WVCSD EdTalk & Photo of the Week: June 10, 2026

Each spring, the Warwick Valley Central School District’s String Fling is more than just a concert. It provides a powerful demonstration of what our comprehensive, accomplished music education program can achieve. This event is a culminating experience of the orchestra program delivered by teachers and students from all schools that reflects their growth, collaboration, and dedication.

This year’s concert was held June 3 in the high school gymnasium. It was the 28th annual event, which shows the rich history the school district and the community have with this concert. 
The purpose of the String Fling is rooted in connection. Students begin their musical journeys in elementary school, learning the fundamentals of tone, rhythm, and discipline. By the time they reach middle school and high school, they have developed both technical skills and a deeper artistic voice. Bringing all of these students together in one shared performance allows them to witness that progression firsthand. A fourth grader sees what is possible when they get older. A senior recognizes how far they have come. That continuum is one of the most meaningful lessons we can offer.

The students perform as individual school ensembles, but equally important is the opportunity for the students to perform as one unified orchestra. In most settings, students only work within their own grade-level ensembles. The traditional finale of the String Fling breaks down those boundaries and creates a collective experience, with the entire orchestra program playing one song. This year’s selection was Viva La Vida by Coldplay.

When hundreds of students perform side by side, they are not just playing music; they are learning to listen, to adjust, and to contribute to something larger than themselves. These are skills that extend well beyond the stage.

The overall atmosphere of the evening is one of pride and celebration. Families, teachers, and community members gather to support our students, reinforcing the value we in Warwick place on the arts. The energy in the room is palpable, especially during the final combined performance, where the sense of unity is unmistakable.

Events like the String Fling remind us that education is not only about individual achievement, but about shared experiences that build confidence, community, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Thank you, to our orchestra directors, Keely Gould Blaikner, Tamara Moser, Christy Brown and Elissa Maynard, on another fantastic event!

 

Here are some highlights from our schools this week: 

 

Park Avenue Elementary School
Second graders celebrated during their annual June picnic at Stanley-Deming Park, where they enjoyed games, outdoor activities, and time with their classmates. Ms. McCarren shared, “This was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn, explore, and make lasting memories together. They had so much fun celebrating a successful year and spending time with their friends.”

K-4 students also enjoyed their recent visit to the Albert Wisner Library where they learned about the Summer Reading Program and discovered new books so they can continue their reading adventures during the “dog days of summer.”  Third grade teacher, Ms. Carolyn Weller, shared, “By learning about the library programs and being able to see where series books are held, students were encouraged to continue their current series books and even start new ones.” 

Kindergarteners are putting all of their civil engineering knowledge together to design, build, and test their bridges. Groups collaborated on a design plan before building the final bridge. Once construction was complete, each engineering team performed three tests: stability, functionality, and strength. Mrs. Cangialosi shared, “For stability, students drove a toy car across the bridge, ensuring safety for travelers. For functionality, students ensured that a toy boat could fit underneath and around their bridge supports. Lastly, students tested their bridges for strength by seeing how many weights it held before collapsing. All teams had much success and great engineering discussions during the entire process!” 

 

Sanfordville Elementary School
Kindergarten classes were visited by members of the Warwick Rotary Club for a special lesson on water safety. Each student was given stickers, a coloring book, and a copy of the story Josh The Baby Otter. We are so grateful for our wonderful partnership with the Warwick Rotary Club, thank you again!

Third-grade students from Sanfordville recently visited the Hudson Highlands Nature Center in Cornwall for an educational field trip. During their visit, the students explored various animal habitats and environments on a guided hike, identifying both native and invasive species of plants and animals. To conclude their day of learning, the students enjoyed some recreational time at the Grasshopper Grove forest playground. 

Fourth-grade classes from Sanfordville Elementary School went on a field trip to the Historic Warwick District with the Warwick Historical Society. During the visit, students walked through town and explored several historic buildings and sites that not only teach about the history of Warwick but the part that it played in the American Revolution.

The fourth graders visited places such as Baird’s Tavern, the Shingle House, the Old School Meeting House, the Sly Barn, the caboose, the 1810 House, and the Memorial and Herb Gardens. At each location, volunteers from the Historical Society shared stories, artifacts, and information about what life was like in Warwick long ago. Students viewed artifacts from all parts of history, from farm tools to furniture to flags. Students learned about how people lived, worked, traveled, and played in different time periods. Students saw historic buildings, explored exhibits, and discovered how Warwick has changed over the years while still preserving important parts of its past. The field trip helped students to have a better understanding of local history and gave students the opportunity to explore topics that they learned about in school. This fun and educational day helped students to truly appreciate the history of Warwick. Thank you again to the Warwick Historical Society for all of the wonderful programs they share with our students! 

 

Warwick Valley Middle School
Learning extends far beyond the walls of a classroom. Throughout the school year, students are provided with opportunities to engage in hands-on experiences that bring curriculum concepts to life while fostering curiosity, collaboration, and real world connections. Over the past several weeks, students in grades 5 through 7 have taken part in a variety of educational field experiences that combined learning, exploration, and fun.

Just before Memorial Day, our sixth grade students traveled to the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut. During their visit, students explored marine ecosystems, observed aquatic wildlife, and participated in interactive exhibits that reinforced concepts studied in science classrooms. The experience provided students with a deeper understanding of the natural world while encouraging them to think critically about environmental stewardship and conservation.

Our fifth grade students enjoyed exciting trips to LEGOLAND New York. While the day was filled with excitement and adventure, it also provided valuable opportunities for STEAM learning. Through interactive attractions and exhibits, students explored concepts related to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics while seeing firsthand how creativity and problem solving work together to drive innovation. The trip was a perfect example of how learning can be both educational and engaging.

Our seventh grade students continued the tradition of learning beyond the classroom with visits to the Bronx Zoo. Students observed animals from around the world, explored diverse habitats, and made meaningful connections to topics studied in science and social studies. These experiences remind us that some of the most memorable lessons occur when students can see, experience, and interact with the world around them. We remain committed to providing opportunities that inspire lifelong learning both inside and outside the classroom. 

 

Warwick Valley High School
Senior Project students recently completed an important milestone as they presented their projects to a panel of judges. These presentations provided students with the opportunity to showcase months of hard work, research, creativity, and personal growth.

Senior Project is a meaningful capstone experience that allows students to explore an area of interest, develop new skills, and demonstrate independence, responsibility, and perseverance. As part of the process, students were also required to write a college-level research paper connected to their project topic, further strengthening their ability to investigate, analyze, and communicate complex ideas.

Presenting to a panel of judges gave students the chance to reflect on their learning, explain their process, and share the impact of their work. It was a powerful opportunity for students to demonstrate not only what they created or accomplished, but also what they learned about themselves along the way.
Later in the week, students and their families gathered for the annual Senior Project Dinner. During this special event, students were recognized for their accomplishments and presented with their Senior Project sashes to wear proudly at graduation.

Now in its 20th year, Senior Project remains a valued tradition at Warwick Valley High School. The program continues to highlight student voice, passion, commitment, and the importance of pursuing meaningful learning beyond the classroom. Congratulations to all of this year’s Senior Project students on this outstanding accomplishment.

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Photo of the Week

Sanfordville Elementary students in the PIE 3-4 program had fun with six hands-on exhibits when they visited a STEM Museum hosted by students in Warwick Valley High School teacher Lisa Howard’s AP Calculus class at the Warwick Valley High School library on June 1.