Four Clarkstown students are having their learning styles met at the Hudson Valley P-TECH.

The District is now partnering with Rockland BOCES to have students attend P-Tech, and yesterday I had the rewarding opportunity to listen to our students reflect on their experiences.

Students Kevn Loja (South High School), Leslie Loja, Nephthalie Douyon (South High School) and Saad Mannan (North High School) sat with me at the Piermont school and shared positive thoughts about the school.  Hudson Valley P-TECH describes its school as "an exciting and innovative school program that combines high school, college and career training and gives you the unique opportunity to graduate with an Associate's degree (A.S.) or an Associate's degree in Applice Science (A.A.S.) in six years at no cost to your our your family."

During my visit, I watched students engaged in the learning process while utilizing technology to research projects while working with each other in a collaborative setting.  Following the classroom visits, I had the chance to meet with our four Clarkstown students to learn their reflections after the first two weeks of school.  Our students spoke about the advantages of having small classes, and described the learning atmosphere as a community.

"P-TECH is simply a special place," said Dan Kaplan, P-TECH Principal. "Students from districts across the county join together in a unique learning environment where they work together and become family. The small size allows for studens to really get to know each other and develop genuine relationships with both peers and staff."

"One of the things unique to P-TECH is the opportunity for students to interact with local business professionals," said Allison Paul, Guidance Counselor. "All students participate in a monthly Mentor Lounge where they meet business professionals from a variety of industries.  Students get to ask questions, learn professional skills and put them into practice.  It's amazing to see the studens gain confidence after each interaction."

Six members of South High School's Troubadours sang during the Town of Clarkstown September 11 Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday.

Under the direction of Music Teacher Kip Bonsignore, students Jeremy Bierker, Harley Colletti, Ciara Hoehmann, Craig Group, Ethan Miller and Owen Trawick performed the National Anthem, America the Beautiful, and God Bless America.

Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, Police Chief Ray McCullagh and Town Councilmen Frank Borelli, Patrick Carroll and Donal Franchino took turns reading the names of the 81 Rockland County residents who passsed during the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2011.