The Clarkstown Connection

image saying the Annual School Budget Vote and Board election will take place on Tuesday, May 19.

During its special meeting on Tuesday, April 21, the Board of Education adopted the District's 2026-27 Proposed Budget. If approved by the qualified voters of CCSD on Tuesday, May 19, funding for next school year would total $271,507,575 and result in a 2.55% tax levy increase. The proposed tax levy increase remains within the mandated state cap. Additional details regarding curriculum enhancements, capital upgrades and other key initiatives will be shared in the upcoming budget edition of the Clarkstown Connection. Be on the lookout for it and don't forget to take part in the annual School Budget Vote and Board Election!

CHSN's valedictorian and co-salutatorians

Clarkstown high schools North and South revealed their valedictorians and salutatorians for the classes of 2026. Congratulations to: Cecilia Simoes, Vincent Luu, Lyla Manini (CHSN); Jason Chen and Yuemeng Zhang (CHSS)! We look forward to celebrating you and your classmates in June.

student holding up a plant he is growing to celebrate Earth Day

In celebration of Earth Day, students expressed their creativity in a recycled arts and crafts showcase at Strawtown Elementary School, learned about responsible waste practices from a local sanitation business at Lakewood Elementary School and brought energy and innovation to a "trashion" show at Little Tor Elementary School, transforming everyday recyclables into wearable designs.

sixth-grade students at a D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony

Sixth graders participated in a D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony, marking the completion of lessons focused on making safe, responsible decisions and understanding the impacts of substance abuse. The Felix Festa Middle School event celebrated their growth and commitment to positive choices, reinforced through student reflections and recognition of their achievements.

students holding their Blackout Poetry awards

CCSD held its fourth annual Blackout Poetry Contest and recognized the talents of the top 12 entrants during a culminating ceremony on April 10. Students from the Birchwood School and Clarkstown high schools North and South are invited to participate in this creative expression that transforms ordinary words into extraordinary art. Congratulations to all!

students showing off their original comic book

CCSD's student-artists continue to transform imagination into lasting work that extends beyond the classroom. At Lakewood Elementary School, a group of students created an original comic book that has earned a place as an official library book, while another group at Laurel Plains Elementary School explored bold expression through Georgia O'Keefe-inspired artwork. At Link Elementary School, students designed detailed miniature museums.

student holding up a Veterans Day drawing

CHSS's Stars and Stripes Club visited West Nyack Elementary School to recognize the Month of the Military Child — sharing stories and leading activities focused on the sacrifices of service members and their families — helping younger students better understand and connect with these perspectives.

students participating in a booth at last year's STEAMfest

Ready to LEVEL UP? Join us at STEAMfest 2026! This year’s FREE event will be held on Thursday, May 7 from 5–7:30 PM at Clarkstown High School South and will feature fun for the whole family. This year’s “Level Up” theme was created in collaboration with CHSN's Business Department and business teacher Michael Cazzari’s students. The event also highlights expanded student leadership across CHSN and CHSS, including Science Olympiad, business, science, math and robotics teams, and student volunteers from all three secondary schools.

Families can explore hands-on STEAM experiences led by K–12 staff and students — from kale smoothies sourced from the hydroponic gardens, podcasting, green screen production, LEGO® robotics, 3D printing and more — along with “The Algorithm Arena,” an AI lab in the library. Community partners will also join us with exciting interactive experiences, including drones, live music, e-sports, a crime scene unit and more. We hope to see you there!