Four chess teams represented New Rochelle Schools at the National Scholastic Chess Competition in Dallas, Texas last Spring. A two-man team from Albert Leonard Middle School, made up of sixth-graders walked away with four trophies after competing in the Under 1250 section, which resulted in a 21st place trophy, and in the Under 1000 division, which resulted in a 25th place trophy. The New Rochelle students bested fourman teams for their position. One of the students received a seventh place individual trophy and seventh-grade student received a twelfth place trophy. Students from the Columbus Elementary School Chess Club placed 25th out of 63 teams in the K5 Under 900 category of the National Elementary Tournament, which was held in Pittsburgh, Pa.

The Veggie Van, a mini-bus retrofitted to run on bio-diesel fuel, recently visited the Kaleidoscope Program at Davis Elementary School. The green-painted van is a mobile classroom providing information on global warming and pollution. While on board, the students learned about alternative fuels and how they benefit our environment and pocketbooks. The van is fueled by used vegetable oil generated at county-owned concessions at Rye Playland and at a restaurant in Glen Island Park. The fuel produces about 20 percent of the pollution generated by a normal diesel engine.

Two students who attend New Rochelle High School were invited by the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican /Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute to attend the Institute’s annual leadership program, held in Albany from April 26-28.

They were among 200 of the state’s top Hispanic students to attend the event. Students met with members of the New York State Legislature, New York State Assembly/Senate Puerto Rican and Hispanic Task Force and New York State Education Department to learn more about the state’s legislative process.

To celebrate Earth Day, the district-wide Kaleidoscope Program participated in a special workshop on global warming at the College of New Rochelle. Students from George M. Davis Jr. Elementary School had an opportunity to participate in engaging workstations planned by staff at the college’s School of Arts and Sciences. Students learned about the effect of carbon dioxide on the planet's water and marine life, how long it would take to ride a bicycle in order to generate enough energy to provide electricity for a typical home, how a voltmeter can determine the actual watts used by different appliances, the amount of water Americans use compared to people in third-world countries who must carry it long distances, and the importance of solar flashlights to generate light without harming the planet.

A number of notable personalities read books aloud to students at Jefferson Elementary School on April 16 during the school's seventh annual “Great Read Aloud.” Notable guests included actress Ruby Dee, FOX5 weather reporter Mike Woods, who also provided weather reports from the school earlier that morning, New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, Superintendent of Schools Richard Organisciak and former Superintendent Linda Kelly. Additional guests included Westchester County Clerk Tim Idoni, New Rochelle Fire Commissioner Raymond “Doc” Kiernan, New Rochelle police officer Thomas Straehle, Board of Education trustees David Lacher, Chrisanne Petrone, MaryJane Reddington, and Sara Richmond, publishing consultant Martha ReddingtonWestchester News 12 reporter Amy Nay, Education Chairperson of the College of New Rochelle Dr. Ruth Zealand, Dean of CNR School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Richard Thompson, CNR Assistant Director of External Relations Hannah Balliet, Dean of Manhattanville College School of Education Dr. Shelley Wepner, as well as other assistant superintendents and school administrators from the district. Jefferson Elementary School Principal Cynthia Slotkin welcomed guests during a before-the-event reception. The program was planned and organized by literacy facilitator LeAnn Bruno.

In April Davis Elementary School marked 20 years of bringing authors and children together by inviting a number of writers and illustrators to the school for “Author’s Week.” Over the years, the Davis students have had up-close and personal visits from writers of fiction, non¬fiction, poetry, and word play. On April 10, Vicki Cobb, a science writer, met with the third-, fourthand fifth-graders, and piqued their interest in science by performing many experiments from her books. On April 15, Steven Kellogg, a noted author-illustrator, shared his love of the written word with the kindergarten, first and second grade classes.

The Greater Hudson Valley Chapter of the Links, Inc. and the New Rochelle High School Black Culture Club presented six staff members with “Women of Distinction” Awards on April 9. The following women were recognized: Norma Borrero Large, Linda Creary, Marilyn Crystal, Judith Dobbins, Brenda Harris, and Dr. Diane Massimo.

On April 3, the school held its 18th annual College Night, with approximately 25 representatives from selective colleges and universities in attendance. A number of workshops dealt with the college application process, recommended strategies for finding the right college match and trends in admissions.

On April 4, the school’s Guidance and Counseling Department hosted a College Fair, featuring representatives from more than 100 colleges, universities, two-year schools, vocational schools, and the armed forces.

“Our workshops provide parents with proven strategies on how to empower their sons and daughters to reflect upon their interests and goals, explore a range of college options, prepare effective applications, and honestly assess which colleges will offer the right match, so that ultimately, the student takes responsibility for his/her own college planning,” said Michael Kenny, coordinator of the Guidance and Counseling Department at the school.

On April 4, Principal Anthony Bongo and a group of assembled students at the Isaac E. Young Middle School marked the 40th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by preparing to plant a Peace Garden dedicated to the work of Dr. King and world peace. Superintendent of Schools Richard Organisciak, school board trustee MaryJane Reddington and School Board President Cindy Babcock-Deutsch joined the gathering. The tree was planted at the southwest corner of the school field at Centre Avenue and Pelham Road.
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