Peekskill Unveils Summer School Program

Peekskill schools are planning a summer school program that will direct
extra academic help to elementary and secondary students in need of it. All
programs will be held at Peekskill Middle School and will be funded by a
combination of grants and local tax dollars.

Joseph Mosey, interim district director of curriculum instruction, presented an overview of Summer School 2011 to the Board of Education on Wednesday, May 18.

The elementary program, for grades 2-5, will feature 15 days of classes in English language arts, mathematics, technology, art, music and physical education between July 5 and 28.

The middle school program, for grades 6-8, is expected to welcome 85 students Monday through Thursday between July 5 and Aug. 4. Eighth-graders who will be
ineligible to graduate with their class at the end of the school year will have
their own graduation ceremony Aug. 4.

The high school program will offer review classes Aug. 8-11 and 15-16 before mid-month Regents examinations. Topics include algebra, English, U.S. and global history and sciences.

The summer school is seeking student helpers to assist with the program and related work. Jobs are available from June 27 to Aug. 31 and will pay $7.25 an hour.

The theme of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge is “One World, Many Stories.” Details on all summer programs are available at individual schools and the Administration Center.

In other action Wednesday:

• 
  Board President Michael Simpkins reported that the May 14 coffee with the
  superintendents “went very well.” Incoming Superintendent James Willis “was very well received, with good questions from citizens.” Simpkins said Willis was “getting a real good feel for the pulse of the community” as he continued to meet residents and members of the school community. He is collaborating on a smooth transition from Dr. Larry Licopoli, interim superintendent, “who has done an outstanding job,” Simpkins said. “We appreciate what you have done.”
• 
  Simpkins encouraged fellow board members to submit recommendations for a “top five” priorities list that the board plans to have in place when Willis takes the district helm July 11.
• 
  Board member Marcela Bobe said the Parent Teacher Organization is working on a community reception for Willis.
• 
  Board member Lisbeth Bock said the Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee is recruiting people to serve on the financial forecast committee.
• 
  Board member Fran Feuerman said the Audit Committee has interviewed candidates to handle the district’s internal claims auditing and expects to recommend its choice next month.
• 
  Simpkins said the board is scheduled to meet June 29 at City Hall with the Peekskill Common Council in the continuing collaboration on how best to serve residents and share services.
• 
  As part of a reorganization plan the board eliminated the positions of director of human resources and grant funding coordinator and created the positions of director of reading and gifted and school business manager, effective July 1.
• 
  The board appointed Joy Myke as school business manager, effective July 1, at a salary of $85,480.
• 
  The board accepted the resignation of Walter Kilduff as a substitute teacher, effective March 17.
• 
  The board appointed teachers Lynda Delmonaco, Michelle Obenauer and Michael Telesco for home tutoring, effective May 18; John Carlson to the per diem substitute teacher list, effective May 11; and Patricia Roldan as middle school yearbook advisor for 2010-11 at a stipend of $3,954.
• 
  The board approved a contract with the Westchester Mediation Center not to exceed $5,550.
• 
  The board accepted a gift of $300 from North County News to the high school Athletic Department and a donation of $500 from John Nguyen to the John Nguyen Scholarship.
• 
  The board approved a Sports Carnival and fundraiser June 11 at Torpy Field to raise money for the Jason Paige Wellness and Fitness Center.
• 
  The board approved a proposal for routing review from Transportation Advisory Services not to exceed $5,625.