Board of Education Meeting Recap
Sloatsburg and Montebello Elementary Schools
With the help of the PTA Sloatsburg Elementary recently adopted a calf!! Her name is Luna and she is located at Bilow Farms in upstate NY near the Canadian border. Luna will continue to live on the farm by our host farmer and students will receive monthly updates about her that include information, pictures, and videos. These updates include lessons and activities related to her growth, how she is cared for on the farm, and how milk is produced on the farm. The next time you’re in Sloatsburg make sure you check out our display case with all of her pictures.
Continuing the theme, “Broadway: Where Every Student Takes Center Stage,” Montebello is bringing the school community together through the excitement of Halloween and the reveal of a musical film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Through daily clues and music, students are engaging with the arts while building connections across the school. As with each musical spotlight, the goal extends beyond the performance itself: they are using stories, characters, and music to spark conversations about character, kindness, individuality, and community. These shared experiences remind the students that everyone has a role to play in making Montebello a place where all feel welcomed, valued, and ready to take center stage.
RP Connor and Cherry Lane Elementary Schools
RP Connor is looking forward to welcoming The Great and Powerful Dave, who will be joining them for a school-wide anti-bullying assembly. Dave’s message and teaching will align with and reinforce the values RP Conner works to instill in the Cougars every day: practicing respect, acting safely, working hard, and showing self-control.
The Cougars are also looking forward to a fun-filled day on Friday, October 30, with the annual Halloween Parade in the morning, followed by our Trunk or Treat event at 6:00 p.m. We are excited for these opportunities to bring our school community together and celebrate our Cougars!
At Cherry Lane, there are two exciting initiatives taking place this October that reflect a commitment to kindness, inclusion, and giving back. On Wednesday, October 21st, Cherry Lane will celebrate Unity Day, encouraging students and staff to wear orange and show that they stand together for kindness, acceptance, and ensuring every student feels safe and included.
They are also participating in Socktober, with our Cherry L’Angels taking the lead in motivating and encouraging students to collect 1,000 pairs of new socks for local charities. Both initiatives remind our students that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. These efforts truly reflect our schoolwide theme, Growing Stronger Together, as we continue to build a community where everyone belongs and where we look for meaningful ways to support others.
Suffern Middle School
The Suffern Middle School Guidance Counselors and Social Workers have planned a “Better Together” Week to celebrate unity, kindness, and connection among all Middle School Mounties! Throughout the week, students and faculty will participate in schoolwide activities designed to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive school community.
Meet & Greet Monday: Kick off the week with welcoming students at arrival with a special surprise guest!
Upstander Tuesday: Students will explore what it means to be an upstander and take a pledge to stand up for others.
Wear Orange Wednesday: Faculty and students are encouraged to wear orange to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and to take a stand against bullying.
Trusted Adult Thursday: Students will identify a trusted adult they can turn to for support and write a note recognizing that connection.
Bingo Friday: Wrap up the week with a fun, schoolwide activity that brings our Mountie community together!
Suffern High School
Thursday night, Rockland Community College will be hosting a college fair for all students. There will be over 100 colleges, all military branches and financial aid service representatives.
On Friday the high school will host a Night to Nourish fundraiser, hosted by the Community Food Pantry and the Nourish Project. There will be food trucks, raffles, and live music, with all proceeds going to support the community food pantry.
USO is hosting a Spin Cycle fundraiser and will take place on November 18th. This is open for all students and staff to attend.
On Monday, the JCK Foundation will be speaking with our freshmen about how to ask for help when you need it and how to recognize and support others who may need help.
This past Sunday, Model UN, Robotics, and Boys Soccer all had major fundraisers at the Street Fair.
During Superintendent's comments, Dr. Gundersen updated the board and public that at the October 27 meeting, he will present a final overview with specific details on the bond proposal to the board for their approval.
He did let the board know that there will not be a second proposition, to build a field house on the high school campus, recommended next year. Due to high costs, non-aidable work, and feedback from the community, we will not be recommending that work.
Thank you Board of Education
The week of October 12 was Board Appreciation Week. We want to thank you to our Board of Education for all the work they do in our District.
National Principals Month
Thank you to our seven school principals for your dedication and service to our students. We are lucky to have you!