CTE FAMILIES:
A reminder Orange Ulster BOCES' CTE Open House is Thursday, Oct. 16!
--- Level I students' parents and guardians: 6 to 6:45 p.m.
--- Level II students' parents and guardians: 7 to 7:45 p.m.
Meet your student's teacher and members of the CTE staff and get a understanding of the expectations and opportunities for Level I and Level II students. You're invited to learn more about CTE's experiential learning and practical applications opportunities which prepare students for college and careers.
A reminder Orange Ulster BOCES' CTE Open House is Thursday, Oct. 16!
--- Level I students' parents and guardians: 6 to 6:45 p.m.
--- Level II students' parents and guardians: 7 to 7:45 p.m.
Meet your student's teacher and members of the CTE staff and get a understanding of the expectations and opportunities for Level I and Level II students. You're invited to learn more about CTE's experiential learning and practical applications opportunities which prepare students for college and careers.
Stress: Who doesn’t have to deal with it? Danielle Zamorski’s high school health classes are being introduced to the concept of stress, its effects on the body and mind, and practical strategies to manage stress in healthy ways.
The goal is to equip students with tools they can use in their daily lives to improve emotional well-being, focus, and resilience.
DID YOU KNOW that sticker painting can be a surprisingly effective way to relieve stress, thanks to a combination of mindfulness, creativity, and tactile engagement? Take a look at her students and their wonderful pieces of art created as part of their important discussions about stress management!
Here’s how it works:
1. Promotes mindfulness: Sticker painting encourages you to focus on matching numbered stickers to spaces. This slows your thoughts and brings your attention to the present moment—similar to meditation.
2. Provides a creative outlet: Creativity is a powerful way to process emotions and relax.
3. Engages the hands (tactile comfort): Physically peeling and placing stickers activates fine motor skills and gives a sense of control—especially helpful when life feels chaotic.
4. Triggers a Dopamine Boost: Every time you place a sticker correctly and watch the image build, your brain gets a small hit of dopamine—the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.
Sticker painting doesn’t take a lot of effort, but there’s a low-effort, high-reward activity that helps ground your thoughts, occupy your hands, and create something beautiful—all of which can help calm your mind and relieve stress! You can find sticker painting kits in many stores, try it!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD
The goal is to equip students with tools they can use in their daily lives to improve emotional well-being, focus, and resilience.
DID YOU KNOW that sticker painting can be a surprisingly effective way to relieve stress, thanks to a combination of mindfulness, creativity, and tactile engagement? Take a look at her students and their wonderful pieces of art created as part of their important discussions about stress management!
Here’s how it works:
1. Promotes mindfulness: Sticker painting encourages you to focus on matching numbered stickers to spaces. This slows your thoughts and brings your attention to the present moment—similar to meditation.
2. Provides a creative outlet: Creativity is a powerful way to process emotions and relax.
3. Engages the hands (tactile comfort): Physically peeling and placing stickers activates fine motor skills and gives a sense of control—especially helpful when life feels chaotic.
4. Triggers a Dopamine Boost: Every time you place a sticker correctly and watch the image build, your brain gets a small hit of dopamine—the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.
Sticker painting doesn’t take a lot of effort, but there’s a low-effort, high-reward activity that helps ground your thoughts, occupy your hands, and create something beautiful—all of which can help calm your mind and relieve stress! You can find sticker painting kits in many stores, try it!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD
Take a peek at the fun and skills learned during this past Saturday's Boys Lacrosse Clinic, run by the Boys Varsity and Junior Varsity lacrosse teams! There's definitely future JV and varsity players in this group of boys! THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to its success!
SENIOR FAMILIES:
It's time to order your student's graduation cap and gown! Details are here:
Congratulations to three members of the Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving Team, who have qualified for upcoming sectionals!
•Diver Madison Jennings made the section cut with her six dive list in her first year of diving! Varsity Coach Sam Woodward reports that she’s continually improving and adding new and difficult dives to her repertoire.
•Diver Madyson Thorpe made the section cut for the third consecutive year and is consistently hitting her personal best score in every meet as a freshman! She is currently ranked eighth in the section for her six dive list.
•Swimmer Natalie Wargo made the cut in seven out of nine possible events as an eighth-grader! She’s ranked third in the section in the 500m freestyle!
“Others to look out for,” added Coach Woodward, “are Senior Malunga Kinzonzi, Senior Olivia Bohr, and freshman Treven Costello as they continue to chase section cuts and lead the team in points.”
•Diver Madison Jennings made the section cut with her six dive list in her first year of diving! Varsity Coach Sam Woodward reports that she’s continually improving and adding new and difficult dives to her repertoire.
•Diver Madyson Thorpe made the section cut for the third consecutive year and is consistently hitting her personal best score in every meet as a freshman! She is currently ranked eighth in the section for her six dive list.
•Swimmer Natalie Wargo made the cut in seven out of nine possible events as an eighth-grader! She’s ranked third in the section in the 500m freestyle!
“Others to look out for,” added Coach Woodward, “are Senior Malunga Kinzonzi, Senior Olivia Bohr, and freshman Treven Costello as they continue to chase section cuts and lead the team in points.”
ANOTHER AMAZING WIN and VARSITY FOOTBALL REMAINS UNDEFEATED after a big 42-12 win over Our Lady of Lourdes this past Friday night!
"Max Wickwrath played a great game on both sides of the ball," said Varsity Coach Kevin Gallagher. "On offense Max had four catches for 95 yards and a touchdown and on defense he had two interceptions and one of them was for a touchdown. Others that scored for us were Robbie LaBarbara who had nine carries for 139 yards and one touchdown, Zach Filip rushed 15 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns and Stetson Terpak scored on a 37 yard pass from Robbie. I thought we played pretty well overall and really put it together in the second half. Our defense really stepped up against a funky offense and really kept us in the lead until our offense got it going."
"Max Wickwrath played a great game on both sides of the ball," said Varsity Coach Kevin Gallagher. "On offense Max had four catches for 95 yards and a touchdown and on defense he had two interceptions and one of them was for a touchdown. Others that scored for us were Robbie LaBarbara who had nine carries for 139 yards and one touchdown, Zach Filip rushed 15 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns and Stetson Terpak scored on a 37 yard pass from Robbie. I thought we played pretty well overall and really put it together in the second half. Our defense really stepped up against a funky offense and really kept us in the lead until our offense got it going."
WE'RE GOING PINK! Join us !
Pattie Hoban-Rich’s High School “Studio in Arts” students haven been busy creating unique comic drawing using a grid method!
Students use the grid method to transfer a reference image onto a larger drawing surface by dividing both into a grid of squares, then drawing the image one square at a time to maintain proportion and accuracy.
For a comic, this means choosing a simple character or scene, drawing a grid over the reference image, drawing a scaled grid on the comic panel paper, and then carefully sketching the comic's image square by square, focusing on observational skills to break the larger task into manageable steps.
Their work is creative and unique! Take a peek!
HOMECOMING 2025!
What a great night!! Not only does the Varsity football team remain undefeated, the high school's incredible Homecoming gathering this past Friday evening included a banner parade, the crowning of Kathryn Jones and Rogan Lynch as Homecoming Queen and King, fabulous musical entertainment by the mighty Minisink Valley Marching Band and the unbelievable support of the crowd, led by our cheer squad! WERE YOU THERE? Take a look at a sampling of the evening! See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD
•High school homecoming originated from college traditions, with many universities claiming to have hosted the first event, though the University of Missouri is credited with holding the first official homecoming in 1911 to boost school spirit and unite alumni with current students and celebrate the university’s existence. The concept quickly spread to other colleges and then to high schools across the nation, evolving to include events such as parades, pep rallies, bonfires, and dances centered around a football game.
•The high school homecoming king and queen tradition began in the 1930s as an adaptation of college homecoming celebrations. The focus eventually shifted to selecting a queen and king based on personality and character in later decades. The first queens were crowned much earlier in college history, but the king and queen as a pair was a later development in the high school setting, reflecting the tradition's evolution from a general school spirit event to a more formal, celebrated court.
What a great night!! Not only does the Varsity football team remain undefeated, the high school's incredible Homecoming gathering this past Friday evening included a banner parade, the crowning of Kathryn Jones and Rogan Lynch as Homecoming Queen and King, fabulous musical entertainment by the mighty Minisink Valley Marching Band and the unbelievable support of the crowd, led by our cheer squad! WERE YOU THERE? Take a look at a sampling of the evening! See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD
•High school homecoming originated from college traditions, with many universities claiming to have hosted the first event, though the University of Missouri is credited with holding the first official homecoming in 1911 to boost school spirit and unite alumni with current students and celebrate the university’s existence. The concept quickly spread to other colleges and then to high schools across the nation, evolving to include events such as parades, pep rallies, bonfires, and dances centered around a football game.
•The high school homecoming king and queen tradition began in the 1930s as an adaptation of college homecoming celebrations. The focus eventually shifted to selecting a queen and king based on personality and character in later decades. The first queens were crowned much earlier in college history, but the king and queen as a pair was a later development in the high school setting, reflecting the tradition's evolution from a general school spirit event to a more formal, celebrated court.
WE’RE NOW 4-0!
Congratulations to the Varsity Football team on its continued undefeated season after its 21-18 win against Washingtonville at Friday’s Homecoming game! Take a look!
“I was happy with the win,” said Varsity Coach Kevin Gallagher. “We got tough when we had to, but we need to keep getting better. Washingtonville was 3-0 coming in and they are a well-coached, hard-nosed team so it was a good test. Max Wickwrath and Zach Filip made some big plays on the offense and our defense came up big when we had to, especially Jayden Pressley who had six sacks.”
Kudos to members of the High School's Youth Against Cancer (YAC) Club), which delivered 100 cards were made members this past Friday to pediatric patients in Garnet Medical Center's oncology unit. As a treat, students attached lollipops to each card! YAC President Heather Day, who is also a Board of Education student representative, presented the cards to Garnet's Director of Infusion Stephanie Bonanno, R.N.
TWO OTHER REMINDERS: Please consider being part of the YAC's book and toy donation for Garnet's pediatric patients through Oct. 11. Boxes are in all five buildings the the district's Transportation Center. And, tomorrow is the district's GOING GOLD DAY! Make sure your yellow/gold attire is ready for tomorrow!
HOMECOMING 2025!
Take a peek at a sampling of how great everyone looked for last Friday's Homecoming Dance! THANK YOU to the proud parents who shared these photos! See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD
Take a peek at a sampling of how great everyone looked for last Friday's Homecoming Dance! THANK YOU to the proud parents who shared these photos! See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD
You’re never too old to draw with chalk! Today, Sept. 26, high school students are creating a Minisink Valley-centric “CHALK ABOUT LOVE” display at the high school’s front entrance during all lunch periods.
Their individual messages are a collaboration with Fearless!, an Orange County community agency. This display was created to raise awareness among young people about abuse by romantic partners, “a problem often kept quiet or spoken of in whispers,” according to Fearless!, which also says “teens will often listen to other teens regarding bad relationships more than they will listen to adults, who could be viewed as trying to tell them what to do.”
During lunch periods, students were invited outside to draw a picture on the sidewalk or write reaffirming words about what love means to them. Take a peek; they have a gorgeous fall day to create these important messages for their peers.
Their individual messages are a collaboration with Fearless!, an Orange County community agency. This display was created to raise awareness among young people about abuse by romantic partners, “a problem often kept quiet or spoken of in whispers,” according to Fearless!, which also says “teens will often listen to other teens regarding bad relationships more than they will listen to adults, who could be viewed as trying to tell them what to do.”
During lunch periods, students were invited outside to draw a picture on the sidewalk or write reaffirming words about what love means to them. Take a peek; they have a gorgeous fall day to create these important messages for their peers.
DID YOU HEAR THE EXTREME NOISE COMING FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS LAST EVENING?
Those high decibels were 100% tied to the High School's PEP RALLY!
What a fabulous school spirit evening it was for all! Take a peek! THANK YOU to everyone who played a role in making the evening so memorable!
Remember, tonight is the Homecoming game vs. Washingtonville! BE THERE!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD
Those high decibels were 100% tied to the High School's PEP RALLY!
What a fabulous school spirit evening it was for all! Take a peek! THANK YOU to everyone who played a role in making the evening so memorable!
Remember, tonight is the Homecoming game vs. Washingtonville! BE THERE!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD
Cayla Tangney’s High School “Sculpture” students have been working on creating miniature "dream" bedrooms that go along with a form of sculpture known as an “Assemblage.”
They’re using “found” materials such as scrapbook paper, fabric samples, pieces of wood, yarn, beads, and more, to create them. The project’s goal is to literally think “outside the box” to problem solve how they can create new objects from those that already exist.
The best part is that their projects are all completely unique to each student’s identity, style, interests, and what makes them feel "at home."
To start off the project, they were tasked with creating mood boards with a color palette and inspiration found online that would help them piece together their final vision. Take a peek at their work, it’s so creative!
•Assemblage art is a three-dimensional form of sculpture that combines found objects and disparate, non-traditional materials to create a new work of art. Similar to two-dimensional collage, assemblage adds layers and dimensions by using every day or discarded items, which artists arrange to form a new meaning or narrative, challenging conventional ideas about art.
•"Found materials," in an artistic or educational context, refers to objects that are not originally intended for art or learning but are repurposed and incorporated into new works or activities. These can include natural items like leaves and rocks, discarded household objects like bottles and corks, or manufactured materials like fabric scraps and wood pieces. The concept emphasizes recycling, environmental awareness, and creative problem-solving by finding new possibilities in everyday items.
They’re using “found” materials such as scrapbook paper, fabric samples, pieces of wood, yarn, beads, and more, to create them. The project’s goal is to literally think “outside the box” to problem solve how they can create new objects from those that already exist.
The best part is that their projects are all completely unique to each student’s identity, style, interests, and what makes them feel "at home."
To start off the project, they were tasked with creating mood boards with a color palette and inspiration found online that would help them piece together their final vision. Take a peek at their work, it’s so creative!
•Assemblage art is a three-dimensional form of sculpture that combines found objects and disparate, non-traditional materials to create a new work of art. Similar to two-dimensional collage, assemblage adds layers and dimensions by using every day or discarded items, which artists arrange to form a new meaning or narrative, challenging conventional ideas about art.
•"Found materials," in an artistic or educational context, refers to objects that are not originally intended for art or learning but are repurposed and incorporated into new works or activities. These can include natural items like leaves and rocks, discarded household objects like bottles and corks, or manufactured materials like fabric scraps and wood pieces. The concept emphasizes recycling, environmental awareness, and creative problem-solving by finding new possibilities in everyday items.
CAN YOU HELP?
As part of their efforts to increase awareness this month (which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month) about pediatric cancer treatments and research and to support families dealing with pediatric cancers, the High School’s Youth Against Cancer Club (which is leading the district’s Going Gold Day on Sept. 30) is undertaking a drive to collect coloring books, crayons, books and stuffed toys for pediatric patients at Garnet Medical Center now through Oct. 11.
Collection boxes have been placed in all five buildings and the district’s Transportation Center. If you’re interested in being a part of this effort and joining the students and faculty/staff who are taking part, please email Club Advisor Erin Natalizio at enatalizio@minisink.com.
As part of their efforts to increase awareness this month (which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month) about pediatric cancer treatments and research and to support families dealing with pediatric cancers, the High School’s Youth Against Cancer Club (which is leading the district’s Going Gold Day on Sept. 30) is undertaking a drive to collect coloring books, crayons, books and stuffed toys for pediatric patients at Garnet Medical Center now through Oct. 11.
Collection boxes have been placed in all five buildings and the district’s Transportation Center. If you’re interested in being a part of this effort and joining the students and faculty/staff who are taking part, please email Club Advisor Erin Natalizio at enatalizio@minisink.com.
HOLA A TODOS!
Lucia Schrag’s High School Spanish 2 students are combining infinitive verb work with vocabulary words tied to those verbs! Take a peek!
So, for example, the infinitive “trabajar” can connect with “mercado” or “escuela.” Trabajar means “to work.” Where can you work? In a market or school. Sra. Schrag is making them think and make correlations!
Lucia Schrag’s High School Spanish 2 students are combining infinitive verb work with vocabulary words tied to those verbs! Take a peek!
So, for example, the infinitive “trabajar” can connect with “mercado” or “escuela.” Trabajar means “to work.” Where can you work? In a market or school. Sra. Schrag is making them think and make correlations!
CALL FOR PHOTOS!
High School families: The High School's Homecoming Dance is this Saturday, Sept. 27! Share a photo of your student dressed up for a memorable evening. Details are here:
High School families: The High School's Homecoming Dance is this Saturday, Sept. 27! Share a photo of your student dressed up for a memorable evening. Details are here:
FIRST HOME GAME OF THE SEASON....AND WHAT A GAME IT WAS!
WE'RE NOW 3-0 after a resounding 42-13 win over Newburgh this past Friday!
"We had a great week of practice and we were ready," said Head Coach Kevin Gallagher. "We played a great game all around. Our guys played hard and we basically took it to them on offense, defense, and special teams."
Coach Gallagher added the team's defense set the tone when Zach Filip tackled the Newburgh quarterback in their end zone to take a 2-0 lead that really pumped up Minisink's offense pumped up.
"Our offensive line, Anthony Marasco, Liam Barry, Brady Witkowski, Nikko Juncaj, and Jayden Pressley, along with our tight end Jordan Mabra, and our hard back Chris Thorpe, dominated them up front and Zach and Robbie took it from there. Our defense held them to a total of 4 yards in the first half!"
NEXT UP: Friday night's HOMECOMING GAME against Washingtonville! BE THERE!
Build your own burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, quesadillas or get anything else you love at Chiplote this Saturday, Sept. 27 and support the great work of the high school's Future Business Leaders of America (FLBA) Club!
