Welcome to Mathew Paterson Elementary School

  Dear MPES Families, 
As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the amazing learning, growth, and joy that has filled the halls of Matthew Paterson Elementary School. It’s hard to believe we are nearing the end of another incredible year! 
In June we made memories and will continue to make memorable experiences to wrap up the school year. 
🎉 Field Day – A day filled with teamwork, outdoor games, and lots of laughter!
🎓 Moving-Up Ceremonies – Celebrating our fourth graders as they prepare for the next exciting step in their educational journey.
📸 Memory Making Moments – Yearbook signing, class parties, field trips, fun days and time spent reflecting on the friendships and accomplishments from this year. We are so proud of the effort, kindness, and resilience our students have shown all year. Thank you for your partnership and support—it truly makes a difference in the lives of our learners. 
Don’t forget to take a moment to read together, play outside, and create lasting memories as a family. 

Upcoming Events

Monday, June 16-Incoming Kindergarten Orientation at 6:00 PM (Parents and Guardians only)

Monday, June 16 & Tuesday, June 17-Therapy Dogs will visit all classrooms.

Thursday, June 19-School will be closed for Juneteenth

Thursday, June 24-Friday, 27-Half Day for all students

Friday, June 27-Last Day of School!

Note from the nurse. All unused medications must be picked up by 6/20/25 from the nurse's office. Children are not allowed to bring medication home in their backpacks. Medication not picked up by an adult will be discarded. Thank you for your cooperation.

Our students have been reflecting on what Panda Power means to them, and their insights have been both thoughtful and inspiring. Each morning, we’ve been sharing some of these student reflections during the announcements as a way to celebrate their voices and reinforce the core values of our school community.
This is all part of our ongoing commitment to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Panda Power serves as the foundation of our school-wide expectations, reminding students to be safe, kind, respectful, and responsible in all areas of the building. These reflections are a powerful way to highlight how our students are internalizing these expectations and recognizing them in their daily actions.
As we approach the end of the year, let’s continue to acknowledge positive behavior with Panda Power tickets, celebrate student growth, and support each other in fostering a positive, respectful school environment.  During the last week of school, the students will see a slideshow highlighting our 4 B's!


Monday is day 4 in our special cycle.

Jenn Darling 

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Upcoming Events

  • MPES - Kindergarten Play Date 6:00pm

    Matthew Paterson Elementary School
  • Superintendent's Conference Day

    Carmel Central School District
  • Superintendent's Conference Day

    Carmel Central School District
  • Labor Day

    Schools and Administrative Offices Closed

    Carmel Central School District
  • First Day of School

    Carmel Central School District
View Monthly Calendar

Announcements

  • Board of Education Committee Meetings

    Upcoming Board of Education Committee Meetings:

    Special Education, Support & Wellness Committee:  2025/2026 School Year
    Audit, Facilities & Operations: 2025/2026 School Year
    Policy Committee: TBD

    Board of Education
  • Board of Education Meeting

    The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Carmel High School.  The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. immediately followed by a 30-minute executive session.  The public portion of the meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. 

    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
  • Sign-up for Weekly E-Newsletters and District Alerts

    Community members can sign up for our Carmel Central School District News group through ParentSquare to stay up-to-date on district news and events. You will receive weekly e-newsletters as well as other updates with important district information. Current parents and staff are automatically subscribed to receive e-newsletters.

    Sign-up now!

    Carmel Central School District
  • Changes to Online Registration Portal

    We are transitioning computer systems this summer and the last day we will accept an online registration submission in our current Powerschool Online Registration Portal is July 9th, 2025. We will notify the community when the online registration resumes. Until then, families will be able to register by submitting a paper registration packet to the schools. Click here for a printable paper Registration Packet in English. Click here for a printable paper Registration Packet in Spanish

    Carmel Central School District
  • 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
  • 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
  • Superintendent's First 100 Days Plan

    As your Superintendent of Schools, I am excited to lead the Carmel Central School District into the future to continue and build on the proud tradition of cultivating opportunities. The leadership transition of a new superintendent represents a new chapter filled with opportunities for growth and
    development. I have put together this First 100 Days Plan to share with you how I will transition into the district.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben

    Superintendent of Schools
  • A Message from the Superintendent Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben

    It is my pleasure to officially introduce myself to the Carmel Central School Community. I consider it a true privilege to have been appointed your new Superintendent of Schools and to have taken the oath of office last evening during the district’s reorganization meeting. 

    The Carmel Central School District has earned a reputation for academic excellence. The boundless opportunities offered beyond the classroom are exemplary and provide enriching learning experiences for students at all levels. As an educator for 32 years, I wholeheartedly value the programs and services Carmel already has in place, and I am committed to building upon them to ensure that current and future students have opportunities to explore their interests and find their true passions. 
     
    In addition to the robust educational program, it was the level of community involvement that drew me to this district. I witnessed this sense of pride as I underwent the interview process and have experienced it firsthand over the past few days, as each of the faculty members, parents, students, and residents I have met have been extremely welcoming and helpful. Please know that it is my intent to make every effort to foster and cultivate this practice to ensure the continued success of our students, schools, and community.  
     
    While serving as your Superintendent of Schools, I plan to be accessible to all stakeholders and maintain an open door for communication. I encourage and welcome any questions, comments, or concerns you have about our schools and can be reached directly at emeehan@carmelschools.org or 845-878-2094 ext. 200.    
     
    It is an exciting time for the Carmel Central School District, and I am looking forward to the year ahead. Please accept my best wishes for a happy and healthy summer. 
     
    Sincerely, 
     
    Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben 

    Superintendent of Schools
  • Board Meeting Public Comment Sign-Up

    Community members who wish to speak during the public comment portion of a Board of Education meeting are asked to sign-up in advance using our Public Comment Sign-up Form or by contacting the District Clerk four (4) hours prior to the meeting at jstevens@carmelschools.org.  The sign-up form will also be available at the meeting for anyone who wishes to speak and did not sign up in advance.  

    These individuals will be called upon during the scheduled public participation section on the agenda.  To facilitate follow-up, please provide your name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address, as well as the topic of your comments.  Speakers are limited to five (5) minutes each.  No district employee or student may be commented upon or identified by name or situation.

     

    Board of Education
  • CCSD Launches Anonymous Alerts Tool

    As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing safety, communication and equity districtwide, Carmel Central School District has launched a new communication tool, Anonymous Alerts®. This tool enables students or parents to report urgent information to school officials quickly, easily and anonymously across all our school campuses. 

    Access the Anonymous Alerts portal.

    Carmel Central School District
  • Board of Education Meeting Recordings

    Recordings of Board of Education meetings and presentations from those meetings are available to the public.   

    View recordings from Board of Education meetings.

    Board of Education
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