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47°
Tuesday, apr 29
Schools
Trump Weighs In On NY School Mascot Battle: ‘Long Live The Massapequa Chiefs!’
President Donald Trump is throwing his support behind a Long Island school district fighting to keep its Native American-themed mascot. Trump came to the defense of the Massapequa Chiefs, blasting New York’s push for a rebrand as “ridiculous” and “an affront to our great Indian population," in a Truth Social post on Monday, April 21. The school district has been ordered to retire its decades-old mascot under a 2023 New York State mandate banning Indigenous-themed names and logos in public schools. “I agree with the people in Massapequa, Long Island, who are fighting furiously to keep the M…
Schools
150+ College Leaders Blast Trump For 'Unprecedented Overreach' On Higher Education
More than 150 college leaders issued a scathing letter criticizing the Trump administration's escalating threats against universities. The American Association of Colleges and Universities released the public letter on Tuesday, April 22. The group of university presidents accused President Donald Trump of "unprecedented government overreach," warning that the crackdown could harm students and democracy. Trump has demanded that colleges eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, along with other orders aimed at limiting campus activism. The Trump administration has paused…
Schools
IRS May Withdraw Harvard's Tax-Exempt Status As Fight Between Trump, University Escalates
The Trump administration is weighing whether to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status—an unprecedented and aggressive move that has escalated tensions between the Ivy League institution and the federal government, according to reports from The Washington Post and CNN. According to two people familiar with the matter, the Internal Revenue Service is preparing to rescind Harvard’s long-standing nonprofit designation, CNN reported. A final decision could be announced soon. Related: Obama Calls Out Trump Over "Unlawful" $2 Billion Cuts to Harvard The effort follows the White House’s …
Schools
‘Unlawful’: Obama Defends Harvard Against Trump’s $2B Funding Threat
Former President Barack Obama is lending his voice to support Harvard University after the prestigious Ivy League school dared President Donald Trump to follow through on his threatened $2 billion federal funding freeze if the school didn’t comply with his administration’s new guidelines. Among other demands, Trump wants Harvard to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; ban masks at campus protests; implement a merit-based admissions and hiring system; and reduce the influence of faculty and administrators he claims are “more committed to activism” than education, a letter …
Schools
School Employee Had 'Inappropriate' Conversations With Students At NY Campus: Cops
A school employee was placed on leave after allegedly having inappropriate conversations with students at a campus in upstate New York, police said. Schoharie County resident Paul Hallock, 65, of Cobleskill, was arrested Thursday, April 10, following a New York State Police investigation into alleged misconduct at William H. Golding Middle School. An investigation found that Hallock, who works as a lunch monitor at the school, engaged in inappropriate conversations with multiple students between October 2024 and February of this year, according to police. Troopers opened a formal investig…
Schools
Villanova Student Removed From Campus After Assault Outcry, Won’t Walk At Graduation
A Villanova University student who recorded another student’s sexual assault will not walk at the school’s graduation ceremony following intense backlash, the victim's attorney told Daily Voice on Wednesday, April 9. Juan Eguiguren, a Villanova senior, was present during the assault of a female classmate, according to a lawsuit and campus petition. Rather than intervening, Eguiguren allegedly took photos of the incident and later slept in the same room, organizers of the campaign allege. In the underlying case, Elijah Joseph Katzenell, 22, of Camp Hill, PA (according to the Pennsylvania S…
Schools
New School Planned In Former Housing Complex Building In Westchester
A new school will be built at the site of a former housing complex in Westchester, officials revealed. Yonkers city officials announced on Tuesday, April 1, that a new Pre-K through 8th grade school will be built at the former Mulford Gardens housing complex, adjacent to Grant Park. The facility will accommodate up to 800 students and be modeled after the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community School, which opened in September 2024. According to a social media post from the City of Yonkers, the new school will feature an auditorium, full gym, library, music and art rooms, medi…
Schools
Kermit The Frog Confirmed As 2025 UMD Commencement Speaker — And The Internet Has Best Reaction
It's not easy being green, or delivering an epic commencement speech. But Kermit the Frog, a Peabody Award winner and best-selling author (and muppet) will do both in May, when he will return to the campus where he was first brought to life (by creator and alum Jim Henson, Class of 1960) to deliver the commencement speech in May. The school made the announcement this week, and the internet's reaction is everything you could've ever hoped for. "Kermencement," one absolute genius commented on UMD's post on Facebook. Others begged for the event to be live-streamed, while many …
Schools
Special Education Teacher Remembered By New 'Sensory Bus' For Students In Hudson Valley
A retired school bus at a Putnam County elementary school has been transformed into a sensory-friendly haven for students in honor of a beloved special education teacher who fought a brave battle with cancer. Brewster Central School District administrators, teachers, facilities staff, and students gathered on Tuesday, March 11, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new sensory bus dedicated to Megan Gersch, a special education teacher who died in July 2024 after a five-year fight against breast cancer. At the front of the bus, a sunflower bearing the words “For Megan” serves as …
Schools
School Board President Resigns Suddenly In Mahopac
The school board president of a district in Putnam County has announced his sudden resignation. Mahopac Board of Education President and Trustee Jonathan Schneider's resignation was announced on Thursday, March 6. In a statement, the Board expressed gratitude for Schneider’s service, recognizing his dedication and contributions to the district. "His contributions have been valued and his commitment to the District will not be forgotten," the Board wrote. With Schneider’s departure, Vice President Fernando Martinez will now serve as Acting President, in accordan…
Schools
Students Feel Record Stress Over Admissions, Two NY Colleges Among Top 10 Dream Schools: Survey
For high school seniors, spring is a nerve-wracking time as college decisions roll in — but the class of 2025 is more stressed than ever, according to a new survey. The Princeton Review said 73 percent of students and parents reported "high" or "very high" stress over the admissions process. That's the highest level in the 23-year history of the College Hopes & Worries Survey, which had its 2025 edition released on Tuesday, Mar. 4. The 2025 survey polled 9,317 students and parents about a wide variety of college-related issues. Financial Pressures, Testing, AI Concerns Financial s…
Schools
11 Students Hospitalized After THC Gummies Handed Out At NY School
Around a dozen students were sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies at a Long Island middle school. A student at William Floyd Middle School in Moriches handed out edible THC gummies to around a dozen students who became ill on Monday morning, March 3, the William Floyd School District confirmed. Suffolk County Police and medics responded to the campus at around 11:15 a.m. for reports that multiple students had overdosed. In all, 11 students were taken to local hospitals for treatment, district officials said. No additional details were given. “We are grateful to our first respo…
Schools
Three Hudson Valley Colleges Named To Most Beautiful Campuses In US List: See Why
Choosing a college is about more than academics, sports, and social life — campus beauty can also make a lasting impression. Travel magazine Conde Nast released its 2025 list of the 54 Most Beautiful College Campuses in the United States. Across the Northeast, several schools stand out for their historic architecture, stunning landscapes, and picturesque settings. Whether framed by rolling hills, autumn foliage, or Gothic spires, these colleges offer students an inspiring backdrop for their studies. Connecticut Wesleyan University was recognized for utilizing Greek Revival a…
Schools
Al Roker Surprised With Honorary Doctorate From NY College: 'I Am Thrilled' (
Video
)
You may call him Dr. Roker. Longtime Today show weatherman Al Roker got an unexpected forecast of his own: Siena College is awarding him with an honorary doctorate degree. And the news came in the most fitting way possible–on live TV. During a special “breaking news” segment by the college’s student-run SCTV News team on Wednesday, Feb. 26, Roker joined from the Today studios in Manhattan to give a campus-centric forecast for Loudonville. After assuring students that the frigid days were numbered, Roker heard from Siena alum and NBC executive producer Tom Mazzarelli, who had a forecast of…
Schools
Education Pays: Northeast States Among Nation's Best In School Quality, College Attainment
Several Northeast states are among the most educated in the US, excelling in school quality, college attainment, and overall academic achievement, a new study said. Massachusetts was ranked as the country's most-educated state, according to a WalletHub study released on Monday, Feb. 10. Maryland was second, followed by Vermont, Colorado, and Connecticut in the top five. The study analyzed all 50 states using 18 factors, including educational attainment, quality, and achievement gaps. "There's a strong correlation between being more educated and receiving higher compensation," said Wal…
Schools
New Study Reveals Shocking Amount Of Phone Use By Teens While At School
A brand-new study has uncovered surprising trends in teen phone use during school hours, raising fresh concerns about digital distractions in the classroom. The study, published by JAMA Pediatrics on Monday, Feb. 3, found that students spent a significant portion of the school day on their phones, with messaging, Instagram, and video streaming among the most-used apps. Researchers also noted that a quarter of students logged more than two hours of screen time during class. In addition, students whose parents held bachelor’s degrees or higher spent about a half-hour less on their phones dur…
Schools
Water Woes Force Early Dismissal At School District In Hudson Valley
A water issue in Dutchess County has forced an early dismissal for all schools in the Millbrook Central School District on Thursday, Jan. 30, officials announced. According to district officials, a town water issue on Alden Place in Millbrook prompted the schedule change, with secondary schools dismissing at 12:15 p.m. and elementary schools letting out at 1 p.m. Parents of students who require pickup were asked to make necessary arrangements. The village delayed the water shutoff until after lunch to ensure students were served meals before dismissal, officials said. Notifica…
Schools
NY Unveils Media Literacy Toolkit For Schools To Combat 'Scourge' Of Misinformation
New York is joining the fight against fake news. Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled the state’s first “Media Literacy” toolkit to help educators teach students how to critically analyze and assess information, particularly online. The initiative, announced Thursday, Jan. 23, follows growing concerns about misinformation, social media influence, and the role of online radicalization in recent violent incidents, including the Buffalo mass shooting, Hochul’s office said. “Whether it’s cell phones and social media or the scourge of misinformation teens encounter each day, I’m taking action to protect …
Schools
Superintendent Suspension: District Names Acting Replacement Amid Controversy In Hudson Valley
Nearly a week after suspending its superintendent as part of an ongoing investigation and legal proceedings, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District Board of Education has named her acting replacement. In a meeting on Tuesday night, Jan. 28, the district's Board of Education named Dr. Lisa Boun Acting Superintendent of Schools in a 5-4 vote. Boun's appointment, which will go into effect on Tuesday, Feb. 11, follows the suspension with pay of Superintendent Jackielyn Manning-Campbell on Thursday, Jan. 23. This action followed a recent budget audit alleged…
Schools
BOE Addresses Superintendent's Suspension Amid Ongoing Investigation In Hudson Valley (
Update
)
The Newburgh Enlarged City School District Board of Education has issued a public statement addressing the recent suspension of Superintendent Jackielyn Manning-Campbell, confirming that the decision was made as part of an ongoing investigation and legal proceedings. In a statement made to Daily Voice on Monday, Jan. 27, Board President Christine Bello emphasized the importance of fairness and confidentiality during this process. "The Board understands the concerns and emotions surrounding this decision," Bello said, adding, "Our priority is to ensure fair and thorough proc…
Schools
School Bus Crash Injures 2 Students In Hudson Valley
Two students were injured in a crash involving a school bus in Sullivan County. It happened in the hamlet of Rock Hill, on Highway 17 near Bridgeville Road, at around 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27. A bus operated by Rolling V Bus Corporation was carrying two Liberty Central School District students, as well as students from other districts, when the bus was involved in a crash, the district said. The two Liberty students were taken to a hospital. The extent of their injuries, their ages, and additional details about the crash were not immediately available. In a statement, the school district th…
Schools
Newburgh Superintendent Suspended, Report Says: BOE Stays Silent
Newburgh Superintendent Jackielyn Manning-Campbell was suspended with pay during a special board meeting of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District on Thursday, Jan. 23, she confirmed to News12. The board voted 5-4 in favor of the action. Board of Education members declined to comment on the matter, referring to Manning-Campbell only by her identification number, 12325, rather than by name. Earlier that day, Manning-Cambpell released a statement regarding a recent budget audit that allegedly found a multi-million dollar surplus. The suspension came days after police responded to th…
Schools
Water Main Break Forces Closure Of Middle, High School In Westchester
A middle and high school in Westchester will be closed on Friday, Jan. 24, due to a water main break, officials announced. In a statement to the community, Greenburgh Superintendent Linda Iverson confirmed that water to Woodlands Middle High School has been shut off while contractors work to identify and resolve the issue. The closure impacts all students, staff, and faculty, though buildings and grounds staff are required to report to work at their regular time. As a result of the closure, all activities scheduled for the weekend, including Saturday and Sunday events, have…
Schools
Cops Crackdown On Illegal Parking At School In Westchester: 'Action Will Be Taken'
A police department is warning families that enforcement action will be taken against those who violate parking rules during student pick-up times at a Westchester elementary school. The advisory, issued by Harrison Police on Wednesday, Jan. 22, highlighted the persistent problem of double parking and queuing on Mathews Street during dismissal times at Harrison Avenue Elementary School. According to the department, unattended vehicles blocking the road and occupied vehicles stopping in the roadway are causing significant traffic issues. These violations obstruct the no…
Schools
Dialing It Back: NY Students Would Be Barred From Using Phones During School Day Under Proposal
Students could soon go from scrolling to schooling. A bold initiative unveiled by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday, Jan. 22, would restrict smartphone use in all K-12 schools during the entire school day, including lunch time. The proposal, introduced as part of the governor’s 2026 Executive Budget, aims to prioritize student learning and mental health, Hochul’s office said. “From parents and teachers, to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling,” Hochul said. Under the…
Schools
Lockdown Alarm Goes Off In Error At Peekskill Middle School, Police Respond
An accidental lockdown alarm went off at a Northern Westchester middle school and prompted an immediate police response, school officials said. The incident happened on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Peekskill Middle School, when a lockdown alarm was triggered "by error," according to a message from the district. Police responded to the school and cleared the building, officials added. "All students at all schools are safe and instruction is continuing as normal," district officials said.
Schools
Ed Board Votes To Close 3 Schools In Westchester
District officials have voted to close three schools in a Westchester County city while reorganizing grade levels at other buildings. In a special meeting held on Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Mount Vernon Board of Education voted 5-4 to close the Mount Vernon Leadership Academy, Cecil H. Parker School, and the Mount Vernon Honor Academy. The district will also modify the remaining schools' kindergarten through 8th grade model to consist of four K-8 schools; six K-6 schools; and three 7-12 high schools. The change and closures will go into effect on Tuesday, July 1, according to t…
Schools
New Assistant Principal Tapped At Middle School In Westchester
A Northern Westchester middle school is starting the new calendar year with a fresh face in leadership. Phil Hammack has been appointed as the new assistant principal of Briarcliff Middle School, bringing nearly a decade of experience in school administration and a passion for innovative education, school officials announced on Friday, Jan. 10. Hammack’s career began as a special education teacher in Brooklyn before he moved to Bronx Park Middle School in the Bronx. During his time there, he served in multiple roles, including special education teacher, social studies teacher, a…
Schools
These Westchester Students Among Top 300 Scholars In Regeneron Competition
More than a dozen Westchester high school students are among the top 300 scholars in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search thanks to their hard work and original research. In an announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 8, the Society for Science revealed the full list of the top 300 scholars in the 2025 Regeneron STS. According to the organization, each scholar will receive $2,000 and were chosen based on their "outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions and exceptional promise as STEM …
Schools
Flood Damages Westchester School: Officials Detail Phased Return To Classes
A phased return to classes has been announced for students in Westchester following significant flood damage to a middle school in the county, officials said. The flooding occurred on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, when a sprinkler system supply line in the attic of the Farragut Wing at Farragut Middle School in Hastings-on-Hudson ruptured, causing water to flow unchecked for nearly 24 hours, district officials said. Officials added that by the time alarms were triggered and the Hastings Fire Department responded on Christmas night, Dec. 25, the damage had already permeated al…
Schools
These Westchester School Districts Holding Early Dismissal, Cancelled Afterschool Activities
The following school districts have scheduled early dismissals and canceled afterschool activities on Friday, Dec. 20 as snowy conditions prepare to blanket the region. Westchester County: Peekskill City School District, dismissing one hour early Lakeland Central School District, dismissing one hour early Hendrick Hudson School District, dismissing one hour early North Salem Central School District, dismissing one hour early Yorktown Central School District, dismissing one hour early Bedford Central School District, dismissing one hour early Somers Central School District,…
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