Announcements / News

CCSD is proud to announce Clarkstown High School North’s Class of 2026 valedictorian and co-salutatorians: Cecilia Simoes, Vincent Luu and Lyla Manini!

Valedictorian Cecilia is a member of the Mu Alpha Theta, Science, Social Studies, World Language and English honor societies, SAGA Yearbook Club (editor-in-chief), French Club (former president) and Epiphany (editor). She serves as treasurer for the National Honor Society and has been a member of the Clarkstown varsity fencing team as a foil fencer for the last 3 years. She has been recognized with two Superior designations in the National Council of Teachers of English Writing Contest, as a result of her literary creativity and devotion to self expression. Additionally, she has won a silver and bronze medal in the National French Contest (Le Grand Concours) for her French language skills and commitment to multilingualism. Cecilia supports her community through her engagement with the youth as a children’s liturgist for St. Anthony’s Church and a LEGO® Robotics Instructor for Lakewood Elementary School’s FIRST® LEGO® League team, occasionally assisting the outreach/impact branch of CHSN’s 8-Bit Rams Robotics team. Over the summer, Cecilia works as a camp counselor for Clarkstown Parks and Recreation. Outside of school, she enjoys writing and reading creative works such as poetry, short stories and personal essays.

She plans to pursue a career in speech-language pathology as a speech therapist in an elementary school or private practice. She will be majoring in communication disorders, under the accelerated 3+2 Speech Language Pathology Dual Degree program at Sacred Heart University. She hopes to continue supporting and accommodating young students and individuals as they grow beyond their communication difficulties and develop into capable and confident speakers.

Co-Salutatorian Vincent is a member of the Science and Mu Alpha Theta honor societies as well as a member of the National, English and Art honor societies, Epiphany (editor) and the Forensic League at North. As an Advanced Placement (AP) student, Vincent received recognition as an AP Language Student of the Year in 2025. In his senior year of high school, he enrolled at Rockland Community College (RCC) in the Early Admit Program. While at RCC, Vincent has continued competing in public speaking. This spring, Vincent also attended the National Model United Nations (NMUN) in New York, serving as a head delegate (vice president) for RCC’s Model UN club. While balancing family responsibilities as a translator and technology assistant for his parents and relatives, Vincent has involved himself in the community through volunteering for the New City Library and by participating in garbage cleanups. When not busy with school, he enjoys reading, drawing and chatting with friends. Vincent is in the process of finalizing his college decision. 

Co-Salutatorian Lyla is a member of the National, Mu Alpha Theta and World Language honor societies, as well as FLOW Club and has participated in varsity cross country for the past four years. She also serves as a peer leader in the World of Difference program, a board member of Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse (VAASA) and co-founder and -president of the Clarkstown for Climate club, the in-school branch of the larger environmental non-profit to which she serves as head chair. A dedicated community member, Lyla is also captain of the New City Volunteer Ambulance Youth Corps and has coordinated multiple community health fairs throughout high school. She is primarily interested in neuroscience and public health and has conducted research at both the Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, within the Department of Neuroscience, and the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center of NYU, within the Department of Neurology. Lyla plans to study biological sciences at the University of Maryland this fall.

Congratulations to these outstanding students on their accomplishments!

Superintendent Dr. Baiocco met with student representatives from Clarkstown high schools North and South earlier today for the latest Student Advisory Council meeting, continuing an ongoing dialogue with the Rams and Vikings. The group discussed topics including the regional cost index and New York State (NYS) Assembly Bill A6478, with students sharing perspectives and asking questions about how these factors impact their schools and community. Dr. Baiocco noted the value of student voice and self-advocacy, stating: “Whether it is a change like the drop rotation schedule or adding a new program, or the future ready tenets that we’ve been working on, you don’t stop. You keep finding a way where you create a scenario that benefits each student.”

Two robotics teams from Clarkstown high schools North and South took part in the Hudson Valley Regional of the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) from March 19-21, 2026. They were among 48 teams from near and far — including Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, Chinese Taipei and Türkiye — that gathered for several matches at Rockland Community College. The FRC’s theme for the season is “REBUILT,” which challenges students to use engineering to bring the past into a new light and understand how discoveries and inventions continue to shape and connect communities today.

Although the drop rotation schedule at Clarkstown North and South doesn't go into effect until September, our faculty and staff are already working on ways to maximize this shift. One such way they are doing so is through professional development sessions that focus on Design Thinking and Visible Thinking Routines—practices that originated at Stanford's d.school and Harvard's Graduate School of Education. The sessions, led by educational consultant Lisa Yokana, introduce teachers to these tools and give them actionable ways to incorporate them into their classrooms. (For example, a process called See. Think. Wonder. encourages students to slow down and really take in what they're learning, which leads to deeper connections and inquiries. )

"Teachers explored ways to design learning experiences that are more student-centered, inquiry-driven, and intentionally structured to promote deeper thinking and discourse," says Jennifer Mazza, director of STEM and technology, who adds that getting students to become critical thinkers is one of the main goals of the new schedule. "Giving our teachers strategies that they can use in their extended class times expands that work."

Step into a world of high stakes and big dreams… Here is a sneak peek at Clarkstown High School North’s production of Guys and Dolls — and it’s already a sure bet! With the energy of Times Square, the charm of Havana and a cast full of unforgettable characters, the Cue & Curtain Drama Club is bringing this classic story to life. Showtimes are Thursday, March 19 at 7pm; Friday, March 20 at 7pm; and Saturday, March 21 at 2pm and 7pm.

You can purchase tickets here. Please come out and support our talented members of the cast, crew and orchestra!

Two buildings, two classes, two systems — one shared goal! Dawn McCarthy’s sixth grade science class and Heidi Bernasconi’s high school Sports Exercise class teamed up after discovering that both were preparing for upcoming tests on the circulatory and respiratory systems. The Falcons and the Rams worked through four stations designed to collect data and help prepare for their respective exams. The cross-grade collaboration encouraged peer learning and helped CCSD students feel more confident heading into test day.

High school will be here before they know it — at least for the Class of 2030, who headed to Clarkstown high schools North and South to tour their future campuses. In addition to meeting Principal Tarantino (CHSS) and Principal Reim (CHSN), eighth graders also had the chance to walk the hallways and hear from current students on what high school is really like. One South senior summed it up best: "Don't be afraid. Join the club, join the team, make new friends."

Clarkstown High School North was transformed into a hub of curiosity and discovery today, as it hosted its third annual Science Research Showcase. High schoolers from both North and South represented CCSD as they presented their findings to peers in neighboring districts, including Nyack Public Schools, South Orangetown Central School District and Suffern Central School District. For the first time, Felix Festa Middle School students attended the showcase, getting an inside look at the commitment and creativity behind science research.

Clarkstown High School North today welcomed three visitors from the Consulate General of Japan in NY, who spent the morning learning about CCSD's Japanese language program and meeting with students and staff. The group first joined Akiko Uchiyama, the Japanese teacher at both CHSN and CHSS, for a conversation about language study, cultural exchange and the pathways learners can pursue through world-language learning. Following that, they observed the AP/IB students as they presented their Career Projects while speaking Japanese — a chance for the Rams to demonstrate their skills and see how their classroom learning connects to the wider world. This type of exchange embodies the #ClarkstownCommitment to help students build the knowledge and awareness they need to thrive beyond the classroom.

For Immediate Release

Public Hearing and Comment Period for amendments to District-Wide Safety Plan to add Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Annex and revised Code of Conduct related to AI use.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Clarkstown Central School District Board of Education will conduct a Public Hearing to consider the proposed amendments to the Districtwide Safety Plan and the Code of Conduct.

The proposed amendments to the Districtwide Safety Plan will add a Cardiac Emergency Response Annex to the Districwide safety plan in accordance with Desha’s Law and amendments to Education Law §§ 917, 2801-a(2), and 2801-a(3)(a).

The proposed revisions to the Code of Conduct address the use of AI.

The hearings will be held on December 11, 2025 at the Board of Education Meeting, Chestnut Grove District Office at 7:30pm.

In accordance with state regulations, the revised District-Wide School Safety Plan and Code of Conduct amendments are available for public comment for a minimum of 30 days prior to its adoption. The proposed change are available on the district website or you can request copies by emailing the District Clerk.

• Cardiac Emergency Response Annex and is available for review on the District website: www.ccsd.edu/safety.
• Code of Conduct will be available for review Code of Conduct Revised Sections

Written comments may be submitted to the District Clerk at districtclerk@ccsd.edu no later than Wednesday December 10, 2025. Members of the public are also invited to present comments in person at the scheduled public hearing.

Sincerely,

Lucy Crosbie

Clarkstown Central School District is pleased to announce that it will once again be partnering with the interactive Holocaust-education program, Names, Not Numbers®. Today marked the start of this year’s collaboration, featuring remarks from creator Tova Fish-Rosenberg and Dr. Marc Baiocco. “The survivors are people who bring such tremendous experiences to life…in the areas of innovation, creativity and empathy. All of the hallmarks that we’re working on within that Clarkstown Commitment,” said Dr. Baiocco. “So, this year is more special than ever for me, because it’s starting to take all of the tenets of the #ClarkstownCommitment and make them come alive through our Names, Not Numbers® partnership. This is going to be a very unique and authentic learning experience.”

Jeffrey Salgo, a retired associate director and producer with CBS News, coached students on interviewing techniques and tips, including the three major responsibilities an interviewer has to their interviewee — history, research and empathy. CCSD is excited to see how the Falcons, Rams and Vikings use their journalism, research and video production skills to create their very own documentaries.

Superintendent Dr. Marc Baiocco engaged in mutually-beneficial conversations with students from both Clarkstown high schools North and South during a Student Advisory Council session. The group convenes every month with the goal of not only identifying areas for continuous improvement — either spanning the District or specific to one building — but also creative approaches for funding or implementing suggested changes.

For October, discussion topics included a rotational drop schedule, school spirit and the Portrait of a Clarkstown Learner framework. “Can you define a specific school-wide initiative, whether it be a program or an idea, that would strengthen the assigned characteristics?” asked Dr. Baiocco. “Take one of the characteristics for #Empathetic. ‘Collaborate via active listening with consideration of diverse viewpoints.’ What does that look like?” Through the #ClarkstownCommitment, we work together to cultivate learners who think critically, adapt confidently and lead with empathy in the world.

CCSD this morning celebrated the achievements of 339 students during Clarkstown High School North’s Commencement Ceremony! Surrounded by proud family and friends at Clover Stadium, graduates reflected on their years with CCSD and excitedly looked forward to the bright futures that await them. “Don’t let fear stop you. Don’t wait for that perfect pitch. Swing, and even if you miss, swing again. You are more than ready for this game ahead, and we can’t wait to see how you play it,” noted Principal Candace Reim. With the turning of tassels and tossing of caps, the Class of 2025 becomes our newest alumni and embarks on their next adventure! Congratulations!

And they're off! Congratulations and good luck to Clarkstown High School South's softball team — currently on their way to Binghamton to play in the Class AA Semifinals against Horseheads. CCSD this morning cheered on these and other Vikings (pictured) who either won their section or qualified for states during the Spring 2025 season. In addition, Clarkstown High School North also had some RAMarkable student-athlete standouts. See the lineup for both below.

South:

Boys Tennis -
Christopher Cho and Pratik Nayak (FIRST-EVER state champions; third place at sectionals)

Softball -
Kiera Butler, Mary Grace Brangaccio, Giada Dello Russo, Kayla Dwyer, Emily Lappetito, Riley Lappetito, Valentina Luciano, Cara Luna, Lucianna Magnotta, Marina Piccininni, Eama Rosario, Kaitlyn Rose, Gillian Ulrich, Shea Ulrich and Carley Voce (state qualifiers; regional and sectional champions)

Girls Golf -
Maura Forde (state qualifier)

Track-
Maggie Hansen (discus and shot put), Connor Sullivan (shot put) and Grace Camerlingo (100M and 400M; state qualifiers)
 

North:

Track and Field -
Alysha Calvo (pentathlon) and Caleb Lewis (discus; sectional champions)

Girls Golf -
Gianna Maltbie (state qualifier)

CCSD on June 11 held a "doubleheader" of sorts with back-to-back celebrations honoring student-athletes, who made headlines this year on and off the playing fields. Dozens of Clarkstown High School North seniors – from those who demonstrated good sportsmanship to those with the highest GPAs on the roster – were presented with Special Recognition and Scholarship awards, followed by 11 more Rams (listed below) who committed to continuing both their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level during a signing event. Congratulations and good luck to all!

Football –
Cian Barry (Springfield College)

Swimming –
Isabella Budnik (Virginia Tech)
Lucas Keahon (SUNY Geneseo)
Kate Lorence (SUNY Cortland)

Track and Field –
Alysha Calvo (SUNY Alfred)

Baseball –
Jayson Espinal (UMass Boston)

Lacrosse –
Kaitlyn Hilliard (Dominican University)
Mary Kopf (Manhattanville University)

Wrestling –
Ian Hung (SUNY Alfred)

Volleyball –
Varvara Kudinova (Hunter College)

Soccer –
Arianna Sullivan (Franklin Pierce University)

CCSD elementary schools on June 9 welcomed back a special group of visitors — graduating seniors! Dressed in their caps and gowns, students from Clarkstown high schools North and South walked the halls (pictured: Lakewood and Laurel Plains elementary schools) they once knew so well, greeted by applause from their former teachers and the next generation of learners. For our younger students, it’s a glimpse into the future. For our seniors, it’s a reminder of where their journey began and how far they’ve come.