Irvington Union Free School District

08/25/2026

Dows Lane Welcomes New Students with Special Back-to-School Traditions

Excitement for the new school year was in the air at Dows Lane Elementary school on Aug. 24 as incoming kindergarten students, new students and their families came together for two special back-to-school traditions.

Incoming kindergarten students started the day with a school bus ride around Dows Lane alongside a family member. During the ride, students learned more about their new school and what to expect on their first day of kindergarten. Each student also received a plush bulldog courtesy of the PTSA.

“Students were so excited to get on the big bus,” Principal Dr. Andrea Kantor said. “It’s a fun way to get ready for their first day of school.”

Later that day, Dows Lane welcomed new students and incoming kindergarten students for the PTSA’s annual Popsicles with the Principal event. Dr. Kantor and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mara Ratesic greeted students and families as they became acquainted with the Dows Lane community.

Students had the opportunity to find other students in their classes, play on the playground with new friends and explore the school garden.

“It's a wonderful tradition,” Dr. Kantor said. “Students and families are joining our Irvington family, and we welcome them with open arms!”

Together, the two events offered Dows Lane’s newest students and families a fun and welcoming introduction to the school community as they prepare for the start of the new school year.

08/19/2026

Students at Dows Lane Elementary School will return to a thriving garden this fall, with new improvements and grant support creating even more opportunities for hands-on learning and community engagement.

This fall, the Irvington Union Free School District reinstalled the garden’s irrigation system, restoring its automatic sprinklers and providing additional support for the plants and produce students help cultivate throughout the year.

The garden also recently received exciting news after Dows Lane PTSA Garden Coordinator Meg Tubman applied for the Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant. Dows Lane was selected from among 800 schools that applied for the grant and is expected to receive approximately $3,500. While plans for the funding are still being determined, the grant is expected to support seeds, plants and the continued upkeep of the garden’s vegetable beds.

The garden serves as an extension of the classroom, providing students with opportunities to plant, grow, observe and harvest while developing a greater understanding of the environment and where food comes from. In her letter supporting the grant application, Principal Dr. Andrea Kantor highlighted the role gardening plays in supporting the school’s whole-child approach to education, including hands-on learning, environmental awareness and students’ social-emotional well-being.

Throughout the school year, the space is incorporated into learning and activities in a variety of ways. Students read and observe plant growth in the garden with librarian Gina Samaniego, while Garden Club Advisor Alissa Campbell works with students to cultivate seeds and care for the garden. The school also collaborates with Irvington High School’s vocational program, providing opportunities for high school students to contribute to the community garden.

The garden’s impact extends beyond the school day through the support of the PTSA, families and community volunteers. Tubman coordinates volunteers who help prepare and maintain the garden throughout the year. The garden also provides opportunities during the summer, and extra produce is donated to a local senior center.

Students will have another opportunity to enjoy the fruits, and vegetables, of their labor this October when Dows Lane hosts its first whole-school soup day. Students will help pick and chop vegetables from the garden before coming together to enjoy the soup. The new event builds on the school’s popular spring salad day.

“It’s going to be a wonderful school community event,” Kantor said. “The students love being in the garden, and one of their favorite days is salad day in the spring, so we are trying a fall soup day this year, too. The garden is an incredible learning space for our students and a wonderful community space for all our families.”

Kantor credited the collaboration among Campbell, Tubman and the district with helping the garden and its programming continue to thrive.

“Our garden is a place of pride and joy for all students, staff and families at Dows Lane Elementary School, Kantor said.

With new improvements, continued community support and plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning ahead, the Dows Lane garden is ready for another year of growing alongside its students.

08/03/2026

Now Hiring: Part-Time School Monitors

Irvington Union Free School District is seeking part-time School Monitors for Irvington Middle/High School.

We're looking for dependable individuals who enjoy working with students and are committed to helping maintain a safe, welcoming school environment.

Interested candidates are encouraged to email a resume to [email protected].

Join our team and help make a positive difference for our students every day!

07/29/2026

Congratulations to Dows Lane Elementary School on its 2026 National Gold Star School Award!

Superintendent Dr. Mara Ratesic and Principal Dr. Andrea Kantor recently traveled to Orlando to accept the award at the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Gold Star Schools Awards ceremony. The prestigious recognition honors schools that demonstrate excellence through an established culture, empowered people, and optimal systems.

"It is such an honor to receive this award for Dows Lane. We work hard as a staff to create the most glorious culture for our students, families and each other, and I am so proud," shared Dr. Kantor.

Congratulations to the entire Dows Lane community on this well deserved honor!

06/24/2026

A special message from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mara Ratesic.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/23/2026

Surrounded by family members, friends, faculty and staff, members of Irvington High School’s Class of 2026 marked a significant milestone in their educational journey. They celebrated the completion of their high school careers during a commencement ceremony at Matthiessen Park on June 20.

Principal Jon Hirsch opened the ceremony by welcoming the graduates and guests. In his speech, he reflected on the bright future that lies ahead of the students, with so many possibilities.

“You are leaving Irvington High School, but you are not leaving it all behind,” Hirsch said. “Everything we have tried to teach you is already in there. The lessons, the friendships, the habits, the values. You will carry them with you as you move forward.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mara Ratesic offered heartfelt advice as the students prepared to embark on their next chapter. In her remarks, Dr. Ratesic reflected on how life has changed since the 1990s but the core things that shape people – relationships and community support – continue to be important. She highlighted the importance of empathy, connection and having each other’s back.

“My reflections on the 1990s bring me great joy, but looking at all of you fills me with even more hope for what lies ahead,” Dr. Ratesic said. “We take immense pride in your achievements and ask that you keep us in your hearts. Know that we will always be your biggest supporters, cheering you on every step of the way.”

The students were also addressed by Board of Education President Susan Brunenavs, class president Julia Welter, senior Will Richman, salutatorian Lucy Acharekar and valedictorian Joshua Greenbarg – each offering their unique reflections on their time in Irvington and the road ahead.

Brunenavs encouraged the students to leave room for surprise when life doesn’t go as planned.

“Create a little space between what happens and how you respond,” she said. “Some of the best decisions you will ever make emerge from that space.”

Acharekar referred to people holding onto past experiences and plans like a “paper trail,” and encouraged her classmates to embrace the changes.

“As much as we like to hold tightly to our plans and our histories, our surroundings, our friends, almost every aspect of our lives are about to change, and we’ll change, too,” she said. “Not everything has to be scripted, and life doesn’t have to follow the outline. It’s been incredible seeing how we’ve changed these past 4 years, and I’m so excited to see who we become.”

In his speech, Greenbarg offered heartfelt encouragement to love openly and generously. He urged his fellow classmates to go beyond simply liking things or people and to embrace the power of expressing their love out loud.

“Don’t be scared to dispense your love generously,” he said. “Let everyone feel it. Love, love, and then love some more while you’re at it. The world really, really needs it.”

Signifying the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another, the students received their diplomas to the applause of family and friends. After moving their tassels to indicate their graduation, they tossed their caps in celebration.

06/22/2026

Irvington Middle School students celebrated Pride Day with engaging and educational activities during their lunch periods on June 12. The event highlighted IMS’s commitment to promoting a welcoming, inclusive and affirming environment for all.

Organized and led by the IMS Character Building/Social-Emotional Learning and Culture and Belonging Committee, the students explored various stations, deepening their understanding of the importance of representation and inclusion.

Throughout the day, the students created sidewalk chalk art and murals, learned about the history of pride and LBGTQ+ communities, explored the meanings behind different pride flags, and solved pride-themed puzzles. They also enjoyed music, dance and live performances by members of the middle school band, orchestra and chorus.

“In order to encourage exploration and participation, the students collected stamps by visiting at least three stations before enjoying healthy snacks at the snack station,” school counselor Liza Leite said. “The event provided meaningful opportunities for students to learn, connect, celebrate and foster a school community, where everyone feels valued, respected and included.”

06/20/2026

Congratulations to the Irvington High School Class of 2026! The full story and more pictures to follow. Go Bulldogs!

06/20/2026

Members of Irvington High School’s Class of 2026 were greeted with cheers and applause as they walked the halls of Dows Lane Elementary School during the annual Senior Walk. The tradition provides seniors with an opportunity to return to where their educational journey began, reconnect with former teachers and reflect on how far they have come. Dows Lane Principal Dr. Andrea Kantor and Irvington High School Principal Jon Hirsch said the event remains a cherished tradition that highlights the strong connections within the Irvington school community.

06/18/2026

Dows Lane Elementary School students enjoyed the rewards of their gardening efforts during a special lettuce harvest day on June 16. After planting the seeds earlier in the year and watching them grow, the students picked the lettuce from their school garden and enjoyed a healthy snack together.

“With the incredible energy of PTSA garden volunteer Meg Tubman, as well as volunteer parents and school counselor and Garden Club adviser Alissa Campbell, all students had fun picking the lettuce, washing and eating it,” Principal Dr. Andrea Kantor said. “It’s a terrific day for all and very rewarding for students to see their hard work in the garden prosper into food we eat.”