From the Superintendent

Anthony DiCarlo

January 15, 2021

Dear Mahopac Community, 

After many weeks physically separate, it was wonderful to have students and teachers back together in all our buildings this week. We were even able to welcome back a number of students that had been fully remote in the Fall. I appreciate hearing from so many of you regarding our plan for increasing in-person instruction for students. At this time, neither DOH nor CDC have decreased their six feet social distancing requirement, and therefore our classroom capacity remains unchanged. Please rest assured that if and when this changes, we will expeditiously increase our in-person instruction accordingly.

In spite of the challenges we have faced this year, our community has come together to support one another and find creative solutions.  As difficult as the situation has been, it is important to take a step back and assess where we can improve, but also where we succeeded. To gather this feedback, we will once again be utilizing a Thoughtexchange. Please share as many thoughts as you can regarding both what went well, and areas the District should revisit to ensure continued improvement. The more we hear from our community, the better positioned we are to grow as a District. Please click here to share your feedback.The Thoughtexchange closes January 24. Thank you in advance for participating.

Here are today’s updates:

  • COVID-19 Testing  - Mahopac has not yet been designated a zone which would require us to administer tests, however the District has been provided Abbott's BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card which is a rapid antigen test for detection of COVID-19. It is a simple test that our District nurses would be administering. The procedure is quick, administered in a matter of seconds using a nasal swab and only needs to enter about an inch into the nasal cavity. The results will be visually read by our health office staff and are available within 15 minutes. At the elementary schools, parents will be allowed to accompany their students. Though individual testing is not mandatory, and parents may opt out without issue, minimum testing requirements may need to be met to determine the status of our schools.
  • Kindergarten Online Registration starts next week! - Registration will be online only this year, there will be no in-person registration.  Registration will run from January 19 to March 31. Please visit our Registration Page for complete details.
  • Fine Arts Update - Kudos to the Music and Drama Departments at MHS for coming up with  creative solutions for our musicians and thespians to begin collaborating again in person. Beginning next week, small group ensemble practices and Drama Club meetings will resume after school at MHS and the Falls School. I look forward to providing more updates on this as I have them.
  • 2021-2022 Budget Preview - As you may be aware, this week school districts across New York learned that we will be held to 1.23 percent tax increase this year which is a decrease  from 1.81 percent in 2020. An article in Lohud this week provides a nice summary. The Board of Education will begin budget discussions at both work sessions and meetings between now and the vote in May. Please tune in to these important conversations.
  • Athletics - Low risk winter sports started this week and in spite of ongoing challenges, both our student athletes and the athletic department remain dedicated to making the best of the season. Still no news from Governor Cuomo on high risk sports (basketball, wrestling, hockey, and cheerleading). As you are aware, coaches, parents, athletes, and Board of Education trustees from across the state have joined together to advocate. Read more about the advocacy efforts of our own Coach DeMatteo and others here. Please continue to check our Athletics Homepage for the latest updates.
      • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - 4.p.m.
      • Wednesday - 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - **6 p.m.** 
    • Food Service
      • Meal Pick-up Schedule Change for the week of January 19th - Due to the holiday on Monday, meal distribution will be Tuesday and Thursday between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the front entrance of MHS. Thursday’s distribution will include two meals for the weekend. The most up-to-date information on this topic, including menus, can be found on the Food Service page of our District website. Remember meals are available to all community members 18 years of age and younger at no charge regardless of income
  • NEW - Free Delivery of Meals for all families- United Way of Westchester and Putnam has partnered with MCSD to offer the delivery of the meals to our families, again, regardless of income. If you are interested in having these meals delivered to your home, please submit the form https://www.uwwp.org/mahopac/  
  • ezSCRN Update - Please be sure you have updated the ezSCRN App. If there are any issues with the update, please delete the App and then reinstall it from the App Store which will automatically install the update. 
  • MHS Midterm Week Changes - An email from Dr. Lawrence to MHS parents was sent regarding changes to the midterm week. Please reach out to his office if you did not receive it. A follow up reminder will be sent regarding this topic on 1/19/21. 
  • Early Action/Early Decision College Acceptance - Despite recent challenges, our students continue to excel academically. One measure of this is the institutions of higher education where our students have been accepted during the Early Action and Early Decision window of admission. Please take a moment to read this impressive:  Binghamton University, Case Western Reserve University, Cornell University, The College of St. Rose, U. of Delaware, Harvard University, Drexel University, Emerson College, Fairfield University, Fordham University, Hampton University, U. of Hartford, Hofstra University, Johnson and Wales University, LeMoyne College, Loyola University, U. of New Haven, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Pace University, Penn State University, Quinnipiac University, U. of Rhode Island, Roger Williams University, Siena College, St. John's University, SUNY at New Paltz, SUNY at Albany, SUNY at Cortland, SUNY at Oneonta, Susquehanna University, U. of Tampa, Temple University, Ohio State University, SUNY at Buffalo, Utica College, U. of Vermont, Western New England University.

Overall, this week was an excellent start to 2021. I thank each of you for your support, and your preparedness for the possibility that we may be forced to shift to remote instruction, as we continue to navigate this situation.

Have a great three day weekend and stay safe,
Anthony DiCarlo
Superintendent of Schools

__________________________________________________________________

15 de enero de 2021

Estimada comunidad Mahopac,

Después de muchas semanas separados físicamente, fue maravilloso tener a los estudiantes y maestros nuevamente juntos en todos nuestros edificios esta semana. Incluso pudimos dar la bienvenida a varios estudiantes que habían estado completamente alejados en el otoño. Agradezco escuchar a muchos de ustedes sobre nuestro plan para aumentar la instrucción en persona para los estudiantes. En este momento, ni el DOH ni los CDC han reducido su requisito de distancia social de seis pies y, por lo tanto, nuestra capacidad de salón de clases permanece sin cambios. Tenga la seguridad de que, si esto cambia, aumentaremos rápidamente nuestra instrucción en persona en consecuencia.

A pesar de los desafíos que hemos enfrentado este año, nuestra comunidad se ha unido para apoyarse mutuamente y encontrar soluciones creativas. A pesar de lo difícil que ha sido la situación, es importante dar un paso atrás y evaluar dónde podemos mejorar, pero también dónde lo logramos. Para recopilar esta retroalimentación, utilizaremos una vez más un Thoughtexchange. Comparta todos los pensamientos que pueda sobre lo que salió bien y las áreas que el Distrito debería revisar para asegurar una mejora continua. Cuanto más escuchamos de nuestra comunidad, mejor posicionados estamos para crecer como Distrito. Haga clic aquí para compartir sus comentarios. Thoughtexchange cierra el 24 de enero. Gracias de antemano por participar.

Aquí están las actualizaciones de hoy:

 

  • Actualización de la prueba COVID-19: Mahopac aún no ha sido designada como una zona que nos obligue a administrar pruebas, sin embargo, el Distrito recibió la tarjeta BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag de Abbott, que es una prueba rápida de antígeno para la detección de COVID-19. Es una prueba simple que las enfermeras de nuestro Distrito estarían administrando. El procedimiento es rápido, se administra en cuestión de segundos usando un hisopo nasal y solo necesita ingresar aproximadamente una pulgada en la cavidad nasal. Los resultados serán leídos visualmente por nuestro personal de la oficina de salud y estarán disponibles en 15 minutos. En las escuelas primarias, los padres podrán acompañar a sus estudiantes. Aunque las pruebas individuales no son obligatorias y los padres pueden optar por no participar sin problemas, es posible que deban cumplirse los requisitos mínimos de las pruebas para determinar el estado de nuestras escuelas.
  • Manejo de la salud mental: todos enfrentan desafíos en la vida que pueden afectar su salud mental. A lo largo de la pandemia, el Dr. Stowell y su equipo de consejeros escolares y médicos, junto con la administración del edificio y del distrito, han servido como recursos para la comunidad de las escuelas Mahopac. A medida que experimentamos colectivamente una mayor ansiedad relacionada con los efectos del COVID-19, el dolor y la pérdida, y un mayor aislamiento, es importante reconocer que ninguno de nosotros está solo; hay ayuda y apoyo disponibles. Comuníquese con cualquier miembro de nuestro personal clínico con sus preguntas e inquietudes. A continuación, se muestran algunos recursos adicionales: Recursos y líneas de ayuda de salud mental de la comunidad.
  • ¡La inscripción en línea para kindergarten comienza la próxima semana! - El registro estará en línea solo este año, no habrá registro en persona. La inscripción se realizará del 19 de enero al 31 de marzo. Visite nuestra página de inscripción para obtener detalles completos.
  • Actualización de Bellas Artes - Felicitaciones a los Departamentos de Música y Drama de MHS por encontrar soluciones creativas para que nuestros músicos y actores comiencen a colaborar nuevamente en persona. A partir de la próxima semana, las prácticas de grupos pequeños y las reuniones del Club de Drama se reanudarán después de la escuela en MHS y Falls School. Espero poder proporcionar más actualizaciones sobre esto a medida que las tenga.
  • Vista previa del presupuesto 2021-2022: como ya sabrá, esta semana los distritos escolares de Nueva York se enteraron de que este año tendremos un aumento de impuestos del 1.23 por ciento, lo que representa una disminución del 1.81 por ciento en 2020. Un artículo en Lohud de esta semana proporciona una buen resumen. La Junta de Educación comenzará las discusiones sobre el presupuesto tanto en las sesiones de trabajo como en las reuniones desde ahora hasta la votación de mayo. Sintonice estas importantes conversaciones.
  • Atletismo: los deportes de invierno de bajo riesgo comenzaron esta semana y, a pesar de los desafíos continuos, tanto nuestros estudiantes atletas como el departamento de deportes siguen dedicados a aprovechar al máximo la temporada. Aún no hay noticias del gobernador Cuomo sobre deportes de alto riesgo (baloncesto, lucha libre, hockey y porristas). Como usted sabe, los entrenadores, padres, atletas y miembros de la Junta de Educación de todo el estado se han unido para abogar. Lea más sobre los esfuerzos de defensa de nuestro propio entrenador DeMatteo y otros aquí. Continúe visitando nuestra página de inicio de atletismo para obtener las últimas actualizaciones.
  • Tecnología: las solicitudes de tecnología deben enviar un boleto utilizando el formulario de solicitud de la mesa de ayuda de tecnología para padres y estudiantes. El horario técnico en las cataratas (solo con cita previa) se ha ** ampliado los miércoles por la noche ** para el nuevo año. Son los siguientes:
    • Lunes, martes, jueves y viernes de 8 a.m. a 10 a.m. y 2 p.m. - 4.p.m.
    • Miércoles - 8 a.m .-- 10 a.m. y 2 p.m. - ** 6 p.m. **
  • Servicio de comida
    • Cambio de horario de recogida de comidas para la semana del 19 de enero: debido al feriado del lunes, la distribución de comidas será los martes y jueves entre las 11:00 a.m. y las 12:30 p.m. en la entrada principal de MHS. La distribución del jueves incluirá dos comidas para el fin de semana. La información más actualizada sobre este tema, incluidos los menús, se puede encontrar en la página de Servicio de Alimentos de nuestro sitio web del Distrito. Recuerde que las comidas están disponibles para todos los miembros de la comunidad de 18 años o menos sin cargo, independientemente de sus ingresos
    • NUEVO - Entrega gratuita de comidas para todas las familias - United Way de Westchester y Putnam se ha asociado con MCSD para ofrecer la entrega de comidas a nuestras familias, nuevamente, sin importar los ingresos. Si está interesado en recibir estas comidas en su casa, envíe el formulario https://www.uwwp.org/mahopac/
  • Actualización de ezSCRN: asegúrese de haber actualizado la aplicación ezSCRN. Si hay algún problema con la actualización, elimine la aplicación y luego vuelva a instalarla desde la App Store, que instalará automáticamente la actualización.
  • Cambios en la semana de mitad de período de MHS: se envió un correo electrónico del Dr. Lawrence a los padres de MHS con respecto a los cambios en la semana de mitad de período. Comuníquese con su oficina si no lo recibió. Se enviará un recordatorio de seguimiento sobre este tema el 19/1/21.
  • Aceptación universitaria de acción temprana / decisión temprana: a pesar de los desafíos recientes, nuestros estudiantes continúan sobresaliendo académicamente. Una medida de esto son las instituciones de educación superior donde nuestros estudiantes han sido aceptados durante la ventana de admisión de Acción Temprana y Decisión Temprana. Tómese un momento para leer este impresionante: Binghamton University, Case Western Reserve University, Cornell University, The College of St. Rose, U. de Delaware, Harvard University, Drexel University, Emerson College, Fairfield University, Fordham University, Hampton University, U. de Hartford, Hofstra University, Johnson and Wales University, LeMoyne College, Loyola University, U. of New Haven, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Pace University, Penn State University, Quinnipiac University, U. de Rhode Island, Roger Williams University , Siena College, St. John's University, SUNY en New Paltz, SUNY en Albany, SUNY en Cortland, SUNY en Oneonta, Susquehanna University, U. de Tampa, Temple University, Ohio State University, SUNY en Buffalo, Utica College, U. de Vermont, Western New England University.

En general, esta semana fue un excelente comienzo para el 2021. Agradezco a cada uno de ustedes su apoyo y su preparación para la posibilidad de que nos veamos obligados a cambiar a la instrucción remota, mientras continuamos navegando por esta situación.

 

Que tengas un gran fin de semana de tres días y mantente a salvo,

Anthony DiCarlo

Superintendente de escuelas

News & Headlines

  • featured post

    Letter Signing Day!

    On November 20, parents, coaches, District administration, and teammates gathered on the turf - masked and socially distanced - to  celebrate our student-athletes’ commitment to playing at the collegiate level. The event was broadcast on LocalLive.

    Congratulations Shannon Becker (University Of Notre Dame/Softball), Brett Shane Crecco (Mercy College/Lacrosse), Krista Dietz (Pace University/Field Hockey), Gigi Genovese (Pace University/Lacrosse), Vincent Mariella (Susquehanna University/Baseball), Tatiana Moran (Mercy College/Lacrosse), John T. Nolan (Pace University/Lacrosse), Caitlyn O’Boyle (Tufts University/Basketball), Jack O’Connor (Suny Oneonta/Baseball), and Hailey Pereira (Bryant University/ Soccer)!

    District News & Headlines
  • featured post

    MHS Staff Invited to Present at Regional Curriculum Council

    April Ljumic, High School Assistant Principal, and Kelley Posch, High School MHS LIFE and Math teacher have been selected to present a breakout session for the Putnam|Northern Westchester Curriculum Council’s Virtual Learning Regional Conference, which will be held via Zoom on Friday, December 4, 2020. April and Kelley are co-facilitating a break-out session entitled: “More Than Screens: Forming Lasting Relationships in a Virtual World” with Dan Novak and Catherine Leist from the Center for Environmental Education at PNW BOCES. In this session, teachers and administrators will focus on creating and fostering relationships built on trust in a hybrid and virtual setting. Mahopac High School’s “MHS LIFE” 9th grade program will be showcased for its work in building positive long-term relationships and its collaboration with the Center for Environmental Education of PNW BOCES to continue this great work in a virtual setting. Showcased practices are designed to build empathy, facilitate communication, and encourage lasting personal development and healthy relationships even through a screen. 

    "MHS Life Program is a robust and impactful course that each of our freshmen take, MHS Principal Dr. Matt Lawrence said.  "I am extremely proud that we have been asked to participate as presenters at the Regional Curriculum Council Professional Development Program."   
    District News & Headlines
  • featured post

    Virola Invited to Participate in the National Hispanic Recognition Program

    Jaime Virola, Jr. scored in the top 2.5% on the PSAT/NMSQT among all Hispanic and Latino test takers in the region.  As a result, he has been invited to participate in the National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP). 

    “We are extremely proud that Jaime has been honored as part of the National Hispanic Recognition Program,” said MHS Principal Matt Lawrence. “This recognition celebrates his success thus far and the brightness of all that's ahead. Please join me in congratulating him on this outstanding academic achievement.”

    When he learned that he had been recognized, Virola said, “It is not about enduring the hard work, but about loving the work you do. You will be surprised how far anyone can travel if they enjoy the journey.”

    Participation in this program enables students to highlight their outstanding educational achievement to top colleges and universities. In a statement regarding NHRP, The College Board said, “Colleges know that students who have earned this recognition are some of the most talented across the country.

    District News & Headlines
  • featured post

    School Board Recognition Week 2020

    The New York State School Boards Association recognizes October 19 - 23 as #SchoolBoardRecognitionWeek. This is a time to promote awareness and understanding of the important work performed by school board members. The Mahopac Central School District is joining all public school districts across the state to celebrate School Board Recognition Week to honor local board members for their commitment to Mahopac and its children.

    “It takes strong schools to build a strong community, and these men and women devote countless hours to making sure our schools are helping every child learn at a higher level,” Superintendent Anthony DiCarlo said. “They make the tough decisions every month and spend many hours studying education issues and regulations in order to provide the kind of accountability our citizens expect.”

    Mr. DiCarlo said the key work of school boards is to raise student achievement by:
    • Creating a shared vision for the future of education
    • Setting the direction of the school district to achieve the highest student performance
    • Providing accountability for student achievement results
    • Developing a budget that aligns district resources to improve achievement
    • Supporting a healthy school district culture in which to work and to learn
    • And much more!

    “School board members give the Mahopac citizens a voice in education decision making. Even though we make a special effort to show our appreciation in October, their contribution is a year round commitment,” DiCarlo said. “Thank you to the members serving our district President Michael Mongon, Vice President Adam Savino, and Trustees Ben DiLullo, David Furfaro, Lawrence Keane, Lucy Massafra, Tanner McCracken, Ray McDonough, and Michael Simone.”

    District News & Headlines
  • featured post

    Congratulations Max Semegran, NYSSMA All-State

    Max Semegran has been chosen to participate in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Festival. The festival will be held virtually.

    Over 7,000 student musicians from across the state compete for a spot in one of the eight All-State ensembles. Being named as a violinist is the result of an arduous process including performing scales, a solo or ensemble piece of choice from the designated NYSSMA repertoire, and a sight reading piece. The judges score and comment on the students' performances according to defined guidelines set by NYSSMA.

    “Participating in such a prestigious event significantly benefits students,” said Mahopac High School Orchestra Director Evan McGregor. “I truly wish Max could meet fellow musicians and perform to an in-person audience, but the experience still offers an opportunity to learn and play challenging material. Last year, Max was selected as an alternate but ultimately did not get selected to participate, so this year being able to participate as a full member of the All-State String Orchestra is particularly gratifying. I'm proud of the work he's done and I think a fine example of Mahopac's potential.”

    “In addition to earning a perfect ACT score, being named a National Merit Semifinalist, being a three season athlete, and now NYSSMA All-State, Max is a peer leader, brother, and community member,” said MHS Principal Matt Lawrence. “Over the years we’ve had the pleasure of watching him grow and flourish. We look forward to his All-State performance.”

    District News & Headlines
  • featured post

    Fall Sports Spotlight

    Superintendent Di Carlo and Athletic Director Stephen Luciana talk Fall Athletics in the latest edition of Spotlight https://youtu.be/SA7oTgbWb1w

    District News & Headlines
  • featured post

    MHS Announces National Merit Scholars

    Congratulations to Max Semegran and Alexa Tyberg who were named Semifinalists and Angelo DiTocco for being named a National Commended Scholar in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Competition.

    Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. 

    Each of the students shared his and her reaction to the news. Max stated, “I am thankful to my parents, teachers, and the Mahopac High School administration for all their support. These incredible people facilitated an environment that allowed me to achieve this goal.” Alexa said , “I'd just like to say that I'm excited about National Merit and it was really cool to learn I had qualified for it.” Angelo said, “I didn't expect this to happen, but I appreciate the honor!"

    They received this distinction by scoring among the top 5% of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 scholarship program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

    To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

    Finalists will be announced in February 2021.

    District News & Headlines
  • featured post

    Austin Road Welcomes New Assistant Principal

    Michelle Tween has joined Austin Road Elementary as the school’s new assistant principal. 

    “I speak for everyone at  Austin Road in saying that I am pleased to welcome Michelle to the Austin Road Family,” said Principal Bryan Gilligan. “I am grateful to the administration and The Board of Education for working diligently to select someone with the combination of educational experience and philosophy that she brings. I look forward to working closely with her to continue the good work being done at Austin Road to the benefit of all our students. I believe that her passion and dedication to early childhood and elementary education is well-aligned with mine and am confident will make a great team.”

    Prior to joining Austin Road, Mrs.Tween spent nearly a decade as Director of Early Childhood Education at the Chapel School in Bronxville supervising and supporting preschool and K-2 team leaders, teachers, and teacher aides. Her other duties included coaching and observing teachers in instruction, management, and planning. She also created and implemented a schedule and protocol for school-wide faculty instructional rounds to create a culture of collegiality and collaboration. She was a reading specialist and a classroom teacher for Kindergarten, first, and second grades and participated on and led several educational and community committees including chairing the Cultural Competence Curriculum Review Committee.

    “I am thrilled to be joining the Austin Road team. The warm welcome I received from Mr. Gilligan, the staff, and all of the teachers has been nothing short of amazing,” said Mrs. Tween.   “Everything that I was told about the culture of Austin Road is what drew me here, and my experience so far is better than I could have imagined.  Austin Road’s commitment to each other, to our students, and to our families will continue to keep us a truly connected and strong community.” 

    Mrs. Tween, who lives in Eastchester, NY, earned both a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fordham University and a master’s degree in early childhood education and early childhood special education as well as an advanced diploma in school building leadership from The College of New Rochelle. She returned to Fordham to earn an Ed.D in Educational Leadership, Administration & Policy and is planning to graduate in 2021.

    District News & Headlines

  • Austin Road Students Sign Song of Thanks

    When Austin Road Elementary students can't sing together (check out the video here!), they sign together instead! Music teacher Elizabeth Day, using technology and sign language, helped her students perform "Thanks a Lot" by Raffi in celebration of Thanksgiving and in gratitude. Enjoy!

    The Lyrics of the song are:

    Thanks a lot,
    Thanks for Sun in the sky.
    Thanks a lot,
    Thanks for clouds so high.
    Thanks a lot,
    Thanks for whispering wind.
    Thanks a lot,
    Thanks for the birds in the spring.
    Thanks a lot,
    Thanks for the moonlit night.
    Thanks a lot,
    Thanks for the stars so bright.
    Thanks a lot,
    Thanks for the wondering me.
    Thanks a lot,
    Thanks for the way I feel.
    Thanks for the animals,
    Thanks for the land,
    Thanks for the people everywhere.
    Thanks a lot,
    Thanks for all I've got.
    Thanks for all I've got.
    District News & Headlines

  • 2020-2021 One Page Calendar

    This Calendar includes school breaks, holidays, and color cohort days for the entire 2020-2021 school year. *Please refer to specific communications from schools for building specific changes and updates.* 

    District News & Headlines

  • Welcome Stephen Luciana - Mahopac's New Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics

    The Mahopac Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools  Anthony DiCarlo are pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Luciana as Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics for the Mahopac Central School District. He was appointed during a special meeting on May 6, 2020.

    Luciana has an extensive background in physical education, health and athletics and will join Mahopac from the Pelham Public School District, where he served as director of health, physical education and athletics. During his tenure, he worked collaboratively with each department implementing the district’s philosophy of inspiring excellence to address the academic, physical, and emotional needs of his students. Specifically he increased the number of athletic teams, created a student athlete committee, and played an integral role in capital improvements related to district athletics. Prior to Pelham, he served as the Assistant Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics in the Yonkers Public Schools and taught physical education at Greenburgh Eleven and P.S. 32 in the Bronx. He has also held various coaching positions in football, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse in Ardsley and Chester.

    “I am pleased to welcome Mr. Luciana to Mahopac,” Superintendent of Schools Mr. DiCarlo said. “His commitment building school spirit and promoting a positive culture will be an excellent fit in Mahopac as we work to define the future of our programs. His passion for athletics and his student-centered approach will serve us well in leading our physical education, health and athletics department. ”

    Luciana earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland and his master’s degree in school administration Mercy College. 

    “I am honored and humbled to join a team of administrators that fosters such a high standard of student achievement and pride,” Luciana said. “I would like to thank the Board of Education for entrusting me with the highly-respected athletic programs of the Mahopac Central School District. I am eager to begin our partnership and bring my dedication and experience in fostering academic and athletic excellence to the Mahopac community.”

    Mr. Luciana succeeds Frank Miele who came out of retirement to step back into the Athletic Director position in Spring 2019, “Frank provided us with steady, reliable leadership just when we needed it most, “DiCarlo said. “He re-established the connections among our athletic department, student athletes, coaches, and community which have positioned us well for the next chapter in Mahopac Athletics. His legacy in Mahopac will live on forever. I cannot thank him enough.”

    Luciana will step into his new position on July 1.

    District News & Headlines

  • Mahopac Board of Education Names President and Vice President

    Michael Mongon, a 1979 graduate of Mahopac High School, will serve as Mahopac Board of Education President for the 2020-2021 school year, while Adam Savino assumes the role of vice president.

    Mongon and his wife, Lynne, a 1981 graduate of MHS, together have six children including three MHS graduates. Mongon is a Sports Fields and Parks consultant and Assistant Superintendent for Parks in New Jersey. He also serves on the Town of Carmel Recreation Committee.

    “It’s all about creating an environment where our schools’ staff, both instructional and non-instructional, feel supported, trusted and respected,” Mongon said. “This can be achieved with strong leadership, vision and communication – hallmarks of creating and establishing a true team.”

    Although cognizant of the challenges facing school districts amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mongon nonetheless said he was looking forward to helping Mahopac teachers, non-instructional staff and administrators emerge from the crisis stronger than ever. He praised the district for getting Chromebooks to students during the distance learning period.

    “When everyone had to shut down and switch to remote learning, our first thought was how are we going to ensure that all students can get to a computer,” said Mongon. “We were one of the districts able to outfit all of our students with Chromebooks.”

    As the district moves forward, Mongon said he would like to enhance training for teachers who need to gain greater confidence with instructional technology, while continuing to support those teachers who are already facile in the use of technology. 

    “We have excellent teachers and an amazing and very skilled support staff,” he said. “We have to give them the resources to do their jobs effectively. It is an entire team effort.”

    Savino, who has worked in the utility industry for 30 years, is also a longtime resident, having been raised in Mahopac. The father of two was elected to the board in June 2019, having served as co-president of the Lakeview PTO for two years.  He is active in the community, notably as a member of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department and Vice Chair of the Board of Fire Commissioners. 

    District News & Headlines

  • Special Edition Spotlight: District Busing

    Please enjoy this Spotlight for all District Families about busing.

    https://youtu.be/aX7ATtzp9P8 

    District News & Headlines

  • Please take our Transportation Survey

    Parents and guardians, please click here to take the Transportation Department’s survey to help us plan for September.

    District News & Headlines
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DISTRICT CLERK ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Public Participation at Regular Board Meetings

    During the COVID -19 Pandemic and pursuant to the Resolution passed at the Board of Education meeting held on November 12, 2020, public participation for comments/questions will be implemented via virtual technology through Zoom.  Due to the fact that there are two different times during the meeting where public participation is afforded, (1) on agenda items and (2) on non-agenda items, the participants will be divided into those two categories and then speak in the order in which their request was received.  Please see below for guidelines to participate:

    • Contact District Clerk, Melody LaRocca at laroccam@mahopac.org with your full name, address and topic of comment/questions by 3:30 p.m. the day of the meeting;
    • A registration link will be provided to you at that time.  Once registered, a link will be provided immediately, which will be encrypted to you only and will not work if it is forwarded or copied;
    • During the meeting, you will remain in the waiting room until you are admitted in, at which time, you will be provided three minutes to complete your comments/questions;
    • Please be patient as it may take some time to admit you. You can still watch the meeting on YouTube here;
    • Please limit your questions/comments to three minutes pursuant Policy 1512; 
    • We ask that cameras remain on during the time at which you are addressing the Board of Education;
    • The Board of Education reserves the rights to remove any community member from the meeting should Policy 1512 be violated.



    District Clerk
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SPOTLIGHT: 1/8 - 2021 Outlook!