Pleasantville Public Schools

🎓 Congratulations to the Class of 2026 graduates of Pleasantville's Lab School and FAST Program!

Family, friends, teachers, staff, alumni, and community members gathered to celebrate six remarkable students as they reached an important milestone and prepared for their next chapter.

The Lab School and FAST programs provide highly individualized instruction, life skills development, vocational experiences, and community-based learning opportunities that help students build independence, confidence, and skills for life beyond graduation.

The celebration included a performance of the National Anthem by Lab School alumna Anna Lazare, a dance performance to "Celebrate," an inspiring address by alumna Alyssa Fuerst, heartfelt remarks from teachers Kristen Weiss and Susie Wilson, and speeches from each graduate before they received their diplomas from Dr. Lutinski.

In her remarks, Dr. Rukmini Bhalla reflected on the unique qualities that make each graduate so special:

"As you prepare to leave us, I asked your teachers what they will miss most about each of you." She went on to share their heartfelt responses:
💚 Jane's quick wit and wonderful sense of humor
💚 Matthew's sweet, infectious smile
💚 Jacob's determined spirit and enthusiasm
💚 Marlee's thoughtfulness and willingness to help others
💚 Nour's incredible sense of humor and the joy she brings to those around her
💚 Vincent's friendly nature, love of meeting new people, and ability to make connections wherever he goes

A special thank you to the dedicated teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, administrators, families, Westchester Community College, and community partners who have guided and supported these students every step of the way. Your care, commitment, and belief in their potential helped make this achievement possible.

We are also deeply grateful to SEPTA for its ongoing support of inclusive opportunities and experiences for our students.

Congratulations to Jacob, Vincent, Nour, Marlee, Jane, and Matthew. We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and cannot wait to see what comes next. 💚🎓

Tonight, the Class of 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ crosses the graduation stage. Before they do, let's take a look back at a week full of celebration, reflection, and Panther pride. 🎓

From the Senior BBQ (with a special visit from Mr. Softee 🍦) and Internship Presentations to a walk "back to the nest" through Bedford Road School and Pleasantville Middle School, seniors spent their final days reconnecting with the people and places that helped shape their journey.

At BRS and PMS, they were welcomed by former teachers, cheered on by younger Panthers. Be sure to check out the video of seniors "passing the torch" to kindergarten students ▶️

Today began with a Senior Breakfast and ends with graduation, but the memories made along the way will last a lifetime.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. We're so proud of you all. 💚

Remember the superhero interviews we shared on May 18?

Today, that story came full circle.

After interviewing their kindergarten buddies and spending weeks designing personalized superhero movie posters inspired by their interests, talents, and dreams, fifth graders finally revealed the finished projects to the kindergarten stars themselves.

The smiles said it all.

For 20 years, Mr. Coffey's beloved buddy project has helped students build connections across grade levels while celebrating what makes each child unique. This year's presentation was especially meaningful, marking Mr. Coffey's final poster reveal before his retirement at the end of the school year.

When asked about retirement being just days away, Mr. Coffey admitted he's still "locked in" and hasn't fully processed it yet. Today's celebration was a fitting reminder of the lasting impact he has had on generations of students at the Middle School and BRS.

Thank you, Mr. Coffey, for helping countless children see themselves as heroes.

After wrapping up their final exams this morning, Pleasantville Middle School's eighth graders enjoyed a well-deserved Wellness Day designed to help them relax, recharge, and celebrate the end of their middle school journey.

Students selected from several wellness-focused activities, including Sound & Movement, Therapy Dogs, and Gardening.

In Sound & Movement, students practiced yoga and mindfulness while listening to the soothing tones of singing bowls, whose calming vibrations helped create a peaceful environment for relaxation and reflection.

Students participating in Therapy Dogs spent time with Dylan and Penelope, two certified therapy dogs who brought plenty of comfort, smiles, and tail wags. Their visits provided a welcome opportunity to de-stress, connect, and enjoy some quiet companionship after a busy week of finals.

Meanwhile, students in the gardening session learned about a variety of herbs and planted their own containers featuring mint, basil, lavender, and lemon verbena. Each student took home an herb they planted, giving them a lasting reminder of the day's lessons and an opportunity to continue nurturing their plant throughout the summer.

The afternoon offered students a chance to slow down, connect with one another, and focus on their well-being as they prepare for the exciting transition to high school. Thank you to the staff and volunteers who helped make this meaningful experience possible for our students. 💚🌿🐾

A memorable night for Pleasantville High School Drama at the Metro Awards!

Congratulations to Clayton Huling, who earned the Metro Award for Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Nathan Detroit in "Guys and Dolls," and Eddy Mancini, who received the Metro Award for Graphic Design.

The celebration didn't stop there. Members of the cast also took the stage to perform "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" as part of the awards ceremony, showcasing the talent, energy, and dedication that helped earn "Guys and Dolls" 13 Metro Award nominations this year.

Congratulations to Clayton, Eddy, director Nadia Rizzo, the cast, crew, pit orchestra, Friends of the Performing Arts, and the many volunteers who helped make this production such a success. Bravo! 🎭