pleasantville schools 2026 of education... · pleasantville schools 2026 strategic planning team...

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Pleasantville Schools

2026

Go Forth to Serve

Five Year Strategic Plan 2014–2019

Pleasantville Schools 2026 Strategic Planning Team

2014-2019

Board of Education

Lois Winkler, Lou Conte

Administration

Mary Fox-Alter, Peggy Galotti, Dr. Dan McCann, Dr. Carolyn McGuffog, Vivian Ossowski Faculty

HS- Joyce Connell, Lorraine Kearney, Virginia Mancini, Dan Iorio, Staci Tedrow PMS- Melissa Brown, Kathleen Canfield, Tracy O’Sullivan, Angela Zappavigna

Pleasantville Schools 2026 Strategic Planning Team

2014-2019

Faculty (con’t)

BRS Christopher Marsden, Jennifer Picco, Lisa Rodriguez, Erica Siciliano, Susanne Wilson

District- Sam Aidala

Public Relations- Julie Schwartz

Parents

Nicole McCarthy, Katerina McTiernan, Kat Nemec, Benjamin Serebin Students

Maggie Sullivan, Nick Andreacchi

Pleasantville Schools 2026 Mission

2014-2019

The mission of Pleasantville Union Free School District, the pathway to unique opportunities inspired by valued traditions, is to empower all students to thrive as lifelong learners, dynamic thinkers, and compassionate, contributing citizens through a learning community distinguished by:

rich, differentiated academic programs in which depth of understanding, creativity and critical reasoning flourish

a safe, supportive environment of respect and collaboration

exploration of individual passions and celebration of accomplishments

leadership and service

Pleasantville Schools 2026 Beliefs

2014-2019

We believe that…

Respect for all is the foundation of a caring and vibrant community.

Personal responsibility is essential to a healthy society.

Mindful change is the catalyst for learning, growth and opportunity as change is inevitable.

Curiosity drives critical thinking, self-fulfillment, and innovation.

One’s passion to create, dream, learn and persevere results in joy.

Self-awareness demands reflection.

Pleasantville Schools 2026 Beliefs

2014-2019

We believe that…(Cont’d)

Freedom of choice is essential to the pursuit of new ideas.

Embracing individuality maximizes human potential.

The power of advocacy is through one’s own voice.

Integrity requires the courage to stand up for what is right even if one stands alone.

A sense of family is fundamental to a thriving community.

Pleasantville Schools 2026 Strategic Objectives

2014-2019

1. Each student will excel in a personally challenging, rigorous, academic course of study.

2. Each student will acquire an educational foundation enabling the pursuit of individual passions.

3. Each student will embody strength of character as a contributing member of society.

4. Each student will pursue a life of wholeness, purpose and balance.

Pleasantville Schools 2026 Parameters 2014-2019

1. We will base decisions on what is best for students.

2. We will treat all people with dignity and respect.

3. We will honor the voice of every individual.

4. We will ensure integrity in our actions and relationships.

5. We will not compromise our commitment to excellence in education.

Pleasantville Schools 2026 Strategies 2014-2019

1. We will design dynamic, differentiated learning environments infused with technology in the arts.

2. We will design dynamic, differentiated learning environments infused with technology in the sciences (STEM).

3. We will design dynamic, differentiated learning environments infused with technology in the humanities.

4. We will explore, design, and realize optimal uses of time, space, and place.

5. We will sustain and expand our climate of holistic wellness.

6. We will communicate to inform and empower.

7. We will strengthen existing and develop new community partnerships.

Pleasantville Schools 2026

STRATEGY ONE

We will design dynamic, differentiated learning environments infused with technology in the arts.

ACTION TEAM MEMBERS

Action Team Leaders: Jim Maron, Art Department Chair; Cara Padovani, MS Special Ed Teacher

Mark Avallone Kat Hughes Mary Lynne Bonforte Jacob Nemec Diane Celentano Lana Pattinson Laura Chapman Carolyn Ramsey Rachel Cooper Benjamin Trombetta Stuart Vance


Strategy 1: We will design dynamic, differentiated learning environments infused with technology in the arts

• Specific Result- Plan 1: Explore nontraditional ways to showcase student talent in the Arts

• Specific Result- Plan 2: We will develop flexible “Innovative” learning spaces for the Arts and Music

• Specific Result- Plan 3: Explore nontraditional ways to showcase student talent through Music

• Specific Result-Plan 4: Create Community Partnerships in the Arts and Music


Strategy 1: We will design dynamic, differentiated learning environments infused with technology in the arts

• Specific Result – Plan 5: Create a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) position for the district.

• Specific Result- Plan 6: Allow for opportunities to explore dance in school as an after-school club and a PE alternative

• Specific Result – Plan 7: Offer additional after school programs, and extend electives/workshops to the middle school

• Specific Result- Plan 8: Obtain cutting edge technology in visual arts and music


STRATEGY TWO We will design dynamic, differentiated environments infused with

technology in the sciences (STEM).

ACTION TEAM MEMBERS Action Team Leaders: Dr. Dan McCann, High School Principal;

Dr. Martha Matteo, Community Member

MJ Becker Michael Inglis Anjali Sauthoff, Ph.D. Libby Brennesholtz Joan Jacobsen Katie Schaub Brian Catalano Prof. J.D. Lewis Ben Serebin Dipak Chandy, M.D. Alethea Lynch Allison Steinberg

Tucker Coburn Joanne Pugliese

Jake Glinski Ravikumar Ramachandran Tim Healy Brian Rivenburg Stephanie Imperato Prof. Usha Sankar


Strategy 2: We will design dynamic and differentiated learning environments infused with technology in the sciences (STEM).

• Specific Result- Plan 1: Design and implement K-12 Science inquiry based curriculum that meets and exceeds NGSS and NYS curriculum standards.

• Specific Result- Plan 2: Engage Middle School students in Inquiry- based learning and increase exposure to bio-chem-physics interfaces, by integrating a revised 5-8 STEM curriculum with targeted Extended Learning opportunities.

• Specific Result- Plan 3: Strengthen practice of inquiry based learning and hands on laboratory experience in K-12 in order to cultivate critical thinking skills.

• Specific Result-Plan 4: Administrative support of professional development


Strategy 2: We will design dynamic and differentiated learning environments infused with technology in the sciences (STEM).

• Specific Result – Plan 5: Peer supported professional development

• Specific Result- Plan 6: External resources for professional development

• Specific Result – Plan 7: Develop a sequence of computer science courses in the Pleasantville School District.

• Specific Result- Plan 8: Expand Science Research Program in High School

• Specific Result – Plan 9: Ensure a strong and sustainable extended learning program of student-directed STEM research and learning opportunities in grades K-12.

• Specific Result- Plan 10: Offer training to introduce parents and increase awareness of the Singapore Math Curriculum so they can support students at home. Expand Teacher training and professional development in Singapore Math program to expand their knowledge and expertise in this program.

Pleasantville Schools 2026 Strategy 2: We will design dynamic and differentiated learning environments infused with technology in the sciences (STEM).

• Specific Result- Plan 11: Strengthen Math Curriculum/ Math literacy in grades 1-4 and Middle school by drawing from existing extended learning programs that emphasize non- standard and open-ended problem solving for example Math Olympiad (4-8) and Math counts (7-8).

• Specific Result- Plan 12: Transform/Create physical spaces, one in each of the school buildings to encourage collaborative and cooperative learning and offer hands-on learning opportunities.

• Specific Result – Plan 13: Establish partnerships with external stem organizations that help to build and foster career based experiential learning for PUFSD.

• Specific Result- Plan 14: Implement a research format for inquiry based learning in grades K-12 across all curriculum areas.

• Specific Result- Plan 15: Establish a Help Desk for students and teachers to improve knowledge of technology use, and improve effectiveness of use of technology and teaching and learning.

• Specific Result- Plan 16: Students bring their own computers to class to support teaching and learning (Bring your own computer).


STRATEGY THREE We will design dynamic, differentiated learning environments infused

with technology in the humanities.

ACTION TEAM MEMBERS Action Team Leaders: Virginia Mancini, HS Curriculum

Coordinator/Social Studies Department Chair; Lea Macdonald, MS Curriculum Coordinator/Social Studies Teacher

Brett Bisgrove Gaby Greenwald Golod

Christine Cabassa Keith Grasmann Liliana O’Leary Barbara Catterton Bob Hughes Arthur Rogers Eamon Coburn Scott Johnson Lois Winkler Leslie Cohen Yasho Lahiri

Samantha D’Angelo Rebecca Lord

Violet Fearon Kiernan McCarthy


Strategy 3: We will design dynamic, differentiated learning environments infused with technology in the humanities.

• Specific Result- Plan 1: A specific value statement will be developed, communicated and implemented.

• Specific Result- Plan 2: Implement a multi-year humanities research program at PHS.

• Specific Result- Plan 3: Teachers will be trained to incorporate aspects of the flipped, problem-based, and cooperative learning classrooms.

• Specific Result-Plan 4: Provide opportunities to reconfigure classrooms to meet the needs of alternative instructional techniques.

• Specific Result- Plan 5: Enhance the development, implementation and evaluation of the annual Professional Development Plan (PDP).

Pleasantville Schools 2026 Strategy 3: We will design dynamic, differentiated learning environments infused with technology in the humanities.

• Specific Result – Plan 6: Establish metrics/rubrics to evaluate the effectiveness of development programs/activities.

• Specific Result- Plan 7: Implement an internship program that allows students grades 10- 12 to explore career/outside learning opportunities.

• Specific Result – Plan 8: Implement an evaluation process for high school courses.

• Specific Result- Plan 9: Establish a representative body to facilitate the integration of field trips into the humanities curriculum.

• Specific Result- Plan 10: Establish a process and parameters through which field trips can be introduced, modified, & evaluated.

• Specific Result- Plan 11: Pilot and evaluate new instructional-based technology related practices.

• Specific Result – Plan 12: Expand opportunities for K-12 students to engage in literary pursuits outside the classroom.


STRATEGY FOUR We will explore, design, and realize optimal uses of time, space,

and place.

ACTION TEAM MEMBERS Action Team Leaders: Gregg Fonde, HS Assistant Principal;

Don Marra, MS Assistant Principal

Kathleen Ballantine Kathy Palmer Joyce Connell Eileen Prizeman Christopher DeGrazia Carmel Promisel Kitty Howe Jennifer Reinharz Shane McGaffey Jennifer Kohn Searle Beth McGinley Kristen Weiss


Strategy 4: We will explore, design, and realize optimal uses of time, space, and place.

• Specific Result- Plan 1: Rearrange the master schedule to maximize student learning in BRS, PMS, and PHS.

• Specific Result- Plan 2: Increase learning opportunities and expand traditional classrooms via technology.

• Specific Result- Plan 3: Improve the middle school and elementary school facilities.

• Specific Result-Plan 4: Examine existing district calendar and related systems to maximize student learning.

• Specific Result – Plan 5: Increase professional capacity through teacher collaboration and professional development.


STRATEGY FIVE We will sustain and expand our climate of holistic wellness.

ACTION TEAM MEMBERS Action Team Leaders: Cathy Sabol, Parent; Ila Vinchkoski, MS Special

Ed Teacher

Holly Boes Deborah Fischer Thea Krumme Jackie Burton Justine Fontinell Dr. Shawn Marinello Andrea Busch Emma Frank Nicole McCarthy Justine Collins Jennifer Gorsuch Tom Micucci Helene Dahan Herbert H. Doerr PT John Mueller Elyse Diamond Myndi Hill Jane Mwanza Danielle Dispenza Colleen Holby Jim O’Connell Amanda May Dundas Linda Kluge Harald Sauthoff Donna Scimia


Strategy 5: We will Sustain and Expand our Climate of Holistic Wellness

• Specific Result- Plan 1: The district will increase daily movement in the lives of students K-12.

• Specific Result- Plan 2: We will add more from scratch, fresh, locally-sourced, and organic food to our cafeteria menus.

• Specific Result- Plan 3: Additional and updated curriculum standards for nutrition education at each grade level and provision of resources and tools for teachers to teach to these standards.

• Specific Result-Plan 4: Our District will have a comprehensive Wellness Policy that is accessible to everyone

• Specific Result – Plan 5: Apply for and Receive Drug Free Coalition Grant. The Drug Free Coalition Grant, if awarded, will fund permissible grant activities relating to drug preventive activities for Pleasantville Youth. The award is for $125,000 per year for a Five Year period. Implement the funding for Substance Abuse prevention among our youth in Pleasantville with permissible uses as outlined in the Drug Free Coalition Grant


Strategy 5: We will Sustain and Expand our Climate of Holistic Wellness

• Specific Result- Plan 6: Apply for funding (partial), receive the OASAS Grant, and consider having a Substance Abuse Prevention Counselor in MS and HS thru Westchester Student Assistance Program, “Project Success”. Implement the funding for Substance Abuse prevention counselor to be assigned to Pleasantville Middle School and High School via “Project Success.”

• Specific Result – Plan 7: Assess and value existing programs in building a comprehensive, district-wide character education program that is infused into every aspect of school life to promote the social, emotional, and ethical development of every child. This will ensure that each student will embody strength of character to pursue a life of wholeness, purpose, and balance, as a contributing member of society.


STRATEGY SIX

We will communicate to inform and empower.

ACTION TEAM MEMBERS

Action Team Leaders: Julie Schwartz, Director of Communications; Laura Twomey, BRS Teacher

Kim Bendus Francine McKenzie Beth D’Allesandro Paula McLane Charlene Dundie Tom Murphy Lisa Long Emily Rubin Persons


Strategy 6: We will communicate to inform and empower.

• Specific Result-Plan 1: We will establish a progressive communication team, clearly defined and supported. (Phase 1)

• Specific Result-Plan 2: We will establish a progressive communication team, clearly defined and supported. (Phase 2)

• Specific Result-Plan 3: We will efficiently utilize and maximize the potential of our website and technology to assure clear and concise communication for all stake holders.

• Specific Result-Plan 4: We will establish a social communication platform for the Pleasantville School District community.


Strategy 6: We will communicate to inform and empower. • Specific Result-Plan 5: We will create a brand for the Pleasantville School District that reflects our mission and values and presents a consistent image across all forms of communication.

• Specific Result-Plan 6: We will continually provide relevant instruction surrounding communication processes for staff, students and community. We will build and maintain an inventory of accessible and relevant instructional videos and Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) for all stakeholder consumption.

• Specific Result-Plan 7: We will install an electronic message board.


STRATEGY SEVEN We will strengthen existing and develop new community partnerships.

ACTION TEAM MEMBERS Action Team Leaders: Dr. Cindy Kramer, BRS Assistant Principal;

Sara Natlo, BRS Teacher

Melissa Brown Dr. Chuck Matteo

Rosemary Browne Juliette Saisselin-Killion

Mara Cohen Lois Shillito

Andrea Garbarini Chris Welsh


Strategy 7: We will strengthen existing and develop new community partnerships.

• Specific Result-Plan 1: Design, manage, and sustain a database portal for the community at large to communicate internship and community/school partnership opportunities and needs.

• Specific Result-Plan 2: Expand opportunities and increase enrollment for the Pleasantville High School senior internship program.

• Specific Result-Plan 3: Expand opportunities for expert community volunteers to bring sustainable extended learning programs into the District.

• Specific Result-Plan 4: Develop and implement an exemplary and sustainable K-12 student-to-student mentorship program for Pleasantville School District.

• Specific Result-Plan 5: Create and develop an alternative high school program, in addition to BOCES, that is open to a diverse student body which allows them to learn in a non-traditional setting and provides opportunities for real world experiences within the community.


Year One Work underway:

– PLC model for professional development 2014-15, “reframing time” – Conferences – Federal Grant Project – Curriculum:

• Curriculum Council – a window into our work • Curriculum Mapping – Rubicon Atlas • Curriculum Differentiation – i-Ready • New electives • Expanded science research program

– Technology infrastructure – Bond – MS Library Maker Space project – ParentLink App – Web-site work – Drug Free Coalition Grant – John Mueller’s work

• June 30 – 8 PM

Pleasantville Schools 2026 Implementation / Annual Review

2014-2015

Implementation Plan will be presented in the Fall 2014

Annual Review by the Strategic Planning Team Spring 2015

pleasantville schools 2026 of education... · pleasantville schools 2026 strategic planning team...

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