Congratulations to the 15 students who were recognized at the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYSAHPERD) Catskill Zone Leadership Awards Ceremony, held May 2 Wallkill High School!
This event honors top-grade-level students who exemplify excellence in fitness, leadership, and citizenship — key components of New York State learning standards.
These students were selected for their commitment to an active lifestyle, responsible behavior, leadership qualities, and contributions to their school community. While athletic ability is not a requirement, each honoree embodies the spirit of personal growth and positive influence.
“These students set a strong example for others, demonstrating how character, dedication, and service make an impact both in physical education and in all areas of life,” said Elementary School Physical Education teacher Anthony Pascarelli, who represented Minisink Valley faculty at the event.
Students honored were:
Middle School
Justin Artola
Charlotte Ringus
Maximus Sisto
Jasmine Tepper
Otisville Elementary
Peter Caputo
Helen Hutchital
Callan Mark
Frank Ortiz
Intermediate School
Lucas Ayala
Logan Flynn
Siena Paccio
Grace Rolon
Elementary School
Augustine Paccio
Delilah Useo
Everett Whalen
This event honors top-grade-level students who exemplify excellence in fitness, leadership, and citizenship — key components of New York State learning standards.
These students were selected for their commitment to an active lifestyle, responsible behavior, leadership qualities, and contributions to their school community. While athletic ability is not a requirement, each honoree embodies the spirit of personal growth and positive influence.
“These students set a strong example for others, demonstrating how character, dedication, and service make an impact both in physical education and in all areas of life,” said Elementary School Physical Education teacher Anthony Pascarelli, who represented Minisink Valley faculty at the event.
Students honored were:
Middle School
Justin Artola
Charlotte Ringus
Maximus Sisto
Jasmine Tepper
Otisville Elementary
Peter Caputo
Helen Hutchital
Callan Mark
Frank Ortiz
Intermediate School
Lucas Ayala
Logan Flynn
Siena Paccio
Grace Rolon
Elementary School
Augustine Paccio
Delilah Useo
Everett Whalen
Take a peek at Bryon Imbarrato’s Otisville third-graders, who combined a bit of science with math as they took some time to measure liquids and solids!
Students had to select items from their desks to estimate how many grams each item would be, and then use a scale to find the actual weight in grams. Students also used liquid measuring cups to measure and added the proper amount of milliliters to fill up a water bottle AND to make the perfect cup of coffee without overflowing!
This makes math real, hands-on, and meaningful instead of just abstract numbers on a page. In addition to memorizing units like grams and milliliters—they’re actually using them. By estimating and later using a scale, students practiced critical thinking and learned how close their predictions were, which builds number sense. Measuring liquids to fill a bottle or “make coffee” connected math to everyday life, so students see why these skills matter outside the classroom.
Their activity It also blends subjects. Mixing science (measuring mass and volume) with math helps students understand concepts more deeply because they’re experiencing them in different contexts, not just one isolated lesson.
There’s another big benefit, too! Letting students pick objects from their desks and physically measure things makes the lesson interactive and fun, which helps them stay focused and remember what they learned!
Students had to select items from their desks to estimate how many grams each item would be, and then use a scale to find the actual weight in grams. Students also used liquid measuring cups to measure and added the proper amount of milliliters to fill up a water bottle AND to make the perfect cup of coffee without overflowing!
This makes math real, hands-on, and meaningful instead of just abstract numbers on a page. In addition to memorizing units like grams and milliliters—they’re actually using them. By estimating and later using a scale, students practiced critical thinking and learned how close their predictions were, which builds number sense. Measuring liquids to fill a bottle or “make coffee” connected math to everyday life, so students see why these skills matter outside the classroom.
Their activity It also blends subjects. Mixing science (measuring mass and volume) with math helps students understand concepts more deeply because they’re experiencing them in different contexts, not just one isolated lesson.
There’s another big benefit, too! Letting students pick objects from their desks and physically measure things makes the lesson interactive and fun, which helps them stay focused and remember what they learned!
KUDOS to the Varsity Softball team for knocking it out of the park with its fantastic “Rising Stars Night,” held May 4!
More than 60 future varsity stars representing the Minisink and Otisville Little Leagues stepped up to the plate to join the fun — and what a night it was! The festivities were capped off with a thrilling 9–8 varsity comeback win over Warwick Valley! Amazing!
These young student athletes — clearly future varsity standouts — were all smiles as they received their “Rising Star” bracelets, rounded the bases alongside varsity players, and even scored big by getting all the varsity player autographs they wanted! From dugout chats to on-field memories, it was a home run evening filled with mentorship, teamwork and plenty of heart.
What a beautiful display of paying it forward, beginning to build a future lineup by showing how much fun the game is, and reminding these rising stars that with practice, hustle, and love of the game, anything is possible!
More than 60 future varsity stars representing the Minisink and Otisville Little Leagues stepped up to the plate to join the fun — and what a night it was! The festivities were capped off with a thrilling 9–8 varsity comeback win over Warwick Valley! Amazing!
These young student athletes — clearly future varsity standouts — were all smiles as they received their “Rising Star” bracelets, rounded the bases alongside varsity players, and even scored big by getting all the varsity player autographs they wanted! From dugout chats to on-field memories, it was a home run evening filled with mentorship, teamwork and plenty of heart.
What a beautiful display of paying it forward, beginning to build a future lineup by showing how much fun the game is, and reminding these rising stars that with practice, hustle, and love of the game, anything is possible!
L Lifting young minds with creativity,
A Art and words woven together,
N Nurturing curiosity in every lesson,
A A spark that inspires learning.
BOCES Education Academy’s “Foundations of Education” student Lana Besson recently teamed up with Holly Pason’s Otisville’s third-graders for a vibrant, hands-on finale to their poetry unit! It blended creativity and literacy with a touch of environmental awareness.
As part of the Amplify reading curriculum, students have been diving into the world of poetry —exploring different forms, discovering influential poets and experimenting with literary devices. To wrap up the unit, they turned their focus to Earth Day, crafting thoughtful acrostic poems inspired by the planet.
But the activity didn’t stop at words. Lana guided students in transforming their poetry into a cross-curricular art piece. Each student designed and carved their own stamp, then used it to print a handmade image of the Earth — bringing their poems to life visually. The result was a collection of unique creations that combined artistic expression with literary learning!
An acrostic poem is a form of poetry where the first letter, syllable, or word of each line spells out a specific word, message, or the alphabet when read vertically. The “spine word,” the word spelled out is usually the subject of the poem. These poems don’t require rhyme or a set rhythm, making them accessible for creative expression.
A Art and words woven together,
N Nurturing curiosity in every lesson,
A A spark that inspires learning.
BOCES Education Academy’s “Foundations of Education” student Lana Besson recently teamed up with Holly Pason’s Otisville’s third-graders for a vibrant, hands-on finale to their poetry unit! It blended creativity and literacy with a touch of environmental awareness.
As part of the Amplify reading curriculum, students have been diving into the world of poetry —exploring different forms, discovering influential poets and experimenting with literary devices. To wrap up the unit, they turned their focus to Earth Day, crafting thoughtful acrostic poems inspired by the planet.
But the activity didn’t stop at words. Lana guided students in transforming their poetry into a cross-curricular art piece. Each student designed and carved their own stamp, then used it to print a handmade image of the Earth — bringing their poems to life visually. The result was a collection of unique creations that combined artistic expression with literary learning!
An acrostic poem is a form of poetry where the first letter, syllable, or word of each line spells out a specific word, message, or the alphabet when read vertically. The “spine word,” the word spelled out is usually the subject of the poem. These poems don’t require rhyme or a set rhythm, making them accessible for creative expression.
Otisville Grade 3-5 families: How fast can you run?
Sign up today for Otisville Elementary's Fastest Student competition on May 18! Details are here! Registration deadline is May 13, so don't miss out!
AMAZING! Congratulations to the Otisville Elementary students who have been recognized as PBIS-STAR students for Quarter 3!
We bet you'll recognize many faces!
Otisville's PBIS-STAR program focuses on creating and sustaining a positive school environment which embraces educationally sound methods that foster student character, safety, academic excellence and individual citizenship.
We bet you'll recognize many faces!
Otisville's PBIS-STAR program focuses on creating and sustaining a positive school environment which embraces educationally sound methods that foster student character, safety, academic excellence and individual citizenship.
Congratulations to the 23 students representing the Middle School, the Intermediate School and Otisville Elementary this past weekend’s Orange County Music Educators Association (OCEMA) Elementary All-County Music Festival held at Monroe-Woodbury High School this past Friday and Saturday! These talented musicians and singers represented the district with honor and distinction!
Band:
Elizabeth Claus, Flute
Leah Galligan, Saxophone
James Karpinski, Trumpet
Adrien Kusztykiewicz, Horn
Dejana Rosa, Clarinet
Chorus:
Julianna Andrade, Alto
Isabelle Decker, Alto
Nicolas Ellert, Alto
Hanna Elman, Soprano
Kenzie Ferdula, Alto
Mariyah Fonrose, Soprano
Penelope Greenberg, Soprano
Helen Huchital, Alto
Everly Johnson, Alto
Carla Lajara, Alto
Jemma Marsala, Alto
Gracelynn Morse, Soprano
Jillian O'Sullivan, Soprano
Alaina Paredes, Soprano
Devin Paredes, Soprano
Jandi Romualdo, Soprano
Finley Rossi, Soprano
Emilee Vernatter, Alto
The Elementary All-County Music Festival brought together talented young musicians from across the county to perform in bands, choruses, and orchestras. It featured rigorous selection processes to showcase elite elementary school performers, overseen by the OCMEA.
Band:
Elizabeth Claus, Flute
Leah Galligan, Saxophone
James Karpinski, Trumpet
Adrien Kusztykiewicz, Horn
Dejana Rosa, Clarinet
Chorus:
Julianna Andrade, Alto
Isabelle Decker, Alto
Nicolas Ellert, Alto
Hanna Elman, Soprano
Kenzie Ferdula, Alto
Mariyah Fonrose, Soprano
Penelope Greenberg, Soprano
Helen Huchital, Alto
Everly Johnson, Alto
Carla Lajara, Alto
Jemma Marsala, Alto
Gracelynn Morse, Soprano
Jillian O'Sullivan, Soprano
Alaina Paredes, Soprano
Devin Paredes, Soprano
Jandi Romualdo, Soprano
Finley Rossi, Soprano
Emilee Vernatter, Alto
The Elementary All-County Music Festival brought together talented young musicians from across the county to perform in bands, choruses, and orchestras. It featured rigorous selection processes to showcase elite elementary school performers, overseen by the OCMEA.
What a great blend of teamwork and Earth Day learning!
Kudos to the high school’s Environmental Club, who visited Otisville Elementary yesterday to share their passion with Cynthia Muccari’s and Tammy Bosco’s second and third-graders! Led by Anthony Muccari and Toni McGinn, the club is dedicated to helping animals and protecting our environment—and they brought that mission to life in such a fun way.
The older students read “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss, teaching younger students about the importance of speaking up for the trees. Together, they talked about how the Truffula trees connect to real-life deforestation, what trees provide for us, and how pollution and habitat loss affect animals. They even noticed how much the environment changed from the beginning to the end of the story.
Then, even with cool and damp weather, the students headed outside to Mt. Hope Park for a clean-up adventure! They collected soda cans, wrappers, plastic bottles, and more—while laughing, helping one another, and even turning it into a friendly race to see who could gather the most.
The day wrapped up with more creative fun back in the classroom, including a coffee filter Earth craft, a BrainPop video, and writing about ways they can help protect our planet.
It was a wonderful, hands-on day full of learning, teamwork and inspiration—proving that even small actions can make a big difference for our Earth!
Kudos to the high school’s Environmental Club, who visited Otisville Elementary yesterday to share their passion with Cynthia Muccari’s and Tammy Bosco’s second and third-graders! Led by Anthony Muccari and Toni McGinn, the club is dedicated to helping animals and protecting our environment—and they brought that mission to life in such a fun way.
The older students read “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss, teaching younger students about the importance of speaking up for the trees. Together, they talked about how the Truffula trees connect to real-life deforestation, what trees provide for us, and how pollution and habitat loss affect animals. They even noticed how much the environment changed from the beginning to the end of the story.
Then, even with cool and damp weather, the students headed outside to Mt. Hope Park for a clean-up adventure! They collected soda cans, wrappers, plastic bottles, and more—while laughing, helping one another, and even turning it into a friendly race to see who could gather the most.
The day wrapped up with more creative fun back in the classroom, including a coffee filter Earth craft, a BrainPop video, and writing about ways they can help protect our planet.
It was a wonderful, hands-on day full of learning, teamwork and inspiration—proving that even small actions can make a big difference for our Earth!
Otisville Elementary celebrated secretaries Pam Treschitta and Rosanna O’Connell yesterday, which was Administrative Professionals Day!
"They were treated with lots of love notes from the students and a special lunch from administration," said Principal Julia Downey. "They are the glue that holds the school together."
"They were treated with lots of love notes from the students and a special lunch from administration," said Principal Julia Downey. "They are the glue that holds the school together."
Smiley-faced potatoes are always a lunchtime favorite with our youngest learners! Just look at these Otisville kindergarteners — their big smiles might be even sweeter than the potatoes! How can you not smile back?
Debra Schifano’s Otisville fourth and fifth-graders are doing great work reviewing geometric figures!
Students were asked to identify figures based on attributes such as number of sides, equal measured sides, or specific features like the existence of parallel lines within the figure. They also had the opportunity to pair together with a partner and use pattern blocks to find composed polygons, which is a figure made up of smaller shapes within. WELL-DONE, everyone!
It's important for fourth and fifth graders to know geometric figures because this knowledge builds essential visual and spatial reasoning skills, strengthens mathematical vocabulary, and prepares them for more advanced concepts like area, perimeter, volume, and coordinate graphing. Understanding shapes also helps students connect math to the real world by recognizing geometry in buildings, art, nature and everyday objects. In addition, classifying and comparing geometric figures develops logical thinking and reasoning skills, which are valuable across all subjects.
Students were asked to identify figures based on attributes such as number of sides, equal measured sides, or specific features like the existence of parallel lines within the figure. They also had the opportunity to pair together with a partner and use pattern blocks to find composed polygons, which is a figure made up of smaller shapes within. WELL-DONE, everyone!
It's important for fourth and fifth graders to know geometric figures because this knowledge builds essential visual and spatial reasoning skills, strengthens mathematical vocabulary, and prepares them for more advanced concepts like area, perimeter, volume, and coordinate graphing. Understanding shapes also helps students connect math to the real world by recognizing geometry in buildings, art, nature and everyday objects. In addition, classifying and comparing geometric figures develops logical thinking and reasoning skills, which are valuable across all subjects.
REGISTRATION will open May 1 for Otisville Elementary's 4th annual SUPER HERO FUN RUN! It's a great event and the Otisville PTO's biggest fundraiser of the year! If you're a local business and can help support the PTO's efforts, please email Cochair.oes@minisinkvalleypto.com.
Thank you to the families who joined us for the first of Otisville Elementary’s special programs for our incoming kindergarteners! Our future Class of 2039 (wow!) got a fun introduction to two of the “specials” they’ll enjoy this fall —Library and Music!
A big thank you to librarian Erin Andersen and music teacher Skyler Klein for welcoming these little ones (and their families!) into the wonderful worlds of reading and music. We loved seeing so many smiles!
Like all district fourth-graders, Jenna Colman’s Otisville fourth-graders are learning about line plots!
Line plots utilize a data table that shows different information based on what was collected. Students recently completed a fraction unit where they placed fractions on a number line. In this recent lesson, one selection of data was collected based on the distance someone walked in miles over the course of a number of days. Some of that data was shown in fractions or mixed numbers. Using their knowledge of fractions on a number line, students analyzed the data to set their points on the number line and plotted all of their data on the number line.
A line plot is a simple type of graph that fourth graders use to show how often different values appear in a set of data. It is made by drawing a number line and placing X’s above each number to represent how many times that value occurs. Line plots help students organize information, compare values, and answer questions about the data. They’re especially useful for working with measurements and fractions while developing skills in reading and interpreting graphs.
Line plots utilize a data table that shows different information based on what was collected. Students recently completed a fraction unit where they placed fractions on a number line. In this recent lesson, one selection of data was collected based on the distance someone walked in miles over the course of a number of days. Some of that data was shown in fractions or mixed numbers. Using their knowledge of fractions on a number line, students analyzed the data to set their points on the number line and plotted all of their data on the number line.
A line plot is a simple type of graph that fourth graders use to show how often different values appear in a set of data. It is made by drawing a number line and placing X’s above each number to represent how many times that value occurs. Line plots help students organize information, compare values, and answer questions about the data. They’re especially useful for working with measurements and fractions while developing skills in reading and interpreting graphs.
DON'T COOK THIS THURSDAY, April 23!
Enjoy some great sandwiches, salads or soups at Panera in MIddletown and support the High School's FBLA Club! Details are in the flyer below, and thanks for sharing!
Enjoy some great sandwiches, salads or soups at Panera in MIddletown and support the High School's FBLA Club! Details are in the flyer below, and thanks for sharing!
Tasha Buchler’s and Yvonne Brennan's Otisville second-graders are very proud parents following their recent “Chick Adoption Day!”
“Adopting a chick” is a sweet little way for second-graders to build real skills while having fun. As they read about their chick and fill in simple prompts, they practice early reading and writing — understanding short texts, forming sentences and sharing their own ideas. It’s a gentle, confidence-building way to help young students feel like real readers and writers.
At the same time, the activity nurtures growing hearts and minds. “Adopting” a chick encourages empathy and responsibility, while following directions and completing pages builds focus and independence. With coloring, naming, and imagining their chick’s personality, students also get to be creative and think critically — all wrapped up in a playful, feel-good experience.
“We wanted to stress the importance of taking care of the chicks and being responsible as well as the process of the eggs hatching and the stages the chick goes through,” added Ms. Buchler.
Plus, the class has an incubator with eight eggs, courtesy of 4H, in its class! Next week, 4H’s Zoe Lockburner will visit to read a story to students and candle the eggs to see if they are viable. Stay tuned!
Who doesn’t love BUBBLES?
The Otisville PTO treated students to a wonderful enrichment program called "Casey Carle’s BubbleMania" earlier this week!
Mr. Carle’s program is an engaging live performance that blends comedy, audience interaction, and stunning bubble artistry — featuring giant bubbles, unusual shapes, and creative visual effects — to captivate audiences of all ages! Take a look!
BUT--- Beyond the entertainment, this enrichment program doubles as a strong STEM program by introducing students to core scientific concepts like surface tension, geometry, and states of matter in a memorable, hands-on way. By turning abstract ideas into something students can see and experience, the show encourages curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for science, making it an effective and enjoyable complement to classroom learning. THANK YOU to the wonderful Otisville PTO for sponsoring this terrific program!
The Otisville PTO treated students to a wonderful enrichment program called "Casey Carle’s BubbleMania" earlier this week!
Mr. Carle’s program is an engaging live performance that blends comedy, audience interaction, and stunning bubble artistry — featuring giant bubbles, unusual shapes, and creative visual effects — to captivate audiences of all ages! Take a look!
BUT--- Beyond the entertainment, this enrichment program doubles as a strong STEM program by introducing students to core scientific concepts like surface tension, geometry, and states of matter in a memorable, hands-on way. By turning abstract ideas into something students can see and experience, the show encourages curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for science, making it an effective and enjoyable complement to classroom learning. THANK YOU to the wonderful Otisville PTO for sponsoring this terrific program!
Do you know how to do to an alphabet chant? Elisabeth Harrison’s Otisville kindergarteners do! And they’re really, really good at it, too! (Plus, they’re just too cute!) Their chant has a terrific, rhythmic sound that’s a great learning tool for success!
An alphabet chant in kindergarten is a rhythmic, alliterative rhyme used to teach letter names, sounds, and letter-sound correspondence. It usually combines a letter name, a keyword, a sound (e.g., "A-apple-/a/"), and hand motions, making it an engaging multisensory tool for recall.
An alphabet chant in kindergarten is a rhythmic, alliterative rhyme used to teach letter names, sounds, and letter-sound correspondence. It usually combines a letter name, a keyword, a sound (e.g., "A-apple-/a/"), and hand motions, making it an engaging multisensory tool for recall.
Congratulations to the 13 Otisville Elementary band students who performed at the New York State School Music Association Festival held at Monroe-Woodbury Middle School this past weekend! Each student prepared and performed memorized scales, a solo, and also demonstrated their skills by sight-reading a short piece of music they had never seen before for a judge who evaluated and scored their performances.
"We are proud to share that every one of these students had a successful showing at the festival.," said Otisville Band Teacher Maria Fenfert.
Participating student musicians were:
Kayden Buttacavole
Peter Caputo
Wyatt Cucci
Kaien DeJesus
Kristina Eilert
Amelia Hangas
Helen Huchital
Gracelyn Morse
Jillian O’Sullivan
Sophia Tomlinson
Mason Weeden
Khy Williams
Kasey Young
"We are proud to share that every one of these students had a successful showing at the festival.," said Otisville Band Teacher Maria Fenfert.
Participating student musicians were:
Kayden Buttacavole
Peter Caputo
Wyatt Cucci
Kaien DeJesus
Kristina Eilert
Amelia Hangas
Helen Huchital
Gracelyn Morse
Jillian O’Sullivan
Sophia Tomlinson
Mason Weeden
Khy Williams
Kasey Young
Mary Louey’s and Alyssa Pagano’s Otisville fifth-graders did a great job with their recent science lab focusing on volume!
Each student was given centimeter cubes, a ruler, and four empty rectangular solid containers to fill (labeled A–D). They worked with a group to fill the containers to show the volume of each solid. By doing this, they were able to better understand how volume is measured and how cubic units fill space inside a three-dimensional figure. Then they measured with rulers to confirm their measurements.
The lab’s purpose was to help students develop a deeper understanding of volume by connecting hands-on exploration with mathematical measurement, reinforcing the formula for volume and the concept of cubic units.
Each student was given centimeter cubes, a ruler, and four empty rectangular solid containers to fill (labeled A–D). They worked with a group to fill the containers to show the volume of each solid. By doing this, they were able to better understand how volume is measured and how cubic units fill space inside a three-dimensional figure. Then they measured with rulers to confirm their measurements.
The lab’s purpose was to help students develop a deeper understanding of volume by connecting hands-on exploration with mathematical measurement, reinforcing the formula for volume and the concept of cubic units.
