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A Hauntingly Good Performance!

Congratulations to the Middle School Band for leading the New Paltz Halloween Parade this year! With their spirited rendition of “The Addams Family” theme song, the band members, marching front and center, set the perfect tone for the festive night.

Thirty talented student musicians marched proudly alongside enthusiastic community members who joined in on the fun — a fantastic display of teamwork, talent, and Halloween spirit!

Students at Middle School Mix it up and Show Support for Breast Cancer Awareness!

What a lively and informative day at New Paltz Middle School it was on October 29th! Students and staff broke out their pink apparel to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness. And then, during all lunch periods, members of the High School's PIGLETS (Participation in Government, Literature, and Economics for Today’s Students) class joined them for an impromptu karaoke and dance party, as part of “Mix it up” day. Even Principal Ross Hogan got in on the fun, celebrating New Paltz spirit and connections to new friends!

“Mix It Up Day,” facilitated by the Student Support Center, is part of an international campaign that encourages students to cross social boundaries and make new connections. With “Would You Rather…?” conversation starters at each table and support from their High School mentors, students learned that small acts—like saying hello or sitting with someone new—can make a big difference.

What a wonderful way to build community AND raise awareness!

Students in Amanda Fritche’s Grade 2 class at Duzine Elementary School have made an exciting contribution to this year’s “Night of 100 Pumpkins” display at The Bakery in New Paltz—a stunning “sugar skull” pumpkin!

The idea grew from lessons celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), when students learned about “Día de los Muertos,” a Mexican holiday honoring loved ones who have passed away. English as a New Language (ENL) students shared their own family traditions, inspiring the class to transform a pumpkin into a colorful sugar skull—a central symbol of the holiday, representing departed souls as well as the sweetness of life.

During this learning unit, students explored different types of communities—including urban, suburban, and rural ones. They then took a closer look at New Paltz, identifying characteristics that make it a blend of suburban and rural life, and examined some community traditions, such as its parades and Fourth of July fireworks.

They also read “Everybody Cooks Rice” by Norah Dooley and shared how their own families prepare and enjoy rice in different ways based on their cultural backgrounds. This led to meaningful conversations about nationalities and the diversity within our classrooms and within our community as a whole.

In creating the eye-catching sugar skull pumpkin, the young learners applied teamwork and cooperation. Each student chose a special job to help with the group design, and everyone had to work together, share ideas, and make sure that each part fit just right. It was a great way to learn how working together can make a project even better.

By participating in this community tradition, our students are not only expressing their creativity but are also embracing their role as young citizens, contributing to the bigger picture of community life. If you’re visiting “The Night of 100 Pumpkins” this weekend, be sure to look for this beautiful and meaningful creation!

Fire Prevention Week Sparks Learning at Lenape Elementary School!

A big shout-out to the New Paltz Fire Department for stopping by and sharing lifesaving lessons on fire safety! Our students were fully engaged, asking many questions such as how forest fires are fought, how the sprinkler systems inside the school work, and how pets may be rescued.

Firefighters demonstrated how they keep our community safe — stressing to the students the importance of never re-entering a building that is on fire, making sure they have a family escape plan and meeting place, and ensuring that the batteries in their home fire alarms are fresh — all while making safety education exciting and memorable.

Students at Duzine Elementary School marked Fire Prevention Week (October 5–11) with an engaging and educational visit from the New Paltz Fire Department on October 7th!

Firefighters spoke with students about important fire safety practices—such as changing smoke detector batteries regularly, creating a family fire escape plan and meeting place, and remembering to never go back inside a burning building.

Students showed great curiosity, asking thoughtful questions about topics like rescuing pets, how sprinkler systems work in their schools, and how forest fires are contained.

A big thank-you to our local firefighters for taking the time to educate and inspire our young learners!

Who doesn’t love a slime party?

Grade 3 students in Mr. Monheit and Ms. Miranda’s class recently celebrated filling their classroom’s “star jar”—a milestone that recognized their consistent positive behavior!

To mark the occasion, students voted for a slime-themed party, which involved making their own slimy creations using Elmer’s glue and water-based tempera paint (so any splatters would wash right out!).

The celebration was part of the school’s positive behavior reward system, which promotes teamwork, responsibility–and fun!