School House News

Dear Parents and Friends: 
 
ALL ARE INVITED!! Meet the Candidates for the Board of Education on Wednesday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the Carmel High School Library, 30 Fair St., Carmel. Two seats are up for election. All qualified voters of the district may vote on May 16 from 6am to 9pm, on the 2 seats and the annual budget. Seats are for 3 year terms beginning July 1, 2017. This event is sponsored by the CCSD parent groups.
The Budget Vote & Board Member Election takes place on Tuesday, May 16 from 6am to 9pm at CHS, KES and MPES. Voter registration information.  Upcoming budget presentations are on Tuesday, May 2 at 7:30pm in the Carmel High School Library (Budget Public Hearing prior to the BOE meeting) and Wednesday, May 10 at 7pm in the Carmel High School Library
 
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY OF THE 34TH ANNUAL CHS STUDENT ART SHOW!  Friday, April 28 from 8am to 1pm, CHS Casey Hall.
GFMS FBLA ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE, Tuesday, April 25 from 2-6pm in the GFMS gym. Walk-ins welcome.
Openings are still available for some Continuing Ed classes including Social Media for Small Business (May 3), Golf classes (begins May 9) and Defensive Driving (May 8,9). Visit the Continuing Ed webpage for more information.
Get in on the foundation of the Carmel Rams Booster Club Buy-A-Brick fundraiser! Your donation will purchase a brick in the patio area to be created at the bottom of the driveway leading to the CHS turf field. Your inscription will be a permanent tribute to your family, class or favorite Ram athlete or faculty member. Bricks are $100 for 4″x8″ or $250 for 8″x8″, with proceeds to help fund new scoreboard for the field and a Senior Athlete Recognition program. For information or to make a donation, visit the Carmel Rams Booster Club website:  http://carmelramsboosterclub.com/buy-a-brick/
Consider a donation to a toy drive to benefit the Ronald McDonald House–a charity that helps families with children battling cancer. To make a donation visit https://www.gofundme.com/uz4qh-toy-drive Your donations will go towards a toy drive that will be brought to the center by the beginning of May. This collection is by CHS students for their AP English class project.
Carmel High School News
The Carmel Rams Booster Club is up and running! Check out the website at www.carmelramsboosterclub.com where you can buy Spirit Wear, Buy-a-Brick, volunteer and more!
The Best Buddies Pancake Breakfast takes place on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Applebee’s in Brewster from 8-10 am.  All are welcome!
SENIOR BALL IS MONDAY, JUNE 5 from 6-11pm at the Waterview in Monroe, CT. Tickets will be on sale from Wednesday, May 3-Thursday, May 9. $55/pp, cash only. Permission slips are in the Guidance office (see Mrs. Burke). Seniors may pick up the slip after they have completed the Graduation Survey in Naviance (located in the About Me tab).Out-of-school guest forms are in all CHS offices. Underclassmen going with a senior do not need a separate form. Table sheets are due on May 9. Table maximum is 10 people.
SCIENCE RESEARCH CLASS NEWS:
1.Seeking individuals to represent CHS at the Somers Science Fair on Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 1-4pm at Somers High School, Lincolndale, NY. Interested individuals can apply through the CHS Science Research website.
3. Seeking individuals to participate as subjects in students’ research projects. Participate in a study through the CHS Science Research website.
George Fischer Middle School News
GFMS PTA Ultimate Discount Card Fundraiser is going on now through May 12. The card is good for a full year and is just $12. 7th graders will receive a portion of the profit toward their 8th grade Washington, DC trip. Visit gfmspta.org for more information.
GFMS PTA Meeting is Thursday, May 4 at 7pm in the GFMS Library. Executive board elections and PTA budget amendments. All positions are up for election. THE PTA NEEDS YOU! Email gfmspta@carmelschools.org for more info.
GFMS Field Day for grade 5/6 students is Friday, May 5, rain or shine from 2:30-4pm. Students must submit a permission slip to their homeroom teacher. This is a free event, and healthy snacks will be sold.
Join the GFMS PTA. Membership is just $10. The PTA supports many quality programs throughout the year.
Fit to Cheer–Free conditioning class open to all GFMS students interested in Cheer.
Lead by Jessica Kamalsky (CHS Varsity Cheerleader) & CHS Varsity Cheer.
Fridays, May 5,12,19 and June 2, 9, 16 from 2:45-3:45pm in the GFMS Gym.
Wear sneakers, workout clothing and bring water! Parents should pick up their child(ren) in front of GFMS by 3:50pm. Questions? Email Jessica Kamalsky at jesseg11@verizon.net
 
Did you order your GFMS Yearbook? A limited number of copies are available, but once they are sold out they are gone! There will NOT be extra copies available for purchase in June. Yearbooks cost $52.02 (sales tax included). This price is for Yearbooks only, they can no longer be personalized. To order online: http://www.jostensyearbooks.com   Order forms for in-school orders are available in Peachjar. YEARBOOKS ARE NOT FREE FOR 8TH GRADERS.If you have questions, email frusso@carmelschools.org
Take a look at what your middle school students are up to…watch Ram TV, Jr!!
Kent Elementary School News
The book fair is next week! KEPTO is looking for volunteers to help to make this a great event for the kids!  May 2,3 and 4th. If interested in helping out, email KEPTO@carmelschools.org
 
Staff Appreciation week is next week! The KEPTO needs your help to show our school staff how much we love and appreciate them! Please let the KEPTO know what you are able to send in. Email kepto@carmelschools.org
 
Yearbooks are on sale! Each book is $30.00 Visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and use code 24490 to order.
Also, upload your pictures from school events–either use the app (HJeShare) or visit www.HJeShare.com KES school code is COUGAR2017.
Interested in helping out next year? KEPTO is looking for volunteers to join their committees! Help is needed with the Yearbook, Events, Fundraising, etc. Any help you can give is appreciated. Contact kepto@carmelschools.org
Kent Primary School News
 E-Mail KPSPTOPresident@gmail.com to be added to the weekly Backpack E-Mail for updates, changes, cancellations and reminders–delivered right to your inbox!
The KPS school store is open every Friday that school is in session, during lunch times for grades 1-4. The spending limit is $5/student each week. No bills larger than $20 will be accepted.
Matthew Paterson Elementary School News
Staff Appreciation Day is Thursday, May 4! Help thank the MPES teachers & staff by dropping off food, beverages, or other items on that morning for the staff luncheon. Sign up online at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4fa4af2eaafa7-staff1
Sign up to volunteer at the BOGO Book Fair, May 9-11! Students will need help choosing books and navigating the “buy one, get one” offer. To volunteer, sign up online at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4fa4af2eaafa7-spring2
Sign up to volunteer at the MPES School Store for April-June 2017. The School Store is open during lunch on the last Friday of the month and once in the beginning of June. Volunteers must be available from 10:45am – 1:45pm. Students love shopping at the School Store and this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the excitement with them. Sign up here!
Buy Yearbooks Now! K-3rd grade parents, yearbooks are $30 or $33 with name imprint. Visit http://mpespto.org/yearbook for details on the ways to order.
Visit the MPES PTO website for additional information on events and activities! Be sure to sign up for the PTO emails by clicking the envelope to subscribe.
Community News
RESOURCE & TRANSITION FAIR-SCHEDULED
TODAY! Friday, April 28 from 3:30-6:30pm at the Mahopac Library. For families and students with an IEP or 504 plan. Supports and resources for now and in the future. Free event Hosted by the Putnam Transition Consortium. Contact Jessica Baumann at jbaumann@putnamils.org or 845 228-7457 for information.
CARMEL ROTARY FILL THE TRUCK FOOD PANTRY DRIVE
Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30 from 9am to 5pm at Carmel ShopRite.
MEDICATION TAKE BACK DAY
Saturday, April 29 at the Putnam Hospital Center from 9am to 2pm. For information contact Robert Morris of the Putnam Co. Health Dept. at 845 808-1390, ext. 43166 or Bruce Kelly of the Putnam Communities That Care Coalistion at 845 225-4646.
SPRING GARDEN SCHOOL
Sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Saturday April 29th, 10 am to 2:45 pm at the Mahopac Library, Route 6 Mahopac. Fee $25 pp.  Learn how to get the right plant in the right place! Information: Putnam.cce.cornell.edu/events or call 845-278-6738
 
AUTISM WALK & EXPO OF THE HUDSON VALLEY
Sunday, April 30 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rt. 9, Rhinebeck, NY. Event is from 9am to 1pm. Registration begins at 8:30am, Opening ceremonies at 10am and walk begins at 10:30am. Rain or Shine. for info call 845 331-2626 or visit www.autismwalkhv.org
KENT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, April 30 from 10am to 3pm. Come see fire equipment, apparatus, gear and more. Free food and beverages, games and fire & EMS demonstrations. 2490 Route 301, Carmel.
4-H DOG CARE PROGRAM
For ages 9 and up–basic dog care and handling classes on Wednesday evenings, May 3-June 14 from 6:30-8pm. Fee is $45 for non 4-H members or $15 for members. Dog ownership not required. Register online at putnam.cce.cornell.edu/events or call Cornell Cooperative Extension at 845 278-6738.
CPSE/CSE PARENT MEMBER TRAINING
Westchester Institute for Human Development, Friday, May 5, 9am-2pm, Cedarwood Hall, 1st Fl. Board room, Valhalla, NY Space is limited. Contact Stephanie Bellantoni at sbellantoni2wihd.org or call 914 493-7664 to register.
 
PUTNAM COUNTY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY
Saturday, May 6 from 9am to 12pm at Fahnestock Park, Canopus Beach Parking Lot, Route 301, Kent. Pre-registration required. For acceptable items and further information visit http://www.putnamcountyny.com/green-putnam/waste-disposal-options/ or call 845 808-1390, ext. 43254.
 
CARMEL UNITED SOCCER CLUB TRAVEL TRYOUTS
Tryouts for Fall 2017/Spring 2018 travel teams on Saturdays, May 6 & 13 for players born 2002-2009. Visit www.carmelsoccer.com for more information and to register.
 
CARMEL GIRL SCOUTS “MY LITTLE PONY TEA PARTY”
For girls in pre-K going into kindergarten in the fall of 2017. Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Lake Carmel Community Center from 12-2pm. Come find out what Girl Scouts is about, bring mom, your favorite pony and have fun!
4-H LEARN TO SEW PROGRAM
6 week series with hands-on learning, understanding patterns, hand stitching, machine stitching (sewing machine ownership not required), and quilting. Simple projects. Thursdayevenings, May 11-June 15 from 6:30-8pm in Brewster. Limited to 12 youth, ages 9 and up. Fee is $45 for non 4-H members and $15 for 4-H members. Additional information: http://putnam.cce.cornell.edu or call 845-278-6738.
 
CAMP HERRLICH ACEkids! THEATER PROGRAM
Presenting the first ever Musical Theater Recitals, featuring music from Disney’s Aladdin Kids. Matthew Paterson students perform on May 12 at 7pm in the MPES cafeteria. Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted!
 
PATTERSON RECREATION GIANT INDOOR TAG SALE
Saturday, May 13 from 9am-4pm. Free admission. Over 50 vendors!  Vendor spaces are $25 per space. Contact 845 878-7200 or visit www.pattersonrec.org for info.
 
CARMEL FIRE DEPT. AUXILIARY CHICKEN ‘N BISCUIT DINNER
Saturday, May 13 from 5-7pm. Served with cornbread casserole and green beans, ice cream bar and beverages. Adults/$10; kids 4-12/$5 and 3 and under/FREE.
HIKE PUTNAM
A 6-week guided hike series in different areas throughout Putnam County, sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener Program. The first hike is at Clearpool Model Forest, off 301, Kent on Saturday, May 13 from 10am-12noon. Free, but pre-registration is required. Information: http://putnam.cce.cornell.edu/events or call 845 278-6738.
 
NEW AT PATTERSON REC CENTER–BEY BLADE NIGHT
Friday, May 19 from 7-9pm in the Rec. Room. All Beybladers are welcome to bring their Beyblades and stadiums to battle at the Rec Center. Pick up games are child directed and participants need to bring their own supplies (be sure to label your belongings). Cost is $7. Concession stand will be open. Use side entrance. This is a drop-off program
MASTER GARDENER SCHOLORSHIPS AVAILABLE
Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener Volunteers offering 2 scholarships of $500 each to graduating high school seniors to pursue the study of Plant Science, Horticulture, Botany. Details available through high school guidance offices, online at putnam.cce.cornell.edu or by emailing cathycroft@comcast.net. Deadline is April 30, 2017.
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT YARROW HOLLOW FARM
Small farm and educational center in Holmes, NY. Volunteers need to help with planting, animal care, greenhouse and hoophouse repair,and more.  If interested contact Sarah at 914 673-7969 or email farmer@holmescamp.org
 
2017 EIGHT 4 FIVE BASKETBALL ACADEMY
For ages 12 and up, boys and girls. 20-week program held at Patterson Recreation Center. For information call Vincent Ziccolella at 845 629-6774 or Matt Chibbaro at 845 878-7200.
 
FREE MARTIAL ARTS TRIAL CLASS AT PATTERSON REC
Check out USA Karate at Patterson Rec. Offering classes Mondays through Thursdays, starting at 5pm. Karate, Jiu-Jitsu and/or Boxing. For more info call 845 878-7200.
Summer Camps and Programs

NY RED BULLS SOCCER CAMP
Carmel United Soccer Club will once again sponsor 2 week so NY Red Bulls soccer camp in July. Ages 5-14, half and full day options available. Early bird discount if registered by May 1. Visit www.carmelsoccer.com for more information and to register.
 
CLEARPOOL SUMMER CAMP
Register online at www.greenchimneys.org/camps  Call Stacey Damiano at 845 225-8226 for availability and rates for CCSD families.
 
CAMP HERRLICH’S SUMMER CAMP IS FILLING UP
Visit www.campherrlich.org/daycamp or call 845 878-6662 for more information or to arrange a tour.
PIED PIPER YOUTH THEATER SUMMER CAMPS
Many sessions to choose from, including “It’s a Small World,” “Christmas in July on Broadway,” and so much more. Check out the summer calendar and register at http://pipertheater.org/index.htm
 LITTLE RAMS SUMMER BASEBALL CAMP
June 26-July 20. Call Bob Shilling for info at 845 729-9819.
 
LAKE CARMEL PARK DISTRICT–LIFEGUARD POSITIONS
Certified Waterfront Lifeguards needed for the 2017 season. Information regarding lifeguard courses available. Email lcpdclerk@townofkentny.gov or call 845 306-5602.
PATTERSON VETERAN’S MEMORIAL PARK–LIFEGUARD POSITIONS
Memorial Day to Labor Day. If interested email bcallahan45@yahoo.com
 
Enjoy the weekend.

Author: Harlem Valley News