal is to encourage interest in physics and STEM fields while giving students experience with competition-style questions similar to those seen in more advanced contests like the United States Physics Olympiad.
We’re very excited to share that a senior student initiative has been recently approved by the Board of Education! Beginning with this year’s senior class, seniors will be invited to decorate their caps for graduation! Principal Kenneth Hauck will review the guidelines for this initiative at an upcoming senior meeting.
Thank you to Board of Education ex-officio student members Heather Day and Madilyn Greenberg for presenting this proposal to the Board of Education, as well as to Senior Class officers Sylvia Glebocki, Sigourney-Page Kinzonzi, Siyassa Mathis, Elizabeth Yozzo and seniors Faith Padavano and Hana Ebbert for their collaboration and effort in helping bring this initiative forward. (Senior Ella Michelitch, who is attending the University of Oklahoma, is our model showing what a potential cap design can look like!)
Decorating a graduation cap reflects the meaningful connection between personal identity and academic achievement. While a graduation cap and gown traditionally represent unity and academic success, personalized cap designs give graduates the opportunity to express school pride; their graduation year; future plans such as college, military service, or careers; involvement in school activities; and messages of gratitude to the important people who have supported them along the way. A decorated cap can serve as a powerful representation of each graduate’s journey and the significance of reaching this milestone.
Thank you to Board of Education ex-officio student members Heather Day and Madilyn Greenberg for presenting this proposal to the Board of Education, as well as to Senior Class officers Sylvia Glebocki, Sigourney-Page Kinzonzi, Siyassa Mathis, Elizabeth Yozzo and seniors Faith Padavano and Hana Ebbert for their collaboration and effort in helping bring this initiative forward. (Senior Ella Michelitch, who is attending the University of Oklahoma, is our model showing what a potential cap design can look like!)
Decorating a graduation cap reflects the meaningful connection between personal identity and academic achievement. While a graduation cap and gown traditionally represent unity and academic success, personalized cap designs give graduates the opportunity to express school pride; their graduation year; future plans such as college, military service, or careers; involvement in school activities; and messages of gratitude to the important people who have supported them along the way. A decorated cap can serve as a powerful representation of each graduate’s journey and the significance of reaching this milestone.
Congratulations and best wishes to the senior members of the Girls Varsity Lacrosse team, who were honored for their many contributions to the team’s success during their recent Senior Night: Alyssa Hendershot (attack); Riley Gass (defense) and Olivia Pollock (midfield). Not only did the team defeat Saugerties 20-4, the girls youth lacrosse program came to the game to show their support!
We love all our student teachers!
Student teacher Veronica Broas, who is working in IS fourth-grade teachers Jenn Kemmerer and David Mellan’s class, led their students in some recent fun mystery science activities!
Students completed two short activities that explore sound vibrations. They experimented with sound to understand how it moves through the air and during their “Balloon” activity, they considered what would happen in an environment like space where there is no air.
Students also discovered that sound is a wave. In their “Making Waves” activity, students drew the waves that different sounds made using a virtual oscilloscope, a machine that shows images of sound waves. Then, they vibrated a rope to make waves that look like the ones made by the oscilloscope. What a fun science lab!
Student teacher Veronica Broas, who is working in IS fourth-grade teachers Jenn Kemmerer and David Mellan’s class, led their students in some recent fun mystery science activities!
Students completed two short activities that explore sound vibrations. They experimented with sound to understand how it moves through the air and during their “Balloon” activity, they considered what would happen in an environment like space where there is no air.
Students also discovered that sound is a wave. In their “Making Waves” activity, students drew the waves that different sounds made using a virtual oscilloscope, a machine that shows images of sound waves. Then, they vibrated a rope to make waves that look like the ones made by the oscilloscope. What a fun science lab!
Please join us in congratulating the student musicians and singers for their wonderful performances at the recent NYSSMA Solo Festival at Mount Academy in Esopus! They proudly represented Minisink Valley with tremendous musical excellence!
The New York State School Music Association Solo Festival (NYSSMA) is a music evaluation event for student musicians and singers where students perform a prepared solo piece for a certified judge and receive a score plus written feedback on their musical skills, technique, tone, rhythm and overall performance.
The festival uses difficulty levels from 1 to 6, with higher scores at advanced levels sometimes helping students qualify for honors ensembles like All-State or strengthen college music applications
The New York State School Music Association Solo Festival (NYSSMA) is a music evaluation event for student musicians and singers where students perform a prepared solo piece for a certified judge and receive a score plus written feedback on their musical skills, technique, tone, rhythm and overall performance.
The festival uses difficulty levels from 1 to 6, with higher scores at advanced levels sometimes helping students qualify for honors ensembles like All-State or strengthen college music applications
Brendan McGann’s College Biology students again participated in Arizona State University’s recent March Mammal Madness (MMM) an annual science tournament inspired by NCAA March Madness! Kudos to Julia Meyer, the class’s champion!
Created in 2013 by scientist Katie Hinde, the competition pits animals against each other in hypothetical battles judged using real ecological and evolutionary science. Participants fill out brackets predicting winners, while scientists determine outcomes based on factors like anatomy, behavior, habitat, and predator-prey dynamics.
Although it began as a classroom activity, MMM has grown into a major educational event used by teachers, libraries, and museums worldwide. The tournament includes not only mammals but also birds, reptiles, insects, extinct species and occasionally mythical creatures! Matchups are presented in dramatic sports-commentary style, blending humor and storytelling with scientific research and evidence.
Here’s how it works:
• A tournament bracket is released each February or March.
• Players fill out predictions just like a basketball bracket.
• Matchups are narrated live in dramatic play-by-play style on social media and ASU platforms.
• Scientific citations and ecological evidence determine the likely winner.
• Chance and environmental context matter too — terrain, weather, disease, social behavior, and even luck can change outcomes.
One year might feature:
• elephants vs. rhinos
• extinct animals vs. modern species
• deep-sea predators
• mythological creatures
• social insect colonies
• or bizarre “why not?” matchups.
The event is especially famous for its storytelling. The battle writeups read like sports commentary crossed with nature documentaries. Scientists and artists collaborate to produce original artwork, educational resources, habitat maps, and species profiles.
The event is designed to make science engaging and accessible. Educators use it to teach evolution, ecosystems, biodiversity, probability, and critical thinking, while students experience science through competition and storytelling!
(BTW, the 2026 Arizona State University March Mammal Madness champion was the Humpback Whale. It defeated the Nile Crocodile in the championship “Final Roar.”)
Created in 2013 by scientist Katie Hinde, the competition pits animals against each other in hypothetical battles judged using real ecological and evolutionary science. Participants fill out brackets predicting winners, while scientists determine outcomes based on factors like anatomy, behavior, habitat, and predator-prey dynamics.
Although it began as a classroom activity, MMM has grown into a major educational event used by teachers, libraries, and museums worldwide. The tournament includes not only mammals but also birds, reptiles, insects, extinct species and occasionally mythical creatures! Matchups are presented in dramatic sports-commentary style, blending humor and storytelling with scientific research and evidence.
Here’s how it works:
• A tournament bracket is released each February or March.
• Players fill out predictions just like a basketball bracket.
• Matchups are narrated live in dramatic play-by-play style on social media and ASU platforms.
• Scientific citations and ecological evidence determine the likely winner.
• Chance and environmental context matter too — terrain, weather, disease, social behavior, and even luck can change outcomes.
One year might feature:
• elephants vs. rhinos
• extinct animals vs. modern species
• deep-sea predators
• mythological creatures
• social insect colonies
• or bizarre “why not?” matchups.
The event is especially famous for its storytelling. The battle writeups read like sports commentary crossed with nature documentaries. Scientists and artists collaborate to produce original artwork, educational resources, habitat maps, and species profiles.
The event is designed to make science engaging and accessible. Educators use it to teach evolution, ecosystems, biodiversity, probability, and critical thinking, while students experience science through competition and storytelling!
(BTW, the 2026 Arizona State University March Mammal Madness champion was the Humpback Whale. It defeated the Nile Crocodile in the championship “Final Roar.”)
The final speaker in the High School's Science Speakers Series for this school year took place this past Friday, May 8, was Minisink Valley alumnus Haley Parker, an aerospace engineer in the Space Mission Analysis Branch at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. Her work is focused on systems analysis of crewed space missions and includes probabilistic assessment. And, it's always great when alumni return to campus to meet with students!
Ms. Parker spoke about the recent Artemis mission and future ones, and discussed the importance of the U.S. sending missions back to the Moon and then eventually to Mars as well as other topics. She also reinforced to students that their creative ideas and thinking skills are important to the future and there will be jobs and experiences available to them in the space exploration industry that have yet to be developed.
Ms. Parker earned her aerospace engineering from SUNY Buffalo, where she worked on a team to develop a space mission concept to explore Jupiter’s atmosphere. Her team’s concept, “JASPER,” was the winner of the 2022 AIAA Region I Student Conference. She’s held internships with Oceaneering International and NASA Headquarters, and has written and animated educational videos about orbital debris.
This year's speaker series featured professionals who excelled in science, graduated college, and transitioned to the workforce come in and speak to students who are enrolled in the college level science classes.
Juniors and their guests danced the night away at last Friday’s Junior Prom, making memories that will last long after the final song played! It was an evening filled with glamour and happiness as they inch closer to becoming rising seniors!
A huge thank you to the families who shared photos with us!
To see more photos, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid07jD5nqKvLDRVGs7qgXp7iZP4eqKcrQLk4MGLtg6szAVErQi3VZ7aHtftFmPu8uHml?__cft__[0]=AZbJLr2rAL4Oy4EyIkhVkXDXox6BDOPWwm8MyxnDHS3_aeA1ISFk6YI14KLmMq7Ld0Kf97MlQFztqRqD0wrYwb45hWlQ1E5mmE0uZicnwtS_8GEuDQUkdiN9JI8SUA9SbydWEYJ0KCPJJxW5Ksq93u2PA7-b5DdugM4DRxGE2SlgsOsflA2RjMnpO0G2xbNgS7A&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
A huge thank you to the families who shared photos with us!
To see more photos, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid07jD5nqKvLDRVGs7qgXp7iZP4eqKcrQLk4MGLtg6szAVErQi3VZ7aHtftFmPu8uHml?__cft__[0]=AZbJLr2rAL4Oy4EyIkhVkXDXox6BDOPWwm8MyxnDHS3_aeA1ISFk6YI14KLmMq7Ld0Kf97MlQFztqRqD0wrYwb45hWlQ1E5mmE0uZicnwtS_8GEuDQUkdiN9JI8SUA9SbydWEYJ0KCPJJxW5Ksq93u2PA7-b5DdugM4DRxGE2SlgsOsflA2RjMnpO0G2xbNgS7A&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
