Pocantico Hills Newsletter
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On a beautiful fall morning, eighth graders got onto a bus, drove off campus and pulled into a parking lot about a half mile down the road.
The students were visiting the nearby Union Church of Pocantico Hills, a non-denominational church with a unique history.
They were there to learn more about the church’s special windows. Among them are a Rose window created by Henri Matisse and several windows created by Marc Chagall.
The windows were commissioned by the Rockefeller family in honor of family members who had passed away. The students’ interest in the work relates to a special year-long art project they are doing.
The Rose Window, located above the church’s altar, was done in memory of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, a longtime patron of the arts and would be Matisse’s final piece before he died.
The commission for the other windows began with the intention of having Chagall design one window in honor of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The Good Samaritan inspired window was installed in the church in 1962. It was not long before the artist was commissioned to do eight more windows for the sanctuary, which were installed in 1966.
“All the windows were made and put together in France,” explained the church’s museum director Grace Crichlow. “Acid was put on the glass, to get the appropriate thickness. The glass was colored in with black paint and then used the yellow stain to get the highlights of the color.”
Each window is signed and dated by Chagall.
Ms. Chrichlow also explained that Chagall was secretive about his work and wanted viewers to ascribe their own meaning to the pieces, all of which depict scenes from the Bible.
Art Teacher Jolene Morotti said this year’s eighth grade class had learned about Chagall’s work last year, after having seen some of his sketches on display at the David Rockefeller Creative Arts Center at the Pocantico Center, also located not far from the school.
Ms. Morotti said the students also saw a letter about the Good Samaritan window Chagall had designed for the church. In addition, students had seen the original works created by the then eighth grade class and this year’s eighth graders had their interest piqued.
“We wanted a chance to bring them to see the stained glass they had seen the sketches of,” Ms. Morotti said. The hope, she said is that the students will use their personal interpretation of the windows they saw on this field trip and their interest when it came time to work on their year-long art project, which they had begun the day before.
“I’ve been looking forward to the project,” student Colette said. “I enjoy painting.” Colette said the windows were inspiring.
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Prior to the start of the school year, Superintendent, Rich Calkins, introduced the new director of facilities to the staff as simply “O’Keefe."
That familiarity is among the many things that attracted Michael O’Keefe to the district.
“The district has such a positive attitude. The new building feels familiar,” Mr. O’Keefe said. “I am very happy to be here. It’s a really great opportunity for me, professionally, to work at a place like this, I’m extremely lucky.”
Mr. O’Keefe began his career working in the Yonkers School District as a night cleaner. Through the years he worked his way up to head custodian, later transitioning to Somers and on to Southern Westchester BOCES where he served as Assistant Director of Facilities for more than three years.
At Pocantico he is responsible for “handling the operations and maintenance, including security and heating,” as well as the custodial operations of the building.
He said his experience working in multiple districts has helped prepare him for his new role here in Pocantico.
“They all run so differently, have a different feel, it makes it so I can take whatever is thrown at me,” Mr. O’Keefe said.
Each day Mr. O’Keefe is responsible for checking on and maintaining the buildings many systems and ensuring everything relating to the building and its operation is functioning properly.
In addition, Mr. O’Keefe has come on just when the district is beginning work on Phase III of its capital project, which includes upgrades to the school’s playgrounds, playing fields and the installation of a walking track around the fields. “I’m really excited about it,” he said.
He explained he’s been working closely with the project manager and catching up on what has been done thus far with the project and what’s ahead.
“I am really happy to be here, I’m really excited to work with everyone,” Mr. O’Keefe reiterated.
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The month of October recognized Digital Citizenship Week, an excellent opportunity for teachers and students to take the time to seriously consider the role of technology in their lives and how to use it safely.
Throughout the month teachers at Pocantico were encouraged to select activities that supported these efforts.
In Emma Goodman’s fifth grade class, for example, students engaged in an activity focused on “post or pause,” when it came to what they posted online. They learned what a digital footprint is, and how any post they share will stay online forever, even if they delete it, share it or save it.
Ms. Goodman had her class looked at a variety of social media posts and determined if the poster should have Posted It, Paused It or simply kept it private. Students discussed the reasons they selected the choice they did.
Students were asked to look closely at the example posts that were shared. They were encouraged to look at the image, the caption and any other information they could learn from the post.
Ms. Goodman suggested the students consider how they would feel if the post was about them, what their friends may think about it or a family member if they were to see it or even a teacher, future employer or even a stranger.
Students considered:
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Post 1: POST IT! ✅ Positive, friendly, and does not share private information.
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Post 2: KEEP IT PRIVATE 🔒 Shares personal information, including a full name, school, address, and academic details.
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Post 3: PAUSE AND RECONSIDER ⏸️ Could hurt or embarrass someone. It's important to ask permission before posting photos of others.
“By the end, students were able to explain how each choice affects a person's digital footprint,” Ms. Goodman said. “This activity helped students practice making safe, responsible, and respectful, choices online.”
Sixth graders spent time “looking at how kids use social media and how governments are responding,” said sixth grade teacher Laura Garrido.
Among the activities they engaged in were reading an article about Australia's social media ban for kids under 16, told through the voices of Australian teens.
Students then went on to compare the ban in Australia with California’s new law, and they learned more about New York's SAFE for Kids Act, which starts in January. Students then wrote a CER, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, paragraph on whether it's a good idea.
“Students are reflecting on their own technology habits, weighing multiple perspectives, and supporting an argument with evidence from more than one text,” Ms. Garrido said. “The unit also connects to our Eastern Hemisphere social studies curriculum.”
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Students had a gorgeous autumnal day for the annual Swan Lake Walk! Each class had an opportunity to visit the nearby Rockefeller State Park Preserve. They traversed the path around Swan Lake, visiting several nature stations where volunteers and park staff introduced them to the natural world--from animal hides, details about lake life, how maple syrup is made and much more! The event is hosted by the Pocantico Hills School Foundation and this year was done in support of author visits! |
You have to watch those carrots! That's what our families found out during the inaugural Poco PJ Story Night!
Families gathered in our library, many donned in their most comfy jammies, to hear two creepy stories read by Librarian Marina Pisto. She shared "Creepy Carrots" and "Creepy Crayons," both by Aaron Reynolds. Guests had an opportunity to vote on their favorite book, and if that was't enough, they enjoyed a snack and several carrot related craft projects!
The event supported Media Literacy Week and the opening of the PTA Scholastic Book Fair!
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Our students and staff enjoyed the season with some Halloween fun during the annual holiday parade!
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Our UPK students had a blast painting their tiny t-shirts that they were making for their special Teddy Bear friends! Each student selected their own personal bear, and hand painted a t-shirt for them to wear. The bears will be used to help students understand lessons pertaining to social-emotional development. |
Count 'em up! Students in Ms. Bryces's second grade class were working on some math facts one early fall day! |
Students concluded that Jack enjoyed poetry during a discussion of "Love that Dog," by Sharon Creech. Fourth grade students in Ms. Doane's class were talking about the book during a Language Arts lesson |
There was a lot of love in the art room recently when kindergartners cut out their own heart shapes! Art Teacher Ms. Morotti showed students how to fold a piece of paper, draw half a heart and cut it out. The hearts will eventually become part of a larger display, emphasizing one of the pillars of the district's Portrait of a Graduate. Two students finished the class by receiving special certificates for listening and making their heart unique. Thanks too, to Officer Pete for stopping by! |
Sixth grade students in Ms. Garrido's ELA class were recently working on editing their writing assignments. After writing a summary, students uploaded their work to Snorkl, an educational AI tool that provides feedback to students. |
The PTA Scholastic Book Fair arrived at Pocantico! Throughout the week students have stopped in to peruse the shelves, find a good read and some fun and quirky games, toys and posters! |
Dear Pocantico Hills Community,
What an amazing fall it has been, both outside as our beautiful campus has burst with color, as well as inside, where our students and staff continue their amazing learning journey. This month has been full of activities.
We also had an opportunity to enjoy the amazing fall weather during the annual Swan Lake Walk. Thank you to the Pocantico Hills Foundation for their work in hosting this event. This year was done in support of author visits.
We celebrated our first “Poco PJ Story Night,” where families, dressed in their pajamas if they chose, visited our library to engage in a book read-a-loud, and had an opportunity to spend time with friends, enjoy a snack and engage in a themed craft inspired by the book that was read, “Crazy Carrots.”
Keeping with the literary theme, our PTA hosted their annual Scholastic Book Fair, always a favorite among our students and staff too!
In October we also recognize Digital Citizenship Week. This year several teachers worked with students to ensure they engaged in the digital world in a safe manner while also developing the technical skills they will need in the future.
And of course, it wouldn’t be October without our great Halloween Parade! Thank you to the staff and volunteers who made this year’s event so great!
I hope our families continue to stay busy while finding a wonderful balance between special events, quality time together, and plenty of time for relaxing!
Warm regards,
Rich Calkins
Superintendent of Schools
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Nov. 11, Veteran's Day, District Closed
Nov. 18, Board of Education Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 25, Early Dismissal, 11:45 a.m.
Nov. 26-27, Thanksgiving Recess, District Closed
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