Somers Schools Tusker Talk

Two Somers High School students saw a need for a new soundboard in the middle school auditorium when they were volunteering for the musical last spring. Together, they brought the project to fruition - but their involvement didn't end there.

The sport of wrestling is having a resurgence in popularity, and the Somers High School team is no exception. Six of the team's best wrestlers were selected to compete in the Eastern States Classic, a tournament featuring some of the best wrestlers in the country, during the weekend of January 13, 2023. We spoke with senior Luca D'Orazio and junior Justin Daniyan about the team, which is combined with North Salem High School,  and their upcoming trip to the Classic at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake.

On this episode of Tusker Talk, a podcast from Somers Schools, Superintendent Ray Blanch and Assistant Director of Learning Claire Comerford discuss the world language instruction that is starting in third grade this fall. In addition to improving thinking skills, learning a different language at a young age has many other benefits. Listen to this podcast to learn more about those benefits, and what language will be taught at Somers Intermediate School this fall.

In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Blanch sits down with four Science Research seniors and advisor Bill Maelia to discuss the busy, successful year at Somers High School for the Science Research students and the program. Tune in to hear who brought home an international award for research done as a part of this class.

Down, set, hike! Somers High School has a new varsity sport this spring.  In this week's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch sits down with four of the girls on the inaugural varsity flag football team. We talk about why they play, the future of the sport, and the famous supporters who came to their jamboree. 

Three Somers High School seniors sit down with Tusker Talk to discuss a major milestone – they were each promoted to the highest rank of Eagle Scout in a recent ceremony. Robert Moore, Liam Higgins, and Conor McCooey share what they have learned as members of the Boy Scouts of America and tell us about their Eagle Scout projects.

Somers High School senior Emily Dodd has been chosen as a finalist in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search competition, the country's oldest science and math competition for high school seniors. Emily's research focuses on identifying future treatments to combat learning and memory impairments in Parkinson's Disease patients. She is one of only 300 scholars chosen for their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking, and promise as scientists.

This week is Inclusive Schools Week and Dr. Blanch visits Somers Intermediate School to speak with some students about how they are recognizing the week, and what it means to be inclusive. Special guests on this episode are fourth graders Sophie Mendoza and Jake Sandel from Mrs. Monteleone's class, and Ricky Myint, the music teacher and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader at SIS.

In this week's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch and communications coordinator Amanda Bergen take the show on the road, meeting up with cast and crew members of "Noises Off", the Somers High School fall play. Director and chorus teacher Chris Russo, along with students Caitlyn Stellwagen, Colleen Soriano and Eva DiRende, share how they have been preparing for the show and what it takes to coordinate 30+ members of the cast and crew. "Noises Off" opens tomorrow night at 7pm in the high school auditorium. Buy tickets at the door or online https://search.seatyourself.biz/webstore/accounts/somershsdrama/buy-tix

In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses the importance of honoring our country's veterans, and what students are doing in school to recognize the brave men and women who serve. Dr. Blanch also gives a shout out to the high school athletes who have either won sectionals in their sports and are headed to states, or are in the sectional playoffs this weekend.

A few years ago, the district found that teaching most kids algebra and geometry in middle school was not having the long term impact they were hoping for; mainly taking top level math classes all the way through high school. So they set about finding a different way to achieve the goal. In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch explains how testing and data led to a change in practice.

Tennis courts at the high school, a new softball field, and other updates to the high school's athletic facilities. These topics and more on today's Superintendent's Update.

In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch and Somers Intermediate School Assistant Principal Linda Belger discuss new and existing academic support for students across the district.

In today's Superintendent's Update, Somers Superintendent Dr. Ray Blanch shares the plan for snow days this year, as well as key new practices and programs that the district's Counseling Department is implementing.

In the Superintendent's Update on Thursday, October 7, Dr. Ray Blanch shares highlights from the previous evening's tUSker University Family Edition workshop on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Special guest Karin Brill, the diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator for the district joins the conversation. Brill and Blanch share what they consider the biggest takeaway from the event.

In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch has news on when the county-sponsored random COVID-19 testing program will begin in the schools. Somers Middle School Principal Jeff Getman joins the conversation with an update on the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.

In today's Superintendent Update, Dr. Raymond Blanch shares an update on the busing situation and driver shortage, the random COVID testing program in our schools, and a fun new video series featuring our high school student-athletes.

In today's Superintendent's Update on September 9, 2021, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses the start of the new school year, including a significant bus driver shortage that is impacting students, and a new COVID-19 testing program in the schools.

In the final Superintendent's Update on the Tusker Talk podcast, Dr. Blanch shares the common theme he heard from student speakers at the middle and high school graduations, as well as how the district will share any updated guidelines the state sends regarding the new school year. Need to get in touch with a school principal over the summer? Dr. Blanch tells you how. Have a great summer, Somers!

In today's Superintendent's Update on June 17, 2021, Dr. Blanch shares another update on graduation, as well as a reminder about the recognition of Juneteenth in the Somers schools.

In today's Somers Superintendent's Update on June 10, 2021, Dr. Blanch shares the new plan to have all students graduate at the same time.

In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses the updated guidance he is expecting to hear from New York State about mask wearing outside at school, as well as a positive change in how graduations will be held at the middle school and the high school.

In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Blanch shares some hopeful news about graduations at the middle school and high school.

Are snow days a luxury of the past? Find out in today's Superintendent's Update with Dr. Ray Blanch. Dr. Blanch also discusses car parade changes and gives a shout out to Somers' fantastic school nurses for all the work they do every day.

In this May 6, 2021 Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch talks about a school year like no other, and how Somers teachers rose to the occasion. During this Teacher Appreciation week, Dr. Blanch acknowledges teachers' hard work and what he saw in abundance.

In today's Superintendent's Update on the Tusker Talk podcast, Somers Superintendent Dr. Ray Blanch discusses some changes to the district's COVID protocol, along with an update to this year's school calendar in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday.

In today's Superintendent's update, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses the expectation that more students than ever will need some extra support this fall when everyone returns to school. Whether it is social-emotional support, academic support, or advanced learning support, Dr. Blanch explains the changes that will take place in the student support structure at all four schools in Somers.

Somers High School is planning for the class of 2021's graduation! What will it look like? The answer to that as well as some updated guidelines from the NY State Department of Health in this week's Superintendent's Update with Dr. Ray Blanch.

In today's Superintendent's Update on April 8, 2021, Dr. Ray Blanch talks about the financial aid that the Somers Central School District will receive from the State of New York for next year's budget, as well as the amount the district will receive from the federal COVID Relief Bill.

In this week's Superintendent's update, Dr. Ray Blanch gives an update on the reentry plan for seventh through 12th graders, randomized COVID testing after spring break, and shares his picks in two different March Madness tournaments.

In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch and Somers Middle School principal Jeff Getman discuss the 40 Developmental Assets survey that students in grades 6 through 12 have been taking. They also talk about the modified reentry plan for the middle and high schools.

On today's Superintendent's update, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses updates to the Somers Central School District's reentry plan for seventh through twelfth graders, as well as an energy savings plan that voters will consider at the budget vote in May.

On today's Superintendent's Update Dr. Raymond Blanch shares the exciting news that all Somers Central School District employees have access to COVID-19 vaccines today, Thursday March 4th through Saturday, March 6th.

In today's Superintendent Update, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses the Tusker University event for parents run by faculty and staff last night, and gives an update on when all Somers students might be able to return to school full time.

In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Blanch discusses bringing all students back into schools full time. Somers students in kindergarten through sixth grade have been in person since the start of the school year, and with the advent of the COVID-19 vaccines, the district is forming a plan to bring older students back as well.

Somers High School seniors Peyton DiSiena and Kaitlyn DeRosa are the first two students in Westchester County to be named National Student Council Distinguished Leaders. This prestigious award is the culmination of a years-long process, community involvement, and a great deal of dedication. Not only do the two young women share the award - they'll be attending the same university next year. 

On today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch shares information about the start of the winter season for high-risk sports. Missing all those great band, orchestra and chorus concerts, too? Dr. Blanch has an update on those as well.

Somers Superintendent Dr. Raymond Blanch discusses district and Department of Health protocols to follow when waiting for COVID-19 test results.

Somers Superintendent Dr. Ray Blanch discusses what he thinks the rest of the school year will look like in terms of COVID-19 guidelines, what the classrooms will look like as we return to school this fall, and gives a status update on the transition to the Middle Years Program for the sixth through tenth grades. 

Somers Superintendent Dr. Ray Blanch shares updates on the school's plan to administer COVID-19 tests if required to do so by the State of New York, as well as new quarantine guidelines that are allowing more students to stay in school.

Somers High School offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate Program Diploma. An internationally respected program, IB diploma candidates are inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. The goal of this program of study is to develop students who will build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect. Want to learn more? Watch this video of current SHS juniors and seniors in the IB Diploma program.

The Somers Central School District is fortunate to partner with Dr. Jennifer Simon,  an accomplished meditation and mindfulness practitioner, researcher, author,  and instructor in numerous meditation, mindfulness, and mind-training disciplines. Dr. Simon created this guided stress release exercise just for the Somers community. Her unique, professional approach has helped thousands of people: teens, families, executives, athletes, and more.

The eighth-graders at Somers Middle School collectively wrote millions of words in just one month as part of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). The project builds writing stamina, gives students confidence that they can undertake such an ambitious project and confidence that they can persevere through challenging writing tasks. In this episode of Tusker Talk, the new authors share with us their favorite lines.