Dear Nyack Public Schools Community,

One month into the new year, we have renewed bold intentions with fresh ideas and determination to face the challenges that come our way in 2026 together. As our babies grow their wings, they discover each day what they want to learn... where they want to go in life... who they want to be in the world. This compels us all to remain vigilant in the pursuit of excellence in education for every one of the students in our care.

Martin Luther King Jr. famously stated: "Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education". He believed that education should bolster the humanity in us all - to enable critical thinking, investigate truth, call out injustice, and pursue dreams of a brighter future. I am inspired by the words of Dr. King every day.

Ever mindful as educators, we see how the power of education ignites curiosity, motivation and determination. And, we know that the power of education changes lives for the good, making all the difference for a brighter, bolder future.

Let us hold on to that power of education to change hearts and minds for the good. Let us encourage one another to set graceful goals in our daily lives - with kindness and good will for the children and for the world in which we live. Nothing is too big or small. Just be real, be bold, be true.

Yours in Education,

Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi

Superintendent of Schools

January is precisely the mid-year mark for school districts that operate from September through June. This is the time of year we take a look at our budget needs for next year, assess our progression since September, and look ahead to the second half of the year. We are being real, bold and true to our uniquely-Nyack school community.

As we continue the cycle of systemic intervention for positive change, our leadership goals ground our daily work. Holding these actionable goals in our site keeps us in sync with district values and vision. And we are reminded that we all are connected in community - through the power of education - in a network we call Nyack Public Schools.

Our first annual NPS Parent University was held at Nyack High School this month as an evening designed to offer parents greater insight into some of the curriculum programs and opportunities students are experiencing in our schools. Parents were presented with two sessions, three classes in each session, to choose and learn together. Despite frigid temperatures, Parent University opened doors to about fifty parents. Joe Simoni, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, organized the evening with help from a host of teachers, administrators, and FRC coordinators. Simultaneous interpretation services were provided in Spanish and Haitian Creole.

Did you learn something new? 90% of parents who attended and took a post-survey for feedback on Parent University said, yes! For all our parents who were not able to come out this time, here is a synopsis of the sessions and we look forward to learning together next time.

A special thank you to the fabulous collaborators who facilitated classes on January 28th!

PBIS: Positive Behavior Intervention Supports

Artificial Intelligence: An Overview of AI and its Use in Schools and Education

AVID Program, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a research-based class for college/career readiness through WICOR skills: writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, reading. This program is not simply about academic curriculum. AVID is about building confidence, determination and belief that students have in themselves. It's about a “ community of students to come together and encourage and empower one another to be successful not only in high school but in college and beyond," according to Kelly Vasquez, a 10th/11th Grade AVID teacher at Nyack High School. “AVID helps you think critically think, pushes you forward…beyond what you think is possible” says Judy Espinal, an NHS AVID elective teacher. Watch the video to hear from our students abouth AVID.

The District Equity Team leads professional learning sessions and facilitates courageous conversations with staff across all school buildings in the district. Beginning this quarter, the focus of these conversations is on how cultural and linguistic diversity intersect with race to impact belonging.

Creating intentional spaces for these discussions in every building has been a priority this school year as part of advancing the district’s Racial Equity Plan. Ensuring that similar conversations—grounded in shared language and common frameworks—are happening across buildings brings greater intentionality and coherence to our work and helps us collectively live out our values as a community.

Student Equity Teams will be launched in each building next, providing students with opportunities to engage in developmentally appropriate courageous conversations and to use their voice and agency help create school communities where everyone feels connected, affirmed, and valued.

This month, we're highlighting the history behind Hilltop School building, which now serves as the District's Central Administration Office. Our district proudly serves students and families from Nyack, South Nyack, Upper Nyack, and Valley Cottage, with roots tracing back to 1852 and the establishment of Liberty Street School. Here is a snapshot of our history:

Following World War II and the start of the Baby Boom era, Liberty Street School began to experience significant overcrowding. In response, Hilltop Elementary School was constructed in 1954 to accommodate the growing student population. The school opened with 184 students, and by 1963 enrollment had risen to 480.

The Hilltop property has a unique and colorful history. The 12.5‑acre site was purchased by the Nyack Board of Education in 1953 for $75,000 and had previously been part of the Clarkstown Country Club. The land was originally owned by Pierre Bernard, known as “The Omnipotent Oom”, who is credited with introducing yoga to the United States in the early 20th century.

The name “Hilltop” was quite literal. The steep hill behind the school became one of the village’s most beloved sledding spots, where children braved the slope on everything from Flexible Flyers to repurposed car hoods.

As the district’s footprint evolved in the 1970s and new schools were built, Hilltop Elementary eventually closed. While much of the original school structure no longer remains, the surrounding estate continues to be a historic landmark in South Nyack and an active part of the Nyack Public Schools infrastructure. The district administration building now operates out of the repurposed farmhouse from the original Bernard estate.

Recent capital improvements have further revitalized the site. The former school cafeteria has been renovated and transformed into the Professional Learning Center (PLC), which now hosts Board of Education meetings and staff development sessions. Despite its evolution over the decades, the Hilltop site retains its historic charm and remains a meaningful part of our district’s story.

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.

With the wintery weather and climate we are experiencing, here are some important safety measures to keep in mind as we continue to take care of our community's children.

Keeping Warm in Cold Weather - National Weather Service tips.
Keeping Street-Safe for Students, Staff and Stakeholders:

Please be reminded that THERE IS NO LEFT TURN going north on 9W into Nyack High School. We have asked our local law enforcement to assist us in helping to remind drivers. People may be tempted to make into the high school (next to the former Pie Lady property) but be reminded that this is an illegal turn.
To promote the safety of our students, staff, and visitors, all students who wish to ride an e-bike or e-scooter to and from Nyack High School must now complete the NHS E-Bike/E-Scooter Registration Form. Similar to vehicle parking permits, approved students will be issued a parking pass for their bike or scooter.

Need assistance with cold-weather concerns for keeping your household healthy, safe or warm? Please contact our Family Resource Center coordinators in each school. They have community resources and are here to help district families.

And check out the 1-20-26 NPS Facilties Update presented by Joe Russo, District Facilities Director.

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. Stay in touch with NPS BOE:

Peruse the NEW BOE webpage for information on the district budget, workshop presentations, trustees contact info, and a schedule for BOE meetings and committee meetings.
Access Board Docs for BOE meeting agendas, meeting minutes, and important information about BOE discussions and decisions that take place.
Find BOE Policies for Nyack Public Schools in the e-Policy Book.
Attend upcoming BOE Meetings to be connected with your elected trustees:

Tuesday, February 3 at 6:30pm
Tuesday, January 24 at 6:30pm

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.

Stay up-to-date with all our Nyack RedHawks and show your team spirit.

View the schedule online .

Follow Nyack Athletics on Instagram: @NyackHSAthletic

Parents/guardians receive flyers directly to their emails and can manage their own accounts, saving time, money and trees! Peachjar can be accessed on our school websites using the Peachjar icon.

Check out the current flyers here.