Announcements / News

Felix Festa Middle School hosted a D.A.R.E graduation, marking an important milestone for students — and for the first time, it was CCSD sixth graders who proudly took to the stage! The D.A.R.E program plays a vital role in equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to make safe and responsible decisions. Through meaningful discussions and lessons with D.A.R.E. officers, participants strengthen their understanding of good citizenship, sound judgement and personal responsibility — qualities that extend far beyond the classroom. Thank you to the Clarkstown Police Department, our dedicated D.A.R.E. officers, and the local representatives who joined us to celebrate this special occasion. Your partnership and continued support make a lasting impact on our students and schools.

Superintendent Dr. Marc Baiocco engaged in mutually-beneficial conversations with students from both Clarkstown high schools North and South during a Student Advisory Council session. The group convenes every month with the goal of not only identifying areas for continuous improvement — either spanning the District or specific to one building — but also creative approaches for funding or implementing suggested changes.

For October, discussion topics included a rotational drop schedule, school spirit and the Portrait of a Clarkstown Learner framework. “Can you define a specific school-wide initiative, whether it be a program or an idea, that would strengthen the assigned characteristics?” asked Dr. Baiocco. “Take one of the characteristics for #Empathetic. ‘Collaborate via active listening with consideration of diverse viewpoints.’ What does that look like?” Through the #ClarkstownCommitment, we work together to cultivate learners who think critically, adapt confidently and lead with empathy in the world.

At Woodglen Elementary School, the new STEPS class supports CCSD students by meeting them where they are — using a 10:1:2 setup to build foundational and readiness skills while promoting independence and strong peer relationships. Through supporting, teaching and empowering a path to success, learners gain the tools and confidence to take the next STEPS forward. From creating fall wreaths in the classroom to active gym lessons, STEPS offers engaging opportunities for growth every day.

Bardonia Elementary School kindergarteners are exploring more than just the changing seasons this fall — they’re delving into an in-depth study of apples, a fruit deeply rooted in both learning and local history here in Rockland County. In the classroom, the Bobcats have been busy counting apples, discovering how they’re used in a wide range of foods and reading stories centered around this seasonal staple. But today, the learning moved beyond CCSD’s walls. Along with students from Clarkstown High School South’s Infants and Child Development class, the kindergarteners visited Dr. Davies Farm for a day of apple picking.This partnership is more than just a field trip — it’s a multi-week collaboration that connects our youngest learners with older student-mentors. Later this month, the Bobcats will visit CHSS to make applesauce with the Vikings, and soon after, the high schoolers will return the visit — helping the kindergartners write and illustrate their own apple-inspired stories.

Throughout the District, our students exercised their creativity #BecauseofArtsEd. Whether through painting, drawing, sculpting, singing, or playing strings and band instruments, CCSD learners have a variety of options available to them in the fine and performing arts space. 

Please join us in welcoming Aaron McCasland to Clarkstown! Effective September 8, Aaron was appointed the director of learning pathways, a role that supports the instructional program and is aligned with different pathways as part of The Blue Ribbon Commission and the #ClarkstownCommitment. Aaron comes to CCSD from the Pearl River School District (PRSD), where he served as the assistant principal of Pearl River High School for five years. During his time there, he worked closely with learners, staff and families to create a positive and supportive school environment.

He began his career as a German teacher in the Red Hook Central School District (RHCSD), where he discovered his passion for curriculum and instruction. In both the RHCSD and PRSD, he witnessed the powerful impact that a well-aligned curriculum can have on student learning and engagement. Aaron is excited to collaborate with educators and administrators to enhance instructional practices. “I am looking forward to providing instructional leadership in order to support the strong commitment to academic excellence in CCSD,” he shared. “In addition, I look forward to working with the Curriculum and Instruction team as we engage CCSD educators in professional learning on a variety of topics.”

Clarkstown is proud to welcome Officer Michael Graham as a school resource officer (SRO) at Felix Festa Middle School! Officer Graham brings over a decade of law enforcement experience and a deep commitment to student safety and community engagement. After he was hired in 2013 by the Clarkstown Police Department and graduated from the Rockland County Police Academy, Officer Graham served as a patrol officer. Throughout the last 12 years, he has continued his professional development with specialized training in radar operation, personal radiation detection and has served as an emergency medical dispatcher since 2015.

In 2018, he became a field training officer, mentoring and training new officers, and in 2023, he joined the Clarkstown Accident Investigation Unit, completing extensive training in collision reconstruction. Most recently, Officer Graham completed the The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Basic School Resource Officer (SRO) Course in March 2025, earning certifications in threat evaluation and reporting. Since then, he has served as an alternate SRO at several CCSD schools, stepping in when needed to ensure a continued presence and support for learners and staff.

During the annual CCSD BOE Organizational meeting held on July 1, 2025, Tamara Bierker was reappointed president and David Gosman was reappointed vice president. Back in May, John Maltbie was reelected and Christopher Conti was elected to the Board for three-year terms effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028.

The Board is comprised of seven members who are responsible for District management and policy-making. We congratulate and thank them once again for their commitment to learning in CCSD! Pictured (left to right, back to front): John Maltbie; Zizette Deutsch; Dr. Marc Baiocco, superintendent of schools; Yelena Glukhova; Christopher Conti; David Gosman, vice president; Tamara Bierker, president; and, Jason Bass.

Please join us in giving a #ClarkstownCSD welcome to Jessica Knoblich, who joins the administrative team at Felix Festa Middle School as Assistant Principal.

Jessica comes to CCSD from the Hendrick Hudson School District, where she was a special education teacher and administrative intern. After beginning her career as a 1:1 aide, a role that she says helped shape her commitment to supporting the diverse learning needs of all students, Jessica has spent the past 20 years pursuing her passion for education. "I’m excited to bring my experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to student success to the Clarkstown community," she says. "Collaborating with students, staff, and families is something I truly value, and I’m proud to be a member of such outstanding teams. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead."

Congratulations Jessica!

Another familiar face in the #ClarkstownCSD has moved from interim to AP: Cara Royal, who as of July 1st, is now the Assistant Principal, A School, at Felix Festa Middle School!

The 2025-26 school year is Cara's 15th in the district. She taught music at Laurel Plains for 11 years, before becoming a chorus teacher at Festa. Last year, she served as the interim A School assistant principal—a job she's aspired to since childhood. "My mom was an assistant principal so it's always been a role I was interested in," says Cara. "I’m so excited to continue building connections with our students, staff, and families. I can’t wait to welcome the incoming sixth graders to Festa! Supporting them as they grow more confident, become more independent and find their place in middle school is incredibly rewarding."

Congratulations Cara!

Julie Upton has been a familiar face around #ClarkstownCSD for over a decade, as a music teacher at several elementary schools, an assistant principal at Festa, and most recently as interim principal of Laurel Plains Elementary. And now she's making Laurel Plains her home base permanently, as she was officially appointed principal of the school!

"Having the experience as an interim was a really great opportunity because I had the chance to observe, listen and learn the school," she says. "Building relationships with my students, my staff and the community is my favorite part of the job. Everyone works harder and more genuinely when they feel safe and seen and like they are a part of things."

Congratulations Julie!

That's a wrap on CCSD's Summer 2025 Extended School Year (ESY) Program! While the six week-long program officially concludes on Friday, students celebrated today (August 13) with a talent show at Clarkstown High School South – featuring all of our classes. ESY uses an enhanced curriculum, encompassing both the core academic subjects and specialized areas of interest. Our learners did not shy away from showing off their comedic, musical and other chops. Well done!

CCSD is excited to announce that Jacqueline Hurley was named principal of the Birchwood School, effective July 1!

With 18 years of dedicated service in our District, Jacqueline brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success. Her journey in Clarkstown began as a teaching assistant at Clarkstown High School South. From there, she spent 15 years at CHSS in the Special Education Department, working as a special education teacher before she served as the special education department chairperson for four years. Most recently, Jacqueline was an assistant principal at Felix Festa Middle School, where she oversaw special education and student services for grades 6-8.

Over the years, she also served as a teacher and coordinator for the District’s Extended School Year summer program. In fact, it was during her time as a summer school teacher at Birchwood where she first fell in love with the school! Her journey through various roles in the District has naturally led her to this next chapter.

“I am honored and grateful to serve as the next principal of the Birchwood School,” said Jacqueline. “Birchwood is a truly outstanding program, and our students are exceptional. My objective is to uphold and advance the remarkable legacy of Birchwood.” Please join CCSD in welcoming Jacqueline —or Principal Jackie as her students call her — to the Birchwood School!

CCSD this evening celebrated the achievements of 307 students during Clarkstown High School South’s Commencement Ceremony. Met with roaring applause from families, teachers — past and present — and fellow graduates, our newest alumni took in their final moments together as Vikings before officially turning the tassels and pages in their unique stories. “Never underestimate the power of effort,” said Principal Debra Tarantino. "Talent may open doors, but it is perseverance that will keep them open. Whether you are heading to college, joining the workforce or exploring another path, remember that consistent and hard work, especially when no one is watching, builds the foundation for real success." Congratulations!

The Clarkstown Central School District is incredibly proud of each of our learners this academic year, who have put countless time and energy towards achieving these and other educational milestones. To those who moved up, we cannot wait to welcome you back in September. To the classes of 2025, we wish you all the best in the future!