Welcome to Mathew Paterson Elementary School

  A Weekly Update from Principal Jenn Darling

This month, our school is focusing on one of our core PBIS expectations—the importance of Being Safe. As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a positive and respectful school culture, we are highlighting safe behaviors throughout the school day.

During our morning announcements, we are reviewing what “Being Safe” looks like in various settings: 

  • Transitioning in the hallways
    Playing responsibly at recess
    Using the restrooms respectfully
    Eating safely in the cafeteria

We encourage you to talk with your child about these expectations and how they can demonstrate safe behaviors both in and out of school.

To further support this theme, we are excited to welcome the Putnam County Child Advocacy Center later this month. They will be providing a developmentally appropriate presentation on child safety, reinforcing the important message that every child deserves to feel safe and supported.
As we near the end of the school year, our PBIS team is also preparing a school-wide celebration to recognize students who have consistently demonstrated the 4 B’s:

  • Be Respectful
  • Be Responsible
  • Be Ready to Learn
  • Be Safe

Upcoming Events: 

May 20-School budget vote

May 23, May 26, May 27-School will be closed for Memorial Day Weekend.

How Parents Can Promote "Being Safe" at Home – Focus on the School Bus
To support our focus on Being Safe, here are a few simple ways families can help children practice safe behaviors when riding the school bus:
✅ Review Bus Expectations Together
Talk with your child about the importance of staying seated, using quiet voices, and keeping hands and belongings to themselves while on the bus.
✅ Practice Safe Boarding and Exiting
Remind children to wait their turn, use handrails, and always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see them.
✅ Be on Time
Rushing can lead to unsafe decisions. Help your child develop a routine that ensures they arrive at the bus stop on time.
✅ Talk About Bullying
Encourage your child to speak up if they feel unsafe or see someone else being treated unfairly. Let them know they can always talk to a trusted adult.
✅ Celebrate Safe Choices
Praise your child when they follow safety rules—it helps them feel proud and encourages them to keep it up!

Fondly,

Jennifer Darling

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

  • Memorial Day

    Memorial Day 

    Schools and Offices Closed

    Carmel Central School District
  • Schools Closed - Unused snow day

    All schools are closed. Building and District Offices are open. 

    Carmel Central School District
  • MPES - General PTO Meeting

    Matthew Paterson Elementary School
  • CYCLE DAY 3

    Carmel Central School District
  • CYCLE DAY 4

    Carmel Central School District
View Monthly Calendar

Announcements

  • Board of Education Meeting

    The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Carmel High School.  The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by an immediate entry into a 90-minute Executive Session.  The public portion of the meeting will begin with a Budget Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m., immediately followed by a regular Board of Education meeting.  

    Community members who wish to speak during the public comment section of the Board meeting are asked to sign up in advance using our Public Comment Sign-up Form here: https://forms.office.com/r/SnQBCFWYy8

    Board meetings will continue to be live streamed on this page.  Committee meetings are open to the public.

    Board of Education
  • Board of Education Committee Meetings

    Upcoming Board of Education Committee Meetings:

    Special Education, Support & Wellness Committee: 06/10/25, 5:30 p.m., Kent Elementary School, Library
    Facilities & Transportation Committee:  06/24/25, 5:30 p.m., Carmel High School, Library Lab
    Audit, Finance & Personnel Committee: 06/10/25, 5:30 p.m., Kent Elementary School, Conference Room #224
    Policy Committee: 05/29/25, 6:00 p.m., Administrative Office, Executive Conference Room

    Board of Education
  • Elementary School Cross-Zone Change Requests

    This year, elementary school cross-zone transportation requests are accepted between April 1st and June 1st prior to the start of the new school year. 

    Students are assigned to one of our three elementary schools based on their residential address.

    Cross-zone change requests are primarily considered when the pick-up/drop-off of a student’s childcare is not within the attendance zone assigned for their elementary school. 

    You can request to transfer your child to the elementary school that is within the attendance zone of their childcare by completing the Cross-Zone Change Request form. 

    If your request is for a reason other than childcare, and approved, transportation will be your responsibility. 

    All requests will be reviewed over the summer and a decision will be made once class enrollment size has been determined. 

    You will be notified of a decision, in writing, by August 1, 2025.

    Thank you!

    Carmel Central School District
  • The Carmel Schoolhouse eNews

    Enjoy the District's newsletter here.

    Carmel Central School District
  • 2025-26 Kindergarten Registration is Open

    Dear Carmel Community: 

    Our kindergarten registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open. To qualify, children must be five years old by December 1, 2025 and live within Carmel Central School District boundaries.  

    Here is the link to the kindergarten registration: New Student Registration - Carmel Central School District

    If you know someone with a kindergarten-aged child, please share this email so they can register the child for school. Thanks! 

    Respectfully,  

    Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D. 
    Superintendent of Schools

    Superintendent of Schools
  • Standardized Testing and Our Commitment to Student Success

    Dear Carmel Families,

    As we approach the upcoming standardized testing period for students in grades 3-8, I want to take a moment to reaffirm our collective commitment to the academic growth and success of all our students.

    Standardized testing is a key component of our educational system, providing valuable insights into student learning, the effectiveness of instruction and overall school performance. The data from these assessments helps us tailor teaching strategies to better meet individual student needs and evaluate the strength of our districtwide curriculum.

    We understand that standardized testing can bring a range of emotions for students, parents and educators alike. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that the testing experience is as positive and supportive as possible, in alignment with our goal of fostering a nurturing and effective learning environment.

    To address concerns about potential stress or anxiety, our district has implemented strategies to create a calm and supportive atmosphere during the testing period. These strategies include clear communication with students about the purpose of the assessments, the provision of helpful resources and guidance on effective test-taking techniques. We encourage open and ongoing dialogue between parents, teachers and students to ensure that we approach the testing process together in a constructive and collaborative way.

    Additionally, I would like to stress the importance of student participation in the testing process. The data we gather from these assessments not only highlights areas for growth but also plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the academic standards of our district.

    Thank you for your continued dedication to supporting quality education and fostering a positive learning environment within Carmel Central School District. If you have any questions or concerns about the testing process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s principal or the district office.

    We truly appreciate your partnership in helping our students thrive.

    Respectfully,

    Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D.

     

     

    Superintendent of Schools
  • Come Discuss the Budget over Coffee

    Dear Carmel Community:

    Come discuss the draft Proposed 2025-2026 School Budget with me on Wednesday, February 12, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. in my office at the District Office. Everyone is welcome to just drop in for coffee, conversation and to review the draft budget.  If the time doesn't work for you, email me at emeehan@carmelschools.org to schedule a time. 

    Regards,

    Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D.
    Superintendent of Schools

     

    Superintendent of Schools
  • A Successful Town Hall

    Dear Carmel Community: 

    I am reaching out today to provide an update on the Town Hall held on January 28 and to keep you apprised of important information from NYSED. I also want to reaffirm our district’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student in Carmel feels safe, welcomed and valued. 

    We had an amazing turnout at last night’s Town Hall meeting at Carmel High School.  

    More than 75 district residents attended and learned about our strategies to make certain that Carmel schools are welcoming, affirming and safe places for all. After the presentation by District Equity Team members, residents broke into groups and discussed their ideas about our district’s strengths and ways we can improve. We also looked at external opportunities and threats that could prevent the district’s work. Each group then presented their ideas, outlining a framework for the district’s most important next steps.  

    “I am thrilled by the turnout,” Board of Education President Melissa Orser said. “This was a collaborative assignment. I hope we can take all this information and move our work on equity forward.”  

    In the coming days, I will compile all the information, share it with the entire Board, meet with my administrative council and immediately focus on improving our schools.  

    The district continues its commitment to support all our students.  We would like to draw your attention to a recent guidance document from the Office of the Governor, Attorney General and State Education Department New York State’s Guidance on Safeguarding the Rights of Immigrant Students.  Our policies and practices are in alignment with this guidance. 

    Here are a few important points to keep in mind:  

    • Both state and federal laws guarantee all students access to a free public education. The district will provide no barriers, including requests for immigration-related documentation, that would prevent students from enrolling in or attending school.  
    • Under the law, personally identifiable information, including a student’s immigration status, cannot and will not be shared without proper parental consent. If you would like to opt out of Directory information pursuant to FERPA, please contact the Director of Information Systems and Human Resources, Timothy Wade at twade1@carmelschools.org.  
    • The district has procedures in place to ensure that students only be released to their parents or guardians listed in the student information system.   

    As this is a rapidly changing environment, we are working closely with our school attorneys and the New York State Education Department to ensure we have the most current and accurate information. Additionally, we have shared resources with our administrators to support our students and their families during this time.    

    We are responsible for every child’s educational journey. Please be assured that we in the Carmel schools take that responsibility seriously. All students in the Carmel schools will continue to have access to education that informs, challenges and helps them grow. 

    I am so grateful to be working in such an engaged, child-focused community.  

    Respectfully, 

    Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D. 
    Superintendent of Schools 

     

    Superintendent of Schools
  • Town Hall: Creating a Welcoming, Affirming and Safe Environment for All

    Dear Carmel Community: 

    I would like to update you on the status of our January 28 Town Hall meeting.  

    When we announced the meeting, we said that it would be a community conversation on diversity, equity and inclusion, and be led by a specialist from U.S. Department of Justice, Community Relations Service.  

    A lot has changed, however, in the weeks since I sent that announcement. Now, given the Trump administration’s recent ban on DOJ participation in any diversity, equity and inclusion work, there will not be a representative from the DOJ at our meeting.  

    More than ever, we are now relying on you to join us for the Town Hall. Let’s work together to create a welcoming, affirming and safe environment for all our schools. The meeting will be in the Carmel High School Library on Tuesday, January 28 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.  

    As planned, our meeting will still include a presentation by the District Equity Team, which will be followed by a breakout session where you will help assess the Carmel Central School District’s strengths and weaknesses.   

    I really hope to see you there.  

    Respectfully, 

    Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D. 
    Superintendent of Schools 

    Superintendent of Schools
  • Send us Compliments or Complaints

    If you like something a CCSD staff member has done, tell us at compliments@carmelschools.org. Likewise, if there is an area you think needs improvement, send an email to complaints@carmelschools.org. Both email addresses will go directly to School Superintendent Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben and to the Board of Education President Melissa Orser. 

    Carmel Central School District
  • Leadership Plan

    Dear Carmel Community: 

    After listening to stakeholders throughout the Carmel School Community, I have put together a Leadership Plan that is designed to reflect the mission, vision and core beliefs of the Carmel Central School District. 

    This plan allows us to maintain District strengths, add revisions to areas in need of improvement, increase opportunities and promote an inclusive environment for all. It will serve as our guiding document as we move forward to make Carmel Schools the best they can be.   

    Respectfully, 

    Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D.  

    Superintendent of Schools
  • A Thanksgiving Message

    Dear Carmel Community,

    This is my first Thanksgiving in Carmel since I lived here as a child many decades ago, and I am excited to be back in the community I have always considered home. I want to tell you how grateful I am for the opportunity to serve as your Superintendent of Schools.    

    As I spend time in our school buildings, I am constantly surprised by the talent, diligence and kindness of our students. They give us so many reasons to be proud. Their success, of course, stems from the dedication and hard work of our teachers and staff. I am grateful to work with such devoted professionals.    

    Working in a community that shows such support for its schools is another reason I am so glad to be here.  

    I hope you find space over the long, busy weekend to spend time with friends, family and our great community – things we can all be thankful for. 

    Respectfully, 
    Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D. 
    Superintendent of Schools

    Superintendent of Schools
  • Universal Pre-K

    Dear Carmel Community:

    I am happy to announce that the Carmel Central School District will be starting a Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program in January 2025. 

    We will be hosting three Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Informational Nights to share information about the following:

     

    • The timeline for the program
    • The structure of the program
    • The registration process
    • A presentation by each childcare facility
    • Question & Answer session

    The three informational sessions will be held November 14 & November 21 from 7:00-8:30pm at the Matthew Patterson Elementary School and November 26 at 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Kent Elementary School.  All sessions will offer the same presentation, so you only need to attend one session.  We are providing three sessions to make it convenient for families. 

    There is no need to register for this event.  Please come and learn more about the UPK program that will start on January 6, 2025. 

    Please reach out with any questions.

    Thank you,

    Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D.
    Superintendent of Schools

    Superintendent of Schools
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