WEBVTT 1 00:00:46.168 --> 00:00:51.048 [Auto-generated transcript. Edits may have been applied for clarity.] I'm now going to turn the board the meeting over to Doctor Mauricio for the superintendent's report. 2 00:01:07.008 --> 00:01:13.258 Good evening. Thank you, President Jenkins, to our board of trustees. And we also have members of our community here as well. 3 00:01:13.578 --> 00:01:14.858 And tonight is a very special night. 4 00:01:15.218 --> 00:01:23.618 And I want to first take a moment to recognize our two official student board members, Ellen Morrell and Gerald Valenzuela. 5 00:01:24.378 --> 00:01:31.498 Let's give them a round of applause and welcome them. And tonight is their second official meeting. 6 00:01:32.178 --> 00:01:37.458 Being here on the board, and it is great to have a crowd here with us today. 7 00:01:38.138 --> 00:01:43.658 Would like to take a few moments. Um, again, we have a very special event tonight that we'll share, 8 00:01:43.938 --> 00:01:48.178 and we have two very important presentations that we want to update the community on. 9 00:01:48.418 --> 00:01:52.658 But I would like to take a moment to recognize two former board members who have joined us as well. 10 00:01:53.138 --> 00:01:57.858 First of which is Mrs. McDonald. Let's give her a round of applause and welcome her in the audience. 11 00:02:00.818 --> 00:02:05.538 And we also have Mr. Urbano. Uh, let's welcome him as well and say thank you. 12 00:02:07.898 --> 00:02:12.458 both of whom continue to be partners with the school district and bringing programing and support to our children. 13 00:02:12.858 --> 00:02:17.778 So we say thank you. Thank you so much. We also have members of our PTO if they could stand. 14 00:02:18.538 --> 00:02:25.418 Past and present. All right. Former and current president. 15 00:02:25.898 --> 00:02:30.778 So thank you both for being here as well. And we also have members of our Peekskill Education Foundation. 16 00:02:31.538 --> 00:02:34.738 If they could stand up and let's recognize them as well. 17 00:02:37.698 --> 00:02:43.418 Thank you for all of your your leadership and your time as a volunteer to support our school district. 18 00:02:43.898 --> 00:02:44.938 We have some parents in the audience. 19 00:02:45.298 --> 00:02:52.218 If you are a parent, please stand up, let us recognize you and say thank you for all that you do and we appreciate you all being here. 20 00:02:55.858 --> 00:03:02.298 We have administrators in the building as well. If we could have them stand up and say, thank you for your tireless effort and all of your support. 21 00:03:06.548 --> 00:03:11.228 And we could not do this work without our teachers and our staff, who are some of whom are here tonight. 22 00:03:11.668 --> 00:03:18.148 So let us have them stand up and recognize them. This is Buchman. Mrs. Lauren, we thank you, thank you and thank you. 23 00:03:19.908 --> 00:03:27.248 And we also later will have a recognition of Breonna Hall, a new high school music teacher, beginning December 3rd. 24 00:03:27.708 --> 00:03:31.228 Where is there she is. Let us welcome you and say thank you. 25 00:03:35.028 --> 00:03:40.068 And I have the distinct pleasure of bringing you to a space that was very important. 26 00:03:40.468 --> 00:03:43.948 We'll talk about it in just a moment, but we're going to take a little bit of a tour. 27 00:03:44.748 --> 00:03:48.588 So we're going to ask everyone to come together. We're going to walk through this back door here. 28 00:03:49.108 --> 00:03:54.508 If you have not seen our indoor soccer and field, you'll see that we'll walk down the stairs. 29 00:03:55.348 --> 00:04:00.028 Please note they unless you're wearing a full white outfit, the hallway has been painted, 30 00:04:00.588 --> 00:04:04.718 so I would hold on to the handrail and not necessarily lean against the wall. 31 00:04:05.558 --> 00:04:11.398 So if you can join us, we're going to take a quick tour. And we got a special event that we want you to be part of. 32 00:04:11.638 --> 00:04:18.438 And then we will come back up afterwards. So you'll follow I'll we'll follow Carmine Christie on his way out. 33 00:04:51.403 --> 00:04:58.363 Take care. See you. All right. Take care. Megan. Two. 34 00:04:58.763 --> 00:05:01.763 Three. Four. Four. 35 00:05:02.563 --> 00:05:10.083 Five. Six. Mr. Brown, are you all set? 36 00:05:11.363 --> 00:05:15.523 Okay. Mr. Jenkins, can I resume? Okay. All right. 37 00:05:15.723 --> 00:05:20.643 Now that our Board of Education is back, we're going to continue with our, um, night of presentations. 38 00:05:22.043 --> 00:05:29.323 Two exciting presentations for you tonight. Both, uh, engaging our families in different ways. 39 00:05:29.603 --> 00:05:36.923 And we're so excited to hear about the ways in which we'll continue to support our families, but also bring them as partners in education. 40 00:05:37.723 --> 00:05:45.133 A couple of slides I'd like to share with you. Uh, first and foremost, uh, as you know, we have Upgraded our playgrounds. 41 00:05:45.653 --> 00:05:50.453 We've torn down our playgrounds and upgraded our playgrounds at Uriah Hill at Hillcrest. 42 00:05:51.213 --> 00:05:55.533 And now we are moving forward with a new oak side playground. 43 00:05:56.293 --> 00:06:05.253 I want to recognize Doctor Vilas Rodriguez, who received a $200,000 grant that she wrote for, and this was a competitive grant. 44 00:06:05.973 --> 00:06:10.933 And also Cynthia Hawthorne, who is sitting always close to Doctor Vilas Rodriguez. 45 00:06:11.613 --> 00:06:19.053 And so she will also put district funds in to make sure we have a wonderful oxide playground coming in the fall of 2027. 46 00:06:19.973 --> 00:06:21.253 But the work will begin this spring. 47 00:06:21.653 --> 00:06:29.933 And so we basically have an IV every morning and we connect it to Carmine Chrissy, who is working with all these contractors, 48 00:06:30.773 --> 00:06:34.973 and we just keep adding more capital projects onto his plate, but he is making it happen. 49 00:06:35.453 --> 00:06:38.333 Another round of applause for Carmine. We thank you for all of your leadership. 50 00:06:41.813 --> 00:06:48.573 I want to thank our high school students and staff who took our students to camp moriah, and thank you to the board for approving this trip. 51 00:06:49.373 --> 00:06:51.973 This is a very important opportunity for our students to bond together, 52 00:06:52.933 --> 00:06:58.213 work together as as a cohort and the relationships that they create in this great camp. 53 00:06:58.493 --> 00:07:02.173 Moriah is something that lasts and they talk about throughout their high school experience. 54 00:07:02.733 --> 00:07:07.413 And so I want to thank our high school team. Let's give them a round of applause for keeping this work going forward. 55 00:07:07.893 --> 00:07:12.893 And thank you, Doctor Bedi, for continuing to move this forward each and every year as well. 56 00:07:14.053 --> 00:07:21.333 I want to thank all of our staff and administrators in the Peekskill City School District who were part of Pink Out for Breast 57 00:07:21.573 --> 00:07:29.133 Cancer awareness and a very important initiative near and dear to my heart as my grandmother lost her life and battle with cancer. 58 00:07:29.533 --> 00:07:36.213 But want to thank all of you who are making this an important aspect of our community and remembering those who are survivors, 59 00:07:36.733 --> 00:07:39.733 those who have passed and equally important, that we find a cure. 60 00:07:40.053 --> 00:07:47.863 And so let's thank our team for all of the work that they do in our district each and every month. 61 00:07:48.183 --> 00:07:51.183 Celebrate diversity in our community and our heritage. 62 00:07:52.103 --> 00:07:56.743 This month, as you know, September 15th to October 15th is the National Hispanic Heritage Month. 63 00:07:57.183 --> 00:08:03.303 Celebrations have taken place and each and every one of our schools. And here are some of the events that happen in our schools. 64 00:08:03.703 --> 00:08:08.903 Elementary, all the way up to the high school. Let's thank our student performers and all of our staff for leading this effort. 65 00:08:13.183 --> 00:08:18.743 Another example of multiculturalism in our school community. This is the Hillcrest and Peekskill Middle School. 66 00:08:19.503 --> 00:08:23.903 Multicultural nights. Let's recognize our principals, our administrators, and all of our staff, 67 00:08:24.263 --> 00:08:27.263 and equally important, our families who came out for these wonderful activities. 68 00:08:27.783 --> 00:08:39.913 Let's thank them as well. I want to thank our board trustee, Jillian Valen and Jillian Rothschild, one of our parents, 69 00:08:40.393 --> 00:08:43.673 who was very engaged in supporting our school district in many different ways. 70 00:08:44.073 --> 00:08:46.193 They created this birthday cake box idea, 71 00:08:46.593 --> 00:08:52.353 and you see some of our students from our high school or recipients of it, and this is a birthday cake in a box. 72 00:08:52.633 --> 00:08:55.713 You get all the ingredients to make a birthday cake for your children. 73 00:08:56.273 --> 00:08:58.233 And it was these care packages were put together. 74 00:08:58.753 --> 00:09:07.873 Let's give Gillian Fallon and Gillian Rothschild a big round of applause and say thank you and any other wonderful ideas you have to, 75 00:09:08.433 --> 00:09:11.833 whether big or small, we can make sure we get that out to our school community. 76 00:09:12.393 --> 00:09:16.993 So make sure you bring your ideas to us and we will certainly get it out to our families. 77 00:09:18.713 --> 00:09:23.233 I want to thank Doctor Melanie Roman and the high school team who put on the college and career fair today. 78 00:09:24.113 --> 00:09:27.993 There were numerous colleges and career opportunities for our students, 79 00:09:29.273 --> 00:09:33.353 and so I want to thank all of our staff and all the individuals from colleges 80 00:09:33.753 --> 00:09:37.513 that came from New York State and beyond to showcase all of their programing, 81 00:09:38.593 --> 00:09:45.673 scholarship opportunities and different aspects to each of their colleges as they recruit our students to be part of this. 82 00:09:45.913 --> 00:09:50.153 And this is wonderful. We love that our students go on college exploration tours, 83 00:09:50.513 --> 00:09:56.313 but it's also important to bring the colleges here because you can't have 70 colleges as part of a tour. 84 00:09:56.633 --> 00:10:02.153 And so it's wonderful to have this in the fall and also in the spring. Let's give Doctor Roman and the high school team around the applause. 85 00:10:04.873 --> 00:10:10.953 Doctor Mojica, thank you for your leadership as well and want to thank our two trustees, uh, 86 00:10:11.313 --> 00:10:18.673 Brandon McDonnell and Ken King of Port Gums, who attended a charter school presentation that was held in Chappaqua. 87 00:10:19.433 --> 00:10:22.633 There were three school districts. I'm sorry for school districts represented. 88 00:10:23.713 --> 00:10:27.513 I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Peekskill City School District in relation 89 00:10:27.953 --> 00:10:31.873 to charter schools and what our thoughts are and advocacy efforts as a school community. 90 00:10:32.473 --> 00:10:40.003 And so this is something very important to all of us, and we want to thank our board for leading that advocacy effort and to all of our staff as well. 91 00:10:40.163 --> 00:10:47.603 So thank you to our two board trustees for joining us, and also want to recognize this important time of the year. 92 00:10:47.923 --> 00:10:57.003 And that is our Saturday Academy. Um, our trunk or treat led by our PTO that is happening this Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at our middle school. 93 00:10:57.323 --> 00:11:02.283 This is we'll have about 1000 people coming and we have, uh, the trunk or treat event. 94 00:11:02.723 --> 00:11:13.643 We are also having an administrative table. I will be dressed up as well as, um, uh, Captain Crowe from the movie, uh, The Pirates of the Caribbean. 95 00:11:14.323 --> 00:11:17.723 So if you don't recognize me, I will be there with a hook. 96 00:11:18.523 --> 00:11:22.403 And many of our staff will be there dressed up. And our parents want to. 97 00:11:22.523 --> 00:11:27.603 Let's give our PTO a big round of applause and say thank you. And to our Saturday Academy team as well. 98 00:11:30.283 --> 00:11:34.733 I want to take this opportunity. I'm going to skip this slide because Doctor Holliman is going to speak about that. 99 00:11:35.453 --> 00:11:39.493 Would like to. She's not here tonight. I think she knew we were going to recognize her. 100 00:11:40.373 --> 00:11:46.653 Oh, and that is Doctor Daniels, 29 years of service here in the Peekskill City School District. 101 00:11:47.173 --> 00:11:56.013 She is retiring in one week. And while she's not here, we did want to recognize her and let her know. 102 00:11:56.213 --> 00:12:00.573 She will certainly be missed. And we wish her the very best in her next chapter of life. 103 00:12:00.893 --> 00:12:04.533 And another round. Applause for Doctor Daniels in 29 years of service. 104 00:12:08.933 --> 00:12:13.973 Just a few moments. We are going to have a presentation, as I shared related to the family University. 105 00:12:14.933 --> 00:12:16.853 This is our new logo. Thank you Doctor Holman. 106 00:12:17.253 --> 00:12:24.253 Thank you, Laura Belfiore working together to create our new Peekskill Family University logo, which you'll hear about in just a moment. 107 00:12:25.053 --> 00:12:25.973 And then following that, 108 00:12:26.173 --> 00:12:34.383 you're going to hear about Father Factor and all of the ways in which we are reengaging and engaging our fathers and father figures in very new ways. 109 00:12:34.663 --> 00:12:36.223 And that is coming up shortly. 110 00:12:37.223 --> 00:12:44.223 Um, but I'd be remiss if I did not share with, uh, all of you again that there are cards that were written by our students. 111 00:12:44.983 --> 00:12:49.783 Each of our board trustees have cards from our students in board recognition, um, month. 112 00:12:50.263 --> 00:12:53.783 And we want to thank you for all your volunteerism. This is an unpaid position. 113 00:12:54.383 --> 00:12:59.143 This is hours of work each week, um, helping to create the vision for our district, 114 00:12:59.743 --> 00:13:03.703 making sure we are financially stable to create, keep the programs we have in place, 115 00:13:04.263 --> 00:13:05.023 build capital projects, 116 00:13:05.623 --> 00:13:12.543 make sure that our district has the policies and the practices to make it the very best place for our students and for our families. 117 00:13:13.023 --> 00:13:15.943 And we want to say thank you to our Board of Trustees. Can you stand up? 118 00:13:16.063 --> 00:13:21.743 Let us give you a round of applause, and we want to say thank you for all of your commitment and yes, our students as well. 119 00:13:30.343 --> 00:13:36.223 All right. And with that, that concludes Peekskill Pride. Let us give Doctor Holman a big round of applause. 120 00:13:36.543 --> 00:13:41.383 He's going to speak about the next iteration of our family engagement at the Family Resource Center. 121 00:13:41.663 --> 00:13:55.383 Let's give her a round of applause. Good evening. 122 00:13:56.223 --> 00:14:06.623 Board president, member of the Board of Education, the superintendent, district leaders, parents and everyone that is joining us this evening. 123 00:14:07.223 --> 00:14:13.743 Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share the vision of the Peekskill Family University. 124 00:14:15.503 --> 00:14:24.863 I'm excited to discuss two initiatives that has the potential to strengthen our relationships with families, 125 00:14:25.583 --> 00:14:34.433 empower parents, Caregivers and build a strong connection between our schools and the community. 126 00:14:35.553 --> 00:14:39.433 At the heart of these initiatives is a simple belief. 127 00:14:40.153 --> 00:14:45.433 When we invest in our families, we invest in the success of our scholars. 128 00:14:46.593 --> 00:14:59.433 Tonight, I want to share why the Peekskill Family University is important, how we can build upon the work of our existing Family Resource Center, 129 00:14:59.833 --> 00:15:06.753 and how we can create meaningful learning opportunities for the families we serve. 130 00:15:10.353 --> 00:15:21.033 As the liaison for the Family Resource Center, I live in two areas the whole child and parent engagement. 131 00:15:24.993 --> 00:15:31.683 From the Family Resource Center data from December 2025 to the present. 132 00:15:32.363 --> 00:15:40.323 The Family Resource Center welcome 1856 visitors, including. 133 00:15:47.043 --> 00:16:02.643 Including 825. For registration 594 workshop participants, 240 for transportation and 193 for other services. 134 00:16:03.443 --> 00:16:10.963 Now, when I talk about other services, we're talking about families coming in, picking up information, getting diapers. 135 00:16:12.123 --> 00:16:15.283 So that falls under other services. 136 00:16:18.483 --> 00:16:23.923 Our vision, the Peekskill Family University is a shared vision, 137 00:16:24.643 --> 00:16:32.963 which empowers families as partners and offer courses which help them strive as caregivers. 138 00:16:41.003 --> 00:16:45.123 Why a family? I am so happy you asked. 139 00:16:45.963 --> 00:16:56.443 We know that a parent is a child's first teacher and remains the most important partner throughout their educational journey. 140 00:16:57.363 --> 00:17:08.403 However, if we are honest with ourselves, navigating the educational system and advocating for your child can sometimes be challenging. 141 00:17:09.843 --> 00:17:21.403 The Family University will provide families with opportunities to build knowledge, develop skills, ask questions, and continue with the people. 142 00:17:22.053 --> 00:17:31.133 and and and connect you with people and resources that can help them support their children. 143 00:17:34.093 --> 00:17:37.893 Ambassadors for the Family Resource Center. 144 00:17:39.173 --> 00:17:48.213 The steering committee, the steering committee is committed to ensuring that all families. 145 00:17:48.933 --> 00:18:02.653 And I want to say that again, all families are represented, heard and included in the planning and development of the Peekskill Family University. 146 00:18:03.693 --> 00:18:09.453 Now, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my amazing team. 147 00:18:10.173 --> 00:18:22.023 Our goal is to reach all families, so a part of this dynamic team is Leslie du Tyne, a high school guidance counselor Renee Pearce. 148 00:18:22.743 --> 00:18:26.103 Middle school special ed Marian Castro. 149 00:18:27.103 --> 00:18:32.383 Special ed and chairperson Randy Albano, Hillcrest. 150 00:18:33.223 --> 00:18:37.103 And she leads our show. Lena. Lena. 151 00:18:38.423 --> 00:18:43.023 I'm not going to say her last name because now I'm messing it up, but I just want to highlight Lina. 152 00:18:43.863 --> 00:18:57.103 Lina is a teacher at Oak Side and she is fluent in Arabic, and that is a growing community in Peekskill. 153 00:18:57.823 --> 00:19:02.543 So I was intentional about putting her on our committee. 154 00:19:03.183 --> 00:19:09.343 She is excited and ready to go. Jasmine session, a community partner. 155 00:19:10.303 --> 00:19:13.663 Fannie Glasper Oxide, social worker. 156 00:19:14.303 --> 00:19:22.433 Mayor McKenzie, community partner Jen Cabal PTO president and she is here tonight. 157 00:19:22.913 --> 00:19:23.873 Can we give it up for her? 158 00:19:26.113 --> 00:19:39.793 Jackie Lieber, Uriah Hill, Mel Bolden, middle school music teacher Christine Buckman, high School special ed education department leader. 159 00:19:40.153 --> 00:19:45.953 And she is here tonight. Can we give it up for her? This is my team. 160 00:19:46.713 --> 00:19:55.993 And the thing about us, it is diverse, but we have one mission and that is serving our families. 161 00:19:59.193 --> 00:20:07.553 I gotta get my clicker here. Building on the Family Resource Center, 162 00:20:08.793 --> 00:20:23.953 I personally want to thank Doctor Mauricio and Maria Flores because they have already set a strong foundation through our Family Resource Center, 163 00:20:24.753 --> 00:20:36.393 which serves as a hub or have or how Maria Flores says it a one stop shop for connecting families with resources, 164 00:20:37.153 --> 00:20:40.473 resources, services and community partners. 165 00:20:41.513 --> 00:20:52.993 The Family Resource Center will will build on those connections by providing structure learning opportunities that help families understand, 166 00:20:54.233 --> 00:20:57.673 navigate, and use those resources effectively. 167 00:20:59.033 --> 00:21:11.473 See, we're moving from access to empowerment, from connection to capacity building, and from participation to partnership partnership. 168 00:21:12.633 --> 00:21:17.123 We are moving to the next level at the Family Resource Center. 169 00:21:22.643 --> 00:21:25.963 Family courses. Family University courses. 170 00:21:26.963 --> 00:21:37.963 Our vision is to offer learning opportunity that respond to the real need in and interest of Peekskill families. 171 00:21:39.163 --> 00:21:46.963 See, we must remember that family engagement is not a one size fits all. 172 00:21:47.723 --> 00:21:55.363 And I'm going to say that again, family engagement is not a one size fits all. 173 00:21:56.283 --> 00:22:02.883 Our families have different experiences, strengths, responsibility, and needs. 174 00:22:04.163 --> 00:22:15.693 Our programing should reflect the diversity while ensuring that every family feels welcome, Respected and value most important. 175 00:22:17.253 --> 00:22:25.053 We want families to help shape the learning opportunities offer through the family university. 176 00:22:26.133 --> 00:22:35.853 Tonight as I stand here, we actually have a class going on at the Family Resource Center and it's about first time homebuyers. 177 00:22:36.973 --> 00:22:47.373 Now, in the past, at the Family Resource Center, we would normally offer this class in the fall, in the spring with the family university. 178 00:22:48.813 --> 00:22:52.213 Instead of doing it in silo, we will do cohorts. 179 00:22:53.173 --> 00:22:56.213 And after the cohort you would get a certificate. 180 00:22:57.053 --> 00:23:00.613 But not only will you get a certificate, there's a follow up. 181 00:23:01.053 --> 00:23:10.903 So I just want to make sure you can see the difference from where we are at the Family Resource Center and how we're moving to the next level. 182 00:23:21.663 --> 00:23:31.423 I would like to highlight two outstanding programs offered at the Family Resource Center Raising a Reader and. 183 00:23:34.423 --> 00:23:47.343 Peekskill Basics. Both are delivered in cohorts and facilitated by our community partner, Carmen Morton and Anna Links from the Guidance Center. 184 00:23:48.063 --> 00:23:55.583 These ladies are amazing. This is an example of raising a reader. 185 00:23:56.063 --> 00:24:00.303 It's for our young scholars and I would invite the board. 186 00:24:01.543 --> 00:24:05.943 One day when you're free. Stop by on a Wednesday or Friday. 187 00:24:06.663 --> 00:24:11.703 It is packed. These ladies are absolutely amazing. 188 00:24:15.943 --> 00:24:30.303 Carmen Vargas, Maria Flores and Carmen Battle have done an outstanding job creating leadership opportunities and empowering our Hispanic community. 189 00:24:31.183 --> 00:24:34.223 Let's give it up. Carmen is here tonight. Let's give it up. 190 00:24:37.543 --> 00:24:44.223 They will be hosting an upcoming event on November 7th at Peekskill Middle School. 191 00:24:45.663 --> 00:25:00.383 The conference from Parent to parent. So now I want to introduce you to the new initiative, the second new initiative that I am starting. 192 00:25:01.943 --> 00:25:07.513 Our second initiative is the Heritage Leadership Legacy Academy. 193 00:25:08.793 --> 00:25:20.713 This initiative is designed to empower families, develop future leaders, and strengthen our community by focusing on three key areas. 194 00:25:24.673 --> 00:25:28.553 These are the three areas of focus the village. 195 00:25:29.393 --> 00:25:33.753 Empowering mothers. Strengthening families. The next generation. 196 00:25:34.793 --> 00:25:39.233 Our scholars are tomorrow's leaders and black fathers matter. 197 00:25:40.073 --> 00:25:44.073 Redefining black fatherhood more than a provider. 198 00:25:49.193 --> 00:25:58.073 Black fathers matter. It is important because it creates a supportive space for black fathers to connect, share experience, 199 00:25:59.193 --> 00:26:04.753 strengthening parent skills, and build meaningful relationships with our children. 200 00:26:05.473 --> 00:26:12.843 I had see in the audience. Several fathers that attended our Black Father matters. 201 00:26:13.603 --> 00:26:18.443 Can you please stand up and can we give them a hand? 202 00:26:22.523 --> 00:26:26.203 Black excellence. All day, all day. 203 00:26:29.843 --> 00:26:32.963 Our workshop. When we had our conference, 204 00:26:33.483 --> 00:26:46.643 our workshop focused on the success of co-parenting in a separate household and then co-parenting in a household that you live in together. 205 00:26:47.123 --> 00:26:53.163 So for an example, we have families that have children, but the father is not in the household. 206 00:26:53.843 --> 00:27:04.643 So that was one group. Then we had another group where you live with your significant other or your husband or wife and your parenting that way. 207 00:27:05.003 --> 00:27:16.363 So we had two groups and we had one of our presenters was Pastor Perry from Mount Olivet Baptist Church. 208 00:27:17.043 --> 00:27:22.603 The other presenter is here with us tonight, Mr. Darrell Francis from the youth Bureau. 209 00:27:23.083 --> 00:27:26.163 Can we give it up for him? He did an amazing job. 210 00:27:29.883 --> 00:27:40.083 This workshop was so powerful that the fathers have already reached out to me and want to know our next steps. 211 00:27:41.163 --> 00:27:51.643 Also, our scholars myself, Renee Curtis, Mel Bolden, we worked with the scholars while the fathers were in the workshop, 212 00:27:52.443 --> 00:28:02.493 and we explored topics like social media impact and the importance of understanding your self-worth, your reputation. 213 00:28:03.773 --> 00:28:18.613 Matters. Here is just some more pictures of our black fathers matter. 214 00:28:19.173 --> 00:28:23.613 And if you look on the right, you will see, um. 215 00:28:24.413 --> 00:28:30.893 Divine. Preston and his children had to do a project about him. 216 00:28:31.493 --> 00:28:41.653 And after they did the project, they had to present it to the audience and they had to create a collage. 217 00:28:42.413 --> 00:28:49.213 And the piece that's important about this is that when you're dealing with high school students, they're on their phones. 218 00:28:49.973 --> 00:28:55.853 I had to put them on a group text to remind them that I needed this project. 219 00:28:56.573 --> 00:29:02.583 But the deal is they work together as a family and their dad was so proud. 220 00:29:05.863 --> 00:29:10.103 And just here's more pictures with our scholars and their dads. 221 00:29:10.623 --> 00:29:25.863 And they just represents excellence. So now partners, we have more than 70 community partners and our networks continues to grow. 222 00:29:26.943 --> 00:29:33.623 This growth is a testament to the leadership of our amazing superintendent, 223 00:29:35.143 --> 00:29:44.383 Doctor David Mauricio, and the dedication of Maria Flores and her expertise in community schools. 224 00:29:45.423 --> 00:29:56.223 Together, we have strengthened, strengthening partnerships and creating more opportunities to support our families and our scholars. 225 00:30:02.753 --> 00:30:07.113 It takes a village. It takes a village to raise a child. 226 00:30:08.033 --> 00:30:14.993 A child thrives when they are surrounded by love, guidance, support and community. 227 00:30:15.953 --> 00:30:19.513 No parent was meant to do this alone. 228 00:30:20.153 --> 00:30:25.073 Every child deserves to have a village. 229 00:30:29.193 --> 00:30:32.713 So tonight I just want to say thank you. 230 00:30:33.273 --> 00:30:43.913 Thank you for your time, continued support and commitment to empowerment, empowering our families and our scholars. 231 00:30:44.753 --> 00:30:58.233 Thank you so much. Thank you, Doctor Holloman, for leading this effort. 232 00:30:58.513 --> 00:31:05.473 And thank you for recognizing Maria Flores. Uh, she was hoping to be here tonight, but we appreciate your partnership and working together. 233 00:31:05.953 --> 00:31:10.873 And we appreciate the work that you're moving our family engagement work forward, uh, 234 00:31:10.993 --> 00:31:16.673 in collaboration with other initiatives that we have in our school district at the schools and central office as well. 235 00:31:17.113 --> 00:31:19.953 Let's give Doctor Holloman another big round of applause and say thank you. 236 00:31:21.593 --> 00:31:26.713 And before we have our next presentation, I'll open it up to our board trustees. 237 00:31:27.673 --> 00:31:34.993 Um, in case you have any comments or questions for Doctor Holloman or myself related to our family engagement and the family university. 238 00:31:40.913 --> 00:31:48.833 I'll just express my gratitude for your ability to bring together all of the ideas that are happening in the community, 239 00:31:49.313 --> 00:31:53.193 and to provide a space and a vision for building that out into a program. 240 00:31:54.193 --> 00:31:54.193 Um, 241 00:31:54.313 --> 00:32:01.523 one of the things that my husband and I really loved about Peekskill was the sense of community that we felt when we didn't really even know anybody. 242 00:32:02.003 --> 00:32:06.203 So I just appreciate that you're finding ways to bring families together and the ways that they need. 243 00:32:15.243 --> 00:32:24.563 I'm just excited about the opportunity to see the continued support that you have, um, given to our community. 244 00:32:25.363 --> 00:32:35.043 And, um, I'm excited just to see, you know, our, our, our black fathers getting involved in our, 245 00:32:35.563 --> 00:32:39.243 our community and seeing the young ones kind of growing up and, 246 00:32:39.843 --> 00:32:47.083 and forcing them to actually present and, and, you know, you still got the teacher in you. 247 00:32:47.283 --> 00:32:52.973 I see that and I love it. So I'm just excited. And anything that, you know, I can do. 248 00:32:53.893 --> 00:32:58.653 Please don't hesitate to reach out. I know you won't, but just for you guys as well. 249 00:33:04.413 --> 00:33:08.533 Well, thank you for this intentional work. We're going to continue to grow this work. 250 00:33:08.773 --> 00:33:14.853 This is planning a seed. There's a wonderful saying, that quote that I often share in these moments. 251 00:33:15.293 --> 00:33:18.413 And that is from a small seed, a mighty trunk will grow. 252 00:33:18.813 --> 00:33:22.213 And these are the seeds we continue to plant and keep moving it forward. 253 00:33:22.773 --> 00:33:27.733 This is the beginning of of our next iteration of our family engagement at the Family Resource Center. 254 00:33:28.053 --> 00:33:31.533 And we are intentional to make sure that all families are part of this effort. 255 00:33:32.133 --> 00:33:37.973 Reaching out. We didn't always do a great job in reaching out to all of our families, and so we're intentional in bringing that forward. 256 00:33:38.533 --> 00:33:45.533 This is an inclusive approach where we are bringing families of different ethnicities, different backgrounds to the table, 257 00:33:46.093 --> 00:33:50.173 and we are also intentional about our work with fathers, we our mothers, 258 00:33:50.533 --> 00:33:54.453 we love our mothers and those who are mother figures in the in the lives of our children. 259 00:33:54.893 --> 00:34:01.053 But if we're honest in education, for many, many years and decades, we have, um, 260 00:34:01.693 --> 00:34:06.453 not spent the energy to bring our fathers in the fold as well as our mothers. 261 00:34:06.733 --> 00:34:09.853 So we are trying to bring a full, inclusive approach to parent engagement. 262 00:34:10.413 --> 00:34:13.693 And so with that. Another round of applause for Doctor Holman. Yes. 263 00:34:16.053 --> 00:34:25.053 Excuse me, back to Mauricio, but I just want to apologize because I'm in reading and I just want to go back 264 00:34:25.453 --> 00:34:32.653 and just acknowledge Doctor Mauricio and Laura for creating this amazing logo. 265 00:34:33.453 --> 00:34:40.533 And if you look at it very closely, it definitely has our school colors, but it has a heart in the middle. 266 00:34:40.973 --> 00:34:46.573 And when I see that heart, it reminds me of the heart that we have for our families. 267 00:34:47.253 --> 00:34:51.263 So, Laura, I just want to personally say thank you for your time. 268 00:34:51.943 --> 00:34:55.863 Doctor Mauricio, I want to say thank you for you to putting that together. 269 00:34:56.303 --> 00:34:59.903 Thank you so much. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. 270 00:35:01.023 --> 00:35:04.063 And my role in that was Laura. We need a logo for the university. 271 00:35:05.103 --> 00:35:09.383 And I need a heart. And so she did all the work. I give her all the recognition for that. 272 00:35:09.543 --> 00:35:16.823 That is her expertise. But thank you again. Um, with that, I'm going to bring up our last presentation, and that is Doctor Jenna Farris. 273 00:35:17.383 --> 00:35:26.943 And let's give her a round applause while she makes her way up. And you heard about the great work that was just presented. 274 00:35:27.503 --> 00:35:31.303 And part of that was speaking about our father engagement initiatives as well. 275 00:35:31.583 --> 00:35:36.863 And they, um, Doctor Ferris and her team came up with this wonderful title called Father Factor. 276 00:35:37.343 --> 00:35:40.183 And it's in relation to a call to action. 277 00:35:41.103 --> 00:35:46.383 Last spring, I was invited to speak at at a conference in Westchester numerous school district, White Plains, 278 00:35:47.313 --> 00:35:53.633 Greenberg and New Rochelle were part of a panel, and I was able to speak about our work and family engagement. 279 00:35:54.233 --> 00:35:58.193 But they had a call to action, and that was to make sure that we have an effort, 280 00:35:58.473 --> 00:36:04.353 and we doubled down our support for making sure that we're engaging our fathers and father figures, and that's very important. 281 00:36:05.073 --> 00:36:11.513 Many of us in our lives had fathers and father figures, mothers and mother figures, and so we wanted to be intentional in that work. 282 00:36:11.753 --> 00:36:18.993 And so Doctor Faris is going to speak about this next seed that we have already planned it, and it's already sprouted and more to come. 283 00:36:19.313 --> 00:36:22.913 But, Doctor Faris, we're going to turn it over to you. Thank you, Doctor Mauricio. 284 00:36:23.833 --> 00:36:27.553 Good evening everyone. Board president. Jenkins. Board of trustees, Peekskill community. 285 00:36:28.233 --> 00:36:33.913 Thank you all for being here tonight. And I'm really excited to present on The Father Factor, which is a new initiative. 286 00:36:34.913 --> 00:36:39.353 Um, it kind of stemmed out of a conversation that Doctor Daniels and I were having over the summer, 287 00:36:39.753 --> 00:36:46.963 and that seed has sprouted and it's taken off, and we're really excited for the work that we're doing and the work that is to come. 288 00:36:47.883 --> 00:36:51.403 A big shout out to Mr. Francis from the Youth Bureau. He's been partnering with us. 289 00:36:54.603 --> 00:36:58.083 On this work and also to our dads, our planning committee. 290 00:36:59.683 --> 00:37:02.723 Please, guys. Stand up. I know you're a little shy, but stand up. 291 00:37:10.723 --> 00:37:14.763 They are really the heart and soul of what we do and what you're going to see tonight. 292 00:37:15.483 --> 00:37:19.123 It's their ideas. And I just try to work behind the scenes and make it happen. 293 00:37:19.483 --> 00:37:24.363 But it's their idea. So without them, the father factor would not have become what it is today. 294 00:37:25.403 --> 00:37:32.843 So our mission and vision is aligned to the Peekskill Promise in powerful family, parent and community Partnerships. 295 00:37:33.523 --> 00:37:38.203 We are trying to make this a community initiative, not just a parent initiative, 296 00:37:38.643 --> 00:37:45.203 but bringing the community in and partnering so that it is a community effort and even going wider than the Peekskill community. 297 00:37:47.123 --> 00:37:56.483 So through conversations with our fathers amongst ourselves, we came up with four pillars that are going to encompass what the father factor is. 298 00:37:57.003 --> 00:38:05.763 Connect, engage, mentor, and support. And as we go through the next few slides, you'll see just exactly what these mean and you'll see them in action. 299 00:38:07.203 --> 00:38:12.643 So connect is really providing opportunities for our fathers and father figures. 300 00:38:13.083 --> 00:38:16.523 And we also we let moms come to they come and we welcome them. 301 00:38:16.763 --> 00:38:22.563 And sometimes they come and they say, hey, can my student or my child go with one of the other dads? 302 00:38:22.923 --> 00:38:26.323 And our dads welcome them with open arms. So we are all inclusive. 303 00:38:26.963 --> 00:38:30.843 We do invite moms, although it is the father factor for fathers and father figures, 304 00:38:31.643 --> 00:38:38.363 but one of our initiatives is connecting and providing meaningful experiences for our fathers and their children. 305 00:38:39.043 --> 00:38:44.053 We had our fishing event at the start of the year with over 70 fathers and their children in attendance. 306 00:38:45.413 --> 00:38:51.453 Just this past Friday. About I don't know, two weeks ago our dads group said, hey, we should do a Halloween event. 307 00:38:51.893 --> 00:38:57.333 And I said, all right, well, Halloween is, you know, two weeks away and there's like nothing on the calendar available. 308 00:38:57.813 --> 00:38:59.893 But we made it happen. Thanks to Mr. Francis. 309 00:39:00.373 --> 00:39:08.213 He opened up the doors of the youth Bureau, and we had about 30 dads, um, on Friday night at the youth Bureau, getting toilet paper like mummies. 310 00:39:09.173 --> 00:39:14.973 Kids were painting pumpkins. You'll see later on we have a little video for you, but it was really a great opportunity. 311 00:39:16.093 --> 00:39:19.133 Um, the the fathers have a lot of ideas. 312 00:39:19.813 --> 00:39:23.613 They want to go to a West Point hockey game and specifically said hockey. 313 00:39:24.213 --> 00:39:27.853 They said, we always see basketball and we always see football. Let's do hockey. 314 00:39:28.533 --> 00:39:35.493 Ice skating at Bear Mountain, flag football games, going to Home Depot on a Saturday and taking advantage of one of their workshops. 315 00:39:36.053 --> 00:39:42.063 So they have a lot of ideas and we're looking to make them can like continue throughout the year. 316 00:39:42.503 --> 00:39:49.623 One idea a month or one event a month that could bring our fathers and our children together for this bonding experience. 317 00:39:51.703 --> 00:39:57.183 Engage is our next pillar. So creating opportunities for our dads to come into our schools. 318 00:39:57.703 --> 00:40:02.783 So you'll see here we had the tie dye ceremony that Coach Turner put on. 319 00:40:03.063 --> 00:40:10.503 And that was an opportunity for dads to come into the schools. We also have our Bring our Child to School day, but we want to take it a step further. 320 00:40:11.543 --> 00:40:17.783 We're talking about maybe Dads and Donuts, which is an initiative where just dads can come into the school, have a donut with their child. 321 00:40:18.743 --> 00:40:22.503 Um, the fathers came up with dads on duty, which is kind of like hall patrol. 322 00:40:23.103 --> 00:40:29.823 So they're in the hallways reminding the kids to get to class, coming into the cafeteria and helping to serve food, 323 00:40:30.063 --> 00:40:35.503 or just connecting with students during the cafeteria time, or coming into our classrooms and reading. 324 00:40:36.063 --> 00:40:42.583 We know literacy is very important. So bringing our dads in into our classrooms and reading to our students again. 325 00:40:42.903 --> 00:40:49.863 These are all ideas that they come up with. I just listen, I take notes, I let them talk, and we just try to make it happen. 326 00:40:50.943 --> 00:40:55.143 Next initiative is mentoring really giving back to our youth. 327 00:40:55.463 --> 00:41:03.543 So partnering with MBK, putting on a workshop for our MBA students, whether that's on grooming, hygiene, basic etiquette. 328 00:41:04.743 --> 00:41:10.623 You know, our father said that we have to teach our young men, you know, manners and and, you know, 329 00:41:10.743 --> 00:41:16.023 when you walk into a room shaking somebody's hand, looking them in the eye, taking your hat off. 330 00:41:16.383 --> 00:41:20.543 So these are qualities they want to instill in our young people. 331 00:41:20.983 --> 00:41:26.423 So definitely connecting them with MBK and also community service initiatives as well. 332 00:41:27.583 --> 00:41:31.103 And then just providing a support network for our fathers. 333 00:41:31.703 --> 00:41:40.633 It's great when we have our monthly father meeting to just hear the fathers talking to each other, sharing an experience, asking for advice. 334 00:41:41.433 --> 00:41:44.513 Hey, I'm a parent of a girl. What did you experience with this? 335 00:41:44.993 --> 00:41:50.433 Oh, I don't have any girls. I only have sons. And just hear them talking about what they could do to help one another, 336 00:41:50.793 --> 00:41:56.193 and also just talking about their experiences and what they then want to give to our younger generation. 337 00:41:56.993 --> 00:42:02.713 So I love just going to the meetings and sitting back and listening to their conversations because it's very powerful. 338 00:42:03.273 --> 00:42:09.133 But also having a fathers conference so similar to the conference, that's going to happen on November 7th, 339 00:42:09.713 --> 00:42:12.593 a conference just for our dads where we're bringing in different speakers, 340 00:42:13.353 --> 00:42:21.593 mental health, financial literacy, partnering with our clergy to offer workshops so that we can provide the support network for our fathers, 341 00:42:22.073 --> 00:42:30.833 giving them an opportunity, yes, to engage with their children, but also to engage with themselves and have a network of men that they can count on 342 00:42:31.113 --> 00:42:35.363 and come together and talk about things and just bounce ideas off of each other. 343 00:42:37.323 --> 00:42:41.603 So the father factor, we. We don't want it to just be a list of events on the calendar. 344 00:42:42.203 --> 00:42:47.403 We want this to grow. We want to take this to the county level, to the state level. 345 00:42:47.803 --> 00:42:52.163 We want to try to get some funding so that we can continue these initiatives. 346 00:42:53.483 --> 00:42:56.603 Um, it's it's a partnership that we have with the Youth Bureau. 347 00:42:57.083 --> 00:43:02.443 We're also going to be talking to the White Plains Youth Bureau to try to get them involved in our initiative, 348 00:43:03.003 --> 00:43:07.283 as they were instrumental in putting on that conference that Doctor Mauricio talked about earlier, 349 00:43:08.123 --> 00:43:11.283 also partnering with Doctor Holloman and the initiative she is doing. 350 00:43:11.883 --> 00:43:17.003 So this, again, is a community wide effort, not just a Peekskill City School District effort, 351 00:43:17.403 --> 00:43:24.083 because as Doctor Holloman said, it does take a village and we need everybody to come together and support our students. 352 00:43:26.163 --> 00:43:32.773 So this was Friday night, our Halloween event, and you're going to see in a short moment, um, what happened at the event. 353 00:43:33.173 --> 00:43:37.053 Again, we had about 30 dads there and they had a good time. 354 00:43:37.533 --> 00:43:41.133 The kids had a good time. I want to give Mr. Brown a special shout out. 355 00:43:41.293 --> 00:43:48.693 I know he wanted to watch the Cowboys game last night, but he did stay up and make this video for me when I asked them really late to make it. 356 00:43:48.813 --> 00:43:55.253 So thank you, Mr. Brown, for putting this together. Yeah. 357 00:43:55.893 --> 00:45:52.823 Thank you. I do want to give a shout out to two of our fathers who are passionate about photography, Marcus and Derek. 358 00:45:53.423 --> 00:45:56.343 They are our resident photographers for all of our activities. 359 00:45:58.543 --> 00:46:03.503 So the photos you see in the PowerPoint, the photos that you see in the video come from them. 360 00:46:03.823 --> 00:46:07.703 They are great photographers and really capture some great moments for us. 361 00:46:08.503 --> 00:46:10.903 Um, in The Father Factor, we're going to dream big. 362 00:46:11.663 --> 00:46:16.943 Um, we're going to envision an overnight trip one day for our fathers and their families or their children. 363 00:46:17.943 --> 00:46:22.303 Um, whether it's camping, whether it's going out of state, but we're just going to keep dreaming big, 364 00:46:22.663 --> 00:46:30.233 keep making network connections because we want this to grow, and we want this to really be started in Peekskill, but expand outside of Peekskill. 365 00:46:30.793 --> 00:46:35.673 So we're going to be advocating for some funding because we need the funding to make things happen. 366 00:46:36.193 --> 00:46:42.153 And before I close, I am going to call my fathers up because they really are instrumental in this work. 367 00:46:42.433 --> 00:46:47.353 Also, Kamari is instrumental, Mr. Getter, Mr. Francis and Doctor Daniel. 368 00:46:47.833 --> 00:46:52.753 So those of you that are here, please come up because I need everybody to to recognize you guys. 369 00:47:03.833 --> 00:47:07.513 Doctor Ferris, what we'll do is have the father stand in the center board around. 370 00:47:08.033 --> 00:47:14.873 We need Doctor Holliman to come up as well. And we should have our PTO president and past president, because that's part of parent engagement. 371 00:47:15.473 --> 00:47:19.433 So come on up, and we're going to take a photo as we continue our family engagement work. 372 00:47:19.633 --> 00:47:23.753 Yes. And while we're doing that, I do want to mention this really is Peekskill Pride. 373 00:47:24.273 --> 00:47:28.163 Many of our fathers and our Mr. Getter, our Peekskill alum. 374 00:47:28.643 --> 00:47:35.843 So this is full circle. Peekskill Pride and I know Doctor Daniels is in here tonight, but many of our fathers and people involved, she taught. 375 00:47:36.803 --> 00:47:41.323 So our first meeting, we had a group picture of her and all the people that that she taught. 376 00:47:41.603 --> 00:47:49.083 So it was really a full circle moment. It's not your first. 377 00:47:56.523 --> 00:48:03.243 Time. It's kind of like you. Said that. 378 00:48:03.403 --> 00:48:09.163 You know, this. So that that. 379 00:48:09.803 --> 00:48:34.203 Oh. It's kind of like, oh yeah, I don't care. 380 00:48:37.603 --> 00:48:41.643 And I just want to thank the dads for coming. I really appreciate you guys coming out tonight. 381 00:48:47.283 --> 00:48:51.963 All right. Let's give Doctor Ferris, Doctor Holliman another big round of applause. 382 00:48:52.403 --> 00:49:00.683 We are planting our family engagement work. It is part of our Peekskill promise, which is engaging our families and community partners. 383 00:49:01.523 --> 00:49:05.363 I was going to share some closing remarks, but good job, daddy. 384 00:49:05.843 --> 00:49:09.603 I cannot be that. That is just the best way to close this out. 385 00:49:10.323 --> 00:49:16.883 With that, I will turn it over to our Board of Education for any comments. Uh, thank you, thank you. 386 00:49:17.403 --> 00:49:21.893 Um. That was that was great. 387 00:49:22.453 --> 00:49:29.893 Um, does anyone have anything to say? Um, in regards to Doctor Ferris's, um, presentation. 388 00:49:33.253 --> 00:49:37.133 All right. I'll just say I'm super excited. It's a fantastic thing to see. 389 00:49:37.733 --> 00:49:43.333 Um, and I think especially when we're thinking about black fathers and brown fathers and bringing them into the fold, 390 00:49:43.613 --> 00:49:47.813 not that they've ever not wanted to be, but creating this space intentionally and then letting them lead. 391 00:49:48.133 --> 00:49:53.373 That's how we build community that, you know, that works together, feels good about each other. 392 00:49:53.533 --> 00:49:56.093 It feels good about the work that they're doing. So congratulations everyone. 393 00:50:01.213 --> 00:50:06.213 And as I say, it just says, dads, we we've we've always wanted to be involved. 394 00:50:07.173 --> 00:50:18.013 Um, so, um, you know, thank you for giving them the space and the opportunity to kind of show their love and passion for fatherhood. 395 00:50:19.213 --> 00:50:23.983 Um, because it's always great. As you can see, this group is definitely going to grow. 396 00:50:24.863 --> 00:50:30.383 So I'm excited to see where it kind of grows into, um, at this moment. 397 00:50:31.303 --> 00:50:38.703 Um, I wanted to, uh, actually turn it over to our student board members, um, for their, um, for their report. 398 00:50:58.863 --> 00:51:06.823 From September 15th to October 15th was Hispanic Heritage Month, and the high school was able to do a performance. 399 00:51:15.623 --> 00:51:20.383 And then in the after this performance. Coach Johnson, the dance teacher. 400 00:51:20.863 --> 00:51:28.383 And. The one that will try it out. 401 00:51:29.143 --> 00:51:40.423 The one that leads the dance team, was able to help create a way where students were able to represent their heritage and use their 402 00:51:41.223 --> 00:51:51.143 creativeness and performing arts to show other students where that the school is a safe place, 403 00:51:51.623 --> 00:52:00.583 and help show the other members to join new creative arts and new ways for physical education. 404 00:52:02.463 --> 00:52:05.303 Yes, also, just today, 405 00:52:05.863 --> 00:52:13.983 the dance team received their sweats with the girls last names and the guys last names on the back of their sweatshirts and sweatpants. 406 00:52:14.743 --> 00:52:23.873 And I actually had dance that period, so I got to see all of the kids after school come in and see their names on these hoodies. 407 00:52:24.233 --> 00:52:33.633 And I think it just it was like a wave of emotions over all of their faces to see that their sport was really being taken seriously by administration, 408 00:52:34.513 --> 00:52:42.913 and they were getting recognized as a team. I know it's a very new team, but I believe there's over 30 students on it, 409 00:52:43.153 --> 00:52:49.673 and dance has grown from four students to now have like almost 100 students. 410 00:52:50.593 --> 00:52:55.633 So, I mean, I know that I love having the option to do dance over gym. 411 00:52:55.913 --> 00:53:05.513 I love my gym coaches. They were my track coaches, but it's nice to have an artistic opportunity as well, which has been awesome. 412 00:53:05.993 --> 00:53:09.913 Also, I look forward to having you as a music teacher as well. 413 00:53:10.073 --> 00:53:15.723 I just wanted to recognize that it's been amazing. We actually had three students, not even three students. 414 00:53:16.083 --> 00:53:19.723 Oh my goodness, I believe it was nine students go to area all state recently, 415 00:53:20.563 --> 00:53:23.723 so we should do a round of applause for them because that is an amazing accomplishment. 416 00:53:27.843 --> 00:53:34.123 Yes, it is very difficult to get in. And I heard the orchestra and the band play and they were outstanding. 417 00:53:34.963 --> 00:53:43.483 It was amazing and I got to experience it, and it was just awesome to be surrounded by people who love music just as much as they do, 418 00:53:43.763 --> 00:53:48.283 and to have the support of administration and people in the school district. 419 00:53:48.963 --> 00:53:51.923 Even though we didn't have a chorus teacher at the time, 420 00:53:52.243 --> 00:53:57.563 we had a band teacher who was willing to help us learn all of our parts so that when we went there, 421 00:53:57.763 --> 00:54:01.803 we were prepared and it just made the experience amazing. 422 00:54:02.523 --> 00:54:09.763 It was wonderful. Do you want to say anything? Just a little shout out to Ella for being one of the nine students to all state. 423 00:54:10.603 --> 00:54:16.653 Yeah. Yeah. 424 00:54:17.133 --> 00:54:22.613 You think that's good? Okay. Also with dance. Watch out for our Black History Month performance. 425 00:54:23.413 --> 00:54:27.213 All of the girls and guys are super excited to show that. 426 00:54:27.533 --> 00:54:34.093 So stay tuned because they're just. Oh my goodness. Even now they're talking about choreographing the next dances. 427 00:54:35.053 --> 00:54:38.373 It's amazing. And to see the joy on these people's faces it's wonderful. 428 00:54:39.173 --> 00:54:54.173 So thank you guys so much. President Jenkins and members of the board just want to recognize what Ellen spoke about. 429 00:54:54.653 --> 00:54:57.733 And that is the the dance group actually began. 430 00:54:58.453 --> 00:55:02.813 Doctor Ferris, you'll remember this. Students came to Mrs. Johnson. 431 00:55:03.573 --> 00:55:11.653 Mrs. Johnson came to Doctor Farris. Doctor Farris went not to me, but to Cynthia, where the funding is and said, we want to start something. 432 00:55:12.053 --> 00:55:15.013 It started small. It was a small seed and look at where it's growing. 433 00:55:15.373 --> 00:55:20.173 And one of the things they said, we see how you invest in the uniforms for our athletic teams. 434 00:55:20.733 --> 00:55:23.693 We want to be recognized as well. And so we're going to continue that. 435 00:55:24.093 --> 00:55:27.933 We listen to our students and the opportunities we create is because of your voice. 436 00:55:28.173 --> 00:55:32.093 So let's give Ella Jarrell and all of our students who bring these initiatives forward. 437 00:55:34.413 --> 00:55:41.693 And thank you to the board for supporting all of our efforts and our work in approving these very important initiatives as we move forward. 438 00:55:41.973 --> 00:55:53.613 So thank you. Thank you both. It's always good when we get an opportunity to hear from our our school board, our student, 439 00:55:54.373 --> 00:55:59.653 um, board members, because they're the ones that are actually on the ground and running. 440 00:56:00.013 --> 00:56:06.653 So anything that, um, they bring back to us, uh, I'm glad we're able to, to provide it for the community, 441 00:56:07.573 --> 00:56:11.343 um, to hear all the kind of wonderful things that we're doing in the district, so that's good. 442 00:56:12.303 --> 00:56:19.623 Um, hearing of the citizens, the Peekskill Board of Education desires and values input from the entire school community. 443 00:56:20.623 --> 00:56:27.943 For those who wish to address the board. Please sign in and state your name, city or town of residence for the record. 444 00:56:28.823 --> 00:56:31.983 Please keep your remarks to three minutes. 445 00:56:33.663 --> 00:56:38.383 Uh, remarks and discussions of the district personnel are prohibited. 446 00:56:39.423 --> 00:56:42.463 Although we do not engage in dialog, we are listening. 447 00:56:43.383 --> 00:56:47.983 Please leave your contact information for prompt follow up from the board, president or the superintendent. 448 00:56:53.463 --> 00:56:58.903 Okay. Uh, any old business? No new business. 449 00:57:01.983 --> 00:57:05.663 No policy readings. Accepting of the minutes. 450 00:57:06.103 --> 00:57:12.993 May I please have a motion for the accepting of the minutes for business meeting September 29th, 2026. 451 00:57:14.713 --> 00:57:18.033 Special Board of Education Meeting October 13th, 2026. 452 00:57:19.753 --> 00:57:22.953 Special Board of Education Meeting October 20th, 2026. 453 00:57:26.073 --> 00:57:31.193 So moved. So moved by miss McDonald. Second by Miss Washington. 454 00:57:31.793 --> 00:57:42.513 All in favor, say aye. Any nays and the abstentions and consent agenda or the consent agenda? 455 00:57:43.193 --> 00:57:48.353 This evening we have a few board date changes due to the superintendent search. 456 00:57:49.833 --> 00:57:54.613 Just to to reiterate, there will be no board meeting on November 3rd. 457 00:57:55.233 --> 00:57:59.753 There will be a Board of Education meetings on November 4th and fifth. 458 00:58:00.393 --> 00:58:06.273 But executive sessions only. The regular business meeting will be November 17th. 459 00:58:07.633 --> 00:58:12.783 Also the date changes of April 20th to April 27th. 460 00:58:13.433 --> 00:58:20.313 So we will be in compliance with the Boces budget vote and any comments, questions or thoughts? 461 00:58:25.233 --> 00:58:30.593 May I please have a motion to approve consent agenda items ten eight through 13 F. 462 00:58:32.833 --> 00:58:38.873 So moved. So so moved by Miss Flores. Second by miss McDonald. 463 00:58:39.433 --> 00:58:42.433 All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any nays? 464 00:58:43.313 --> 00:58:50.313 Any abstentions? Okay. Um, do we have any community, um, meetings? 465 00:58:51.073 --> 00:58:56.393 I mean, um, community meeting. Um, follow ups or anything? 466 00:58:57.553 --> 00:59:01.513 I know, um, the two board members. 467 00:59:02.273 --> 00:59:11.803 Um, miss, portrait comes and Mr. Robinson are on the audit committee, and, um, they're not here today, 468 00:59:12.123 --> 00:59:18.083 so they are going to give their reflections in the next board meeting, kind of how that went. 469 00:59:19.123 --> 00:59:22.283 Um, but does anybody have anything else? 470 00:59:25.083 --> 00:59:35.523 Okay. So we just actually came back from Lisboa, um, which is the school board member, um, um, conference up in Buffalo. 471 00:59:36.083 --> 00:59:46.443 And, um, it's always good to get out to kind of see what other districts are doing and to see one if we're doing it right, 472 00:59:46.883 --> 00:59:51.683 but also to if there's something that we can bring to the district. 473 00:59:52.283 --> 00:59:56.963 Right. And there's so many different topics that we go through and we all go to something different. 474 00:59:57.963 --> 01:00:04.493 Um, whatever we're interested in and so forth. But there's always topics when it comes to it as far as like AI, school safety. 475 01:00:05.853 --> 01:00:13.013 Um, you know, one that I was really, um, interested in was, um, New York inspires, uh, 476 01:00:13.213 --> 01:00:19.613 and the portrait of a graduate, um, because, you know, that is coming, um, close. 477 01:00:20.173 --> 01:00:24.773 And I want to know exactly what's going on and how is it going to affect our district and so forth. 478 01:00:25.133 --> 01:00:30.773 And it's just really interesting for other districts that are already doing some of that work. 479 01:00:31.253 --> 01:00:38.533 And so it's always good to hear, um, some of the pros and cons and some of the things that we may have to look, 480 01:00:39.293 --> 01:00:43.413 you know, forward to kind of going into, um, this new chapter. 481 01:00:44.853 --> 01:00:50.053 Um, but also what we also saw was amplifying, um, student voices. 482 01:00:50.693 --> 01:00:57.693 So it was just great, again, just to hear our student board members voices, because it's very important that we hear from them. 483 01:00:58.613 --> 01:01:01.983 Um, because like I said, that they are the ones that are in the building. Right? 484 01:01:02.343 --> 01:01:10.423 And seeing that. Um, but we also hear about best practices when it comes to financial situations and our financial district. 485 01:01:11.063 --> 01:01:18.423 Things that we should be kind of paying attention to. And so again, it's just always, you know, um, um, 486 01:01:18.663 --> 01:01:22.943 increasing our knowledge so that we're better board members and asking the right questions and understanding, 487 01:01:24.343 --> 01:01:34.023 um, what it is that we should be looking for. Um, and so, um, probably the most touching one that I, that, that I was able to see was, 488 01:01:35.103 --> 01:01:41.903 um, a South Carolina representative, um, spoke about the importance of, um, 489 01:01:42.623 --> 01:01:49.183 online accountability and, you know, being able to talk to our kids about how important it is, 490 01:01:50.023 --> 01:01:55.783 um, to want to be able to talk to us about some of the things that they may be doing on. 491 01:01:56.743 --> 01:01:59.863 Um, and one of the things that came up was, uh, sextortion. 492 01:02:01.343 --> 01:02:04.823 Right? And it was just important how, um, you know, 493 01:02:04.983 --> 01:02:11.463 he was talking about how it was important for us to talk to our kids and make it make them have or make them feel like 494 01:02:11.663 --> 01:02:18.263 there's a safe place that they can come to us if they did something online that they may not feel comfortable with, 495 01:02:18.943 --> 01:02:24.223 but you want them to feel comfortable to come to you and talk about that so that we can figure out what our next steps are. 496 01:02:24.743 --> 01:02:27.943 But I think in our next board meeting or so, or one of the meetings, 497 01:02:28.343 --> 01:02:35.503 we're going to kind of put up some resources that I think we should all have, just in case any of those situations ever happens. 498 01:02:36.263 --> 01:02:40.583 And so, um, you know, and it's just great to have just for a resource. 499 01:02:41.703 --> 01:02:44.943 Um, and, and that's it. 500 01:02:45.183 --> 01:02:55.383 That's all I have. Um, and it's a great bonding, um, situation for us and, and have a chance to, um, you know, learn each other and. 501 01:02:57.033 --> 01:03:00.833 in our upbringing and so forth. But that's it. 502 01:03:02.353 --> 01:03:08.873 Um, President James just wanted to share, um, echo your comments in, in the great sessions that we attended. 503 01:03:09.833 --> 01:03:16.313 Um, Doctor Bedi and I spoke this morning during our 1 to 1, he is going to bring back another presentation to the board and the community. 504 01:03:17.393 --> 01:03:20.713 Um, spoke about how we engage our, our parents, um, 505 01:03:20.873 --> 01:03:25.553 in relation to New York inspires and portrait of a graduate sharing about what we are 506 01:03:25.673 --> 01:03:29.913 already moving forward with that in our schools from elementary to the high school, 507 01:03:30.273 --> 01:03:34.593 but also some of the ideas that we learned about at the conference. And I would agree. 508 01:03:35.313 --> 01:03:41.633 Um, the the keynote on creativity and really the importance of having the arts in our schools. 509 01:03:42.033 --> 01:03:47.753 And today was a great example of that with our city singers and all of our music programs as well, 510 01:03:48.353 --> 01:03:52.553 but also making sure that our students know that creativity is something that they all have. 511 01:03:52.913 --> 01:03:59.803 And how do we help bring that to the next level, and the support that you have as a board of trustees to make that happen? 512 01:04:00.483 --> 01:04:04.843 And then the speaker from the the Congress person from South Carolina. 513 01:04:05.363 --> 01:04:09.803 That was a powerful reminder that our online safety for our children, 514 01:04:10.483 --> 01:04:16.843 we are going to continue to get the word out to our families and to our students on on remaining safe online. 515 01:04:17.763 --> 01:04:27.123 But when things happen and they will to all of us, but including our most vulnerable students, is how do you have those lines of communications open, 516 01:04:27.403 --> 01:04:31.043 as you shared so very eloquently said by you as the board president, 517 01:04:31.603 --> 01:04:37.723 and we had a great opportunity to go to these sessions and learn and bring it back to Peekskill to make us even better. 518 01:04:38.083 --> 01:04:47.403 So thank you for that. Thank you all. Yeah. One of the things that from that creativity keynote that stuck with me, that I think will stick with me, 519 01:04:47.603 --> 01:04:55.133 is that the speaker kept emphasizing being creative over consuming because there's so much that we are hit with that we can consume, 520 01:04:55.573 --> 01:05:01.613 especially having the phones in our pockets and everything, but creating not just music and art, 521 01:05:01.813 --> 01:05:06.813 but really anything you might be building or just a business or whatever it is. 522 01:05:07.013 --> 01:05:13.773 But being an active participant in life and hopefully with New York inspires and just with everything we are doing and we've been doing, 523 01:05:14.333 --> 01:05:18.613 we can keep that in mind as a goal and sort of give our kids that foundation. 524 01:05:19.293 --> 01:05:20.053 I really liked that perspective. 525 01:05:24.173 --> 01:05:32.573 I just want to also say thank you to Doctor Daniels for your 29 years of service and commitment to the city school district. 526 01:05:33.373 --> 01:05:42.853 Um, you have always been a voice of reason to a lot of people in the community, but also, um, for the district. 527 01:05:43.293 --> 01:05:47.293 So, uh, you will be missed. Enjoy your time. 528 01:05:47.813 --> 01:05:58.453 But also, I just want to say thank you to Mr. Carmine again for that, um, great, um, job that you did downstairs, um, for a hostage way. 529 01:05:59.013 --> 01:06:02.613 And, you know, Hassan Bowen was a great friend of mine. 530 01:06:20.733 --> 01:06:33.773 So it's unbelievable what you did with that space. And, uh, given the opportunity, um, um, to to to, um. 531 01:06:38.733 --> 01:06:49.583 To, uh. So when you think about Hassan, he was always the person that will give his shirt off his back. 532 01:07:06.023 --> 01:07:21.903 For anyone that wanted that needed it. So, you know, for for such a loving. 533 01:07:22.863 --> 01:07:31.223 So community member and staff member, um, that we lost way too soon. 534 01:07:32.623 --> 01:07:44.303 I'm glad we are able to to to continue to, um, you know, push his legacy forward and carry on and give him the space that he deserves. 535 01:07:46.703 --> 01:07:50.553 So thank you. God. 536 01:08:00.713 --> 01:08:04.313 So I didn't come here to cry today, but that's my buddy. 537 01:08:05.153 --> 01:08:10.153 So if there are no further actions, uh, may I please have a motion to adjourn the meeting? 538 01:08:12.033 --> 01:08:18.113 Actually, Lord, if I could just make one quick comment. Sorry to follow up your beautiful response about this on, um, 539 01:08:18.993 --> 01:08:24.033 but just thinking about the session that you and Doctor Mauricio went to about online safety for children. 540 01:08:25.073 --> 01:08:33.833 Um, in thinking about the, you know, parent Peekskill University, I think parenting in the digital age is beyond daunting. 541 01:08:35.113 --> 01:08:41.353 Like, how do we even keep up with the apps that exist, let alone the ways that children are being engaged with? 542 01:08:42.793 --> 01:08:51.273 Um, so, you know, thinking about how perhaps the parent university can be an opportunity to teach us what are they and have the kids teach us. 543 01:08:51.553 --> 01:08:56.113 They may not want to share their secrets, but what are the apps that they're on? And then, you know, by extension, 544 01:08:56.513 --> 01:09:01.233 we can also then have that bring that safety home to our kids so that we're aware of what's going on and can protect them. 545 01:09:02.113 --> 01:09:05.633 Sextortion is a terrifying word for those who don't know. 546 01:09:07.193 --> 01:09:12.753 Um, children are asked. Young people are asked to share a photo of themselves, just a regular photo. 547 01:09:13.233 --> 01:09:20.673 And then, uh, whoever they are chatting with takes that photo and puts their face to their body and sort of merges it. 548 01:09:20.873 --> 01:09:23.833 Thank you. AI in a sexually explicit manner. 549 01:09:24.473 --> 01:09:29.753 And then they threaten the child with, um, that they will release the photo publicly unless the child pays. 550 01:09:30.353 --> 01:09:35.273 So you can imagine how teenager would feel about that, which is horrifying to think about. 551 01:09:36.473 --> 01:09:41.953 So anyway, I'll just ask that we think about that. You know, I'm a crybaby too. 552 01:09:43.443 --> 01:09:47.563 But to think about that as a really important need for our community, both parents and students. 553 01:09:50.363 --> 01:09:56.763 Anybody else want to cry today? No. But to that, um, to to that point, 554 01:09:57.123 --> 01:10:05.563 I would love for us to outline a way to bring those ideas for maybe the parent university or the father factor or whatever, 555 01:10:06.083 --> 01:10:11.083 for both families and our staff members, just so that they can bring the ideas forward for things that would be helpful, 556 01:10:11.443 --> 01:10:14.043 that they're seeing, that the kids could use, that the families could use. 557 01:10:14.483 --> 01:10:21.163 And so in some way, that's not overwhelming to Doctor Holloman or to anyone else, 558 01:10:21.403 --> 01:10:27.683 but allows for the opportunity for those voices to say, hey, I think I could really benefit from a program that did this, 559 01:10:28.003 --> 01:10:32.363 or I'm seeing this with my students and it's got to be happening within the building, 560 01:10:32.843 --> 01:10:37.523 and maybe we could do something with families around this, um, just to get some ideas together. 561 01:10:38.483 --> 01:10:39.843 Um, I'm not really sure what that looks like, 562 01:10:40.003 --> 01:10:47.653 but I do kind of think that we need some way to make it easy for families and everyone else to share what those ideas could be. 563 01:10:54.093 --> 01:10:58.613 Public comment. Oh, yeah. 564 01:11:01.533 --> 01:11:05.413 Come on. You got this. This is. 565 01:11:14.853 --> 01:11:18.093 Hi. My name is Tanisha. My daughter is Naima. 566 01:11:18.493 --> 01:11:25.693 She goes to the high school and I have a son in middle school, Ismail. And our son and I, I wanted to talk about highs for a second. 567 01:11:26.733 --> 01:11:36.213 Um, I am fortunately a Park Street alumni, and he, um, he was the security when I was there, 568 01:11:36.653 --> 01:11:49.023 and he made it easy for kids like me that were behavioral, that, um, kids that didn't feel that they mattered. 569 01:11:50.463 --> 01:11:56.863 He made it easy for the children that learn different to learn. 570 01:11:57.503 --> 01:12:01.063 He made school fun because he definitely got at me a lot. 571 01:12:02.743 --> 01:12:11.543 And I remember I graduated June 27th, 2003, and as he called money, he looked him and Bill Moran. 572 01:12:12.143 --> 01:12:17.903 He looked at me and was like, that's what I'm talking about. And that was and he died that summer, like literally weeks after. 573 01:12:18.383 --> 01:12:22.183 And it's heartbreaking to, um. 574 01:12:23.343 --> 01:12:28.583 It was heartbreaking. But I just want to say that to piggyback what you said, he was an amazing being. 575 01:12:29.023 --> 01:12:36.263 He didn't let us slide. He he wasn't like an iron fist, but it was a fist you didn't want to really mess with. 576 01:12:36.463 --> 01:12:41.863 So I just wanted to say thank you for that and honoring him because he was an amazing being. 577 01:12:43.823 --> 01:12:52.423 Thank you. And again, thank you for your comments. 578 01:12:53.503 --> 01:13:01.703 And so if there are no further Action Man, please have a motion to adjourn on the meeting. 579 01:13:03.583 --> 01:13:08.063 So moved. So moved by miss McDonald. Seconded by Miss Valen. 580 01:13:08.623 --> 01:13:12.023 All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any nays? Any abstentions. 581 01:13:13.263 --> 01:13:15.023 Have a good evening, Pisco. Good evening.