Dear Nyack Public Schools Community,

February marks 100 years of honoring Black History Month in our nation. In Nyack Public Schools, this is not simply a date on the calendar, it is part of who we are. The achievements, resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Black Americans are woven into the fabric of American history and into the daily stories in our schools. The greatness of Black families, neighbors, students, and staff is not separate from our story, it is our story. The journey of Black history is a lifelong pursuit of freedom, justice, opportunity, and excellence in education.

In our school community, we know that great leaders and change makers work among us, teaching our babies and shedding light on who we are and why we do what we do. This past month, Nyack Middle School Principal Dave Johnson was nominated by his peers and received recognition by New York Congressional Office District 17 for his leadership and service to others. Nyack High School AP African American Studies teacher, Synthia Salomon was also recognized by community leaders as an honoree at Nyack Center's Black History Celebration.

And our students...they continue to inspire us. They ask thoughtful questions. They challenge us to think more deeply. They speak up about the world they are inheriting and share bold ideas about the world they hope to shape. On behalf of our leadership team and the entire NPS staff, I can say with complete confidence: we are incredibly proud of them. They are growing into leaders who will make a difference, not by changing who they are, but by leaning fully into their authentic selves. May we continue to walk together guided by the spirit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness committed to caring for our children and building a future worthy of them.

Yours in Education,

Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi

Superintendent of Schools

AP African American Studies (developed by the College Board) explores the history, culture, politics, and contributions of people of African descent. The course examines topics such as African civilizations, the transatlantic slave trade, Black resistance and freedom movements, cultural expressions, and contemporary issues in the African American experience.

Students analyze primary sources, literature, art, and historical scholarship while developing critical thinking and research skills to understand how African American history shapes the broader story of the United States and the African diaspora. Principal Saieva was eager to pilot the AP African American Studies class last year, highlighting the commitment to excellence in expanding curriculum opportunities for high school students.

The annual NHS Black History Month performance, presented by they Black Student Union (BSU) is not only a celebration but a culmination of success that this year showcased 90 students with a mighty spotlight on RedHawk pride. Principal Saieva beams, "our students are just awesome... simply the best. I am so proud of the people they are, how they respect each other and cheer each other on when celebrating one another."

How well do YOU know U.S.A. Black History? Student-led performances in spoken word, dance, music, and song were featured in Nyack High School's annual Black History Month celebration. This year's theme, "One Hundred Years Strong", integrated across multiple curricula: Social Studies/ELA/African Studies, Music, Visual and Performing Arts. View the full power point presentation, created by NHS Senior Taitu Forest, to find out more about how Black History has shaped our country:

NPS Black History Month Assembly 2-27-26

A special shout out to NHS Black Student Union (BSU), Principal Nicole Saieva, Co-advisors and NHS teachers Angela Hill and Synthia Salomon, and all the students who shed light on Black History, sharing their knowledge and talents with the school community.

Black National Anthem: Lift Every Voice and Sing

Claudette Colvin, age 15, refused to give up her seat to another white passenger on the same bus

Haitian National Anthem: Dessalinienne

Synthia Salomon with community collaborator, Bill Batson

Principal Dave Johnson leads by example, prioritizing the whole child during the challenging and critical developmental years of middle school. "In Nyack Middle School, we embrace all our students and that's why our kids know they are heard, seen, and cared about." Principal Johnson and his team prioritize thoughtful leadership development to ensure NMS staff has support and ongoing training that places focus on creating and nurturing safe spaces for students, grades 6-8.

The image below was presented by Principal Johnson to NMS staff during a monthly Faculty Meeting. The power of this visual has continued to provide opportunity for growth, "when we take the time to understand the burdens our students carry in the world today, we are better equiped to meet their needs and support their educational success as well as their dreams for the future."

"In this centennial year, we are called not just to remember, but to protect, teach, and pass on our stories. In the words of Carter G. Woodson, 'People who do not know their history risk believing they have none.' Teaching AP African American Studies and studying Black history has changed my life". - Synthia Salomon during her acceptance speech upon being honored at Nyack Center's Black History Celebration, February 7, 2026.

Synthia Salomon is an 18-year educator and equity-driven instructional leader committed to advancing access, representation, and academic excellence. She leads Nyack High School’s AP African American Studies program, teaches Topics in Black Studies, and serves as advisor to the Black Student Union and organizer of the Annual Black History Month Assembly. Beyond the classroom, Synthia facilitates professional development and courageous conversations that support educators in building equitable and inclusive learning environments. As a first-generation scholar and social justice advocate, Synthia is proud to share her knowledge and pass along her passion to NPS students.

Lorraine Longing, Director of Guidance K-12, believes in the power of SEL. With a super-star School Counselling Team, NPS students at all developmental levels have opportunity to practice mindfulness as a tool to bolster their learning. We know that our kids have stress to manage. And we see how Social Emotional Learning (SEL) integrated into curriculum builds student confidence and intelligence. Here is a quick look at a simple exercise used to refocus and recenter students during the school day. Try it!

District Equity Teams, coordinated with Dr. Audrey Brutus - Director of Equity, K-12 Curriculum, and Instruction - meet monthly together and also in each building to build collective understanding. Four themes guide staff exploration into the intersectionality of our diverse identities and how they shape lived experiences and a sense of belonging in Nyack Public Schools. Group conversation allows time for staff to dig a little deeper, discover root cause, analyze systemic disparities, and develop a sharper equity lens.

This month, we're highlighting the 1st African American Nyack High School Graduate.

In 1888, Anthony Myers made history as the first African-American to graduate from high school in Rockland County. Pictured on the far right of the front row in his graduation portrait, Myers graduated from Nyack High School with honors, standing out as one of only nine students in his class. Following this landmark achievement, he continued his education at the prestigious Hampton Institute (now known as Hampton University) in Virginia, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in Nyack Public Schools history.

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.

Be connected with your elected officials who serve on the district's Board of Ed!

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.
Access 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.

Upcoming BOE Meetings:

Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30pm - Workshop: District Safety Presentation
Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30pm - Workshop: District 2026-27 Budget Presentation

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.