The School Tax Relief (STAR) program that was passed by the Legislature .... Jevrier won eight Gold and nine Silver regi
Marlboro
Budget 2018 NEWSLETTER
District Receives A+ Rating from Standard & Poor’s
Proposed 2018-2019 Budget Preserves Academic Programs and Economic Stability
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he Marlboro Central School District has seen its credit rating increase steadily over time, and the District is pleased to report that the rating has risen once again. In November 2017, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings upgraded its rating of the District’s general obligation bonds from an A to an A+. According to Director of Business & Finance Patrick Witherow, Marlboro was given its A rating in December 2014. The rating remained the same in September 2015, but the District’s outlook was upgraded from “credit watch” to “stable.” According to the S&P report, the most recent upgrade is based on the District's “sustained strong operating performance in recent years, despite the loss of two leading taxpayers, resulting in increased reserves, as well as our view of the district's strong economic metrics.” The rating reflects S&P’s opinion of the District's general creditworthiness, including its • Strong income and very strong wealth levels; • Strong financial performance as demonstrated by four consecutive years of operating surpluses, resulting in good growth in reserves to a level that is considered strong; and Continued on page 3
he Marlboro Central School District is proposing a $56,888,880 budget for the 2018-2019 school year, a spending plan that preserves programs, enhances safety and security, and meets New York State’s tax levy limit requirements for a simple majority voter approval. Voters will decide on the spending plan on Tuesday, May 15, at the former Milton Elementary School. Polls will be open from 6 AM to 9 PM. The election of three members to the Board of Education will also be on the ballot. “As always, we tried to balance a responsibility to our taxpayers with our desire to continue to offer high-quality programs for our students,” said Marlboro Superintendent Michael M. Brooks. “We believe we have crafted a proposal that continues to provide academic opportunities for students, while at the same time enhancing their safety and preserving our long-term fiscal responsibility.”
Tax Cap Requirements Met
50 percent plus one. This is the first year the District’s tax levy has increased since 2014-2015.
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his year's budget proposal preserves all existing student programs. Preserves Programs, Enhances Safety and Security This year’s budget proposal preserves all existing student programs and does not call for any staff reductions. The spending plan also renews Marlboro’s commitment to enhancing safety and security. The District has already improved its phone, public address, camera/ video, and bell communications systems, and is in the process of upgrading its portable radios. Additional items under consideration include: • A comprehensive security analysis performed by an outside firm.
• School Resource Officer and school monitor Under New York State law, a school district support at the ES. must plan its budget around a complex formula that calculates the allowable tax levy increase for • Security guards at the ES, MS, and HS to assist with visitor and property management. each district. • After-hours security (monitors for indoor With a tax levy increase of 2.45 percent, and outdoor events). Marlboro’s budget proposal meets the criteria for a simple majority voter approval of
MA N-WSS
Marlboro High School Presents Superintendent of Schools Michael M. Brooks
To Residential Customer
21 Milton Turnpike, Suite 100 Milton, NY 12547 (845)236-5800 www.marlboroschools.org
Marlboro Central School District
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID NEWBURGH, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 145
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Board of Education President Susan Horton Vice-President Frank Milazzo Trustees Russell Conley James Kuha John Cantone JoAnn Reed
‘Into the Woods’
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he Marlboro High School Drama Club took audience members on a magical journey “Into the Woods” this spring, as they delivered five performances of the beloved musical March 15-18. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, “Into the Woods” intertwines the plot lines of several Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales, exploring the consequences of Continued on page 7
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MCSD Historical Levies and Tax Rates
$42m
$90
$80
$40m $70
$38m
$60
$50
$36m $40
$34m
$30
$20
$32m $10
INNOVATIVE PROGRAM BRINGS NATURE INDOORS FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
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rade 2 students in Alycia Barone, Joann Congelli, Lisa DeMarco, and Joanne Barletta's classes at Marlboro Elementary School (MES) saw their science curriculum come to life, with help from a scholarship they received from the Mohonk Preserve. Through the Ulster County nature preserve’s innovative “Pond Keeper” program, the students were given the responsibility of taking care of a real pond and its living creatures for two weeks. The 10-gallon aquarium was stocked with organisms such as tadpoles, snails, dragonfly nymphs, backswimmers, water scorpions, and caddisfly larvae that the students studied. According to MES Principal Patricia Walsh, the experience brought the wonder of nature into the classroom and gave students the opportunity to learn about the diversity of life in a pond, as well as how all of the creatures in the habitat rely on one another to survive.
$30m
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
levy
2012-2013
2013-2014
Marlborough Tax Rate
• Consistent doorway signage and visitor entry protocols, including visitor badging.
Factors Impacting Expenses While there is a 2.03 percent increase in proposed expenditures from last year, the actual budget increase is 0.27 percent. A large portion of the increase in expenditures is absorbed into $1 million of Smart Schools Bond Act revenue/expenses that were included the 2017-2018 general fund, but is being budgeted for in the capital fund for the 2018-2019 school year. The single largest factor impacting expenses in the proposed budget is an increase in contractual obligations. Payroll costs, including mandated New York State retirement system contributions and increases in health insurance costs, account for the majority of increased expenses. Special education costs are also up, which is the result of an increase in out-ofdistrict placements and related services.
2014-2015
2015-2016
2016-2017
Plattekill Tax Rate
2017-2018
2018-2019
Newburgh Tax Rate
Revenues and Savings This year, the District has received a slight increase in State Aid revenue. For 2018-2019, the District is slated to receive $15,900,546 in State Aid, compared to the $15,717,455 allocated to Marlboro for the current year. This increase, along with the implementation of various fiscal management strategies, was a factor in developing the proposed budget. Two years ago, the District refinanced the 2006 elementary school renovation project, a move that decreased the debt service and will save a total of $1.8 million over the next 10 years. Newly developed transportation efficiencies have also generated additional savings for the District. Marlboro plans to use $4,027,761 of its fund balance to further reduce taxpayer cost. The fund balance reflects the difference between a district’s revenues and final expenses at the end of each fiscal year.
What is a Contingency Budget? If the budget proposal is defeated, the Board of Education has the option of either adopting a contingency budget or holding a second vote on either the same budget or a modified one. If the second budget is defeated, a contingency budget is mandated. Rules of the tax levy limit legislation do not allow a tax levy increase under a contingency budget. Under contingency, the State also places strict restrictions on the types of expenditures that are allowed and eliminates the availability of free public use of facilities. In this year’s case, meeting the contingency guidelines would result in the removal of all equipment expenditures and certain field trips. Additionally, the District would be required to charge outside groups for facilities usage.
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District Receives A+ Rating from Standard & Poor’s
Message from the Superintendent Dear Community Members, I am pleased to present you with the proposed 2018-2019 school budget. Please review the information in this newsletter carefully as you prepare to participate in the budget vote and school board election on Tuesday, May 15. In developing this budget, the Board of Education and administrative team focused on two major themes: stability and security. We believe this budget proposal continues our focus on fiscal responsibility, while continuing to offer high-quality academic programs for students. Of course, a strong academic program requires safe learning environments for students and staff. To this end, the spending plan proposes security enhancements at each of the District’s school buildings. We have spent months crafting this budget and believe we have found a careful balance of responsibility, safety, and excellence. Our challenging academic programs, quality arts offerings, and high-achieving athletic teams continue to be a source of pride for this community. This budget preserves those important programs. Marlboro students continue to impress us in their academic pursuits, their performance in the arts, and their achievements in athletics. We want to thank our community for participating in the important decisions impacting their futures. Sincerely,
Michael M. Brooks Superintendent of Schools
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• Moderate overall net debt with limited additional capital needs in addition to rapid amortization of debt. The District’s general fund balance is currently $13,531,004. Marlboro’s stable outlook reflects S&P’s opinion that “management will likely maintain balanced operations and fund balances at least at good levels.” The outlook also reflects the financial services company’s view of the District's strong local economy, supported by favorable access to the New York City metropolitan statistical area. “Two of our overarching goals as a District are to be fiscally responsible and maintain economic stability,” said Witherow. “We are pleased that our efforts have been recognized by Standard & Poor’s, as reflected by their most recent rating upgrade.”
Marlboro Ranked as Third Best Public High School in Ulster County
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Engineering Students Tackle ‘Coffee Can Challenge’
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group of engineers from IBM and GLOBALFOUNDRIES visited Marlboro High School on March 16, in support of the National Discover Engineering (DiscoverE) program. The engineers—John Cantone, Jack Mazza, Tom McCoy, and David Yannity—spoke to students in Thomas Fassell’s class about various STEM-related careers; giving audience members the opportunity to ask questions about things like necessary skills and base salaries. The team of professionals then presented students with a “Coffee Can Challenge,” asking them to work in teams to brainstorm ways to knock over a coffee can while following strict parameters. Cantone says he enjoys visiting schools like Marlboro, and hopes students walk away with newfound appreciation of STEM-related fields. “My colleagues and I from IBM, as well as those from many other companies across the country, make visits like these to introduce students of all ages to engineering, computer science, and other STEM-related careers,” he said. “Our goal is to encourage and inspire them to pursue these paths in their educational and professional lives.”
Marlboro High School students brainstorm ways to solve the “Coffee Can Challenge,” during a National Discover Engineering program held in March.
arlboro is one of the best school districts in Ulster County, according to Niche, an online database that helps users compare the relative merits of various schools and neighborhoods. According to Niche’s 2018 list, Marlboro High School (MHS), with a 14:1 student teacher ratio, is ranked third among public high schools in Ulster County. Niche reports that the average graduation rate at MHS is 87 percent, the average SAT score is 1180, and the Advanced Placement enrollment rate is 11 percent. Niche also notes that according to State test scores, 92 percent of the school’s students are proficient—or more than proficient—in math, and 92 percent meet or exceed proficiency standards in reading. Marlboro’s other schools are also highly rated by Niche. Congratulations to all the hardworking students and staffers, and thank you to all the families and community members who support our schools!
Budget Vote5 1 TUESDAY, MAY 6 AM to 9 PM
ary
Milton Element School
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Annual Event Encourages Teamwork Among MES Students Grade 5 students at Marlboro Elementary School (MES) kept up an annual tradition this year by participating in the “I-Kid-A-Rod” on March 16. During the event—named after Alaska’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race—teams of students raced around the school field on handmade wooden sleds, stopping at different checkpoints along the way. This is the 15th year that MES students have participated in the I-Kid-A-Rod. First, classes spend time studying Alaskan climate, geography, and culture, as well as the history of the Iditarod. Then, using technology to track the real race online, the students get to know the mushers (the men and women who drive the sleds) and their dogs. According to Grade 5 teacher Michele Onusko, the race simulation allows students to see what it's like to be a part of a dogsled team. Each team included one musher and about eight students who acted as sled dogs. Mushers were responsible for feeding and watering their “dogs" at each checkpoint and putting on and removing dog booties to protect "paws." There was even a vet check along the way. Onusko says the goal of the event is to help students understand the character traits necessary to becoming a successful team member and student, such as collaboration and determination. Grade 5 students from Marlboro Elementary School participated in the annual “I-Kid-ARod” on March 16.
STAR Exemption Program Continues T
he School Tax Relief (STAR) program that was passed by the Legislature in 1997 to provide Basic and Enhanced school tax relief for owner-occupied primary residences is continued under the New York State budget. Existing homeowners will continue to see the relief in the form of an actual reduction in their property tax bills, while new homeowners, or those who have recently moved, will pay their full tax bill and receive a refund check directly from New York State. Owner-occupied primary residences where the owners’ total income is less than $500,000 are eligible for STAR. The Basic STAR exemption is offered to all property owners on their owner-occupied primary residences. Homeowners who are aged 65 or older who meet income criteria are eligible for even greater tax savings through the Enhanced STAR exemption. Seniors must apply for Enhanced STAR each year. For more information, contact your local assessor or visit www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/index.htm.
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District Celebrates Diversity During Annual Event The Marlboro Central School District community came together for an evening of music, dance, food, and culture during Marlboro Middle School’s 14th annual Diversity Night on March 20. Guests mingled in the school’s cafeteria as they sampled foods from around the world. Culturally diverse cuisines from countries such as Italy, Poland, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Germany, and Jamaica were all on the menu, thanks to the efforts of Middle School students and their families. Colorful and informative exhibits were displayed at many of the tables, allowing guests to learn more about the art, music, and culture of the countries where some of the foods originated. The evening’s entertainment was provided by the Marlboro Central School District Jazz Band and Madeline’s Dance Studio.
School District Budget Notice Overall Budget Proposal
Budget Proposed for the 2018-19 School Year $ 56,888,880
Contingency Budget for the 2018-2019 School Year * $ 56,839,314
$ 152,023
$ 102,457
Percentage Increase/Decrease in Proposed Budget
0.27%
0.18%
Change in the Consumer Price Index
2.13%
Total Budgeted Amount, Not Including Separate Propositions
Budget Adopted for the 2017-18 School Year $ 56,736,857
Increase/Decrease for the 2018-19 School Year
A. Proposed Levy to Support the Total Budgeted Amount B. Levy to Support Library Debt, if Applicable C. Levy for Non-Excludable Propositions, if Applicable ** D. Total Tax Cap Reserve Amount Used to Reduce Current Year Levy E. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy (A + B + C - D) F. Total Permissible Exclusions G. School Tax Levy Limit, Excluding Levy for Permissible Exclusions H. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy, Excluding Levy to Support Library Debt and/or Permissible Exclusions (E - B - F + D) I. Difference: G – H (Negative Value Requires 60.0% Voter Approval – See Note Below Regarding Separate Propositions) **
$ 33,948,733 $0 $0 $0 $ 33,948,733 $ 1,312,627 $ 32,636,106 $ 32,636,106
$ 34,778,968 $0 $0 $0 $34,778,968 $ 1,411,783 $ 33,367,185 $ 33,367,185
$0
$0
Administrative Component Program Component Capital Component
$ 4,941,388 $ 42,650,099 $ 9,145,371
$ 5,089,676 $ 42,564,872 $ 9,234,333
$ 4,949,786 $ 42,695,095 $ 9,194,434
* Provide a statement of assumptions made in projecting a contingency budget for the 2018-19 school year, should the proposed budget be defeated pursuant to Section 2023 of the Education Law.
Tax Relief Programs Help Reduce Burden on Veterans, Disabled & Senior Citizens
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he Disability and Senior Citizen School Tax Exemption, as well as the Veterans Exemption, as described in the New York State Real Property Tax Law, remains in effect and continues to be supported by the Marlboro Central School District Board of Education. Under these programs, tax relief will again be provided to qualifying individuals for the 2018-2019 school year. This is accomplished by exempting a portion of the assessed value of qualifying individuals’ residential property. To participate in the exemption programs, individuals must meet certain qualifications, and an application must be submitted with the local assessor’s office and renewed annually. For more information, contact your local assessor’s office.
In projecting a contingency budget it is assumed equipment expenses would be removed from the budget and additional fund balance would be appropriated to offset the impact of the frozen tax levy. Additionally, the district would be required to charge outside groups for facilities usage. ** List Separate Propositions that are not included in the Total Budgeted Amount: (Tax Levy associated with educational or transportation services propositions are not eligible for exclusion and may affect voter approval requirements)
Description
Amount
No Separate Propositions
Your Local Assessors
Basic STAR Exemption Impact
Under the Budget Proposed for the 2018-2019 School Year
$ 891
Estimated Basic STAR Exemption Savings1 Esti The basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption is authorized by section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law.
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The annual budget vote for the fiscal year 2018-19 by the qualified voters of the Marlboro Central School District, Ulster County, New York, will be held at Milton Elementary School in said district on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 between the hours of 6:00 am and 9:00 pm, prevailing time, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting ballot or machine.
lot Sample Bal
BUDGET PROPOSITION
"Shall the Board of Education be authorized to expend the sum of $56,888,880 to meet the estimated expenditures for the 2018-2019 school year and to levy the necessary tax therefor?" YES NO
Town of Marlborough (845) 795-5049 Town of Plattekill (845) 883-7331 Town of Newburgh (845) 564-4550
ABOUT VOTING Are You Qualified to Vote?
In order to be eligible to vote you must be: n18 years of age or older. nA citizen of the United States. nA resident of the Marlboro Central School District for at least 30 days prior to the vote.
Absentee Ballots
TRUSTEE FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION
(Two (2) - 3-Year Positions & One (1) 1 Year and six week remainder Term) - Vote for Three (3) Frank Milazzo
Tony Perugino
John Marro
JoAnn Reed
Absentee Ballots are available for residents who are unable to vote at the polls on Tuesday, May 15. For more information, please contact the District Clerk at the Administrative Offices, 21 Milton Turnpike, Suite 100, Milton or at 845-236-5803.
2018-2019 Proposed Budget Available
BUDGET VOTE • TUESDAY, MAY 15 6 AM – 9 PM • MILTON ELEMENTARY
Copies of the 2018-2019 proposed budget are available at all of the District’s buildings, as well as at the Marlboro Free Library and the Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library in Milton. Stop by one of the following school offices to obtain a copy: nMarlboro
Elementary School nMiddle School
nHigh School nAdministrative
Offices
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Elementary School Students ‘Score’ with Love of Reading
High School Names its Top Students
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arlboro High School (MHS) has named its Top 10 students—including its valedictorian and salutatorian—of the Class of 2018. These students reached the highest level of achievement, not only in academics, but also in an array of athletic and extracurricular endeavors. During his tenure at MHS, Valedictorian Matthew DeSantis was a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. He also played Varsity Football and was a member of the Winter Track team his sophomore year. Outside of school, Matthew held jobs at the Marlboro Free Library, then at Bounce in Poughkeepsie. Matthew is the son of Michael and Michele DeSantis of the Town of Newburgh. He will attend SUNY Binghamton in the fall, where he plans to major in engineering. “I’m looking forward to college but I’m going to miss the high school environment,” he admits. The second highest-ranking graduate and salutatorian of the Class of 2018 is Rachael DeBenedictus. An active member of her school community, Rachael was a member of Drama Club, Book Club, and the Mock Trial team. She was also a member of the National Honor
Marlboro High School Class of 2018 Salutatorian Rachael DeBenedictus and Valedictorian Matthew DeSantis.
Society and served as treasurer of the Spanish Honor Society. During her free time, Rachael volunteered at Marlboro Elementary School, reading to ESL (English as a Second Language) students. Rachael is the daughter of Brian and Wendy DeBenedictus of Marlboro. She will likely be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall, but she is undecided on a major. “I’m excited about what the future holds but it’s also a little daunting,” she says of her impending graduation. Along with announcing the valedictorian and salutatorian, MHS also named its next eight high-achieving academic students. They are: Rina Lokaj, Hannah Sullivan, Victor Gallo, Madisyn Doran, William Camastro III, Tyler Kluge, Olivia Leduc, and Kerrianne Phillips.
Student Artists Earn National Recognition
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arlboro High School (MHS) art students Jake Diana and Jevrier Zapata earned Silver Key awards in the 2018 National Scholastic Art & Writing competition. The seniors were recognized in the Drawing & Illustration category, Jake for his entry “Courtyard Whispers” and Jevrier for “Beauty of Death.” Both works received Gold Keys in this year’s regional"Courtyard Whispers" by Jake Diana. level competition. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation's longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in Grades 7–12, and the largest source of scholarships for talented young artists and writers. Artistic submissions are judged by luminaries in the visual arts and panelists look for works that best exemplify originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. "Beauty of Death" by MHS art teacher Emeline Hastings said she is proud of her two AP Studio Art Jevrier Zapata. students. “Jake has drawn on his own personal experiences for this artwork, which makes it more powerful and important,” she said of “Courtyard Whispers,” adding that this is the second year in a row Jake has excelled in this prestigious competition. Jake will attend the Savannah College of Art and Design next September and major in animation. “I can't wait to see his future accomplishments,” Hastings said. Jevrier won eight Gold and nine Silver regional art awards this year. “His technical ability as an artist and illustrator is of a professional quality and the hours of work he spends on each piece is evident,” Hastings said. Jevrier, who plans to pursue a career in art but has not yet chosen a college, will celebrate his win along with Jake and other national medalists during a ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 7.
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Marlboro Elementary School student Ka'licia King laughs it up with Harlem Wizard Jordan "Ice" Southerland.
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arlboro Elementary School’s annual three-week Pick a Reading Partner (PARP) program came to an end this spring and as a reward for their efforts to read with an adult for a minimum of 15 minutes each day, students were treated to a visit by members of the Harlem Wizards trick basketball team, courtesy of the school’s Parent Teacher Association. The fun and interactive assembly tied in perfectly with this year’s PARP theme, “Go for the Gold – Read 2018!” The students were highly entertained as Wizards teammates Jordan “Ice” Southerland and John “Big J” Smith lightheartedly showed off their skills on the basketball court, with help from a few brave student volunteers. Towards the end of the assembly, the highly talented and impressively tall basketball stars handed out prizes and certificates to the PARP participants. “You accomplished a really great thing,” Big J told the young readers, before explaining that he credits his teachers with helping him make it as far as he did in life. “The teachers [at your school] work hard to make sure you succeed,” he said. “Please give all your teachers a round of applause!”
Marlboro Elementary School students Chloe Decker and Michael Pascale volunteer to show off their basketball skills for the Harlem Wizards’ John “Big J” Smith.
E N I H s S te le th A o r o Marlb l Year o o h c S 8 1 0 2 7 1 0 2 g Durin A
total of 767 athletes from Marlboro High School participated in the 2017-2018 sports season, playing for Modified, Junior Varsity, and Varsity teams. Here are some highlights from the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons: • Seven out of ten Varsity Fall teams qualified for NYSPHSAA Team Scholar Athlete Awards, with 75 percent of their rosters boasting a 90 percent or higher overall average. Five out of six Varsity Winter teams also achieved this honor. • A total of 131 Fall and Winter athletes received Mid-Hudson Athletic League (MHAL) Scholar Athlete Awards for earning a GPA of 90 percent or higher during the First and Second Quarters. • The Varsity Football team won the Class B, Section IX Championship. • The Varsity Boys Golf team won their Division. • The Varsity Boys Basketball team won their Division, as well as the Section IX Championship. • The Varsity Girls Basketball team was named the Section IX Runner Up.
Marlboro High School Presents the characters' wishes and quests. The main characters are taken from stories such as "Little Red Riding Hood," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Rapunzel," and "Cinderella,” and the musical is tied together by a story involving a childless baker and his wife, who go on a journey to overcome a witch’s curse and begin a family. The musical starred Jake Diana as the Baker, Isabella Martinez as the Baker’s Wife, Kaitlyn Longo as Cinderella, Myles Stelling as Jack, Emily Eichler as Little Red Riding Hood, and Hannah Sullivan as the Witch. Other students playing central roles included Tyler Kluge as Cinderella’s Prince, Alyssa DeLessio as Jack’s Mother, Elizabeth Goodenough as Rapunzel, and Haley Collier as the Stepmother.
INTO THE WOODS
Memorable songs included “Into the Woods,” “The Spell is on My House,” “Maybe They’re Magic,” “No One is Alone,” and “A Very Nice Prince.” The cast and crew of more than one hundred students spent weeks preparing for the show, which was directed by High School music teacher Katie Budryk. Students were involved in everything from building and painting the sets to designing the lights and running the sound. They also made props and costumes, did hair and makeup, and helped publicize the show. “I couldn’t be more proud of the talented and hard-working students who came together
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and gave it their all to make this production a success,” Budryk said. “It was a pleasure working with each and every one of them.”
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Future Leaders Shine During State Conference T
wenty-five FCCLA members representing Marlboro Middle School and Marlboro High School, along with their two advisers, two parent chaperones, and six esteemed guests, traveled to Syracuse, New York on March 20 to attend the 2018 New York State Family Career and Community Leaders of America Conference. The annual student-led conference gives FCCLA members from across the state the opportunity to meet one another, learn important life skills, and compete in community service-based events. Students attending the two-day conference immersed themselves in skill-based workshops, skits by their peers, and lessons in parliamentary procedure. Marlboro students had the opportunity to gain vital information about digital citizenship, learn about the dangers of drunk driving, enhance their professional image through a presentation by Men’s Wearhouse, and hear from a keynote speaker about the importance of “stopping the hurt” in our communities. High School students Margaux Snow and Emily Rifkin served as evaluators during the event, as other Marlboro representatives participated in competitions under the guidance of advisers Anne Marie Giacoia and Chelsea Wolfert. In addition, Marlboro High School student Jessica Singh presented a workshop for the 200 attendees on self-defense. This is her second time presenting the karate workshop for state delegates. During the conference’s closing session, Marlboro’s Jason Djaparidze and Owanya Mattis were installed as the new 2018-2019 New York State Vice President of Finance and Parliamentary Procedure and Vice President of Public Relations and Community Service, respectively, while Emma Feeney concluded her term as Vice President of Communications. The Marlboro students and their advisors had a great time at the conference and are looking forward to competing on the national level during a conference held in Atlanta, Georgia this July.
Middle School Students
Bring World of Dr. Seuss to Life
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orton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and more of everyone’s favorite Dr. Seuss characters came to life on stage during the Marlboro Middle School Drama Club’s production of “Seussical Jr.” this winter. Based on the works of Dr. Seuss, the musical extravaganza from Tony Award winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty transported audience members from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus as the Cat in the Hat (played by Grade 7 student Jayla Hall-Collins) narrated the story of Horton the Elephant (Seamus Daly), who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos while guarding an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird (Ava McElrath). Although Horton faces ridicule and danger, the courageous Gertrude McFuzz (Cate Case) never loses faith in him, and the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community ultimately triumph. The show featured colorful costumed and elaborate sets, as well as popular songs such as “It’s Possible,” “Alone in the Universe,” and “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think.” It was performed on February 23, 24, and 25, under the direction of Chelsea Wolfert, Larissa Orlando, Stephen Hicks, and Monica Taddeo. Grade 7 students Jamilyn Hadley and Emily Case served as stage managers. Wolfert said she is extremely proud of the cast and crew members from the
Middle School, who worked tirelessly for weeks to make the musical a success. “They did a great job!” she said.
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love of learning was in the air at Marlboro Elementary School this Valentine's Day, as a group of students from Marist College worked with children of all ages to complete various STEM-related projects and heart-themed activities. The Marist students returned on various days throughout the winter and spring to hone their teaching skills and further strengthen their connection with the Marlboro students.
Twenty-five FCCLA members represented Marlboro at the 2018 New York State Family Career and Community Leaders of America Conference in March.
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The Marlboro Central School District offers equal educational and employment opportunities, including career and technical education opportunities, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or other protected categories under state or federal law, in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Michael Bakatsias, Assistant Superintendent, and Robin Hecht, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Marlboro Central School District, 21 Milton Turnpike, Milton, NY 12547, (845) 236-8000. Inquiries regarding discrimination on the bases listed above may also be made to the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 32 Old Slip, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10005, (646) 428-3800,
[email protected].
