From the Heart Fall 2015

Fall 2015

From the Heart Mount Pleasant — The Heart of Westchester County

The Mount Pleasant Central School District Newsletter

Volume 15, Issue 1

Westlake High School’s AP Scholar ranks rising Fifty-two students at Westlake High School have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement (AP) Exams taken in May of 2015. About 18 percent of the nearly 1.8 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn AP Scholar Awards.

Over the past ten years, Westlake has seen its AP Scholar numbers increase fourfold, from 13 in 2005 to 52 this year.

The district is proud of its students and the programs that continue to raise the bar for success.

The following students have been recognized by the College Board for their achievement: National AP Scholar Award.

Earning an average score of at least 4 (out of 5) on all APs taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more exams is the Class of 2015 salutatorian William Carr.

AP Scholar with Distinction Award. Earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams are graduates: Diandra Angiello, Umair Azhar, William Carr, Adam Catto, Kathleen Cullen, Jeannine Ederer, Lawrence Gardner, Caitlin Gibbons, Adam Goldenberg, Samantha Howard, Matthew Rubin, Matthew Schwab, James Smith and current senior Will Sweeny.

AP Scholar with Honor Award. Earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams are graduates: Katarina Maric, Anthony Toccafondi and current seniors: Michael DiNardo, Christopher Donnelly, Lauren Hutnik, Noelle Santos, and Daisy Yunga.

’16-17 Budget

Principal Keith Schenker with National Merit semifinalist and AP Scholar with Distinction Will Sweeny.

Will Sweeny is named National Merit semifinalist Senior Will Sweeny was named a semifinalist in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. Will is in the top 1 percent of approximately 1.5 million juniors who took the June 2014 PSAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and one of only 962 semifinalists from New York (16,000 nationwide).

He will now continue in the competition to become a National Merit Finalist and be eligible to win thousands of dollars in scholarships and the title of Merit Scholar.

At Westlake, Will has been on

AP Scholar Award. Completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher, our AP Scholars aree graduates: Sebastian Alverca, Tristan Bell, John Bellom, Anelise Catto, Joseph Damico, Emma DeLoughry, John Douville, Ryan Lucey, Bridget McCusker, Jacqueline McMorrow, Andrew Mesquita, Alexander Monaco, Christian Musial, McKenzie

Summa Honor Roll every quarter of his high school career and is a member of the Spanish and National Honor Societies. He has also been named a 2015 AP Scholar with Distinction. Last spring, Will was the recipient of the 2015 Columbia University Book Award, which is presented to a high school junior who is dedicated to learning and demonstrates this through outstanding academic achievement and an inclination toward research.

National Merit finalists will be announced in February, 2016.

Redfern, Gahyun Helen You and current seniors: Jonathan Alania, George Anastasiou, Joseph Andrews, Steven Brunetto, Brianna DiLiberti, Sophie Epstein, Megan George, George Ittan, Sean Kelly, Anthony Laricchia, Mary Ann Murray, Megan O’Connor, Kate Pinchiaroli, Rebecca Poole, Daniella Scampone and Kiera Torpie.

Citizens Budget Advisory Committee call for applications

Residents of the Mount Pleasant Central School District who are interested in serving on the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee should submit an application to the district office by November 13. Applications are available online under “Announcements” at mtplcsd.org.

Paper copies can be picked up at any school or the district office.

From the Heart • Fall 2015

Mount Pleasant welcomes new administrators Dr. Adam Bronstein WMS Principal

Theresa Outhouse HES/CES Assistant Principal

Andrew Lennon Director of Business Administration

Adam Bronstein comes to Mount Pleasant from the Ardsley Public Schools, where he served as the middle school assistant principal for the past six years. Prior to his post at Ardsley, Dr. Bronstein held the position of director of professional development in the Pelham Schools and summer school principal at Mamaroneck High School. He also has taught at the elementary and intermediate levels in grades three, four and five.

Dr. Bronstein holds a Bachelor of Arts in government and Spanish from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree in teaching from Pace, a master’s degree in education, administration and supervision from Fordham and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. His dissertation was on teacher collaboration and its impact on teaching.

Dr. Bronstein is excited to assume the principalship of the middle school where he plans to be a frequent communicator with parents, especially in this important year during the school’s transition to the IB Middle Years Program.

Terri Outhouse comes to us from the Hendrick Hudson School District where she has spent the past 13 years as a special education teacher and reading specialist at the K-5 Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education from Pace University, a master’s degree in reading from Western Connecticut State University and her administrative certificate from Bank Street College in Manhattan.

Ms. Outhouse has been part of the Hendrick Hudson administrative team over the past two years as an intern with both the Buchanan-Verplanck principal and the assistant superintendent of curriculum.

Ms. Outhouse says that she shares Mount Pleasant’s vision and passion for teaching and learning. In her role as assistant principal for two elementary schools, Ms. Outhouse is looking forward to working with principals Michael Cunzio and Anne Stern and bringing her own unique skill set to the position.

A former senior financial analyst and client relations manager with IBM, Andrew Lennon managed a team of analysts that was responsible for a $2 billion budget for the Global Services organization. In 2009, he took his expertise in strategic planning and financial guidance to the educational realm. For the past six years, Mr. Lennon served as the assistant business administrator and school district treasurer in the Ossining School District.

Mr. Lennon holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and a master’s in public administration from Pace University and completed his school district business leader certification there as well. Mr. Lennon is on the NYS Association of School Business Officials Professional Development Committee and is an adjunct professor at Pace, where he teaches educational accounting.

In his role as the director of business administration, Mr. Lennon will oversee all business office functions as well as facilities, transportation and the school lunch program.

New faces in our schools and classrooms

2

Tara Albaum HES Kindergarten

Cassandra McCarthy HES Special Ed.

Jerry Banner CES Special Ed.

Carolyn Blanchard WMS English

Angelica Cusma WMS Math

Gayle Garson WMS Grade 6

Valentina Juncaj WMS Special Ed.

Donna Murphy WMS Reading

Elyjah Perry WMS Technology (STEM)

Laura Anechiarico WHS/WMS Art

Gabriella Castillo WHS/WMS Science

Joseph Harras WHS Social Studies

Stephanie Hopkins WHS Social Studies

Timothy O’Dwyer WHS Guidance

Joan Sipe WHS English

Danielle Werner WHS Math

Susan Guiney Ed. D. Superintendent

Happy Fall! September and October have been filled with activity as students eagerly came back from summer vacation, met their teachers and renewed friendships with classmates in all of our schools. The sounds of learning are evident throughout the buildings.

As a district, we continue the work of our strategic plan to create learner-centered environments.

In learner-centered classrooms, all students and teachers are fully engaged as active participants in the learning process.

At Hawthorne and Columbus, we welcome Connie Cotrone in a new position as guidance counselor at the elementary schools. Ms. Cotrone is moving to the younger grades after having been a guidance counselor at the high school for the past 14 years. She is in the process of meeting the children and is describing herself to her new elementary students as a “feelings teacher” who is there to assist them during the school day.

Westlake High School students are in the spotlight again as increasing numbers are honored as AP Scholars. Congratulations to senior Will Sweeny for being a National Merit semifinalist. This year, all members of the sophomore class will take the College Board’s PSAT as a component of the college application and preparation process. Last year, the class of 2015 applied to and was accepted to colleges and universities in 29 states and received over $18 million in grants and scholarships. It is our hope that the members of the class of 2016 continue this trend as they search for the college that is just right for their studies beyond Westlake.

On the evening of September 28, Mary Ellis, the director of curriculum, WMS Principal Dr. Adam Bronstein and Assistant Principal Christine Parrottino held a “Curriculum Coffee” to discuss the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) with parents.

Parent resources about MYP can be found on the

Tenure Eligible

The following staff are eligible for tenure in the upcoming year. Comments on their eligibility are welcome and can be made on the district’s ‘Feedback Form’ at www.mtplcsd.org Tenure Date

Name

School Position

1/30/16

Ethel Anastasiou

WMS

ESL

2/1/16

Ilana Cohen

CES

Psychologist

8/26/16

Christine Parrottino

WMS

Administrator

9/1/16

Francesca Bellomusto WHS

Foreign Language

Philip Cutrone Donna Gelard Michelle Glass Joanne Massi Jill-Marie Pirrotta

Media Specialist Special Education Elementary Science Special Education

WHS WHS WMS WHS HES

From the Heart • Fall 2015

New year brings new goals for district

middle school and district websites. Additional coffee hours for parents on a variety of topics, including the new elementary report card, will be held throughout the year.

Communication, another one of the district’s strategic goals, comes to the forefront this year as we look to increase the dialogue among all of our constituents in a variety of ways — including social media.

Importantly, the Board of Education and the district have commissioned H2M Architects to prepare a building condition survey that will serve as the basis for an updated master facility plan to continue the district’s ongoing work to upgrade the facilities.

There is so much learning and excitement happening in our classrooms, on the athletic fields and in the arts. I look forward to seeing you at the many events within the district.

Westlake’s ‘Tech Crew’ holds free classes for Mount Pleasant seniors Westlake’s middle and high school “Tech Crew” is back for another year of helping Mount Pleasant senior citizens become more familiar with their electronic devices. The first class was held on October 16.

During the hour-long session, the team of 20 middle and high school students coached seniors on getting the most out of their tablets, smartphones and laptops.

The one-on-one lessons were geared to each participant’s device and what they wanted to know more about — from sharing photos and using Skype to downloading apps and un-friending people on Facebook. “They know it all,” said happy

participant Sharon Honegger.

The completely free sessions will continue each month for the remainder of the school year. The next class will be held Friday, Nov. 20, at 2:30 p.m. in the Westlake library.

To register call the Mount Pleasant recreation department at 742-2310.

Above, Victor Schembri brought his tablet to get some pointers on organizing his photos and using Skype. Left, tenth grader Dhanya Mundackal assists a senior with navigating her iPad.

3

From the Heart • Fall 2015

Starting the year: What’s new around our schools

It’s a new school year and at each of our buildings there is something to get excited about.

WHS

At Westlake, there are a number of opportunities greeting students this year: Honors and capstone projects. An honors science option is now available to all interested ninth graders, giving them the ability to earn honors credit in either Earth Science or Living Environment. The honors option will be delivered through the capstone project that is part of the freshman Envisions research course. Ninth graders who choose to pursue the honors distinction will have a science teacher as their mentor and complete their Envisions capstone research project on a science topic of their choosing.

A capstone project is also planned this year for sophomores in their social studies classes. Global studies teachers will coordinate a grade-level “Model U.N. Day” where tenth graders will research, create resolutions and defend positions on world issues. The project will become part of their e-portfolio of work and is designed to continue to build their research and presentation skills.

PSAT for all. In an impactful move, all sophomores and juniors sat for the PSAT exam on October 14, during their school day. In the past, tenth graders had the option of taking the exam, which is a preparatory test for the SAT and is used to determine National Merit finalists. Principal Keith Schenker said that this program is designed to expose all sophomores to the look and feel of the PSAT exam so they are more confident and successful when they see it again in their junior year.

New class. Broadcasting is the newest offering at the high school and will be a joint venture with the journalism class.

Math and writing support. A writing center and math lab have opened for students during the school day and are staffed by WHS English and math teachers. Students can sign up during their free periods for help with college essays, papers, research projects or math questions. Online scheduling enables teachers to know what each student needs help with.

WMS

4

The middle school continues on its trajectory for IB Middle Years Program designation. An article on page six outlines what is being introduced this year.

Connie Cotrone is the new guidance counselor at the elementary schools and will help students develop their social and emotional skills.

CES/HES: Elementary guidance fills a need A guidance counselor with a toolbox?

As a matter of fact, yes. Connie Cotrone, the new elementary guidance counselor at Hawthorne and Columbus, has been bringing her toolbox with her to each classroom she visits to introduce herself to the young students. “I am a feelings teacher,” she tells each class as she pulls items from her toolbox to help explain what she does. As she picks out each item, she asks the students why they think she has it in there. She shows them a BandAid (to heal a hurt), an eraser (to erase mistakes) a heart (to care) and glasses (to see everyone clearly). “It’s the visuals that let them know who I am and what I do,” she said.

Her role as an elementary guidance counselor is twofold: to address the social/ emotional curriculum at the elementary level by providing character education to each class, and to offer individual and group counseling to students who demonstrate a need.

“When children are having issues, they can’t learn properly,” explained Columbus Principal Michael Cunzio, who along with Hawthorne Principal Anne Stern have recognized that there is a need at this level to focus and develop the whole child.

“We want parents to know that there is someone to help them through their child’s issues,” he said.

Ms. Cotrone, who spent 14 years as a guidance counselor at Westlake High School, is thrilled to be working with the

district’s youngest students. “Elementary is an age where kids are developing their self esteem and identities and coming into their own,” said the mother of two, ages seven and 11. “A child’s academic performance is going to be hindered if he doesn’t have the social and emotional skills to get through the challenging times.”

Working for so many years at the high school level, Ms. Cotrone knows what stressors students will face as they get older and the skills that they will need to deal with them. “I can build those skills into the program here,” she explained.

Her elementary program will provide character education lessons on topics tailored to each grade level and she will coordinate building-wide character themes such as “Word of the Month” where students learn and concentrate on emulating positive behaviors. Ms. Cotrone also developed a “Warm Fuzzies” program at Columbus as a continuation of Bucket Filling at Hawthorne that rewards students for positive behavior.

On the counseling side, Ms. Cotrone will be available for individuals and groups. Her contact information is available on the Parent Portal and she wants parents to know that she can be a helpful resource for them if their child is having difficulty.

Already she finds the kids to be responsive and enthusiastic. “They’re great!” she exclaimed.

Eric Schulze BOE President

On behalf of the Mount Pleasant Board of Education, welcome back. I believe this year will be one of excitement and growth for our students, faculty, staff and administrators.

At the reorganization meeting held on July 1, the board members elected me to the position of president and Laurie Donato to the position of vice president. Re-elected to the board was Thomas McCabe and we welcomed new members Colleen Scaglione Neglia and John Piazza. They will each serve threeyear terms that run from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018.

Training for board members

Both Ms. Donato and I attended the New York State School Boards Academy for board officers. At this workshop, we received valuable knowledge and training to effectively carry out our new responsibilities. In October, members of the Board of Education will be attending the New York State School Boards Annual Convention in New York City. During this time, we will attend educational seminars and meet with board members from around the state. The convention will provide us with key information regarding educational issues and new programs that will help us enhance the educational experience for our students. It will also give the board the opportunity to work collaboratively with fellow board members from around the state.

In addition to our responsibility as Board of Edu-

cation members, we also elect members as liaisons to various organizations and committees, one being the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association.

It is through this organization that school boards advocate for legislative issues such as mandate relief and the implementation of the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR). As a member of this organization, we work with other districts to have a strong and more effective voice when meeting with legislators on the myriad issues that affect the entire school community.

From the Heart • Fall 2015

Reorganizing, training for a new year

Audit findings

In January and February of this year, the Office of the State Comptroller visited the district to examine the financial condition for the period of July 1, 2013 through January 6, 2015. The auditors also extended their scope back to July 1, 2009, to analyze the district’s fund balance, budgeting and financial trends.

The district was notified in July, 2015, that “school officials adequately monitored the district’s financial condition to maintain fiscal stability” for the period audited. The recommendation, which was provided by the Office of the Comptroller is that district officials continue to closely monitor the budget and take necessary actions to maintain fiscal stability.

In closing, the entire school community plays an important role in the education of our students. By working together, we will achieve success. Here’s to a great school year!

Student writers have their work performed on stage

In a first-of-its-kind premiere, seven Westlake creative writing students saw their short stories, plays and poetry dramatically performed on stage on Sept. 25, in the White Plains Performing Arts Center’s first “Page to Stage: High School Edition.”

The performance featured 11 actors, two acts and 26 student works that were chosen by creative writing teacher, Janet Matthews, based on their potential for dramatic presentation. An audience that included parents, relatives, teachers and friends were awestruck at the poignant writing and professional staging. A reception with the actors and writers followed.

The event was directed by Westlake librarian Phil Cutrone with performances by seasoned actors Matt Benincasa (WHS ’10), Will Pryor Bennett, Martha Benson, Brianna Bowman, Darius James Copland, Toni Fazio, Elizabeth Paldino, Francesca Riscigliano, Isabel Sanchez, Andre Sguerra and Justin Thomas (WHS ’11).

Congratulations to writers Jenna Arkontaky, Michelle Barbero, Brian Bennett, Nicole Grossman, Jessica Kaplan, Julia O’Connell and Kiera Torpie on their “Page to Stage” debut and to their teachers for making it possible.

Pictured from top: Justin Thomas performs a monologue, teacher Janet Matthews with her students and the actors and writers pose at the reception.

5

From the Heart • Fall 2015

Middle school update:

What does an IB learner look like?

Hmmmm. Good question.

An International Baccalaureate (IB) learner looks just like the child that you put on the bus each day — but with an acute awareness of a changing world and the need to interact with it. This fall, as Westlake Middle School continues its transition to the IB Middle Years Program (MYP), students will experience some shifts in the middle school experience that will help to prepare them for that changing world.

Principal Dr. Adam Bronstein is excited to introduce some key tenets of the IB MYP program that will help students develop that awareness. These include interdisciplinary learning, a community service project for eighth graders, a revamped technology class that infuses ‘design’ concepts, and the IB learner profile, which is at the core of the entire program.

The learner profile consists of 10 distinctive attributes that all students are encouraged to become. (See box at right.)

Beginning with an “IB Kickoff ” event this month and continuing throughout the year, students will focus on each of the 10 attributes during their advisory period.

They will discuss the merits of each attribute and why it is important to students now and throughout their lives. During the advisory periods, students will learn to identify and strengthen the attributes they already possess and address the ones they don’t. Teachers will reinforce these attributes in the classroom as well.

Dr. Bronstein hopes the students will “embrace and identify with the IB attributes” to further develop their social and emotional learning.

An evening coffee for parents was held last month to discuss the learner profile and encourage parents to work with their child to identify and strengthen these attributes.

Other MYP strands

6

The middle school will use this year to map out additions to its existing curriculum that incorporate IB strands wherever they do not yet exist, such as a community service project and the infusion of ‘design’ concepts into technology educa-

Eighth grade students designed and tested their own experiments in Earth Science this September as teachers began introducing IB skills in their classrooms.

What IB learners strive to be Inquirers. Nurturing curiosity and developing skills for inquiry and research Knowledgeable. Develop conceptual understanding, engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance Thinkers. Use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems Communicators. Express ourselves confidently in more than one language and in many ways Principled. Act with integrity and honesty with respect for the dignity and rights of people Open-minded. Seek and evaluate a range of points of view and are willing to grow from the experience Caring. Show empathy, compassion and respect Risk-Takers. Approach uncertainty with forethought and determination. Resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change Balanced. Understand the importance of balancing intellectual, physical and emotional aspects of our lives Reflective. Thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience

tion classes. This year, an IB publication featuring global contexts will be introduced in all subject areas to our sixth graders. Students will explore themes such as their common humanity, local, national and international communities and real-world issues.

To design the community service project, Dr. Bronstein and several faculty will invite eighth grade students to participate. They will identify a school or community challenge and take steps to address it. This part of the IB format helps students become more connected to where they live and sets the stage for an awareness that will grow as they do.

Art teacher Dr. Susan CowlesDumitru, the district’s IB coordinator, wants parents to understand that the

world their child is growing up in is much more globalized. “We’re trying to give them tools to be able to integrate into that world and to go beyond their own borders,” she explained.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, a full day of middle school staff training will take place with an IB MYP consultant. Middle school students do not have school on that day.

To learn more about IB at Westlake Middle School, visit the Parent Resources tab on the WMS website or the Curriculum and Instruction page on the district website at mtplcsd.org.

Parents are also invited to a Curriculum and Coffee in the library on Monday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m., to further explore the IB curriculum framework.

All-State clarinetist

Rebecca Poole has been named to the 2015 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) AllState Symphonic Band.

An accomplished clarinetist, Rebecca is among the approximately 900 highly talented high school music and choral students who have earned Rebecca the “master proficiency” Poole distinction based on their solo score at the NYSSMA Festival last spring. She scored a perfect 100.

Rebecca has been selected to the AllCounty band every year since eighth grade. She is a first-chair clarinetist in Westlake’s concert band and plays lead alto saxophone in the jazz band. She has performed as a member of the pit orchestra for many high school musicals.

Rebecca is also a member of the Westchester Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Youth Wind Ensemble of Westchester.

On December 6, she will perform with the All-State Symphonic Band at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, New York, during the NYSSMA Winter Conference.

Outstanding Italian students

Alyssa Spampinato, Loredana Pizzuti and Michael Sala were recognized on October 5 as “Outstanding Students of Italian” during the Westchester County Board of Legislators celebration of Italian Heritage and Culture Month.

WHS Italian Club president, Marissa Carpentieri, was the honoree at a Westchester Coalition of Italian American Organization ceremony recognizing outstanding students of Italian on Oct. 19.

Senior Jessica Resciniti was the recipient of a $400 scholarship from DeCicco and Sons for being a top scholar in Italian.

Jessica was selected based on her academic achievement and a video she created for the Italian Honor Society.

Rotary Students

Adriana Pereira and Emma Sheehan have been chosen as Mount Pleasant Rotary’s “Student of the Month” for September and October respectively.

The two seniors were nominated by their teachers and guidance counselors who cited their exceptional service to their school and/or community. Students are feted at a monthly Rotary luncheon and receive a plaque for their “service above self.”

Thomas F

Third grader wins merit award in PTA Reflections program Columbus third grader Thomas F’s visual arts entry won an Award of Merit at the state level in the 2014-15 National PTA Reflections Program.

The theme of last year’s arts contest was “The World Would Be A Better Place If …”

Thomas’ entry, “Protect Our Waters,” won at the school level (he was a second grader at Hawthorne at the time) and went on to regional competition last spring where he also won. At the state level his work went up against students from all over New York. Thomas’ entry was one of four

Essay finalist

Junior Chloe Burns was a finalist in the 2015 Ayn Rand Institute essay contest.

The worldwide contest for students in grades 8-10 challenges them to write an essay explaining “How Does One Lead a Rational Life in an Irrational Society?” and is based on Ayn Rand’s novel “Anthem.” Chloe was one of 45 finalists and was awarded a cash prize of $50.

Engineering challenge winner

Senior Noelle Santos and teammates took first place in an engineering challenge at the Manhattan College Engineering Awareness Program this past July.

As one of just 40 high school juniors and seniors selected from a field of 500 applicants, Noelle spent 10 days at the college’s Riverdale campus learning about the many fields of engineering and taking part in a challenge that Noelle Santos tested the students’

From the Heart • Fall 2015

And kudos to …

that received a state merit award in the primary division. (Only one winner was chosen for the Award of Excellence and would go on to the national competition.)

As a merit winner, Thomas’ artwork will now become part of the New York State PTA Reflections Art Roadshow exhibit. His piece will join other state winners and will be on display in at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, New York, from October 17 until November 1. The exhibit will then travel to Niagara Falls where it will be on display until November 14. knowledge and ability to apply principles of engineering.

The challenge pitted teams of four against one another as they created balsa wood structures that tested the strength of the structure relative to its weight.

Noelle’s team’s winning entry held 13 phone books on a structure that was just .3 pounds. She credits her AP physics class that she took as a junior for enabling her to lead her team through the challenge and win first place.

ACE winners

Senior Brian Bennett, junior Chloe Burns and freshman Katie Burns met County Executive Rob Astorino’s Challenge in Education (ACE) last school year by having a 3.8 GPA and/or perfect attendance for the entire year. Students sign up for the challenge in the beginning of the school year. Brian is both a high honors student and has had perfect attendance since kindergarten. Chloe and Katie achieved high honors and have met the ACE benchmark for the past three years. The trio received free season passes to Playland.

See “School News” Quick Links on the school websites for full stories.

7

From the Heart • Fall 2015

The Westlake Players Present

Mount Pleasant Central School District Board of Education Eric Schulze, President Laurie Donato, Vice President Theresa Fowler Thomas McCabe Colleen Scaglione Neglia John Piazza Christopher Pinchiaroli

Friday, November 20

& Saturday, November 21 Nov. 20-21 at 8 p.m.

At 8:00 p.m.

Nov. 22 at 122p.m.

Sunday, November at 1 p.m.

(Senior luncheon at noon) A Complimentary luncheon for senior citizen at Noon with ticket purchase

At the John S. Whearty Theatre Westlake High School

J.S. Whearty Theater at WHS Tickets: Adults-­‐$12.00, Students/Seniors-­‐$10.00

Tickets $12/$10 online at www.westlakeplayers.com westlakeplayers.com PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE AT

Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid White Plains, NY Permit No. 9415

West Lake Drive, Thornwood, NY 10594

Superintendent Dr. Susan Guiney

* * * ECRWSS * * * Postal Customer Thornwood, NY 10594

Correspondence Phone: 769-5500 • Fax 769-3733 Web: www.mtplcsd.org Editor/email contributions Eileen Farrell/efarrell@mtplcsd.org

Wildcat News … Homecoming Celebrated!

Student Council leads the parade to the field as the motorcade of fans follows.

Follow your Wildcats!

Cheerleaders set the tone for the fan-tastic Westlake cheering section, which was packed with Wildcat supporters.

8

Photos by Adriana Pereira

There were treats for every taste at the 2015 Homecoming and fireworks lit the sky at halftime. Oh, and the Wildcats beat Briarcliff 52-6!

The new Westlake Wildcat calendar app for smartphones and tablets lets you be in-the-know about when, where and even how to get to your favorite varsity, JV or modified games.

Users can download single or multiple team calendars. And, the app is updated in real time to reflect any changes to game times or venues.

The map feature gives you directions to all away games too!

The Wildcat calendar app is a convenient and fast way to get up-todate information on your teams when you’re on the go. To get the calendar app, visit westlakewildcats.org.