October 21 BOE Meeting Recap

Dear Pleasantville Families, 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the October 21 Board of Education meeting, whether in person or virtually. The Board continues to focus on maintaining transparency, celebrating student achievement, and engaging the community in meaningful discussions about district priorities. 

If you were unable to attend, a full recording of the meeting is available here, and the meeting agenda can be found here. 

Below is a brief summary of key items from the meeting: 

School Counseling Presentation (click to view presentation) 

Pleasantville’s K–12 Counseling Team shared how the District continues to support students’ academic, social-emotional, and college/career growth through a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). 

Highlights included new SEL initiatives such as Sources of Strength at the Middle School, STAR (Students Talking About Resilience) and the upcoming Getting to Green Room at Bedford Road School, and continued Wellness Week and Peer Leadership programs at the High School. Counselors emphasized collaboration with community partners like Pleasantville Fund for Learning, Break the Hold, and Pleasantville Strong, as well as increased family engagement through ParentSquare updates and a centralized Resource Hub for referrals and connections. 

Superintendent’s Report 

• Digital Learning Collective: The District Technology Plan process is underway, led by Director of Technology Mr. Sammartano and the Digital Learning Collective, a committee comprised of parents, students, teachers, and administrators. The committee will meet four more times this year.
• Digital Citizenship Week: On Monday, the District hosted a sold-out screening of "Can’t Look Away," and on October 23, Dr. Devorah Heitner will present to students, staff, and families (click here for more info). Throughout the week, developmentally appropriate digital wellness lessons are being integrated into classrooms at every level.
• At BRS: The Getting to Greenkits featured in The Journal News continue to support students’ self-regulation, thanks to our counseling and support teams and a grant from the Pleasantville Fund for Learning. Teachers engaged in professional learning focused on the new Reading Fundamentals curriculum, and students explored environmental science through grade-level trips to the Teatown Reservation and the Wolf Conservation Center.
• At the Middle School, eighth-graders visited Ellis Island on Wednesday as part of their study of immigration. On Thursday, fifth graders will attend Dr. Devorah Heitner’s Digital Wellness presentation at the High School, and students and staff will wear orange in recognition of Unity Day and National Bullying Prevention Month (Wednesday).
• At the High School: Homecoming Week 2025 brought strong school spirit and big wins across athletics, from soccer and football victories to league titles in cross country and a semifinal finish in girls’ tennis. Prior to Broadway Night, Guys & Dolls was announced as the spring musical, and Wednesday’s PSAT administration included College Readiness and Wellness programming for all grades.
• School Board Recognition Week: Dr.Lutinski recognized the Board for their ongoing dedication and service to the Pleasantville Schools community.

Student Representative Report: Julian Giebelhaus shared highlights from recent student activities, including last Friday’s spirited Pep Rally, Bonfire, and the Pleasantville Fund for Learning Brick Laying Ceremony.

Discussion Item: Pleasantville Forward, Together Capital Project
The Board heard updates from subcommittees focusing on key areas of the capital project: 

• STEM Committee: Productive discussions among parents, teachers, administrators, and students helped define short- and long-term goals to enhance STEM spaces across all buildings, including new or renovated maker spaces and science labs.

• Bedford Road School Outdoor Spaces: The subcommittee reviewed existing spaces to guide the design of the playground and surrounding areas. The subcommittee is working with admin to engage student voice. They continue to refine planning around exploring soft surfacing. The subcommittee has also focused on ensuring ADA accessibility and secure entry features while maintaining community access after-hours and on weekends.
• Fields & Lights: The committee reaffirmed that the backfield will not be turfed. A proposed Light Policy and sound mitigation plan will guide future use, reflecting community input considerations.
• The third Community Forum will take place on Thursday, November 20, at 7:30 PM in the High School Auditorium.

Consent Agenda: The Board approved the Consent Agenda (4-0).

Closing Remarks 

• Julian: Recognized White Cane Day (Oct. 15), celebrated student musicians preparing for NYSSMA (with rehearsals lasting up to five hours), and shared that he attended the WPSBA “New Voices for New Board Members” program.
• Loredana: Reported a successful SEPTA Meet & Greet and upcoming Halloween Bingo this Friday, plus Family Fun Night at Parkway Field. The VIP/EPIC Sports Program is currently seeking new leaders. If you are interested, please contact Pleasantville SEPTA via email: pleasantvilles14@gmail.com
• Lucas: Provided updates from the NYSSBA Resolutions Convention; he will attend the NYSSBA Annual Convention in NYC this Thursday and Friday.
• Erin: Shared that the high school Science Olympiad team is hosting a STEM Fun Day fundraising event on Election Day, which still has openings for parent and student volunteers. REGISTER HERE: https://stem-day-2025.cheddarup.com

These updates reflect the District’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and open communication. As always, the Board encourages community members to stay informed, ask questions, and be part of the conversation. 

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for November 4, 2025, at 7:30 PM in the High School Library. 

Warm regards, 

The Pleasantville Schools Board of Education 

Michael Busch, Erin Ballard, Lucas Cascardo, Loredana Coughlan, and John Vamossy