Rye Neck Middle School
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300 Hornidge Road
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Eric Lutinski, Ed.D.
Principal/Assistant Superintendent
for Instruction
(914) 777-4702
elutinski@ryeneck.org
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Announcements
Please click HERE for information.
PRINCIPAL'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The 2017-18 Middle School PAC Members are:
Jean Lipman (PTSA VP)
Cindy Fasolino
Stacy Lavelle
Devina O'Reilly
April Tunno
RYE NECK RECORDER
The Rye Neck Middle School Newspaper is the District's first online newspaper started in 2009. Middle School students have the opportunity to submit summaries of articles that they've read about topics and issues of interest to them. Ranging from global concerns on human rights to new scientific discoveries to "feel-good" stories, Rye Neck Middle School School students are exploring the world beyond their community and reporting back to their peers with a new-found knowledge and awareness.
The current issue of the Rye Neck Recorder can be found at www.ryeneckrecorder.weebly.com
MS CLUBS & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
List of Clubs and Enrichment Programs (includes day, time and location)
Please visit our Nurse Services page for the most recent health requirements and forms.
USING THE PARENT PORTAL
Please check the portal regularly to avoid surprises, and discuss what you see with your child. If you are unsure how to use the Parent Portal, please view this prezi to answer any questions you may have.
News
Rye Neck Panthers Celebrate School Spirit at Pep Rally
Rye Neck Panthers capped off Spirit Week and showcased their school pride with a traditional pep rally, which brought the entire middle school and high school to the gymnasium on Sept. 15. The students cheered as their peers introduced their sports teams and captains acknowledged varsity players.
The pep rally kicked off two days of homecoming games on Sept. 15-16, attended by students, parents, alumni and community members. Athletic Director Joe Ceglia said that homecoming is a celebration of the school community and an outstanding opportunity to support student-athletes and their coaches.
Students had participated in a number of themed days throughout the week, culminating with Spirit Day on Friday when they wore black and blue for Rye Neck pride.
“My favorite part about homecoming is the entire school coming together,” said senior and soccer player Jack Sheldon, who co-hosted the pep rally with senior Joey Tenner. “It’s a good way to start the school year on a good note.”
Tenner added that he loved going to the games, which are filled with energy and serve as an opportunity for students to support one another.
For more information about the athletic department and for a full schedule of the fall sports games, visit the district’s website at www.ryeneck.k12.ny.us.
Photos: First Day of School Brings Excitement, Energy to Rye Neck Schools
Rye Neck Union Free School District students joyfully entered their classrooms on the first day of school on Sept. 5. With new books and school supplies in hand, they were eager to see their friends, organize their lockers, compare schedules and meet new teachers who greeted them with smiles.
Kindergartners at Daniel Warren Elementary School had an exciting day of firsts as they attended orientation sessions with their parents and introduced themselves to their new teachers. Meanwhile, F.E. Bellows Elementary School students spent a half-day of classes organizing their school supplies, learning the rules of their new classrooms and getting to know new friends.
Throughout the day, Rye Neck Middle School students attended a variety of presentations and moved around the building to find their new classrooms and meet their teachers. The halls at Rye Neck High School were buzzing with chatter as seniors teamed up with ninth-graders for various first-day-of-school activities that were designed to help the younger students make a smooth transition into high school.
“The start of a new school year is filled with anticipation and excitement,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro said. “My best wishes for an engaging, productive and joyful school year. Rye Neck is a special place where students learn, achieve and lead.”
Rye Neck Welcomes New Staff for 2017-18
Rye Neck Union Free School District welcomed new staff and faculty members during a two-day orientation, held Aug. 28-29. The group, which brings an array of experience to the district, met with administrators; worked with their teams and departments; discussed technology initiatives, policies and procedures; and received a tour of the district and village.
“Rye Neck is such a special place to live in and learn at, and understanding its culture and values was at the center of the staff orientation,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro said.
Ferraro described the faculty members as knowledgeable, creative and caring individuals who possess the ability to personalize the learning environment for students.
“As our newest staff members launch their careers within our district, I am confident that each one of them will become an integral part of our learning community.”
The new staff members at Rye Neck are:
• Tara Goldberg, principal at Daniel Warren Elementary School
• Tina Wilson, principal at Rye Neck High School
• Karen Reynolds, Languages Other Than English (LOTE) teacher at Rye Neck High School
• Kristin Bonnici, science teacher at Rye Neck High School
• Vincent Scozzari, eighth-grade social studies teacher at Rye Neck Middle School
• Leanne Cipolla, reading teacher at Daniel Warren Elementary School
• Darnell Davis, cleaner at Rye Neck High School
• Carolyn Mahar, treasurer at Rye Neck Union Free School District
• Bozena Sidorowicz, world languages teacher at Rye Neck High School, leave replacement
• Allen Grant, sixth-grade teacher at Rye Neck Middle School, leave replacement
• Diana Carvalho, special education teacher at F.E. Bellows Elementary School, leave replacement
• Nicole Crispinelli, psychologist at Rye Neck High School, leave replacement
• Brian Iacovelli, physical education/health teacher at Rye Neck High School
• Ashley Synowiez, English teacher at Daniel Warren Elementary School
• Amy Bushnell, physical education teacher at Rye Neck Middle School and Rye Neck High School
• Nadia Whiting, world language teacher at Rye Neck High School
• Theresa Gray, special education teacher at Daniel Warren Elementary School, F.E. Bellows Elementary School and Rye Neck Middle School
• Kristian Wasdick, teaching assistant at Rye Neck Middle School
• Erin Unis, teaching assistant at F.E. Bellows Elementary School
• Kelly Addorisio, English teacher at Rye Neck Middle School
• Ashley Worley, teaching assistant at F.E. Bellows Elementary School
Eighth-Graders Move Up to Rye Neck High School
Eighth-graders at Rye Neck Middle School celebrated the culmination of their hard work over the last three years during a special moving up ceremony, held at the Performing Arts Center on June 22. They will embark on the next phase of their educational journey as Rye Neck High School freshmen in the fall.
The celebration featured music provided by band director John Mattera and the middle school band, as well as inspiring words from students and administrators. Student representatives Eulasha Tisnovsky and Anna Murphy addressed their classmates and reflected on their middle school experience. In his remarks, Principal Eric Lutinski encouraged the students to persevere through any challenge and strive to reach their fullest potential.
“What successful people have left when we put ability aside is ‘desire to reach one’s potential,’” he told the graduates. “To me, that sounds like motivation, drive, courage or ‘heart.’ The only thing that can ever hold you back is heart. You will have everything you need to succeed at each level – use it. The next time you shake your fist and rage against adults controlling your lives, remember that no one has more control than you. Success can be had with some determination and attitude.”
During the ceremony, several students received awards for excellence in academics, athletics and the arts.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro offered advice to the students, reflected on their contributions to the middle school and praised them for their accomplishments. She also encouraged them to thank their parents for their love and support, and to take the time to reflect on their experiences, take advantage of the knowledge they’ve gained and cherish the friendships they’ve made.
“You will be encountering even greater opportunities and be challenged with numerous choices – choices that will help you to direct your future and realize your dreams,” Dr. Ferraro said. “Remember – success comes from those who believe in their dreams, so reach for the stars and make your dreams come true.”
Signifying the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another, the students were called one by one to accept their certificates.
Rye Neck Students Achieve High Scores at NYSSMA Festivals
Forty-seven Rye Neck Union Free School District students participated in this year’s New York State School Music Association spring festivals.
All of the 16 students in the Level 5-6 category achieved scores in the “A” range. Two of those students, Rye Neck High School sophomores Enora Lauvau (cello) and Elena Tisnovsky (violin) earned their scores at the All-State level. Rye Neck Middle School sixth-grader Ena Kitoh and F.E. Bellows Elementary School fifth-grader Tomoka Kawasaki scored a 98.
In the Level 1-4 group, Daniel Warren Elementary School second-grader Aya Nishimura scored a 28 (out of 28) on the piano; while F.E. Bellows Elementary School fifth-grader Alexander Kahn scored a 28 on the classical guitar. Three Rye Neck Middle School students – Brady Chamberlain on the jazz guitar, Erin Gjyrezi on the piano and Asha O’Reilly for voice – scored a 27. Rye Neck High School freshman Kayla Hollmann scored a 25 on the piano.
“Rye Neck students once again represented the district well, demonstrating the strength and diversity of the music program, as well as the dedication and hard work of the student musicians,” said John Mattera, middle school and high school music teacher and band director.
‘Minute to Win It’ at Middle School Olympics
Rye Neck Middle School students competed in a number of game show-inspired challenges during the Middle School Olympics on June 9. They worked together in five color-coded teams – blue, yellow, black, green and red – that allowed them to collaborate with one another.
“The purpose of the Olympics was to bring the entire school together,” said sixth-grade school counselor Meegan Lawlor, who organized the event. “It was a fun day and it was great to see the spirit of the students. It provided an opportunity for them to come together as a school community.”
The team-building activities were designed to allow students to solve problems, work collaboratively, display sportsmanship and express themselves in order to complete a task in one minute. During the field goal challenge, they worked to balance a yardstick on one cup and create towers of cups on either side.
“If one person was working a bit faster, then the whole thing would collapse,” Lawlor said. “The students really needed to time themselves, talk to each other and work through it.”
‘The Sound of Music’ Comes to Rye Neck Middle School
Rye Neck Middle School will present “The Sound of Music” on June 8. The spectacular musical production will tell the story of Maria, a young nun who takes the job of a governess to seven children in Austria.
“Captain von Trapp and his children are captivated by Maria and the joy and music she brings to the family, but their happy lives are changed forever when an invasion strikes Austria,” music teacher and theater director Caitlin Corvini said. “Our middle school students have been working hard since early March and are very excited to share this timeless story with [their families] and the entire Rye Neck community.”
“The Sound of Music” features music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein and is based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp, “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.”
“Please join us for a wonderful evening,” Corvini said.
The performance is scheduled for June 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rye Neck Performing Arts Center. Admission is free.
Rye Neck Middle School Named ‘Gold Star No Place for Hate School’
For the fourth consecutive year, Rye Neck Middle School was recognized as a Gold Star No Place for Hate School by the Anti-Defamation League. A small group of students, along with sixth-grade school counselor Meegan Lawlor and art teacher Trisha Appel accepted a banner during a ceremony in New York City on May 24.
Throughout the year, students promoted unity and respect among their peers and created a “Diversity Quilt” as part of the schoolwide No Place for Hate program. The program is designed to create an inclusive and tolerant school community by empowering students to reduce bullying.
“We look forward to participating in this program again next year,” Principal Eric Lutinski said.
Middle School Students Conduct Science Experiments with Gizmo
Rye Neck Middle School students, who have been studying simple machines with a focus on levers in Lauren Zeoli’s seventh-grade science classes, participated in online simulated lab experiments. Using Gizmo, an online tool that supports research-based strategies to build conceptual understanding in math and science, the students tested how levers work to lift heavy objects.
“They made observations and conducted their own experiments,” Zeoli said. “They tested how the placement and setup of the lever affects how easy simple machines make it work. They also calculated the mechanical advantage of their levers, which is another concept they’ve been learning in class. Through the interactive activities, the students could lift heavy objects they wouldn’t be able to lift in real life.”
The learning experience further enhanced the students’ inquiry, problem-solving skills and understanding of the concepts. It also provided them with an opportunity to take learning into their own hands and explore the aspects of conducting a science experiment.
“They learned about the scientific method and, through Gizmo, they applied the skills they would normally use in class in a different way,” Zeoli said.
As part of their next science unit, the students will study how simple machines transfer energy.
Rye Neck Students Take Top Honors at Tri-County Science and Technology Fair
Rye Neck Union Free School District students had outstanding
performances at the Tri-County Science and Technology Fair, held on
April 22 at White Plains High School. The science fair showcased
exhibits from students in Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties.
The students presented before a team of three judges in their respective
categories. Congratulations to the following students who received
awards for their projects in the following categories:
High School Health and Medicine
• Matthew Ponticiello, third place, “Preparing and Testing
Immunomagnetic Beads for Cancer Hyperthermia,” Rye Neck High School
senior
Middle School Biology
• Peter Nicholas, second place, “The Bioremediation of Plastic,” Rye Neck Middle School seventh-grader
• Anne “Julie” Van Roijen, third place, “Do People’s Heart Rates
Change When They See Different Colors?” F.E. Bellows Elementary School
fifth-grader
Middle School Chemistry
• Derek Ryan, first place, “Which Type of Carbohydrates is Best
Metabolized by Yeast and How Does the Concentration Affect the Rate of
Fermentation?” F.E. Bellows Elementary School fifth-grader
Middle School Engineering and Technology
• Dayana Bubb and Anna Maulucci, third place, “Will the Type of Fin
Affect How a Bottle Rocket Will Fly?” Rye Neck Middle School
eighth-graders
Middle School Environment
• Kyle Ryan, second place, “How Do Nutrients in Fertilizers Affect
the pH and O2 Levels of Aquatic Systems?” F.E. Bellows Elementary School
fifth-grader
Middle School Health and Medicine
• Constancja Litwak and Isabel Palacios, third place, “Whose Skin
Becomes Wrinkly the Fastest?” F.E. Bellows Elementary School
fifth-graders
Middle School Math and Computers
• Amadea Toutoungis, second place, “How Does Air Resistance Affect an
Active Cannonball?” Rye Neck Middle School seventh-grader
• Linus Ringstad, third-place, “The Effects of Frequency on Visible Light,” Rye Neck Middle School seventh-grader
Middle School Psychology
• Naomi Young, second place, “The Relationship Between Mindset,
Praise and a Student’s Decision to Challenge Themselves,” Rye Neck
Middle School eighth-grader
• Julia Flood, “Does Gender Affect Mathematical Ability?” Rye Neck Middle School seventh-grader
Elementary School Biology
• Thehara Ubayawardena, Excellent award, “How Best to Make Plants Grow” F.E. Bellows Elementary School fourth-grader
Elementary School Chemistry
• Samina Quil, Outstanding award, “How Does Soda Affect Your Teeth?” F.E. Bellows Elementary School fourth-grader
Elementary School Earth/Space Sciences
• Ella Grann, Excellent award, “How Does Warmer Climate Impact Sea Levels?” F.E. Bellows Elementary School fourth-grader
Elementary School Engineering and Technology
• Carys McGrory, Outstanding award, “What is the effect of the
Temperature of Butter on Baked Cookies?” F.E. Bellows Elementary School
fourth-grader
Elementary School Environment
• Natasha Gozlan, Outstanding award, “How Do Greenhouses Help Plants
Grow Taller?” F.E. Bellows Elementary School fourth-grader
Elementary School Health and Medicine
• Marco Griffo and Boden Sivere, Excellent award, “How Much Methane
Do Different Foods Produce?” F.E. Bellows Elementary School
fourth-graders
Elementary School Physics
• Michael Messina and Mark Di Maggio, Outstanding award, “Do
Ferrofluids Work Differently from Water?” F.E. Bellows Elementary School
fourth-graders
No ‘Wonder’ Eighth-Grader Wins Literary March Madness
Rye Neck Middle School students in Cathy Toolan’s eighth-grade English classes held their annual Literary March Madness. Each student nominated his or her favorite book and defended it against other books in class.
Once in the Final Four, students’ written defenses were presented to the teachers for final votes. This year’s winner was eighth-grader Sophia Gennusa, who defended author R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder,” outperforming 63 other students and their books.
Solving Math Problems with Toilet Paper
Rye Neck Middle School students in Allison Reynolds’ sixth-grade advanced math classes found a unique approach to solve math problems. They used toilet paper to calculate the surface area and volume of a roll of toilet paper.
“They learned a little more about the history of toilet paper and then set out to discover the area and volume of one roll,” Reynolds said. “Each group had a different approach, but after some precise measuring and careful calculation, they found success.”
The students, who recently completed their units on 2D and 3D geometry, worked in groups to unwind the roll of toilet paper, place it on the floor in the form of rectangles and calculate the surface area. They also determined how many rolls it takes to cover a football field.
Sixth-Graders Collaborate to Program Robots
Rye Neck Middle School sixth-graders, who have been studying about robotics, brought the concepts to life when they used the Lego Education Mindstorm EV3 to design, build and test their solutions on real-life robotics technology.
The students worked in small groups to program their robots to perform specific tasks. As they continue to explore robotics basics, they will learn new ways to collaborate, communicate, think critically, solve problems and more.
The PTSA generously funded the purchase of the Lego products.
A Colorful Celebration for Student Creativity
Fifth-graders from F.E. Bellows Elementary School created their own masterpieces when they visited Rye Neck Middle School’s art room for “Paint Night” on March 30. The students were provided with a white canvas, acrylic paint and brushes as they followed step-by-step instructions from art teacher Dara Goodman to paint a “wish flower” with dandelions blowing in the wind.
“This opportunity gave the fifth-graders a feel for what it will be like next year in the middle school art room,” Rye Neck Middle School Principal Eric Lutinski said. “It is a very creative night, filled with fun, friends and food.”
The art department’s “Paint Night” raised money for the high school freshman class. The fundraiser is held twice a year to benefit students as they raise money for their perspective classes.
Four Rye Neck UFSD Students Selected as Finalists in National Academic Competition
Four Rye Neck Union Free School District students have been chosen as finalists in the prestigious academic competition MathCON, which will be held at the University of Illinois at Chicago on April 22.
F.E Bellows Elementary School fifth-graders Nicolas Ajram and Shuya Watanabe, Rye Neck Middle School eighth-grader Ruby Liebmann and Rye Neck High School sophomore Julian Allison are among the 576 finalists. The daylong event will bring together elementary, middle and high school students who will compete for various prizes, such as mini iPads, gift cards and national prestige, through various math questions and activities.
The competition began with 49,685 applicants from 43 states who took the initial exam to qualify for MathCON. The students who finished in the 99th percentile for their respective grade levels qualified for the finals.
Of the four Rye Neck students, Ajram and Liebmann will travel to Chicago to test their math skills against other students from across the country.
Young Poets to Perform Original Works at Emelin Theatre
Eight aspiring young poets from Rye Neck Middle School will read their original works to a live audience at the annual Poetry Live! event at the Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck on Sunday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m.
This year’s poets include students CJ Alaimo, Sophia Engelen, Jocelyn Greshes, Gabriel Miller, Madeline Mitchell, Dillon Nashelsky, Lillian Schaub and Joshua Willmore. Their poems will also be submitted for publication to the school’s literary magazine, the Panther’s Pen.
Rye Neck Union Free School District is one of five school districts to be represented at the event, which will be taped by the local public access television station, LMC-TV.
Middle School Students to Represent District at Regional Science Fair
More than 100 students from Rye Neck Middle School participated in the annual Science and Technology Fair at the school on March 23, and earned the opportunity to represent the district at a regional competition.
For their school’s science fair, the students conducted research in one of nine categories, tested their hypotheses and presented their findings before several teams of judges.
“We are proud to announce that 20 projects created by 27 Rye Neck Middle School students, who earned gold or silver medals, will represent the district at the Tri-County Science and Technology Fair at White Plains High School on April 22,” Principal Eric Lutinski said.
Lutinski added that this year’s student participation had almost doubled since last year. Teachers Leah Englander, Alison Reynolds, Lauren Zeoli, along with members of the Rye Neck Middle School science department, organized the science fair.
Science Is in Their DNA
As part of their eighth-grade biology studies, Rye Neck Middle School students in Linette Milo's Living Environment classes recently isolated their own human genomic DNA and created a wearable DNA necklace.
“Each student extracted crude DNA from his or her own cheek cells,” Milo said. “During the procedure, they lysed a sample of their cheek cells and watched as wispy white strands of their own chromosomal DNA precipitated out of solution in the presence of ethanol.”
At the end of the activity, the students transferred their DNA to a plastic microcentrifuge tube before fashioning it and string into a DNA pendant necklace.
Sixth-Grade Drama Students Perform Fables
Sixth-graders at Rye Neck Middle School performed fables for their classmates in their drama classes throughout the week of March 20. Under the direction of Yvette Goldman, they shared funny and creative performances of Aesop's fables, which were adapted for the classroom by the late teacher and author Albert Cullum.
“These short plays introduced a sense of formal theater without suppressing student creativity,” Goldman said. “Students need constant reminders that they have the ability to create. Plays expose them to the main themes of life, but most importantly, if given an opportunity, students will expose their personalities.”
‘What’s Next?’ for Rye Neck High School and Middle School Students
Rye Neck High School students and staff members will host TEDxRyeNeckHigh, an independently organized event that’s licensed by the non-profit media corporation TED on March 24, to provide students with an opportunity to engage with issues and ideas that are most meaningful to them.
The event will feature middle school and high school speakers, as well as audience participation in discussions and expressive arts activities that reflect on the theme of “What’s next?” Topics will include cybersecurity, climate change, religion, community service, the Syrian refugee crisis, the future of classical music, teen anxiety, biomedical engineering and more.
To prepare for the event, the students recently participated in a professional presentation workshop, which was conducted by parent Tom Fox, a business consultant and founder of MyEureka Solutions.
The event will take place on March 24 from 6:30 -10 p.m. at the Rye Neck Performing Arts Center.
For more information and ticket order forms contact Co-Director of Counseling and Guidance Valerie Feit at vfeit@ryeneck.org.
Medals for Rye Neck Middle School Science Olympiad Students
Members of the Rye Neck Middle School Science Olympiad club took home two medals when they showcased their skills at the annual Science Olympiad, held at Scarsdale Middle School on March 4.
“Our team improved on our first two years’ performances by coming home with two medals,” said Lauren Zeoli, a science teacher and co-advisor of the club along with Jessie Vega and Allison Reynolds. “The students were very excited to be participating once again and put a lot of good, hard work into their preparation for the competition.”
Seventh-grader Matthew Lord and eighth-grader Gabe Miller earned a fourth-place medal for their Hovercraft team project, while partners Simon O’Rourke, an eighth-grader, and Peter Nicholas, a seventh-grader, earned a fifth-place medal in the Anatomy and Physiology category.
The Science Olympiad gives students the opportunity to excel in the sciences and compete in a number of disciplines against students from 30 other area schools.
Dance Parade at F.E. Bellows and Rye Neck Middle School
Students at F.E. Bellows Elementary School and Rye Neck Middle School
will participate in a multicultural appreciation and enrichment program
when they welcome the Mazarte Dance Company to their schools in March,
April and May.
Renowned for performing and teaching audiences about traditional Mexican
dance forms, Mazarte Dance Company dancers will teach students about
the rich and artistic traditions of dance and music. They will perform a
traditional dance at F.E. Bellows Elementary School on March 22 and
then provide students with free lessons on April 19 and 26 and May 3, 10
and 17. The group will perform at Rye Neck Middle School on March 30
and teach students how to dance on April 18 and 25 and May 2, 9 and 16.
Parents are welcome to attend the performances and classes.
“The purpose of bringing Dance Parade to Rye Neck is to expose students
to global cultures through the art of dance,” said Co-Director of
Counseling and Guidance Dr. Dr. Valerie Feit, who coordinated the visit.
“Around the world, dance is an activity that brings communities
together to share and pass on cultural traditions from one generation to
the next. When students see dance, hear from those who actively
preserve a tradition and then, try the movement themselves, multiple
levels of connection and understanding are experienced.”
This program is presented collaboratively between the PTSA Cultural Arts
programs and the district’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model.
In addition, students and parents are invited to participate with the
Mazarte Dance Company in the 11th annual Dance Parade and Festival event
on May 20. Dance Parade New York, which takes place annually in New
York City, features thousands of dancers who perform more than 80 styles
of traditional and contemporary dance genres.
For more information, contact Dr. Valerie Feit at vfeit@ryeneck.org.
Eighth-Graders Build Earthquake-Proof Structures
Rye Neck Middle School eighth-graders in Anne Palombo’s earth science classes recently took on the roles of scientists and engineers to design structures that can withstand an earthquake.
The project required the students to work together in groups and use limited resources to build their structures out of uncooked spaghetti, mini marshmallows, tape and a golf ball.
“The real challenge was that the structure had to support the golf ball while perched on top of a wooden springboard that simulates the forces generated by an earthquake,” said Principal Eric Lutinski, adding that each building had to be at least 30 centimeters tall. “The students were assessed on their plan, ability to explain the rationale behind their design, and the ultimate success or failure of keeping the golf ball suspended.”
The project was designed to further develop and enhance the students’ creativity and critical thinking skills.
‘What’s Next?’ for Rye Neck High School and Middle School Students
Rye Neck High School students and staff members will host TEDxRyeNeckHigh, an independently organized event that’s licensed by the non-profit media corporation TED on March 24, to provide students with an opportunity to engage with issues and ideas that are most meaningful to them.
The event will feature middle school and high school speakers, as well as audience participation in discussions and expressive arts activities that reflect on the theme of “What’s next?” Topics will include cybersecurity, climate change, religion, community service, the Syrian refugee crisis, the future of classical music, teen anxiety, biomedical engineering and more.
"As the producer of this event, I am impressed by the level of commitment that the speakers and production staff have made to this project,” Co-Director of Counseling and Guidance Valerie Feit said. “The entire group has participated in providing feedback to the speakers, designing the audience experience and creating a forum for discussing ideas that matter. The generation that we are fostering in our schools is articulate, thoughtful, hopeful and inspiring."
In the spirit of TED, which promotes ideas worth sharing, TEDxRyeNeckHigh is divided into three parts: current trends, international issues and emerging forefronts. The audience is invited to participate in discussions, artistic activities and mindfulness meditation in between the talks. Additionally, the program will feature classical pianist Reed Petersen, a senior, and jazz guitarist Rebecca Taylor, a junior. Rye Neck's Booster Club will sell refreshments and spirit wear.
The event will take place on March 24 from 6:30 -10 p.m. at the Rye Neck Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information and ticket order forms contact vfeit@ryeneck.org.
Below is a list of speakers and their topics:
• Ruby Liebmann, grade 8, Feminism
• Naomi Young, grade 8, Syrian refugee crisis
• Jose Latorre, grade 10, Cyber security
• Lucas Pasquina, grade 9, Future of religion
• Elena Tisnovsky, grade 10, Is classical music relevant?
• Juliana Silva, grade 9, Teens and stress
• Beatrix Cress, grade 11, Social entrepreneurship
• Olivia Dunne, grade 11, Biomedical engineering
• Grace West, grade 9, Community service
• Lisa Engelen, grade 9, Community service
• Dasha Boswell, grade 10, Social media (poetry slam)
• Ryan Francavilla, grade 11, Climate change and corporations
• Reed Petersen, grade 12, Classical piano (performance)
• Rebecca Taylor, grade 11, Classical guitar (performance)
Diversity Quilt Promotes Unity and Respect in Middle School
Rye Neck Middle School students are promoting unity and respect among their peers through their work on a “Diversity Quilt” as part of the schoolwide No Place for Hate program.
Each student used a 4”x4” piece of fabric to draw a picture, containing words and images, that best described their personal story before the individual pieces were connected to form a larger piece.
“The quilt represents each student bringing a part of themselves to our school and the pieces come together to form our middle school community,” Principal Eric Lutinski said.
This is Rye Neck Middle School’s fourth year participating in the Anti-Defamation League’s No Place for Hate program, which is designed to create an inclusive and tolerant school community by empowering students to reduce bullying.
Midwinter Fun for Rye Neck Middle School Students
The annual Middle School Activity Night, held on Jan. 27 at the gymnasium, was attended by more than 100 students who enjoyed an evening of dancing, basketball and refreshments.
Generously sponsored by the PTSA, the event featured music and dancing, “inflatable” boxing and jousting and basketball games. A group of school staff members, parent volunteers and Rye YMCA employees supervised the two-hour event.
Students Collaborate During Middle School Olympics
Rye Neck Middle School students participated in a number of team-building athletic games and activities during their Middle School Olympics on Dec. 23. They worked together in five color-coded teams that allowed them to collaborate with one another.
“The Olympics provided an opportunity for students to come together as a community and make our school a fun and friendly place to grow and learn,” Principal Eric Lutinski said.
The school’s next olympic event will take place in the spring when the students will compete in a number of game show-inspired challenges.
Middle School, High School Students Collaborate During Hour of Code
Rye Neck middle school and high school students collaborated during the Hour of Code, an international event that is a highlight of Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 5-11.
The Hour of Code, which serves as an introduction to coding and computer programming, enabled the students to choose from a variety of self-guided coding activities, such as a “Star Wars”-based module called “Building a Galaxy with Code” that helped nurture their creativity and problem-solving skills.
“Computer science is such an important industry in our world today,” said Linda Costelloe, the middle school and high school librarian. “For our students to use their imagination and realize that they can be creators, not just consumers of what’s already out there, is an amazing set of skills.”
The partnership between the students – some of whom are enrolled in the Advanced Placement Computer Science course – encouraged them to collaborate with peers with similar interests and gain a deeper understanding for the applications of coding.
“I find it interesting that there is a ton of math involved [in coding], but also a bit of language arts because in order to make a command work, you need to word it properly,” said sixth-grader Lily Ferraro, who participated in a “Minecraft” coding exercise. “I like creating stuff. People should learn how to code…and if you start with something like [programming language] Scratch, it can be pretty easy.”
Costelloe added that the district is focused on teaching students to be self-directed learners and creators rather than users, which are skills integral to the students’ success.
For more information on the Hour of Code, visit www.hourofcode.com.
Seventh-Grader Wins Art Award for ‘Celebration of Peace’
Rye Neck Middle School seventh-grader Marc Seemer has won the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Lions Club’s Peace Poster Contest for expressing his vision with this year’s theme of “A Celebration of Peace.” Seemer was recognized during a ceremony at the Larchmont Library on Nov. 18.
“Marc’s artwork stood out due to the airy feeling of his poster’s background,” said his art teacher, Jennifer Dallow, who teamed up with fellow art teacher Trisha Appel to encourage students to enter the competition. “He intentionally did not clutter the background, thus including a peaceful sky to cradle his earth image. He was very focused while working on the poster and I was inspired by his dedication.”
More than 50 seventh-graders from the middle school submitted their artwork in the schoolwide competition, where judges selected Georgia Meyer, Seemer and Moises Tejeida as the three finalists. Their posters were submitted to judges at the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Lions Club, who selected Seemer as the winner of the local branch contest. His poster will now be submitted to the district-level competition for further judging.
“It was nice that the students were able to discuss how peace can be celebrated throughout the world while working on their projects,” said Appel, who added that many of them drew the earth as a way to express their message that the entire world should celebrate peace.
The Lions International Peace Poster Contest, for students ages 11-13, has been in existence for more than 25 years. As part of the contest, students’ posters advance through several rounds of competition before an international winner is declared on or before Feb. 1.