In case you’re not on the Carmel email list, here’s the latest info….

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH INPUT SESSION:  As they begin the search for a new Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education is seeking input from all facets of the school community on what qualities are important.  To assist them in this and in the search, the Board has contracted with Jim Langlois and Tom
Higgins of Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES.Dr. Langlois and Dr. Higgins will be conducting a series of input sessions throughout the district on Wednesday, October 3 and Thursday, October 4, 2007. Parents and community members are invited to attend a session on Wednesday, October 3 either from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Casey Hall in Carmel High School OR from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the George Fischer Middle School auditorium. If you are unable to attend a session but would like to share your thoughts, please send a letter or email either Mr. Ron Wilson (rwilson@ccsd.k12.ny.us) or myself (sdieck@ccsd.k12.ny.us) at the District Office (address is below).

There are still openings in all Continuing Ed classes, with the exception of the basic dog obedience class on Wednesdays.  A list of courses is available on our website at http://www.ccsd.k12.ny.us/conteducation. If interested, please call the Continuing Ed office at 845 225-8441, ext. 450 or email rmitchel@ccsd.k12.ny.us right away.  Classes begin next week.

The CHS Parents Association’s first meeting for the 2007-08 school year is Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 in the new CHS library.  The junior Post Prom party will be the main topic for discussion.  This is the group’s biggest annual endeavor that requires many, many volunteers.  ALL parents are welcome, not just parents of juniors.

Wednesday, September 26th is the deadline to submit applications for free and reduced meals.  Call our Food Services department at 845 878-2094, ext. 254 or visit our website at http://www.ccsd.k12.ny.us for questions and application forms.

The KPS PTO is looking for 8th graders or high school students to volunteer at the school’s 1st Annual Apple Festival on Wednesday, September 26th.  Volunteers are needed from 5:15-7:30 PM.  The event takes place at Kent Primary School, rain or shine.  If interested, please contact Amy Conroy at Events@KPSPTO.org by Sept. 22.

The KPS PTO is hosting the annual Ladies Night Out at the Putnam National Golf Club on November 8th at 7:00 p.m.  Vendors who would like to take part in this great opportunity to connect with KPS parents in an upscale, relaxed atmosphere are encouraged to contact Laura at laura.geoghegan@verizon.net
or call the KPS Hotline at 845 878-2094, ext. 293 for details.

COMMUNITY NEWS
The first annual substitute teacher recruitment fair is on Monday, September 24 from 3:30-5:30 pm in the Walden Adult Dining Room at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES in Yorktown.  Potential substitute teachers in all disciplines and levels to serve on a per diem basis in elementary, middle  and high school, will be interviewed and hired.  They will also be trained to be an effective substitute teacher in a 3-hour training session that will be offered at no cost during the month of October.  Bring copies of your resume.  Retirees are strongly encouraged to attend.  For directions, go to http://www.pnwboces.org/directions.htm.

Family Day is Tuesday, September 25th.  Here’s a great idea from the National Council on Alcoholism and other Drug Dependencies and our friends from Putnam County Communities that Care!  Make a date for dinner with your family.  Where?  Your home or a restaurant of your choice.  When? Dinner time.  Why?  The more time you spend with your children, the less likely they are to smoke, drink and use illegal drugs.  Having dinner with your family…one habit that prevents another!

2-1-1 in the Hudson Valley Region provides information, referral, assistance and crisis support for residents in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties. 2-1-1 makes a critical connection between individuals and families seeking services or volunteer opportunities and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies who can help.  Keep it in mind, it’s a great and useful telephone resource!

I received my STAR Rebate application in the mail this week, did you?  Don’t forget to verify the information provided, enter the names and social security numbers for all owners and their spouses and submit the application online or by mail by NOVEMBER 30, 2007.  This year’s rebate checks are based on the local property tax burden and the owners’ income levels.  Enhanced (senior) STAR recipients need not apply; their rebates will be issued automatically.  For more information, visit www.nystax.gov   or call 1-877-678-2769.

St. James C.Y.O Basketball tryouts for students in grades 3-8 are currently taking place.  Call Mike Rama at 845 225-8573 for more information.

Carmel Sports Association general meeting is September 27 at 7:30 pm in the CHS cafeteria. For more information on this and on their programs can be found at www.carmelsportsassoc.org .

Registration for fall classes at Arts on the Lake are underway.  Visit their website at www.artsonthelake.org   for information.

Have a great weekend!
Sue Dieck
Public Information Specialist/District Clerk
Carmel Central School District
81 South St., P.O. Box 296
Patterson, NY  12563
(845) 878-2094, ext. 202
(845) 878-4337 – Fax