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Latest episodes from Somers Schools Tusker Talk

Capital Bond Project

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 8:16


In May 2025, SCSD will ask voters to approve funds for a Capital Bond Project to maintain our buildings and physical spaces while updating learning spaces to better engage students. Listen to this episode of Tusker Talk to learn more about the project and timeline.

International Baccalaureate in Somers Schools

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2024 22:57


There are many exciting developments in the implementation of the International Baccalaureate framework in Somers schools. Listen to this episode of Tusker Talk to hear about the progress from our IB coordinators and district leaders.

Game On! New Athletic Facilities Coming to SHS.

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 13:47


Key athletic facilities will be upgraded at Somers High School starting this spring. New tennis courts will be built in the lower field, the baseball and softball fields will get turf surfaces, among other improvements. Listen to three high school athletes talk about what these projects mean to them.

game athletic facilities somers high school
SCSD Plan for Excellence 2030

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 12:27


Every forward-thinking organization needs a long range plan. Over the past year, district leaders engaged dozens of parents, teachers, students, and community members in a process to discover their hopes and aspirations for the future of the Somers Central School District. The result is the SCSD Plan for Excellence 2030. Listen to this episode of our Tusker Talk podcast to learn more about the development of the plan, and one of the key elements, 21st Century Knowledge and Skills. Superintendent Ray Blanch, Claire Comerford (Director of Learning - Secondary), and Liz Turner (Director of Learning - Elementary) discuss who participated in developing the plan, the goals and aspirations that evolved, and how the International Baccalaureate Programme is woven throughout.

The Gift of Sound

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2023 5:50


Two Somers High School students saw a need for a new soundboard in the middle school auditorium when they were volunteering for the musical last spring. Together, they brought the project to fruition - but their involvement didn't end there.

SHS Wrestlers Head to Elite Tournament

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2023 8:46


The sport of wrestling is having a resurgence in popularity, and the Somers High School team is no exception. Six of the team's best wrestlers were selected to compete in the Eastern States Classic, a tournament featuring some of the best wrestlers in the country, during the weekend of January 13, 2023. We spoke with senior Luca D'Orazio and junior Justin Daniyan about the team, which is combined with North Salem High School, and their upcoming trip to the Classic at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake.

World Language Instruction to Start in Elementary School

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 10:30


On this episode of Tusker Talk, a podcast from Somers Schools, Superintendent Ray Blanch and Assistant Director of Learning Claire Comerford discuss the world language instruction that is starting in third grade this fall. In addition to improving thinking skills, learning a different language at a young age has many other benefits. Listen to this podcast to learn more about those benefits, and what language will be taught at Somers Intermediate School this fall.

A Busy Year for SHS Science Research

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 21:04


In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Blanch sits down with four Science Research seniors and advisor Bill Maelia to discuss the busy, successful year at Somers High School for the Science Research students and the program. Tune in to hear who brought home an international award for research done as a part of this class.

Flag Football - New Varsity Sport at SHS

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2022 15:54


Down, set, hike! Somers High School has a new varsity sport this spring. In this week's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch sits down with four of the girls on the inaugural varsity flag football team. We talk about why they play, the future of the sport, and the famous supporters who came to their jamboree.

Three High School Seniors Named Eagle Scouts

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2022 12:03


Three Somers High School seniors sit down with Tusker Talk to discuss a major milestone – they were each promoted to the highest rank of Eagle Scout in a recent ceremony. Robert Moore, Liam Higgins, and Conor McCooey share what they have learned as members of the Boy Scouts of America and tell us about their Eagle Scout projects.

Emily Dodd - Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2022 10:28


Somers High School senior Emily Dodd has been chosen as a finalist in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search competition, the country's oldest science and math competition for high school seniors. Emily's research focuses on identifying future treatments to combat learning and memory impairments in Parkinson's Disease patients. She is one of only 300 scholars chosen for their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking, and promise as scientists.

Superintendent's Update December 16, 2021 Test To Stay, Tik Tok Threat Update

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 8:29


On today's Tusker Talk podcast with Dr. Ray Blanch, the Somers Superintendent talks about the posts threatening violence in schools that are popping up nationwide on Tik Tok, and the Westchester Police Department's assurance that there is no credible threat to Somers Schools. Dr. Blanch also shares an update on the Test To Stay program and encourages everyone to enjoy the Somers High School winter concert tonight, Thursday, December 16 in the auditorium, or watch it virtually on Local Live https://events.locallive.tv/events/69643.

Superintendent's Update, December 9 - Inclusive Schools Week

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2021 10:25


This week is Inclusive Schools Week and Dr. Blanch visits Somers Intermediate School to speak with some students about how they are recognizing the week, and what it means to be inclusive. Special guests on this episode are fourth graders Sophie Mendoza and Jake Sandel from Mrs. Monteleone's class, and Ricky Myint, the music teacher and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader at SIS.

Superintendent's Update goes on the road with cast of SHS play, November 18, 2021

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2021 12:06


In this week's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch and communications coordinator Amanda Bergen take the show on the road, meeting up with cast and crew members of "Noises Off", the Somers High School fall play. Director and chorus teacher Chris Russo, along with students Caitlyn Stellwagen, Colleen Soriano and Eva DiRende, share how they have been preparing for the show and what it takes to coordinate 30+ members of the cast and crew. "Noises Off" opens tomorrow night at 7pm in the high school auditorium. Buy tickets at the door or online https://search.seatyourself.biz/webstore/accounts/somershsdrama/buy-tix

Superintendent's Update November 10, 2021: Veteran's Day edition

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2021 2:58


In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses the importance of honoring our country's veterans, and what students are doing in school to recognize the brave men and women who serve. Dr. Blanch also gives a shout out to the high school athletes who have either won sectionals in their sports and are headed to states, or are in the sectional playoffs this weekend.

Superintendent's Update November 4, 2021

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 10:09


A few years ago, the district found that teaching most kids algebra and geometry in middle school was not having the long term impact they were hoping for; mainly taking top level math classes all the way through high school. So they set about finding a different way to achieve the goal. In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch explains how testing and data led to a change in practice.

Superintendent's Update October 28, 2021

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 7:08


Tennis courts at the high school, a new softball field, and other updates to the high school's athletic facilities. These topics and more on today's Superintendent's Update.

Superintendent's Update October 21, 2021

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2021 9:51


In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch and Somers Intermediate School Assistant Principal Linda Belger discuss new and existing academic support for students across the district.

Superintendent's Update October 14, 2021

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2021 8:42


In today's Superintendent's Update, Somers Superintendent Dr. Ray Blanch shares the plan for snow days this year, as well as key new practices and programs that the district's Counseling Department is implementing.

Superintendent's Update October 7, 2021 tUSker University Family Edition

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2021 8:38


In the Superintendent's Update on Thursday, October 7, Dr. Ray Blanch shares highlights from the previous evening's tUSker University Family Edition workshop on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Special guest Karin Brill, the diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator for the district joins the conversation. Brill and Blanch share what they consider the biggest takeaway from the event.

Superintendent's Update September 30, 2021

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 11:13


In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch has news on when the county-sponsored random COVID-19 testing program will begin in the schools. Somers Middle School Principal Jeff Getman joins the conversation with an update on the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.

Superintendent's Update Sept 23, 2021 Fun New Athlete Feature, Buses, COVID Testing

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2021 5:46


In today's Superintendent Update, Dr. Raymond Blanch shares an update on the busing situation and driver shortage, the random COVID testing program in our schools, and a fun new video series featuring our high school student-athletes.

Superintendent's Update 9.9.21 New year, busing problems, new COVID testing program

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2021 9:44


In today's Superintendent's Update on September 9, 2021, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses the start of the new school year, including a significant bus driver shortage that is impacting students, and a new COVID-19 testing program in the schools.

June 24, 2021 Final Superintendent's Update for the Year

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2021 7:51


In the final Superintendent's Update on the Tusker Talk podcast, Dr. Blanch shares the common theme he heard from student speakers at the middle and high school graduations, as well as how the district will share any updated guidelines the state sends regarding the new school year. Need to get in touch with a school principal over the summer? Dr. Blanch tells you how. Have a great summer, Somers!

Graduation update, Juneteenth - Superintendent's Update 6.17.21

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2021 5:13


In today's Superintendent's Update on June 17, 2021, Dr. Blanch shares another update on graduation, as well as a reminder about the recognition of Juneteenth in the Somers schools.

Superintendent's Update 6/10/21 New graduation plan

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2021 4:36


In today's Somers Superintendent's Update on June 10, 2021, Dr. Blanch shares the new plan to have all students graduate at the same time.

Superintendent's Update 6/3/21

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2021 3:45


In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses the updated guidance he is expecting to hear from New York State about mask wearing outside at school, as well as a positive change in how graduations will be held at the middle school and the high school.

Superintendent's Update May 20, 2021

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2021 6:01


In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Blanch shares some hopeful news about graduations at the middle school and high school.

Superintendent's Update May 13, 2021 - Are snow days a thing of the past?

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2021 8:20


Are snow days a luxury of the past? Find out in today's Superintendent's Update with Dr. Ray Blanch. Dr. Blanch also discusses car parade changes and gives a shout out to Somers' fantastic school nurses for all the work they do every day.

Superintendent's Update 5.6.21 Teacher Appreciation

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2021 8:23


In this May 6, 2021 Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch talks about a school year like no other, and how Somers teachers rose to the occasion. During this Teacher Appreciation week, Dr. Blanch acknowledges teachers' hard work and what he saw in abundance.

Superintendent's Update April 29, 2021 COVID Protocol Updates, Juneteenth Holiday

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 10:21


In today's Superintendent's Update on the Tusker Talk podcast, Somers Superintendent Dr. Ray Blanch discusses some changes to the district's COVID protocol, along with an update to this year's school calendar in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday.

Superintendent's Update April 22, 2021 Supporting Students in the New School Year

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 8:06


In today's Superintendent's update, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses the expectation that more students than ever will need some extra support this fall when everyone returns to school. Whether it is social-emotional support, academic support, or advanced learning support, Dr. Blanch explains the changes that will take place in the student support structure at all four schools in Somers.

April 15, 2021 Superintendent's Update - Graduation Update and DOH guidelines

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 9:15


Somers High School is planning for the class of 2021's graduation! What will it look like? The answer to that as well as some updated guidelines from the NY State Department of Health in this week's Superintendent's Update with Dr. Ray Blanch.

Superintendent's Update April 8, 2021 Budget help from NY State and COVID Relief Bill

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2021 8:16


In today's Superintendent's Update on April 8, 2021, Dr. Ray Blanch talks about the financial aid that the Somers Central School District will receive from the State of New York for next year's budget, as well as the amount the district will receive from the federal COVID Relief Bill.

Superintendent's Update 3.25.21 Reentry and March Madness picks

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2021 7:24


In this week's Superintendent's update, Dr. Ray Blanch gives an update on the reentry plan for seventh through 12th graders, randomized COVID testing after spring break, and shares his picks in two different March Madness tournaments.

Superintendent's Update March 18, 2021

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2021 10:45


In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch and Somers Middle School principal Jeff Getman discuss the 40 Developmental Assets survey that students in grades 6 through 12 have been taking. They also talk about the modified reentry plan for the middle and high schools.

superintendents developmental assets
Superintendent's Update March 11, 2010 Reentry Plan and Energy Savings

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2021 9:27


On today's Superintendent's update, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses updates to the Somers Central School District's reentry plan for seventh through twelfth graders, as well as an energy savings plan that voters will consider at the budget vote in May.

Superintendent's Update with Ray Blanch 3.4.21 Employee Vaccines

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2021 9:54


On today's Superintendent's Update Dr. Raymond Blanch shares the exciting news that all Somers Central School District employees have access to COVID-19 vaccines today, Thursday March 4th through Saturday, March 6th.

Superintedent's Update February 25, 2021

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 9:39


In today's Superintendent Update, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses the Tusker University event for parents run by faculty and staff last night, and gives an update on when all Somers students might be able to return to school full time.

Superintendent Update 2/11/21 - Returning All Students to School Full Time

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2021 14:07


In today's Superintendent Update, Dr. Blanch discusses bringing all students back into schools full time. Somers students in kindergarten through sixth grade have been in person since the start of the school year, and with the advent of the COVID-19 vaccines, the district is forming a plan to bring older students back as well.

DiSiena and DeRosa win Prestigious National Award

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2021 18:36


Somers High School seniors Peyton DiSiena and Kaitlyn DeRosa are the first two students in Westchester County to be named National Student Council Distinguished Leaders. This prestigious award is the culmination of a years-long process, community involvement, and a great deal of dedication. Not only do the two young women share the award - they'll be attending the same university next year.

Superintendent Update 2.4.21 Athletics and Concerts

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 6:39


On today's Superintendent Update, Dr. Ray Blanch shares information about the start of the winter season for high-risk sports. Missing all those great band, orchestra and chorus concerts, too? Dr. Blanch has an update on those as well.

Superintendent Update 1.28.21 COVID-19 Positive Protocol

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2021 8:37


Somers Superintendent Dr. Raymond Blanch discusses district and Department of Health protocols to follow when waiting for COVID-19 test results.

Superintendent Update January 21, 2021

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2021 11:17


Somers Superintendent Dr. Ray Blanch discusses what he thinks the rest of the school year will look like in terms of COVID-19 guidelines, what the classrooms will look like as we return to school this fall, and gives a status update on the transition to the Middle Years Program for the sixth through tenth grades.

Superintendent Update with Dr. Ray Blanch 1.14.21

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2021 9:47


Somers Superintendent Dr. Ray Blanch shares updates on the school's plan to administer COVID-19 tests if required to do so by the State of New York, as well as new quarantine guidelines that are allowing more students to stay in school.

Be an IB Diploma Candidate

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 23:03


Somers High School offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate Program Diploma. An internationally respected program, IB diploma candidates are inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. The goal of this program of study is to develop students who will build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect. Want to learn more? Watch this video of current SHS juniors and seniors in the IB Diploma program.

candidate ib shs ib diploma somers high school
Guided Stress Release Exercise for Somers by Dr. Jennifer Simon

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2020 10:32


The Somers Central School District is fortunate to partner with Dr. Jennifer Simon, an accomplished meditation and mindfulness practitioner, researcher, author, and instructor in numerous meditation, mindfulness, and mind-training disciplines. Dr. Simon created this guided stress release exercise just for the Somers community. Her unique, professional approach has helped thousands of people: teens, families, executives, athletes, and more.

A Novel Idea

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2020 3:54


The eighth-graders at Somers Middle School collectively wrote millions of words in just one month as part of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). The project builds writing stamina, gives students confidence that they can undertake such an ambitious project and confidence that they can persevere through challenging writing tasks. In this episode of Tusker Talk, the new authors share with us their favorite lines.

Regeneron Science Contest Semifinalist Maeve Janecka

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2020 13:08


Regeneron Science Contest Semifinalist

Somers Schools Libraries Provide Cultural Mirrors and Windows

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2019 19:31


Life changing - SHS students talk about Humanities course and embedded honors

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2019 45:54


Humanities class and embedded honors at Somers High School

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