Tuxedo Talk

Tuxedo Talk is a monthly update for TUFSD parents, caregivers and community members, providing a look back at recent lessons, events and happenings in the District.

Dear Tuxedo School Community,

I am thrilled to officially return to my role as Superintendent of Schools following an extended medical leave to recover from a motor vehicle accident. I am grateful to be back and reconnecting with our students, staff and families.

As we approach the end of the academic year, there is much to look forward to across our school community. The coming weeks will be filled with culminating events that celebrate the talents, hard work and accomplishments of our students. From spring concerts and class picnics to milestone moments like moving-up ceremonies and the George F. Baker High School Commencement, this is a special time of year.

I also want to remind our families and community members of the annual budget vote and school board election on Tuesday, May 20. The school budget plays a vital role in sustaining the high quality educational experiences we provide for all students — and your voice matters. I encourage everyone to review the proposed budget on our website and make a plan to vote.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. It is an honor to serve as your superintendent.

Sincerely,

Jeff White

Superintendent of Schools

Tuxedo Union Free School District

George Grant Mason students in pre-K through fifth grade kicked off April’s Books and Breakfast: Kindness Edition by taking the Kindness Pledge and sharing ways they’ll spread kindness this week. With superhero capes and a growing Kindness Chain, the school is celebrating small acts that make a big difference all month long. Read the full story on Facebook.

Eighth- and ninth-grade biology students at George F. Baker explored the mammalian dive response by measuring heart rate changes during a breath-holding experiment—both in air and underwater, offering a firsthand look at how aquatic mammals conserve oxygen and adapt to life beneath the surface. See photos of the scientists in action on Instagram.

George Grant Mason second graders brought the excitement of March Madness to reading with their own Battle of the Books, voting and writing persuasively to crown a classroom champion. Find out what book busted the bracket on our Facebook page.

Inspired by the lotus flower, George F. Baker students in grades 6–12 reflected on personal growth and resilience through a meaningful SEL activity. Their anonymous reflections, now displayed as a Wall of Flowers, highlight the strength and perseverance they carry every day. See photos of the students and the Wall of Flowers on our Instagram page.

Congratulations to GGM STEM teacher Mariah Klimowich, who has been awarded a STEM Classroom Grant from the Orange & Rockland Utilities Education Advisory Council — for the sixth year in a row! Read more about the grant and what it will be used for on our website.

To kick off the annual Raise Craze fundraiser sponsored by Tuxedo PTO, GGM students and staff enjoyed an inspiring assembly with singer-songwriter Jared Campbell, who shared powerful messages of kindness, individuality and perseverance through music. Students pledged to spread kindness daily, launched classroom kindness challenges and will continue earning support for Raise Craze by performing good deeds leading up to the Kindness Walk on May 14. See more photos from this rockin' event on our Facebook page.

Valter Ulaj joined George F. Baker High School as an English teacher in January, bringing his passion for teaching and commitment to student growth. Originally on a path to law, he found his calling in the classroom and now works to inspire critical thinking, creativity and real-world awareness in his students. Read more about Ulaj, how he has made the most of his time at TUFSD so far and what he hopes to build as he looks ahead to future learning and growth in the district.

Congratulations to George F. Baker students Kayleigh Donnelly and Ava Resner, who were honored this week at the Orange-Ulster BOCES breakfast celebrating the 2025 Humanities Honorees! Read the full article on our website.

Three talented George F. Baker students received a scholarship to support their postsecondary education, thanks to the generosity of a dedicated community member who continues to invest in our students' futures. Read about the students and the awards they received on our website.

At the April 24 Tuxedo Board of Education meeting, School Business Official Brian Weir presented the proposed 2025-2026 Budget for the Tuxedo Union Free School District for approval and adoption by the Board of Education. View the presentation on our website.

For the full agenda and documents from the April 24 meeting and all previous Board of Education meetings, including copies of these presentations, please visit the Tuxedo Union Free School District Board of Education section of Board Docs.

The next meeting of the Board of Education will take place on May 20 at 7 p.m., and will include the public vote on the proposed 2025-26 budget and election of Board Trustees. Click here to see the full schedule of Board of Education meetings and important dates.

George F. Baker senior Mo Berthe was recently named to the 2024–25 Section IX Class C/D BCANY All-Star Team by the Basketball Coaches Association of New York (BCANY), Mid-Hudson (Section IX) Chapter.

This honor, voted on by coaches from across the region, recognizes Mo’s outstanding talent and work ethic on the court as well as the impact he has made throughout the section.

Varsity basketball coach Matt Takeuchi is proud, but not surprised, by the recognition. “Mo is hardworking, respectful and driven. He’s the kind of athlete every coach hopes for. Beyond the court, his character shines just as brightly, setting a high standard for teammates and younger players.”

The annual school budget vote and election of Board Trustees will take place Tuesday, May 20 in the George Grant Mason Multipurpose Room between the hours of 2 pm and 9 pm.

Save the Date of May 20 for the George Grant Mason and George F. Baker spring concerts!

During the March 19 Board of Education meeting, trustees approved the return of an emergency closing day, on May 23, 2025. This means that TUFSD will be closed for Memorial Day weekend May 23-26, 2025. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back onto campus on Tuesday, May 27.