Teens Against Cancer help local people

The group celebrated their success with a year-end pizza party.

Photo: Monticello High School students Kelsy Calhoun, Makayla Jahn, Sheryl Berkowitz, Meghan Yearwood and Briana Reese, Catherine Dean and Davona Mapp surround teacher/advisor Joyce Kocsis.

Some Monticello High School Fine Art Academy students displayed their work at the Catskill Art Society's countywide high school exhibit. The show was scheduled during May at the CAS Arts Center, 48 Main Street, Livingston Manor.

The exhibit, which is held annually, included drawings, paintings, ceramics, photography, crafts and sculpture.

Three Monticello High School freshman deserve special recognition for their efforts to help the American Red Cross with their recent blood drive.

Briana Reese, Doviana Sabatino and Meghan Yearwood working with their guidance counselor, Scott Edwards, met with local Red Cross representatives to set up a blood drive at the school. Though the girls are too young to donate blood themselves, they helped out by signing people in and escorting them to the bus. The goal of the drive was 30 donations. In all, 35 people attempted to give blood, 26 pints were collected and 78 people benefited from the donations.

Photo: from left, Monticello High School students Meghan Yearwood, Briana Reese, Doviana Sabatino and American Red Cross Volunteer Helen Babicz.

It is important for parents to realize that they are the primary support for their child through the bereavement process. Please click here for some information and suggestions from the National Association of School Psychologists and the American Schools Counselor Association.

Support of this fundraising event helps give strength and hope to the millions of Americans facing cancer.

LASA hosts community speaker
As part of a real-world lesson in finance, Jeff Bank Vice President and Business Banker Anna Milucky presented an overview of banking to the 10th grade students in the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA).

One of the goals of the academy is to develop consumer skills and to be aware of community resources. The presentation provided students with valuable information to achieve this.

As part of a special science lesson, Monticello High School teacher Christine Hart’s Living Environment class visited Duggan teachers Liz Nicoletti's and Diana Reynolds’ classes to teach their students about Ecological Niches and Photosynthesis.

During the lesson two projects were presented. First was a research and writing assignment in which the high school students researched an animal of their choice to find its scientific name (binomial nomenclature), biome, habitat, niche and adaptations.

As part of the project, students were required to create interactive pop-up books to share with the second graders.

The second project was to produce a play teaching the concepts of photosynthesis. The Living Environment students co-authored the play, which was filled with fun and informative songs. The young scientist really enjoyed a fun filled afternoon!

Photo: Krista Novello, Alicia Cardona, Alicia Lamaur, Melanie Gianquinto and Alyssa McLaughlin.

Photo: Philicity Santillo, Jaclyn Johnson, Keysy Mendez, Arial Santos and Jennyfer Franca.

Following the spirited tradition of USO performers who have been brightening the holiday season for lonely GIs since the 1940s, the music departments from five local school districts united on Thursday, Dec. 20, to present a special holiday concert for the U.S. troops in Iraq. Unlike the USO - which for safety reasons must perform concerts in designated safe zones – modern video conferencing technology enabled the schools to bring this concert directly to members of the 3rd Infantry Division serving on the front lines in Iraq.

The Songs for Troops Concert began at the Chester Academy with a flag presentation by a five-man military color-guard from the Warwick VFW Post 4662. During the multi-location concert, each of the participating bands and choral groups took turns performing a selection of songs.

The musical performances were be broadcast live to Iraq using the Orange-Ulster BOCES’ Internet Protocol video conferencing bridge that connected to video equipment in each of the schools. Organizers dedicated the day’s performances to a young soldier, Sgt. Samuel E. Kelsey, who was killed in battle on Dec. 13, as a way to honor him and his fallen comrades.

For the students in the band and chorus at Monticello High School, the day was filled with nervous excitement, as they awaited their turn to perform. One ninth-grade saxophonist Kyle Ruperd, summed it up when he explained that though they were prepared to play, many of the students were filled with nervous excitement, as they wanted to perform their best for the troops. Kyle personally hoped that their performance would help ease the homesick feeling many of our soldiers might be feeling during the holiday season.

At noon, the MHS Concert Band sprang to life as conductor Aaron Rovitz gave the cue. Students then proceeded to wow the troops with their dynamic version of the “Theme from S.W.A.T.”

When the Monticello High School Mixed Chorus began its lineup of songs, you could see smiles on the faces of the soldiers as they enjoyed the melodic performance. The Monticello program ended with a candlelit version of “Silent Night” that brought tears to the eyes of many on both sides of the planet.

When the two hour event ended, more than 500 local music students had participated in the performances. Besides Monticello and Chester, Minisink Valley, Port Jervis and Warwick Valley Schools had all contributed to the success of the day.

The holiday concert was organized by Chester Middle School Principal Ernest Jackson, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who served most of his military career in the 3rd Infantry Division.

The Times-Herald Record videotaped Monticello’s performance. To view it, please click here.

Click here for Richard Ross' coverage of this event (courtesy The River Reporter).

The Monticello High School Theatre Department presented the comedy drama, You Can't Take It With You, during mid-December. Students shined with talent as they commanded the stage of the high school auditorium. The performance was well received by enthusiastic audiences.

The original play opened in New York City in December 1936 to instant critical and popular acclaim. The story relates the humorous encounter between a conservative family and the crazy household of Grandpa Martin Vanderhof – a group of individuals who amuse with their energetic physical antics and inspire with their wholehearted pursuit of happiness.

Among the large cast, lead players included Jennifer Shickle, Zach Gibson, Rebecca Perlman, Dan Cunningham, Erik Mayberg, and Frank Segro, with Jennifer Romano directing the show. Tim Buckley and Dan Svarczkopf are designing and overseeing set construction, lighting and sound. The show is produced by Monticello’s Director of Music Dr. Kevin Dirth.

A complete photo album of the play performance is available from journalist Richard Ross (Courtesy The River Reporter). To view the photo album, visit www.riverreportersports.com, then click Photos, then Latest Albums, then You Can’t Take It With You. CD's of the photo compilation can be also be purchased directly from The River Reporter.

Click here to read The River Reporter's rave review about the play performance!

Operation: Support our Troops - October fundraiser a huge success

Students in the Sports, Entertainment and Event Management class held a fundraiser called "Operation Support Our Troops," during the month of October. Collection boxes were being placed in social studies and English classrooms, as well as in the Family/Consumer classroom, faculty lounges and the main office for food, personal care items, and letters to send to our troops overseas. When all the donations were in, more than ten boxes were overflowing with items from students and staff.
Also, more than $300 was raised during the lunch period coin collections to purchase phone cards for the soldiers. Everything will be packed and shipped to the troops sometime during the beginning of December in time for the holidays.

The fundraiser turned out to be a great success and organizers would like to sincerely thank all who contributed to this worthy cause.

Good turnout makes golf tournament a big success
On October 13, the Monticello High School senior class held their annual golf tournament fundraiser. Local businesses sponsored the event and several teams endured the brisk weather to support the class.

Competing teams won gift certificates for haircuts, golf outings and food, and gift cards for their efforts. The golfers received a cart, snack, lunch and prizes. It was a fun time for the golfers as well as the seniors who volunteered their time. Special thanks to the Sonnenschein family, who helped organize the day.

Photo: HS golf team Steve Jenks, Kelly Schadt, Dawn Smith, and Chris Russo.

In an effort to mirror the philosophy of transparency that has been implemented on the district level, and to help create an open, honest and trusting relationship with parents, Monticello High School has restructured its Open House. Based on the needs of today’s parents and to help encourage more parent participation in their child’s education, the school has expanded the traditional one night event into the new “Education Week.”

Beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 23, the high school opened its doors and classrooms to any parent who wanted to come and see what an average day was like for their child. The “Panther Parent Tour” had teachers, guidance counselors and honor roll students escorting groups of parents on a personal one-hour excursion through the halls of the high school. During the walk, the student guide would give an explanation of each wing in the building and indicate what classes were given there. Parents then got to check out some of the classes that were in session.

Marcie Ehrman, whose daughter Rachel is a ninth grader, was glad she took the tour and expressed that by being in the school during the day really calmed a lot of her concerns. “I wanted to experience first-hand what it’s like for my daughter, so I can relate more to what she goes through on an average day,” explained Ehrman. “I also wanted to know more about the new academy structure.”

When all was said and done, almost 40 parents got to experience what it was like to be in high school again. And, with the large amount of positive feedback from the parents, high school Principal Arleene Siegel felt that the pilot program was indeed working to help break down the barriers that can sometimes alienate parents.

“We’re very excited about our new format for open house; by extending it to a week-long event, parents will have more access to our teachers, our programs and our educational community,” said Siegel. “We’re looking forward to having a solid year-long relationship with our parents.”

Education Week ended with individual parent meetings, which is part of the new concept of the program to proactively target students who seem to be struggling or having difficulty with social, attendance, discipline or academic issues. School administrators and guidance counselors hoped that the early intervention with a student’s family might make a huge difference in understanding and alleviating any problems.

Due to the overwhelming success of the new program, Siegel and her staff are already planning to do it again in the spring.

Top photo: From left, parent Robin LaFountain, Monticello High School Principal Arleene Siegel, parent Marcie Ehrman, honors student Daniel Green, high school academy director Christopher Russo and guidance counselor Joe Seidl discuss the new academy structure at the high school before beginning their Panther Parent Tour.

Photo 2: During her Panther Parent Tour, Marcie Ehrman, back left, stopped in to chat with Home and Careers teacher Joyce Kocsis. Front row, from left are Gourmet Foods students Niejha Ramiriz, Destiny Cruz, and Rachel Cirelli.

Student officers elected

Pictured from left are the winners: President, Giovanni Laguna; Vice President, Kadeem Ince; Secretary, Patty Lambert; and Treasurer, Jessica Concors.

The group plan to begin fundraising for a class trip and dance and plans are in the works for a variety of other things.

All are excited about getting students in the freshman academy involved in their school and in community activities.

Students in the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) are involved in helping kids around the world get the things they need to survive and grow. Learning to become responsible members of the global community is one of the goals of the academy. One way students are helping other children is through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, which is sponsored by LASA students.

Students made posters and will collect money throughout the month of October, which will be forwarded UNICEF to be used for children in need throughout the world. For more information, contact Joyce Koscis at 794-8840.

Pictured is "The Uniquely Awesome Team" Charlene Dumas, Matt Strong, Jennifer Dugan, Alicia Bakken, Giuliana Lapiana, Kelsey Demondo, Britney Bradley, Lisa Hummell, Krista Garrison, Christina Demestrio, Rebecca Salavin, Michael Silin, Lisa Papacharalambous, Danielle Galati, and Joanne Mizell

Congratulations to all of the Monticello High School summer school graduates who successfully earned their diplomas

On August 20, a commencement ceremony was held in the middle school to celebrate their success.

They also received Certificates of Merit and Certificates of Special Recognition from Congressman Maurice Hinchey, Senator John Bonacic, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and our Sullivan County Legislators. The two were chosen from a group of 24 interns.

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