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Second graders at Daniel Warren Elementary School – who have been studying Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama’s artwork – drew inspiration from it to create their own Zentangle pumpkins. 

The students first drew their pumpkins in pencil, then emphasized their lines with a Sharpie marker and continued to work in black permanent ink to create their Zentangle designs. To complete their pumpkin designs, the students worked in watercolors, adding color in layers to develop a sense of shadow and highlight.

“We are further developing their artistic skills by not only focusing on dots, but also use of line, details and patterns by creating Zentangle designs throughout each segment of their pumpkins,” art teacher Dara Goodman said. 

First grade students at Daniel Warren Elementary School – who have been learning about artist Mara Morea, who is known for creating pop art, colorful, painted monsters – recently created their own “friendly monster” projects. 

The students first designed and drew their artworks in pencil before outlining the lines in permanent Sharpie marker. Then, they added color with colored pencils and reflective highlights in the eyes of their monsters to make them stand out and look cartoon-like.

“I created this lesson, which focused on making friendly, kind monsters, to help spread color and kindness throughout the building,” art teacher Dara Goodman said. 

The students’ projects are displayed around the building.

With new books and school supplies in hand, students across all Rye Neck Schools filled the halls with smiles and excited chatter as they reported for the first day of school on Sept. 3.

“It was a great start to the 2019-2020 school year,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro said. “Students arrived eager and excited to meet their teachers and reconnect with friends.” 

Kindergartners at Daniel Warren Elementary School attended orientation sessions with their parents and introduced themselves to their new teachers. Meanwhile, F.E. Bellows Elementary School students spent a half-day of classes organizing their school supplies and getting to know new friends. Throughout the day, Rye Neck Middle School students moved around the building to find their new classrooms and meet with their teachers, who greeted them with smiles and guided them through their expectations for the year. At Rye Neck High School, upperclassmen teamed up with freshmen students for various first-day-of-school activities that were designed to help the younger students make a smooth transition into high school.

“We wish all a productive and enriching school year,” Dr. Ferraro said.

Rye Neck Union Free School District welcomed 12 new faculty members during a two-day orientation, held Aug. 26-27. The group met with administrators, discussed policies and procedures, worked with their teams and departments, and received a tour of the district and community. 

Eric Lutinski, middle school principal and assistant superintendent for instruction, described this year’s group of new staff as a mix of both experienced and newer professionals. 

“Some of our new staff are Rye Neck alumni or have worked here as interns or student teachers,” he said. “Others come with years of experience in New York City, other Westchester districts or Connecticut. However, our new staff training sessions revealed that they are all thoughtful professionals who will contribute to the success of our students.” 

The following are new staff members at Rye Neck: 
• Lina Amello, teaching assistant at Daniel Warren Elementary School 
• Elisa Barilli, school psychologist at Rye Neck Middle School
• Joseph Callagy, English teacher at Rye Neck High School
• Crystal Contreras, Spanish teacher at Rye Neck Middle School
• Amanda D’Addona, social studies teacher at Rye Neck Middle School
• Chelsea Gillespie, mathematics teacher and teaching assistant at Rye Neck Middle/High School
• Jean Laffan, French teacher at Rye Neck Middle School
• Nichole Locher, physical education teacher at Rye Neck High School 
• Alyssa Massi, mathematics teacher at Rye Neck Middle School
• Carolyn Muller, special services teaching assistant at Rye Neck Middle/High School
• Brian Pinto, elementary school teacher at Daniel Warren Elementary School 
• Kristi Rachiele, science teacher at Rye Neck Middle/High School