Announcements / News

For Immediate Release

Public Hearing and Comment Period for amendments to District-Wide Safety Plan to add Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Annex and revised Code of Conduct related to AI use.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Clarkstown Central School District Board of Education will conduct a Public Hearing to consider the proposed amendments to the Districtwide Safety Plan and the Code of Conduct.

The proposed amendments to the Districtwide Safety Plan will add a Cardiac Emergency Response Annex to the Districwide safety plan in accordance with Desha’s Law and amendments to Education Law §§ 917, 2801-a(2), and 2801-a(3)(a).

The proposed revisions to the Code of Conduct address the use of AI.

The hearings will be held on December 11, 2025 at the Board of Education Meeting, Chestnut Grove District Office at 7:30pm.

In accordance with state regulations, the revised District-Wide School Safety Plan and Code of Conduct amendments are available for public comment for a minimum of 30 days prior to its adoption. The proposed change are available on the district website or you can request copies by emailing the District Clerk.

• Cardiac Emergency Response Annex and is available for review on the District website: www.ccsd.edu/safety.
• Code of Conduct will be available for review Code of Conduct Revised Sections

Written comments may be submitted to the District Clerk at districtclerk@ccsd.edu no later than Wednesday December 10, 2025. Members of the public are also invited to present comments in person at the scheduled public hearing.

Sincerely,

Lucy Crosbie

Julie Upton has been a familiar face around #ClarkstownCSD for over a decade, as a music teacher at several elementary schools, an assistant principal at Festa, and most recently as interim principal of Laurel Plains Elementary. And now she's making Laurel Plains her home base permanently, as she was officially appointed principal of the school!

"Having the experience as an interim was a really great opportunity because I had the chance to observe, listen and learn the school," she says. "Building relationships with my students, my staff and the community is my favorite part of the job. Everyone works harder and more genuinely when they feel safe and seen and like they are a part of things."

Congratulations Julie!

Our Eagles are ready to soar to new adventures! Congratulations to the Laurel Plains Elementary School Class of 2025. CCSD this morning celebrated the academic achievements of 64 fifth graders during a Moving-up Ceremony. "As I stand here today, I am filled with so many emotions — pride, gratitude, excitement and, yes, even a touch of sadness," said Principal Julie Upton. "I can honestly say that having you all as my very first Grade 5 class has been the greatest gift." Good luck in middle school!

CCSD elementary schools on June 9 welcomed back a special group of visitors — graduating seniors! Dressed in their caps and gowns, students from Clarkstown high schools North and South walked the halls (pictured: Lakewood and Laurel Plains elementary schools) they once knew so well, greeted by applause from their former teachers and the next generation of learners. For our younger students, it’s a glimpse into the future. For our seniors, it’s a reminder of where their journey began and how far they’ve come.

Thank you to the Clarkstown community for your continued support of our District! The following are the official results of the annual School Budget Vote and Board Election held on Tuesday, May 20.

The 2025-26 Proposed Budget passed with 2,798 "yes" votes or 76% of the vote; there were 879 "no" votes. The budget totals $265,386,114 - reflecting a 4.82% budget-to-budget increase and a 2.45% tax levy increase.

John Maltbie was reelected and Christopher Conti was elected to the Board of Education for three-year terms beginning on July 1, 2025 and concluding on June 30, 2028. We congratulate and thank them for serving our students and learning community.

Thank you once again for prioritizing this year's vote and election. Your continued involvement in, and support of, a CCSD education is greatly appreciated.

The New York State Education Department recognizes October as National Principals Month. In CCSD, we are fortunate to have an amazing team of 13 principals who work tirelessly to support our students and staff, while fostering a culture of excellence in our schools and throughout the District. Our building leaders are passionate about their work with learners so, this year, we asked each of them to share their favorite thing about the age group at their school. See below for what each one had to say!

Bardonia Elementary School | Birchwood School | Clarkstown High School North |
Clarkstown High School South | Felix Festa Elementary School | Lakewood Elementary School | Laurel Plains Elementary School | Link Elementary School | Little Tor Elementary School |
New City Elementary School | Strawtown Elementary School | West Nyack Elementary School | Woodglen Elementary School

Kindergartners at Laurel Plains Elementary School are far from being "treble" makers. In fact, they engage in a sing-along each Friday during lunch as a reward for their behavior all week. So, who's the composer behind this positive reinforcement activity? It's none other than *drumroll* Interim Principal Julie Upton!

In her first year on the job, Interim Principal Upton is using her roots in music education to encourage good habits starting at a young age in CCSD. "Teaching children to seek attention in positive ways is crucial for their development," said Julie. "Reinforcing this behavior not only boosts students' self-esteem, but also equips them with essential skills to engage more effectively with peers and curriculum, ultimately fostering a supportive learning environment for all. Strategies like praising or modeling certain interactions and creating opportunities for celebration can make a big difference. Over time, these practices help lead to healthier relationships and academic success."

While already a number-one hit, Julie has plans in the near future to make this initiative even better! "Right now, I choose interactive songs that engage the students through movement and humor," she said. "Once I build a repertoire with them, I would like to take requests from those who have been reported as going above and beyond to be respectful and help others. I want even our youngest learners to understand that they have the power to change their world with even the smallest acts of kindness."

See photos of the kindergarten activity here; pictured is Interim Principal Upton doing another music activity with second graders.

Thank you, CCSD! The following are the official results of the Clarkstown Central School District’s 2024 Bond Referendum vote held on Tuesday, October 8.

The District's 2024 Bond Referendum was approved with 1,600 "yes" votes or 79.09% of the vote. The $110 million capital improvements project — addressing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), window, flooring and electrical upgrades at all nine elementary schools and the Birchwood School — will take an estimated five years to complete and is TAX NEUTRAL. There is NO INCREASE to current taxes.

Your continued partnership and support of the bond will have a direct impact on student and staff learning, health and safety for years to come. Details regarding the upcoming project can be found here. More information will become available as the work progresses. We cannot wait to get started! 

Students and staff throughout the District engaged in thought-provoking conversations, lessons and activities centered on the September 11, 2001 attacks. At the elementary level, the Grade 4 Team at Laurel Plains read about some of the extraordinary individuals who rose up in the face of tragedy to help their fellow Americans and reflected on what it means to be a hero; fifth graders at Strawtown crafted cards and heart keepsakes for local first responders. The Birchwood School held a ceremony and a moment of silence before being led in the Pledge of Allegiance by one of the classes. Clarkstown High School South's Stars and Stripes Club hosted a community flag planting during which 2,977 were prominently placed on the front lawn — one for each victim.

Welcome back, CCSD! The 2024-25 school year officially kicked off this week. Good luck to all of our new and returning students and staff! See photos from across the District below.

Laurel Plains Elementary School | New City Elementary School

Birchwood School | Clarkstown High School South

Bardonia Elementary School | West Nyack Elementary School | Clarkstown High School North

Lakewood Elementary School | Woodglen Elementary School | Felix Festa Middle School

Link Elementary School | Little Tor Elementary School | Strawtown Elementary School

Please join us in congratulating Clarkstown Central School District administrator Julie Upton who, effective July 1, was named interim principal of Laurel Plains Elementary School for the 2024-25 academic year! Julie first joined the District back in 2009 and spent the next 13 years teaching music at Little Tor, Woodglen and Bardonia elementary schools as well as the Community Learning Center (formerly known as Congers Elementary School). It was during this time that she discovered a deeper passion for education and gained a stronger understanding of it at the elementary level.

In 2022, Julie made the move to Felix Festa Middle School where she served as the A-School assistant principal. There, she focused on sixth-grade education and developed leadership skills that will help her carry out this newest role. "I am excited to begin this next chapter of my career," said Julie. "I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for elementary education back to where it all started, and am eager to continue making a positive impact on the lives of young learners."

Be the best you can be!

Congratulations to the Laurel Plains Elementary School Class of 2024! CCSD this morning celebrated the academic achievements of 53 fifth graders during a Moving-up Ceremony. "You’ve achieved so much, from academic success to personal growth. Now, as with all good things, it is time for the change from elementary to middle school while carrying the pride of your achievements," noted Principal Dr. Duane Christian. Good luck in middle school!

See more photos here. 

5th grade showing Love in memory of their dear friend Liam

Students Laurel Plains are building sea turtle nest protections! Second graders followed the four steps of the design process — ask, imagine, improve and create — to develop structures that could potentially solve a real-world issue. "We are exploring animals in Grade 2 Enrichment," said teacher Karen Tenzer. "Students are building knowledge by actively exploring sea turtles and the problem of them being endangered." Even though each child received the same materials, the finished products were so unique and all effective!