Welcome to Mathew Paterson Elementary School

Dear MPES Families and Staff, 

On Friday, September 26, we will hold a districtwide Emergency Early Dismissal Drill, which means we will dismiss students 15 minutes before our regularly scheduled dismissal time.  

Pick-up will begin at 3:10 in the cafeteria. The buses will depart at 3:20. 

The New York State Education Department requires school districts to hold one such Emergency Early Dismissal a year in order to test districtwide evacuation procedures in case of an emergency. 
 
Please be sure to plan for your children’s early release from school on Friday, September 26. 

This week, we launched our Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) with great energy and excitement! Our focus is on building a school culture rooted in Collaboration, Citizenship, and Compassion—the three core values that will guide student behavior and interactions throughout the year. 

To kick things off, we held a school-wide assembly where we reviewed important expectations for key areas in our school community, including: 

  • Hallways – Walking safely and quietly so everyone can learn and move smoothly
  • Bathrooms – Respecting privacy, keeping spaces clean, and using time responsibly
  • Playground – Playing safely, including everyone, and resolving conflicts peacefully

We also had an exciting moment during the assembly—our first “Panda Power” students were recognized for showing positive behavior! As a reward, they got to choose a book from our book vending machine—a fun and motivating way to celebrate great choices and encourage a love for reading. 

We are so proud of our students for starting the year off strong, and we’re excited to see how they continue to grow in character and community spirit. 

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, September 23 & Wednesday, September 24-School will be closed for Rosh Hashanah.

Friday, September 26-Spirit Day and Welcome Back Ice Cream Social 

Hispanic Heritage Month September 15-October 15 

Building strong attendance habits in elementary school sets the foundation for your child’s long-term success. Research shows that missing just 2 days a month—even in the early grades—can add up to significant learning loss and put students at risk of falling behind. In fact, students who are chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the school year) are much more likely to struggle with reading by third grade and are less likely to graduate from high school. Studies also show that frequent absences in elementary school can impact a child’s confidence, friendships, and ability to stay connected in the classroom. When children are in school consistently, they not only keep up with academic skills, but also build important routines, relationships, and a love for learning.
Tips for Supporting Good Attendance at Home:

  • Set a regular bedtime and morning routine to help your child feel rested and ready.
  • Avoid scheduling family trips or appointments during school hours when possible.
  • Prepare school materials and clothing the night before to avoid morning stress.
  • Reach out to the school if your child is feeling anxious or having a hard time getting to school—we’re here to help!

Thank you for making school attendance a priority—every day truly makes a difference!

Monday is day 3 in our special cycle.  

Fondly,

Jennifer Darling

 

 

   

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Upcoming Events

  • Yom Kippur

    Schools Closed - Administrative Offices Open 

    Carmel Central School District

  • Cycle Day 3

    Carmel Central School District

  • Cycle Day 4

    Carmel Central School District

  • MPES - Book Fair

    Matthew Paterson Elementary School

  • Cycle Day 5

    Carmel Central School District
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Kindergarten Students

Cultivating Opportunities for All

  • Carmel Schools Remember

    Throughout the Carmel Central School District on Thursday, educators took time to reflect on the history of 9/11. 

    “This morning, we observed a moment of silence during our announcements,” said Jeffrey Noto, Interim Principal of Kent Elementary School. “We also shared a short paragraph with students about the significance of September 11, 2001. Our statement recalled the heroic acts on and following September 11, 2001.  We referenced Carmel’s 6C’s: Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Citizenship, Creativity and Compassion, and how these characteristics contribute to developing a greater school community.” 

    At Kent Primary School, third grader Gregory said he was wearing a red, white and blue shirt to honor Patriot’s Day for the memory of 9/11.  

    “Today was the day the twin towers were destroyed,” Gregory said.  

    John Fratto, the principal of George Fischer Middle School, said the day not only included time to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11. 
     
    “We also want to thank the first responders—firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and everyday people—who showed incredible bravery in the face of unimaginable danger. Your actions saved lives, and your courage continues to inspire,” Mr. Fratto said.  “It’s a day to reflect, to honor, and to never forget.” 

    District News

  • Carmel Among Best Communities for Music Education

    Congratulations to the Carmel Central School District Music Department for being named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAAM Foundation.

    This is the 12th time that NAAM (the National Association for Music Merchants) recognized Carmel for its exceptional music education.

    “The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education,” the group said.

    The music program is excellent throughout the district. 

    In May, several Carmel High School and George Fischer Middle School groups excelled at NYSSMA majors. All three Carmel High School bands, all three CHS orchestras and the CHS chorus each performed at NYSSMA majors and received gold and silver ratings. The groups went on to play at the Music in the Parks Festival last week and were awarded superior ratings for the second year in a row. The 6th, 7th and 8th grade orchestras also performed well at the NYSSMA majors.

    Music education plays a big part even in elementary school, as music teachers lead students in performances for events throughout the year. 

    Carmel’s music program helps introduce our students to a larger music community. Carmel hosted state and countywide functions this year and brought additional music opportunities to our students. The department sets the groundwork for our students to have a lifetime of music.

    District News

  • Matthew Paterson Gets a Little Lending Library

    Students at Matthew Paterson Elementary School now have another place to find great books to read.  

    The school just opened a Little Lending Library, which sits right by the main entrance and is open to all.   

    Teaching Assistant Leslie Maher came up with the idea.  She had seen little lending libraries – built like tiny houses on top of a post – and thought it would be great if Matthew Paterson could have one of its own.  

    “When teachers reorganize their classrooms, they often have a lot of books that they no longer need,” Maher said. “I just thought this would be a great way to make those books available to our students.”  

    Principal Jenn Darling loved the idea of giving students yet another fun way to fall in love with reading. 

    “Lots of families come here after school, to the playground or for sports,” Darling said. “Now they can stop and pick up a book. We are happy to do anything that promotes a love of reading.” 

     But who could build the tiny library?  

    Diana McDermott, who teaches third and fourth grade at Matthew Paterson, knew just the guy. Her husband, Bill, built both of their homes. She volunteered him.  

    “He was volun-told,” she joked. “But he didn’t mind. He was happy to build a little library for the school, and he doesn’t do anything half-way. Look at all the detail. It’s really beautiful.”  

    When Principal Darling cut the ribbon on the Little Lending Library this week, the school already had close to 300 books collected to fill it.  

    “I just live down the block,” Maher said. “In the summer, I can just stop by and restock it.”  

    Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

  • Budget Passed and Three New Board Members Elected

    Voters endorsed the Carmel Central School District Budget Tuesday and elected three new board members to the Board of Education.  

    The budget passed by a vote of 1290 to 1113. Nicholas Magliano, Frank Grasso and Michael Torpey were elected to the Board of Education.   

    “I’m so appreciative to the community for supporting students and allowing us to fulfill the mission of the district,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben said. “I also want to welcome the three new Board of Education members Nicholas Magliano, Frank Grasso and Michael Torpey.” 

    The Board of Education results were:  

    Nicholas Magliano -- 1390  
    Frank Grasso -- 1252 
     Michael Torpey --1255 
     Prakash Tewari -- 1059 
     Nathaniel Query -- 740 

    Board President Melissa Orser said she was grateful that the community approved the budget.  

    “I want to thank the community for coming out to support our schools,” Board President Orser said. “I also want to thank the administration – both the superintendent of schools and the assistant superintendents – for upholding the board’s focus on fiscal responsibility.” 

    District News

  • See the Budget Newsletter

    The 2025-26 Budget Newsletter has been mailed to residents throughout the Carmel Central School District. You don't, however, have to wait for yours to come in the mail. You can read it right here: 2025-26 Budget Newsletter. 

    District News

  • Fourth Graders Experience History

    Fourth graders in all three Carmel Central School District elementary schools learned about the American Revolution in a History Day celebration that allowed them to experience life the way soldiers did 250 years ago. They dressed in uniform, marched, drilled and pitched tents.   

    Colonial and Revolutionary history are part of the fourth-grade curriculum and George Fischer Middle School Social Studies Teacher Keith Reilly and Carmel High School History Teacher Rob Buccheri visited Kent Elementary School, Kent Primary School and Matthew Paterson Elementary School to help bring American history to life for the youngsters.  

    GFMS Reading Teacher Denise Santalis organized the event and took the fantastic photos. 

    See more

     

    District News

  • Second Grader Inspires a Relay for Life Team

    When Lucas, a second grader at Matthew Paterson Elementary School, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, the impact on his family was tremendous.

    “Lucas was six months old at the time,” his mother Ashley Martinez said. “He is a twin, we were so worried that his twin brother, Oliver, would develop cancer, too. Our oldest son, Adrian, was just three. It was a very scary time.”

    Lucas is cancer-free now. Since his recovery, the family has helped raise money in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to help find a cure. Lucas has been involved in the Relay since he was two years old, walking and raising money for cancer research.

    This year, the Relay for Life of Eastern Putnam will be held at Brewster High School on Saturday, May 31 from 2 to 10 p.m.

    The Martinez family will be there along with a team of about 20 family members and friends who call themselves “The Lukey-Dukes.”

    “We welcome all friends, families and CCSD staff to join us,” Mrs. Martinez said. “Our team raises money specifically for childhood cancer. At the Relay, we do a dinosaur lap with inflatable costumes. We just try to bring attention to childhood cancer.”

    Read more

    Matthew Paterson Elementary School News

  • Core Knowledge in the Real World

    On two warm fall days, third graders from Matthew Paterson Elementary School walked across the road to the Patterson Environmental Park.

    The park includes part of the Great Swamp, one of the largest freshwater wetlands in New York State and home to many species of wildlife. The students’ visit would allow them to see its ecological diversity up close.

    “We finished the unit on animal classification in our reading program, Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), so we added a trip to the Great Swamp for a hands-on extension,” Teacher Gina Boalt said. “I love this reading program; it is so rich in content.”

    Judging from their enthusiasm, the students were excited to put their new knowledge to the test

    Matthew Paterson Elementary School News
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Announcements

  • Board of Education Meeting

    The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Carmel High School.  The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. immediately followed by a proposed entry into executive session.  The public portion of the meeting will begin at 7:00 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

  • Board of Education Committee Meetings

    Upcoming Board of Education Committee Meetings:

    Audit, Facilities & Operation: October 21, 2025, Carmel High School, Science Room 201, 5:30 p.m.
    Special Education, Support & Wellness Committee:  October 21, 2025, Carmel High School, Library Lab, 5:30 p.m.
    Policy Committee: October 6, 2025, Administrative Office, Executive Conference Room, 5:30 p.m.

    Board of Education

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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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