The TVCS Guidepost is the Tri-Valley School District’s beloved newsletter. In it you’ll find news about our students, upcoming event notifications, and important updates from the Superintendent and School Principals. The Guidepost is available in the Elementary and Secondary school main offices.
Paper copies of the Guidepost will not be sent home with students unless requested. To request that a copy be sent home with your child, please contact the main office of your child’s school.
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A printer-friendly copy of the most recent Guidepost is available here:
November 2024 Issue of the Guidepost
Superintendent’s Message
Dear Tri-Valley,
The school year is in full swing and we are focused on continuing to support our students in their academic journeys, addressing the challenges of learning, and ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed.
November marks an important opportunity for families to connect with teachers during parent-teacher conferences. These conferences are a valuable time for collaboration between home and school, as we share insights on student progress, discuss goals for the remainder of the year, and strengthen the partnership that helps our students thrive. I encourage all families to take advantage of these meetings and continue to stay engaged in their child’s education.
As we get ready for the colder months, I want to remind families to stay informed about any possible school closures or delays due to weather. The district is using ParentSquare to communicate these updates. Please ensure you are signed up for ParentSquare and that your contact information is up to date to receive timely notifications. We also encourage families to visit our district website regularly for additional important updates.
I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to everyone in our school community. I am deeply grateful for the hard work of our teachers, the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, and, of course, the enthusiasm and determination of our students. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our children and I am beyond proud to be a part of this amazing community.
Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season.
With Bear Pride,
Erin Long Superintendent of Schools
Honoring Our Veterans: A Tribute to Service and Sacrifice
Throughout the week leading up to Veterans Day, the Tri-Valley School community came together in a powerful demonstration of respect and gratitude for the men and women who have served our country. Through two meaningful events—our Field of Flags ceremony and Veterans Day Assembly—we collectively honored the dedication, bravery, and sacrifice of our veterans, while also acknowledging the ongoing support of their families.
On November 4th, Tri-Valley secondary students and staff gathered for a Field of Flags ceremony. This event saw each participant place an American flag around the flagpole at the front of the school, transforming the area into a vibrant and meaningful display of respect. The flags not only represented the courage of individual veterans but also served as a visual reminder of the enduring strength of our nation, made possible by the sacrifices of those who have served.
On November 8th, our Secondary School hosted a special Veterans Day Assembly to continue the observance. This event was filled with inspiring speeches, beautiful performances, and moments of reflection, all aimed at honoring our veterans. Students and faculty alike took part in acknowledging the courage and sacrifices of those who have served, with heartfelt tributes that underscored the significance of Veterans Day.
One particularly touching contribution came from our elementary students, who created handmade cards as a special way to thank veterans for their service. These cards were filled with heartfelt messages of gratitude, which were shared with veterans in attendance at the assembly.
These events were just a small way for us to show our appreciation, but we hope they served as a meaningful reminder of the depth of our gratitude. As we reflect on these events, we are reminded that honoring our veterans is not confined to a single day or event. It is an ongoing commitment to recognizing their sacrifices and ensuring that their courage and dedication are never taken for granted. Thank you again to everyone who made these events possible, and for your continued support of our veterans.
From the Elementary School
Submitted by: Principal Carbone
Greetings TVES Families,
The 1st Quarter has ended! These first 10 weeks as your Principal have been amazing! The students show each day how much they care about our school and each other. The work that they do, day in and day out, puts them on the path to success and if there is an area that they struggle in, remember that we are here t o help every student grow to their full potential.
November is usually a month for giving thanks. We thanked our Veterans at the beginning of the month and with Thanksgiving coming, we reflect on what we are each thankful for. In my professional journey, I have had a lot of support f rom family members and I am thankful for that. Most recently, I am thankful f or the trust that this community has put in me to be part of this amazing school. I hope each of you have a restful Thanksgiving Break and have time to reflect on what you are all thankful for.
We will quickly be into December and an extended Winter Recess. As the holiday season comes around, please remember that not everyone celebrates the same way. Some may not celebrate at all. If your child has any questions about any differences they encounter, we can support some discussion here or help you with ideas at home.
Lasty, as the weather begins to finally get a bit colder and the days shorter and shorter, we understand that it may be hard to come to school each day. Please remember that missing school, even one day a week, adds up to 40 missed days a year! Unless your child is sick or with a fever, encourage them and bring t hem to school. I am hoping that the next 10 weeks are even better than the first. Thank you Tri-Valley!
From the Secondary School
Submitted by: Principal Eberly
We have wrapped up the first quarter of the school year and I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible growth and accomplishments we’ve witnessed across our school community. This time of year offers an opportunity not only to look back at the progress we’ve made but also to recognize the hard work and dedication that everyone has shown. We will be honoring our students quarter achievements with our honor roll breakfast celebrating those students who have excelled academically. I want to commend our students for their perseverance and commitment to learning. Whether it’s tackling challenging coursework, engaging i n classroom discussions, or demonstrating creativity and problem-solving skills, our students have truly risen to the occasion.
In addition to academics, we’ve had several events that have brought our school community together. From spirit days and pep rallies to club meetings and extracurricular activities, the energy on our campus has been nothing short of inspiring. Our students are demonstrating leadership and a sense of belonging by getting involved in everything from athletics to the arts, and it is amazing to see how our school spirit continues to grow.
I’ d also like to take a moment to acknowledge our dedicated parents and families. Your support, whether through volunteering, attending events, or encouraging your students at home, has been invaluable. You are an integral part of our school’s success.
As we move into the second quarter, let’s carry forward the momentum from the first. Let’s continue to push ourselves, set new goals, and work together to make this year one of the best yet. Whether it’s improving grades, trying a new extracurricular activity, or taking on a leadership role, the second quarter offers fresh opportunities to shine. Let’s continue to celebrate each other’s successes, support one another through challenges, and, most importantly, never stop striving for excellence. Thank you for all that you do. Here’s to a fantastic second quarter ahead!
Celebrating Bullying Prevention Month at Tri-Valley Elementary
Tri-Valley Elementary students showed incredible spirit and unity during Bully Prevention Month in October. The week of October 15th was filled with fun, meaningful activities aimed at promoting kindness and standing up against bullying.
The celebration kicked off with Unity Day, where students wore orange and added colorful leaves to a “unity tree,” symbolizing their commitment to supporting one another. On Superhero Day, students dressed as heroes and discussed what it means to be a hero, creating crafts that reflected those values of courage and kindness. The week wrapped up with a day in Tri-Valley colors, where students made pledges to stand strong against bullying.
Together, these events helped foster a sense of community and empower students to make a positive impact in their school. A special thanks to our Elementary School Counselor, Alexandra Bassani for organizing this week for our students.
Tri-Valley Theater Club Presents Larceny and Old Lace
Tri-Valley Secondary School’s Theater Club brought laughter and excitement to the stage with their production of Larceny and Old Lace by Van Vandagriff. The comedy, filled with quirky characters and witty dialogue, was performed on November 15th and 16th, captivating audiences with its charm and humor.
The play centered around a series of hilarious misunderstandings and antics, showcasing t he talents of our students as they brought the eccentric characters to life. The cast and crew worked tirelessly to create an entertaining experience for all who attended, and their hard work paid off with memorable performances.
A big thank you to everyone involved in bringing this delightful production to the stage including Ms. Hartman and the following students: John Botsford, Cadence Buckler, Jennifer Castelli, Maddox Cruz, Katie Dauch, Caleb Davison, Taylor Drake, Addison Dymond, Aaron Edwards, Crixus Fields, Mya Ibarra, Kenzie Krier, RJ Leach, Alex Meade, Bianna Meyer, Maddie Mingo, Novalee Morton, Aiden Mulholland, Daniella Mulholland, Sariah Mulholland, Tabitha Mulholland, Eden Noren, Logan Noren, Jeremy Rhode, Emma Richardson, Abigail Rusin, Katelyn Sauer, Brea Sheeley, Ariana Small, Zoey Sullivan, Julia Sweetman, Mason Tenbus, Chrissy Wachter, Liam Weyant, Logan Weyant.
Athletics
Submitted By: Kevin Crudele, Director of Director of PE, Health, Wellness and Athletics
As the fall sports season comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the many accomplishments of athletes, coaches, and teams throughout the year. Athletics offer more than just physical challenges—they foster teamwork, discipline, and a sense of pride that extends far beyond the playing field. Whether it was a dramatic victory, an individual breakthrough, or the development of character and resilience, this season has been one to remember.
Girls soccer, football, and cross country all participated in post-season play. While competing at Bear Mountain State Park, the Boys cross country team won t he section title, and three athletes from the Girls cross country team qualified f or the State Championship Meet. In addition, while competing at the State Championship held at Queensbury High School, Anna and Van Furman were each t he individual state champions for their respective race.
We look forward to the Winter sports season, which began November 18th for JV/Varsity and will begin on November 25th for Modified. We currently have 122 athletes across ten JV/Varsity teams and 33 athletes across three teams for Modified sports.
School sports are often more than just games; they are a testament to the hours of hard work and dedication put in by athletes who juggle academics, extracurriculars, and personal lives. Thank you to the coaches and athletes who participated in the Fall sports season. Coaches have worked tirelessly to refine skills, motivate their teams, and create a positive and supportive environment. Athletes have demonstrated the grit to push through challenges, face adversity, and continuously strive for improvement. From intense practices to the highs and lows of competition, the athletes have grown not only in their sport but as individuals
September 2024 Issue of the Guidepost
Superintendent’s Message
Dear Tri-Valley,
Welcome back to another exciting school year at Tri-Valley!
As we kick off the new academic year, I am filled with enthusiasm about the possibilities that await us. Our dedicated teachers, staff, and administrators have been hard at work preparing to make this year both rewarding and engaging for all our students. We have an array of new programs, initiatives, and improvements that will enhance the learning experience and support our mission to provide an excellent education for every child.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the District. Together, we will make this school year a remarkable one filled with growth, achievement, and joy. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school’s administration or visit our District website for more information.
With Bear Pride,
Erin Long
Superintendent of Schools
Welcome to Our New Staff
We would like to welcome our new staff members to Tri-Valley! We are thrilled to have them join our community of dedicated educators and staff. They are part of a team committed to fostering an inspiring and supportive environment for both students and colleagues. Their unique skills and perspectives will be invaluable as we work together to enrich the educational experiences of the children we serve. Once again, welcome aboard—we’re excited to start this journey with you all!
- Brianna Bellone- Elementary School 1st Grade Teacher
- Kevin Carbone- Elementary School Principal
- Heather Cassidy- Elementary School Aide
- Ryan Chous- Maintenance Worker I
- Kristy Closs- Secondary School Typist
- Bridget Corso- Secondary School ELA Teacher
- Samantha Damms- Secretary to the Asst. Superintendent of Business & Finance & District Clerk
- James Desira- Secondary School Mathematics Teacher
- Trevor Dibble- Elementary School Aide
- BillyJoe Drake- Maintenance Worker I
- Kelly DuBois- Elementary School Grade 5/6 Social Studies Teacher
- Sharon Kennedy- Elementary School 3rd Grade Leave Replacement
- Melanie Mencke- School District Public Information Officer
- Kelse Meyer- Elementary School Aide
- Anna Nelson- Elementary School Special Education Teacher
- Kathleen Paniccia- Elementary School 2nd Grade Teacher
- Caitlyn Robillard- Secondary School ELA/AIS Teacher
- John Theo- Secondary School ENL Teacher
- Shaun Towne- Secondary School Industrial Arts Teacher
- Alicia Trone- Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher
ParentSquare
We are excited to announce that we have officially launched ParentSquare for all District communication.
The platform supports various communication modes, including text, email, and app notifications.
From the Elementary School
Submitted by: Principal Carbone
Greetings Tri-Valley Families! The elementary school is up and running with over 470 smiley faces each day. Our teachers have been getting to know their students and the students have been connecting with new friends, while reconnecting with old. We have been focusing on community in our classrooms and have transitioned into some academic work as well. Each day I am watching students work on engaging math activities, reading books with teachers and interacting with their friends in the cafeteria and on the playground. I am excited for what this year can bring and how we can all watch our littlest cubs grow into Bears!
From the Secondary School
Submitted by: Principal Eberly
Our school year is off and running, and we’re thrilled to welcome back all our Secondary students! It feels great to see our hallways, classrooms, and activity spaces filled with laughter and excitement once again. Our dedicated staff has been working hard to ensure a successful year, full of learning, activities, and opportunities for every student.
We have so much to look forward to, especially watching our graduating class of 2025 as they round out their high school careers and embark on their next adventures. Our 71 seniors have a year full of opportunities ahead, including college and career spotlights, homecoming, senior activities, canvas spotlights for the Bear Den, trips, and, most importantly, countless memories with their Tri-Valley family.
Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, and successful 2024-2025 school year!
Construction Updates
We are excited to share some updates regarding projects that were completed over the summer by our maintenance and custodial crews. The Secondary Lower Level Library has been transformed into a vibrant collaboration space designed to enhance student engagement and teamwork. This new area features flexible seating arrangements, modern technology, and a dynamic layout that supports both individual and group learning. These enhancements are part of our commitment to creating a more interactive and supportive educational environment.
The elementary school has recently completed a refresh of its teacher and staff lounge. The once outdated space now boasts a new coat of paint and modern furniture, creating a more inviting and functional area for staff to relax and collaborate.
The recent renovations, which focused on updating both the aesthetics and ergonomics of the lounge, are part of the school’s ongoing commitment to supporting our teachers and staff. Looking ahead, the school has exciting plans to further upgrade the lounge with new appliances.
Athletics
Tri-Valley has 14 Fall Sports Teams for 2024.
Our Fall Sports Teams offerings include:
Cheerleading-Football: Varsity, Modified
Cross Country: Varsity Girls, Modified Girls (7-8)
Cross Country: Varsity Boys, Modified Boys (7-8)
Football: Varsity, Modified (7-9)
Soccer: Varsity Girls, Modified Girls
Soccer: Varsity Boys, Modified Boys (7-8)
Tennis: Varsity Girls
Volleyball: JV
We have 79 Fall Modified athletes and 114 Fall JV + Varsity athletes. This is an increase from 2023.
This is the first season for JV Volleyball.
Reminders: Homecoming Week is September 23rd – September 28th!
Homecoming Dates
Homecoming Week: Monday, September 23, 2024 – September 28, 2024
Homecoming Pep Rally: Friday, September 27, 2024- (During 9th Period)
Homecoming Bonfire: Friday, September 27, 2024- 7:30 – 9:00
Homecoming Game: Saturday, September 28, 2024- 1:00
Homecoming Dance: Saturday, September 28, 2024- 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Nurses News
As we embark on the new school year, we want to ensure that everyone stays healthy and safe. Please remember to keep your child at home if they are experiencing symptoms of illness, such as fever, cough, or sore throat, and consult a healthcare provider as needed. Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water, and remind students to use hand sanitizer when soap is not available. It’s also important to stay up to date with vaccinations and to inform the school nurse of any chronic health conditions or medication changes. By working together and following these simple precautions, we can help maintain a healthy school environment for all. If you have any questions or concerns about health protocols or your child’s well-being, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the nurse’s office. Wishing everyone a healthy and successful school year!