Congratulations to the five members of the Varsity Football Team who were recently named to 2025 All-Star teams by the New York State Sportswriters Association (NYSSWA)
• 1st Team: Senior Max Wickrath, DB
“Max is a versatile, explosive athlete known for his speed, toughness, and instincts,” said Head Coach Kevin Gallagher. “As a slot receiver, he’s a reliable target with breakaway speed and elusiveness in space. On defense, he’s a hard- hitting safety with a nose for the ball and excellent play recognition. Add in his electric kick return ability, and Max is a true three-phase game-changer.”
Max finished the season with eight interceptions from the safety position and two of those were returned for touchdowns. He finished with 44 tackles on the year, 24 solo and 20 assisted. Max was a kick returner who averaged close to 30 yards per return, while also scoring 1 touchdown. On offense he had 27 catches for 410 yards and 3 touchdowns as a receiver. As a rusher Max ran for 218 yards and an additional three rushing touchdowns.
• 2nd Team: Senior Zach Filip, RB
“Zach is the kind of athlete every team wants in their locker room—gritty, dependable, and relentlessly driven” said Coach Gallagher. “Known for his tireless work ethic and consistent performance, he leads not with words, but through action. Zach embodies resilience and accountability on and off the field.”
Zach rushed 209 times for 1,503 yards and 24 touchdowns. Zach averaged an impressive 7.19 yards per carry and 136.6 yards a game. His 24 rushing touchdowns is a school record for most in a single season.
• 2nd team: Senior Jayden Pressley, OL
A versatile and relentless two-way lineman, Jayden excels at both offensive tackle and on the defensive line, Jayden brings a strong understanding of the game to every position played,” said Coach Gallagher. “Known for his leadership on and off the field, Jayden sets the standard in the locker room and the classroom, maintaining high academic standing while balancing a demanding athletic schedule. Coaches and teammates praise Jayden for a tireless work ethic,
physical toughness, and an unshakable commitment to team success.”
Jayden was an anchor on both the offensive and defensive line. He led an offensive unit that rushed for nearly 3,000 yards. He did not allow a sack this season on over 100 passing attempts. Jayden also set a single season record of 15 sacks in a season, while now being the school’s all-time leader with 18 total He added an additional 63 total tackles and an interception.
• 5th Team: Senior Robert LaBarbera, QB
“A standout in the Class of 2026, Robert is a dynamic quarterback known for his leadership, athleticism, and relentless drive to succeed,” Coach Gallagher said. “As a natural athlete with excellent field vision and quick decision-making, he commands the huddle with confidence well beyond his years. He excels in the classroom, maintaining strong academic performance while balancing the demands of varsity athletics. Whether leading a comeback on Friday night or setting the tone in team meetings, he consistently sets the standard through his work ethic, discipline, and unshakable focus on growth.”
Robert finished the season with 1,086 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes, while also adding 1,135 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
• Honorable Mention: Junior Mike Moran, K
“Mike this season was 3 for 4 on field goals, with a long of 28 yards,” said Coach Gallagher. “Forty-eight of 53 on extra points, and accumulated a total 57 team points this season. Mike worked hard in the offseason to gain experience and make sure his team could count on him. His hard work paid off, as he was the difference in the Section IX championship game, with a field goal that gave us a 24-21 victory.”
• 1st Team: Senior Max Wickrath, DB
“Max is a versatile, explosive athlete known for his speed, toughness, and instincts,” said Head Coach Kevin Gallagher. “As a slot receiver, he’s a reliable target with breakaway speed and elusiveness in space. On defense, he’s a hard- hitting safety with a nose for the ball and excellent play recognition. Add in his electric kick return ability, and Max is a true three-phase game-changer.”
Max finished the season with eight interceptions from the safety position and two of those were returned for touchdowns. He finished with 44 tackles on the year, 24 solo and 20 assisted. Max was a kick returner who averaged close to 30 yards per return, while also scoring 1 touchdown. On offense he had 27 catches for 410 yards and 3 touchdowns as a receiver. As a rusher Max ran for 218 yards and an additional three rushing touchdowns.
• 2nd Team: Senior Zach Filip, RB
“Zach is the kind of athlete every team wants in their locker room—gritty, dependable, and relentlessly driven” said Coach Gallagher. “Known for his tireless work ethic and consistent performance, he leads not with words, but through action. Zach embodies resilience and accountability on and off the field.”
Zach rushed 209 times for 1,503 yards and 24 touchdowns. Zach averaged an impressive 7.19 yards per carry and 136.6 yards a game. His 24 rushing touchdowns is a school record for most in a single season.
• 2nd team: Senior Jayden Pressley, OL
A versatile and relentless two-way lineman, Jayden excels at both offensive tackle and on the defensive line, Jayden brings a strong understanding of the game to every position played,” said Coach Gallagher. “Known for his leadership on and off the field, Jayden sets the standard in the locker room and the classroom, maintaining high academic standing while balancing a demanding athletic schedule. Coaches and teammates praise Jayden for a tireless work ethic,
physical toughness, and an unshakable commitment to team success.”
Jayden was an anchor on both the offensive and defensive line. He led an offensive unit that rushed for nearly 3,000 yards. He did not allow a sack this season on over 100 passing attempts. Jayden also set a single season record of 15 sacks in a season, while now being the school’s all-time leader with 18 total He added an additional 63 total tackles and an interception.
• 5th Team: Senior Robert LaBarbera, QB
“A standout in the Class of 2026, Robert is a dynamic quarterback known for his leadership, athleticism, and relentless drive to succeed,” Coach Gallagher said. “As a natural athlete with excellent field vision and quick decision-making, he commands the huddle with confidence well beyond his years. He excels in the classroom, maintaining strong academic performance while balancing the demands of varsity athletics. Whether leading a comeback on Friday night or setting the tone in team meetings, he consistently sets the standard through his work ethic, discipline, and unshakable focus on growth.”
Robert finished the season with 1,086 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes, while also adding 1,135 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
• Honorable Mention: Junior Mike Moran, K
“Mike this season was 3 for 4 on field goals, with a long of 28 yards,” said Coach Gallagher. “Forty-eight of 53 on extra points, and accumulated a total 57 team points this season. Mike worked hard in the offseason to gain experience and make sure his team could count on him. His hard work paid off, as he was the difference in the Section IX championship game, with a field goal that gave us a 24-21 victory.”
Jessica Kahn’s Otisville kindergarteners, like all district kindergarteners, have been focusing on the question, "How can you tell which group has more?" during their math lessons. They’ve learning different ways to compare two groups of objects, such as letters, bugs or hearts, to figure out which group has more.
The idea “How can you tell which group has more?” is important in kindergarten because it builds the foundation for how children understand numbers, quantities, and math reasoning.
To begin, students used their names to explore the concepts of length and quantity. Each letter was written on the same-sized paper, and the letters were connected to create a “name train.” By comparing these name trains, students observed that longer trains contain more letters, while shorter trains have fewer letters.
For the worksheet, students compared two groups by counting and recording the numbers. They were asked, "Which group has more?" In a complete sentence, a student stated which group had more, and the class circled the corresponding group. As a whole group, students practiced speaking in complete sentences, sharing which group had more and which had fewer.
Comparing groups helps kindergarteners see that numbers represent real amounts, not just words or symbols. Knowing which group has more, fewer, or the same strengthens their sense of quantity. It also helps these little students to think logically, not just count, and practice newly acquired math vocabulary. The idea of know what group has “more” and “less” is essential before children can grasp addition, subtraction and inequalities. PLUS: There important connections to daily kindergarten life, such as: Who has more snacks? Are there enough crayons?
The idea “How can you tell which group has more?” is important in kindergarten because it builds the foundation for how children understand numbers, quantities, and math reasoning.
To begin, students used their names to explore the concepts of length and quantity. Each letter was written on the same-sized paper, and the letters were connected to create a “name train.” By comparing these name trains, students observed that longer trains contain more letters, while shorter trains have fewer letters.
For the worksheet, students compared two groups by counting and recording the numbers. They were asked, "Which group has more?" In a complete sentence, a student stated which group had more, and the class circled the corresponding group. As a whole group, students practiced speaking in complete sentences, sharing which group had more and which had fewer.
Comparing groups helps kindergarteners see that numbers represent real amounts, not just words or symbols. Knowing which group has more, fewer, or the same strengthens their sense of quantity. It also helps these little students to think logically, not just count, and practice newly acquired math vocabulary. The idea of know what group has “more” and “less” is essential before children can grasp addition, subtraction and inequalities. PLUS: There important connections to daily kindergarten life, such as: Who has more snacks? Are there enough crayons?
Odyssey of the Mind season is in full swing! The Middle School and Otisville Elementary teams will proudly represent the district at the Region 5 tournament on Feb. 28. It’s not that far off!
Coach Madison Wyman’s Middle School team will be presenting a response to Problem 1: “Off the Rails.” ( We’re not showing all they’re doing to protect the integrity of their creative work!)
For this problem, team become conductors and engineers as they continue to design, build and operate a train vehicle.
As the train travels the course it will have a new car attached at each stop.
Along the route, it will encounter challenges that make the train travel in different ways.
After all of its cargo is picked up, the items will be unloaded and assembled into a work of art.
The performance will also include the use of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, a humorous conductor character and a villain character that tries to prevent the train from getting to its destination.
This requires a tremendous amount of “out-of-the-box” thinking and these students are clearly capable and up for the task!
Coach Madison Wyman’s Middle School team will be presenting a response to Problem 1: “Off the Rails.” ( We’re not showing all they’re doing to protect the integrity of their creative work!)
For this problem, team become conductors and engineers as they continue to design, build and operate a train vehicle.
As the train travels the course it will have a new car attached at each stop.
Along the route, it will encounter challenges that make the train travel in different ways.
After all of its cargo is picked up, the items will be unloaded and assembled into a work of art.
The performance will also include the use of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, a humorous conductor character and a villain character that tries to prevent the train from getting to its destination.
This requires a tremendous amount of “out-of-the-box” thinking and these students are clearly capable and up for the task!
Ilana Kaufman’s ES second-grade art students are creating some stunningly colorful symmetrical paper masks!
Students looked at masks from around the world including Venetian carnival masks, African Festima masks, and Aztec masks, talking about the use of different materials and patterns. Students are focusing on symmetry and layering paper to make unique paper mask collages. Mask symmetry is important because balanced features help create a sense of harmony and order. Symmetry can also make masks easier to recognize and understand, especially in cultural or ceremonial contexts.
• Venetian carnival masks are traditional masks worn during the Carnival of Venice, historically allowing people to hide their identity and social status. They’re known for ornate designs featuring gold leaf, bright colors, feathers, and symbolic shapes.
• African Festima masks are traditional masks showcased during FESTIMA (Festival International des Masques et des Arts) in Burkina Faso, celebrating the cultural heritage of West African communities. They’re worn in ceremonial dances and performances and often represent spirits, ancestors or natural forces through bold shapes and patterns.
• Aztec masks were ceremonial objects used in rituals, religious ceremonies, and burials in ancient Mesoamerica. They were often made from stone, wood, or turquoise mosaic and represented gods, animals, or powerful spiritual forces.
Students looked at masks from around the world including Venetian carnival masks, African Festima masks, and Aztec masks, talking about the use of different materials and patterns. Students are focusing on symmetry and layering paper to make unique paper mask collages. Mask symmetry is important because balanced features help create a sense of harmony and order. Symmetry can also make masks easier to recognize and understand, especially in cultural or ceremonial contexts.
• Venetian carnival masks are traditional masks worn during the Carnival of Venice, historically allowing people to hide their identity and social status. They’re known for ornate designs featuring gold leaf, bright colors, feathers, and symbolic shapes.
• African Festima masks are traditional masks showcased during FESTIMA (Festival International des Masques et des Arts) in Burkina Faso, celebrating the cultural heritage of West African communities. They’re worn in ceremonial dances and performances and often represent spirits, ancestors or natural forces through bold shapes and patterns.
• Aztec masks were ceremonial objects used in rituals, religious ceremonies, and burials in ancient Mesoamerica. They were often made from stone, wood, or turquoise mosaic and represented gods, animals, or powerful spiritual forces.
District fourth-graders are beginning to study Geology in both their ELA and science lessons. Jenna Colman’s Otisville fourth-graders kicked off their studies by learning about the four layers of the Earth.
Do you remember what they are? We’ll help:
The four layers of the Earth are:
1. Crust: The thin outer layer where we live. It includes land and the ocean floor.
2. Mantle: The thick layer beneath the crust. It’s very hot and made of slowly moving rock.
3. Outer core: A layer of melted (liquid) iron and nickel. It helps create Earth’s magnetic field.
4. Inner core: The very hot, solid center of the Earth, also made mostly of iron and nickel.
Students used made clay to make Earth models, using yellow, orange, red and blue clay colors to mimic those four layers, with green mixed with the blue to show land masses. The inner core was a yellow ball; followed by orange to represent the outer core; red for the mantle and blue with green (where appropriate) for the crust. Using fishing line, students cut their Earth models in half so they could see the four layers.
Next up: Lessons on the characteristics of those four layers!
Do you remember what they are? We’ll help:
The four layers of the Earth are:
1. Crust: The thin outer layer where we live. It includes land and the ocean floor.
2. Mantle: The thick layer beneath the crust. It’s very hot and made of slowly moving rock.
3. Outer core: A layer of melted (liquid) iron and nickel. It helps create Earth’s magnetic field.
4. Inner core: The very hot, solid center of the Earth, also made mostly of iron and nickel.
Students used made clay to make Earth models, using yellow, orange, red and blue clay colors to mimic those four layers, with green mixed with the blue to show land masses. The inner core was a yellow ball; followed by orange to represent the outer core; red for the mantle and blue with green (where appropriate) for the crust. Using fishing line, students cut their Earth models in half so they could see the four layers.
Next up: Lessons on the characteristics of those four layers!
'YARN SNOWBALL’ FUN!
Tom Uhrig and Stephanie Giuffre’s Otisville third-grade physical education students are having a blast perfecting their throwing skills now that there's enough snow for outdoor snowball throwing!
Using soft white “yarn” snowballs makes this a fun seasonal activity because it captures the fun of winter play indoors!
Students are learning important overhand and/or underhand throwing skills along with practicing aim, accuracy and force control. There’s also eye-hand coordination and spatial awareness skills in addition to decision-making and strategy skills on where and where to throw; sportsmanship; cooperation and teamwork skills; and the fitness components of building upper body strength, agility and movement. Whew! That’s a lot of learning packed into a little, white yarn ball! Take a peek!
Jonathan Sakadelis’ and Ross Potter’s IS fourth-grade physical education students are having blast playing scooter soccer!
Scooter soccer is a fun, modified version of soccer where players sit on scooters used for propulsion and use their feet (or sometimes hands, depending on rules) to move a large ball and score goals in a gymnasium, emphasizing teamwork, balance and physical activity for students.
Scooter soccer is a fun, modified version of soccer where players sit on scooters used for propulsion and use their feet (or sometimes hands, depending on rules) to move a large ball and score goals in a gymnasium, emphasizing teamwork, balance and physical activity for students.
Kelly Bernice’s Otisville second-graders have been having a lot of fun with their “Reader’s Theater” gatherings using a script from a story called “The Tortoise and the Hedgehog.”
The story is about a slow tortoise and a fast hedgehog. The hedgehog boasts that he is the fastest and teases the tortoise for being slow. The tortoise calmly accepts a race challenge. The hedgehog runs quickly but becomes careless and overconfident. The tortoise moves slowly and steadily without giving up. In the end, the tortoise wins the race. The moral of the story? Slow and steady effort is better than rushing and bragging.
Each student had a reading role and using a short script, students read their parts aloud. There’s no props, sets or acting required, because their voices are doing “the acting.” All were tasked with providing constructive criticism on how their peers’ reading was, because, as Mrs. Bernice pointed out: “Constructive criticism is meant to make you better at what you do.”
Reader’s Theater help young students improve their reading fluency, expression, confidence and comprehension. Plus: Added bonuses are students learn important teamwork and listening skills!
The story is about a slow tortoise and a fast hedgehog. The hedgehog boasts that he is the fastest and teases the tortoise for being slow. The tortoise calmly accepts a race challenge. The hedgehog runs quickly but becomes careless and overconfident. The tortoise moves slowly and steadily without giving up. In the end, the tortoise wins the race. The moral of the story? Slow and steady effort is better than rushing and bragging.
Each student had a reading role and using a short script, students read their parts aloud. There’s no props, sets or acting required, because their voices are doing “the acting.” All were tasked with providing constructive criticism on how their peers’ reading was, because, as Mrs. Bernice pointed out: “Constructive criticism is meant to make you better at what you do.”
Reader’s Theater help young students improve their reading fluency, expression, confidence and comprehension. Plus: Added bonuses are students learn important teamwork and listening skills!
KUDOS to members of the Middle School’s Newspaper Club for celebrating the wonderful and very important work of the school’s Buildings & Grounds team yesterday, Jan. 15, which was club’s designated Custodial Appreciation Day.
“Everywhere you go, you see a custodian helping to keep this school clean,” student reporter Kaitlyn Wagner wrote in the club’s December edition of its newspaper. “These staff members stay late every night to clean up your messes. It must be hard work cleaning this entire building year round.”
In an interview with Kaitlyn, custodian Zach Kohler told her: “I enjoy helping out the school when I clean, it reminds me how much people care when they recognize my work here.”
To recognize the middle school’s Buildings & Grounds staff, the club presented them with personalized t-shirts and a special lunch, paid for by the Student Government and prepared by Victoria Ingrassia’s FACS students. A morning announcement also reminded the school community about just how important the role of Buildings & Grounds is to the school’s daily operations. (We’ll add it’s important in every district building and this team does a fantastic job!)
We hear lunch was delicious: Pulled pork with delicious sides and a variety of homemade pies! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!
There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes for every district drama club show and that includes set design!
Christopher Tuthill's construction students are assisting the Otisville Elementary Drama Club with the design and building of backgrounds and props for its forthcoming performances of "Seussical JR." It's another great example of inter-school cooperation and assistance!
Christopher Tuthill's construction students are assisting the Otisville Elementary Drama Club with the design and building of backgrounds and props for its forthcoming performances of "Seussical JR." It's another great example of inter-school cooperation and assistance!
Madison Wyman’s and Nicole Lee’s sixth-grade science students spent some recent time recently having a very tasty lesson about plate tectonics!
They used graham crackers, vanilla icing, and fruit roll-ups to model different plate boundaries, recording their observations on whiteboards. What a delicious way to explore (and later eat) how Earth’s plates interact!
Graham crackers, icing and roll ups are used to demonstrate plate tectonics because they make the idea easy to see and understand. Graham crackers represent Earth’s tectonic plates and icing represents the soft layer underneath the plates (the mantle). Students can push, pull, or slide the crackers to show how plates move and this helps them to see and feel how mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes form.
Plate tectonics is the slow movement of large pieces of Earth’s crust that can cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains. It also shows how the Earth changes over time, helps to understand natural disasters so safer environments can be created and connects to other science topics like rocks and landforms.
They used graham crackers, vanilla icing, and fruit roll-ups to model different plate boundaries, recording their observations on whiteboards. What a delicious way to explore (and later eat) how Earth’s plates interact!
Graham crackers, icing and roll ups are used to demonstrate plate tectonics because they make the idea easy to see and understand. Graham crackers represent Earth’s tectonic plates and icing represents the soft layer underneath the plates (the mantle). Students can push, pull, or slide the crackers to show how plates move and this helps them to see and feel how mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes form.
Plate tectonics is the slow movement of large pieces of Earth’s crust that can cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains. It also shows how the Earth changes over time, helps to understand natural disasters so safer environments can be created and connects to other science topics like rocks and landforms.
Anthony Pascarelli’s ES kindergarten physical education students have been learning about cooperation through relay activities! This included throwing a bean bag to each person in their group, followed by throwing and catching using a cone. Cooperation activities in kindergarten physical education help students build the social, emotional, and physical skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives—using play, movement and fun instead of lectures.
BRAVO to the talented cast and crew of "Immortal til Death," the murder/mystery dinner fundraiser presented by the High School Drama Club last evening, Jan. 13.
The show was written by School Senior Hana Ebbert and focused on the 200th anniversary banquet of the Stotolian Society, an organization built from Aristotle’s dream for the elite to rule the world.
Ada Eldritch, the eternally young founder, welcomed guests with assurances that this night will go completely according to plan, with no unexpected surprises. But everything suddenly descended into chaos after an incredibly dramatic murder, and unfortunately guests were forced to watch a ridiculous cast of egomaniacs scrambling to play the blame game, all for the sake of power.
Guests interacted with other society members to come up with their own conclusions on what was really going on. Everyone had their own dark secrets, and guests needed to figure out who’s secrets were the darkest!
THANK YOU to all who supported this Drama Club fundraising performance! See more photos on the district's Facebook page!
Students from Jonathan Bond’s High School “Introduction to Film Studies,” Morgan Torres’ “Studies in Diversity,” Lawrence Scarzfava’s “Introduction to Screenwriting” and Christopher Ruckdeschel’s “Psychology” classes and Mr. Bond’s Film Society Club members took a recent field trip to Flagship Premium Cinemas in Matamoras, Pa. to see “Zootopia 2,” which was selected by a vote from Film Society members.
The trip was much more than simply seeing the sequel to the first movie. It gave students the opportunity to experience a major studio release in a theatrical setting while connecting course concepts across multiple disciplines.
“This trip was an opportunity for off-campus enrichment,” said Mr. Bond. “Students attending these trips are interested in art, film, writing, or in the case of the ‘Zootopia 2’ trip, philosophy or psychology as well. Letting students watch a film in whole on the big screen gives them the opportunity to build valuable social connections while also analyzing and appreciating the multi-layered narrative of the film.”
The sequel expanded on the original film’s imaginative world through strong character development, sharp humor, and vibrant animation. Yes, it’s an entertaining movie for all ages, but “Zootopia 2” also offered meaningful social commentary that encouraged deeper analysis.
The film explored themes of identity, bias and social responsibility, giving students plenty to reflect on from philosophical, psychological and cultural perspectives. From dynamic storytelling and well-crafted character arcs to underlying psychological motivations and ethical questions, the movie sparked thoughtful, cheerful, and engaging conversations afterward.
Student Melanie Tierney noted the movie served as a strong example of how film can be both enjoyable and intellectually engaging.
“The screening was incredibly well received by all who attended and proved to be a valuable shared experience that blended entertainment, student choice and academic discussion into one memorable field trip," she said.
Mr. Bond added: “After watching the film, each class had a project where the students reflected on the film and its relationship to the course curriculum. In addition to discussing their enjoyment of the experience as a whole, each class project elicited creative conversations and debates that accentuated the value of the trip.”
The trip was much more than simply seeing the sequel to the first movie. It gave students the opportunity to experience a major studio release in a theatrical setting while connecting course concepts across multiple disciplines.
“This trip was an opportunity for off-campus enrichment,” said Mr. Bond. “Students attending these trips are interested in art, film, writing, or in the case of the ‘Zootopia 2’ trip, philosophy or psychology as well. Letting students watch a film in whole on the big screen gives them the opportunity to build valuable social connections while also analyzing and appreciating the multi-layered narrative of the film.”
The sequel expanded on the original film’s imaginative world through strong character development, sharp humor, and vibrant animation. Yes, it’s an entertaining movie for all ages, but “Zootopia 2” also offered meaningful social commentary that encouraged deeper analysis.
The film explored themes of identity, bias and social responsibility, giving students plenty to reflect on from philosophical, psychological and cultural perspectives. From dynamic storytelling and well-crafted character arcs to underlying psychological motivations and ethical questions, the movie sparked thoughtful, cheerful, and engaging conversations afterward.
Student Melanie Tierney noted the movie served as a strong example of how film can be both enjoyable and intellectually engaging.
“The screening was incredibly well received by all who attended and proved to be a valuable shared experience that blended entertainment, student choice and academic discussion into one memorable field trip," she said.
Mr. Bond added: “After watching the film, each class had a project where the students reflected on the film and its relationship to the course curriculum. In addition to discussing their enjoyment of the experience as a whole, each class project elicited creative conversations and debates that accentuated the value of the trip.”
Did you know that all fifth through 12th grade district music students have access to the “MakeMusic Cloud” catalog?
The “MakeMusic Cloud” catalog is an online library of music content available within the MakeMusic Cloud platform — a web-based music learning and practice system used by music teachers, students, performers, and hobbyists. It allows students to play along with band music, method books, and have music available to support solos. Another great part of this software is that students can record into the program and it gives instantaneous feedback on how to improve.
At the Middle School, the “MakeMusic Cloud” catalog includes many of its Concert pieces, Method Books, NYSSMA solos, and other solos/chamber pieces of interest. Students have access to music digitally, so if they forgot their sheet music at school, they can still get to it on their devices at home.
“It’s also a great motivator for home practice and leveling up within the program,” said Music Teacher Laura Hulle. “There’s also a music composing and sight reading section that both the teachers and students have access to, allowing everyone to write original music and be able to listen back to what it sounds like. Sight reading helps our students prepare for auditions. Being able to see a piece of music and perform it correctly the first time is a great skill to have. This is really helping our band students be creative and improve upon their abilities as musicians.”
The “MakeMusic Cloud” catalog is an online library of music content available within the MakeMusic Cloud platform — a web-based music learning and practice system used by music teachers, students, performers, and hobbyists. It allows students to play along with band music, method books, and have music available to support solos. Another great part of this software is that students can record into the program and it gives instantaneous feedback on how to improve.
At the Middle School, the “MakeMusic Cloud” catalog includes many of its Concert pieces, Method Books, NYSSMA solos, and other solos/chamber pieces of interest. Students have access to music digitally, so if they forgot their sheet music at school, they can still get to it on their devices at home.
“It’s also a great motivator for home practice and leveling up within the program,” said Music Teacher Laura Hulle. “There’s also a music composing and sight reading section that both the teachers and students have access to, allowing everyone to write original music and be able to listen back to what it sounds like. Sight reading helps our students prepare for auditions. Being able to see a piece of music and perform it correctly the first time is a great skill to have. This is really helping our band students be creative and improve upon their abilities as musicians.”
THANK YOU to the Otisville PTO for again sponsoring wonderful enrichment assemblies today, Jan. 13, for all K-5 students on a fan favorite topic: DINOSAURS!
Dinosaur Rocks visited the school, bringing authentic dinosaur artifacts which mesmerized students. Students journeyed through time to learn about life-sized dinosaurs and learned about dinosaur secrets of the past!
Dinosaur Rocks, a nationally acclaimed travel exhibit of authentic dinosaur fossils, offers school assemblies that are interactive, educational programs designed to bring science—especially paleontology and earth science— to life for students in a fun, memorable way. They’re often used in elementary and early middle-school settings as part of science weeks, curriculum enrichment, or special school events.
THREE VARSITY GIRLS WRESTLERS also competed at the prestigious Eastern States Tournament on Sunday and we’re so proud to have A CHAMPION!
Congratulations to Junior Sara Pauls, who won her 126-pound weight class! Sara pinned top seeded Sara McLaughlin of Choate Rosemary Hall in Massachusetts, ranked 13th nationally, at the 1:09 mark of the match. Sara was an Eastern States finalist in 2023 and 2024.
Senior Jaida Macaluso finished in fourth-place in the 152 weight class.
Sara entered the competition as the fourth-seed, and Jaida as second-seed in their respective weight classes.
PLUS: Special congratulations to Senior Keira Filip who recorded her 100th career win at the Eastern States Tournament on Sunday!
The girls tournament for girls is an annual and premier high school wrestling event that features top female athletes from across the eastern U.S. It provides a highly competitive platform where wrestlers compete across multiple weight classes. The tournament highlights the growth and strength of girls wrestling while showcasing exceptional skill, determination and sportsmanship. It's widely recognized as an important and prestigious event in the high school wrestling season for girls.
Congratulations to Junior Sara Pauls, who won her 126-pound weight class! Sara pinned top seeded Sara McLaughlin of Choate Rosemary Hall in Massachusetts, ranked 13th nationally, at the 1:09 mark of the match. Sara was an Eastern States finalist in 2023 and 2024.
Senior Jaida Macaluso finished in fourth-place in the 152 weight class.
Sara entered the competition as the fourth-seed, and Jaida as second-seed in their respective weight classes.
PLUS: Special congratulations to Senior Keira Filip who recorded her 100th career win at the Eastern States Tournament on Sunday!
The girls tournament for girls is an annual and premier high school wrestling event that features top female athletes from across the eastern U.S. It provides a highly competitive platform where wrestlers compete across multiple weight classes. The tournament highlights the growth and strength of girls wrestling while showcasing exceptional skill, determination and sportsmanship. It's widely recognized as an important and prestigious event in the high school wrestling season for girls.
Kudos to the Varsity Boys Wrestling team, which earned FIRST PLACE TEAM HONORS at this past weekend's prestigious Eastern State Wrestling Tournament, held at the Impact Athletic Center in Clifton Park, N.Y. Competing in this tournament were 184 teams representing six states on the East Coast. The competitors are the best of the best!
WE ALSO HAVE AN EASTERN STATES CHAMPION! Please also join us in congratulating Junior Wyatt Boice, who was the Number 1 seed in his 175-pound weight class and won the 175-pound weight class! He beat Number 7 seed Connor Wilson of Our Lady of Lourdes 19-6 in the finals. Wyatt earned two tech fall wins in the opening rounds and beat Quentin Getzin of Ithaca 15-5 in the semifinals.
“Wyatt didn't give up an offensive point the whole tournament and won each match by bonus points,” said Head Coach Kevin Gallagher. “Zach Filip took second place at 215 pounds and wrestled great all day, dominating some highly ranked kids along the way. Jayden Pressley also wrestled great placing fourth and beating three state ranked kids along the way. Overall, we wrestled tough and taking first place as a team out of 184 teams is a great job.”
The Eastern States Wrestling Tournament is a renowned high school wrestling event for boys that brings together top competitors from across the eastern U.S. Held annually, it showcases elite talent and intense competition among some of the nation’s best wrestlers. Athletes compete in multiple weight classes, testing their skill, strength and mental toughness. The tournament is widely respected for its high level of competition and tradition, making it a major highlight of the high school wrestling season.
WE ALSO HAVE AN EASTERN STATES CHAMPION! Please also join us in congratulating Junior Wyatt Boice, who was the Number 1 seed in his 175-pound weight class and won the 175-pound weight class! He beat Number 7 seed Connor Wilson of Our Lady of Lourdes 19-6 in the finals. Wyatt earned two tech fall wins in the opening rounds and beat Quentin Getzin of Ithaca 15-5 in the semifinals.
“Wyatt didn't give up an offensive point the whole tournament and won each match by bonus points,” said Head Coach Kevin Gallagher. “Zach Filip took second place at 215 pounds and wrestled great all day, dominating some highly ranked kids along the way. Jayden Pressley also wrestled great placing fourth and beating three state ranked kids along the way. Overall, we wrestled tough and taking first place as a team out of 184 teams is a great job.”
The Eastern States Wrestling Tournament is a renowned high school wrestling event for boys that brings together top competitors from across the eastern U.S. Held annually, it showcases elite talent and intense competition among some of the nation’s best wrestlers. Athletes compete in multiple weight classes, testing their skill, strength and mental toughness. The tournament is widely respected for its high level of competition and tradition, making it a major highlight of the high school wrestling season.
Congratulations to Senior Kate O’Neill, who was recently named to the 2025 All-State Girls Soccer Class AA Fourth Team by the New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for Girls Sports (NYSSCOGS),
“With 15 goals and three assists, she was a constant offensive threat and someone the team could always rely on in big moments,” said Head Coach Rachael Moran. “A two-year captain and six-year member of the program, Kate led with heart, focus, and an unwavering commitment to her teammates. This recognition celebrates not only her talent, but the leadership and dedication she brought to the field every day.”
Leyla Johnson’s IS physical education third-graders have been having a blast playing very robust games of floor hockey and scooter hockey in class!
Floor hockey, adapted from ice hockey, is played on a flat surface like a gym floor, using sticks to hit a ball or puck into a goal, emphasizing skill, teamwork and safety by minimizing body contact and keeping sticks low. It's a great way for students to further develop coordination and fitness.
Even more fun for some is scooter hockey, where players sit on wheeled scooter boards and use short hockey sticks to hit a foam ball or plastic puck into the opposing team's goal. The main rule is for students to stay seated on their scooters, using their legs and core for propulsion and control while trying to score, similar to floor hockey but with a unique rolling element.
Floor hockey, adapted from ice hockey, is played on a flat surface like a gym floor, using sticks to hit a ball or puck into a goal, emphasizing skill, teamwork and safety by minimizing body contact and keeping sticks low. It's a great way for students to further develop coordination and fitness.
Even more fun for some is scooter hockey, where players sit on wheeled scooter boards and use short hockey sticks to hit a foam ball or plastic puck into the opposing team's goal. The main rule is for students to stay seated on their scooters, using their legs and core for propulsion and control while trying to score, similar to floor hockey but with a unique rolling element.
