Carmel Central School District

Cultivating Opportunities for All

• Carmel High School Mentors Welcome Incoming Freshmen

  The first day of high school for any freshman can be both exciting and anxiety provoking. There’s a bigger school to navigate, more students to get know, and challenging new classes to tackle.

  For incoming freshmen at Carmel High School, their mentors have them covered.

  “Each incoming freshman is assigned a mentor, who is a junior or senior in the school,” said English teacher Joanne Morgan, who facilitates the mentorship program. “Mentors help the students navigate the school and are there for them if they have any questions.”

  On Tuesday, August 26, more than 300 new ninth graders were greeted by their student mentors outside of the high school for Orientation Day. As each freshman entered the building, mentors cheered and gave them high fives.

  Once inside, Principal Brian Piazza greeted the incoming freshmen.

  “Welcome to the class of 2029!” he said. “We have been doing our mentoring program for 16 years, and the students we’ve selected as your mentors are the best of the best!” Mentors are chosen for their academic excellence as well as their engagement in extracurricular activities.

  Piazza also demonstrated the use of lockable cell phone pouches, which the students would be receiving in order to comply with the New York State rule prohibiting cell phone use in schools. Students can carry the pouches with their phones in their backpacks but are to refrain from using them during the school day. Once the day is over, students are permitted to unlock the pouches.

  Once students were paired with their mentors they were shown their lockers and invited to sign up for clubs and activities.

  “We find that students who are the most successful in high school participate in at least one or two activities,” Piazza said. They also received information on their academic classes.

  “It’s so much bigger than my other school, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it really soon,” said one enthusiastic student.

  Carmel High School News

• 359 Graduate in the Class of 2025

  At Carmel High School’s 95th annual commencement, 359 members of the Class of 2025 celebrated their achievements while a crowd of more than 2,000 family and friends cheered them on at the school’s athletic field.

  Principal Brian Piazza spoke of all the contributions members of the class have made to the community.

  “This is an outstanding collection of young people, who have achieved so much during their four years at Carmel High School,” he said. “Individually, you’ve been recognized on the local, state and national levels for your accomplishments in academics, the arts, athletics, and service to our community. Collectively, this Senior Class has made our school and community a better place, through their leadership, caring, and dedication to the values instilled in them by their families and the Carmel Central School District.”

  This year’s class as a lot ahead of it: 207 graduates are going to fpur-year-college; 48 graduates are going to two-year-college; 17 graduates are going to trade school; 27 graduates are entering the work force; 4 graduates are taking a gap year; 16 graduates are entering the military; and some haven’t decided what to do yet. 

  Together, the class earned more than $5 million in scholarships.

  Valedictorian Chase Yom, Salutatorian Kayleigh Harney and Senior Class President Jake Patino delivered addresses thanking their families and teachers for their support and love during their educational journeys.

  “Take what Carmel has given you and shape the world with it whatever way you can,” Chase told his fellow graduates.

  Carmel High School News

• Eighth Graders Say Goodbye to GFMS

  The graduations at George Fischer Middle School were a celebration of the eighth graders who have grown tremendously since they entered the school just a few years ago.

  “I have watched you become the change agents,” said Principal Dr. Merica Neufville. “I can’t wait to see how you change Carmel High School and the Carmel Community.”

  The middle school graduated in two programs – one at 1:30 and the next at 4 p.m. -- so that the auditorium could accommodate the supportive families who came to cheer the students’ success.

  “This is the end of a chapter we have written together,” said Ava Hall, GO President.

  Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben, the Interim Superintendent of Schools, said she looked forward to seeing what the students accomplish in the next chapter.

  “High school is a time of discovery, challenge and growth,” Dr. Fairben said. “It is a time to try new things, to meet new people. It is a time to find out what you are capable of.”

  Board of Education Trustee Jason Paraskeva told the crowd that he graduated from George Fischer Middle School 41 years ago and that his son was graduating this year.

  “To stand here both as a trustee and as a parent is an experience I will cherish forever,” he said.

  Then he noted how much had changed in those four decades and encouraged the graduates to embrace their future.

  “What hasn’t changed is how much the people around you matter,” Trustee Paraskeva said. “Walk forward with courage. The road ahead is full of possibilities.”

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Getting to Know the Kent Public Library

  Seven-year-old Camryn ran through the aisles at the Kent Public Library searching for science books. Her search was part of a scavenger hunt that the librarians devised to show children from Kent Primary School all the different types of books the library holds.

  “Science is nonfiction,” Camryn, a first grader, said. “I know what nonfiction is because cartoons are fiction, but nonfiction is real. Science is real, they do tests on animals.”

  Kent Library welcomed the classes from Kent Primary School one day recently and had a set of outdoor and indoor activities designed to show how much fun visiting the library can be.

  “We are trying to show them how many resources are in the library and all the interesting programs and activities that the library offers,” said Christine DiTota, a children’s librarian.

  First Grade Teacher Corinne Phillips said the library trip reinforced a lot of what students are learning in their Core Knowledge Language Arts, or CKLA, program

  “We just learned about nonfiction,” Phillips said. "With CKLA, they are getting introduced to a lot of information and knowledge that is pretty incredible for the first grade.”

  Carmel Central School District elementary schools encourage parents to take their children to the library to get their own library card.

  “We have a contest,” Phillips said. “The first class in which everyone gets a library card is rewarded with an extra recess -- with ice pops.”

  Kent Primary School News

• Great Gatsby on Broadway

  Carmel High School seniors enrolled in AP Literature and WCC 101/102 had the unique opportunity to see The Great Gatsby live on Broadway. As part of their study of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, students were able to witness the text come to life on stage—an unforgettable field trip! From the roaring twenties' glitz to Gatsby's tragic pursuit of the American Dream, the experience helped bring the story to life. Students were dazzled by the whole Broadway experience, from the musical numbers to the stunning costumes and set design.

  CHS English teacher Kristin McKenna said "Seeing the musical on Broadway and watching students react to scenes we read in class being performed on stage was an unforgettable experience. It's a reminder of how powerful it can be to connect classroom learning with real world experiences.

  Senior Jorja Tompuri said, "I could not take my eyes off the stage and have not stopped listening to the music since!" Thank you to the CHS English Department and chaperones for organizing this memorable experience!

  Carmel High School News

• Carmel Among Best Communities for Music Education

  Congratulations to the Carmel Central School District Music Department for being named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAAM Foundation.

  This is the 12th time that NAAM (the National Association for Music Merchants) recognized Carmel for its exceptional music education.

  “The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education,” the group said.

  The music program is excellent throughout the district. 

  In May, several Carmel High School and George Fischer Middle School groups excelled at NYSSMA majors. All three Carmel High School bands, all three CHS orchestras and the CHS chorus each performed at NYSSMA majors and received gold and silver ratings. The groups went on to play at the Music in the Parks Festival last week and were awarded superior ratings for the second year in a row. The 6th, 7th and 8th grade orchestras also performed well at the NYSSMA majors.

  Music education plays a big part even in elementary school, as music teachers lead students in performances for events throughout the year. 

  Carmel’s music program helps introduce our students to a larger music community. Carmel hosted state and countywide functions this year and brought additional music opportunities to our students. The department sets the groundwork for our students to have a lifetime of music.

  District News

• Soup from a Stone at Kent Primary

  Lisa Chase’s second grade class at Kent Primary School proudly presented a delightful Readers Theater musical titled “Stone Soup,” based on the classic folktale.

  The students brought the story to life with spirited narration, charming dialogue, and catchy songs that captured the magic of sharing and community. Each child played an important role, whether as a narrator, a villager, or the clever traveler, showcasing their enthusiasm and teamwork. The simple yet heartfelt performance was a wonderful celebration of kindness and cooperation, leaving the audience smiling and inspired.

  Juliana Schultz, Kent Primary's retired music teacher, came back to school and volunteered her time as "musical director" to help prepare the students for the production. Schultz and Chase have been collaborating on a musical performance each year since 2012. 

  After the show, the class came together to celebrate their accomplishments and a wonderful second grade year.

  Kent Primary School News

• Learning to Solve Crimes While Getting College Credit

  After a fire alarm went off at Carmel High School, investigators came to the scene and found a burned stack of math finals in a garbage pail and a pack of matches.

  This was a job for the SUPA Forensics students at Carmel High School.

  For their final project, the students had to investigate one of three mock crime scenes in the high school’s Casey Hall. The mock crimes involved arson, a classroom stabbing and money stolen from a safe.

  Natalie, a senior, decided to take SUPA (Syracuse University Project Advance) Forensics, after her counselor told her she could earn four college credits.

  “I like crime shows, so I thought it would be really cool,” Natalie said. “And it has been great. Today we are processing evidence like it’s an authentic crime scene. Next week, we present it as if we are in a court of law.”

  The exercise is the culmination of applying all they have learned in the class, said Eugene Pepe III, who teaches Forensics, SUPA Forensics and Chemistry at the high school.

  “This is a very hands-on class," Pepe said. "The only way they learn this is if they do it." 

  He should know, he’s been a teacher for 22 years.

  “They don’t have to solve the crime; they just have to process it,” Pepe said. “They have to collect the evidence, preserve it and document it.”

  Investigators from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office came to the class to guide students in how to process crime scene evidence. The presence of three investigators and School Resource Officer Mike Gray certainly gave the mock crime scenes a feeling of legitimacy.

  “I think it’s eye-opening for them,” Senior Investigator Randel Hill said. “It brings a real-life perspective to what we do. It’s not like TV.”

  Hill was working with students on the mock stabbing incident.

  As students gathered around a bloody desk with tape measures in hand, the investigator showed them how to get the most accurate measurements at a crime scene.

  “Don’t worry, the blood is not real,” Pepe whispered to an onlooker.

  Carmel High School News

• Technology Whiz Kids Help Others

  Most seventh graders might spend their lunch periods relaxing and socializing, but not the A Team from Technology Teacher Jeff Naso’s class.

  Alissa, Lyndsey and Emma rush to the technology lab during their free periods to help other students create projects with the 3d printer, laser cutter or other high-tech tools.

  “We help Mr. Naso with the sixth graders’ projects,” Alissa said.

  “It’s so much fun,” said Emma, who always enjoyed making things in art class.

  Recently, they also made new signs for some George Fischer Middle School offices.

  “The existing wooden guidance office sign has been here for decades,” Counselor Lisa Jackson said. “We are so glad to get an upgrade while also helping the kids who work with Mr. Naso extend their skills.”

  Though she’s only 13 years old, Lyndsey said the technology class has made her think about becoming an engineer in the future.

  “I might go into engineering,” Lyndsey said. “I’m considering it. It’s a little too early to decide for sure.”

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Cookbook Unites Kent Primary Community

  Families who are looking for a tasty meal have a new resource to turn to: The Kent Primary School Community Cookbook.

  The book features nearly 50 recipes that range from Irish Soda Bread, to Zeppoles to Chiles Rellenos and Marry Me Chicken.

  “A community cookbook in a diverse neighborhood is more than just a collection of recipes – it’s a celebration of culture, connection and shared stories,” said Third Grade Teacher Alison Spunt. “By bringing together dishes from different backgrounds, it fosters inclusion, preserves traditions and builds community pride, all while introducing neighbors to new flavors and traditions.”

  Read more

  Kent Primary School News

• Matthew Paterson Gets a Little Lending Library

  Students at Matthew Paterson Elementary School now have another place to find great books to read.  

  The school just opened a Little Lending Library, which sits right by the main entrance and is open to all.   

  Teaching Assistant Leslie Maher came up with the idea.  She had seen little lending libraries – built like tiny houses on top of a post – and thought it would be great if Matthew Paterson could have one of its own.  

  “When teachers reorganize their classrooms, they often have a lot of books that they no longer need,” Maher said. “I just thought this would be a great way to make those books available to our students.”  

  Principal Jenn Darling loved the idea of giving students yet another fun way to fall in love with reading. 

  “Lots of families come here after school, to the playground or for sports,” Darling said. “Now they can stop and pick up a book. We are happy to do anything that promotes a love of reading.” 

   But who could build the tiny library?  

  Diana McDermott, who teaches third and fourth grade at Matthew Paterson, knew just the guy. Her husband, Bill, built both of their homes. She volunteered him.  

  “He was volun-told,” she joked. “But he didn’t mind. He was happy to build a little library for the school, and he doesn’t do anything half-way. Look at all the detail. It’s really beautiful.”  

  When Principal Darling cut the ribbon on the Little Lending Library this week, the school already had close to 300 books collected to fill it.  

  “I just live down the block,” Maher said. “In the summer, I can just stop by and restock it.”  

  Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

• No Place for Hate -- See Video

  Congratulations to GFMS for earning the designation of a "No Place for Hate" school.

  This year-long, student-led effort will help make the middle school an affirming, welcoming and safe learning environment for all. Members of the school's Equity Club went to the city on Tuesday, May 20 to give a presentation on all the work they did to help GFMS become a member of the "No Place for Hate" school community.

  See the GFMS No Place for Hate video to find out more about the program. 

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Budget Passed and Three New Board Members Elected

  Voters endorsed the Carmel Central School District Budget Tuesday and elected three new board members to the Board of Education.  

  The budget passed by a vote of 1290 to 1113. Nicholas Magliano, Frank Grasso and Michael Torpey were elected to the Board of Education.   

  “I’m so appreciative to the community for supporting students and allowing us to fulfill the mission of the district,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben said. “I also want to welcome the three new Board of Education members Nicholas Magliano, Frank Grasso and Michael Torpey.” 

  The Board of Education results were:  

  Nicholas Magliano -- 1390  
  Frank Grasso -- 1252 
   Michael Torpey --1255 
   Prakash Tewari -- 1059 
   Nathaniel Query -- 740 

  Board President Melissa Orser said she was grateful that the community approved the budget.  

  “I want to thank the community for coming out to support our schools,” Board President Orser said. “I also want to thank the administration – both the superintendent of schools and the assistant superintendents – for upholding the board’s focus on fiscal responsibility.” 

  District News

• Tim Raney Chosen for NYS Master Teacher Program

  Any of the students who have been in Tim Raney’s video production or engineering classes at Carmel High School know he is a master of his craft. His attention to detail, thorough understanding of complex subjects and ability to inspire creativity are part of every class he teaches.

  Now, even those who haven’t studied with him will recognize his skills. Raney has been selected for the highly competitive New York State Master Teacher Program.

  “I applied because I’m passionate about teaching STEM and constantly looking for ways to grow,” he said. “The program offers an incredible opportunity to collaborate with other educators, learn from experts and bring new strategies back to my students and colleagues.”   

  Raney is now part of a statewide network of educators that was established in 2013 to recognize outstanding K-12 public school STEM teachers and counselors. As a master teacher he becomes part of a community of educators who push each other to grow.

  Read More

  Carmel High School News

• Rededication of Clifton Watson Memorial Grove

  Back in the 1980s members of the Kent Elementary School community wanted to create something that would serve as a tribute to Clifton Watson, the school’s longtime principal.

  They created the Clifton Watson Memorial Grove to honor a beloved educator who was a leader in environmental education.

  On May 29, the grove will be rededicated in a ceremony at Kent Elementary School at 11 a.m. The public is invited to celebrate the legacy of one of the district’s great school leaders.

  Read more

  Kent Elementary School News

• See the Budget Newsletter

  The 2025-26 Budget Newsletter has been mailed to residents throughout the Carmel Central School District. You don't, however, have to wait for yours to come in the mail. You can read it right here: 2025-26 Budget Newsletter. 

  District News

• Fourth Graders Experience History

  Fourth graders in all three Carmel Central School District elementary schools learned about the American Revolution in a History Day celebration that allowed them to experience life the way soldiers did 250 years ago. They dressed in uniform, marched, drilled and pitched tents.   

  Colonial and Revolutionary history are part of the fourth-grade curriculum and George Fischer Middle School Social Studies Teacher Keith Reilly and Carmel High School History Teacher Rob Buccheri visited Kent Elementary School, Kent Primary School and Matthew Paterson Elementary School to help bring American history to life for the youngsters.  

  GFMS Reading Teacher Denise Santalis organized the event and took the fantastic photos. 

  See more

   

  District News

• Art Show Featured in Lohud.com

  Student Art Show Featured in Lohud.com

  The 41st Annual Student Art Show at Carmel High School was featured in the local news site Lohud.com.  The news site included a video and slideshow of the event, which drew large crowds from throughout the community.  Nearly 450 CHS students had their artwork displayed in the show, which featured works in a variety of media, including pottery, graphic arts, painting, drawing and more.  

  Carmel High School News

• Second Grader Inspires a Relay for Life Team

  When Lucas, a second grader at Matthew Paterson Elementary School, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, the impact on his family was tremendous.

  “Lucas was six months old at the time,” his mother Ashley Martinez said. “He is a twin, we were so worried that his twin brother, Oliver, would develop cancer, too. Our oldest son, Adrian, was just three. It was a very scary time.”

  Lucas is cancer-free now. Since his recovery, the family has helped raise money in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to help find a cure. Lucas has been involved in the Relay since he was two years old, walking and raising money for cancer research.

  This year, the Relay for Life of Eastern Putnam will be held at Brewster High School on Saturday, May 31 from 2 to 10 p.m.

  The Martinez family will be there along with a team of about 20 family members and friends who call themselves “The Lukey-Dukes.”

  “We welcome all friends, families and CCSD staff to join us,” Mrs. Martinez said. “Our team raises money specifically for childhood cancer. At the Relay, we do a dinosaur lap with inflatable costumes. We just try to bring attention to childhood cancer.”

  Read more

  Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

• Don't Miss the 41st Annual Student Art Show

  Carmel High School’s 41st Annual Student Art Show will have special evening hours on Thursday, April 10 from 6 - 8 p.m. The show, which features work from about 450 students, will run through Friday, April 11 at noon.  

  “This year’s show features more hands-on displays for graphics classes,” said Art Teacher Danielle Marino. “Ms. Kenny has been focused on product and packaging design with her classes and she has created beautiful notebooks, bags and gift boxes which can be picked up and examined.”     

  But that’s not all that’s new this year. 

  “Several Carmel students participated in the Garrison Art Center's student exhibit,” Ms. Marino said. “The show was last week, and we set up a separate display area for our students to show off their work based on the theme "Exploring Identity.” 

  Carmel High School News