Carmel Central Schools

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Carmel Central Schools This is the official page of the Carmel Central School District.

Located just 56 miles from New York City, Carmel Central School District provides a high quality education for students within a pristine rural setting. The District encompasses 85 square miles and serves students from six towns located in two counties (Putnam & Dutchess)

Carmel Science Research: Summer 2026 AccomplishmentsCongratulations to Senior Colin Weindel and Junior Aarav Prasad!Coli...
10/16/2026

Carmel Science Research: Summer 2026 Accomplishments
Congratulations to Senior Colin Weindel and Junior Aarav Prasad!

Colin Weindel (sr) was paired with a postdoctoral research scholar in genetics at Stanford University, through the Collegiate Mentorship Program to craft a research paper on a topic of his choosing. He decided to write a literature review on the effect of animal-assisted interactions in decreasing levels of anxiety and agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. He was able to complete the research project with the help of the postdoctoral research scholar and was fortunate enough to be able to submit his research paper to a scientific journal called Exploratio. The journal is specifically tailored towards high school students. Colin was very grateful for the opportunity and is looking forward to continuing his research in the future.

Aarav Prasad (jr) was accepted into the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) Junior Academy. NYAS is a highly selective global STEM program focused on solving real-world challenges through data-driven innovation and research. Students participate in collaborative sprints on the Launchpad platform, working alongside international student teams and professional STEM mentors. Aarav’s focus centers on utilizing data science and machine learning concepts to address global health, computational modeling, and preventative healthcare challenges.

This first meeting of the budget cycle will be for the purpose of reviewing where we are in the current budget and descr...
10/16/2026

This first meeting of the budget cycle will be for the purpose of reviewing where we are in the current budget and describing our assumptions for the 2027-2028 budget including some significant challenges we will face.
Light refreshments will be served. Join Superintendent Michael Plotkin and Assistant Superintendent Ken Silver for this introductory meeting as we start the process for the next budget cycle.

“That's misogynist,” an eighth-grade girl said, reacting to an Instagram post that used Disney's Cinderella to suggest t...
10/15/2026

“That's misogynist,” an eighth-grade girl said, reacting to an Instagram post that used Disney's Cinderella to suggest that women should know their place.

“That's hate speech against women.”

The exchange sparked a conversation about online hate speech, why people spread harmful messages and how young people can respond. It was one of the lessons that seventh- and eighth-grade students explored when the Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT) visited George Fischer Middle School for three days this month.

An innovative classroom on wheels, the MMOT brings history and contemporary issues to students through interactive, facilitator-led workshops. At GFMS, students examined lessons from the civil rights movement and learned how to recognize and combat online hate speech.

Lindsay Brill, an education facilitator with the MMOT, led the workshop on online hate speech. After displaying the Instagram post about Cinderella, she asked students why someone might share such a message.

“They know there are people out there who agree with them and they will connect,” one student responded.

An eighth-grade boy said he feared the post would have a bad impact. “It's not about me," he said. "But even I don't like seeing stuff like that.”

The discussion turned to the importance of being an “upstander” — someone who speaks out when others are targeted or put down — rather than remaining silent.

“At a time of increasing division, using the lessons of history to teach tolerance is more urgent than ever,” George Fischer Middle School Principal John Fratto said.

The visit also emphasized the value of understanding various points of view.

“Bringing the Mobile Museum of Tolerance to GFMS gives our students an opportunity to learn from history, understand perspectives different from their own, and develop the compassion and critical thinking they need to be thoughtful, informed citizens,” said Dr. Jeff C. Gorman, assistant superintendent for instruction.

This week, author Patti Sheehan Hupp of The ArtSmart World Foundation came to Carmel Central School District and donated...
10/14/2026

This week, author Patti Sheehan Hupp of The ArtSmart World Foundation came to Carmel Central School District and donated 250 coloring cook books called "Famous Art & Fabulous Recipes" to Carmel's three elementary schools.
Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin and Board of Education Trustee Jordi Douglas helped Ms. Hupp and her son Dan deliver the books to excited students and staff at Matthew Paterson, Kent Primary and Kent Elementary schools.
"It's not just coloring alone," Ms. Hupp said. "It's also cooking, so the family can work together to create dinner."

Putnam County Health Dept. Staff came to Matthew Paterson Elementary today for the Carmel Schools’ first flu vaccination...
10/13/2026

Putnam County Health Dept. Staff came to Matthew Paterson Elementary today for the Carmel Schools’ first flu vaccination clinic this year.
Don’t forget the upcoming flu clinics:
Kent Elementary School - Wednesday, 10/14/26, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Kent Primary School - Wednesday, 10/14/26, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
George Fischer Middle School -- Wednesday, 10/21/26, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Register by Wednesday, 10/14/26.
Carmel High School - Thursday, 10/22/26, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Register by Thursday, 10/16/26.

"It takes strong schools to build a strong community," Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin said. "Our Carmel Centr...
10/11/2026

"It takes strong schools to build a strong community," Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin said. "Our Carmel Central School District Board of Education members give their time and energy because they care deeply about our district. We are grateful for their leadership, dedication and service throughout the year."

This year, Carmel High School introduced Community Lunch, a shared lunchtime for all students that is at the heart of th...
10/08/2026

This year, Carmel High School introduced Community Lunch, a shared lunchtime for all students that is at the heart of the school’s new schedule. The schedule features longer classes on an eight-day cycle and gives students a 45-minute lunchtime to eat, socialize, participate in activities and recharge.

“It’s officially the Community Lunch, but we call it ‘Rams’ Recess,’ because it’s like recess for high school,” Principal Brian Piazza said. “The students can move around, get out their energy and connect with friends.”

Students now enjoy lunch throughout the building.

Casey Hall is a quieter space where students can eat and study. The gym is a lively gathering place, with basketball games, ping pong and an open weight room. Outside, students play on the turf field, where the school has started organizing lunchtime tournaments.

“I like the bean bag area,” said Kate, a junior, describing a collection of cozy chairs in a hallway.

Community Lunch also lets students join clubs and activities without staying after school. Film Club and Art Club, for example, meet during lunch. The high school is planning mini-electives during lunch, giving students even more choices.

Students now have more choices when it comes to where and what they eat.

In addition to the main cafeteria, students can choose from a snack bar and deli, or including kiosks outside the library and gym.

“I like the pizza,” said Timothy, an 11th grader.

“I like that everybody has lunch at the same time,” sophomore Juliana said. “Now you can have lunch with your friends.”

The change has had a positive impact on the culture of Carmel High School.

“The Community Lunch is off to a great start,” Mr. Piazza said. “I love to see the kids engaged, active, and enjoying time with their friends each day during Lunch. Our students look forward to Community Lunch each day. Our focus now is on continuing to improve and enhance the experience for students. We’re building our infrastructure and operations to serve lunch quickly and efficiently, giving students voice in planning school-wide events during Community Lunch, and expanding the options of clubs, activities and enrichment opportunities.”

The Carmel High School Cancer Awareness Club ran a districtwide activity for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this Septe...
10/06/2026

The Carmel High School Cancer Awareness Club ran a districtwide activity for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September. The club, which has more than 80 members, created an event called "Cards for Kids by Kids."

Club members from the high school visited George Fischer Middle School and each of the district's three elementary schools and encouraged the students to make cards for children who are sick. The kids were provided with various craft materials to make cards, which were then collected and will be mailed out to various hospitals. All kids were given kindness glow bracelets and stickers at the end of the activity.

"At the elementary and middle schools, we did not mention cancer but instead focused on acts of kindness and compassion," said Club Advisor Heather Murphy, a high school English teacher. "The CHS Cancer Awareness Club members went into all of the fourth- grade classes and gave a small presentation on how to make others feel better when they feel sick or sad."

Students at Carmel High School were also invited to participate. For years, the club has had a booth in the high school cafeteria for students to make well-wishes cards for kids with cancer and the club sends them off to the hospitals. This year, club members wanted to make it a districtwide event, but de-emphasized cancer so as not to upset younger children.

Some clubs will hold meetings during Community Lunch. Students can stop by on Thursday and find an activity to pursue.
10/06/2026

Some clubs will hold meetings during Community Lunch. Students can stop by on Thursday and find an activity to pursue.

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81 South Street , P. O. Box 296
Patterson, NY
12563

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