LETTER ARCHIVE

Early August Newsletter

Dear Friends, 

It's early August, and we’re taking a moment to celebrate the learning, growth, and community highlights that make Northville so special, both inside and beyond the classroom. Our students have been engaged in math practice, building vocabulary, and strengthening their writing through fun, skill-based activities. At the same time, our teachers have continued their learning journeys, exploring real-world science applications and instructional strategies to bring back to their classrooms. In my September Newsletter, you'll meet our new science and math teachers.

Our facilities and grounds team has been busy getting everything in great shape for the new school year! They’ve been stripping and polishing floors, painting classrooms, refreshing bulletin boards with new cork, and making sure our fields are ready to go for fall sports.

We’re excited to share an inspiring story from our local community: the installation of an accessible kayak launch, made possible by the Northville Rotary Foundation, which reflects the kind of inclusive, innovative spirit we value in our district.

Looking ahead, we’re introducing new telehealth services for students, staff, and families in partnership with Albany Medical Center, and we’re launching an alumni database to celebrate and reconnect with our past Falcons.  We will run a Social Media Workshop for Families & Community in October 2025, and more info will be shared when we have the date. Whether you're preparing for a new school year, paddling on the lake, or sharing your story, we’re glad you’re part of the Northville community.

Jerry Wildermuth, one of our bus drivers, captured this beautiful pic of a sunrise out of our school's chimney!


Alumni Sign-Up Form

Alumni Form

Northville CSD is building an alumni database to celebrate your accomplishments, strengthen connections, and open new opportunities for engagement with our students and community. We'd love to hear from you, whether you're just starting or well into your career! Please take a few minutes to complete this form and share your journey with us. Your story matters—and it might inspire the next generation of Falcons! Please complete this form to become part of our database. Your information will not be shared; it will only be used to support our alumni efforts as described above! LINK TO FORM or scan the QR Code with your phone.


Social Media Workshop for Families & Community- October 21, 2025 ~ 6 pm

On October 21, 2025, at 6 pm, we will present our first Social Media Workshop for our families and community, which focuses on middle and high school students. It will be helpful to all who are interested! Learn more below.


NPR Story ~ New Kayak Launch ~ Northville Rotary

Ladies of the Lake paddling group
Enjoy this NPR story - How a new kayak launch in Northville is making paddling possible for more people.

"A regional first in accessibility - The Northville Rotary Foundation spearheaded the project, which raised roughly $60,000 to donate the launch to the village."

"The new dock includes a sloped metal walkway and a glide chute, where paddlers can slide their boats down to a floating platform submerged a few inches below the water’s surface. To enter their boats, some paddlers use nylon straps suspended from an overhead support bar, which helps them lower themselves into their seats with greater stability." STORY LINK

Summer Enrichment

Ms. Bauer’s students participated in an interactive vocabulary game designed to boost their word knowledge in a fun and memorable way. Students shared the "opposite words," which supports reading comprehension and encourages more precise and expressive writing. Activities like this make learning enjoyable and impactful, helping students become confident communicators. Watch a brief video below.



Ms. Curley's and Ms. Sweet's students have been busy practicing and improving their reading, writing, and math skills this summer. They play fun academic games and participate in evidence-based programs to strengthen phonological awareness, phonics, and vocabulary skills. Given a specific prompt or sentence starter, friends brainstorm ideas and create detailed sentences using conjunctions such as 'because' and 'so'. Lastly, the students cooperatively participate in tasks to build their number sense and fact fluency in addition and subtraction. Of course, movement and brain breaks always keep them motivated and focused! They have all been working extremely hard!! 



Ms. Williams’ class focused on strengthening their writing skills using strategies from The Writing Revolution, a research-based teaching approach emphasizing clarity, structure, and purpose. Students practiced expanding simple sentences into more complex ones by adding details about who, what, where, when, why, and how—building stronger connections between their ideas.

These exercises improve grammar and sentence structure and deepen students' understanding of the content they were writing about. The goal is to boost students' confidence and capability as writers, ready to express their thoughts clearly and effectively across subjects.

Flip through the examples below and try them at home!

Lessons in Chemistry ~ Penn State University Research Experience ~ Ms. Lazinski

Our educators are always learning and bringing fresh ideas back to their classrooms!

This summer, our chemistry teacher, Ms. Lazinski, is participating in a two-week Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program at Penn State University. The program's focus is *Sustainability in Science*, and teachers are exploring how real-world research can be connected to high school classrooms. Working alongside a partner teacher and a graduate student in Dr. Paul Cremer’s lab, our teacher recently participated in a hands-on chemistry experiment explicitly designed for high school students.

The experiment involved a common polymer found in products like Miralax (PEG) and a salt (sodium sulfate). When heated, the two substances separate into layers — a great visual example of how solubility, temperature, and density interact. In one part of the experiment, a blue layer containing the polymer floats to the top in one test tube but sinks to the bottom in another. This striking effect is due to changes in the density of the salt solution, which increase as more salt is added.

We also toured the Centre County, PA's recycling center and the wastewater treatment plant facility. You will also see pictures of Sarah and me separating trash collected from Dr. Cremer's lab to look for ways the lab can recycle or look for alternatives for some of the lab equipment they use. Most of the trash used nitrile gloves and Kimwipes (paper towels for chemical lab equipment). We did find an orange and an orange peel that should have been composted.


Telehealth Services ~ Ms. Renner

NCS will offer telehealth services to students and staff through Albany Medical Center for the 2025-26 school year. We are excited and hopeful that this partnership will help alleviate some of the stress that often arises when a child needs medical care. Not only will our students have this service available during the school day, but it can also be utilized at home by anyone, adults included! Please see the informational flyer and pre-registration form. A QR code is also included on the flyer and below if you wish to complete online registration. We strongly urge pre-registration so that care can be expedited, but please be assured that your child will never be seen by a telehealth provider without obtaining your consent first (every time). The Albany Med team will be at Open House on 09/16 at 6:30pm to offer insight and assist with registration. We hope many of our students take advantage of this excellent service!


Ms. Fitzgerald posts to Northville CSD Parent Square daily to inform us about the numerous events that make our school and extended community such vibrant, welcoming spaces. Her efforts are essential to maintaining our strong sense of community. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages.

We're always eager to support organizations contributing to our community's well-being. If you're involved with a community event you'd like us to promote, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help spread the word. 


If you would like to meet with me in person or virtually, just email or call to schedule a time during the school day or after your workday. 

Be sure to visit our website to keep up with district news: https://www.northvillecsd.org/.

Dr. Sarah A. Chauncey, DPS-IM 
Superintendent of Schools
schauncey@northvillecsd.org
Work: 518-863-7000 x4120
Cell: 845-304-8791


Early July Newsletter

Dear Friends,

July is a month of taking stock, freshening our space, and inviting students in for a little extra time to tackle challenging work during the school year. It’s a quieter time with just enough breathing room to reflect on what’s working, what needs rethinking, and where we can offer more support. In classrooms and offices, you can feel the energy shift: bulletin boards come down, supplies get sorted, and we start imagining what the fall could look like when we clear the clutter, both literal and mental.

Take a moment to learn more about the work our Northville Educational Foundation has been doing over the past few months. We are particularly excited about the licensed Montessori-based daycare facility, which will open in Northville in the fall. Learn more at this link. The Foundation's next exciting project will bring our community together to honor our Northville military heroes - more to come!
Trike Riding on the Track

We welcome our children, up to age 5, accompanied by an adult, to ride their trikes on the track around our soccer field. It's a great spot to practice riding a small bike without training wheels. A new swingset has been installed on the preschool playground in front of the school. Older students are welcome to use the basketballs in the small court bin during their visit. We kindly ask that all basketballs be returned to the bin. 

New Swingset on Preschool Playground . 
If you want some great short reads this summer and beyond, consider exploring Medium.com. It’s a great platform where writers, from researchers to everyday storytellers, share insights, reflections, and fresh perspectives. You can customize your experience by following topics and authors that interest you. Whether you have five minutes or fifteen, Medium offers bite-sized inspiration.

As we lean into this slower season, don’t forget to make time for rest and renewal. Whether it’s a quiet morning with a good book or a weekend cookout with loved ones, may your July be filled with laughter, connection, and the moments that bring you joy. Enjoy the summer with family and friends!

This is a long one... keep scrolling!


Meet Our New Administrative Team ~ Ms. Reidell and Ms. Dickinson

Ms. Tammy Reidell
Our new administrative team is working collaboratively to prepare for the 2025–26 school year. They are focused on creating a strong foundation for student success, building meaningful partnerships with staff and families, and setting clear goals that reflect our district’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.  

Ms. Reidell will be our PreK-12 Interim Principal, and Ms. Dickinson will be our PreK-12 Assistant Principal. Ms. Reidell, her husband, and three children are lifelong residents of Northville, and all are  Northville CSD graduates. She joined the district as a teacher in 2002 and became the PreK-5 Principal in 2016. Ms. Reidell's efforts brought a full-day grant-funded Preschool program to our district.  Ms. Reidell is also the Executive Director of the Northville Educational Foundation

Ms. Jamie Dickinson

Ms. Dickinson will be our PreK-12 Assistant Principal. A Northville resident, she has been a dedicated secondary-level science educator in the district since 2017 and is a New York State Master Teacher. Ms. Dickinson was a leader and avid supporter of our Science Research program, a rigorous four-year program that pairs students with mentors in the field who guide and support their research. Ms. Dickinson has one child who is currently attending Northville CSD, and her son is a 2025 Northville graduate and valedictorian, who will study Forensic Science in the fall.


Bell to Bell Cell Phone Policy

This letter to families was shared on our website, Facebook page, and our parent portal notification system. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. I am available throughout the summer should you wish to stop in. Email: schauncey@northvillecsd.org, Cell: 845-304-8791, Office: 518-863-7000.


Alumni Sign-Up Form

Northville CSD is building an alumni database to celebrate your accomplishments, strengthen connections, and open new opportunities for engagement with our students and community. We'd love to hear from you, whether you're just starting or well into your career! Please take a few minutes to complete this form and share your journey with us. Your story matters—and it might inspire the next generation of Falcons! Please complete this form to become part of our database. Your information will not be shared; it will only be used to support our alumni efforts as described above! LINK TO FORM.

Learn more about one of our recent Alumni, Isabella Cox. Visit Simply Saratoga County to learn about her fantastic work and future plans to open a studio next to the Johnson Family Farm Store - See Here.


Thank You, Northville Rotary

On behalf of the Northville CSD Board of Education and Administration, we thank the Rotary for the generous scholarships awarded to Connor Dickinson, Bryce Maples, Keaghan Henze, and Abagail Armstrong. Your support for our school district and students means more than words can express. These scholarships not only ease the financial burden of higher education but also serve as a powerful reminder to our graduates that their hard work is valued. Thank you for believing in them and the promise of what’s coming. (Missing from the photo is Abagail Armstrong.)


About Me Flags - Ms. Pratt's Class

Mrs. Pratt's second-grade students share their stories with "About Me" Flags. The flags are designed with colors, symbols, and pictures representing their interests, families, etc. Alongside each flag is a short description explaining their choices and what their flag means to them. We hope you enjoy getting to know our amazing students through their creations!


Class Books - Kindergarten -  Ms. Edwards, Ms. Sweet


Class Books - Kindergarten -  Ms. Stanyon


Open Board Seat in September

If you are interested in the open Board seat available in September, please consider attending this information session on July 29th. If you'd like to know more before that date, please contact Board President Carolyn Wilcox at cwilcox@northvillecsd.org.


Ms. Fitzgerald posts to Northville CSD Parent Square daily to inform us about the numerous events that make our school and extended community such vibrant, welcoming spaces. Her efforts are essential to maintaining our strong sense of community. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages.

We're always eager to support organizations contributing to our community's well-being. If you're involved with a community event you'd like us to promote, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help spread the word. 


If you would like to meet with me in person or virtually, just email or call to schedule a time during the school day or after your workday. 

Be sure to visit our website to keep up with district news: https://www.northvillecsd.org/.

Dr. Sarah A. Chauncey, DPS-IM 
Superintendent of Schools
schauncey@northvillecsd.org
Work: 518-863-7000 x4120
Cell: 845-304-8791



June Newsletter

Dear Friends,

In remembrance ~ Adam Cole

As the 2024–25 school year comes to a close, it’s a time to pause and reflect. This year brought joy, challenges, and real sadness, including losing a valued colleague, Adam Cole, who meant so much to our school community. Through it all, we leaned on one another, showed kindness, and offered grace when needed. It wasn’t always easy, but we moved forward together.

In the coming school year, our new administrative team, Ms. Tammy Reidell, our interim PreK-12 Principal, and Ms. Jamie Dickinson, our PreK-12 Assistant Principal, will guide us on the next leg of our journey. 

We wish Mr. Ratti all the best in his new role as Middle and High School Principal at the Galway Central School District. Best wishes also to Mr. Thomarie, who will be joining Wells as a librarian and technology support staff member. Congratulations to Ms. Field on earning her teaching degree. She will begin her career as an elementary teacher in the Greater Johnstown School District.

We wish Ms. Harris, Ms. Hock, Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Rockwell, and Ms. K. Flickinger joy and retirement adventures. We welcome David Pede, who will teach science and two algebra classes. 

Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, I’ll return to a monthly newsletter format. I’m looking forward to spending more time walking the building, stopping into classrooms, snapping photos of bulletin boards, and inviting students to chat and share their work. 

Wearing Mom's Wedding Gown
As we head into the summer months, I hope you find time to do the things that bring you joy and nourish your spirit, whatever that may look like for you. This summer is significant for me, as my daughter Juliana is getting married. 

I’ll be away from Wednesday, August 21st, through Sunday, August 24th, for the celebration. I recently unpacked my wedding dress—48 years old—and Juliana tried it on. It fit her perfectly. She’s having it shortened to wear for the rehearsal dinner. In the photo, she’s looking through our small wedding album with my husband, Steve.


Girl Scouts

With Ms. Thomarie's help, the Girl Scouts created a beautiful tribute to Mr. Cole in our Outdoor Learning Center.

Animal Stories ~ Ms. Nordyke


Fire Tower Stories

Students in grades 3-5 were able to learn about the history and importance of the fire towers in New York State. They wrote very "long" fire tower stories. Open the book here LINK. Use the + sign and your mouse to scroll so that you can read it! You can visit a website about Fire Towers of the Adirondacks here. "There are 25 fire towers that rise from summits across the Adirondacks. Interested in climbing all of them? Take the Fire Tower Challenge, and see how many you can check off your list!"


Kindergarten~Senior Picnic


World War II Presentation - Dane Roberts

Dane, thank you for sharing your passion with us. Your talk was both informative and inspiring. Northville CSD is proud to support you as you work toward your goal of enrolling at West Point after graduation!



Hyde Collection in Glens Falls ~ Ms. Thomarie

Third and fourth period Spanish classes visited the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, which was built to emulate the Isabella Gardner Museum in Boston. Both museums house collections were displayed in homes that people lived in. We saw pieces by Picasso, El Greco, Rembrandt, Seurat, Rodin, Ingres, Degas, Botticelli, Tintoretto, Raphael, Winslow Homer, Whistler - it is truly a world-class museum on our doorstep. We topped our visit off with lunch at La Cosina Mexicana. Authentic Mexican food run by a mother-daughter team.



Nordic Skii 

Ms. Thomarie shared, "This was the very first year of a merged Mayfield-Northville nordic ski team. The modified, JV, and Varsity kids all ski and practice together, @ we had 5 athletes on our Northville roster and 30 combined with Mayfield.  We had 2 Northville @ HS athletes: Reese Matarazzo and Lyra Thomarie. The merged team is the culmination of a long process that began back in the winter of 2016-2017 when through Outing Club @ Adeline Crosby, Morgan Fordyce, Emma Peck, and Jasmine Vrooman participated in weekly lessons up at Lapland.  Seeing us up there regularly, Ryan Bornt the Mayfield coach asked if we might want to join his team.@ NINE winters later, thanks to the support of Mr.Karbowski, Mr. Ratti, and the Northville Board of Ed, the Mayfield-Northville nordic team is a reality!"


Gecko Drawing 

This art lesson with our young artists was not only fun but also truly inspiring. Their attention to detail and perseverance really stood out, and the finished products. I think you’ll be just as impressed as I was by their work.



Odyssey of the Mind 2025 - A Few More Inspiring Pics


Class of 2038 ~ PreK Graduates


Prom 2025


Class of 2025 Graduates

One of my favorite bulletin boards each year honors our seniors. I put it up in early May, once all of the senior pictures are in. Many of these students have been with us since Kindergarten. I’ve only known them for three years, but I know I’ll miss seeing them in these halls. Soon they will join our graduates' picture gallery. Please join us on June 27th at 6 pm to celebrate the Class of 2025 and see them off.

Graduation pics will be published in my July Newsletter!




Ms. Fitzgerald posts to Northville CSD Parent Square daily to inform us about the numerous events that make our school and extended community such vibrant, welcoming spaces. Her efforts are essential to maintaining our strong sense of community. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages.

We're always eager to support organizations that contribute to our community's well-being. If you're involved with a community event you'd like us to promote, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help spread the word. 


If you would like to meet with me in person or virtually, just email or call to schedule a time during the school day or after your work day. 

Be sure to visit our website to keep up with district news: https://www.northvillecsd.org/.

Dr. Sarah A. Chauncey, DPS-IM 
Superintendent of Schools
schauncey@northvillecsd.org
Work: 518-863-7000 x4120
Cell: 845-304-8791

January-February Newsletter

 Dear Friends,

Logan Hammons and the Winning Catch

It may be cold outside, but our building is warm and cozy. Our cross-grade partnership between second and sixth graders brings ancient myths to life through collaborative storytelling and art. Meanwhile, our hydroponic lab's latest harvest is making its way to lunch trays, demonstrating sustainable food production in action. We're proud to have several talented musicians representing us at this year's All-County Music Festival, showcasing the artistic excellence of our student body. Additionally, we're welcoming experts to discuss the formation of the Adirondack Park and strategies for combating invasive species in our region. Their insights help our students understand their role in preserving our local ecosystem. Ms. Lazinski's Chemistry class models how science is best learned through lectures and hands-on labs.

Congratulations to Logan and his dad, Mr. Hammons, for hooking the winning catch in the Fishing Tournament, a 42-inch 18-20-pound Walleye.

The experiences shared below showcase our commitment to hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and the arts.


Greek Mythology Collaboration - Ms. Clapper, Ms. Bevington, Ms Bogart

On January 28, Mrs. Clapper's 2nd graders and Mrs. Bevington's and Mrs. Bogart's 6th graders teamed up to create some Greek mythological creatures! 2nd graders have recently been reading Greek Myths in class. 6th-grade students, who are in the middle of reading Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief, taught the 2nd graders about some of the more interesting creatures in the ancient Greek myths, including Chimera, Cerberus, Hydra, Sphinx, and the Minotaur. Each 2nd grader then carefully brainstormed a new creature, using parts from different animals and giving it a name and special abilities. From water and fire-breathing birds to a monster who sleeps on a bed of fire, the 2nd graders were really up to the challenge of learning and creating!



Animal Research ~ Ms. Richardson

Ms. Richardson's third-grade class has been busy exploring the fascinating world of animals through their recent research projects. As part of our ELA writing program, students have investigated various animals, gathering information about habitats, diets, adaptations, and interesting facts. Enjoy their pieces in the flipbook below. 


Hydroponics Lab ~ Ms. Harris

Students from the STEM8 class and the MS Hydroponics Club planted, nurtured, and harvested three tubs of lettuce and spinach for the cafeteria's lunches. From seedlings to harvest, it took approximately two months. 


Formation of the ADK Park ~ Ms. Harris

Jason Kemper from the Department of Planning and Development will be here today in the library, presenting information on the formation of the ADK Park and Invasive species to our seventh-grade science students (periods 1-3). This is our third installment of experts to visit.


Odyssey of the Mind 2025 ~ Ms. Thomarie, Ms. Clapper, Ms. Edwards & Caitlyn Clapper

Students are practicing for the Spontaneous portion of the Odyssey of the Mind competition. Thank you to Mrs. Clapper for helping us out and volunteering to judge at Regionals on March 8 at B-P. Also, a big thank you to some OM Alumni: Caitlyn Clapper (who is also donating her time to judge at Regionals), Lyra Thomarie, and Brynn Thomarie for helping to run stations and manage the chaos this afternoon.



Physical/Earth Science ~ Ms. Lazinski

In Physical and Earth Science,  8th-grade students tested structures they created to determine if they were earthquake-resistant. Students watched videos of earthquakes and the testing of model buildings on industrial shake tables to see how the structure of a building holds up to an earthquake. The purpose of this group activity was to design at least a two-story structure out of mini marshmallows and pasta (of the class's choice) that could withstand a moderate earthquake upon shaking. Students worked together, after reading background information on how buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes, to draw a model of their structure with measurements prior to building their initial structure. Students had to explain why they designed their structure and how their design would allow it to withstand a moderate earthquake. Students then tested their structures 3 times in sand and clay with a shake that mimicked a moderate earthquake. Students recorded their observations of how the structures held up and then made modifications to their structures before final testing occurred. Students had to justify their modifications to their structures. After final testing, students, individually and as a group, reflected on their structure and its ability to withstand a moderate earthquake. Currently, in class, students are learning about the layers of the earth, plate boundaries, seismic waves, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes.



Fulton County All-County Music Festival ~ Ms. McKnight & Mr. Martin

Thank you for supporting our students who performed in the Fulton County 2025 All-County Music Festival. A public concert took place on Saturday, February 1, in the Margaret Blowers Auditorium. 



Girls Varsity Soccer Team ~ Honored at the State Capital ~ John Karbowski

The Girls Varsity Soccer team was honored today in the Assembly Chambers for winning the New York State Class D State Championship. The team had an opportunity to meet with Assemblyman Matt Simpson and Senator Mark Walczyk, who congratulated the team on their state championship. The team was given a tour of the Capital Building and was honored in the Assembly Chambers, where they were presented with a Legislative Resolution for their accomplishments. I have attached some photos from today's trip. 





Ms. Fitzgerald posts to Northville CSD Parent Square daily to inform us about the numerous events that make our school and extended community such vibrant, welcoming spaces. Her efforts are essential to maintaining our strong sense of community. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages.

We're always eager to support organizations that contribute to our community's well-being. If you're involved with a community event you'd like us to promote, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help spread the word. 


If you would like to meet with me in person or virtually, just email or call to schedule a time during the school day or after your work day. 

Be sure to visit our website to keep up with district news: https://www.northvillecsd.org/.

Dr. Sarah A. Chauncey, DPS-IM 
Superintendent of Schools
schauncey@northvillecsd.org
Work: 518-863-7000 x4120
Cell: 845-304-8791

November-December Newsletter

 Dear Friends,

I am grateful for so many things this year. Here are just a few... quiet walks on Seven Hills Road where nature speaks through the trees, neighbors who spontaneously gather for joyful boat rides to Sport Island Pub, unexpected visits from cherished old friends that fill our homes with laughter and stories, the lake's ever-changing beauty as it mirrors each season - from spring greens to winter's stillness, eager students who brighten my day with their impromptu office visits and shared stories, generous families and organizations who make our community stronger through their selfless giving of time and resources, our welcoming local businesses that create not just places to shop and dine, but warm gathering spots where we have friendly conversations and deepen relationships, village leaders who nurture the heart of our community with thoughtful care and vision, dedicated educators and support staff across all departments who see and support the whole child - heart, mind, and spirit, our passionate coaches who inspire not just athletic excellence but character and determination in our tenacious young athletes, art that fills our hallways, music that touches our hearts, our Board of Education members who are steadfast partners in creating an environment where every child can thrive.

And here are a few of the things that our students shared when asked what they were grateful for...friends being around me, spending time with family, our pets, attending events, traveling with family, coming to Northville, that I can tell Grandma everything, video games, a new house, blueberry muffins, brothers x4, making new friends when I was in the drama production.

As we wrap up 2024, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our students, families, staff, and community members. Your dedication and support have made this year truly remarkable. May your holiday season be filled with joy, and may 2025 bring you health, happiness, and exciting new adventures.

Please know that I am here to welcome you into our school should you wish to visit. Our doors are open to parents and community members who want to see our learning environment firsthand. This newsletter offers a glimpse of the diverse learning experiences and many extracurricular activities in our school each day.

Thank you for all of the ways you support our school and community. Northville rocks!


SPORTS ROSTERS

See 2025 Basketball, Ski, and Cheerleading rosters for JV, Varsity, and Modified levels at this LINK.


HOLIDAY CONCERTS ~ Ms. McKnight & Mr. Martin ~ Elementary/MS/High School

Many thanks to Ms. McKnight and Mr. Martin, who bring the gift of music to our students and community. The choirs and bands shared varied pieces that showcased their growing musical talents at last week's Winter Concert. From classic holiday favorites to contemporary arrangements, our students demonstrated dedication through months of practice. Videos of both concerts will be posted by Ms. Fitzgerald for those who could not be there. The highlight came when Ms. McKnight led her carolers in bringing holiday cheer to our village residents and the annual senior citizen luncheon, spreading joy beyond our school performances. 



VIRTUAL ART TOUR - Ms. Sedon and Ms. Jackson


GLOBAL HISTORY - Mr. Karbowski - 10th Grade

Students in 10th Grade Global History and Geography had the opportunity to participate in a video conference with award-winning author Ruta Sepetys. Student-developed questions about Sepetys' book titled Between Shades of Grey were asked during the 30-minute video conference. The novel is historical fiction and centers around a young Lithuanian girl and her family who are deported to Siberia during Stalin's reign in the Soviet Union. The author's family lived in Lithuania during this period, and her grandfather experienced many of the hardships characters in the story endure. Her outgoing personality and amazing story-telling ability gave the students an enjoyable and valuable learning experience.

NORDIC SKIING - Ms. Thomarie

Enjoy a few pictures Ms. Thomarie has taken of our Nordic Ski Team!


DRAMA CLUB FIELD TRIP - Ms. Boyle

MS/HS Drama Club members traveled to  Castleton University in mid-November to see their production of Once Upon a Mattress. Students got to do a talkback with the cast, and they asked some great questions to motivate us for our production of the show in March. 




FULTON COUNTY REGIONAL FOOD BANK 


LIFELONG LEARNING

Learning doesn't stop when we leave school – that's when some of our most exciting discoveries begin! Whether you're interested in picking up a new language, mastering a creative skill, or diving into scientific concepts, a sampling of resources below will help you to feed your interests. Below, I've shared some ideas that might be of interest.  

GetSetUp  ~ LINK  

While this resource targets seniors, the courses are relevant for anyone who wants to explore cookingarttraveltechnology, and more. I've started playing with watercolors and plan to attend the Watercolor 102 Course. I entered "watercolor" in the search feature and found several courses!


Ms. Fitzgerald posts to Northville CSD Parent Square daily to inform us about the numerous events that make our school and extended community such vibrant, welcoming spaces. Her efforts are essential to maintaining our strong sense of community. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages.

We're always eager to support organizations that contribute to our community's well-being. If you're involved with a community event you'd like us to promote, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help spread the word. 


If you would like to meet with me in person or virtually, just email or call to schedule a time during the school day or after your work day. 

Be sure to visit our website to keep up with district news: https://www.northvillecsd.org/.

Dr. Sarah A. Chauncey, DPS-IM 
Superintendent of Schools
schauncey@northvillecsd.org
Work: 518-863-7000 x4120
Cell: 845-304-8791

October Newsletter

 Dear Friends,

Every classroom is actively engaged in learning, from our youngest learners to our soon-to-be graduates. Our preschoolers are settling beautifully into their new routines, mastering the art of sharing and collaborative play. Students across the grades are engaged in critical thinking through socratic seminars, debates, and collaborative problem-solving. High school students prepare for their futures, balancing academics with college prep, career exploration, and extracurricular activities. As of November 1st, 140 applications were submitted to 41 different institutions with the support of our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Izzo.

Students are signing up for our diverse clubs, and our sports teams are in full swing, with practices and matches filling up the after-school hours. The arts are thriving, with our theater program kicking off the season. As we move further into the school year, we're committed to fostering an environment where every student can grow, learn, and shine.

We look forward to sharing more of their achievements and adventures with you in the months to come ... enjoy some of them below.


LEARNING SPOTLIGHTS

The Thinking Classroom - 1st Grade Math - Ms. Nordyke

Here are pictures of first graders working on mathematical thinking tasks. These tasks prepare students for when they begin doing more complex math curricular tasks at the boards. It helps teach collaboration, how to speak to each other and share ideas, and how to share the marker.


The Thinking Classroom - 6h Grade Math  ~ Ms. Luey

The primary goals of the "Thinking Classroom" approach to math are to foster deep conceptual understanding by encouraging students to actively engage in problem-solving, collaborate with peers, articulate their reasoning, and justify their thinking, ultimately developing strong mathematical communication skills and confidence in their abilities to tackle complex problems. In Ms. Luey's 6th grade class, students learned to multiply mixed numbers. 


Chemistry - 6-7th Grade ~ Ms. Harris

In our science classes, sixth and seventh graders engaged in an innovative lesson on laboratory safety. The students were presented with a scenario featuring Scully the Skeleton, who was conducting a chemical lab investigation while committing multiple safety violations. 

This creative approach challenged our young scientists to carefully examine the scene and identify each rule being broken. They then had to explain how to correct these infractions to ensure a safe laboratory environment. 

This hands-on activity reinforced necessary safety protocols and encouraged critical thinking and attention to detail among our students.


Science - 7th Grade ~ Ms. Harris

In Ms. Harris' seventh-grade science class, students are researching the Adirondack Ecosystem to learn about its origins, purpose, and the living and nonliving factors within the park that make up a diverse backyard and interact with one another to create a balanced or unbalanced environment. On October 23rd, we had our first visit by DEC folks sharing their expertise regarding the Adirondack Park. Lt. Matt Clemons and ECO Paul Pasciak will share their knowledge of the animals within the park and the impacts of humans on the ecosystem, both positive and negative. 



Social Studies ~ Global History~ Ms. Habla & Ms. Coupas

Ms. Habla's Global History class was assigned an engaging project to create a new civilization in a world devastated by a disaster. This assignment required us to research various regions of the planet and imagine how we would settle these areas in a post-catastrophe environment. When developing our civilization, we had to consider 1. Natural resources and environmental conditions; 2. Primary food sources, including fishing, farming, animal husbandry, and hunting; 3. Societal rules and regulations; 4. Housing and shelter solutions; 5. Economic systems; 6. Technological advancements and inventions; 7. Language; 8. Religious practices; 9. Governmental structure.

Mrs. Coupas's sixth-grade students used what they had learned to evaluate the civilizations created in Ms. Habla's Global 9 classes. In Global 9 and Social Studies 6, students have learned about the foundations of civilizations. The Sixth Grade enjoyed learning from the 9th-grade work and look forward to creating their own civilizations in a few years.



Statewide Law Day Civics Contest ~ 12th Grade ~ Mr. Karbowski

Sponsored by the NY Bar Foundation and NY News Publishers Association, Mr. Karbowski's 12th-grade students are participating in a thought-provoking essay contest. The competition centers on a critical theme: the importance of accurate and reliable information as citizens prepare to cast their votes for the President of the United States. 

This timely initiative aims to foster media literacy and civic engagement among our seniors. Students are delving into the complexities of information dissemination in the digital age, exploring topics such as fact-checking, identifying credible sources, and understanding the impact of misinformation. The essay contest challenges our students to articulate their thoughts on this vital subject and encourages them to become more discerning consumers of news and information.

As they research and compose their essays, students gain valuable insights into the intersection of journalism, law, and civic responsibility. This collaboration between the NY Bar Foundation and the NY News Publishers Association provides an excellent opportunity for our students to engage with real-world issues and potentially have their voices heard beyond the classroom walls.

Thank You, Senator Walzyck

Senator Walczyk is currently serving overseas as a Captain in the Army Reserves. The Senator sent us a postcard and note, which I've shared below. We are grateful for his service and support for Northville CSD. 

Our students across the grades wrote letters. These letters and a special Falcon recognition will be shared with the Senator when he visits Northville upon his return - visits are being scheduled by his office.


American Legion Donates Dictionaries ~ 3rd Grade ~ Ms. Karpoy

Ms. Carolyn Bovee, representing American Legion Post 337 in Broadalbin, continued the annual tradition of gifting dictionaries to our third-grade students. The dictionaries are put to good use in both reading and writing activities. As the children explored their new books, they discovered various interesting features. The sign language alphabet caught their attention, prompting them to practice signing with each other. They also shared pages on punctuation and parts of speech and took turns reading word definitions aloud to their classmates.


Northville Educational Foundation ~ October 12th ~ Artisans for Education

"The Northville Educational Foundation, led by Tammy Reidell ... held its first artisan fair Saturday at the Northville Central School gym to raise funds and featured local and outside artists. Reidell said the Northville Educational Foundation aims to enhance education quality through strategic partnerships and funding for programs and resources not covered by traditional funding. The foundation's board is diverse, including educators, a former lawyer, and a business professional, ensuring broad community representation. 'The foundation supports the Northville Central School District and the community, bridging community needs with school needs,' she said. The Ring of Fire 5K, in its 10th year, donated $1,100 to the Northville Educational Foundation during the artisan fair. " (Leader-Herald Article and Picture Link


Aristocrats ~ Elementary Drama ~ Ms. Boyle

Get ready for the elementary student production of "The Aristocats" – it promises to be a delightful showcase of our students' talents!


100th Win ~ Mr. Hammons

Congratulations to Mr. Hammons and our girls' varsity soccer team. On September 30th, Mr. Hammons achieved his 100th win! 


Regional Food Bank ~ Next Drive Through - November 14th 9:30 AM


Many thanks to the Regional Food Bank Drive Thru Pantry's Molly Whitaker and the staff, our students, and community members who volunteered to support food distribution. Over 250 families drove up to receive various staple grocery products, including milk, eggs, cheese, canned goods, and produce. 

We will run another drive before Thanksgiving on November 14th at 9:30 am. We plan to continue the program every other month. Our student helpers helped to pack, distribute, and keep the line of cars moving.





Halloween Parade

We ended the month with our annual Halloween Parade. Thank you to all who lined the streets to wave our students on their walk through the town. The weather was unusually cooperative! Ms. Fitzgerald is posting pics on our Facebook page! Tammy, Sam, and I continue our tradition of selecting a theme for our costumes! 



Ms. Fitzgerald posts to Northville CSD Parent Square daily to inform us about the numerous events that make our school and extended community such vibrant, welcoming spaces. Her efforts are essential to maintaining our strong sense of community. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages.

We're always eager to support organizations that contribute to our community's well-being. If you're involved with a community event you'd like us to promote, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help spread the word. 


If you would like to meet with me in person or virtually, just email or call to schedule a time during the school day or after your work day. 

Be sure to visit our website to keep up with district news: https://www.northvillecsd.org/.

Dr. Sarah A. Chauncey, DPS-IM 
Superintendent of Schools
schauncey@northvillecsd.org
Work: 518-863-7000 x4120
Cell: 845-304-8791