Kent Elementary School

Shopping is a lot harder when you don’t have your parents paying the bill.  

That is what Antonietta Feliciotto’s first graders found out at the Kent Elementary School bookfair this week.  

First, the children roamed around the school gym trying to decide between the many books, posters, gadgets and pencils that filled the bookshelves and tables.  

“The Dog Man books (by Dav Pilkey) are really popular,” said Erica Intrieri, one of the Parent Teacher Organization volunteers who staffed the bookfair, which is a fundraiser for the group. “Those are for second graders and older. Books about rocks and sharks are also popular. All kids love rocks these days.” 

“I have $20,” one boy said, holding up a baggie filled with cash. 

It was a hardcover book involving monsters that cost $9.99, so yes, he could get that and something else.  

Arianna, a first grader, held up a pencil case designed as an iPhone. She pulled out a receipt that showed how much money she had in the spending account her parents set up for the occasion. “I have this much,” she said. “Can I get it?”  

The Scholastic Book Fairs, which were held in each of the three Carmel Central School District elementary schools in October, were about more than reading. They were an exercise in math and decision-making, and they gave kids a sense of independence.  

After Kent Elementary PTO President Marie Camacho explained to one young boy the cost of the books he chose and how many he could buy with the money he had, he asked a question many of us share.  

“So,” he asked. “What is tax?”  

Though his official start date is not until October 17, incoming Superintendent of Schools Michael F. Plotkin has been hard at work in the Carmel Central School District since the Board of Education appointed him on September 16. Mr. Plotkin, a longtime member of the Carmel schools community, has been meeting nights and weekends with Interim Superintendent Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben to ensure a smooth transition.  

“I am so eager to start that I wanted to jump right in,” Mr. Plotkin said. “I’m excited to meet all the parents, staff and the students, and I look forward to being involved in the day-to-day operations of the Carmel schools.”  

A resident of Holmes whose three daughters are Carmel High School graduates, Mr. Plotkin has deep roots in the community. He particularly enjoyed the recent homecoming weekend, since his son is one of the Carmel High School Rams football players.   

“I am so honored to have the chance to serve my home district,” Mr. Plotkin said.  

After touring the schools and discussing issues with Dr. Fairben, who announced her retirement plans this past spring, Mr. Plotkin solidified his goals for his first 100 days in office. Now, when he officially starts as Superintendent, he will hit the ground running.  

“Over these past few weeks, I have gotten to know Michael, and I am confident that I am leaving the district in excellent hands,” Dr. Fairben said. “I am certain that the Carmel Central School District will thrive under his leadership.” 

Throughout the Carmel Central School District on Thursday, educators took time to reflect on the history of 9/11. 

“This morning, we observed a moment of silence during our announcements,” said Jeffrey Noto, Interim Principal of Kent Elementary School. “We also shared a short paragraph with students about the significance of September 11, 2001. Our statement recalled the heroic acts on and following September 11, 2001.  We referenced Carmel’s 6C’s: Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Citizenship, Creativity and Compassion, and how these characteristics contribute to developing a greater school community.” 

At Kent Primary School, third grader Gregory said he was wearing a red, white and blue shirt to honor Patriot’s Day for the memory of 9/11.  

“Today was the day the twin towers were destroyed,” Gregory said.  

John Fratto, the principal of George Fischer Middle School, said the day not only included time to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11. 
 
“We also want to thank the first responders—firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and everyday people—who showed incredible bravery in the face of unimaginable danger. Your actions saved lives, and your courage continues to inspire,” Mr. Fratto said.  “It’s a day to reflect, to honor, and to never forget.” 

Congratulations to the Carmel Central School District Music Department for being named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAAM Foundation.

This is the 12th time that NAAM (the National Association for Music Merchants) recognized Carmel for its exceptional music education.

“The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education,” the group said.

The music program is excellent throughout the district. 

In May, several Carmel High School and George Fischer Middle School groups excelled at NYSSMA majors. All three Carmel High School bands, all three CHS orchestras and the CHS chorus each performed at NYSSMA majors and received gold and silver ratings. The groups went on to play at the Music in the Parks Festival last week and were awarded superior ratings for the second year in a row. The 6th, 7th and 8th grade orchestras also performed well at the NYSSMA majors.

Music education plays a big part even in elementary school, as music teachers lead students in performances for events throughout the year. 

Carmel’s music program helps introduce our students to a larger music community. Carmel hosted state and countywide functions this year and brought additional music opportunities to our students. The department sets the groundwork for our students to have a lifetime of music.

Voters endorsed the Carmel Central School District Budget Tuesday and elected three new board members to the Board of Education.  

The budget passed by a vote of 1290 to 1113. Nicholas Magliano, Frank Grasso and Michael Torpey were elected to the Board of Education.   

“I’m so appreciative to the community for supporting students and allowing us to fulfill the mission of the district,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben said. “I also want to welcome the three new Board of Education members Nicholas Magliano, Frank Grasso and Michael Torpey.” 

The Board of Education results were:  

Nicholas Magliano -- 1390  
Frank Grasso -- 1252 
 Michael Torpey --1255 
 Prakash Tewari -- 1059 
 Nathaniel Query -- 740 

Board President Melissa Orser said she was grateful that the community approved the budget.  

“I want to thank the community for coming out to support our schools,” Board President Orser said. “I also want to thank the administration – both the superintendent of schools and the assistant superintendents – for upholding the board’s focus on fiscal responsibility.” 

Back in the 1980s members of the Kent Elementary School community wanted to create something that would serve as a tribute to Clifton Watson, the school’s longtime principal.

They created the Clifton Watson Memorial Grove to honor a beloved educator who was a leader in environmental education.

On May 29, the grove will be rededicated in a ceremony at Kent Elementary School at 11 a.m. The public is invited to celebrate the legacy of one of the district’s great school leaders.

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If you like something a CCSD staff member has done, tell us at compliments@carmelschools.org. Likewise, if there is an area you think needs improvement, send an email to complaints@carmelschools.org. Both email addresses will go directly to the superintendent of schools and to the president of the Board of Education. 

Community members can sign up for our Carmel Central School District News group through ParentSquare to stay up-to-date on district news and events. You will receive weekly e-newsletters as well as other updates with important district information. Current parents and staff are automatically subscribed to receive e-newsletters.

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Community members who wish to speak during the public comment portion of a Board of Education meeting are asked to sign-up in advance using our Public Comment Sign-up Form or by contacting the District Clerk four (4) hours prior to the meeting at jstevens@carmelschools.org.  The sign-up form will also be available at the meeting for anyone who wishes to speak and did not sign up in advance.  

These individuals will be called upon during the scheduled public participation section on the agenda.  To facilitate follow-up, please provide your name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address, as well as the topic of your comments.  Speakers are limited to five (5) minutes each.  No district employee or student may be commented upon or identified by name or situation.

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing safety, communication and equity districtwide, Carmel Central School District has launched a new communication tool, Anonymous Alerts®. This tool enables students or parents to report urgent information to school officials quickly, easily and anonymously across all our school campuses. 

Access the Anonymous Alerts portal.

Recordings of Board of Education meetings and presentations from those meetings are available to the public.   

View recordings from Board of Education meetings.