Carmel High School

Forget the long, agonizing wait for college admissions letters. Some Carmel High School seniors are learning their fate instantly, without even leaving school. 

Through Instant Decision Days, local universities send admissions representatives directly to Carmel High School’s Counseling Office to meet with students one-on-one and deliver immediate admission decisions. 

Recently, 10 Carmel seniors met with Manhattan University Associate Director of Admission Jose De La Cruz and Admission Counselor Michael Troia. 

Among them was Gianna Palazzo, 17, who beamed when she heard that she was accepted. 

“It’s so nice to know that you got in somewhere,” Gianna said, smiling. “I’m not sure where I’m going to go to college yet, though.” 

Gianna, who plans to study chemical engineering, has taken six Advanced Placement courses and 10 college-level classes through Westchester Community College, Syracuse University Project Advance and other programs. During her interview, she discussed with the admissions team which credits might transfer to Manhattan University. 

“What I want to do is use those credits to get ahead with requirements so I can focus on my major,” she explained. 

Instant Decision Day acceptances are not binding, and students admitted through the program still have until May to make their final choice. 

Carmel High School counselor Kristen Mancini said the event makes the college admissions process more accessible and less stressful for students. 

“For the past several years, CHS has partnered with local colleges to offer Instant Decision Days, providing students with the opportunity to meet directly with admissions representatives and receive an immediate admission decision,” Mancini said. “Each year, CHS typically hosts two to three colleges, depending on student interest and college availability.” 

This year’s participating institutions include Manhattan University, Iona University and Western Connecticut State University. 

During the meetings, students can ask questions, learn more about each university, and receive their admission decisions in person, making the process faster, more personal and a lot more exciting. 

Students in Kerry Hackert’s U.S. History classes at Carmel High School recently stepped into the shoes of lawmakers during a Mock Congress designed to explore how the American legislative process works. 

As part of their study of the U.S. government, students first examined the legislative branch and learned how a bill becomes a law. They were then divided into committees to draft their own legislation on major national issues. This year’s topics: the drinking age and the death penalty. 

Working in teams, students researched their assigned issues, analyzed arguments for and against, and crafted bills that reflected their proposed policies. Each committee then presented its bill to the full “Congress,” where spirited debate and questioning followed before votes were cast and the bills were sent to “President Hackert” for final approval. 

In one class, the mock lawmakers voted to keep the national drinking age at 21. Representative Ava Connors, who led the committee in favor of maintaining the current law, gave a persuasive speech emphasizing the dangers of lowering the drinking age. 

“Keeping the drinking age at 21 gives younger kids a harder time getting alcohol,” Connors said. “If the drinking age is 18, the approximate age of a senior in high school, younger people will have easier access. This could lead to alcohol abuse at an earlier age, and research shows the brain doesn’t fully develop until around age 25.” 

In a different class, however, the outcome was different: the class voted to lower the drinking age to 18. Despite their differing decisions, both classes reached the same conclusion on another issue -- voting to keep the death penalty legal, though several students presented compelling arguments to abolish it. 

Hackert, who organized the Mock Congress, said the project remains a highlight of the year. 

“I love doing this every year because there are always students who don’t talk much in class but really shine in this format,” Hackert said. “They feel more comfortable, they’re engaged, and they come to class excited. I was also very proud of how respectfully they discussed and debated with one another.” 

The CHS Drama Club presents "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon" by Don Zolidis November 14 through November 16 at Casey Hall. 

You may think you know the story of Cinderella, Rapunzel, or Hansel and Gretel, but you’ve never seen them quite like this. Guided by a team of Narrators, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon is a madcap ride through all 209 of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. An ensemble cast zips from story to story, weaving each one together as we discover the origin stories of some of literature’s most well-known characters. November 14-16 in Casey Hall at CHS.

Shows are:
Friday Nov 14 @ 7pm
Saturday Nov 15 @ 2pm & 7pm
Sunday Nov 16 @ 5pm

Visit chsperform.booktix.com for more Information and tickets!

Alexander Robinson was in his Advanced Placement Calculus class on Monday morning, when his name came over the loudspeaker, and he was called down to the Carmel High School Counseling Office.  

“My friends all looked at me, like they knew something big was about to happen,” said Alexander, who goes by “Xander” for short.  

It turns out they were right.  

Xander, 17, of Patterson, was named Carmel High School Valedictorian for 2026 and Megan O’Sullivan, 17, of Carmel was named Salutatorian. 

“We are very proud of Xander and Megan for this outstanding accomplishment," Carmel High School Principal Brian Piazza said. "These are two great students who represent Carmel High School at its best. Their commitment to academic achievement and service to our community is a great example for all the students in our building. I could not be prouder to recognize Megan as Salutatorian and Xander as Valedictorian for the Class of 2026.”  

Xander, a Boy Scout on the way to being named an Eagle Scout in Carmel Troop 1, is not only a great student, he is the social media manager of the Carmel High School Chapter of the National Honor Society, a member of Tri-M, the music honor society, and plays on the Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Bowling teams. 

Though he plans to study computer science in college, Xander said his favorite class was Advanced Placement Physics 2. 

“It really opened my eyes, being able to look at things in the real world and see the physics behind them,” he said. “It made me think in a new way about how things work.” 

Salutatorian Megan credited her fellow Carmel Central School District students for helping her succeed.  

“I made some awesome friends here, and I know I’m going to have them as friends for life,” Megan said. “My friends, family and teachers helped me through.” 

Megan, who plans to study computer science, has been active in the Science Club, the Go Green Club and Students Assisting Students, or SAS. In SAS, she returns to her alma mater Kent Primary School, to help tutor children. Her biggest community project, however, is adapting toys to make them accessible for disabled children.   

Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin congratulated Xander and Megan. 

"They each worked hard and took some of the most challenging classes that Carmel High School offers,” Mr. Plotkin said. “I am so proud that Carmel Central School District has paved the way for their future success. We look forward to hearing about these students' progress and growth as they engage in their adventures beyond high school." 

Kristin Mancini served as counselor for both students.  

“They are exceptional students and exceptional people,” Ms. Mancini said. “They have had a big impact on the other students here and on the outside community through their service work. They are humble and, I think, were genuinely surprised.”  

The New York State School Boards Association named October 13-18 as School Board Recognition Week, a time to promote awareness and understanding of the important work performed by local school boards.  

Since the Carmel Board of Education did not have a meeting that week, new Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin took the opportunity to extend the district’s thanks to the Board during the Tuesday, Oct. 21 meeting. It also happened to be Mr. Plotkin’s first meeting as Superintendent of Schools.  

“We pause to honor the extraordinary dedication of the Carmel Central School District Board of Education,” Mr. Plotkin said. “Each of you give countless hours, often behind the scenes, to ensure that every decision you make supports the success, safety and well-being of our Carmel students. Your leadership guides our vision and anchors our community in shared purpose. The progress we celebrate, which includes strong schools, innovative programs and caring classrooms, stands as a direct reflection of your commitment. For all of that, we want to say ‘Thank you.’” 

The district thanked the board members with a certificate of appreciation, drawings from elementary school students, tissue paper flowers made by art students and the gift of one service from the Carmel High School auto shop, where oil changes, tire rotations and detailing are all part of the curriculum.

The Board members, President Melissa Orser, Vice President John Curzio, II, Trustee Jordi Douglas, Trustee Frank Grasso, Trustee Nicholas Magliano, Trustee Michael Torpey and Trustee James Wise, all serve as volunteers in the unpaid Board positions. 

Michael Plotkin’s first day as Carmel’s Superintendent of Schools started out with a tour of George Fischer Middle School, where he seemed to already know just about everyone.  

That’s because Mr. Plotkin has been an active parent in the Carmel Central School District for decades.   

His walk through the middle school hallways was punctuated with hugs and handshakes as he rekindled old relationships and quickly made new ones.  

Fifth grade teacher Deanna Belascio reached out in greeting. 

“I had all of his daughters,” she said. “They grew up, but I stayed the same age; I have only taught here for 26 years.”  

Further down the hallway, Assistant Principal for fifth grade Joe Keenan offered a bear hug. 

“Thanks for taking this on,” Mr. Keenan said. “This is a big job, but you’re going to do really well here.”   

Up in the sixth-grade wing, even students called out to him.  

“Do you remember me?” sixth grader Giuliana asked. “I’m Kevin’s daughter.”  

“Of course, I remember you,” the new superintendent said. “Let’s take a selfie so I can send it to your father.” 

Her father served as the D.A.R.E. officer in Mr. Plotkin’s previous district, Croton-Harmon. 

Since it was a Friday, several middle school Carmel Rams Football fans were wearing their jerseys.  

“Are you going to the game?” Mr. Plotkin asked as he slid into a booth in the school library where a group was working on an independent study project. 

“Yes, my brother is on the team,” said a boy named Henry.  

“My son, Ben, is on the team,” Mr. Plotkin said. “I’ll tell him to say hi to your brother.”  

Then it was on to the building’s lowest level, where he spoke with the cafeteria manager about the day’s lunch (Taco Pizza), stopped to talk to the kids learning coding in the technology classroom, and checked into Head Custodian Terrence McQuade’s office to see the equipment that keeps the building humming.  

Of course, he knew Mr. McQuade from back in the day. 

“I used to do the youth wrestling program here, and he was instrumental in making sure that we didn’t kill ourselves,” Mr. Plotkin joked.  

Before he headed over to Carmel High School and the district’s three elementary schools, Mr. Plotkin stopped to hear the students in Erika Wahlers’ music class practice drumming to a Halloween song.  

“That teacher was friends with my daughter when they were in school,” he said.  

With his outgoing and friendly demeanor, it seems Mr. Plotkin will soon know everyone in the Carmel Central School District. 

About 40 Carmel High School students will perform with the top high school musicians from throughout Putnam, Dutchess and Columbia counties at the Area All State Festival, to be held at Arlington High School on November 21 and 22.

Carmel students will participate in four ensembles -- Treble Choir, Mixed Choir, Orchestra and Band.

Sean Kmiotek, a percussionist, is attending Area All State for the second year in a row.

“It was great being around all those talented musicians,” he said.

Students are selected for the festival based on their spring NYSSMA solo evaluation scores.

Peter Ballantoni, orchestra teacher, said the annual event creates a great opportunity for students.

“It pushes them to be stronger musicians,” Ballantoni said. “Their performance at NYSSMA allows them to participate, and because of that they are inspired to work harder.”

Parker Vanacoro, a sophomore, is looking forward to participating in Area All State for the first time.

“It’s going to be a great experience,” Parker, a vocalist, said. “I think I will learn a lot.”

Neenah Julien, a junior, will sing in the Treble Choir. 

“I am so excited to go,” she said. “I think it will be great.”  

Carmel Central School District is known for its strong music department.

"We are honored every year for our students to be chosen for this high achievement,” Meghan Cabral, band teacher and co-chair of the district’s Music Department. “Each year the talent and competition gets stronger for these honors ensembles, and we are proud to have such a great representation once again from Carmel Schools Music Department.”

Though his official start date is not until October 17, incoming Superintendent of Schools Michael F. Plotkin has been hard at work in the Carmel Central School District since the Board of Education appointed him on September 16. Mr. Plotkin, a longtime member of the Carmel schools community, has been meeting nights and weekends with Interim Superintendent Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben to ensure a smooth transition.  

“I am so eager to start that I wanted to jump right in,” Mr. Plotkin said. “I’m excited to meet all the parents, staff and the students, and I look forward to being involved in the day-to-day operations of the Carmel schools.”  

A resident of Holmes whose three daughters are Carmel High School graduates, Mr. Plotkin has deep roots in the community. He particularly enjoyed the recent homecoming weekend, since his son is one of the Carmel High School Rams football players.   

“I am so honored to have the chance to serve my home district,” Mr. Plotkin said.  

After touring the schools and discussing issues with Dr. Fairben, who announced her retirement plans this past spring, Mr. Plotkin solidified his goals for his first 100 days in office. Now, when he officially starts as Superintendent, he will hit the ground running.  

“Over these past few weeks, I have gotten to know Michael, and I am confident that I am leaving the district in excellent hands,” Dr. Fairben said. “I am certain that the Carmel Central School District will thrive under his leadership.” 

You may have seen the bonfire, the parade and the Rams football game, but have you seen the Carmel High School Film Club's video, Homecoming 2025: The Great Flood? The video sticks with this year's "Under the Sea" theme for homecoming and features lots of familiar CHS faces.  

Upcoming Board of Education Committee Meetings:

Audit, Facilities & Operation: December 2, 2025, Science Room #201, 5:30 p.m.
Special Education, Support & Wellness Committee:  December 2, 2025, Carmel High School, Library Lab, 5:30 p.m.
Policy Committee: December 15, 2025, Administrative Office, Executive Conference Room, 5:30 p.m.

The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Carmel High School.  The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Community members who wish to speak during the public comment section of the Board meeting are asked to sign up in advance using our Public Comment Sign-up Form here: https://forms.office.com/r/SnQBCFWYy8

Board meetings will continue to be live streamed on this page.  Committee meetings are open to the public.

If you like something a CCSD staff member has done, tell us at compliments@carmelschools.org. Likewise, if there is an area you think needs improvement, send an email to complaints@carmelschools.org. Both email addresses will go directly to the superintendent of schools and to the president of the Board of Education. 

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.

Sign-up now!

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.  

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.