At the June 15 work session and June 17 regular meeting, the Board of Education and Administration discussed the desire to provide a smooth transition for our students when they enter a new building and, as such, some calendar adjustments were made.
A Special Meeting of the Board has been scheduled for October 5, 2021 in the PD Room at the Falls School at 7:00 p.m.
There is a Finance/Audit Committee Meeting at District Office, Thursday, October 14⋅6:00
At this time teacher and class assignments as well as transportation information will be visible to families by logging into the portal.
The Mahopac High School Drama Company Presents WORKING. Good luck to the cast and crew!!!
Check out the Playbill
Thank you Erin Locascio/EDL Photography for this amazing image!
Cycle Days for the Week (Scroll to the bottom of the page for full calendars)
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 10/11 | 10/12 | 10/13 | 10/14 | 10/15 |
| No School | A | B | A | B |
September 2021
Welcome to the 2021 -2022 School Year! I am very happy to welcome students back for another school year at Mahopac High School. If you are a new student to MHS, on behalf of our administration, faculty and staff, I offer you the warmest of welcomes! To all of our MHS Community, our core values - Resilience, Problem Solving, Compassion, and Risk Taking - have lead and will continue to lead us through this year and beyond. I look forward to seeing our successes for 2021 2022! #GoPac!
Come spring, visitors to the Town of Carmel Airport Park in Mahopac may notice a flowering dogwood tree thanks to the efforts of Mahopac High School’s Environmental Club.
The tree, donated by Whispering Pine Nursery in Yorktown Heights, will only stand about two feet tall this spring. But it should grow to 20 to 40 feet tall and thrive for many years to come.
“We tried to water it every other day for the first month that it was planted,” said Matteo P., president of the environmental club. “Its leaves are changing now. We hope it will grow again next year.”
The environmental club planted the tree in June as a memorial to those who lost their lives to Covid-19.
The club, which has about 25 to 30 members, was created as a provisional club two years ago and became an actual high school club just this year. One of the environmental club’s goals is to set up a system to compost cafeteria waste to use in the garden behind the middle school, Matteo said. Another goal is to establish a competition that encourages students to create something sustainable in the community.
Chemistry teacher Szilvia Tobak is the only new teacher to begin at Mahopac High School this year. She joins a 120-plus teaching staff.
“I feel very lucky,” Tobak said. “Everyone here has been so friendly and so helpful.”
On a recent Wednesday morning, she had students come up to a whiteboard at the front of her class and draw Bohr diagrams, which show electrons orbiting the nucleus of an atom.
“I think that Ms.Tobak is a really good teacher,” said Brianna F., a junior, who drew the carbon atom. “She makes sure everyone participates in class and makes sure that we understand the material we are learning.”
A New York City native, Tobak moved to Westchester County a few years ago and developed a love of the great outdoors. She was drawn to Mahopac because of its open space, picturesque lakes, reservoirs and rolling hills.
“I grew up in the city, so this is a big change for me,” Tobak said. “I had to buy my first car. I never owned a car before.”
Though country life is new for Tobak, teaching science isn’t.
She taught for seven years at Central Park East High School in Manhattan, where she earned a STEM Education Leadership Certificate.
“I was always interested in chemistry, it is the fundamental science,” Tobak said. “Chemistry bridges the knowledge between biology and physics.”
After majoring in forensic science in college at John Jay College of Criminal Justice/City University of New York, Tobak received a master’s degree in science teacher education at Hunter College.
Tobak said that she knows chemistry will not be every Mahopac High School student’s favorite subject, but she hopes that all of her students learn something that gives them a new appreciation for the building blocks of life.
“I hope they have a memorable experience and that the experiments we do in the lab teach them about the scientific method,” Tobak said. “The best thing would be if I was able to inspire some of my students to go on to study science in college.”
Mahopac High School Art Teacher Sean Flanagan has been busy this summer! He announced this week the publication of a children's book called “Sam’s Unboring Adventure” which he wrote and published.
“This labor of love is finally complete,” said Flanagan. “I started on it when my son was in his early stages of bedtime reading and have now (finally) completed it with the arrival of my third child!”
In the story, the main character, Sam, rediscovers his imagination after setting out on an urban adventure through Manhattan and visiting a buddy in Suburbia (or "upstate" to most N.Y.C. Dwellers). An ordinary trip to the ‘burbs turns into a wild adventure of ingenuity from morning to night.
“The story has a strong local connection, you'll see I used lots of iconic imagery
from Central Park, Grand Central and The Metropolitan Museum of Art,” he said. Flanagan’s goal was to depict Sam’s desire to explore, be brave, and learn to look at his surroundings differently in a way that was infectious and would ultimately push young readers to be creative and to “see more.” “It has been an exciting experience that would have never come to fruition without the support of my family and friends!
The book is available on Amazon and anyone wishing to obtain a signed copy of the book should email Flanagan directly at srflanag@gmail.com
As part of the National 4-H Ag Innovators Project, MHS Senior WISE Intern and Putnam 4-H Teen Leader, Anne Kasparian facilitated the Curbing Your Carbon Appetite Lesson for Denise Hembury’s 3rd Grade at Lakeview Elementary.
This is the eighth year, National 4-H Council has collaborated with Bayer for the annual 4-H Ag Innovators Experience (AIE) to provide 7,000 youth in seven selected states, from urban, suburban and rural backgrounds, the opportunity to develop the workforce skills to feed the planet. The AIE helped drive youth awareness of, and interest in, agriculture innovation and agriculture careers.
Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program applied for and was selected to take part in the 2021 4-H Ag Innovators Experience, Curbing Our Carbon Appetite Challenge; which is a series of interactive, hands-on activities that helps youth understand why everyone has a role to play in addressing climate change.
In January, Putnam 4-H teens were given an opportunity to apply for a leadership role to serve as 4-H Ag Innovator Youth Leaders. Five Putnam teens representing Brewster, Carmel, Haldane & Mahopac School Districts were selected.
Throughout February and March, 4-H Ag Innovator Teen Leaders took part in National and Statewide train-the-trainer workshops to learn how human activity, including burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, soil mismanagement, and unwise food systems are increasing atmospheric carbon and contributing to climate change. The 4-H Ag Innovator Teen Leaders also learned how to lead a series of hands-on activities, which are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards, for elementary and middle school students in both an in-person and virtual format.
The Putnam 4-H Ag Innovator Youth Leaders were also given the task of finding a teacher in their home school district to work with on this project and allow them to teach in their classroom.
Once teachers were identified and the training was completed, the teen leaders began to visit classrooms. Between April and June, Putnam 4-H successfully delivered the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience, Curbing Our Carbon Appetite Challenge to 266 elementary and middle school youth in Putnam County, serving four out of five school districts. We are so proud that Anne and Lakeview were part of this exciting project!
Wednesday June 23 was the was perfect night for a high school graduation! The temperature was mild, the sky was clear, and the bleachers and end zones were filled with family and friends as the entire class of 2021 sat together on the turf.
Class president Katherine Abbruscato welcomed the crowd and introduced classmate Jessica Caputo who delighted everyone in attendance with her rendition of the National Anthem. Abbruscato commiserated with her classmates by quoting Charles Dickens and describing the past 18 months as the best of times, the worst of times. She admitted that change used to scare her, but now she knows it’s necessary encouraging them to, “Take the chance, try things!”
Principal Matt Lawrence reminded the class that they were connected in a special way, “We came to MHS together, you leave having mastered it. This Principal is still figuring it out.” He then assigned summer reading to the class (not really!) but he did recommend that they read David Goggins’, Can’t Hurt Me. He encouraged them to know that daily grit can help you accomplish anything. “Make every single moment count. Be fully present.” He continued, “You have lived in a way our future selves will applaud. We are surrounded by greatness. I’m grateful to have shared these last four years with you. Live brightly, powerfully and with great passion.” He ended with a hearty: “We are MHS!”
Valedictorian Max Semegran thanked parents, his brothers Ben and Thomas, teachers and administration, and his classmates in the class of 2021. “You’ve been with me every strep of the way! The challenges of this year have prepared us. It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, it’s how you play your hand. Let’s all be the change we want to see in the world!”
Superintendent Anthony DiCarlo closed out the evening’s speeches, “Flexibility is a testament your inner strength as individuals and as a class. Commencement is the start, today marks the end of your Mahopac schooling but also a beginning! After tonight we greet you as graduates and citizens of the world. Congratulations!”
The night ended with our MHS assistant principals Matthew Calabro, April Ljumić, and Gary Ziegelhofer calling each student’s names as he or she received a diploma before a picture perfect cap toss under the flag and the lights. Congratulations MHS class of 2021!
Congratulations to our Seniors who were recognized at the 2021 Senior Athletic Awards Ceremony.
This is the poem Superintendent DiCarlo shared with the seniors:
It's All In The State Of Mind
by Walter D. Wintle
“If you think you are beaten, you are
If you think you dare not, you don't,
If you like to win, but you think you can't
It is almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!”
Mahopac Teaching Assistants Assn. Scholarship Award ................................Katherine Abbruscato
Mahopac for Racial Justice Scholarship ..........................................................Tahareem Ali
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Nicholas Angeloni
Spanish Club Award ........................................................................................Amanda Beberman
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Shannon Becker
Spanish Club Award ........................................................................................Ariela Berisha
The Richard J. Delaney Jr. Memorial Scholarship ............................................Ariela Berisha
Friends of Mahopac Public Library Volunteer Award ........................................Jessica Bermeo
Putnam County Sheriff's PBA Award ...............................................................Veronika Bilinski
American Legion Post 1080 - Past Commanders Scholarship .........................Anthony Biondi
Friends of MHS Music Senior Scholarships – Band .........................................Anthony Biondi
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Anthony Biondi
Mahopac High School PTO Award ................................................................Anthony Biondi
Mahopac Middle School PTO Award ...............................................................Anthony Biondi
Ron Jankowski 92 Engine Memorial Scholarship .............................................Anthony Biondi
Mahopac High School PTO Award ................................................................Craig Brandstetter
Mahopac Middle School PTO Award ...............................................................Daniel Burt
Friends of MHS Music Senior Scholarships –
Andrew Bunyea Award for Music Excellence ...................................................Cynthia Butler
German Club Award ........................................................................................Cynthia Butler
Friends of Mahopac HS Drama Company Scholarship ....................................Jack Byrnes
Mahopac High School Perseverance in Mathematics Award ...........................Frank Cammarata
Mahopac Teachers Association - Majoring in Education ................................Meagan Capecea
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Jamison Castrataro
World Language Italian Award .........................................................................Jamison Castrataro
The Greater Mahopac Carmel Chamber of Commerce Scholarship ................Lesly Cely
Mahopac High School PTO Award ................................................................Lesly Cely
Mahopac Lions Club Community Service Award..............................................Lesly Cely
Mahopac Middle School PTO Award ...............................................................Lesly Cely
Putnam County Retired Teachers Association Vocational Scholarship ............Jackeline Chavez Sada
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Alyssa Chiulli
German Club Award ........................................................................................Peter Clark
Lakeview Elementary School PTO Award ........................................................Matthew Clarke
Austin Road Elementary School PTO Award ...................................................Stephen Colbrook
Christopher Scott Finney Scholarship ..............................................................Stephen Colbrook
German Club Award ........................................................................................Stephen Colbrook
Mahopac High School PTO Award ................................................................Stephen Colbrook
Bjorklund Family Scholarship ...........................................................................Brett Crecco
Mahopac High School PTO Award ................................................................Eric Cunningham
Mahopac Middle School PTO Award ...............................................................Eric Cunningham
The Richard J. Delaney Jr. Memorial Scholarship ............................................Krista Dietz
Mahopac High School Mathematics Team Award ............................................Angelo DiTocco
Sons of Italy Award ..........................................................................................Angelo DiTocco
Friends of MHS Music Senior Scholarships – Chorus ......................................Elliot Dulyk
Friends of MHS Music Senior Scholarships - Jazz Band ................................Mark Dusovic
Mahopac Middle School PTO Award ...............................................................Mark Dusovic
Bavarian Club Edelweiss - Doris I. Koch Scholarship ......................................Abigail Edwards
German Club Award ........................................................................................Abigail Edwards
Mahopac High School PTO Award ................................................................Troy Franzetti
Mahopac Knights of Columbus Award .............................................................Troy Franzetti
Mahopac Fire Department –
Vernon Barrett-William Schultz Memorial Scholarship .....................................Isabela Frattarola
Mahopac High School PTO Award ................................................................Nicole Giannetta
Mahopac Middle School PTO Award ...............................................................Nicole Giannetta
Austin Road Elementary School PTO Award ...................................................Abrianna Grieve
Lake Mahopac Rotary Four Year College Scholarship .....................................Abrianna Grieve
Mahopac Fire Department –
Vernon Barrett-William Schultz Memorial Scholarship .....................................Alexa Gustin
Bjorklund Family Scholarship ...........................................................................Emma Hirschmugl
Fulmar Road Elementary School PTO Award ..................................................Emma Hirschmugl
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Emma Hirschmugl
Friends of Mahopac Public Library Volunteer Award ........................................Daniel Jaffee
The Greater Mahopac Carmel Chamber of Commerce Scholarship ................Andrea Jenkins
Friends of Mahopac HS Drama Company Scholarship ....................................Thomas Joia
Friends of MHS Music Senior Scholarships – Pacapellas ................................Thomas Joia
Friends of MHS Music Senior Scholarships - Marching Band ..........................David Kaprielian
Mahopac High School Excellence in Mathematics Award ................................David Kaprielian
Mahopac High School PTO Award ................................................................Rebecca Keller
Mahopac Middle School PTO Award ...............................................................Rebecca Keller
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 1080 Scholarship ..............................Rebecca Keller
Drug Crisis in Our Backyard –
Hope for Recovery Scholarship in Memory of Justin & Erik .............................Moira Kelly
Friends of Mahopac HS Drama Company Scholarship ....................................Moira Kelly
Mahopac Knights of Columbus Award .............................................................Colleen Kelly
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Kerrianne King
Lake Mahopac Rotary Four Year College Scholarship .....................................Makena Kraus
The Greater Mahopac Carmel Chamber of Commerce Scholarship ................Makena Kraus
Mahopac Teachers Association - Community Service Award ..........................Celena Kuhbier
Friends of Mahopac HS Drama Company Scholarship ....................................Lia Larsen
Friends of MHS Music Senior Scholarships - Steel Drums ...............................Lia Larsen
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Kelsey Leary
Mahopac Teachers Association - Overcoming Obstacles ................................Emma Lieto
Lakeview Elementary School PTO Award ........................................................Andrew Luongo
Mahopac High School PTO Award ................................................................Andrew Luongo
Mahopac Teaching Assistants Assn. Scholarship Award ................................Zack Malave
Lake Mahopac Rotary Four Year College Scholarship .....................................Hailey Martinez
Fulmar Road Elementary School PTO Award ..................................................Sean McKee
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Kevin McKeon
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 1080 Scholarship ..............................Kevin McKeon
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Mackenzie Milka
Bavarian Club Edelweiss - Doris I. Koch Scholarship ......................................Bertram Moklebust
Friends of MHS Music Senior Scholarships – Orchestra ................................Bertram Moklebust
German Club Award ........................................................................................Bertram Moklebust
Mahopac High School Excellence in Mathematics Award ................................Bertram Moklebust
World Language German Award ......................................................................Bertram Moklebust
Mahopac Fire Department –
Vernon Barrett-William Schultz Memorial Scholarship .....................................Joseph Nikisher
Spanish Club Award ........................................................................................Caitlyn O'Boyle
Putnam County Retired Teachers Association Vocational Scholarship ............Daniel O'Mahony
Mahopac Teachers Association - Overcoming Obstacles ................................Gianna Ortega
Hannah Mikus Memorial Art Scholarship .........................................................Abigail Park
Mahopac Teachers Association - Community Service Award ..........................Abigail Park
Friends of Mahopac Public Library Volunteer Award ........................................Arianna Pfaffenberger
Friends of Mahopac HS Drama Company Scholarship ....................................Victoria Pittore
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Caitlin Racanelli
Spanish Club Award ........................................................................................Jake Roberts
Mahopac Teachers Association - Overcoming Obstacles ................................Ivette Rodriguez
Friends of MHS Music Senior Scholarships - Color Guard ...............................Rachel Romero
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Evan Ruocco
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Julianna Russo
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Alexa Sadler
Mahopac Fire Department –
Vernon Barrett-William Schultz Memorial Scholarship .....................................Gabriella Scalabrini
The Greater Mahopac Carmel Chamber of Commerce Scholarship ................Maxwell Semegran
Mahopac Lions Club Community Service Award..............................................Maxwell Semegran
Spanish Club Award ........................................................................................Erin Sheedy
World Language Spanish Award ......................................................................Erin Sheedy
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Andrew Silkowski
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Nicole Silvagni
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Kylie Solomon
Mahopac Teachers Association - Majoring in Education ................................Kerriann Stepkoski
Italian Club Award ............................................................................................Kara Thimm
Putnam County Savings Bank Senior Scholarship ...........................................Leah Vitiello
Spanish Club Award ........................................................................................Emma Witt
The Mahopac Central School District believes that Art education is an essential component of human development. Through Visual Art, students are empowered to be creative, “out of the box” thinkers and conscious designers; they are able to discover and express who they are, communicate their ideas, understand the visual, cultural, and virtual world, take risks, work collaboratively, make connections in their learning, innovate, develop an increasing sense of their own aesthetic, and authentically engage in their education.
The inaugural District-wide Art Show centralizes all the a talent district wide from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. Click the link below, explore, and enjoy!
2020-2021 MCSD District-wide Art Show: https://sites.google.com/mahopac.org/2020-2021-art-show
Mahopac High School has named its distinguished seniors Maxwell Semegran and Alexa Tyberg as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2021.
Both students said they were honored to receive the school’s top honors.
Semegran, who has attended the Mahopac schools since first grade, enjoyed all of my classes because of my excellent teachers, “but if I had to choose I would pick AP Environmental Science and Orchestra.” He added, “I am likely going to go pre-med because of my interest in STEM influenced by my science and math classes at Mahopac and my interest in the medical field developed by my parents, who are both doctors. However, I might do a government major because of my interest in environmental and public health policies.”
As much time and effort as he put into his success during his time in Mahopac, he knows he could not have done it alone. “I would especially like to thank my parents, who have given me everything they have and have guided me to become the person I am today. I would also like to thank all of my teachers, from elementary to middle to high school, who made me excited to learn and pushed me to succeed. Finally, I would like to thank all of the administrators and staff who have facilitated a positive environment in which to grow and learn.”
“My parents and older brother are my main source of inspiration,” said Semegran. “My mom immigrated to America from Vietnam when she was 6, barely able to speak english, and went on to college to eventually become a doctor.”
“This definitely isn't the senior year that I expected with the ongoing pandemic, but I would say that this is still a pretty killer way to end my high school career. I'm most looking forward to the prom and the sectional track meet.” Speaking of running, it was not lost on Max that the last three valedictorians have been on the cross country team, or as he suggested, “#SmartestTeamInMHS.”
Not only did Semegram and Tyberg earn the top academic awards at MHS, their paths crossed in orchestra and on the Science Research team.
Tyberg too began her career in Mahopac in elementary school and has enjoyed most of her classes over the years, “AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and AP Calculus. Going way back to middle school, my 7th grade math teacher, Mrs. Myler, used to give students lollipops and/or Froot Loops. I don't remember exactly why. Maybe it was when we did our homework for a certain amount of days or got a high score on a test) but maybe she was training us to enjoy math. If so, it definitely worked on me!”
“I'd like to thank all my teachers who guided me through high school. The care and effort that so many teachers at Mahopac put into their classes is extraordinary, and without them I may not have thrived as much as I did here.” Along with sweet rewards and her teachers, Tyberg knows that her drive to achieve also comes from within, along with her competitiveness. “I've always been pretty self-motivated, but my peers have pushed and inspired me over the years. Both our friendly competition and our collaboration motivated me to do as well as I could in all my classes.”
“This year is going as best as it can with the pandemic,” she said, echoing Semegran’s sentiments. “I'm very happy that we were able to come in full time so I could see a lot of people I hadn't seen in a year. And I'm glad we're able to hold events such as prom and senior day. I look forward to college since I feel I'm prepared for it and that I will enjoy it immensely.”
Tyberg is headed to University of Virginia in the Fall where she plans to major in math or physics and Semegran will attend Harvard.
Congratulations to our National Honor Society Inductees for your hard work and dedication to service.
Watch the virtual ceremony:
National Honor Society Inductee Ceremony
Good luck to the cast and crew during your presentation of WORKING!
Mahopac Central School District has been again honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
“This truly is a district effort,” said Evan McGregor MHS Orchestra Director and K-12 Music Department Chairperson. “From the support at district office for funding, accessibility, and curriculum development; the daily guidance and coordination from our building administrators; custodial staff making sure the facilities are in the best shape for our students to succeed; and the tireless efforts of our dedicated music teachers from K-12, working with our students everyday in every way, shape, and form.”
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, detailed data was analyzed about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. The details of Mahopac CSD’s Music Program were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
Since the passage by Congress in 2015 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and a stated emphasis on a well-rounded education, many school districts have re-committed to music and arts education programs and found that in this time of a national pandemic music provides a valuable way to keep students engaged in school.
Michael Tromblee, the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning, best articulated the district’s commitment to its music education program: “Our Strategic Road Map states that one of our goals as an educational community is to support students in becoming collaborative and creative critical thinkers. There is a well known link between high quality music education supporting students develop and refine critical thinking skills. Additionally, we seek to educate the whole child at Mahopac and engaging in the study and creation of music benefits our students in so many ways. I want to thank the faculty of our music department and our community for their dedication to and support of our music education programs.”
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational, cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music: After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers and that students’ everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children than in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to: perceive speech, pay attention, and aural memory. Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound: young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism.
Echoing these benefits of Mahopac’s music program, Mahopac High School senior, Max Semegran, who was selected as one of the best violinists in the state to perform with the NY All-State Symphony Orchestra, stated that "...Mahopac High School's orchestra has been such a major part of my high school experience, I can't imagine my time at Mahopac without it. Educationally, orchestra has given me self-control, brain development, and teamwork, important things for any student to have. Arguably more important however, are the memories that I have made in orchestra. I recall entering the stage my first day of school filled with nerves. These nerves were quickly put to rest with the humorous yet confident leadership of Mr. McGregor and the comradery of my fellow musicians. Little did I know how many incredible times I would have with this wonderful group of people... I will forever cherish the memories that I have made in MHS' orchestra."
The music program in Mahopac has a strong heritage and is continuing to grow recognition for a remarkable culture of excellence. In recent years, Mahopac has been well represented by the middle and high school ensembles (band, orchestra, and chorus) at regional competitions, receiving superior ratings and the MHS Philharmonic Orchestra has received multiple best overall orchestra awards. For the past few school years, members of the MHS Symphonic Band were selected as best in the state for the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) Honor Band and Jazz Band. In 2020, two Mahopac students were section leaders of the NYSBDA Jazz Band. The MHS Jazz Band continues to be recognized as the “Showcase Band'' at the Sleepy Hollow Jazz Festival, along with numerous other individual recognitions in the competition. Last year, sixth grader Sarah Kayler was one of two elementary student composers selected for the All-State Conference Composers Showcase.
Current senior, Mark Dusociv said, “I feel like I've improved a lot as a musician because of this music program. I've also made some of my best friends through it. I love how many opportunities we get to perform in and out of school.” Indeed, within the Mahopac community the MCSD music program hosts a multitude of events every year. Fulmar Rd, Lakeview, and Austin Rd Elementary put on multiple band, orchestra, jazz, and chorus concerts each school year. The middle school groups do the same, along with a hit, spring musical production and an end-of-year Steel Drum concert with Mr. Flynn. At the high school, there are many great events. A late-winter Pops Concert is always a packed community event, hosted by the Mahopac Friends of Music parent group. Mr. Rich Williams and Mr. Steve Wands, directing the Jazz Bands, put on a swing dance night every winter which has professionally-led dance lessons and an evening of upbeat swing tunes. The Jazz Bands also put on an always sold-out spring show at the St. George Winery in Mohegan Lake. The high school rock experience, Illusion, annually holds three straight nights of arena rock and top 40 pop, to a packed and energetic audience. Illusion, directed by Stas Przymylski, also recently performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A true community staple, members of the marching band can be seen at every home football game and in Mahopac parades.
A member of the MHS Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras, class of ‘21 senior Olivia Vataj said that "being a part of orchestra and the wider music community here at Mahopac has been such a rewarding experience. Making music with my friends and peers is one of the defining components of my high school career, and I am so lucky that we still have such a vibrant and welcoming music program during distance learning."
When the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, and New York went on lockdown, that did not stop Mahopac CSD Music from being there for the students. A quick look at the Virtual Performance playlist from Mr. Williams and the MHS Bands shows that music education remained a vital part of the student experience, and the weekly installments gave the community a regular bright spot to look forward to. Vincenzo Pascarella, in the junior class at MHS, said that “even during this pandemic we have been able to rehearse and perform in ways that have helped restore a bit of normalcy during these crazy times."
Fellow bandmate, Dylan Ellrodt (class of ‘21), put it best, saying, "The Mahopac Music program has and continues to change my life for the better every day. I have no idea where I would be now if not for this music program." Through the continuous trials of the COVID crisis, Mahopac’s music program continues to work hard for the students, and the spring performances are highly anticipated. “I want to say that I've really enjoyed being a part of the orchestra these past few years. The music program helped me love performing and I'm honestly super impressed by the hard work and musical successes of the music community here, especially during the pandemic,” said Alexa Tyberg, Class of ‘21. The music program in Mahopac Schools continues to be a hallmark of the community and with a hope towards normalcy, the student musicians of Mahopac High School will be eventually welcomed by completely renovated rehearsal spaces and classrooms as a part of the ongoing Capital Bond Project.
Mahopac CSD’s Program provides a robust offering from beginning instruction to college and AP coursework. There are opportunities for all students at all levels to be involved and learn from the top-level educators of the music department. The Mahopac CSD music program is staffed by Elizabeth Day (Austin Rd), Marcia Webb (Lakeview), Jennifer Gilbert (Fulmar Rd), Joseph Seeley (Middle School), Steve Wands (Elementary Band), Don Flynn (MS Band), Rich Williams (HS Band), Heather Palkewick (MS Chorus), Jacob Rhodebeck (HS Chorus), Stas Przymylski (Music Technology), Rob Loprinzo (Elementary Orchestra), Katelyn Tai (MS Orchestra), Evan McGregor (HS Orchestra).
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.
Dear MHS Community,
During these difficult times we are all experiencing a wide range of emotions and reactions. We understand that you may be feeling scared, confused, overwhelmed, angry, alone, or isolated - sometimes all at once. Together, the Mahopac High School Climate Committee in collaboration with Mr. Zides, Mahopac Secondary Ed Tech Specialist, and Mr. Vanno, MHS School Counselor: We are launching the Mahopac High School Virtual Calming Site! We created this site to give our students, staff, and families a virtual space to turn to when you need a break, or just want time to repair and rejuvenate.
What is a Virtual Calming Site? A virtual calming site in an online collection of tools and strategies designed to help our students and staff manage challenging emotions and build resilience to face life’s challenges in healthy ways.
At the Mahopac High School Virtual Calming Site, you can find a variety of resources from mindfulness and guided meditation, visual relaxation, exercises and yoga, sounds and music, mantras and motivation, live animal cameras, art, coloring and creativity, puzzles and games, health, wellness and nutrition, Mahopac community resources, Smartphone Apps, and even calming resources created and curated by our own MHS faculty, staff, and students.
Please take a moment of exploration and enjoy the Mahopac High School Virtual Calming Site.
LINK: Homepage of MHS Virtual Calming Site
Find your calm!
Thank you,
April Ljumic, Assistant Principal
Attachment: FINAL MHS VCS FLYER
Congratulations to Seniors Jessica Caputo and Andrea Jenkins and Junior Marisa Caputo for being recognized by State Senator Peter Harckham for their leadership and commitment to bettering their communities. These courageous Mahopac students, along with members of Mahopac for Racial Justice, hosted the Rally and Protest against Racism that drew hundreds of residents and served as a forum for people to openly share their stories of racism that they have experienced here in Mahopac. We applaud these students and all of the award recipients for their Compassion, Problem Solving, Risk Taking, and Resilience!
Congrats to the seven Mahopac High School students whose work was recognized at the Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF) and to all our students who participated!! 564 students from around the region participated in the virtual fair this year. MHS sent seven projects and were awarded a total of six awards!
“Please join me in congratulating all of the MHS Science Research students on their participation in the WESEF. These students all upheld the MHS Core Values as they completed scientific research despite a global pandemic and I am so proud of all that they accomplished,” said MHS’ Science Research Advisor Elizabeth Stephens who worked with Mahopac’s Science Research program and credits shares her students’ success this year with all of Mahopac, “Thank you to MCSD for continuously supporting the scientific endeavors of our students, and to the entire Mahopac Community for consistently pushing our students to be the best that they can be.Congratulations to our winners and to all our seniors!”
Alexander Gaspar and Andrea Settembrini: Recipient of the Leason Ellis Team Project Award
Victoria Longo and Olivia Saturn: Recipient of the Critica Behavioral Science Achievement Award
Renuka Muralidhar: Recipient of the United States Air Force Award
Alexa Tyberg: Recipient of a 2nd Place Award in the category of Computer Science
Maxwell Semegran: Recipient of the American Meteorological Society Award AND Recipient of the Teatown Young Environmentalist Award
Additionally, MHS was the lucky recipient of a brand new, top of the line Stereo Microscope thanks to a generous donation by Carl Zeiss Microscopy!
Here's a complete list of Mahopac's WESEF Categories and Project Title submissions:
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Veronika Bilinkski and Kiarra Condon: "Analyzing the Change in Crime Rates Among Different Areas in New York Due to the Outbreak of Covid-19"
Alexander Gaspar and Andrea Settembrini: "The Relationship of the Platforms Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram with Depression, Stress, and Anxiety in High School Students" (Recipient of the Leason Ellis Team Project Award)
Victoria Longo and Olivia Saturn: "The Effects of Artificial and Natural Ambient Light on Short Term Memory" (Recipient of the Critica Behavioral Science Achievement Award)
Nicole Silvagni: "Effect of Owners' Personality on Dogs' (Canis Lupus Familiaris) Behavior"
Computer Science
Renuka Muralidhar: "Modeling for Identifying Methane Emissions" (Recipient of the United States Air Force Award)
Alexa Tyberg: "Investigating Channel-Adapted Bacon-Shor Quantum Error Correction Codes in a Realistic Setting" (Recipient of a 2nd Place Award in the category of Computer Science)
Environmental Sciences
Maxwell Semegran: "Aquatic Invasive Species Survey of Lake Mahopac" (Recipient of the American Meteorological Society Award and Recipient of the Teatown Young Environmentalist Award)
MHS Senior Science Research students Renuka Muralidhar, Maxwell Semegran, Nicole Silvagni, Alexa Tyberg, Jaime Virola participated in the Eastern Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) virtually on Saturday February 6th. JSHS is a prestigious competition that selects student speakers to present their research based on a written research paper and analysis of their work.
April Ljumic, High School Assistant Principal, and Kelley Posch, High School MHS LIFE and Math teacher have been selected to present a breakout session for the Putnam|Northern Westchester Curriculum Council’s Virtual Learning Regional Conference, which will be held via Zoom on Friday, December 4, 2020. April and Kelley are co-facilitating a break-out session entitled: “More Than Screens: Forming Lasting Relationships in a Virtual World” with Dan Novak and Catherine Leist from the Center for Environmental Education at PNW BOCES. In this session, teachers and administrators will focus on creating and fostering relationships built on trust in a hybrid and virtual setting. Mahopac High School’s “MHS LIFE” 9th grade program will be showcased for its work in building positive long-term relationships and its collaboration with the Center for Environmental Education of PNW BOCES to continue this great work in a virtual setting. Showcased practices are designed to build empathy, facilitate communication, and encourage lasting personal development and healthy relationships even through a screen.
Jaime Virola, Jr. scored in the top 2.5% on the PSAT/NMSQT among all Hispanic and Latino test takers in the region. As a result, he has been invited to participate in the National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP).
“We are extremely proud that Jaime has been honored as part of the National Hispanic Recognition Program,” said MHS Principal Matt Lawrence. “This recognition celebrates his success thus far and the brightness of all that's ahead. Please join me in congratulating him on this outstanding academic achievement.”
When he learned that he had been recognized, Virola said, “It is not about enduring the hard work, but about loving the work you do. You will be surprised how far anyone can travel if they enjoy the journey.”
Participation in this program enables students to highlight their outstanding educational achievement to top colleges and universities. In a statement regarding NHRP, The College Board said, “Colleges know that students who have earned this recognition are some of the most talented across the country.
Max Semegran and Alexa Tyberg who were named Semifinalists and Angelo DiTocco for being named a National Commended Scholar in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Competition.
Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
Each of the students shared his and her reaction to the news. Max stated, “I am thankful to my parents, teachers, and the Mahopac High School administration for all their support. These incredible people facilitated an environment that allowed me to achieve this goal.” Alexa said , “I'd just like to say that I'm excited about National Merit and it was really cool to learn I had qualified for it.” Angelo said, “I didn't expect this to happen, but I appreciate the honor!"
They received this distinction by scoring among the top 5% of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 scholarship program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.
To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.
Finalists will be announced in February 2021.
#WeAreMHS and we are problem solvers ! The MHS Interact Club partnered with Mr. Schmitt from the Town of Carmel to help clean some of the bike paths.
On November 20, parents, coaches, District administration, and teammates gathered on the turf - masked and socially distanced - to celebrate our student-athletes’ commitment to playing at the collegiate level. The event was broadcast on LocalLive.
Congratulations Shannon Becker (University Of Notre Dame/Softball), Brett Shane Crecco (Mercy College/Lacrosse), Krista Dietz (Pace University/Field Hockey), Gigi Genovese (Pace University/Lacrosse), Vincent Mariella (Susquehanna University/Baseball), Tatiana Moran (Mercy College/Lacrosse), John T. Nolan (Pace University/Lacrosse), Caitlyn O’Boyle (Tufts University/Basketball), Jack O’Connor (Suny Oneonta/Baseball), and Hailey Pereira (Bryant University/ Soccer)!
Please enjoy this Spotlight especially for MHS Families about the reopening.
This Calendar includes school breaks, holidays, and color cohort days for the entire 2020-2021 school year. *Please refer to specific communications from schools for building specific changes and updates.*
Max Semegran has been chosen to participate in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Festival. The festival will be held virtually.
Over 7,000 student musicians from across the state compete for a spot in one of the eight All-State ensembles. Being named as a violinist is the result of an arduous process including performing scales, a solo or ensemble piece of choice from the designated NYSSMA repertoire, and a sight reading piece. The judges score and comment on the students' performances according to defined guidelines set by NYSSMA.
“Participating in such a prestigious event significantly benefits students,” said Mahopac High School Orchestra Director Evan McGregor. “I truly wish Max could meet fellow musicians and perform to an in-person audience, but the experience still offers an opportunity to learn and play challenging material. Last year, Max was selected as an alternate but ultimately did not get selected to participate, so this year being able to participate as a full member of the All-State String Orchestra is particularly gratifying. I'm proud of the work he's done and I think a fine example of Mahopac's potential.”
“In addition to earning a perfect ACT score, being named a National Merit Semifinalist, being a three season athlete, and now NYSSMA All-State, Max is a peer leader, brother, and community member,” said MHS Principal Matt Lawrence. “Over the years we’ve had the pleasure of watching him grow and flourish. We look forward to his All-State performance.”
Psychologist Eva Hecht and social worker Kristel Halton participate in the important conversation about high school students and mental health.
Coronavirus: High school students stressed, sad, confused as dreams get dashed one by one
MCSD Reopening Site
NYSED Parent Data Dashboard - MHS
