Clarkstown Central School District

Congratulations to the Link Elementary School Class of 2026! CCSD this morning celebrated the academic achievements of 87 fifth graders during a moving-up ceremony. Principal Mary Bish made sure to send her students off the only way she knows how — with a signature daily joke! She closed out the ceremony with a nod to the milestone. “I have one more joke for you and it’s school-related because this is a moving-up,” Bish said. “Why should you wear glasses during math class? It improves division!” Good luck in middle school!

Woodglen Elementary School families gathered at Clarkstown North last night to give 85 fifth graders a proper send-off as they move up to Felix Festa. As Principal Lisa Maher told the graduates, “Over the years you have learned how to read more challenging books, solve complex problems, conduct science, experiments, perform in concerts, participate in field trips, work through challenges and develop friendships that may last a lifetime. You have grown academically, socially, and emotionally. But most importantly, you have grown into leaders within our school community.”

Congratulations Class of 2026! Though you are moving on to middle school, you’ll always be a part of the Woodglen Wolfpack!

Congratulations to the Bardonia Elementary School Class of 2026! CCSD this evening celebrated the academic achievements of 60 fifth graders during a moving-up ceremony. "Keep asking questions, keep embracing new ideas and keep including everyone around you," said Principal Michelle Zernone. “Keep believing that one person can make a difference, because the future isn’t waiting for someone else — it’s waiting for you.” Good luck in middle school!

“Fifth graders, today we celebrate all that you have achieved, and all that you have yet to become,” said Laurel Plains Principal Julie Upton to the Class of 2026 this morning as they gathered for their Moving-Up Ceremony. And celebrate they did, with songs (because as Upton explained, “music has a special way of capturing moments and expressions of feelings that words alone sometimes cannot.”); sentiments (fifth graders shared their favorite memories from their years at Laurel Plains); and send-offs (the graduates presented retiring teachers and staff with flowers—and more than a few hugs.)

Congratulations Eagles! And good luck as you move up (right down the road) to Festa!

A long time ago in a g̶a̶l̶a̶x̶y̶ hallway not so far away… Fourth graders coded their way through Strawtown Elementary School during a Star Wars-themed parade. With help from the fourth-grade teachers, enrichment team and library media specialist, students designed their own mini floats and programmed Bee-Bots to navigate the halls.

Congratulations to the Little Tor Elementary School Class of 2026! CCSD celebrated the academic achievements of 48 fifth graders this evening during a moving-up ceremony. "We do love you for all of your skills and accomplishments in the classroom, but what makes me and our staff most proud is when we hear from our colleagues at Felix Festa Middle School, Clarkstown High School North or in the community about the good person that you are or the great individual you have become. I hope our small elementary school and your time in it made you feel special, safe and comfortable to be who you are," said Principal Dr. Matthew Younghans. Good luck in middle school!

Class dismissed! Clarkstown High School South today honored its seniors during a clap-out celebration. From cautious elementary schoolers to confident graduates, the Class of 2026 sure has come a long way — with some help from teachers, friends and families. The countdown to graduation is on!

The West Nyack Wildcats took the stage at Clarkstown South this evening as they celebrated their Moving Up Ceremony. Wearing personalized graduation caps, the fifth graders listened as both Principal Annie Streiff and the kindergarten team of teachers reflected on their years at West Nyack—which began with masks and social distancing—and celebrated how far they have come, while reminding the graduates to return for a visit soon.

The ceremony closed with a rendition of Maroon 5’s “Memories,” with lyrics penned by the PTA.

Congratulations Wildcats! Thanks for the “memories!”

What’s better than listening to our accomplished student poets read their work? Doing so while enjoying a delectable treat from a local business, of course! Seventh graders at Festa participated in the fifth annual Stanzas & Sweets event at Caked Up Cafe where they shared their original works of poetry before the assembled crowd. Thank you to Michaela Muckell, Liz Quinson, Matt Donegan and Cosimo Mazzaferro for hosting such an impressive event and to Caked Up Cafe for providing a late afternoon treat!

Connecting local farms to our school community has long been a priority in the CCSD and, thanks to a “Rooted In Learning” grant from Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest New York program, this partnership was able to expand to our secondary students. Clarkstown North’s Small Business Marketing classes and Clarkstown South’s Systems and Sustainability classes made several trips to nearby Cropsey Farm and Dr. Davies Farm to learn about all aspects of running an agriculturural business. To culminate a year of connecting the three “Cs”: Classroom, Community and Cafeteria, both high schools participated in a microgreens tasting, with produce supplied by Tiny Greens Farm, a woman-owned business in the Hudson Valley. Students tasted broccoli microgreens, radish microgreens, sweet pea tendrils and popcorn shoots and then voted on which one was their favorite. Teenagers voluntarily eating their greens? That sounds like a successful lesson to us!