Otisville second-graders took a recent, wonderful field trip to the Orange County Arboretum, the 35-acre public garden and environmental education center in Montgomery, within Thomas Bull Memorial Park.
Students were able to plant tomatoes to bring home to their own garden, play with worms (now, who doesn’t love playing with squiggly worms?) while learning their importance to composting and learning all about bees as pollinators.
A class trip like this is an excellent learning experience for these young students because it brings classroom science lessons to life in a hands-on, memorable way. Visiting the Orange County Arboretum allowed students to explore nature directly instead of only reading about it in books.
By planting tomatoes, students learned about how plants grow and gained a sense of responsibility as they care for something living at home. Activities like exploring worms and composting helped them understand ecosystems and the important role even small creatures play in keeping soil healthy. Learning about bees as pollinators introduced students to the connection between insects, flowers, and food production in an engaging and age-appropriate way.
Field trips also encourage curiosity, teamwork, and observation skills. Outdoor learning supports social development, builds enthusiasm for science and helps children make lasting connections between their curriculum and the real world. Most importantly, experiences like this inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature and environmental stewardship while making learning fun and meaningful.
The Orange County Arboretum features beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, ponds, waterfalls, and extensive collections of trees, shrubs, and native plants designed to promote learning about horticulture, ecology, and conservation. Visitors can explore themed gardens, enjoy scenic views of the Shawangunk Mountains, and experience a peaceful outdoor setting that serves as both a recreational destination and a living classroom for students, gardeners, and nature lovers.
Students were able to plant tomatoes to bring home to their own garden, play with worms (now, who doesn’t love playing with squiggly worms?) while learning their importance to composting and learning all about bees as pollinators.
A class trip like this is an excellent learning experience for these young students because it brings classroom science lessons to life in a hands-on, memorable way. Visiting the Orange County Arboretum allowed students to explore nature directly instead of only reading about it in books.
By planting tomatoes, students learned about how plants grow and gained a sense of responsibility as they care for something living at home. Activities like exploring worms and composting helped them understand ecosystems and the important role even small creatures play in keeping soil healthy. Learning about bees as pollinators introduced students to the connection between insects, flowers, and food production in an engaging and age-appropriate way.
Field trips also encourage curiosity, teamwork, and observation skills. Outdoor learning supports social development, builds enthusiasm for science and helps children make lasting connections between their curriculum and the real world. Most importantly, experiences like this inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature and environmental stewardship while making learning fun and meaningful.
The Orange County Arboretum features beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, ponds, waterfalls, and extensive collections of trees, shrubs, and native plants designed to promote learning about horticulture, ecology, and conservation. Visitors can explore themed gardens, enjoy scenic views of the Shawangunk Mountains, and experience a peaceful outdoor setting that serves as both a recreational destination and a living classroom for students, gardeners, and nature lovers.
Congratulations to the winners of the Otisville Fastest Runner race, a half-mile race, held May 22! Twenty-four students participated with a huge number of spectators cheering them on! Take a look!
Top 3 boys:
1. Pierson Ferrantello (3 minutes)
2. Miguel Fermin (3:02 minutes)
3. John Borello (3:04 minutes)
Top 3 girls:
1. Harper Lagarde (3:36 minutes)
2. Aria Basso (3:55 minutes)
3. Melody Johnson (4:22 minutes)
THANK YOU to JV/Varsity Coaches Nichole Gaucher and ED Sucich, Modified Cross Country Coach Vincent Napolitano, Junior JV/Varsity Cross Country runner Elijah Zittel and National Honor Society members Jerry Yang and R.J. Sosler for their efforts to make the race a success!
Top 3 boys:
1. Pierson Ferrantello (3 minutes)
2. Miguel Fermin (3:02 minutes)
3. John Borello (3:04 minutes)
Top 3 girls:
1. Harper Lagarde (3:36 minutes)
2. Aria Basso (3:55 minutes)
3. Melody Johnson (4:22 minutes)
THANK YOU to JV/Varsity Coaches Nichole Gaucher and ED Sucich, Modified Cross Country Coach Vincent Napolitano, Junior JV/Varsity Cross Country runner Elijah Zittel and National Honor Society members Jerry Yang and R.J. Sosler for their efforts to make the race a success!
These little ones at Otisville Elementary are always happy to show off what they're having for lunch!
REMEMBER, if your student hasn't yet tried breakfast or lunch, it's not too late! Everyone eats for free in all our buildings. Save yourself the morning prep time and costs for breakfast or lunch items!
REMEMBER, if your student hasn't yet tried breakfast or lunch, it's not too late! Everyone eats for free in all our buildings. Save yourself the morning prep time and costs for breakfast or lunch items!
The district’s K-12 Art Show, held last evening, was a vibrantly gorgeous celebration of student creativity, showcasing an impressive collection of artwork created across a wide range of mediums, alongside exceptional work from our media, production and film students.
From expressive compositions and striking use of color to thoughtful mixed-media pieces and digital storytelling, the exhibit transformed the high school cafeteria and auditorium into a true gallery experience!
We hope many of you were able to attend and witness the tremendous talent of our student artists representing all five district buildings. Events like these are a wonderful reminder of the power of the arts to bring a community together — connecting students, families, educators, and neighbors through creativity, imagination and shared pride.
Hundreds of proud students and even prouder families filled the show to celebrate not only the artwork created by the children in their own lives, but also to admire and encourage the work of all participating artists. The evening reflected the collaborative spirit and cultural richness that make our school community so special.
THANK YOU to the district’s art faculty for curating such a magnificent and thoughtfully installed exhibition, to everyone who supported the scholarship auction of furniture and clocks and to the high school’s Step Dance Team for their dynamic performance!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid02xsVFMrvxVVmJZ5QCMgC5PBeeDvgjMzEZAQiA3r3UCDQd6VXq3f7qhtXBFKe9kqk5l?__cft__[0]=AZbX_xIm4L32rE1Jz-gzl63jTzYc8uLFmA00ZZsY8-PauqmUM1qQr6LQOuWkz-N_YQk0FD-namhvBdHhCGK9OOS8w_T4Ixck8vf4xCaPuVynUx4GLCTunm1bx-01w_PywuC7LBK3zN28jrW82BiNux0sU_k7QP6L9WjGGgdR9H5ZTA&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
From expressive compositions and striking use of color to thoughtful mixed-media pieces and digital storytelling, the exhibit transformed the high school cafeteria and auditorium into a true gallery experience!
We hope many of you were able to attend and witness the tremendous talent of our student artists representing all five district buildings. Events like these are a wonderful reminder of the power of the arts to bring a community together — connecting students, families, educators, and neighbors through creativity, imagination and shared pride.
Hundreds of proud students and even prouder families filled the show to celebrate not only the artwork created by the children in their own lives, but also to admire and encourage the work of all participating artists. The evening reflected the collaborative spirit and cultural richness that make our school community so special.
THANK YOU to the district’s art faculty for curating such a magnificent and thoughtfully installed exhibition, to everyone who supported the scholarship auction of furniture and clocks and to the high school’s Step Dance Team for their dynamic performance!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid02xsVFMrvxVVmJZ5QCMgC5PBeeDvgjMzEZAQiA3r3UCDQd6VXq3f7qhtXBFKe9kqk5l?__cft__[0]=AZbX_xIm4L32rE1Jz-gzl63jTzYc8uLFmA00ZZsY8-PauqmUM1qQr6LQOuWkz-N_YQk0FD-namhvBdHhCGK9OOS8w_T4Ixck8vf4xCaPuVynUx4GLCTunm1bx-01w_PywuC7LBK3zN28jrW82BiNux0sU_k7QP6L9WjGGgdR9H5ZTA&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
Schools, like Otisville Elementary, hold kindness-themed sidewalk chalk days to make positive behavior visible and interactive while also reinforcing social-emotional learning! Students take the idea of the importance of kindness and write supportive messages in shared spaces for all to see! The activity further shapes a school’s culture and sense of community. 💚💚
Take a peek at Otisville''s gorgeously colorful “Kindness Chalk Walkway,” created yesterday, May 18. These third-grade students were among all K-5 students who wrote insightful messages --- many paired with creative artwork! Everyday words, messages and actions are definitely meaningful to others!
These wonderful messages reinforce the importance of positive behaviors in an engaging way. Students took abstract ideas like empathy, caring, encouragement, and inclusion and put them concrete actions by writing supportive messages on the school’s walkway. Activities like this create a wonderful a sense of student ownership and belonging because students collectively shape the atmosphere of the school in a way that so many can see, including their peers, faculty/staff and visitors!
Take a peek at Otisville''s gorgeously colorful “Kindness Chalk Walkway,” created yesterday, May 18. These third-grade students were among all K-5 students who wrote insightful messages --- many paired with creative artwork! Everyday words, messages and actions are definitely meaningful to others!
These wonderful messages reinforce the importance of positive behaviors in an engaging way. Students took abstract ideas like empathy, caring, encouragement, and inclusion and put them concrete actions by writing supportive messages on the school’s walkway. Activities like this create a wonderful a sense of student ownership and belonging because students collectively shape the atmosphere of the school in a way that so many can see, including their peers, faculty/staff and visitors!
Take a peek at the awesome class trip recently taken by Otisville fourth-graders to the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, N.J., a former zinc mine that struck educational gold after the mine closed in 1986!
Today, visitors can travel deep underground through nearly 1,300 feet of mining drifts and tunnels while exploring exhibits packed with rocks, minerals, fossils, mining equipment and glowing fluorescent minerals. One of the highlights of the tour is the famous “Rainbow Tunnel,” where ultraviolet lights make the ore veins shine in brilliant shades of green, red and orange. Along the way, students learn about geology, engineering, mining history and how natural resources are extracted from the earth.
This museum is an excellent fourth-grade class trip because it combines science, history and hands-on learning in a way that feels like a real underground adventure. Students can see authentic mining gear, discover how miners worked “below the surface,” and get a firsthand look at life in the mine shaft while guided by knowledgeable educators. The fluorescent rocks, blasting demonstrations and interactive activities like sluicing and mineral discovery centers keep curiosity mining at full capacity from start to finish. We know these students struck a rich vein of memories they’ll treasure for years to come!
Today, visitors can travel deep underground through nearly 1,300 feet of mining drifts and tunnels while exploring exhibits packed with rocks, minerals, fossils, mining equipment and glowing fluorescent minerals. One of the highlights of the tour is the famous “Rainbow Tunnel,” where ultraviolet lights make the ore veins shine in brilliant shades of green, red and orange. Along the way, students learn about geology, engineering, mining history and how natural resources are extracted from the earth.
This museum is an excellent fourth-grade class trip because it combines science, history and hands-on learning in a way that feels like a real underground adventure. Students can see authentic mining gear, discover how miners worked “below the surface,” and get a firsthand look at life in the mine shaft while guided by knowledgeable educators. The fluorescent rocks, blasting demonstrations and interactive activities like sluicing and mineral discovery centers keep curiosity mining at full capacity from start to finish. We know these students struck a rich vein of memories they’ll treasure for years to come!
Excitement was in the air as Tara Frawley and Kelly Manganiello’s fifth-grade students teamed up this past Friday with Kelly Bernice and Shannon Barbone’s second-grade class for a post Arbor Day hands-on environmental project about tree planting!
Together, the students prepared pine tree seedlings to go home for families to plant and nurture. The older students stepped into leadership roles, proudly guiding and encouraging their younger partners throughout the activity. The result was more than just a lesson in planting—it was a meaningful experience that built friendships, confidence and a strong sense of teamwork across grade levels.
This inspiring collaboration supports New York State’s “25 Million Trees by 2033” initiative, launched by Gov. Kathy Hochul in her 2024 State of the State address. The ambitious program aims to plant 25 million trees across New York by 2033, with every tree planted since Jan. 1, 2024, counting toward the goal.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation encourages everyone to take part by recording planted trees through its real-time Tree Tracker:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/.../486772938dfd43d1bacd3525...
Pine tree seedlings are the very young stage of pine trees—basically the “baby trees” that grow after a pine seed germinates.They start out small and delicate, usually with a thin stem and a few soft, needle-like leaves (called cotyledons at first). As they grow, they develop the familiar bundles of pine needles and gradually form a stronger root system that helps them survive drought, wind, and changing weather.
Pine seedlings grow slowly at first: Most pine species focus on building strong roots before they shoot up in height. Most pine seedlings do best in open, sunny areas rather than heavy shade. Even as seedlings, they help stabilize soil and eventually provide habitat for birds and wildlife.
Mature pines are well adapted to poor soils and can survive in challenging environments.
Together, the students prepared pine tree seedlings to go home for families to plant and nurture. The older students stepped into leadership roles, proudly guiding and encouraging their younger partners throughout the activity. The result was more than just a lesson in planting—it was a meaningful experience that built friendships, confidence and a strong sense of teamwork across grade levels.
This inspiring collaboration supports New York State’s “25 Million Trees by 2033” initiative, launched by Gov. Kathy Hochul in her 2024 State of the State address. The ambitious program aims to plant 25 million trees across New York by 2033, with every tree planted since Jan. 1, 2024, counting toward the goal.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation encourages everyone to take part by recording planted trees through its real-time Tree Tracker:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/.../486772938dfd43d1bacd3525...
Pine tree seedlings are the very young stage of pine trees—basically the “baby trees” that grow after a pine seed germinates.They start out small and delicate, usually with a thin stem and a few soft, needle-like leaves (called cotyledons at first). As they grow, they develop the familiar bundles of pine needles and gradually form a stronger root system that helps them survive drought, wind, and changing weather.
Pine seedlings grow slowly at first: Most pine species focus on building strong roots before they shoot up in height. Most pine seedlings do best in open, sunny areas rather than heavy shade. Even as seedlings, they help stabilize soil and eventually provide habitat for birds and wildlife.
Mature pines are well adapted to poor soils and can survive in challenging environments.
After weeks of adventure, laughter and literary exploration, Tara Frawley and Kelly Manganiello’s Otisville fifth-graders proudly completed their study of "Don Quixote!"
Students brought the story to life through a recent and lively Readers Theater performance, showcasing their creativity, expression and hard work. The characters and scenes unfolded as students stepped into the roles of knights, squires, and storytellers — each taking up the spirit of the tale with imagination worthy of La Mancha. A Readers Theater performance allows a story to be told by reading it aloud, rather than memorizing lines or acting with full costumes and sets. Teachers use this approach because it helps build reading fluency and public speaking skills, strengthens comprehension as students come to understand their characters, and encourages teamwork and listening skills.
Following the performance, the class gathered for a festive feast inspired by the spirit of Don Quixote to celebrate all they accomplished together. Like the hero himself after a long quest, students shared in the rewards of their journey. It was a memorable afternoon filled with learning, laughter and celebration.
Fifth-grade classes read adapted or abridged versions of Miguel de Cervantes’ "Don Quixote," because it's widely considered to be a gateway to classic literature. The core story is fun and memorable: A man imagines himself as a knight and sets out on grand adventures — famously tilting at windmills. Teachers often use the novel to explore themes like imagination versus reality, courage, and how perspective shapes what we see. In addition to building reading stamina and vocabulary, the unit also opens the door to broader lessons about history, storytelling and even how modern media reimagines timeless ideas.
Stephanie Giufre’s and Tom Uhrig’s Otisville K/1 physical education students are having an absolute blast on a bright, colorful obstacle course designed just for them!
These little movers are learning through play every step of the way. Each twist and turn helps them explore important concepts like “in,” “out,” “over,” “under,” “around,” “through,” “up,” and “down”…all while laughing and giggling and cheering each other on!
And the best part? While fun, this kind of play is packed with powerful benefits. Obstacle courses help young children build strength, coordination, balance, and body awareness. They encourage kids to use both sides of their bodies together, improve listening skills, and develop confidence as they try new challenges and celebrate their successes.
Little ones especially love activities like this because they’re active, colorful, and full of variety — no two turns feel the same! It sparks their imagination, gives them a sense of adventure and lets them learn by doing! They may not realize all the amazing skills they’re building—and that’s perfectly okay…because they’re too busy having FUN!
These little movers are learning through play every step of the way. Each twist and turn helps them explore important concepts like “in,” “out,” “over,” “under,” “around,” “through,” “up,” and “down”…all while laughing and giggling and cheering each other on!
And the best part? While fun, this kind of play is packed with powerful benefits. Obstacle courses help young children build strength, coordination, balance, and body awareness. They encourage kids to use both sides of their bodies together, improve listening skills, and develop confidence as they try new challenges and celebrate their successes.
Little ones especially love activities like this because they’re active, colorful, and full of variety — no two turns feel the same! It sparks their imagination, gives them a sense of adventure and lets them learn by doing! They may not realize all the amazing skills they’re building—and that’s perfectly okay…because they’re too busy having FUN!
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
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?
