Pville Community Connection: April Highlights & Looking Ahead

April 29, 2026 

Dear Pleasantville Community,

There’s a lot happening across our schools right now, and even more to be proud of. 

Everywhere you look, our students are showing up with curiosity, creativity, and a real sense of purpose. I wanted to take a moment to share just a few of those moments from the past few weeks. 

A huge congratulations to our Pleasantville Middle School Science Olympiad team on an incredible showing at the State competition. The team earned 3rd place overall, with 14 top-10 finishes and an impressive 29 medals. This kind of success doesn’t happen by accident; it reflects months of hard work, teamwork, and dedication. Thank you as well to the teachers and families who support these students every step of the way. If you're interested in learning more about how the Capital Project will support STEAM learning across all three schools, please watch this video.

At the high school, 11 students competed at the Westchester County Envirothon Regionals and took home 1st place in Forestry—a great example of students applying their knowledge in meaningful, real-world ways. 

Our student musicians also had an outstanding showing at the Sleepy Hollow Jazz Fest. The Advanced Jazz Ensemble was invited to perform in the evening concert, and Ben Belknap was recognized as Best Soloist—a tremendous honor. Thank you to director Jon Vercesi for the time and care he brings to building such a strong program. 

Beyond competitions and performances, we continue to see powerful examples of student leadership. Members of Students Talking About Resilience (STAR) recently visited fifth-grade students to build self-esteem kits and share their own experiences and goals. It was a meaningful opportunity for younger students to see what’s possible—and for our high school students to lead with empathy and purpose. With younger students already stepping in to continue the work, it’s clear this program will continue to grow. 

And at Bedford Road School, our youngest learners were busy putting math into action during the PTA-sponsored Main Street Math event. From budgeting at the “bank” to measuring ingredients in the “bakery,” students explored real-world applications of math in a way that was both engaging and fun. Thank you to the PTA and parent volunteers who made this experience possible. 

These are just a few snapshots, but they speak to something larger: the kind of experiences our students are having every day, and the people who make them possible. 

Over the past several weeks, we’ve completed all three project-specific Community Forums for STEAM, the BRS Outdoor Space, and Fields & Lights. I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend, ask questions, and engage in the conversation. 

One thing is clear: there are a lot of questions out there. That’s a good thing, and we want to make sure everyone has the information they need to make an informed decision. 

I encourage you to take some time to review the materials on our website, and as always, please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions (lutinskie@pleasantvilleschools.org). 

• Budget → pleasantvilleschools.org (Departments > Business Office)
• Capital Project → pleasantvilleschools.org/capitalproject

Most importantly, I want to underscore why we’re doing this work. Every element of the proposed capital project is grounded in student need and safety. From our classrooms to our fields, these investments are about making sure our students have the spaces they need to learn, grow, and succeed. 

It’s also about something we talk about often here: Pleasantville Pride. Creating environments that reflect the strength of our programs and our greater community. 

On Tuesday, May 19, the community will vote on the proposed 2026–2027 school budget, the capital project propositions, and the Board of Education election. 

We encourage all community members to stay informed and take part in this important process. More information is available at pleasantvilleschools.org, and we will continue to share updates in the weeks ahead. Polls will be open from 6:30 AM to 9 PM in the Middle School Multipurpose room (40 Romer Avenue). 

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support. 

Warm regards, 

Dr. Lutinski