Inside Yorktown CSD
Yorktown Schools Community Newsletter | May 2026
Welcome to the May 2026 edition of “Inside Yorktown CSD.” In this issue, we share photos, stories, and highlights from across our schools in May, along with a look ahead at upcoming events.
Dates to Remember
- June 1 – Board of Education Meeting (School Partner Recognition Night), 7:00 p.m., YHS Auditorium
- June 2 – Mohansic Art Show, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
- June 2 – Brookside Art Show, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
- June 3 – Brookside Kindergarten Parent Orientation
- June 3 – Crompond Grade 5 Band & Orchestra Concert, 5:30 p.m., YHS Auditorium
- June 4 – Crompond Grade 4 Choral Concert
- June 4 – Mohansic Kindergarten Parent Orientation
- June 5 – YHS Tri-M Honor Society Induction Ceremony
- June 8 – YHS Spring Sports Signing Day
- June 11 – Last Day of Classes for Seniors
- June 12 – YHS Senior Day (Back to the Nest followed by Senior BBQ)
- June 12 – Crompond Grade 5 Dance
- June 15 – Board of Education Meeting (Celebration of Anniversaries & Retirees), 7:00 p.m., YHS Auditorium
- June 17 – Brookside Moving-Up Day
- June 18 – Mohansic Moving-Up Day
- June 18 – YHS Senior Prom
- June 19 – Juneteenth (Schools Closed)
- June 24 – Crompond Moving-Up Day
- June 24/25/26 – Half-Day Early Dismissal for K-5 Schools
- June 25 – MESMS Commencement Ceremony
- June 25 – YHS Graduation
- June 26 – Last Day for Students
Visit the District website for more calendar information and a detailed Athletics schedule.
Announcements
Thank You from Dr. Hattar
Dear Yorktown School Community,
On behalf of the Board of Education and school district, I extend my deepest gratitude to our community for your overwhelming support in the May 19 budget vote.
The passage of the budget by approximately 77% reaffirms our shared commitment to the children of our district and to providing every student with outstanding opportunities and experiences. Please know how much I cherish your support, trust, and partnership.
While we are proud of all that has been accomplished together (and there is much to be proud of), we must never stop striving to be even better. We remain committed to continuous improvement in all that we do academically, socially, emotionally, operationally, and fiscally. We will continue to look for ways to enhance programs, strengthen opportunities for students, support our faculty and staff, and ensure that Yorktown remains a district that our community is proud to support. Together, I am confident that we will continue to build on the strong foundation that makes the Yorktown Central School District such a special place.
You can see the full Budget Vote & Trustee Election results here.
Respectfully,
Dr. Ron Hattar
Update on Electric School Buses
We are pleased to share that New York State’s electric school bus mandate has been delayed by five years. As previously shared, this mandate — which requires school districts to fully transition their bus fleets — presents significant challenges.
A fleet electrification feasibility study commissioned by the District estimates that transitioning to an electric bus fleet would cost at least $42–$46 million (including incentives) in initial infrastructure and vehicle investments. In addition, projected annual operating costs for electricity are approximately $600,000—roughly five times our current annual gasoline costs of about $120,000. Based on current battery limitations, at least three additional buses would also be required to maintain existing routes.
The law previously required districts to only purchase electric buses beginning in 2027 and to fully electrify their school bus fleets by 2035. The new dates for these requirements are 2032 and 2040, respectively.
While we recognize and support the environmental goals behind this mandate, the financial and operational impacts presented a significant concern. In a tax cap environment, these costs could represent a substantial portion of the District’s tax levy, creating challenges for long-term sustainability.
The District shared this information with state representatives and we thank them for listening to the concerns shared by us and many other districts. We will also continue to monitor policy developments and keep our community informed.
Capital Project Updates
At the May 11 school board meeting, Dr. Hattar provided another update on the construction at Mohansic, Brookside, and the Athletic Complex. The video update is below. Please click here for more Capital Bond Project updates.
After-School Care
As a reminder, the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester will be administering an after-school care program in each of our elementary schools for the 2026-27 school year. Information regarding program times and pricing may be found through the link below. Please note that students may only attend the after-school program housed at the school that they attend. Any inquiries should be made directly to the YMCA as this is not a district program.
Rochambeau Festival on June 6 and 7
School Board Update
The YCSD Board of Education will hold its next meeting Monday, June 1, at 7:00 p.m., in the YHS Auditorium. Video replays of all meetings are available on the District's YouTube channel.
You can find agendas and upcoming meeting dates by visiting the following link: BOE Agendas.
Please note that as a result of the May 19 trustee election, Adam MacDonald immediately joined the Board of Education and will serve the remainder of the term created by Jackie Carbone’s resignation. That term runs through June 30, 2027. Jacquelyn Guarino, who had been appointed to temporarily fill that vacancy, was elected to a full term, which she will begin serving on July 1, 2026.
District News & Headlines
Superintendent's Student Council Receives National Recognition
We are proud to announce that our Superintendent’s Student Council has been selected by Character.org as a 2026 Promising Practice, marking the District’s second consecutive recognition and third overall.
Established in September 2024, the 16-member volunteer council brings together student representatives from each grade level to work directly with Dr. Hattar on initiatives that improve the student experience.
“From the very beginning, it was clear that this council was something special,” one member said. “It’s not just about discussing what could be changed, but actually making that change real.”
That mindset led to one of the council’s most visible accomplishments: improvements to a town-owned parking lot used by students. The council has also taken on projects involving test scheduling, grade weighting, facility improvements, and student mental health.
“In Yorktown, students don’t just have a voice at the table,” said Dr. Hattar. “They play an active role in shaping change within their school community.”
You can read more about the Student Council and their work on our website.
YHS Science Research Program Impresses on International Stage
On May 15, sophomore Sophie Zhong and junior Saarth Desai both took fourth place in their respective categories at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona. Senior Aryan Shenoy also qualified for this prestigious competition, which brings together the top young scientists, engineers, and inventors in the world.
The success at ISEF continues a year filled with accomplishments for the Science Research Program, with students having earned top honors in prestigious competitions at the regional, state, and national levels.
Congratulations to the Science Research students and thank you to advisors Mr. Justin Seweryn and Mr. Paul Rubeo for their leadership and support.
YCSD Educators Earn Tenure
Let's have a round of applause for our amazing tenure recipients!
We are excited to announce that 24 of our exceptional educators and administrators were granted tenure at the May 11 Board of Education meeting. These dedicated individuals have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their profession and actively integrated themselves into the school community.
The District’s tenure process involves a rigorous probationary period, during which candidates undergo a dozen formal observations and numerous informal check-ins. However, the impact of these educators extends far beyond the classroom. They have become beloved members of our school community, eagerly assuming roles that go beyond their initial responsibilities.
Please join us in congratulating the following educators:
𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹
• Dynisha Autry, Certified Teaching Assistant
• Deise Da Silva Naue, Certified Teaching Assistant
• Denise Sandor, Assistant Principal
• Alexis Santavicca, Social Worker
𝗠𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹
• Isabel Bradlin, Certified Teaching Assistant
• Paula Brown, Certified Teaching Assistant
• Christine Coombs, Certified Teaching Assistant
• Suzanne Lampert, Elementary Teacher
• Michael Nardone, Physical Education Teacher
• Lauren Poccia, Speech & Language Therapist
• Pamela Trillas, Special Education Teacher
• Nancy White, Certified Teaching Assistant
𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹
• Kirsten Berger, Certified Teaching Assistant
• Kelsey Reynolds, Elementary Teacher
𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗘. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹
• Gina Faccilongo, Certified Teaching Assistant
• Michelle Luce, Certified Teaching Assistant
• Daisy Pena, Certified Teaching Assistant
𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹
• Veronika Argila, Special Education Teacher
• Ryan Langkafel, Special Education Teacher
• Rebecca Nani, Special Education Teacher
• Justin Seweryn, Science Teacher
• Rebecca Wellington, School Psychologist
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭-𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞
• Caroline Almeida, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
• Kristen Williams, Psychologist
Congratulations to Our Section Champions!
For the first time in school history, the Huskers are Section Champions in flag football after defeating defending champion Tappan Zee, 18-14, at Lakeland High School on May 23. Congratulations to Coach Rescigno and the entire team on this incredible accomplishment!
Congratulations also to Yorktown High School junior Joe Carey, who won his second consecutive Section 1 Boys Golf Championship on May 26, taking the two-round tournament by an incredible 10 shots. Joe’s twin brother, Kurt Carey, finished in second place and also qualified for the New York State tournament — an amazing accomplishment for both Huskers!
Many of our varsity teams are still competing in their respective postseasons. Please visit the Athletics Schedule for more information.
High School Seniors Showcase WISE Projects
From firefighting to finance, our high school seniors explored a wide range of careers through our WISE program. Their internships and independent projects took them into fields such as aviation, education, technology, and health care, giving them a first-hand look at the many paths available after high school.
At the seventh annual WISE Symposium on May 13, students showcased their projects and shared what they learned from their experiences.
Congratulations to all of our WISE participants, and thank you to Ms. SooHoo and the many mentors who helped make this program possible!
Please click here to see more photos from the WISE Symposium.
An MESMS Masterpiece: Sixth Graders Complete Collaborative Mural
The new mural at MESMS is officially complete! Over the course of a week (May 11-14), sixth grade students collaborated with visiting artist Joe Pimentel to design and paint a vibrant mural inspired by the school’s values and spirit. Students contributed original drawing ideas during the planning process before helping bring the large-scale artwork to life through painting and teamwork.
The project gave students the opportunity to take part in a meaningful creative collaboration while leaving a lasting mark on their school community. Throughout the process, students demonstrated creativity, focus, and cooperation as the mural gradually took shape.
Special thanks to Mr. Pimentel, Principal Horowitz, Mrs. Knickerbocker, and Mrs. Osbourne for helping make this memorable experience possible for MESMS students.
Please click here to see photos of students painting the mural.
Brookside Hosts Community Day
On May 18, Brookside students got an up-close look at some of the people, vehicles, and equipment that help keep our community safe.
As part of Community Day, our K-1 students rotated through stations with members of the Yorktown Police Department, Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department, Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Yorktown Highway Department, Yorktown Auto Body, and the Westchester County Police Department's Aviation Unit.
Along the way, they met K-9 Dallas, watched a drone demonstration, explored some big trucks, and learned a little more about the important work these agencies do each day.
The morning ended with a special moment as Grades 2-3 joined K-1 students outside to watch the County helicopter take off from Brookside.
Thank you to all of our community partners for making this such a memorable day for our students!
Mohansic Kindergartners Take the Egg Drop Challenge
Mohansic kindergartners were all smiles on May 15 during their egg drop challenge!
Earlier in the week, students teamed up to design protective casings using felt, bubble wrap, cotton balls, foil, cups, and paper bags. Each group could choose three materials, along with a limited amount of tape. Today, their creations faced the ultimate test!
Some eggs survived the fall and others cracked, but every student gained valuable lessons in problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. Great job!
Please click here to see more photos from Mohansic's Egg Drop
YHS Senior Wins National Merit Scholarship
Congratulations to Yorktown High School senior Jack Falk, who recently received a corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarship. Jack earned the honor after advancing from Semifinalist to Finalist standing in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the nation’s most competitive academic recognition programs.
Jack was among five Yorktown High School seniors named National Merit Semifinalists earlier this year, placing them among the top-performing students in the country based on their PSAT/NMSQT results. Congratulations, Jack, on this outstanding achievement!
Crompond 5th Graders Showcase ESTEAM Project
On May 20, Mrs. Walsh’s fifth grade students shared the culmination of an interdisciplinary project that connected reading, writing, social studies, economics, and ESTEAM to real-world issues facing communities in the Horn of Africa.
The Crompond students drew inspiration from Home of the Brave — a novel about a refugee adapting to life in the United States — as well as their study of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They explored how access to necessities such as electricity, clean water, education, food security, sanitation, and health care can look very different in other parts of the world compared to their own daily experiences.
Working alongside Instructional Tech Support Specialist Mrs. Burns, students worked in teams to research specific topics and create Canva video public service announcements highlighting both the challenges communities face and the efforts being made to help. Students also designed Glowforge-created tokens and wrote persuasive essays explaining why raising awareness about ARAHA, the American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa, matters.
The project encouraged students to make connections across subjects, think critically about global issues, and recognize how research, writing, and creativity can be used to inform others.
Brookside Kindergarten Concert
Brookside kindergarteners took the stage on May 20 to perform The Very Hungry Kindergartners, a heartwarming concert celebrating their journey through kindergarten.
They have learned and grown so much since they first came to Brookside — and now they are ready to spread their wings!
Please see below for photo and video links.
YHS Students Inducted into National Honor Society
Congratulations to our newest National Honor Society inductees! Students were officially inducted during a ceremony held on Thursday, April 30.
The National Honor Society recognizes high school students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, service, and character. Members are selected for their outstanding work in these areas and take part in community service projects, school initiatives, and leadership opportunities that support their growth and benefit their school and community.
Crompond Grade 5 Concert
Crompond 5th graders took us back to the ’80s on May 28 with two totally tubular concerts!
Under the direction of Ms. Salustri, the students — many rocking their best neon — performed more than a dozen classic hits from the decade, featuring music made famous by artists including Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, The Bangles, The Go-Go's, and more, bringing energy, nostalgia, and plenty of fun to the stage.
Please see the links below for photos and videos:
Mohansic First Graders Enjoy Community Day
On May 28, Mohansic first graders had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the people and equipment that help keep our community running safely and smoothly.
As part of Community Day, students rotated through interactive stations with members of the Yorktown Police Department, Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department, Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Yorktown Highway Department, and the Yorktown Refuse & Recycling Department.
Afterward, students made their way over to Downing Park, where they enjoyed a special opportunity to watch a Westchester County Police Department helicopter land and take off.
Thank you to all of our community partners for helping make Community Day such a fun and memorable learning experience for our students!
Please click here to see more photos from Mohansic's Community Day.
Brookside Kindergartners Keep Humpty Safe
Brookside recently completed its annual Egg Drop... with a twist!
In addition to keeping Humpty safe from a tall drop, kindergarten students were challenged to protect their eggs through several other tests. Using creative designs and a variety of materials, students built protective casings and then put them to the test at five different stations: a rooftop drop, a water challenge, a parachute activity, a seesaw ride, and a trip down the slide.
Please click here to see more photos from Brookside's Egg Drop.
You can visit the District's Communications website to keep up with the latest news and to read archived stories. All Capital Bond Project Updates will be published here.
Additional Highlights from Around Our Schools
Below are highlights from across our schools shared on social media in May.
• "Today, the YHS Band commemorated Memorial Day by playing in the town parade, and senior Ichiro IIzuka played Taps during the ceremony, during a remembrance of the fallen. It was a beautiful way for the students to support their community and show their respect, and is a tradition they have upheld year after year." (The First Nighters Yorktown Friends of The Arts on Facebook)
• "What a fun night tonight at the Pioneer League dinner dance, hosted by our friends at Ossining." (@Yorktown.SEPTA on Instagram)
• "Big Buddy Day pics as we began the transition to YHS for our current 8th Grade students---The Class of 2030!" (@YHSDeGennaro on X)
• “I had the opportunity to see our Crompond students put on an amazing performance of Aladdin Jr. yesterday. Our students did an incredible job! Well done! Congratulations to the cast and stage crew!” (@RonHattar on X)
• “Thank you to Crompond for giving us this opportunity. This was such a fun experience that we will never forget!” (@yhsambassador on Instagram)
• “Thank you to Support Connection for joining us today! We are so grateful to have such an amazing resource available in our community! You are changing lives!” (@yhsstudentlife on Instagram)
• “Positivity rocks!!” (@yhscircleoffriends on Instagram)
• “Mrs. Banks and Mrs. Robitzsch’s class sang a beautiful song and placed flags on the walkway this morning.” (@MohansicElem on X)
• “Today was one of the most meaningful lessons of our year. In preparation for our parade march, @yhsbands had the privilege of meeting Veterans and learning about the meaning of Memorial Day. Thank you for your time, your wisdom, and your service!” (@MsKluga on X)
• “After an amazing week, Sophie Zhong and Saarth Desai both won 4th place IN THE WORLD in their categories at ISEF, the Olympics of science fairs. Congratulations to both of them for this enormous accomplishment!!!” (@YHSSciRes on X)
• “Congratulations to our SEZ PHYS ED Award Winners!” (@MohansicElem on X)
• “Last night, Class of 2027 Cameron Diodati was recognized & approved to be the student representative on the Board of Education for all 18 districts who go to PNW Boces. Such a well deserved honor for Cameron & YHS! Congrats to Cameron and her family.” (@YHSDeGennaro on X)
• “Today our YHS Music students participated in an adjudication and clinic with college music professors. So grateful for this opportunity and so proud of their SUPERIOR performance! Celebrated with a trip to Six Flags, what a great day!” (@MsKluga on X)
• “Wonderful presentations by Ms. Dineen-Carey’s ASL class!” (@MESMSHorowitz on X)
• “Congrats to senior YHS Lacrosse standout Hunter Mezzatesta. Hunter recently broke the program saves record & has been selected as this week's Con Ed Award recipient. Hunter is pictured with AD Mr. Barrett as they were being interviewed this morning for this prestigious award.” (@YHSDeGennaro on X)
• “Yorktown CSD has once again been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, marking the second consecutive year receiving this distinction. The recognition highlights the continued commitment of our music educators, students, & supportive school community.” (@FirstNighters on X)
• “Great article about Yorktown High School junior Kate Brown and the inspiring impact she’s making on and off the field through her K’s for Kids initiative!” (@YorktownCSD on X)
• “Our symposium was a huge success! Congratulations again to all of our seniors and thank you to all of those who attended the event!” (@YHSSciRes on X)
• “Second graders had the pleasure of meeting author Daniel Kirk this morning. He shared the process of making a book including coming up with ideas and tips on how to illustrate as well.” (@MohansicElem on X)
Employment Opportunities
We continue to update our website with various job opportunities for both instructional and non-instructional roles. If interested, please visit our website for a list of vacancies or you may click here.
Stay Connected
You can read more District highlights by visiting our website and social media pages, which are updated regularly with stories, photos, and announcements.
Board of Education meetings, concerts, and other programming are available on our cable channel (Optimum 18, Verizon 27).
Yorktown Central School District
Website: www.yorktown.org
Location: 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, NY, USA
Phone: 914-243-8000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/YorktownCSD/
Twitter: @YorktownCSD
