[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6241572,"mediaKeyId","3255384-6fc1fc15a873b9dda68b068ee848ae61","parentId",3255384,"title","Board signals go‑ahead on “O Pride” lion brand; trustees ask for brand guidelines","audioSeconds",873,"startMs",9367000,"endMs",10240000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255384-6fc1fc15a873b9dda68b068ee848ae61&start=9367&end=10240","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255384-6fc1fc15a873b9dda68b068ee848ae61/thumbnail_9367000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6241572/New-York/Board-signals-goahead-on-O-Pride-lion-brand-trustees-ask-for-brand-guidelines","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241572-75a777096b1278b2bcd0dd25fc845724/orig.mp4?Expires=1770576453&Signature=Fj-YgeBHSRi1NOmI8t53xrc39gQN99Qp5TA6Ieg6XsCyQZcMmj11kmjge6ccgqxm7OnvRo~tt9vnVfYykqz5EEZBFfP0TQGd5vSGElSUlLR24rvU-TxzVtCVZj6laeijWKNmCQ4oIQJbjc26nLJymTIirLr3YV311gLhqrI1wkyG07X-gtDh6kCl3T~DcM4TeYq-L1YyX1kGnLcZvLtruDVG6B0oCDjR9p44aSlOGUgyPmSZ~Tj4OkGDwyNPgW93c6xDgXzP~iVxzC1QA6pxBab9bxrWNybPDkfrwYH8~BmWxRRxVJ104LCToEbr99aF0DOvzJ575mA2nPgKYJQF~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-08T17:29:31Z","article","Ossining — Board members signaled support May 7 for moving forward with new district branding that pairs “O Pride” with lion imagery and asked district communications staff to provide brand guidelines and a rollout plan.

Background and survey results: trustees discussed prior community engagement and an online survey that asked whether the district should keep “O Pride” as part of its new brand. Board members cited results showing a majority of respondents favored keeping the “O Pride” name; one board member reported a 57% affirmative figure in the survey summary that staff reviewed with the board.

Board discussion and direction: trustees debated whether to develop school‑specific mascot variations (for elementary and middle schools) or to roll out a single system‑level lion identity and then add variations over time. Several trustees said they favored moving forward with the primary lion design paired with “O Pride” and recommended the communications team finalize brand guidelines explaining authorized uses, fonts and color palette. Trustees also asked staff to advise on trademark and intellectual‑property protection for the new logo and to estimate timing and cost for optional school‑specific mascots.

Why it matters: district branding can affect school spirit, merchandise and licensing. Trustees said they want a consistent visual identity, clear approval procedures for use, and a measured approach to any additional mascot work in order to control costs.

Statements and sources: the discussion was led by board members and the communications committee; committee members said communications director Nicole (last name in materials) is preparing brand guidelines and will present font and logo options to the board. Trustees asked staff to bring a timeline and cost estimate for expanding mascot artwork to the elementary and middle schools if the board decides to do so.

Next steps: communications staff were asked to finalize and share brand guidelines, confirm whether legal protection (trademark) is required or advisable, and prepare an implementation plan for presentation to the board. The district plans a public rollout event tied to OHS Day.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting/ Statutory Budget Hearing May 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After reviewing survey results and design work, trustees agreed to proceed with the district’s new lion imagery tied to the ‘O Pride’ name and asked staff for brand guidelines and a rollout plan ahead of OHS Day.","taxTitle","OSSINING UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",38331,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6241577,"Ossining High School proposes new courses including Python, printmaking and ‘Math & Careers’",456,7224000,7680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255384-6fc1fc15a873b9dda68b068ee848ae61&start=7224&end=7680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255384-6fc1fc15a873b9dda68b068ee848ae61/thumbnail_7224000.jpg","/articles/6241577/New-York/Ossining-High-School-proposes-new-courses-including-Python-printmaking-and-Math-Careers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241577-af2661ef9d7dc24d83d35b0cca68d1cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770576453&Signature=H-sq5a-TXZXl7xDykWG95NA~mdvjTw1m6n1eAlldnOfFrPAPtwX8vaKZh5tuMs3UHQmh1SJHH3p~Frf~b25Vbu3DvTaOYDmES8uUaQY43Fw7rhZQZpyDyQwlU6fIUE4o09egGvlu7xnkeRshtqoAzuoepxnlWkrU13wl3PgoW~ky8uifuMwOSls6Ze547yyMblqIw12XgWTFzUfeAHFiA61kEMikr4RdCupPw-gwqMIJrUe67Uyib6M9e0AWb3VovLrK3eaTQFhjfB3RahHZVqL1RDzYPxPz-AHMLtxGQC2kco3WICra1KpTh2mylDOVTDivBTWRBvJcwrAO~v8KRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ossining — Counselors and high‑school staff presented the high school’s proposed course offerings and low‑enrollment list to the board on May 7, describing a slate of new electives and a handful of classes that currently fall below the district’s low‑enrollment threshold.

Scheduling and outreach: Jeremy, who led the scheduling presentation, said course selection began with family nights and a course fair, followed by counselor meetings with students. The high school released a course guide to families and used small‑group counseling sessions to help students make choices and meet diploma requirements.

New course proposals the high school described include:
- Printmaking (half‑semester; includes monoprinting, relief printing and screen printing techniques). The presenter said 54 eighth‑grade students listed printmaking on their requests, often as a third choice while they learn more about the course.
- “Math & Careers” (full year, fourth‑year math pathway): a career‑focused math class that connects mathematical concepts to occupations such as HVAC, engineering and other technical fields; the presenter said most initial requests came from 12th graders.
- AP Precalculus (new AP designation for an existing precalculus course that staff said already teaches AP‑level content in preparation for calculus).
- Python (full year): an introductory programming course intended to prepare students for AP computer science and post‑secondary pathways; the presenter reported 14 initial requests and expects growth.
- Fashion 3: an advanced, year‑long course for students pursuing portfolio work and fashion industry pathways.
- Spanish home‑language arts: a course to develop literacy in students’ home language (Spanish) to support English proficiency and biliteracy pathways.

Low‑enrollment courses: district policy flags courses with fewer than 20 students as low enrolled. Presenters listed several classes that met that threshold at the time of scheduling, including some SUNY‑articulated offerings, ASL and several arts electives. The presenters said numbers are fluid and that course requests often change in June and July; they expect some low‑enrollment classes to meet thresholds once schedule conflicts are resolved.

Why it matters: several proposed courses are explicitly designed to broaden post‑secondary pathways or to provide targeted support for multilingual learners. The Spanish home‑language arts course was presented as a way to increase Seal of Biliteracy eligibility and support newcomers; presenters noted 57 students currently qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy.

Statements and sources: the course proposals and enrollment figures were presented by Jeremy and the counseling and department teams at Ossining High School. Jeremy described the scheduling timeline, outreach and initial request counts; other department presenters described curriculum and enrollment context.

Next steps: course requests will be finalized in June/July as the counseling team completes the master schedule and resolves conflicts. Low‑enrollment courses will be rechecked and combined or adjusted as needed under district policy.","School counselors and department leaders outlined new course proposals for 2025‑26 — printmaking, a career‑oriented math course, AP precalculus, Python and a Spanish home‑language arts offering — and listed several low‑enrollment classes under review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6241582,"Ossining secondary leaders report gains on belonging and lay out teaching, scheduling and equity steps",782,885000,1667000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255384-6fc1fc15a873b9dda68b068ee848ae61&start=885&end=1667","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255384-6fc1fc15a873b9dda68b068ee848ae61/thumbnail_885000.jpg","/articles/6241582/New-York/Ossining-secondary-leaders-report-gains-on-belonging-and-lay-out-teaching-scheduling-and-equity-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241582-87c1e6de2274bbf764018761c7285c92/orig.mp4?Expires=1770576453&Signature=nIcKTfxfq9hn6UYdI34wOUEE-puD~F0KAm4OaRgtEU58AaPS4yzd~mtqYffPbNMasMUA~srvBk2kiS5TZGaoct1awR9j8sbsOpksOmzDDOK9GeV7masBSYWdFwuT3fmWmn~9x09FFsHIOTroCPlxyQZyyA1f1rG3Dqctm-HJYlhR9uzApSqc5x9GHeiRg~UTXgnqgDwo~6tJPAMD4de9Wv-AeFm12ubzd4JrSQsLEMhKZApg9PLsNcFhjH3vcGusjI6VDp5OSqnZNIa-KvY-ITcNIHbVTuT-mrzhvEdnLD9I6HUnAJs87FTVUoEpGu4VN980ScLluySneLQQy2dYZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ossining — Administrators from the district’s secondary schools reported progress on the district’s long‑range plan at the Board of Education meeting May 7, describing stronger operational systems at the middle school, expanded teacher planning time, and a set of initiatives intended to improve instruction and student belonging.

The district said it is using four pillars in the long‑range plan — teaching and learning, relevant learning and student choice, culture of care, and family and community engagement — and that building‑level goals are tied to those pillars. Dr. Novart and other secondary presenters described two central instructional goals for this school year: sustaining operational systems so academic culture can grow, and increasing higher‑order thinking, academic discourse and feedback aligned to learning objectives.

What the schools reported: presenters described new scheduling moves (common planning time for sixth and seventh grade, an every‑other‑day model for eighth grade), a return to a dual‑language cohort model in sixth grade, and more protected planning for co‑teaching teams. The middle school team said it had worked with a scheduling consultant and will keep daily or near‑daily common planning time for core teachers; the presenters called that a “game changer” for collaborative instruction.

On belonging and student experience: the AMD (middle school) leadership said 53% of students responded favorably to a Panorama survey question about adult support at school, up from a lower baseline they reported in the fall. The presenters said staff and family surveys remain pending and that deeper disaggregated analysis will follow when final assessment and staff survey data are available. Administrators emphasized targeted programs that aim to increase belonging for newcomer multilingual learners and other prioritized groups, including partnerships with community organizations such as Growth Wellness and the Solidarity Project.

Cafeteria and supervision changes: presenters described increased adult supervision at lunch—one assistant principal on lunch duty, as many as six monitors and at least three security staff during lunch periods—and changes to lunch schedules that, they said, allow more students to get outside for recess. The presenters reported average recess lengths around 21 minutes for sixth‑ and seventh‑grade students and about 16½ minutes for eighth graders; average eating times were reported roughly 15.1 minutes for sixth grade, 16.5 minutes for seventh grade and about 20 minutes for eighth grade. The team said a consultant had described the middle school cafeteria as a strong model during a site visit.

Instructional strategies and AVID: the secondary teams described expanded professional learning communities (PLCs), the use of data protocols to target instruction, and an effort to expand AVID strategies (note‑taking, collaboration, and next year a greater emphasis on writing and reading strategies). The middle school said it will pilot an everyday AVID elective for up to 28 students in eighth grade and continue AVID “experience” electives for sixth and seventh grades.

Attendance, grading and supports: high‑school presenters outlined attendance initiatives — house assemblies, “whole‑sweeps” to move students to assigned areas, attendance letters, targeted conferences with house teams, a wellness day, security training focused on positive engagement, and a grading and attendance task force. Administrators said chronic absenteeism is multifaceted, including engagement, family stressors and mental‑health barriers; they said some students who miss school for family or seasonal work are eligible for New York State “major life event” exemptions from certain Regents requirements.

Language and literacy supports: the high school presented an ELA student‑profile project meant to track cohorts and identify students who need targeted supports ahead of the Regents exams. Presenters said new courses and screening tools are being added to support multilingual learners, including a Spanish home‑language arts course at the high school and plans to expand home‑language instruction to the middle school. The high school reported that 57 students currently qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy and said it expects that number to grow as programming expands.

Why it matters: district leaders tied these instructional and scheduling changes to the long‑range plan’s equity goals and said the work is intended to increase academic outcomes and student belonging. Administrators warned that full assessment results were not yet available; they said additional, disaggregated analysis would be shared in fall reporting and summer planning.

Statements and sources: the updates were delivered by AMD and Ossining High School administrative teams; superintendent Mary Fox Alter introduced the hearing and framed the work within the district’s long‑range plan. Dr. Novart reported the Panorama belonging figure and described scheduling and co‑teaching changes; Ossining High School principal Latoya Langley and other high‑school staff described attendance initiatives and the ELA profile work.

Next steps: presenters said they will complete final assessment analysis after spring exams, disaggregate the results by subgroup, continue PLC work, run summer retreats to set building goals, and return to the board with more detailed fall reporting.","Middle- and high‑school teams presented their long‑range plan progress: a reported increase in student belonging to 53%, new scheduling and co‑teaching structures, AVID expansion, cafeteria supervision changes and a renewed focus on multilingual and special‑education supports.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6241587,"Ossining school officials preview $178.6 million budget; May 20 vote set",545,375000,920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255384-6fc1fc15a873b9dda68b068ee848ae61&start=375&end=920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255384-6fc1fc15a873b9dda68b068ee848ae61/thumbnail_375000.jpg","/articles/6241587/New-York/Ossining-school-officials-preview-1786-million-budget-May-20-vote-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241587-d0a5d2fc993d289bd4c2a60d7c1949b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770576453&Signature=ByQPnE4CQTjFUAjuny2~7Zs3sDnKDUXYfsCpA63IctUgtzzfNrvoaFOHdF0l70yCozdh88WjxMx1OyaRiO3tfdmiLmsag~XfSIZbBya5qnJ6hhTRfnBBVAIaG1cdEbs7RRVSQUJnK2vlzdLjx~xm-GN19q5EzONLzFqvoam0B2Y2V26ZLu9AmQlwHJhYIN-eCsDIbGX8U3srznEJRuzH1bWZbVMjMALvXiUvCpAWh0APC6ZGDfaQZGnIWWeVDumIMeZzwVCEZtyVSIy~Vf2f4j7SrOXn5pg7nR4d1KT-7lRt-103PgtcM5Z6HZ44rv~We8WtKyMQpL9bVXxApcdfpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ossining — School leaders presented the district’s 2025‑26 budget at a statutory public hearing on May 7, saying the $178.6 million spending plan is down about $1.6 million from the prior year and carries a proposed tax levy increase of 1.67%, the district’s tax‑cap amount.

The hearing served as the district’s required public presentation under New York State law ahead of the May 20 budget vote. Assistant Superintendent Alita McCoy said the district plans to use about $6.7 million in fund balance and will set aside roughly $5.5 million in unappropriated fund balance to cover potential mid‑year cuts to federal and state grants and related salaries and benefits.

The district also highlighted capital work included in the budget. The capital portion totals about $16.7 million and the administration figure is $23.1 million, while program (instructional) spending accounts for roughly $139 million. McCoy and other staff described planned projects that include an AMD track, expanded building cameras, masonry and stair repairs, a second‑floor rooftop unit replacement, earthwork and site work behind the grade 7–8 building, a cafeteria renovation and kitchen addition at Claremont, and purchases of air‑conditioning equipment for most instructional spaces. McCoy said some site work tied to the driveway project already began this year and that, with budget approval, the district can purchase air‑conditioning equipment under state contract and start related electrical work.

Why it matters: the budget includes capital investments the district says respond to building needs and to prior board direction about preserving capital project capacity while covering bond premiums. Officials also framed the fund‑balance set‑aside as a contingency to reduce the need for deeper cuts should federal or state grant awards change after the district’s planning.

Board action and next steps: McCoy reminded the public the board had previously adopted a budget; the May 7 presentation was the statutory hearing required 7–14 days before the vote. Board officials said no one attended the hearing in person or online to ask budget questions, and that “there is no action required by the board regarding the budget hearing.” The district’s budget vote is scheduled for May 20 at the Ossining High School small gym.

Details reported by the district: the total proposed spending is $178,600,000 (a $1,600,000 decrease from the prior year); the proposed tax levy increase is 1.67%; planned use of undesignated fund balance is about $6.7 million; the district reports setting aside about $5.5 million to cover salary/benefit exposure if certain federal or state grants are reduced; capital spending is listed at about $16.7 million. District staff said they have not received updated state aid runs and are using the projections available at the time of the governor’s budget proposal.

Statements and sources: the presentation and all figures cited above were given by district staff at the May 7 statutory budget hearing. Assistant Superintendent Alita McCoy presented the budget breakdown and contingency plan. Superintendent Mary Fox Alter framed the legal requirement for the hearing, noting the board must provide a public presentation of the proposed budget at least seven days but not more than 14 days before the vote.

Looking ahead: Voters will decide May 20. If approved by voters, staff said purchase orders for air‑conditioning equipment could be issued promptly to begin implementation in 2025‑26.","Superintendent and finance staff outlined the 2025-26 spending plan, a $178.6 million proposal with a 1.67% tax‑levy at the tax‑cap, a $5.5 million contingency for potential grant cuts and a list of capital projects including an AMD track and classroom air conditioning.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board signals go‑ahead on “O Pride” lion brand; trustees ask for brand guidelines

Ossining High School proposes new courses including Python, printmaking and ‘Math & Careers’

Ossining secondary leaders report gains on belonging and lay out teaching, scheduling and equity steps

Ossining school officials preview $178.6 million budget; May 20 vote set