THANK YOU to our community partners for equipping our students with the best coping skills:
•Gabby DePolito, LMSW, a Class of 2012 alumnus from Boston Children's Health Physicians, tested students with at true/false game on fueling the body and sleep hygiene.
• Angelica Castaldo, MHC-LP, from Nourish Counseling. stopped by with practical coping strategies and free-stress balls.
Finals and Regents exams are nearing. Here’s some reminders from our social work team about how you help your teen by:
•Knowing the schedule: Look out for an email from the school, or visit the Minisink Valley High School website's High School tab to view the testing calendar.
•Making a game plan: Partner with your teen to create a realistic, structured study schedule.
•Fueling their brain: Encourage healthy nutrition, proper hydration, regular movement, and consistent sleep routines.
•Normalizing rest: Remind them to take regular study breaks to avoid burnout and recharge.
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!
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.
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
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
“Matt and Ben have worked very hard to get here,” said Head Coach Dave Benedetto. “Their commitment and passion for the game of golf is remarkable. We are very proud of them.”
Good luck to both golfers as they look to keep it in the fairway and make a strong run at Sectionals!
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.
“Coaches Mark SweatIock and I are proud of Heather’s hard work and determination to meet her goal of qualifying and are excited for her to represent Minisink in Section IX,” said Coach Nicholas Terralavoro.
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 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
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 Cheerleading Program is holding spring open workouts for interested students in grades 6 to 12 starting tomorrow, May 14 at 6 p.m., followed by the same time on subsequent Tuesday and Thursdays. These gatherings will allow students to come together to train and experience the sport before tryout season, all under coach observation. Use this google form to sign up! Don’t miss out if interested.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaBIcV7KwbN_BzjAbqSw04uPSPgZPTwl43dis1lzp0wUWdxg/viewform
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.
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
Please join us in congratulating members of our faculty and administration who were granted tenure by the Board of Education during its May 7 and earlier in the year meetings! #MINISINKProud
High School
Jacquelyn Campbell, Special Education teacher
Thomas Connolly, Mathematics teacher
Jonathan Hannes, Special Education teacher
Toni McGinn, Special Education teacher
Rachel Moran, English as a Second Language teacher
Middle School
Francine LaDonna, Social Worker
Kaitlin Santos, Elementary teacher
Ramon Torres, Foreign Languages teacher
Otisville Elementary
Lisa Assaiante, Special Education teacher
Victoria Frascone, Special Education teacher
Stephanie Gove, Elementary teacher
Nikachi Griffin, Assistant Principal
Bryon Imbarrato, Elementary teacher
Jessica Kahn, Elementary teacher
Nicole Martinez, Elementary teacher
Intermediate School
Lilivette Alten, English as a Second Language teacher
Andrew Fenner, Elementary teacher
Elementary School
Megan St. Clair, Elementary teacher
Many will now be able to vote in upcoming voting cycles, while others will be able to vote when they turn 18. But! They are registered to vote, which matters greatly because it’s the first step that makes one’s voice count in elections.
“We had 161 students sign up — that is a new record,” said Leslie Simons, Mid-Hudson Region of the League of Women Voters vice president. The group is already working with National Honor Society juniors to organize a similar event in the new school year.
