Dear Pocantico Hills Community,

This certainly has been a winter for the record books! I hope you have had an opportunity to find some joy and excitement in the season. As has been said, “if winter comes, can spring be far behind?”

I want to thank all our facilities and maintenance staff for their hard work in ensuring our driveways and sidewalks are cleared and ready for students and staff following inclement weather. They have done an amazing job this winter and we appreciate their hard work.

I also want to thank our families for their flexibility and patience as we contend with whatever Mother Nature brings our way. During an inclement weather event our priority is the safety of our students and staff and ensuring they arrive to school in a timely, safe manner. Closings and delays can be disruptive, and we do our best to keep everyone informed in a timely manner and to make the appropriate decision. We can only hope the worst of the bad weather is behind us!

I want to extend my thanks to the staff who organized our HAWKS Journey program and to those who facilitated the many activities. This Winter Break, students had a blast enjoying both indoor and outdoor activities. Keep an eye out for our next HAWKS Journey program which will take place during the Spring Recess.

Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences, along with those of the entire Pocantico family, on the passing of Clyde Ripka. Mr. Ripka was a cherished member of our school community. He shared his talents in the kitchen, creating delicious meals with kindness and warmth. He had a special way of going the extra mile to make everyone feel supported and valued. Please keep the Ripka family in your thoughts as we remember and honor someone who meant so much to us all.

And as winter marches on, please be safe until warmer weather arrives!

Warm regards,