Here at Pocantico Hills

  • Author Janet Wong reads to several Pocantico students.

    Children's author and poet Janet Wong read to students during an April 18 visit to the school.

  • Ms. Wong let children pick objects from her suitcase to determine what story or poem she would read.

  • The author chose students to help her recite her poem "Noodles."

  • She challenged students to write poetry during break. Twenty students submitted poems this week, and 10 of received a book donated by the author. 

  • Ms. Wong's visit was organized and made possible by the PTA and Anne Price-Gordon, library media specialist.

  • Richard Calkins takes over as school superintendent July 1.

    The Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Calkins as the the new school superintendent. He will replace outgoing superintendent Carol Conklin-Spillane on July 1.

  • Mr. Calkins met parents, community members and school district staff during a reception following his appointment by the school board. He is currently superintendent of the Alfred-Almond Central School District in Allegany County.

  • Students taking a "selfie" with Dr. Jane Goodall on the screen.

    Students took a "selfie" with renowned primatologist Jane Goodall after a Skype in the Classroom event with her on April 9.

  • Students from all over the world got to ask questions for the Skype in the Classroom event.

    Students from all over the world had a chance to ask Dr. Goodall questions in video messages and on Twitter.

  • A message from the Jane Goodall Institute about protecting chimpanzees.

    Dr. Goodall told children that her life's dream was to observe and write about wild animals in Africa. Her institute helps to protect chimpanzees and other great apes against disease transmission, illegal hunting and human-wildlife conflict.

  • Jane Goodall during an interview for a Skype in the Classroom event.

    Dr. Goodall said children can join the her institute's Roots and Shoots service program, which empowers youth to work for a better future for people, animals and the environment.

  • Dr. Mary Lane Cobb speaks with students at Pocantico School.

    Dr. Mary Lane Cobb of Tarrytown, a retired family physician who was educated in a segregated school system in Kentucky, spoke with seventh-graders during Women's History Month.

  • Students presented Dr. Lane with flowers after her presentation.

    Dr. Lane said she was inspired by an uncle who was a physician to become a doctor. She entered the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1950 and was the only black woman in a class of 50.

  • Author Julia Davis gives an "air" high-five to a student during her visit.

    The author encouraged students to love themselves as they are and be kind to others. She gave high-fives, and a few "air" high-fives, when children said something positive about a classmate.

  • Dr. Lane posed with students after her presentation.

    Dr. Lane retired 26 years ago and has been involved in many community activities, including as a member of the Choral Arts Society of Westchester and the Westchester Region NAACP. Teacher Joy Scantlebury and library media specialist Anne Gordon organized her visit.

  • Author Julia Davis poses with her niece, Ty'Asia Carver, and sister, June Carver.

    Julia Davis, author of the "I Love Me!" book series, visited the school in late February. She is the aunt of fifth-grader Ty'Asia Carver, and sister of Ty'Asia's mother, June.

  • Author Julia Davis signs one of her books for a student.

    The Atlanta-based author has written eight picture books and one chapter book. She signed books for students during her visit, which was made possible by the PTA, the Diversity Committee and the library.

  • Students are wearing crowns and special T-shirts to celebrate 100 days of school.

    Kindergarteners celebrated the 100th day of school by wearing special crowns and shirts they designed, and eating a snack that made the shape of 100.

  • Two students put beads on strings during the 100 day celebration.

    Classroom activities included writing how they would spend $100, guessing which of three bags had 100 pieces of candy in it, and stringing beads.

  • Two students display the Valentine's Day cards they made.

    A few dozen middle school students made cards for senior citizens during the fifth annual Operation Valentine.

  • A kindergarten class poses for a photo on the 100th day of school.

    Thanks to teachers Christina Povemba and Lindsey Wiley for making the 100th day of school so special!

  • Students who participated in the card-making activity pose for a photo.

    The students delivered them to residents of the Atria Briarcliff Manor assisted living facility.

  • Two students display the cards they made.

    Students brought in candy, cookies and other treats from home to enjoy during Operation Valentine.

  • Two mothers and their daughters pose for a photo during One World Evening.

    Pocantico Hills Central School celebrated the customs, traditions and food of many cultures during “One World Evening” Jan. 29.

  • Two students pose for a photo during One World Evening.

    The event included three student performances in the auditorium followed by the "One World Walk" in the cafeteria.

  • Children and families pose for a photo during One World Evening.

    Many families brought traditional food and drink for others to sample, such as chai tea, samosas, kielbasa, empanadas, sushi and pierogi.

  • Three students practice a yoga technique during a class.

    Students spent two weeks learning about Yoga in physical education class.

  • A class practices yoga moves during a recent unit.

    They found out that yoga has many benefits, including relaxation, increased flexibility and stress reduction.

  • A class practices yoga moves during a recent unit.

    Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh brought instruction to the school. It was a great experience for all!

  • GeoBee moderator Adam Brown speaks with contestants.

    Adam Brown, director of curriculum and technology, offered contestants last-minute advice at the school's National Geographic GeoBee Jan. 24.

  • GeoBee contestants write down their answers on whiteboards.

    Contestants had about 15 seconds to write down their answers on a whiteboard before showing the audience.

  • GeoBee contestants share their answers with the audience.

    GeoBee contestants shared their answers with the audience.

  • Adam Brown presents seventh-grader Maryum with the winner’s medal.

    Adam Brown presented seventh-grader Maryum with the winner’s medal.

     

  • Maryum celebrates her victory with Principal Brent Harrington.

    Maryum celebrated her victory with Principal Brent Harrington.

  • Third-graders pose for a photo at the New York Botanical Garden.

    Third-graders went on a field trip to the New York Botanical Garden in November.

  • Students stand in front of one of the train show exhibits.

    The highlight of the day was a tour of the annual Holiday Train Show.

  • Students create mandalas from natural materials.

    Students made mandalas from natural materials.

  • Students explored the garden's conservatory.

    They explored rain forests, deserts and other environments in the garden's conservatory.

  • Children pose in front of silver Christmas trees.

    The train show featured model trains and trolleys moving through magical landscapes of historic New York buildings.

  • Costumed students walking in a Halloween parade.

    The weather was perfect for the students' Halloween parade Oct. 31.

  • Students walking in the Halloween parade.

    Inflatable costumes were popular this year, as were unicorns, the Incredibles characters, princesses and superheroes.

  • A teacher dressed as a Play-Doh container walks with students.

    Some teachers dressed up too, including as Play-Doh, M&M's and a rain cloud.

  • Students pose for a class photo on Halloween.

    Children had parties in their classrooms after the parade.

  • Children hold up carrots they picked from the garden.

    Students picked carrots, squash, corn and other vegetables for the annual Harvest Soup Festival.

  • Gardener Jose Zamora and Chef Kassie Arcate clean carrots in buckets of water.

    Staffers Jose Zamora, who tended the garden, and Kassie Arcate, school chef, helped with harvesting, cleaning, chopping and cooking.

  • Three girls are eating soup in the cafeteria.

    The whole school enjoyed the harvest soup the next day, along with herb butter and carrot leaf pesto they put on rolls.

  • Several boys help carry an Italian zucchini out of the garden.

    The largest vegetable grown in the garden was the Italian zucchini, which required many hands to safely carry it to the chopping table.

  • Two girls are mincing garlic.

    Children picked, washed and peeled the vegetables, and they peeled and grated garlic.

  • Students are eating soup in the cafeteria.

    The school has held the event for about 10 years.

  • A first-grader draws with markers during a Makerspace class.

    The school launched a new Makerspace this year to foster creativity and develop children’s skills in science, technology, engineering and math.

  • A first-grader displays art she created with a Styrofoam ball.

    In their second class, first-graders had a chance to work with any of the supplies they wanted, from Styrofoam balls and felt to markers.

  • A first-grader displays his superhero artwork in the Makerspace.

    The Pocantico Hills Foundation is a sponsor of the Makerspace and raised money to help start the program.

SCHOOL BUDGET VOTE AND SCHOOL ELECTION RESULTS

SCHOOL BUDGET

YES = 306

NO = 99

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

JOSEPH McGRATH = 218

SUSAN BURLAZZI = 234

GERARDO SOTO = 195

EDWARD GREENBERG = 186

Pocantico Hills Selects New Superintendent of Schools

On Thursday, April 11, the Pocantico Hills Board of Education appointed Richard Calkins as its next superintendent of schools.

Mr. Calkins will take over for retiring Superintendent Carol Conklin-Spillane July 1. He will be joining Pocantico Hills from the Alfred-Almond Central School District in Allegany County, where he has been superintendent of schools for nearly a decade. Prior to that, he was principal of the district’s Jr./Sr. High School, chairman of the Committee on Special Education and a special education teacher.

The Board of Education selected Mr. Calkins following a comprehensive search led by Bob Christmann of NYS Leadership Group. The search process, which was confidential until Thursday’s announcement, resulted in a large and highly competitive pool of candidates from throughout the state of New York and beyond.

Board of Education President Al Pacile said the district is thrilled to welcome Mr. Calkins as its next leader.

“We are confident Rich is going to be a tremendous fit for our community and school,” he said. “Not only is he a top-notch educator and administrator with a long track record of success, he embodies the spirit of commitment and service to community that we envisioned at the start of our search.”

Our Mission

The Pocantico Hills School staff believes that each student is a complex and unique person. We are committed to helping our children realize their complete personal potential – academic, creative, physical and emotional. We will ask the students to stretch themselves and help them to discover the rewards of working hard.

We will treat the students with respect and understanding and encourage them to be caring and contributing members of society, students who are thoughtful, honest, fair, kind and self-disciplined.

Important Information

2019-20 Budget Newsletter 

2019-2020 - School Calendar 

Budget Guide 2019-2020

Transportation Request Form 2019-20 

POCANTICO AM BUS STOPS

POCANTICO PM BUS SCHEDULE

BRIARCLIFF HS AM BUS STOPS.pdf 

PLEASANTVILLE AM BUS STOPS

SHHS BUS SCHEDULE

2018-2019 School Calendar 

Transportation - Delayed Openings - Important Information

 

 

What Is Your Mood? Check Out Our Middle School Mood Meter

The ability to recognize, understand, label, express and when necessary, regulate our emotions is critical to our emotional health and success in school.  Understanding these skills using the RULER approach provides our students with an opportunity to utilize the Mood Meter—an important component to the Anchors of Emotional Intelligence.  Our Mood Meter Mondays allow students to utilize this resource to self-identify their emotion prior to lunch.  This provides one data point to assess our students’ emotional well-being and our overall culture and climate at Pocantico at the beginning of each week.  

Link to our Middle School Mood Meter can be found here.  

Pocantico Hills School Core Values - Kindness, Respect and Perseverance

As part of our successful transition back to school, our 8th grade students were charged with creating a school-wide character pledge that reflects our core values—kindness, respect and perseverance.  Their successful work was chronicled throughout the week and captured on video Pocantico Character.  Our Pocantico Character Pledge is recited each morning following the Pledge of Allegiance as a school community.  Again, a special thank you to the class of 2019 and Mr. Murray, Mrs. Carruth and Mrs. Hongell, who facilitated this important work with our students.

 As a student of character at Pocantico Hills …

I pledge to not give up when obstacles are in the way.  I will persevere.

I will listen to others and use careful words.  I will be respectful. 

I will smile and greet people in the hallways.  I will be kind.   

Online Calendar

  • 8th Grade Graduation Portraits

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • DAY 6

    Pocantico Hills Central School
  • School Library

    BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • School Closed (Give Back Day)

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • Pool Opens

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • MEMORIAL DAY - DISTRICT CLOSED

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • DAY 1

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • National Jr. Honor Society Induction Ceremony

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • DAY 2

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • NYS Science Performance Test (Grades 4 & 8)

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • DAY 3

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • DAY 4

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • PTA BBQ & Cultural Celebration

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • NYS Science Written Test (Grades 4&8)

    Pocantico Hills Central School

  • DAY 5

    Pocantico Hills Central School
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