The Clarkstown Connection
January 2026
Community partnerships continue to enrich student learning across the District. Students at Link Elementary School extended their fall visit to Cropsey Community Farm with classroom lessons on sustainability, while learners at Laurel Plains Elementary School explored the water cycle with Veolia. Supporting student well-being, Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause therapy dogs also visited the Birchwood School, reinforcing our commitment to educating the whole child.
New City Elementary School gathered for an assembly focused on developing healthy digital habits and mindful media use. Students learned strategies to limit screen time and how to think critically about the content they encountered online.
Moving on up! Felix Festa Middle School eighth graders visited Clarkstown high schools North and South, getting a feel for what lies ahead. Through tours, conversations and an overview of electives, athletics and activities, the Class of 2030 began to envision the next chapter.
Two Clarkstown High School North wrestlers — senior Ryan Ciardullo and junior Will Roden — went undefeated to capture their second career county championships, earning decisive wins in the finals. Coach Tony Mellino Sr. was also honored with a Rockland County Service Award, recognizing his 60 years of coaching and decades of impact on the wrestling community.
Whether designing coffee cup art to explore branding at Little Tor and Woodglen elementary schools, creating Native American-inspired artifacts at West Nyack Elementary School or taking on a jump rope challenge at Strawtown Elementary School, students were encouraged to express identity, honor cultural heritage and build confidence.
