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Value Education September 2025 Superintendent's Notebook by Michael Burke       It is my pleasure to extend a warm introduction to the Rye Neck community! It is truly an honor to serve as superintendent of the Rye Neck School District. I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our students, staff and families. It is a joy to begin our educational journey together.       Our Value Education newsletter is now fully available online, with only our spring budget update being mailed home to all RNUFSD families. Please refer to our school website  ryeneck.org for continuous updates on school events.       The summer months are always busy, and this past July and August were no exceptions. We completed masonry, renovation and restoration at Daniel Warren and F.E. Bellows, repaving at F.E. Bellows, as well as the construction of our high school security vestibule. We are also very excited for our new enclosed lighting and sound booth in our HS/MS auditorium.       Staffing is a key activity every new year, and we have addressed 10 vacancies, including a new district security officer, monitors, teaching assistants and several teachers. Of course our Athletic Department has already begun the year, with 225 varsity and JV fall sport athletes, and an additional 125 modified athletes practicing with 33 coaches. We thank the Rye Neck School Foundation for their generous donation of brand new soccer/baseball and field hockey/softball scoreboards.       I will be enhancing our communication with videos entitled “Superintendent’s Spotlight.”  They are already posted on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, so please follow our school accounts to receive immediate notifications. My Entry Plan is also posted on our website, and outlines my first-year process for reviewing the district through five different lenses: Instruction & Program, Finance, Governance, Operations and Personnel. I look forward to gathering more information and providing opportunities for feedback from all the stakeholders in our district throughout the school year.       The major initiative for our school year is the second phase of our Rye Neck Strategic Plan. We look to expand on our three key goals:  Equip all learners to approach problems by asking questions, exploring solutions, taking action, and reflecting on outcomes Build transformative environments that foster empathy, compassion, and connection to the world. Create learning experiences that instill a sense of purpose inside and outside of the classroom Design systems for our professional learning community to develop practices and expertise that lead to transformational experiences for themselves and their students   Thank you again for such a warm welcome and I look forward to connecting at many future Rye Neck events! Board of Education Update by Erica Wagner, President   Welcome back, Rye Neck! September is not only the kick off to the academic year, but also an invitation for new opportunities to collaborate in innovative and unique ways. We are united in our resolve to work together to accomplish big things for Panther Nation!       This year we welcome back staff and students, as well as our new Superintendent, Mr. Michael Burke. We are thrilled Mr. Burke found his way to Rye Neck. He is kind and engaging, as well as a great listener and leader. He is ready to hit the ground running and build on Rye Neck’s strong legacy.      Earlier this summer, the Board welcomed two new members, Ruth Homberg and Alex Rainert. Erica Wagner will continue as Board President and Nikki Barker was elected Vice President. During the July 1 retreat, the Board established three primary goals for the year. In the coming year, the Board commits to: Complete the project begun last year to align Rye Neck’s policy manual with New York State’s best practices Engage with the community to develop a plan that will determine both short and long-term fiscal and facility priorities  Support the integration of new Superintendent Mr. Burke’s vision with the district’s ongoing Strategic Plan      Additionally, the Board pledges to continue to ensure that board meetings and deliberations are as transparent as possible. The schedule of board meetings can be found on the district site and meeting agendas will be published the week prior to each meeting. The District continues to video every planning session in addition to the regular board meetings through LMC Media. Regular meetings can be viewed in real time, and videos are available for viewing after the meetings.       The Board encourages the community to get involved by attending meetings, as well as by volunteering for one of four committees - Audit, Facilities, Policy, and Technology. The role of committee members is to ensure that community interests are addressed and to advise and share their expertise. We are grateful to live in a community where people so generously share their time, insights and knowledge. Please consider getting involved this year in one of the committees, parent groups, or any other way you can donate your time.       There is no doubt that working together will contribute to a successful year for Rye Neck’s students, staff and community! Looking forward to a wonderful year - Go Panthers! Erica Wagner for the Board of Education Welcome New Staff!  Andrew Bartlik Physics Leave Replacement, RNHS      Nuclear Engineer Andrew Bartlik graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Masters degree in Engineering. He most recently served as a Principal Design Engineer at the Barakah Nuclear Plant, located in the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Bartlik previously worked for Orange-Ulster Boces, developing instructional material for high school and AP Physics. Mr. Bartlik has also taught Physics in White Plains Central Schools. Lea Berlioz Kindergarten Teacher, DW      Léa’s teaching philosophy centers on positivity, curiosity, and nurturing each child’s individuality. A fully bilingual French-American, she holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland and a master’s from Hunter College. She brings experience from FASNY, DWIGHT IB, and PS 6. Léa's very excited to inspire young minds at Rye Neck.   William Carroll District Safety and Security Officer      William Carroll lives in Brewster, NY, with his wife, Maureen, and their three children. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, he served as a Police Officer in the NYPD and recently retired from the Bronxville Police Department where he held the rank of Lieutenant. Albert Ciuffetelli Physical Education Teacher and Teaching Assistant, DW/RNHS      Albert Ciuffetelli received his master's degree in Physical Education at Manhattanville University, where he also played college baseball. He has a background in coaching baseball and basketball. He previously worked at Yorktown High School in the life skills program before coming to Rye Neck.  Matteson Donnelly Physical Education Leave Replacement, RNHS      A SUNY Cortland graduate and track & field alumna, Matteson Donnelly previously taught PE at Washington Irving Intermediate School. She enjoys golfing with friends in her free time and can’t wait to bring energy and enthusiasm to Rye Neck. She’s excited to join the community and begin this new chapter in education.  David-anthony Murray Earth Science Teacher, RNHS      Passionate about family, health, and nature, Mr. Murray loves sharing Apple Fitness workouts and scenic river trail rides with his wife and daughter. A proud graduate of the American Museum of Natural History’s Master of Arts program, his days are fueled by high intensity interval training and foundations of inspiration.  Alexis Pantello K-5 Guidance Counselor, DW/FEB       Alexis comes to Rye Neck with 15 years of experience working with students of all ages. She creates a safe environment by being a resource and advocate for students and their families. In her free time, she loves to cook and cheer for her two active children from the sidelines.    Christine  Smith ENL Teacher, RNMS/HS       Christine Smith is thrilled to join the Rye Neck School District. She holds a bachelor’s in Childhood Education, a master’s in Childhood Special Education, and ENL certification in grades K–12. Her goal is to support English Language Learners in building confidence, strengthening language skills, and embracing the rich diversity they bring to the classroom! Cynthia Lanuza   Kindergarten Teacher's Aide, DW       Cynthia Lanuza is a proud Rye Neck alumni whose passion for people and positivity lights up every room. With a strong background in fitness club membership sales, she brings energy, heart, and a deep love for her community as she begins her first year at Daniel Warren—ready to inspire . Kara Naughton Special Services Teaching Assistant, DW       Kara received her master’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College after a career in retail management working for Gap Inc. and Gap International. She has worked in the Mamaroneck, Eastchester, and Irvington school districts to name a few. She enjoys traveling, gardening, and cooking and has 2 dogs Zuzka and Bentley. Robert Simels Chemistry Leave Replacement, RNHS        Rob Simels received his bachelor's degree in biology from UNC Chapel Hill and a master's degree in Sports Management and Recreation from Springfield College. After working on college campuses running recreation programs and facilities for 18 years, Rob decided to return to his original career goal of teaching. He is currently completing his MST from SUNY Potsdam Jeannine Teter Secretary to Principal, DW         Jeannine is a Fordham alum, earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees there, and has spent the past 20 years working in higher education. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading a good book, and going to the beach. Jeannine is excited to join the team at Daniel Warren and is looking forward to getting to know all the wonderful kids at school in the Fall! Tenure Candidates      The Rye Neck School District is committed to recruiting and retaining excellent teachers. There are several mechanisms in place to ensure that our professional staff meets this goal, including ongoing feedback from the superintendent, principals, department supervisors, directors and chairs.      Each of these professionals brings a unique and important perspective to the process and works individually with nontenured teachers to foster professional development and provide support. These professional relationships help staff members reflect on their practice, grow and make appropriate adjustments.      From a formal perspective, district administrators utilize a comprehensive evaluation process, frequently observing and evaluating each new staff member to offer suggestions, monitor progress and assess improvement. A four-year probationary period is required before new teachers/administrators receive tenure and a three-year period for teachers who have previously held tenure in another public school district in New York State.      Parents can provide valuable insights and should do so, first to the staff member directly, since this feedback would be most helpful to him/her. Once parents have spoken to the teacher, they may also wish to share their thoughts with the individual building principal or supervisor.      Tenure recommendations are being considered for the following:  Teachers: Teaching Assistants Administrators Alexandra Campana Michael Marino Philece McCoy Megan Pepitone Anneliese Rosen Jessica Salierno Samantha Amar Jennifer Bartlett Isil Schwartz Mary Lanza News from the Athletic Department      The 2025 Fall sports preseason officially kicked off on August 23rd for the football program and August 25th for all other varsity and JV teams.  There were over 200 athletes and 30 coaches on the field and courts prepping for their upcoming game schedule. Come out and cheer on our Panther teams and athletes.  Thank you for your continued support of our athletic programs.   Homecoming Weekend is October 10th & 11th. Mark your calendars now.  The varsity home contest schedule is as follows: Girls Tennis - 4:30 PM - Friday Boys Soccer - 4:30 PM - Friday Volleyball - 6:00 PM - Friday Field Hockey - 11:00 AM - Saturday** Senior Day Ceremony at 10:00AM Girls Soccer - 11:00 AM - Saturday Football - 3:00 PM - Saturday** Senior Day Ceremony at 2:30PM.  Cross Country - 4:30pm - Tuesday (Oct 7) At halftime of the Homecoming football game, we will have two very special recognitions.  Mr. Dominic Brescia (Football ‘15), and Mr. Joe Carlucci (Coach) are the latest Panthers to be elected to the Rye Neck Athletic Hall of Fame and will be honored for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions. Follow Rye Neck Athletics on “X” at @RNHSathletics Go Rye Neck! From Our Community Groups Kicking off the 65th Year of the PTSA      Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! We’re excited to kick off another fantastic year—and to celebrate a special milestone:  the 65th anniversary  of the Rye Neck Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)!      The team has been hard at work behind the scenes to bring you a year full of exciting events, enriching programs, and unforgettable experiences for our students. This year, our goal is to raise over $100,000, which will directly support programs that benefit every student. A few initiatives include: After School Clubs Author Visits + STEAM programs across all four schools Book Fairs Class Photos Health & Wellness Initiatives The Rye Y Recess program Family Fitness Nights Middle School Activity Night and the Spooktacular Panther Party Color Run Senior Send-Off      We also host parent workshops and events in partnership with the Special Education Action Committee (SEAC) and the Rye Neck International Committee (RNIC).      The calendar is packed with events for all—from fun-filled student activities to parent socials — there’s something for everyone to look forward to. How can you support the PTSA programming?  It’s simple! Become a PTSA member:  Your  $15 membership fee  supports our programming, and this gives you access to the school directory. Joining the PTSA keeps you in the know—members receive updates on community events, parent socials, and volunteer opportunities. Donate to Ribbons for Rye Neck:  Rally behind Rye Neck’s fall fundraiser & receive an RN window cling to show your community support. Our goal is to raise $30,000 by October 8th!  Check it out Volunteer:  Whether it’s as a class parent, at the book fair, or supporting events like the Panther Party, we have plenty of ways to get involved. Attend events : Simply sign up, show up, and have some fun! Mark Your Calendars – Upcoming District Events: September 25 – Parent Social September 26 – PTSA Meet & Greet Coffee + General Membership Meeting, 9 AM, DW Auditorium I’m excited to serve as your PTSA President this year. Please reach out with your questions or ideas. Thank you for your support—together, we’ll make this an incredible 65th year! Elizabeth Gillespie PTSA, President News from the Booster Club       Greetings for the 2025-2026 school year! We are gearing up for an exciting year filled with community events, athletic contests, theatre productions and PANTHER PRIDE! We can't wait to see the Rye Neck community back together again this fall!      The Booster Club’s mission is to build school spirit by supporting athletics, theatre and other initiatives at Rye Neck Schools. The organization at its core is about fostering community spirit. We hope that you will join us to support this mission!  2025-26 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Show us your Panther Pride and support the Booster Club today! Membership fees support our programs, events, scholarships and spirit efforts. Supporter levels are as follows: Bronze Supporter - $20 (includes panther magnet) Silver Supporter - $50 (includes panther magnet & lawn sign) Gold Supporter - $100 (includes magnet, lawn sign and inflatable lawn display) Alumni Supporter - $15 Coach/Staff Supporter - $5  Join online at  https://givebutter.com/ryeneckboostersupporter25-26  or in-person at one of the Open House events held in September. HOMECOMING – OCTOBER 10 & 11 Homecoming is a favorite time to show our Panther Pride!  Save the Date for Homecoming events on Friday and Saturday! Come by the Athletic Fields to support your favorite team or find a new one! Check out the awesome Athlete's Village, visit our Spirit Wear pop up shop or enjoy a variety of activities sponsored by the Booster Club! This community-wide event brings out large crowds including Pre-K to alumni! Don't forget to wear your Panther colors!  BREWS & BOO's Fall Event – OCTOBER 23rd Save the date for the Booster Club's newest Fall Event which will be held at Barley Beach House in Rye, NY from 7pm-10pm!  Get in the Halloween Spirit, have some fun with your friends, and help support the amazing initiatives that the Booster Club has planned for 2025-26! Tickets will be on sale late September!  FALL THEATRE PRODUCTION - NOVEMBER 13 & 14 Rye Neck theatre's production of The Crucible is sure to be a rousing success! Let's pack the theater and show our favorite actors, crew members, musicians and directors how much they mean to our community!  PANTHER SPIRITWEAR You won't want to miss the Booster Club's latest Rye Neck Panthers Spiritwear. New gear will be available in person: 9/17- FEB Pop Up 2:30-3:30pm 10/10 & 10/11 - Homecoming Merchandise Tables Merchandise will also be available in an online store this Fall! Keep an eye out for the link!  CONNECT WITH THE RYE NECK BOOSTER CLUB Email Blasts: Receive Booster Club news, event information and sports updates. Facebook & Instagram: Follow Rye Neck Booster Club on social media!  Website: Check out our club at Ryeneckboosterclub.com; Bookmark our website to stay up-to-date on all our happenings!  Please email any questions to RNBoosterclub@ryeneck.org The Booster Club officers and our extended leadership team are looking forward to seeing you all out on the fields or at the shows this year. President – Jen Abbey Vice President - Heather Harvey Secretary - Stacie Brenkovich Treasurer - Laura Evangelista Welcome Rye Neck families to the 2025–26 school year!            The Rye Neck School Foundation (RNSF) is proud to support our district in ways that go above and beyond the annual operating budget. We provide grants to teachers, administrators and students for creative programs and initiatives that elevate the educational, artistic and athletic experiences of every Rye Neck student.      Thanks to your generosity, RNSF awarded nearly $90,000 across 23 grants during the 2024–25 school year! Highlights included: A book vending machine at Daniel Warren The One School, One Book program at F.E. Bellows The Panthers’ Den breakout space at the Middle School A student-directed theater troupe at the High School Two new scoreboards for the MS/HS athletic fields Upgraded lighting and technology for the MS/HS Performing Arts Center This summer, we kicked off the 2025-26 school year with 5 brand new grants, including: College tours for HS juniors Mosaic tile art class for HS students Fifth grade book club books F.E. Bellows School Store (Year 2!) Written Out Loud storytelling program for MS students You can view the full list of funded grants on our website at www.ryeneckschoolfoundation.org . Here’s what’s ahead for 2025–26: October: Panther Pavers installed at the HS entrance—look for your family’s name! November 15: The Polar Plunge is BACK—don’t miss it! April 17: Save the date for the RNSF Spring Fundraiser How you can help: Visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Volunteer with us! Email: ryeneckschoolfoundation@gmail.com. Most importantly, keep supporting the programs that make a real difference for our children. We look forward to an incredible 2025-26 school year! RNSF Board President – Jennifer Soussa Executive Vice President – Jaime Santa Treasurer – Debra Cunningham Secretary– Arielle Diskin VP of Fundraising – Erin Hagstrom VP of Grants – Josh Moreau  Rye Neck Schools 310 Hornidge Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543 Follow Us @RyeNeckSchools  on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) Board of Education Erica Wagner, President Nikki Barker, Vice President Jason Carmel, Trustee Halli Gatenio, Trustee Ruth Homberg, Trustee Alex Rainert, Trustee

Monday, Sep 15 2025