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A hearty round of applause to the super-talented New Paltz High School musicians who, despite the heat, truly sparkled on stage Tuesday evening (May 19)!

The performance featured the Tenor-Bass Choir, Treble Choir, Mixed Choir, A Cappella Choir, and Select A Cappella Choir (directed by Nicole Foti), along with the Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Clarinet Choir, and Concert Band (directed by Brandon Sparkman).

There were many memorable moments throughout the evening, including vocal soloists, student musical accompaniment, student guest conductors, and heartfelt tributes to seniors, who took the stage for the final time in their high school careers.

Thank you to everyone who braved the heat—oh, what a night!

Students at New Paltz Middle School put their taste buds to work this week during another exciting student taste test, welcoming guests from Community Food Works/Milestone Mills!

Students had the opportunity to sample New York–sourced tortilla chips made right here in Ulster County. Crafted from organically grown corn, the chips are milled locally and distributed as part of a commitment to bringing fresh, regional products to the table.

A big thank you to Community Food Works/Milestone Mills for visiting and sharing their delicious local product with us as we explore new menu possibilities for our students!

On May 13, Grade 4 students in at Lenape Elementary School welcomed middle grade-level local author Lesa Cline-Ransome for an inspiring visit and book signing. The award-winning author of 35 books spoke with students about many of the works they already knew and loved, sharing insights into her writing and storytelling process.

Ms. Cline-Ransome was a truly engaging guest. The students listened attentively as she guided them through her writing process—from inspiration and notecards to first drafts and, ultimately, a manuscript ready for submission to a publisher. Students asked thoughtful questions throughout the visit. She also shared stories from her personal journey, including how she met her husband, who has illustrated many of her books.

She asked students powerful questions such as, “What is freedom?” and “What does freedom mean to you? It was questions like these, she noted, that inspired many of her books. For instance, learning about the limited rights of women in the 1800s led her to write “One Big Open Sky,” which explores the 1879 Exoduster movement, when many Black families migrated West in search of freedom and land ownership.

During the book signing, some students even brought four or five of the author’s books for her to sign.

Author Alysa Wishingrad visited the Middle School on Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 12 to present to, and work with, our 6th grade students. Monday began with an assembly for the entire 6th grade where Ms.

Wishingrad discussed the elements of great storytelling and “world building.” She then visited each 6th grade Middle School Essentials class over the next two days, helping students to conceptualize the settings of their own creative writing pieces.

Lenape Elementary School students in the multigrade class of Dominique Venturini, Cara Kubert, and Amy Chapman recently showcased their research, technology, and presentation skills during a special habitat presentation for families! On May 7, students presented multimedia Google Slides projects highlighting ecosystems from deserts to rainforests, sharing information about climates, plant and animal life, and locations, as well as fun facts they had discovered along the way.

Students not only learned how to research and paraphrase information from print and digital sources, but also tackled challenging habitat vocabulary, operated the SMART Board independently, and rehearsed their presentations to build confidence in public speaking. Families and staff were impressed by all they learned.

A big “high five” for Julian Galvan, De’Lonte Middleton, Abaan Bilal, and Gabriel Reyes!

For over a decade, our high school Physical Education department has partnered with Ryan Colter of the DEC to offer our students a unique physical education program.

Each May, along with the support of our transportation department, SUNY New Paltz, and Jenna Manning our physical education secretary, students get the chance to learn the lifetime sport of fishing first hand. Thanks to Stewart’s Shops and everyone else who continue to help our outstanding physical education program.

This is a catch and release program using hooks without barbs that is held at the beautiful SUNY New Paltz pond. Congratulations to Trent on his big catch!