Voyages Budget 2011-12 Issue

VoyagesAward-Winning Publ icat ion of the Valhal la Union Free School Distr ic t

S p r i n g 2 0 1 1

A Message from the Board PresidentDear Community,The new normal.It seems that we are hearing that phrase with great regularity these days, typically when something has changednot necessarily for the better. To be absolutely clear, there is a new normal and the Valhalla Union Free School Districtwill operate within that new paradigm.What has not been changed is the commitment that our community must make to prepare our students to succeedas world citizens, intellectually and socially.The prolonged economic downturn, along with employment agreements that were negotiated in a different environment,has placed severe constraints on virtually every school district, including Valhalla. Now, more so than ever, we will bechallenged to fulfill our mission with fewer resources. We understand that the taxpayers’ burden has reached the upperends of its limits, while New York State finances have, and will likely continue, to trend lower.The Board of Education approached the Teachers Union to try to negotiate some cost savings in their contract, whichexpires June 30th this year. Unfortunately, they respectfully declined, as is their right. Given that the most significant costdriver in a school district's budget is the compensation and compensation-related expenditures, one of the very fewoptions left available is to reduce staffing. It is with regret that accordingly the Board of Education and SuperintendentBrenda Myers identified that 14 valued members of our faculty and staff would be separated from employment in our dis-trict in order to generate a year-over-year budgeted spending increase approximately equivalent to a contingency budget.This has required the district to look at the way that it operates from a much different perspective and to makesome difficult choices. Some new approaches to providing resources for our special education community havebeen designed and will be implemented at the start of the 2011–2012 school year. Certain administrators andteachers will be called upon to increase their responsibilities.The new normal, which may include a 2 percent property tax cap effective with the 2012–2013 school budget year,the estimated double-digit percentage increases in teacher and staff retirement contributions and medical insurance costsin future years, ever-increasing tax certiorari refunds and the almost certain reduction in New York State aid has allthe elements generating the high probability in the 2012–2013 school year of another year of significant additionalfaculty and staff headcount reduction, absent any changes in the environment.I respectfully call upon this community to get actively involved in understanding the governance of the schooldistrict through the Board of Education. The elected members of the Board of Education serve at your pleasure, andshould ideally represent the community's children and taxpayers’ best interests. If you seek to make change, I stronglyencourage you to become involved by attending meetings, asking questions or even considering serving on theBoard of Education.Finally, credit should be given to Superintendent Myers and School Business Official Christina Howe for their excellentwork in generating this conscientious and fair budget in the context of their seemingly recent entry into the district. Theyhave laid the groundwork in these challenging times for a continually improving and evolving Valhalla School District.Sincerely,

Michael J. Smith, President, Board of Education,Valhalla Union Free School District

www.valhallaschools.org

Voting Information:The annual budget votefor the fiscal year 2011-2012 by the qualifiedvoters of the ValhallaUnion Free SchoolDistrict will be held onTuesday, May17, at thefollowing locations:

District 1:Town of MountPleasantKensico School320 Columbus Ave.Valhalla, NY 10595

District 2:Town of North CastleNorth CastleCommunity Center10 Clove RoadNorth White Plains, NY 10603

District 3:Town of GreenburghVirginia RoadElementary School86 Virginia RoadNorth White Plains, NY 10603

Voting hours will be6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information…Learn more about the districtand the proposed budget for2011-2012 by logging onto

our Web site atwww.valhallaschools.org

Budget

Information

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VMS science teacher Jennifer Granich did.She envisioned a garden, she said, wherestudents “would learn how to grow organicproduce and have it for lunch.”Two years later, in mid-March 2011, Ms.Granich and her 20 student gardenerswere already getting ready to plantseedlings for tomatoes, cucumbers, pep-pers, basil, spinach, lettuce, squash andpumpkin in the garden’s greenhouse,purchased with a grant along with garden-ing tools and materials to build plantingbeds. “We want to get the seedlings ata good height so they start producingearly,” she said.The gardeners have 1,500 little helpers:red wigglers (worms), who quietly munchaway on food scraps in a dark compost-ing bin in Ms. Granich’s classroom.The worms break the food down intoorganically-rich compost that will enhancethe soil used to grow the vegetables.

Gardening Helps Kids LearnThe garden project is open to all studentsin grades 6-12 who want to help out afterschool. Some of the students, Ms. Granichsaid, have never been in a garden beforeand have “no clue where their food comesfrom,” while others have parents who are

avid gardeners.Gardening helps students make connec-tions between science, social studies, mathand language arts. For example, asixth grade language arts class is currentlyreading “Seedfolks,” the story of how ablighted neighborhood and its diverse

inhabitants are transformed when they startan urban garden.

School gardens also enablestudents to:

• Care for other living things• Learn ecological principles• Experience the wonders of nature• Practice leadership skills• Be physically active

Produce Used in SchoolCooking ClassIn addition to the vegetables, Ms. Granichand the students plan to grow watermelonsand perennial flowers that attract butterfliesin the 25’ x 60’ plot. On order is furniturethat unfolds into an outdoor desk andbench so that students can have lessonsoutside.A timed system will keep the gardenwatered so the vegetables and flowerscontinue to grow over the summer whilethe students are away. Teachers who workat the school during the summer monthswill pick the produce, which goes to asummer student cooking class taught byteachers Nancy Baker and Paul Silano.“The garden gets students outside,” Ms.Granich said. “It’s satisfying when we goout there. The kids love it.”

Students assembled the garden's green house last summer.

Some of last summer’s bounty.

From Garden to TableWho’d have thought that a long-neglected courtyard, knee deep in brush andivy and buried under mounds of snow in winter, could be transformed into aworking school garden?

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Computer Whiz Kids:Mac LessonsStart Early at KSKids and computers are a natural fit,and at the Kensico School, learninghow to use them starts early – inthe third grade.

In technology teacher Patrick Ward’sclassroom, students begin by learning thebasics on a Mac: logging on with a userID, clicking and dragging, saving, copyingand pasting. They increase their skills untilthey are able to create their own websites,complete with photos and blogs. Moreadvanced lessons include how to cus-tomize your desktop, burn a CD, editphotos and create charts and graphs usingPowerPoint.“By the time they get to the fifth grade,they’re enjoying the creation of their own-website and learning so many differentskills,”Mr. Ward said.“They’re really flying.”

How Students Use ComputersThe students use the computers to work onclass assignments. For example, fifthgraders recently were working on a reporton an endangered species. The studentsfirst do research on computers in the schoollibrary with the help of Media SpecialistLinda Carpentieri. They may also usenewspapers and books, taking notes onindex cards.During their weekly 30-minute class withMr. Ward (fifth graders have class twotimes a week), they create a web pagefor their report and import images of theanimal they’ve chosen from an image bankMr. Ward maintains.Parrots caught the attention of fifth graderAlexa Masucci after she read an articleabout them. She created a web pageabout the exotic bird and had learnedhow to change the background to give thepage a rainbow effect. “I thought it wouldbe cool to write about parrots because Ihad one when I was little,” she said.Classmate Kayla Greenberg has beenusing an advanced tool called instantalpha, which allows users to remove thebackground of an image. She had doneso to a photo of herself, clipping out herface and imposing it over the face of

actress Emma Watson, dressed in costumeas “Harry Potter” character Hermione.Cameron Flynn and Jonathan Walls bothare big sports fans and had each builtweb pages devoted to their favorite teams.Cameron had added special effects andcolorful backgrounds to the articles hewrote about the New York Knicks because“I like my articles to stand out,” he said.Jonathan’s website is devoted to footballand the Komodo Dragon, the endangeredspecies he wrote about. He learned manynew skills building his site, he said, andis becoming a better typist. “The Mac isreally helpful for my school projects.”

Fourth-Grade BloggersThe students in a fourth grade class recent-ly were busy learning to create a personalblog where they could write about them-selves or something important to them.Valerie Howard was planning to blog

about an RV trip to Virginia she’ll be takingduring spring break with her family andtwo of her friends. Likewise for classmateNya Bragg, who wanted to write abouther trip in February to Puerto Rico to visitfriends and family. “I like writing storiesabout my life and friends and what I do,”she said.Michael Rizzuto, however, wasn’t sure yetwhat the topic of his blog would be, butone thing he was certain about --- Macsbeat PCs hands down. “You can do somuch more with a Mac,” he said.Some students become so adept at usingthe Mac, they even teach Mr. Ward a trickor two with keystroke shortcuts they discov-er. “They’re so into it,” he said. “They’reborn into this digital world and they’regetting faster and faster. It’s an excitingtime for these kids.”

Fourth graderNya Bragg getsready to blogabout a familytrip.

Kensico School students learn how to use Mac computersstarting in the third grade.

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Chris, tell usabout yourbackground.When did youcome to teachat KS?I've had an affinitywith string instru-ments since earlychildhood.Growing up, Ihad many positive

experiences performing in school ensem-bles as well as composing music and play-ing in bands with friends outside of school.I continue to play in orchestras, bands,and impromptu music-making sessions tothis day.

In college, I worked for several summers asa camp counselor, leading kids in musicactivities, running a songwriting club andcoaching camper bands. I experiencedfirsthand the ways that music can buildcommunity, foster friendships and encour-age creative expression.

I was hired at Kensico last summer as along-term leave replacement teacher. Thefact that Valhalla has a string program wascertainly a big draw for me. My specificexperiences, skills and passion for stringinstruments made for a good fit with theprogram here at Valhalla.

When students enter the pro-gram, have they been takinglessons outside of school, or dothey learn with you from thebeginning?

The program begins in the fourth grade.For the vast majority of students, it is theirfirst experience with a string instrument.They receive a lesson once a week in asmall group. As concerts approach, theyattend weekly rehearsals as a largerorchestra. Students who study an instrumentoutside of school also are invited to jointhe orchestra and perform at the concerts.

At the elementary school there are approxi-

mately 20 violinists, eight violists and fivecellists. At the middle school there are simi-lar numbers in addition to three bassists.The program currently serves students ingrades 4 – 9. Next year the district will beexpanding the program to include a highschool orchestra, an ensemble that willgrow as the older grades are filled in.Is it true that few schools have astring program and that there isan interest in a revival of them?Living in New York City for the past sixyears, I can tell you that string programs inpublic schools there are few and farbetween. String programs exist in healthiernumbers here inWestchester County,although none should betaken for granted.The value of string pro-grams has been broughtto our collective attentionin recent years. Manyorganizations such as LittleKids Rock, Mr. Holland'sOpus Foundation andVH1's Save The MusicFoundation partner withschools to provide instru-ments to students whoneed them most.In tough economic times,it is certainly a challenge

to maintain healthy music programs in ourschools. I believe that support for currentprograms – and interest in new ones – isstrong, because as a community, wecan agree on the cultural value of musicwhile also realizing the many benefitsthat studying and performing music hason developing minds.

On that note, what aresome of the greatestbenefits music offersto a child's overalldevelopment?Music is the ultimate interdisci-plinary activity. It is an expres-sive art form, a foreign lan-guage, a mathematical system,a history lesson and a move-ment class all rolled into one.Playing a musical instrumentactivates the brain like nothingelse, demanding accurate coor-

dination of motor skills with visual andauditory information.A solid work ethic is required for the suc-cessful study of a musical instrument.Students learn a great deal about dedica-tion, responsibility and the rewards thatcome with focused attention on a particulartask. As members of an orchestra, theywork together towards a common goalwhile enjoying a positive, healthy and funsocial experience.

Of course, the entire schoolcommunity benefits when thestring orchestra performs and weget to hear the students play!Both Kensico and the middle school put on

winter and spring con-certs. Some highlights fromthe winter include a stringarrangement of “I GotRhythm” and a perform-ance of The Beatles'“Norwegian Wood,”replete with drum set andpercussion. This spring,both groups are tacklingsome of the great worksby Bach, Mozart, Debussyand Wagner, while also“rocking out” on traditionalfiddling tunes. The studentshave been putting in a lotof hard work and we areall looking forward to thespring concerts!

Arts Spotlight: Kensico School’s String OrchestraMusic teacher Chris Czerw has a special job: directing the Kensico School’sstring orchestra. In an interview, he spoke about his passion for music andeducation, the uniqueness of a school string program, and the creative andpsychological benefits students derive from learning to play an instrument andbeing part of an orchestra.

Music teacher Chris Czerw

The fourth grade orchestra at practice.

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A total of 413 schools entered the 2010program, whose mission is to encourageall schools to develop literary magazinesthat showcase excellence in student creativ-ity. Entries to the NCTE are made at theend of each school year, with award lettersdelivered in January of the following year.VOX, which means “voice” in Latin, blendsstudent writing and works of art into eachannual issue.A call for submissions to students in grades9-12 is made in March, and a team of lit-erary and art editors, with guidance fromlead English teacher Regina Monte and artteacher Ivana Masic, evaluate the manypoems, short stories, song lyrics and worksof art that are entered for consideration.Publication is competitive, with less thanhalf of the submissions accepted for anissue after thorough review.

Editorial ExcellenceThe editorial team for the 2010 issueincluded Literary Editors Julia McCarthy(senior 2010) and Roselby Sosa (grade11). The Art Editors were Jessica Caixeiro(grade 10) and Lesly Mejia-Flores(grade 10).The Literary Editors for the 2011 issue ofVOX are Julian Guy, Roselby Sosa andRachel Graham. Jessica Caixeiro andLesly Mejia-Flores are the Art Editors.The editorial team is selected by Ms.Monte and Ms. Masic with input from thestudents’ peers. The students must haveshown excellence in writing and grammarand in art techniques.“I like the fact that such good student writ-ing and art work is on display in the mag-azine,” said 2011 Literary Editor JulianGuy. “You get to see the work of kids youdidn’t think wrote or could draw, and aresurprised by the quality of the work.”

Putting It All TogetherThe editors read each piece of writing,making suggestions to the writer for revi-sion. Art editors review the drawings andpaintings that are submitted, scanning the

pieces onto a Mac computer and prepar-ing them for print. The team also collabo-rates on pairing literary pieces with artwork for each page of the magazine.Literary and art work submissions maybe the result of a class assignment or anindependent project a student works onat home.The entire process – from evaluation of sub-missions to print – takes the editorial teamabout a month to complete. The issues aremailed to homes in the district, distributedon campus and at the annual CoffeeHouse, a platform for students, staff andfaculty to show their talent through poetryreadings and musical performances. “Wetry to give them a real world magazineexperience,” said Ms. Masic, a 1997VHS alumna.The editorial team, Ms. Monte added,“uses everything they’ve learned about writ-ing and art to make the magazine asgood as possible. It’s all about recognizinga good piece of work.”

VOX Magazine Ranked ‘Excellent’ byNational Council of Teachers of EnglishFor the fourth year in a row, VOX, Valhalla High School’s literary magazine,has been ranked Excellent in the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)program to Recognize Excellence in Student Literary Magazines.

The 2010 cover of VOX magazine, ranked ‘Excellent’four years in a row by the National Council of Teachersof English.

Adelphi UniversityArizona State UniversityBentley UniversityBinghamton UniversityBryant UniversityBucknell UniversityBuffalo State College

of SUNYCaldwell CollegeCase Western Reserve

UniversityCoastal Carolina

UniversityDrew UniversityDrexel UniversityElon UniversityFairfield UniversityFairleigh Dickinson

University, MadisonFive Towns CollegeFlorida Atlantic UniversityFlorida International

UniversityFordham UniversityFranciscan University

of SteubenvilleHandong GlobalUniversityHartwick CollegeHigh Point UniversityHofstra UniversityHusson CollegeIona CollegeIthaca CollegeKeene State CollegeKing's CollegeLehigh UniversityLong Island University,

Brooklyn CampusLong Island University,

C.W. Post CampusLouisiana State UniversityLoyola UniversityManhattan CollegeManhattanville CollegeMarist CollegeMercy CollegeMiami University, OxfordMonmouth UniversityMontana State University

Mount Saint MaryCollege

Northeastern UniversityNorthern Arizona

UniversityPace UniversityPennsylvania State

UniversityPlattsburgh State UniversityPolytechnic Institute

of NYUProvidence CollegePurchase CollegeQuinnipiac UniversityRochester Institute of

TechnologyRoger Williams UniversitySacred Heart UniversitySaint Anselm CollegeSaint Joseph's College-MESaint Joseph's UniversitySalisbury UniversitySiena CollegeSt. John's University -

Queens

St. Thomas AquinasCollege

State University ofNew York at Albany

State University of NewYork at New Paltz

Stonehill CollegeSUNY BuffaloSUNY College at

CobleskillSUNY College at

CortlandSUNY College at

OneontaSUNY Morrisville State

CollegeSUNY OswegoSusquehanna UniversityThe Art Institute of

PhiladelphiaThe Catholic University

of AmericaThe Ohio State UniversityThe University of AlabamaThe University of ArizonaThe University of ScrantonThe University of TampaTowson UniversityTruman State UniversityTulane UniversityUniversity of ConnecticutUniversity of HartfordUniversity of Maryland

University ofMassachusetts

University of MichiganUniversity of MississippiUniversity of New

EnglandUniversity of New

HampshireUniversity of New HavenUniversity of North

CarolinaUniversity of Rhode IslandUniversity of Southern

MaineUniversity of VermontUniversity of WyomingUrsinus CollegeUtica CollegeVillanova UniversityWest Virginia UniversityWestchester Community

CollegeWestern Connecticut

State UniversityWestern New England

CollegeWorcester Polytechnic

InstituteYork College of

Pennsylvania

Congratulations to the Class of 2011!The colleges where our students were acceptedwere so great in range and type that they weretoo numerous to list here. Following is a short list ofjust a few of the colleges that have acceptedValhalla students.

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Q.What are the largestchallenges in this budgetcycle?

1. Decreasing revenue•State aid

• BOCES capital support

• Interest on investments

•Overburdened taxpayers

2. Increasing costs•Negotiated contractual salaryobligations

•Health insurance premiums

• Employees’ Retirement System (ERS

contributions)

• Employers share of Social Security(FICA) & Medicare benefits

•Workers compensation

• Special education costs

• Unemployment costs

• Fuel and energy costs

•Water and sewer costs

• Required legal and financialauditing services

• Required state testing, datawarehouse, and accountabilitymeasures

A Message from the SuperintendentDear Parents and Community Members:

During these difficult financial times, the Valhalla Union Free School District has risen to the challenge.The Board of Education, Leadership Team, faculty and staff are clearly committed to keeping ourpromise. We are a progressive school system, ensuring that all students have access to rich educationalprograms that include opportunities to develop their talents in the academics, arts, athleticsand to ultimately be successful global citizens.

Keeping focused on our educational priorities while respecting the fiscal impact on our taxpayershas been at the core of our budget development process. Over the past four months, we have

been dedicated to maintaining this delicate balance.

The 2011-12 budget development process presented a host of challenges. Even after the NYS budget was adopted, Valhallalost $830,000 in state aid due to the GAP elimination adjustment. At the same time we are facing decreasing revenues, weare experiencing increasing expenses. Specifically, our payments for retirement benefits and health insurance are projected toincrease more than $1.7 million next year. We also are experiencing increased state mandates related to the new RegentsReform Agenda and revised graduation requirements.

A single financial strategy will not solve the looming budget deficit. The district is using a four-part plan to bring thebudget-to-budget spending increase down to 2.15 percent. We are focused on the implementation of cost effectivenessstrategies, reductions and cost cutting, the strategic use of fund balance and reserves, and new collaborationsand partnerships. Throughout the budget development process, the District carefully considered all of its options to developa fiscally responsible spending plan that protects our core educational programs.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brenda MyersSuperintendent of Schools

Budget Questions & Answers

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Financial ChallengeOur District is facing two large

financial hardships:

Increasing Costs

Decreasing Revenue

$

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Q. How were proposals forcost reductions determined?

Critical to the development of the2011-12 budget was a decrease inspending while maintaining andimproving quality programs forstudents. Over the course of severalmonths, the Leadership Team andBoard of Education reviewed allprograms and finances to createopportunities for cost savings.

#1 – The District was determined tokeep its promise to our students for the21st Century and to ensure a range oflearning opportunities focused on:

•Academics•Athletics•Arts•Attitude

#2 – Laws and regulations regarding:

Students•Required courses andgraduation requirements

• Required services (IDEA)• Required support (NCLB)• Required assessments• Required schoolimprovement plan

Staff•Required professionaldevelopment programs

•Contractual requirements•Access to technology

#3 – Maximize available aid:

• Transportation aid•BOCES aid•Capital aid - Energyperformance contract

Q.What is the estimated savings from the budget reductions?

Building Recommended Changes SavingsDistrict Wide Co-Curricular $38,241

Operation/Maintenance(***this reduction was in the rollover) ***141,748Special Education Tuition/Summer School 255,182Reduce Materials & Supplies 170,000Reduce Athletic Costs 38,467Reduce Homework Helper/AIS 10,790Reduce Chaperones 5,000Reduce Lead Teacher Stipends 50,000Reduction in Benefits 228,701Reduce 1.0 FTE Speech Therapist 86,633Reduce 1.0 FTE School Psychologist 105,246Reduce 3.0 FTE Special Education Aides 84,526Reduce 1.0 FTE Clerical Staffing 49,485

Virginia Road Reduce 1.0 FTE Academic Intervention Services 63,490Reduce 1.0 FTE Response to Intervention Specialist 14,526Reduce .5 FTE Elementary Computer Teacher 33,014

Kensico School Reduce 1.0 FTE Elementary Classroom Teacher 77,131Reduce 1.0 FTE Academic Intervention Services 77,171Reduce .5 FTE Elementary Computer Teacher 33,014

Middle School Reduce 1.0 FTE TOPS 80,097Reduce .2 FTE Art Teacher 15,482Reduce 1.0 FTE Computer Teacher 109,618Reduce 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher 77,245

High School Reduce .4 FTE Art Teacher 30,964Reduce 1.0 FTE English Teacher 74,164Reduce 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher 74,274

Total $1,882,362

2011-2012 Proposed Expenditures by Category

Tuitions Contract Services

$21,381,540

$2,446,664$2,013,967

$1,160,925

$1,064,368

$3,334,780

$1,840,633

$9,451,872$88,000TransfersBenefits

Salaries

Debt Service

BOCES

Supplies

Transportation

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Q.What are the budgetdevelopment priorities?

• Strategic Planning

• Improving Student Performance

• Maintaining Facilities andCapital Assets

• Communication/Public Information

• Technology Integration

• Fiscal Stability and Efficiency

Q.What was the overallprogram impact of cuttingmore than $1.8 millionfrom the budget?

Extracurricular and Athletics:Providing extra-curricular learningopportunities and a range of athleticopportunities for our students is criticalto our district vision. For 2011-12, wewill offer nine elementary clubs and 38middle/high school clubs. We havealso maintained our middle school andhigh school musical productions.

Our athletic program offers 25 pro-grams and 49 teams with 833 studentsparticipating at the Modified, JuniorVarsity and Varsity level. For 2011-12,we will offer Varsity girls’ swimmingand Varsity girls’ lacrosse. All of theprograms have been reviewed for costsavings, including reductions in sup-plies, transportation and the eliminationof three assistant coaches.

Special Education: Our SpecialEducation needs continue to rise andwe will work to increase the number ofstudents receiving their core education-al program at Valhalla. We will movetowards a more inclusive school andmore inclusive practices. In 2011-12we will offer Consultant TeacherServices. In the Direct ConsultantModel a general education and spe-cial education teacher work together toplan for the learning needs of the stu-dents and to provide instruction.

Computer Education: Our comput-er education program is transitioning toa technology integration program. TheDistrict will reduce two computer

• Decreased energy costs• Facilities closed on Sundays

Program Restructuring• Targeted counseling with reduced

Career & Technology Educationplacements & alternative education

• Merged and restructured studentclubs

• Revised guidelines for the use ofstudent aides

• Maximized billing for foster studentswith special education needs

• Moved to geography-based athleticprograms

• Reduced the number of athleticcompetitions

• Consolidated supply orders to saveshipping costs

• Reduced after school supervisioncosts

Partnerships• Westchester Community College

• College Course• Access to fields and facilities

• Consortium•Mid Westchester SpecialEducation Consortium

• Yale University• Enhanced music program

• MSG Media Contract• Assemblyman Richard Brodsky

• New stairs to gymnasium• Mount Pleasant Recreation• Mount Pleasant Police

• Safety Officer• DARE

• Valhalla International Fund, PTA,PTSA, SEPTA, Valhalla SchoolsFoundation, Sports Boosters, Friendsof the Arts, Joy Distenfeld Foundation

Staff Reduction and RealignmentReduced Positions:

• English, Social Studies, Scienceand Special Education

• Reduced elementary program aides• Changed schedule for custodians

to provide Saturday coverage

teacher positions. We will continue tooffer a strong technology integrationprogram with an articulated curriculum,and required application courses for all6th grade and 9th grade students.We will increase our focus on usingtechnology to enhance learning inevery classroom and expand our use oflaptops and mobile computing.

Elementary School Teacher: Dueto a reduction in class enrollment atKensico, we will reduce one section of5th grade. There will be six sections atgrades 3, 4 and 5, and at VirginiaRoad Elementary School, there will befive sections of Kindergarten and 2ndgrade and six sections of 1st grade.

Student Learning Support: Eachbuilding is implementing its Response toIntervention plan. Students receive inter-vention and learning support from class-room teachers, reading specialists, aca-demic intervention teachers and specialeducation teachers and related supportstaff. At the Middle and High School,we will be restructuring the LearningCenter to support testing accommoda-tions and modifications. In ninth grade,our guidance counselors will teach theFreshman Focus course and support stu-dents as they build towards Collegeand Career Readiness. At the MiddleSchool, we will add additional readinginstruction for all sixth graders. In gradesK-8, we will align a special educationteacher with each grade level to linklearning strategies with specific contentoutcomes.

Q.What is the district doingto be more cost effective?

Cost Elimination• Competitive ‘extra trips’ transporta-

tion contracts• Reduced supplies, material and

equipment• Move to electronic newsletter and

notifications to reduce mailing costs• Increased competitive bids and

contract management• Reduced overtime, priority cleaning• Bill for the use of field lights and

custodial costs

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Estimated Tax RatePer $1,000

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% Budget to Budget Increases 2001 through 2012

Perc

entI

ncre

ase

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

16%

2001-2002

2002-2003

2003-2004

2004-2005

2005-2006

2006-2007

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

2010-2011

14.96%

13.87%

8.10%

7.00%

8.85%

8.10%

6.36%4.95%

2.66%

0.0%

2.15%

2011-2012

School Year

Revenue Sources -Proposed 2011-2012 Budget

$3,216,737$650,000$2,047,537

Appropriated Fund Balance

Property Tax Levy

Other ReceiptsState Aid

$36,868,475

Revenue Sources -Proposed 2011-2012 Budget

Q.What are equalizationrates and how do theyaffect our taxes?

The equalization rate is the state’smeasure of a municipality's level ofproperty assessment. The New YorkState Office of Real Property TaxServices (ORPTS) is responsible fordetermining the equalization rate pertown. Equalization is intended to adjustlocally assessed property values to anever-changing real estate market.

It is common for school districts to becomprised of more than one town ormunicipality. Our District is comprisedof parts of Greenburg, Mount Pleasant

and North Castle. Each town mayhave different levels of property assess-ment. School districts are requiredto distribute their taxes among themunicipalities within their boundaries.

In order for a school district to fairlydistribute its property tax levy (the totalamount of school taxes to be collect-ed), the levy needs to be divided inproportion to the total market value foreach town. This allows for an equi-table distribution of taxes based uponthe market value of each community.

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Property Value and TaxLevy Apportionment$36,868,475

State Aid $3,216,737

Property Tax Levy $36,868,475

Appropriated Fund Balance $650,000

Other Receipts: $2,047,537

Payments in Lieu of Taxes $550,000

Non Property Taxes - County $295,000

Charges for Services $60,000

Day School Tuition $150,000

Use of Money & Property $448,840

Refund of Prior Years Expenses $100,000

Unclassified $55,000

MTA Tax Reimbursement $72,697

Interfund Transfer $316,000

Total $42,782,749

Enrollment Trends2000

1500

1000

500

0

� ��

�

� � �

912 9901234

13601563 1547 1552

1987- 88

1992-93

1997- 98

2002-03

2007-08

2009-10

2010-11

� Enrollment

Mount Pleasant47%

21%Greenburgh

North Castle32%

2010-11 2011-12Final Estimate Change

Greenburgh $504.10 $522.80 3.7%

Mount Pleasant $1,135.18 $1,152.22 1.5%

North Castle $766.54 $822.24 7.3%

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These codes cover day-to-day management of theschool district that is the responsibility of theSuperintendent & Central Administration. Includedare costs for District-wide administration, contractmatters and legal services, district publicationsand general business functions.

Expenses in this code reflect custodial, mainte-nance and operational costs for district buildings.Also included are expenses for data processing.

Expenses in this code reflect various types of insur-ances such as fire, liability and student accident;school dues & entry fees; our share of BOCESadministrative costs, and sewer charges.

Expenses in this code reflect the majority of theschool district's costs for operation of our regularand special education programs, athletics, co-cur-ricular, health services, library, computer instructionprogram, psychological services and attendance.

Expenses in this code reflect the transportation ofall district residents’ children who qualify.

Expenses in this code reflect mandated or contrac-tually required costs for employee benefits.

Expenses in this code reflect the repayment offunds borrowed for district-wide capital projectsand in the event that a Tax Anticipation Note isnecessary.Expenses in this code are for 12-month programs.

2011 -2012 Proposed Budget Summary By CategoryBudget Estimated Actual Proposed Budget

Categories 2010-2011 2010-2011 2011-2012

BOARD OF EDUCATION1010 Board of Education $26,678 $21,678 $36,7781040 District Clerk $54,234 $54,584 $55,8931060 District Meeting $9,500 $9,500 $9,100TOTAL BOARD OF EDUCATION $90,412 $85,762 $101,771CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION1240 Chief School Administration $325,594 $282,990 $309,3851310 Business Administration $490,095 $470,064 $481,7491320 Auditing Services $55,200 $55,200 $64,2011325 Treasurer $5,750 $5,850 $7,5441420 Legal Services $64,000 $64,000 $73,5111430 Personnel Services – – $28,6251480 Public Information $40,000 $52,730 $70,090TOTAL CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION $980,639 $930,834 $1,035,105CENTRAL SERVICES1620 Operations & Maintenance $2,757,923 $2,722,135 $2,753,6491680 Central Data Processing $12,000 $52,000 $20,951TOTAL CENTRAL SERVICES $2,769,923 $2,774,135 $2,774,600SPECIAL ITEMS1910 Insurance $182,580 $166,016 $173,2981920 School Association Dues $11,000 $11,000 $11,0001930 Judgments & Claims $75,000 $75,000 $75,0001980 MTA Tax – $75,351 $72,6971981 BOCES Administration Charge $140,388 $140,000 $138,0001989 Sewer District Charges $75,000 $75,000 $75,494TOTAL SPECIAL ITEMS $483,968 $542,367 $545,489INSTRUCTION2020 Supervision $1,013,867 $1,004,576 $1,042,5972110 Regular Day School $12,625,516 $12,670,011 $12,495,3232250 Special Education $7,081,613 $6,257,332 $6,479,7722270 Remedial Reading $496,698 $450,445 $508,3022280 Occupational Education – – $200,6552610 School Library & AV $414,758 $412,009 $452,8412630 Computer Assisted Instruction $914,925 $869,920 $724,7482805 Attendance $5,105 – –2810 Guidance $687,650 $687,718 $717,5822815 Health Services $268,316 $250,704 $337,4942816 Diagnostic Screening $20,000 – $20,0002820 Psychological Services $485,384 $418,916 $378,6282850 Co-Curricular Activities $190,357 $185,919 $150,4722855 Interscholastic Athletics $555,600 $561,439 $531,122TOTAL INSTRUCTION $24,759,789 $23,768,989 $24,039,536TRANSPORTATION5510 District Transportation $71,300 $17,830 $79,8665540 Contract Transportation $2,026,555 $1,968,176 $2,013,9675581 BOCES Transportation $744,871 $797,771 $801,9105582 Transportation Repair – $10,000 $10,000TOTAL TRANSPORTATION $2,842,726 $2,793,777 $2,905,743EMPLOYEE BENEFITS9010 Employees' Retirement $433,866 $433,552 $614,3749020 Teachers' Retirement $1,293,207 $1,293,207 $2,017,2969030 Social Security $1,600,517 $1,600,517 $1,635,6889040 Workers Comp $145,000 $162,340 $160,7219045 Employees' Benefit Fund $427,746 $402,791 $420,3949050 Unemployment Insurance $20,000 $26,081 $39,4779060 Health Insurance $4,032,740 $3,699,357 $4,563,922TOTAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS $7,953,076 $7,617,845 $9,451,872DEBT SERVICE9721 Bond Principal/Interest $1,932,561 $1,832,560 $1,830,6339760 Tax Anticipation – $4,877 $10,000TOTAL DEBT SERVICE $1,932,561 $1,837,437 $1,840,633INTERFUND TRANSFERS9901 Transfer to Special Aid $63,042 $63,042 $88,0009950 Transfer to Cafeteria $6,000 – –TOTAL INTERFUND TRANSFERS $69,042 $63,042 $88,000TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS $41,882,136 $40,744,612 $42,782,749

Members of the Board serve without compensa-tion. This code covers expenses incurred bythe Board in the performance of its duties inclusiveof the annual district election and DistrictClerk's office.

PROGRAM CAPITAL ADMINISTRATIVE$33,911,223 $5,476,990 $3,394,536

10

MANDATED CATEGORICAL BREAKDOWN OF 2011 - 2012 BUDGET

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Board of Education Candidates

Alan HiggsRunning unop-posed for athree-year termto fill the vacan-cy created bythe expirationof the term ofMichael Smith.My name is

Alan Higgs and I am running to fill anopen seat on the Valhalla School DistrictBoard of Education. I want to help ourschool district provide the best qualityeducation for our children, in a fiscallyresponsible manner.I reside in White Plains with my wifeSenora and our two daughters, who attendKensico School. I graduated from WalterPanas High School in 1982, DelawareState University in 1987, and I am anInstallations Team Lead at the InteractiveData Company.My friends have described me asapproachable, honest and creative. I claimthe ability to help colleagues clarify andprioritize issues, rather than simplifyingthem to a level that is not realistic. I envi-sion helping fellow Board members devel-op and implement solutions to problems, inparticular, budget and education man-dates. I also hope that my service on theBoard will encourage communication,increase transparency and raise the pub-lic’s awareness of our great school district.It takes a village to raise a child.However, taxing and spending withoutchecks and balances will bankrupt the vil-lage, the child and our future. I hope youwill support my candidacy and vision.

Joe GarbusRunning unop-posed for a two-year term to fillthe vacancycreated by theresignation ofChristine Petrillo.My name is JoeGarbus and I

am running for a seat on the Board ofEducation for the Valhalla School District.I have lived in the district for nearly 14years and have two children in school. Myson is a sixth grader at VMS, my daughteris in the fourth grade at Kensico. My wifehas been active in the PTAs at both schoolsfor several years.Why vote for me? I am familiar with thedistrict and the Board by being involved inprevious elections and attending Boardmeetings for several years. If elected, I will:

• Devote time and energy to Boardbusiness

• Treat all people fairly and withrespect

• Work with Board, community anddistrict staff to make the rightdecisions for children

• Ensure that tax dollars will be usedin a fiscally appropriate manner

My background is well-suited to having aseat on the Board. As a long-time Valhallaresident and soccer coach, I have a goodsense of the district’s values, which willhelp provide guidance for the Board andthe community.Professionally, I am a company director,leading a team of engineers in providingsolutions to the financial community. In thisrole, I work with a wide range of demand-ing customers and other parts of the com-pany, including executive management, tomeet their needs. I see my role on theBoard in a similar vein, where families arethe customers of the school district, and theBoard, administration and staff are theexecutive team.I am asking for your vote to allow theBoard to have a new member whowill provide fresh ideas and directionand lead with integrity and honesty

as I have done for my entire life.If you would like to contact me, pleasesend an e-mail to [email protected] more information, visit my campaignsite at:http://sites.google.com/site/joegarbusforboeThank you for your time and your vote.

Valentina BelvedereRunning for a three-year term to fill thevacancy created by the expiration of theterm of Deborah Sicuranzo.I have lived in North White Plains for eightyears with my husband and two children,both of whom are students in the ValhallaSchool District. I have been an activeCharter Board member and Co-Presidentof the Valhalla Special Education PTA forthe past three years, fostering strong sup-port for students and families by focusingon positive community events to raiseawareness and understanding about spe-cial education.My husband and I are actively engaged inour schools and community, contributing toand participating in fundraising events,charities, Boy Scouts and religious educa-tion classes at Holy Name of Jesus Church.After finishing art school in GreenwichVillage and starting my life as an artist, Iquickly realized that dinner should not beconsidered optional and decided to furthermy education in construction/project man-agement, fostering my 23-year New YorkCity-based career in the real estate/construction industry. The last 10 of thoseyears I was a project manager for varioushigh-profile owners and real estate devel-opers. I am highly experienced andqualified in managing and cost effectingmulti-million dollar budgets. I am a lovingmother of two beautiful boys, a dedicatedcommunity member and an experiencedbusiness woman.

Grace StoneRunning for a three-year term to fill thevacancy created by the expiration of theterm of Deborah Sicuranzo. Ms. Stonedeclined to submit a bio.

For moreinformation…Learn more about the districtand the proposed budget

for 2011-2012by logging onto our Web site at

www.valhallaschools.org.

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Patricia Martin,VMHS NurseVMHS nurse Pat Martin has seen itall: bloody noses, broken bones,upset stomachs, fevers. It’s par forthe course in any school.

Throughout theday, students stopby her office ontheir way to class,some with a ques-tion or in genuineneed of first aid,others simplywanting to sayhello. During theschool year, Ms. Martin spends a lot oftime scheduling physicals and clearingseveral hundred student-athletes for partici-pation in interscholastic sports, meticulouslymaintaining a huge file of documents foreach one.It’s a job that has kept her on her toes for38 years as the nurse at VMHS. Morethan 4,000 students have graduated fromVHS during those years, their grandchil-dren now some of Ms. Martin’s patients.“When you start to see the grandchildrenof former students coming through the door,it’s time to go,” she said with a chuckle.After four decades of service to theValhalla School District and its students,Ms. Martin will retire this year, leavingbehind her legacy, not only as a highly-skilled nurse, but as a friend, caregiverand confidant to many. “It’s been a greatjob and I loved it; I wouldn’t trade it foranything,” she said, “but it’s a job for ayounger person.”

Half a Century of NursingMs. Martin graduated 50 years ago fromthe White Plains Hospital School ofNursing, “which gives you some idea ofmy age,” she joked. Before coming toValhalla, she worked as a private dutynurse and as a school nurse at Holy Nameof Jesus, The Hackley School and the for-mer Columbus Avenue School.She joined the Valhalla School District in1973 and has never looked back. Overthe years, she has traveled to Spain andItaly as a chaperone with the VHS Spanishand Italian Clubs and with middle school

students to Philadelphia and Washington,D.C. She has donated her time to the VHSDrama Society, measuring students for cos-tumes, and has been a chaperone at manyschool milestone events.She can’t go anywhere in WestchesterCounty without bumping into a former stu-dent who asks if she remembers them. “Thething about Pat Martin is that when a stu-dent walks into her office, she not onlyknows that student, she knows their sib-lings, their mother or father, cousins andextended family,” said Athletic DirectorJamie Block, who has worked closely withPat. “Pat is ingrained in the culture andfabric of our school.”Ms. Martin was honored in 2003 with theVMS PTSA’s annual Jenkins Award, givento individuals for their contributions to thewelfare of children and youth. Recipientsare automatically awarded HonoraryLifetime Membership in the New York StatePTSA. In February 2011, she was recog-nized for her service to VMHS students bythe Whitney M. Young Jr. Society.

Ahead: Travel, Fun, Family,FriendsDespite mixed feelings about leaving, Ms.Martin said she already has plans to sellher house, travel and spend time with herchildren, grandchildren and retired friends.She’ll be spending the month of July in arented house in Italy with a group of goodgirlfriends. “I think I’ll find a lot of things todo,” she said, “but I’m going to miss every-one here. It’s going to be very different.”In the meantime, she’s still treating heryoung patients and dispensing a dose ofTLC when needed while she preparesfor the next phase of her life. One thingthat won’t change: her love of funkyfashion. Known for wearing bright colors,bubble boots and Crocs with socks, Ms.Martin explained: “I’ve always liked glitzand color.”She’ll also never stop being a nurse atheart. On a recent trip to Florida, she wentinto nurse mode in Walmart, assisting acustomer who had taken a fall. “It’s secondnature; it’s who you are,” she said. “It’shard to separate yourself from who you areif you see someone in trouble.”

Bob May,Superintendent ofBuildings and GroundsBob May cares deeply about thethings he loves.

He has spent thelast 20 years tire-lessly tending thegrounds of thedistrict’s schoolsas Valhalla’sSuperintendent ofBuildings andGrounds. He’s anavid reader andcollector of Antiquarian and signed first-edition books, has traveled extensively, is adevoted digital photographer, and countsspending time with his family among someof his happiest moments.

He also has been the proud caretaker of apair of wild geese who shelter every winterin an enclosed courtyard garden at VMHS.When the usual seven or eight goslingsare born in late spring, the parents trackBob down and honk at him and his crewto let the men know the goslings are readyto be let out. “They actually come to myoffice looking for me,” he said.

Not an Easy Decision to LeaveMr. May, who retired on April 1, will begreatly missed by Valhalla’s staff and stu-dents, the geese and their offspring nextyear. But he’ll be back from time to time,doing some volunteer carpentry work, tak-ing care of the schools’ flower beds, say-ing hello to the students and checking inon his feathered friends.“I have loved working with the kids,” hesaid. “I especially love going to VirginiaRoad and seeing the children’s little faces.It was not an easy decision to make toleave, but when I made it, I felt a lot better.This is a job for a younger person.”With a crew of 18 men and his replace-ment, Peter Kelly, ready to take the helm,Mr. May will be able to rest easy as hetakes a break from a long career andthose 6:30 a.m. starts.

Retirements

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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A Full LifeBefore coming to Valhalla, Mr. Mayworked for eight years at the Clear ViewSchool in Briarcliff as Superintendent ofBuildings and Grounds. He now serves onClear View’s Board of Directors.Previously, Mr. May held a variety of posi-tions after leaving the Coast Guard in1964, working in construction, for UPSand a telephone company, as a machinerymechanic, as president of U-Haul and as ageneral contractor. He even owned hisown gas station.It was during his four years in the CoastGuard that he discovered how much heloved to travel. He is planning an upcom-ing trip to Arizona to spend a month withhis son and will be visiting close friends inMaine. He has been to France four timesin the last three years and traveled through-out Italy with his grown children.“I love history,” he said. “My dad was inWWII and was an infantryman in Italy.When I saw all the mountains aroundFlorence and reread my dad’s letters, I real-ized that’s where he was.”In September, Mr. May traveled to Spainwith his son, daughter-in-law and twograndchildren, and this summer will bevacationing in Maui with his daughter.“We fly in, rent a car, get a fist full ofmaps and off we go,” he said.Mr. May, who lives in Valhalla, said hewrites poetry occasionally, reads as manybooks as he has the time for and maintainsan expansive personal library ofAntiquarian books dating from the MiddleAges and the Renaissance. One of thebooks he is most proud of owning is asigned copy of “The Spirit of St. Louis” byCharles Lindbergh. He also has three firsteditions of “The Old Man and the Sea” byErnest Hemingway, the first book Mr. Maysaid he ever read on his own as a child.He uncovered dozens of other books ---mostly technical and related to weed andgrass identification --- one day while clean-ing out 20 years worth of accumulationfrom his office at VMHS. Among his otherdiscoveries was a Father’s Day card fromhis daughter from 10 years ago that stillhad a $20 bill tucked in it.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12VIF’s 2011 Ambassador, Ally Tippett, toStudy in SpainVHS junior Ally Tippett soon will be on her way to sunny Santander, Spain,as this year’s Valhalla International Fund student Ambassador.

Ally, who has studied Spanish for five years, will havea chance to practice her language skills in a summerlanguage study program.“I just want to thank VIF for sending me away!” shetold everyone at the VIF International Friendship Dinner,held Saturday, March 5, in the VIF Cafeteria atVMHS.This was a particularly special weekend for theVIF, which this year celebrates 50 years of sendingValhalla students abroad and serving incomingexchange students while they study here.The International Friendship dinner is the culmination ofthe annual VIF Weekend (held March 4-7 this year),when exchange students from the New York and New Jersey region spend anactivity-filled weekend in Valhalla and stay with host families.Over the weekend, 23 students from 14 countries “have livened up our little hamlet,”said VIF President Elaine Mancini in her welcome address to the guests and schooladministrators who attended the dinner.The VIF mission, she said, is to make the world smaller, one student at a time and“to foster a world that is more tolerant and peaceful. The VIF distinguishes this tinyhamlet and puts us literally on the map.”The VIF is open to all middle and high school students who have an interest inlearning about new cultures. Members have an opportunity to meet internationalstudents, see foreign films, eat new food, learn about the adventures of returningambassadors, host a brother or sister, participate in fundraising activities andbecome an exchange student themselves.To date, VIF has hosted 79 inbound exchange students and sent approximately120 VHS students abroad for a summer, semester or a year.

Ally Tippett

The ensemble castfrom “Grease!”, thisspring’s VHSmusical.

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From spelling and geography bees to com-petitions that test students’ knowledge ofcurrent events, there is something for everyinterest. Here’s a look at some of the aca-demic competitions in which VMS studentstake part and the National Junior HonorSociety’s work in the community:

News Bowl/Scholastic AchievementLeague: The News Bowl tests students’knowledge of current events. At the begin-ning of the month, students meet afterschool to discuss and review news from theweek using a variety of interactive news-related sources and activities from theInternet. Working as a team, the studentstake an online test toward the end of themonth that covers national and worldnews, arts and entertainment, sports andgeography in a competition against otherschools across the country. The studentscan check their ranking against their com-petitors online. The 25 sixth and eighthgraders participating in the ScholasticAchievement League take a one-time, indi-vidual online test of 100 questions cover-ing math, literature, science, history, sportsand pop culture. The top performersreceive a medal during the middle school’sspring awards ceremony. A certificate isawarded to students who scored abovethe national average. Advisor: BrettErenberg

Academic Challenge Club: Open to bothmiddle and high school students, theAcademic Challenge Club meets Tuesdaysafter school and during lunch hours.Students with different subject strengths par-ticipate in the club, which has 25 mem-bers. In a Jeopardy game show format, thestudents answer questions on languagearts, math, music, art, mythology, scienceand social studies. At the high schoollevel, the game prepares students formonthly competitions against regionalschools and for competitions on "TheChallenge,” aired on Cablevision’s chan-nel 14. Next year, the middle school will

begin competing monthly against otherschools in the region. Middle SchoolAdvisor: Jennifer Granich. High SchoolAdvisor: David Mintzes

Destination ImagiNation: DestinationImagiNation's mission is to foster studentcreativity, problem solving and teamwork.Participating middle school teams choosea Team Challenge to work on after school.In the spring, they present their solution ata local tournament. This year, two teams ofVMS eighth graders chose the “Triple TakeRoad Show Challenge,” which requiredthem to tell a story to three different pre-tend audiences using three storytellingmethods. The teams had to portray the trav-el modes used to move their road showbetween audiences, and include a techni-cal spectacle in one of the presentations.This Team Challenge focuses on playwrit-ing, theatrical presentation, storytelling, sto-rytelling relevance, special effects, innova-tion and design, construction and team-work. Advisor: Christina ConciatoriGeography Bee: The NationalGeographic Bee is a nationwide educa-tional program sponsored by the National

Geographic Society. The competition isopen to U.S. schools with any grades fourthrough eight. The contest is designed toencourage the teaching and study of geog-raphy. Contestants are asked a widerange of questions that test their geograph-ic knowledge. School winners from acrossthe country take a qualifying test, with thetop 100 students in each state invited tocompete at the state-level competition in

the spring. State win-ners compete in thenational finals in lateMay for scholarshipsranging from$10,000 to$25,000. Advisor:Andrew TripaldiSpelling Bee: TheSpelling Bee wasinspired by a formerstudent and hasbecome a fun yearlytradition. Modeledaround the ScrippsNational SpellingBee, the VMS bee is

designed to enhance students’ vocabularyand promote spelling and grammar skills.During the bee, students are asked to spella given word. Students may ask for theword’s definition, part of speech, origin,and to hear the word in a sentence.Through the process, students are exposedto new vocabulary and learn rules ofspelling that will continue to help them infuture academic endeavors. Advisor:Maureen WinnerNational Junior Honor Society: The Dr.Don J. Marquette Chapter of the NJHS atVMS is part of the National Honor Societyorganization. Forty-two eighth grade stu-dents who have demonstrated academicexcellence, citizenship, leadership, serviceand extracurricular involvement throughoutmiddle school are members of the NJHS.The Society’s focus is service projects forschool and community. This year, the NJHSran its second annual animal shelter drive,collecting food and other items for theElmsford Animal Shelter. During a dis-trictwide food drive, members ran theannual bake and candy sale in school forone week. The NJHS donated more than$370 to the Food Bank of Westchester.Advisor: Lynne Lewin

Academic Competitions, Honor SocietyMotivate High AchieversValhalla Middle School students participate in a wide range of organizedacademic competitions throughout the year that motivate the high-achieversand generate school spirit. Students who have shown academic excellence,citizenship and leadership throughout their middle school years are invitedto join the National Junior Honor Society.

National Geographic Bee champs, from left: Sixth graderLeo Yamazaki (third place), eighth grader Carl Bespolka(first place) and sixth grader Gordon Ward (second place).

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Children Caring: VRES Students Help OthersThrough FundraisingJonah Strupinsky, a second grader at Virginia Road Elementary School, takesfundraising to heart.

As a participant this year in Pennies forPatients, a fundraiser for the Leukemia &Lymphoma Society, Jonah asked his momfor a donation of spare change and thenbroke into his own piggy bank to add tothe pot. Next, he went door to door ask-ing his neighbors for their spare change.Over the three-week collection period,Jonah raised more than $200, adding tothe $10,000 the VRES community has con-tributed to the Leukemia & LymphomaSociety over the past five years.Fundraising, Jonah said, "is a very nice thingbecause it helps people who need it. I feelhappy because I give people somethingthey need and it makes me feel helpful."Each year, VRES students, teachers andthe Valhalla community fundraise to support15 different local and national charitiesand to help defray the cost of schoolfield trips.Valhalla's youngest show how much theycare for others by participating in funactivities and walks that help raise moneyfor heart disease, cancer and autismresearch and to support individuals,families and pets in need.Second graders, forexample, took part in theHoops for Heart fundraiserin December, collecting$1,420 in donations for theAmerican Heart Association.Teacher Jon Battista'sclass was the winner of thehoops contest, sinking atotal of 168 baskets inthirty minutes.

Empathy is Naturalin ChildrenYoung children may not fullyunderstand the tragic impactof a serious illness, or how ajob loss can affect a family,but they are naturally empa-thetic. "They just know thatsomebody's sick or in needand they want to help," saidESL teacher Laura Kulers.

Kindergartener Jackie Lewis adopted herdog, Buddy, from the Elmsford AnimalShelter, for which VRES sponsors an annualdrive to collect donated blankets, sheets,towels, bedding, toys, leashes and treatsfor homeless animals.Many children can relate to animalsbecause they have pets or have adoptedone, said Jackie's teacher Manuela Lobo.It's good to donate to the shelter, Jackiesaid, "so pets have things they don't have."Some of the fundraisers tie usefully intospecific teaching units. Pennies for Patients,for example, helps children to learn aboutdifferent coins and counting money. Thefundraiser works in tandem with PostOffice, another fundraiser in which childrenwrite letters to fellow students or theirteachers.Stamps are sold in kindergarten classroomsfor a penny and the letters are delivered,teaching children about letter writing, whywe need stamps, and how the post officeworks. Each kindergarten class raisesbetween $6 and $10, with the money

donated to Pennies for Patients.The school also participates in the annual“Hats On Day” through the Foundation forChildren with Cancer. Teachers and stu-dents wear funny hats at school to showtheir support for children with cancer fromVRES and across the country. More than$2,600 to date has been donated to theFoundation in the names of VRES childrenwho have or who have had cancer anddistributed to families in need.And during the holidays, one of thehardest times for families in need, groupsdonate the fixings for Thanksgiving dinnerbaskets that are distributed to the familiesof students in Valhalla schools, withsome baskets going to VRES families."The vision of our school is that we want tofoster a caring community," Ms. Kulerssaid. "It's an integral part of our teaching."

Little helpers: VRES second grader Jonah Strupinsky andkindergartener Jackie Lewis have big hearts.

VRES Reaches OutOther organizations VRES supportsinclude: Walk Now for Autism, Children’sHope Chest, Food Bank of Westchesterand the American Cancer Society.

To help fund field trips, students host anannual market to sell cookies, cupcakesand brownies; turn their art work intocards for sale; and sell and deliver Pencil-Gram Valentines to students, parents andteachers.

This district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, maritalstatus, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability in its educational programs and employment practices.

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDWhite Plains, NYPermit No.9501

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Board of EducationMichael Smith, PresidentChristine Petrillo,Vice PresidentLaVerne ClarkBrian MackenWilliam McGuinnWilliam RosenbergDeborah Sicuranzo

Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Brenda Myers

Newsletter Writer and EditorSuzanne Davis

What’s On the Ballot:1. A proposition appropriating $42,782,749 to meet the estimated expenditures for school purposes for the fiscal year 2011-12, said sum to be

raised by tax upon the taxable property of the district.

2. 2011 Building Capital Reserve Fund: The Board of Education of the Valhalla Union Free School District is authorized to establish a Capital Reserve Fund pursuant to §3651 of the Education Law (to be known as the “2011 Building Capital Reserve Fund”) for the purpose of financing, reconstructing, renovating and equipping of the district buildings and facilities, including incidental costs. The ultimate amount of suchfund is to be $1,500,000.00, plus earnings thereon. The probable term of such fund is to be ten (10) years, or until liquidated or the funds areexhausted. The sources from which the funds shall be obtained for such Reserve are (i) budgetary appropriations from time to time, (ii) unappropriatedfund balance from time to time, and (iii) NYS Aid received from time to time, all as permitted by law.

3. Election of Board of Education members to three open seats:

Alan Higgs, running unopposed for a three-year term to fill the vacancy created by the expiration of the term of Michael Smith.

Joe Garbus, running unopposed for a two-year term created by the resignation of Christine Petrillo.

Vote for One: Valentina Belvedere or Grace Stone for a three-year term to fill the vacancy created by the expiration of the term of Deborah Sicuranzo.

16

Supplemental BudgetInformation The following supplemental budgetinformation is available upon request:

• School Academic Report Cards

• Property Tax Report Card

• Salary Disclosure Notice

Please contact a building principal or

Christina Howe, School Business

Official, at 914-683-5040.

Remember to Vote!

Tuesday, May 17

Voting hours will be6 a.m. to 8 a.m.

and2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

See Page 1 for voting locations

Valhalla’sVarsityBoys andVarsityGirlsBasketballand Trackteamswere recognizedthis yearas NYSScholarAthleteAwardrecipients.