Welcome to Pupil Services

Dear families:

Welcome to the Pupil Personnel Services Department. Our mission is to support students and families by providing services and supports in all areas of childhood development. We achieve this together by cultivating opportunities where all students can be successful.

It is our privilege to work with families, staff and students to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Our department provides the resources, services and programs that help create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Since all students have their own strengths and challenges, we offer a range of services to ensure every student succeeds. Our team works closely with teachers, families and community partners to provide individualized support and build a network of resources that help students reach their full potential.

We encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s education and well-being, as we are here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can create a positive and enriching school experience for all students.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Kennedy, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Phone: (845) 878-2094, Option #3 | FAX: (845) 878-2005
81 South Street, P.O. Box 296 Patterson,  NY 12563

 

JENNIFER ERACA, ED.D.

Jennifer Eraca, Ed.D.
Director of PPS 

Email: jeraca@carmelschools.org
Phone: (845) 878-2094, ext. 6288

  • CSE Chair for grades 6-12
  • CSE Chair for grades 6-12 out of district
  • CSE Chair for grades 6-12 for parentally placed
  • CSE Chair for grades 6-12 for home-schooled
  • PACE 6-12

ALEXANDRA CHANOWSKY

Alexandra Chanowsky
Assistant Director of PPS 

Email: achanows@carmelschools.org 
Phone: (845) 878-2094, ext. 6249 

  • CPSE Chair
  • CSE Chair for grades K-5
  • CSE Chair for grades K-5 for out of district
  • CSE Chair for grades K-5 for parentally placed
  • CSE Chair for grades K-5 for home-schooled
  • PACE K-5

CSPE

Alexa Reynolds (interim) 
Senior Office Assistant 
845-878-2094, ext. 6245 
areynold@carmelschools.org 

Grades K-4

Edie Cassidy 
Senior Office Assistant 
845-878-2094, ext. 6234 
ecassidy@carmelschools.org

Grades 5-8

Alexa Reynolds
Senior Office Assistant
845-878-2094, ext. 6245
areynold@carmelschools.org

Grades 9-12 / all OOD

Heather McConnell
Senior Office Assistant 
845-878-2094, ext. 6248
h
mcconne@carmelschools.org 

Schedule Information for CSE Meetings - Weather Related Plans

In the interest of holding Committee on Special Education meetings in a timely manner, we implement the following procedure in the event of school closings or delays:

  • 3-Hour School Delay or School Closing -- All meetings are cancelled and will be rescheduled.

  • 2-Hour School Delay 
    • Kent Elementary, Kent Primary & Matthew Paterson Elementary Schools
      • Meetings planned between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. will be cancelled and reschedueld
      • Meetings will be held as scheduled from 11:00 a.m. through the end of the school day
    • George Fischer Middle School & Carmel High School 
      • Meetings will be held in the period for which they are scheduled. The time will be adjusted to match the abbreviated schedule of your child's school. Please refer to the bell schedule for your child's school for the specific times. 
      • Please note that the periods are shortened to 30 minutes or less at George Fischer Middle School and Carmel High School on these days.