BoE Trustee Candidate Debate Forum – An Apology

We apologize to any community members who were unable to view last night’s Board of Education Trustee Candidates’ Forum.  Attendance exceeded our expectations, as well as the capabilities of our Zoom account.  The Forum has been recorded and will be available for viewing on Cablevision Channel 77 and Verizon Channel 27, as well as on The District’s YouTube Channel or through links that will be posted at www.tuckahoepta.com shortly.

Volunteer and Leadership Opportunities for High School Students

Special Message from the Youth Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe

The YCF is a group of students from Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe who participate in community service, fundraising and award grants to local agency programs serving youth.  It is a great way for teens to give back to their community and to hold leadership positions.  Last year we started the YCF of BET and over 60 students from all three communities worked together to make our community stronger.  The students worked on community service projects and awarded the first grant this spring to the Bereavement Center.  

We are currently accepting new applications for the 20-21 school year.  We are looking for students to participate on the Volunteer team, open to grades 9-12, and for our Leadership team, which is open to rising Juniors.  It is a great opportunity to give back to your community, learn about local nonprofits, and develop leadership skills.  

If you are interested, more information and the application can be found here.

Call for Volunteers – The PTA Executive Board

The Tuckahoe PTA still has several openings available on the Executive Board. Helping the PTA as a parent volunteer is a fulfilling way to contribute to our school district and help students across the board enjoy fulfilling programs and experiences. Now more than ever,  volunteers are needed to make the 2020/2021 PTA programs and offerings a possibility for all students. 

Committee terms are for two years. All committees have two chairs to share the responsibilities, along with several parent volunteers able to support their efforts. Chairs must attend monthly PTA Executive Board meetings (held the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm), but can switch off attendance in case both are not able to attend all meetings.

The following positions will become available at the start of the 2020-2021 school year. If you are interested, please send a short email to the Nominating Committee at tuckahoeptanom@gmail.com with the name of the position of interest in the subject line. Questions may also be directed to that email address.

Click here for a full list of available positions and instructions on how to volunteer!

Not sure what would be the best fit for your schedule and interests? Let us know, and we’ll help you find a good fit!

5/28 BoE Trustee Candidate Debate Forum; 6/9 TUFSD Annual Budget Vote and Trustee Election

The Tuckahoe PTA is Hosting:
The Board of Education Trustee Candidate Debate Forum
When: May 28 2020, 7:30 pm
Where: via Zoom Conferencing: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85952091384
Moderated by: the League of Women Voters of Westchester

Debate Forum

  • The Candidate Debate Forum will be hosted via Zoom conferencing as follows: Click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85952091384 or iPhone one-tap:   US: +16465588656,,85952091384#  or +13017158592,,85952091384# Or Telephone:    Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):       
    US: +1 646 558 8656  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 9128
    Webinar ID: 859 5209 1384    International numbers available:  https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbo7dsbI0n
  • The Forum will be broadcast after the event on Cablevision channel 77 and Verizon channel 27 as well as posted for viewing with a link accessible on the PTA’s web site – www.tuckahoepta.com

Budget Vote and Trustee Election

The Tuckahoe UFSD Annual Budget Vote and Trustee Election will be held on Tuesday June 9th, by absentee ballot.  There are two (2) open seats for the Board of Education and the candidates are:

  • Peter Casson
  • Scott Bogetti 
  • Lori Gerald 
  • Dina Morgan

All qualified voters who are registered to vote for the June 9, 2020 budget vote/election will be sent an absentee ballot. Voters who have previously registered to vote through the School District and have voted in any School District election/vote during the past four (4) calendar years need not re-register to vote for this budget vote/election. In addition, voters who are currently registered to vote through the Westchester County Board of Elections need not re-register to vote for this budget vote/election.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no personal registration of voters conducted within the District. A qualified voter may register to vote in the June 9, 2020 budget vote/election by registering to vote with the Westchester County Board of Elections. You may contact the Westchester County Board of Elections for additional information at: Westchester County Board of Elections, 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601, or by calling (914) 995-2000, or by their website at: www.citizenparticipation.westchestergov.com/register-to-vote. You may also register through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website at https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/electronic-voter-registration-application

Thank You!

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Tuckahoe PTA along with students and families across the district would like to say Thank You to all teachers, aides, administrators, and district employees for their dedication and hard-work every day. We admire and appreciate you, and created the following video so that students could personally express just how much you mean to them!

PTA Executive Board: Openings for the 2020/2021 School Year

Please join us!
The Executive Board of Tuckahoe PTA Is Seeking
Committee and Sub-Committee Chairs for the
2020-2021 School Year!

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Being a part of the PTA Executive Board is a fulfilling way to contribute to our school district.  You will become a vital part of our school’s community. Being a member of the PTA allows you to be more involved with many of the great activities that your children enjoy throughout the year, such as: PTA Dance, the Cottle Halloween Party, 3rd Grade Circus, STEM programs, Field Day, cultural arts  performances, parent education events, scholarships, graduation hospitality and more. PTA Board Members often serve on District Committees and have a voice in changes within the District. The PTA advocates for all students and supports our entire school community.  Interested in inventing your own program for Tuckahoe kids? Want to give an established program a makeover? We welcome your creativity!  

We rely on parent volunteers like you to be successful. Terms are for two years. All committees have at least two chairs to share the responsibilities, and chairs recruit volunteers to help with programs.  Committee Chairs attend monthly PTA Executive Board meetings (held the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm). Sub-Committee Chairs need not attend these meetings.

If you are interested, please send a short email to the Nominating Committee at tuckahoeptanom@gmail.com by Friday, May 1, with the name of the position of interest in the subject line. The email should include:

  • your name and contact information
  • grade(s) of each child
  • what committee you would like to chair or co-chair and
  • a sentence or two about why you’d be a good fit for the committee you’re applying for.   

The Executive Board will vote to approve the new slate at its May 12, 2020 meeting, after which all applicants will be contacted about the outcome.  We would love to have you join us at our June meeting to begin the transition to next year.

Below are the vacancies for the 2020-21 school year. Not sure what would be the best fit for your schedule and interests? Let us know, and we’ll help you find a good fit. Please also refer to the FAQs sheet, or if you have any questions, email the address above.

Executive Committee Officers (2-year appointment)

Position Description # Needed
President

Must have 2 years’ experience on the PTA Executive Board to apply

 Leads monthly PTA Executive Board meetings and creates the agenda. Serves as liaison with district administrators and Board of Ed including monthly Board of Education meeting reports. Reviews and approves all contracts, payments, and PTA communications. Coordinates scheduling of events and facility use with the District. Gives remarks at parent-attended events like Back to School Night, Staff Welcoming Meetings, Kindergarten Welcoming Events, and others. Ensures compliance with the mission of the PTA and all applicable by-laws. Supports PTA-committee efforts. Is supported by the Vice President as needed. 1
Treasurer

Must have 2 years’ experience on the PTA Executive Board to apply

 Custodian of all funds; reconciles and pays receipts of committee expenditures; prepares and distributes budget for monthly meetings; keeps track of budget lines; keeps insurance current and works with accountant to ensure taxes filed. Ensure compliance with all financial by-laws of the PTA. Help with transition to the treasurer’s successor after completion of two-year term (may be on another committee during this third year). 1
Corresponding Secretary

Must have 2 years’ experience on the PTA Executive Board to apply

 Collects and distributes PTA mail. Emails Executive Board monthly meeting reminders/agendas, and other communications as necessary. Plans the annual PTA Executive Board holiday party. Creates the PTA Executive Board contact list and provides it to the District Office and other sources to ensure up to date web sites and MemberHub.  As needed, assists President with updating calendars and facilities requests. 1

 

Executive Board Committee Co-chairs (2-year appointment)

Committee Title Description # Needed*
Communications

(a 3 Chair Committee)

 Communicates news of PTA events and programs to district families via PTA website, SchoolBee, principal newsletters, and social media. Manages tuckahoepta.com as well as Memberhub calendar and mailing list. 2
Community Service Arranges for student volunteers to support PTA activities and other community-service projects. Help students achieve community-service opportunities to meet assorted requirements. 2
Cultural Arts Coordinates student enrichment programs (e.g., assemblies, field trips) for grades K-12. Traditional events include The Italian Club, the Third Grade Circus, and other presentations throughout the district. 1
Health & Safety Conceives and implements initiatives related to health, nutrition, and safety for the betterment of grades K-12 and their families.  2
High School Develops and implements programs that serve students in grades 9-12. Past events have included: providing breakfast for college-rep visits with students; coordinating parent-principal town-hall meetings; planning and executing Taste of Tuckahoe catered lunch; supporting senior dinner and HS awards; offering seminars that support the high school; and providing refreshments at THS graduation. 1
Hospitality Provides refreshments for back to school nights, PTA general meetings, Student Support Meetings, some Principal Coffees, and PTA Volunteer Recognition Night. 2
STEM

(3 Chairs)

 Formerly known as the Math and Science Committee, this Committee supports STEM initiatives and programming throughout the district, including supporting the new STEM teacher and resources at Cottle School.  Past events include Math Night, Science Fun Day, and coordinating Curious on Hudson after school programs. 3
Middle School Plan and implement programs to benefit students in grades 6-8. Past events have included parent-principal meetings, Taste of Tuckahoe catered lunch, Color Wars (end-of-year game day), and graduation refreshments. Work with TMS administrators to determine programming and offer appropriate presentations.   1
Room Representatives Recruits and organizes class-parent volunteers for grades K-5, plans kick-off meeting for class parents with teachers, supports graduation events with refreshments and set-up, and disseminates PTA information through class parents as needed through School Bee and email.  Updates School Bee directory with parent contact information. 2
Student Support (SEPTA) The Student Support Committee offers supports to all students who may need it, with an emphasis on special education programs, through speakers, presentations, support to the administration, and offering resources and support to all families in these areas.  It also is the umbrella committee for the Building Bridges Program 1
Student Support Sub-Committee: Building Bridges The Sub-Committee Chairs are responsible for organizing the Building Bridges Program held at Cottle in February each year.  Duties include coordinating with the administration to schedule classes, recruiting volunteers, obtaining materials for the program, and arranging for and overseeing six grade level assemblies.   1 
Ways & Means Develops and implements initiatives to raise funds for the PTA. Creative thinking is encouraged. Oversees all fundraising sub-committee efforts and helps support their activities. Traditionally has also run the Cottle Talent Show, Handbag Bingo, and Day of Giving.  2
Ways & Means sub-committee: Boutiques Operates Holiday “stores” at Cottle twice a year to allow children to buy gifts for family. 2
Ways & Means sub-committee: Cottle Yearbook Creation of the Cottle Yearbook-includes coordinates with school photographer to get copies of all photos and works with teachers and administrators to ensure accuracy and inclusion. Organizes all photos to be included in yearbook. Plans and organizes layout, graphics, fifth grade baby pictures, order forms and payment, fifth grade ads, labeling, and yearbook distribution. 2
Ways & Means sub-committee: School Pictures Coordinate school picture days (first picture day, retake day, and cap-and-gown day) with school office and picture company. Reserve facility space. 

Make/distribute flyers, collect order forms. 

Manage picture day. 

Act as liaison between picture company and school/parents 

Distribute pictures. 

 1
Ways & Means sub-committee: Spring Social Plan the PTA’s largest annual fundraiser and put the FUN in fundraiser. Schedule venue, choose menu, coordinate raffle, invite the community, manage RSVPs, and determine other fun elements. Executed with the support of other committee members and the PTA Executive Board. 2
Ways & Means sub-committee: Spirit Clothing Coordinates sale of Tuckahoe Tiger and Cottle Cub clothing and related items to boost school spirit and raise money for PTA. 1
Welcoming Committee Plans and implements activities to welcome families to the district. This has included hosting a meet-and-greet during the kindergarten bus-run, coordinating a new-families picnic, updating informational packets, and new-family outreach.  1
Cottle sub-committee: Halloween With the support of a committee, plan and implement the annual Halloween party for grades K-5. 1

*Note: Most committees have two co-chairs. Some committees have one vacancy this year (the other chair will be completing year 2), while other committees will welcome two new co-chairs.

The PTA Presents: Managing Stress and Anxiety During Distance Learning

<<Click this link to see a video recording of the presentation>>

Dr. Martuge has worked in the field for over 25 years. She created a special presentation for us at this time when all Westchester County residents are all coping with the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Public health emergencies, such as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) can shake our sense of safety causing feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.

Dr. Martuge has created a free workshop that covers topics including coping tools and strategies to help reduce stress and anxiety, the importance of self-care at this time, strategies to help your children manage their own stress and anxiety at this time, and guidelines for how to talk to your children about what is happening in their world that has changed so suddenly.

  • Talking with your children about COVID-19
  • The Importance of Self-Care
  • Strategies to help cope with stress and anxiety 
  • Question and Answer Time