RedHawk S.U.N.

As we lean into June, the end of the school year in sight, let's take a moment to look back over the months leading up to this point and reflect. Establish your accomplishments. Can you see them? Knowledge is power... What have you learned about yourself, your history, your world? Stand with determination... What dreams are coming to fruition and what do you think your future holds?

It is with the power of our students' passion, curiosity, courage, and intellectual growth that we lean in now, with RedHawk determination, as we reach towards the finish line of another school year.

And we must lean in together as a community because in today's world, information moves fast, opinions are often louder than facts, and people sometimes speak before they listen or react before they think. Real learning requires vulnerability. It requires persistence. It requires the willingness to sit with complexity or allow an uncomfortable phase of uncertainty as we push forward into a future we envision. Real, bold learning requires a community such as ours.

In community, we acknowledge the fabulously diverse culture that is ours. I want to thank all the people who raised their voice in support of our school budget and for our Board of Education election in May. Your vote of confidence goes beyond financial approval. It is a reflection of your agreement of the NPS vision and values as well as your shared commitment to the students, staff, and families we serve.

In this month's SUN, our student voices will warm your heart and lift your spirit. We have such brilliance radiating from the work we accomplish together. Knowing we have work left to do for each student to feel seen, heard, valued, please lean in with us as we reach towards achieving our dreams that every student indeed belongs here in Nyack Public Schools.

Yours in Education,

Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi

Superintendent of Schools

Thank you, dear school community, for your partnership in carrying our vision forward, centering students, and celebrating a collective voice that defines our beautifully diverse and beloved community. Always remember, RedHawks rise together!

The Science Research Symposium here in Nyack is truly a tribute to brilliant students and the glory of science, the proclaimed theme and tradition at Nyack High School. A big shout out to our Science Department Chair Tracey Potter and extraordinary teachers Kirsten Kleinman, Katherine Jacobson, Matthew Forman for organizing and guiding the science research class for years. They inspire our students not simply to love their projects, presentations, and research but to celebrate something much deeper.

The Science Research Program reflects the very best of what education should be. It is students wrestling with real questions, exploring ideas deeply, challenging assumptions, examining evidence, reaching out to experts in the field they are studying, and sharing their learning with courage and pride. That work is not easy and our students shine brightly as they demonstrate how to analyze information, speak with confidence, defend ideas with evidence, listen respectfully, adapt critical thinking, and engage in an immensely complex world.

Take a look, here, at the scope of topics our students conducted research on and you will be impressed! NHS Science Research Symposium: Exploring the Science of the Next Generation

Nyack High School and Science Research Alumnus, Emma Kleiner, was a very special guest speaker for this year's symposium. As a Class of 2018 graduate, Emma was invited to present her story as a child who always loved stars and space and how she landed her success in science.

Through challenges and triumphs, even questioning whether she should continue to pursue a life-long dream, Ms. Kleiner shared how her struggle in being rejected in her first choice for graduate programs led to unexpected opportunities. She was recruited to help compile a Cultural Heritage Segmenation Chart at For All Mankind, Inc. The purpose of this chart was to help develop the concept of human heritage on celestial bodies as well as developing an international convention to protect it. She then worked for the United Nations, reporting on how space technology can aid in advancing the UN 17 Sustainable Developement Goals. As a current researcher for the Space Generation Advisory Council on Armed Conflict in Outer Space, Emma will continue as a PhD student at Arizona State University this fall.

During her inspiring presentation, one could hear a pin drop as students, parents, teachers alike listened to her story. She credited NHS teacher and mentor, Alex Freuman, as the one who tutored her through college statistics, encouraging her from a failing grade to an A, believing in her each step of the way. With remarkable courage, vulnerability, knowledge and style, Emma Kleiner is a bright shining RedHawk star. In a universe of possibilities, she is lighting a pathway for success, dreaming with determination.

Our Student Belonging and Connection Survey was conducted this past spring with students in grades 4-12. Survey results are being shared this month with our families as an important next step. Results not only highlight district areas of strength but also raise awareness on opportunities for growth and holds us accountable in centering student voice. Analysis of survey data through a shared and sharpened equity lens helps to shed light on the systemic changes we continue to seek in Nyack Public Schools. Parents can expect to receive more details in June.

Dr. LRG’s leadership vision drives the moral imperative that all students feel seen, heard and valued. Dr. Brutus' work in developing this collaborative effort with district administrators is ongoing. The district will be sharing more custom-made, public-facing infographics as we build a data-driven narrative that reflects who we are, what we do, and where we need to focus. As we lean in together for the challenging work that lies ahead, we are determined to build a culture of belonging so that all students succeed.

We know that children and young people can experience stress when they are overwhelmed, worried, or under pressure. Even though occasional stress is a part of life and can even be productive, our School Counselors are on-hand for our kids to help them learn how to cope with stress. Director of Guidance Lorraine Longing shared five things that school counselors recommend and practice in school:

1. Face your fears
2. Use breathing exercises
3. Practice daily mindfullness
4. Switch off technology
5. Talk it out

Here are five tips she also shares to help balance stress with simple reminders for a happy life.

This past month, we celebrated our newly and notable contributers as we recognized our 2026 tenured teachers for Nyack Public Schools. Each year, our Superintendent, Board of Education, administrators, and community members come together to welcome a new generation of educators to NPS. Superintendent Ruiz-Giovinazzi encouraged everyone to be bold in our pursuit of excellence in equity, innovation, and optimism. The journey of belonging continues as we learn and grow with determination.

Take a look at our presentation from the evening, here: 2026 NPS Tenure Celebration.

Do you know a fun fact or notable contributor to the Nyack school community? Share it with me at ncampbell@nyackschools.org and your suggestion could be featured.

Thank you, Nyack Public Schools community, for your strong support of the 2026–27 School Budget. The budget passed with 1497 ‘yes’ votes — representing approximately 82% of the tentative results! Congratulations Larry Jackson, Stacey McDonald, Benny Vasquez, and Jessica Goodman on their election to the Board of Education. Larry Jackson, Stacey McDonald and Benny Vasquez will serve three-year terms commencing on July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2029. Jessica Goodman will serve the term commencing May 19, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2027.

Be connected with our elected officials who serve on the district's Board of Education. The Board of Education encourages community engagement. Our seven trustees are responsible to listen and represent our school community. Board members may be emailed at: BOEmembers@nyackschools.org.

• BOE webpage for information on the district budget, workshop presentations, trustees contact info, and a schedule for BOE meetings and committee meetings.
• Board Docs for BOE meeting agendas, meeting minutes, and important information about BOE discussions and decisions that take place.
• e-Policy Book for BOE policies in Nyack Public Schools.

BOE Meetings are open to the public, posted on the district website and calendar on specified Tuesdays each month. The public is encouraged to join in-person or via Zoom. Links to the webinar meetings are available on the district website homepage calendar at www.nyackschools.org.

BOE Meetings in June will be held at Nyack High School.

• TUESDAY, JUNE 2nd at 6:30 pm is Volunteer Recognition

• TUESDAY, JUNE 16th at 6:30 pmis Years of Service and Retirement Recognition

Designed for promoting Superintendent’s Uplifting News, the RedHawk SUN is focused on what defines and distinguishes Nyack Public Schools’ educational culture, vision, mission, learning and teaching environment, staff and students of our community.