Carmel High School

The first day of high school for any freshman can be both exciting and anxiety provoking. There’s a bigger school to navigate, more students to get know, and challenging new classes to tackle.

For incoming freshmen at Carmel High School, their mentors have them covered.

“Each incoming freshman is assigned a mentor, who is a junior or senior in the school,” said English teacher Joanne Morgan, who facilitates the mentorship program. “Mentors help the students navigate the school and are there for them if they have any questions.”

On Tuesday, August 26, more than 300 new ninth graders were greeted by their student mentors outside of the high school for Orientation Day. As each freshman entered the building, mentors cheered and gave them high fives.

Once inside, Principal Brian Piazza greeted the incoming freshmen.

“Welcome to the class of 2029!” he said. “We have been doing our mentoring program for 16 years, and the students we’ve selected as your mentors are the best of the best!” Mentors are chosen for their academic excellence as well as their engagement in extracurricular activities.

Piazza also demonstrated the use of lockable cell phone pouches, which the students would be receiving in order to comply with the New York State rule prohibiting cell phone use in schools. Students can carry the pouches with their phones in their backpacks but are to refrain from using them during the school day. Once the day is over, students are permitted to unlock the pouches.

Once students were paired with their mentors they were shown their lockers and invited to sign up for clubs and activities.

“We find that students who are the most successful in high school participate in at least one or two activities,” Piazza said. They also received information on their academic classes.

“It’s so much bigger than my other school, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it really soon,” said one enthusiastic student.

At Carmel High School’s 95th annual commencement, 359 members of the Class of 2025 celebrated their achievements while a crowd of more than 2,000 family and friends cheered them on at the school’s athletic field.

Principal Brian Piazza spoke of all the contributions members of the class have made to the community.

“This is an outstanding collection of young people, who have achieved so much during their four years at Carmel High School,” he said. “Individually, you’ve been recognized on the local, state and national levels for your accomplishments in academics, the arts, athletics, and service to our community. Collectively, this Senior Class has made our school and community a better place, through their leadership, caring, and dedication to the values instilled in them by their families and the Carmel Central School District.”

This year’s class as a lot ahead of it: 207 graduates are going to fpur-year-college; 48 graduates are going to two-year-college; 17 graduates are going to trade school; 27 graduates are entering the work force; 4 graduates are taking a gap year; 16 graduates are entering the military; and some haven’t decided what to do yet. 

Together, the class earned more than $5 million in scholarships.

Valedictorian Chase Yom, Salutatorian Kayleigh Harney and Senior Class President Jake Patino delivered addresses thanking their families and teachers for their support and love during their educational journeys.

“Take what Carmel has given you and shape the world with it whatever way you can,” Chase told his fellow graduates.

Carmel High School seniors enrolled in AP Literature and WCC 101/102 had the unique opportunity to see The Great Gatsby live on Broadway. As part of their study of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, students were able to witness the text come to life on stage—an unforgettable field trip! From the roaring twenties' glitz to Gatsby's tragic pursuit of the American Dream, the experience helped bring the story to life. Students were dazzled by the whole Broadway experience, from the musical numbers to the stunning costumes and set design.

CHS English teacher Kristin McKenna said "Seeing the musical on Broadway and watching students react to scenes we read in class being performed on stage was an unforgettable experience. It's a reminder of how powerful it can be to connect classroom learning with real world experiences.

Senior Jorja Tompuri said, "I could not take my eyes off the stage and have not stopped listening to the music since!" Thank you to the CHS English Department and chaperones for organizing this memorable experience!

Congratulations to the Carmel Central School District Music Department for being named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAAM Foundation.

This is the 12th time that NAAM (the National Association for Music Merchants) recognized Carmel for its exceptional music education.

“The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education,” the group said.

The music program is excellent throughout the district. 

In May, several Carmel High School and George Fischer Middle School groups excelled at NYSSMA majors. All three Carmel High School bands, all three CHS orchestras and the CHS chorus each performed at NYSSMA majors and received gold and silver ratings. The groups went on to play at the Music in the Parks Festival last week and were awarded superior ratings for the second year in a row. The 6th, 7th and 8th grade orchestras also performed well at the NYSSMA majors.

Music education plays a big part even in elementary school, as music teachers lead students in performances for events throughout the year. 

Carmel’s music program helps introduce our students to a larger music community. Carmel hosted state and countywide functions this year and brought additional music opportunities to our students. The department sets the groundwork for our students to have a lifetime of music.

After a fire alarm went off at Carmel High School, investigators came to the scene and found a burned stack of math finals in a garbage pail and a pack of matches.

This was a job for the SUPA Forensics students at Carmel High School.

For their final project, the students had to investigate one of three mock crime scenes in the high school’s Casey Hall. The mock crimes involved arson, a classroom stabbing and money stolen from a safe.

Natalie, a senior, decided to take SUPA (Syracuse University Project Advance) Forensics, after her counselor told her she could earn four college credits.

“I like crime shows, so I thought it would be really cool,” Natalie said. “And it has been great. Today we are processing evidence like it’s an authentic crime scene. Next week, we present it as if we are in a court of law.”

The exercise is the culmination of applying all they have learned in the class, said Eugene Pepe III, who teaches Forensics, SUPA Forensics and Chemistry at the high school.

“This is a very hands-on class," Pepe said. "The only way they learn this is if they do it." 

He should know, he’s been a teacher for 22 years.

“They don’t have to solve the crime; they just have to process it,” Pepe said. “They have to collect the evidence, preserve it and document it.”

Investigators from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office came to the class to guide students in how to process crime scene evidence. The presence of three investigators and School Resource Officer Mike Gray certainly gave the mock crime scenes a feeling of legitimacy.

“I think it’s eye-opening for them,” Senior Investigator Randel Hill said. “It brings a real-life perspective to what we do. It’s not like TV.”

Hill was working with students on the mock stabbing incident.

As students gathered around a bloody desk with tape measures in hand, the investigator showed them how to get the most accurate measurements at a crime scene.

“Don’t worry, the blood is not real,” Pepe whispered to an onlooker.

Voters endorsed the Carmel Central School District Budget Tuesday and elected three new board members to the Board of Education.  

The budget passed by a vote of 1290 to 1113. Nicholas Magliano, Frank Grasso and Michael Torpey were elected to the Board of Education.   

“I’m so appreciative to the community for supporting students and allowing us to fulfill the mission of the district,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben said. “I also want to welcome the three new Board of Education members Nicholas Magliano, Frank Grasso and Michael Torpey.” 

The Board of Education results were:  

Nicholas Magliano -- 1390  
Frank Grasso -- 1252 
 Michael Torpey --1255 
 Prakash Tewari -- 1059 
 Nathaniel Query -- 740 

Board President Melissa Orser said she was grateful that the community approved the budget.  

“I want to thank the community for coming out to support our schools,” Board President Orser said. “I also want to thank the administration – both the superintendent of schools and the assistant superintendents – for upholding the board’s focus on fiscal responsibility.” 

Any of the students who have been in Tim Raney’s video production or engineering classes at Carmel High School know he is a master of his craft. His attention to detail, thorough understanding of complex subjects and ability to inspire creativity are part of every class he teaches.

Now, even those who haven’t studied with him will recognize his skills. Raney has been selected for the highly competitive New York State Master Teacher Program.

“I applied because I’m passionate about teaching STEM and constantly looking for ways to grow,” he said. “The program offers an incredible opportunity to collaborate with other educators, learn from experts and bring new strategies back to my students and colleagues.”   

Raney is now part of a statewide network of educators that was established in 2013 to recognize outstanding K-12 public school STEM teachers and counselors. As a master teacher he becomes part of a community of educators who push each other to grow.

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The 2025-26 Budget Newsletter has been mailed to residents throughout the Carmel Central School District. You don't, however, have to wait for yours to come in the mail. You can read it right here: 2025-26 Budget Newsletter. 

Fourth graders in all three Carmel Central School District elementary schools learned about the American Revolution in a History Day celebration that allowed them to experience life the way soldiers did 250 years ago. They dressed in uniform, marched, drilled and pitched tents.   

Colonial and Revolutionary history are part of the fourth-grade curriculum and George Fischer Middle School Social Studies Teacher Keith Reilly and Carmel High School History Teacher Rob Buccheri visited Kent Elementary School, Kent Primary School and Matthew Paterson Elementary School to help bring American history to life for the youngsters.  

GFMS Reading Teacher Denise Santalis organized the event and took the fantastic photos. 

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Student Art Show Featured in Lohud.com

Community members can sign up for our Carmel Central School District News group through ParentSquare to stay up-to-date on district news and events. You will receive weekly e-newsletters as well as other updates with important district information. Current parents and staff are automatically subscribed to receive e-newsletters.

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The 41st Annual Student Art Show at Carmel High School was featured in the local news site Lohud.com.  The news site included a video and slideshow of the event, which drew large crowds from throughout the community.  Nearly 450 CHS students had their artwork displayed in the show, which featured works in a variety of media, including pottery, graphic arts, painting, drawing and more.  

Dear Carmel Community: 

After listening to stakeholders throughout the Carmel School Community, I have put together a Leadership Plan that is designed to reflect the mission, vision and core beliefs of the Carmel Central School District. 

This plan allows us to maintain District strengths, add revisions to areas in need of improvement, increase opportunities and promote an inclusive environment for all. It will serve as our guiding document as we move forward to make Carmel Schools the best they can be.   

Respectfully, 

Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D.  

As your Superintendent of Schools, I am excited to lead the Carmel Central School District into the future to continue and build on the proud tradition of cultivating opportunities. The leadership transition of a new superintendent represents a new chapter filled with opportunities for growth and
development. I have put together this First 100 Days Plan to share with you how I will transition into the district.

Sincerely,

Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben

Community members who wish to speak during the public comment portion of a Board of Education meeting are asked to sign-up in advance using our Public Comment Sign-up Form or by contacting the District Clerk four (4) hours prior to the meeting at jstevens@carmelschools.org.  The sign-up form will also be available at the meeting for anyone who wishes to speak and did not sign up in advance.  

These individuals will be called upon during the scheduled public participation section on the agenda.  To facilitate follow-up, please provide your name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address, as well as the topic of your comments.  Speakers are limited to five (5) minutes each.  No district employee or student may be commented upon or identified by name or situation.

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing safety, communication and equity districtwide, Carmel Central School District has launched a new communication tool, Anonymous Alerts®. This tool enables students or parents to report urgent information to school officials quickly, easily and anonymously across all our school campuses. 

Access the Anonymous Alerts portal.

Recordings of Board of Education meetings and presentations from those meetings are available to the public.   

View recordings from Board of Education meetings.