Spring 2018
From the Heart Mount Pleasant — The Heart of Westchester County
The Mount Pleasant Central School District Newsletter
Volume 17, Issue 3
earned commendations in several areas including philosophy, organization and curriculum. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Susan Guiney remarked, “Globally we have received recognition and we are so proud of the hard work of our staff and students, administration and the entire team at Westlake Middle School.”
Westlake Middle School is now an approved IB World School! Mount Pleasant Central School District proudly announces that Westlake Middle School has received the prestigious distinction of authorization as an IB World School offering the Middle Years Program (MYP) Years 1-3. As an IB World School, Westlake is one of only approximately 1500 schools worldwide who are members of a global educational community committed to developing knowledgeable, caring individuals who think critically and independently. Students who complete an IB education are fully prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing and increasingly globalized world. The mission of IB is “to create a better world through education.” Developing students who can think critically about concepts and issues, be compassionate about the world around them and be creative problem solvers will lead to success not only academically, but in all areas of life. The MYP framework encourages students to become inquiriers. It connects learning to real-world examples,
both current and historic, so students understand its relevance. IB uses inquiry and students’ curiosity as the basis to drive learning. As an IB World School, Westlake joins a select list of authorized schools including other local institutions such as Brooklyn Prospect Charter School, Commack Middle School, Dobbs Ferry Middle School, Dwight School, Long Beach Middle School and Pelham Middle School. Earning the IB designation requires a very stringent preparation and application process. Dr. Susan CowlesDumitru, who serves as the IB Coordinator, worked with administration, teachers and students at Westlake Middle School for three years to incorporate the required IB standards and practices into the existing curriculum. During the application phase and verification process, Westlake received a perfect report on the assessed standards. The Middle School was also given exceptional feedback on the implementation of IB practices and
While there are many facets to the IB MYP framework, one that Westlake Middle School has already put in place is the Community Leaders Project for students in the third year of the MYP program (8th graders). Students work independently, or in small groups, to conduct a year-long project for the betterment of a community. The project culminates in a Community Project Celebration, which will be held this year on June 6, 2018. When asked about his experience over these past several years, Dr. Adam BronContinued on page 2
Dr. Susan Cowles-Dumitru works with a 6th grade student in art class.
Important Dates April 16: School board candidate petitions due
Residents of the district who wish to run for three open seats on the Board of Education should fill out a nominating petition available at the District Clerk’s office. Completed petitions must be submitted to the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 16.
April 25 & 26: Incoming K parent orientation
Parents of incoming kindergartners have been assigned a time to visit Hawthorne Elementary on one of these two days. This is a great opportunity to get answers to some of your questions, receive important information about next year and take a tour of the building.
August 15 and 16, 2018 Open to current 7th, 8th and 9th graders.
For more information and to register, please visit mtplcsd.org/steam