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

  • Early Dismissal

    The Elementary Schools will dismiss at 12:15 p.m. today due to expected heat and humidity. 

    The Middle School will dismiss at 11:30 a.m. today due to heat and humidity. 

    Carmel Central School District
  • Early Dismissal (Elementary only)

    Early Dismissal (Elementary only)

    Professional Development 

    Carmel Central School District
  • Early Dismissal (Elementary only)

    Early Dismissal (Elementary only)

    Professional Development

    Carmel Central School District
  • Early Dismissal (Elementary & Middle Schools)

    Early Dismissal (Elementary and Middle Schools)

    Carmel Central School District
  • Last Day of School

    Last Day of School for students 

    Carmel Central School District
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Announcements

  • BOE Policy Committee Meeting

    The next Board of Education Policy Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, in the District Administrative Building, Executive Conference Room, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

    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:  2025/2026 School Year
    Facilities & Transportation Committee:  06/24/25, 5:30 p.m., Carmel High School, Library Lab
    Audit, Finance & Personnel Committee: 2025/2026 School Year
    Policy Committee: 06/30/25, 6:30 p.m., Administrative Office, Executive Conference Room

    Board of Education
  • Board of Education Meeting

    The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Carmel High School.  The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by an immediate entry into a 30-minute 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
  • 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. The online registration will resume on August 4th in the new system and we will notify the community when it is ready.  From July 10, 2025 through August 3, 2025, 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
  • 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
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