Pville Community Connection: November Highlights

November 21, 2025

Dear Pleasantville Families, 

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to our entire school community. Every day, I see the dedication of our teachers and staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the incredible support of our families and community partners. Together, we make Pleasantville Schools a place where learning, connection, and compassion thrive. 

This season reminds us of how much we can accomplish when we work together, whether planning for the future of our facilities, celebrating student success, or simply showing up for one another in the spirit of kindness and collaboration. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and for the countless ways you contribute to our shared mission of nurturing lifelong learners, dynamic thinkers, and compassionate citizens. 

Pleasantville Forward, Together: November 20th Community Forum Recap 
Thank you to all who attended the Community Forum on November 20 to learn more about our ongoing capital project planning process. Please click here to view the video recording. 

At the forum, we shared our developing plans across three major areas: BRS Outdoor Space, STEAM facility enhancements, and Fields & Lights. We also discussed accelerated infrastructure work already underway and outlined how the projected borrowing structure is expected to remain tax-neutral, with state aid covering roughly half of the total project. 

While cost details for individual components will not be finalized until January, all updates and presentations will continue to be posted on the district website to keep our community informed. You can review the presentation here. 

We remain deeply grateful for the time, thought, and collaboration our community has invested in this process as we build a plan that is future-focused, student-centered, and community-guided. 

Around Our Schools 
Across our schools, there is much to celebrate. At BRS, the Little Theater opened its doors with the 4th Grade Figurative Language Show, and Kindergarten students will soon visit the Ridgefield Playhouse for a performance of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. At the Middle School, the 5th Grade musical, Alice in Wonderland Jr., was a joyful success, showcasing tremendous energy and talent. Seventh graders experienced a powerful living-history performance from storyteller Sheila Arnold, whose portrayal of Ona Judge enriched their annual social studies unit on slavery. The Science Olympiad Team also competed in its first remote invitational of the year, with 48 students participating across 18 challenges. 

At the High School, winter sports have officially begun, and our Cross Country team had an impressive showing at the NYS Championships, with Clara Shingler earning All-State honors for the fourth consecutive year and Sean Dooley earning his first All-State recognition. Our Speech & Debate team competed at Molloy High School, counselors hosted a well-attended Schoolinks information session, and the annual PHS Talent Show is set for next week in the auditorium. 

Don’t Forget! 
The District will conduct its annual Rapid Dismissal Drill on Wednesday, November 26, at 1:30 PM. This drill is an important part of our safety planning and ensures that we can dismiss more than 1,600 students and several hundred staff members quickly and safely in an emergency, while also giving everyone a slightly earlier start to the holiday weekend.

Looking Ahead 
In the weeks ahead, we look forward to upcoming concerts and winter celebrations, continued planning for the capital project, and the early stages of next year’s budget development process. 

Thank you for your ongoing trust and engagement. May this holiday season bring you peace, health, and meaningful time with loved ones. 

Warmly, 

Eric Lutinski