Congratulations to JJHS Junior Jenna Franco, who was named to the Dutchess County Agricultural Advisory Committee. Jenna is an active member of the John Jay FFA (Future Farmers of America), and a great representative of the WCSD! 

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Congratulations to RCK teacher Suzanne Cachon, K104's Golden Apple Award, Teacher of the Month

Mrs. Cachon, a Marine Science teacher, was nominated by a student for her outstanding work. The course is one of her favorite things to teach, because it “opens up a lot of windows for students who never thought they would go into the sciences.” Through her class, her students learn how much impact their actions can have on the environment. ”I just want to show them that change happens through the passion of the very few. You can make a difference by having a small amount of passion and starting a little bit of a wave. Once you plant that seed in their minds, they start to realize what impact they can have, no matter what subject you teach.” She is delighted when parents tell her their children run back to get reusable bags, because “Mrs. C wouldn’t like it if I used plastic!”

Mrs. Cachon is a proud RCK graduate herself. “I always wanted to come back here, as soon as I had the chance I jumped at it. It is the best place to work ever. I am proud to be a teacher at RCK because I love the school.” She added “When you're able to come to work, and feel supported by your students and administration, you really can’t complain!”

WCSD administration greatly appreciates Mrs. Cachon’s work. RCK Principal David Seipp remarked, "The award is well deserved! Mrs. Cachon is a very dedicated teacher who puts students first."  Superintendent Dr. Bonk added, “We are very fortunate to have her as a member of our staff!”

Orchard View Alternative High School students received a surprise when they were called down to social worker Gianni Palanca's office: they received gift cards, thanks to the generosity of the Lluesma family, the United Way, and of the faculty & staff who contributed individual donations. Mr. Palanca and guidance counselor Tanya Fridovich worked to ensure that nearly every student received a gift. The Lluesmas also provided 10 full turkey meals with all the fixings, and the United Way helped to stock a hygiene closet at the school. It was a wonderful reminder for the students that there are kind people who truly care about others, and they create Holiday magic. Thank you to all for your generosity!

A Little Library opened in front of the Fishkill Plains Elementary School! It looks like a big birdhouse, but it's filled with bright and cheerful books.   Little Libraries will be springing up on school grounds in our area--they are part of the AAUW Inc. Poughkeepsie Branch's community outreach program, Leading to Reading.  The project supports local literacy programs and distributes books and reading materials throughout our area.   

The house was designed, funded, and built by Richard LaGuardia as part of his Eagle Scout project.  Richard is a senior at Arlington High School and a member of Troop 275, led by Mr. Blaise Blabac.  With help from his father, Mr. Richard LaGuardia, the box was installed on Veteran’s Day.  Ms. Amy Fazio, school principal, provided help and enthusiastically cheered him on. Children from the school will decorate the structure, and families can visit the library at any time and keep or borrow any of the books.

Boxes will be maintained by Leading to Reading project members.  Books are provided by AAUW and through collaboration with the Friends of the Poughkeepsie Public Library District.

Future plans include installations at several Wappingers Central School District schools as well as Astor Early Childhood Centers.

Further information is available on the AAUW website or by contacting initiative.aauw.poughkeepsie@gmail.com.

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