The Clarkstown Connection

A Message from the Superintendent

October Highlights

student speaking during a mock interview

Felix Festa Middle School students are building real-world competencies through Business 8, a new course focused on financial literacy and career readiness. Eighth graders marked the end of a unit through mock interviews for a fictional job, learning skills that will help them navigate future employment opportunities. The class also covers budgeting, saving, smart spending and entrepreneurship.

students in modern band posing for a photo

Modern Band is striking a new chord in the District, bringing students from Clarkstown high schools North and South as well as Felix Festa Middle School together to explore contemporary and popular music. The club broadens access to music education and gives students another way to engage beyond traditional ensembles.

students posing for a photo during Festa Italiana

Italian-American and Hispanic heritage celebrations brought cultural traditions into classrooms and school events. Clarkstown High School North's Italian Club hosted Festa Italiana, while its Spanish and ENL clubs held a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with food and crafts. Clarkstown High School South's Hispanic Heritage Night featured student artwork, music and activities. At Lakewood Elementary School, kindergarteners learned traditions from Guatemala, Peru, Argentina and the Dominican Republic, while fifth graders at Link and West Nyack elementary schools explored the Mexican game La Loteria by designing their own cards.

Fifth graders working in the school store pose for a photo

Financial literacy starts early at Little Tor Elementary School, where fifth graders get experience running a school store. From making change to deciding how earnings should be spent, students learn that managing money takes planning and smart choices. Their work pays off beyond the classroom, too: store proceeds support charitable causes and school purchases!

students and teacher posing for a photo in front of a fire truck

Local partnerships brought lessons in fire safety, agriculture and sustainability to our schools this month. The West Nyack Fire Department visited West Nyack Elementary School to demonstrate fire safety and emergency preparedness, while the Birchwood School explored Cropsey Community Farm to learn about growing vegetables and native plants. At Dr. Davies Farm, Clarkstown high schools North and South learned how a family runs the business, from farming to marketing.

A Look Ahead

photo of a box of thank you letters for Veterans

As Veterans Day approaches on November 11, the District looks forward to honoring those who have served our country at events across CCSD. Thank you to the school community for helping us recognize their service and sacrifice.

Help us honor our hometown heroes! Submissions are still open for the Clarkstown Hall of Heroes, which will recognize alumni who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Know a veteran we should honor? Complete the CCSD Hall of Heroes Form to nominate yourself or a loved one.