June 25, 2021

Character Dress Up Dear Chappaqua Central School District Community,

As the 2020-21 school year comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to again express my heartfelt gratitude for your partnership throughout the last 18 months. Your support, patience and flexibility as we navigated this challenging school year have been invaluable.

As vaccine rates continue to rise and infection rates recede, there is indeed light at the end of this long tunnel and I am optimistic that next year will be brighter for our entire school community.

On behalf of the Chappaqua Central School District, I wish you and your families a safe and relaxing summer. We are all looking forward to a wonderful 2021-22 school year!

Sincerely,

Christine Ackerman, PhD
Superintendent of Schools

Strategic Coherence Plan Update

In November 2017, the District embarked on a Strategic Coherence Plan process aimed at identifying key target areas that will result in a focused and aligned community vision of student success beyond school. During this process, we identified priorities for our work as a district that focus on curriculum alignment, social emotional learning, differentiation, assessment, our learning spaces and equity.

On June 17th, administrators presented a Strategic Priorities Update to the Board of Education. You may view highlights of CCSD’s progress by clicking on the image below to see our presentation slides.

Events The Return of Live, In-Person Events

As New York State began to ease mask and attendance requirements for outdoor events on public school grounds, we were grateful for the opportunity to be able to provide students, especially our seniors, with some sense of normalcy by holding several end-of-year events in person and with family present.

To accomplish this safely, the District was well prepared by coordinating the necessary logistics, including implementing a set of protocols, procedures, and health screenings based on current guidance outlined by the NYS Department of Health and the NYS Education Department.

The Senior Prom took place on June 4th under a tent on the Greeley Campus. The prom tent then became a concert venue on June 6th with our high school band, orchestra, chorus, and a cappella groups performing throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

On June 9th, Greeley thespians took the show on the road to stage an outdoor performance of Working at the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts. Working is an unique musical featuring the real-life words of working Americans and celebrates the voices of teachers, waiters, truck drivers and the essential workers who often go unnoticed, but whose work impacts our lives day in and day out.

On June 16th, our elementary and middle schools hosted a total of 23 Moving Up Ceremonies (4th-grade by class and 8th-grade by double pods) in the span of 8 hours.

And last, but certainly not least, the 90th Annual Graduation of Horace Greeley High School was held on June 18th on the Competition Field, with 305 graduates walking across the stage to receive their diploma.

Congratulations Class of 2021

Who They Are & Where They're Headed
Graduation Photos/Video (6/18)
"Honk For Seniors" Car Parade Video (6/11)
Senior Awards Ceremony (6/10)
Senior Athlete Awards (6/7)

“I’ve heard people say that we were robbed of our senior year. I think just the opposite. We were given a rare opportunity to come together as a class and create memories and shared experiences that no other class will ever be able to relate to. The hardships faced over the past year make the joyous times even happier and the times we were able to come together as a class even more special.” - Justin Miller, Senior Leadership Council Member

STEAM Full STEAM Ahead

Construction of the new STEAM Center at Horace Greeley High School is now complete.

Representing the last District component of the 2016 Capital Projects Bond, when high school students return this fall they will have access to advanced machinery and digital equipment to sketch designs, fabricate prototypes and beta-test products.

The exploratory spaces within the center vary by form and function, allowing for individual research, small-group collaborations and whole-class instruction. In addition, there is a gallery space for students to present and showcase their work.

In preparation, curriculum work developed around multi-disciplinary learning will continue throughout the summer. There will be an emphasis on inspiring students to become innovators in the areas of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. Students across grade levels will participate in project-based learning and bring ideas along from conception to design to production, all leading to a deeper understanding of academic content.

CPTA Congratulations Chappaqua PTA!!!

Formed in May 2020, the Chappaqua PTA's Committee on Diversity, Race and Broadening Participation is committed to supporting, uplifting and celebrating all members of our community. They seek to embrace, educate and support students, parents and community members of all backgrounds by providing programming, advocacy and a welcoming space for sharing ideas and experiences.

The District is thrilled to share that the National PTA and the National PTA Diversity, Inclusion & Outreach Committee selected our very own Chappaqua PTA to receive the District/County/Council level Jan Harp Domene Diversity and Inclusion Award for 2021.

“We are fortunate to have the Chappaqua PTA as a partner in advancing the District’s strategic goal of cultivating equitable, affirming and culturally responsive learning environments,” said Dr. Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools. “This award just confirms what we knew all along. . .that our PTA is committed to supporting every child, with one voice.”

Summer Hours Summer Office Hours

District offices will have new summer hours in effect from Monday, June 28th through Friday, August 27th.

During this time, our administrative and school building offices will be open Monday through Thursday, from 7:30am to 3:30pm and closed on Fridays.

This change will enable us to have a consistent summer operations schedule across the District and at the same time allow our custodians to prepare our buildings in a more efficient manner for when students return in September.

Please note that these new summer office hours will not affect any summer camps and Town recreational programs that use District facilities.