Carmel High School

Every Friday at Carmel High School, students tune in for Carmel High Five, a five-minute news show packed with school updates, sports, birthdays and upcoming events. But unlike traditional network broadcasts, this student-run production delivers the news with plenty of personality and humor. 

Behind the cameras is the Video 3 class, a team of students who spend the week writing scripts, filming segments, editing graphics and pulling the entire production together before it airs on the Carmel High Five YouTube channel. 

The process begins every Monday, when producer Killian gathers the crew to brainstorm story ideas and plan the week’s episode. From there, students take on a variety of roles both on camera and behind the scenes. 

Gabby, a junior and the show’s director, says the studio has become her second home. 

“I come into the studio during all of my free time,” she said. 

Junior Killian serves as executive producer while also leading the school’s Film Club as president. His responsibilities range from overseeing scripts and graphics to coordinating the student talent appearing on screen. 

Sometimes, when regular student anchors are unavailable, the crew heads to the cafeteria in search of volunteers willing to step into the spotlight as temporary news anchors. 

Amanda balances multiple jobs on the show. Sometimes she operates the teleprompter or writes scripts. Other times, she does field reporting and anchors the broadcasts. Still, she says the production is very much a team effort. 

“Really, everyone pitches in,” she said. 

That collaborative spirit extends beyond the Video 3 class itself. On a recent broadcast, Evan, a freshman from the Video 1 class, stepped in to deliver the sports report. 

“I just drop in when I can and help out with anything,” he said. 

The class is designed to welcome students with all kinds of talents, not just video experience. This semester, student teacher Cole Patterson of Manhattanville University helped video teacher Tim Raney lead the class.  

“The class is called Video 3, but there is no prerequisite to sign up,” Raney explained. “We naturally get the kids with video skills, but we need some kids with other backgrounds as well. We want students from all departments to join us. We want English and creative writing students to help with scripts, art students to help with design.” 

For the students behind Carmel High Five, the weekly broadcast is more than just a news show. It’s a creative collaboration that gives students across the school a chance to share their talents, build new skills and bring the school community together.

The Carmel Teachers' Association partnered with district administration to host a full day of professional learning during the recent Superintendent’s Conference Day at George Fischer Middle School. The event featured more than 60 courses designed to support staff growth and student success.

“Days like today matter,” Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin said. “It’s one of those rare moments where you get to pause, reflect and reconnect -- with ideas, with colleagues and maybe even with the reason you chose this work in the first place. Today isn’t about adding more to your plate; it’s about giving you something back.”

The conference day underscored the district’s ongoing commitment to professional growth, collaboration and community, all of which enhance learning experiences for students across Carmel schools.

“CTA/Superintendent’s Conference Day reflects a strong partnership between district administration and the CTA, with over 60 thoughtfully planned courses designed to meet the needs of our staff,” said Dr. Jeff C. Gorman, assistant superintendent for instruction. “It’s a clear example of our shared commitment to continuous growth and improving outcomes for the students we serve.”

Educators spent the day engaged in a wide range of sessions, from college preparation and application strategies to interactive workshops on emerging instructional practices. One featured session, “America is 250!” led by history teacher Rob Buccheri, explored the American Revolution and its impact on Putnam County.

Another popular offering, “Innovation in the Classroom with AI,” introduced participants to tools that can enhance student engagement through interactive content. The session also focused on differentiating instruction and creating standards-aligned materials using AI-powered platforms.

The day’s programming was coordinated by middle school science teachers Joanna Sweeney and Sara Schmidt, who helped organize a schedule aimed at meeting the varied needs of district staff.

In addition to professional development, the event featured several CTA-led initiatives. The CTA Scholarship Committee hosted a raffle of themed gift baskets created by each school building, with all proceeds supporting scholarships for Carmel High School seniors.

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Photos by Denise Santalis

Carmel High School will showcase student creativity and skill when its 42nd Annual Student Art Show opens Monday, April 13, in Casey Hall.

The exhibit features more than 500 pieces of student artwork, highlighting the breadth of talent across the school’s visual arts program.

The Carmel Central School District offers a wide range of art courses, beginning with studio art in eighth grade and continuing through Advanced Placement classes, where seniors develop portfolios for college applications.

“We are very lucky to have the amount and variety of the art classes we offer here,” said art teacher Danielle Marino. “We not only have great kids and great teachers, but we have a robust program as well. I don’t know of many other high schools that have ceramics or a black-and-white darkroom.”

The works on display include drawing, painting, mixed media, graphic design and photography, reflecting students’ broad exposure to the arts, according to department chair Christine Bevan.

Among the featured student artists is Petra, a senior who focuses on drawing and painting birds. Her work has also been displayed at the Friends of the Great Swamp art show.

“Birds have been symbols since Roman times,” Petra said. “I like how they can reflect the emotions of people.”

Tyler, a junior, creates comic book characters shaped by phobias.

“Phobias show a strong, targeted feeling toward something that can be drawn,” he said.

The show runs through Friday, April 17, in Casey Hall at Carmel High School.

Hours are 1 to 3 p.m. on opening day, Monday, April 13; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, April 14–16; with additional evening hours from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday; and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 17.

The Carmel community is warmly invited to celebrate our 33rd Annual Youth Art Month Exhibit, taking place at various locations throughout the month. Art from students in kindergarten through 12th grade will be on display at local banks, town halls, libraries and businesses. 

For more than three decades, this special event has showcased the incredible creativity, imagination, and talent of our student artists. From vibrant paintings and detailed drawings to ceramics and mixed media pieces, the exhibit reflects the hard work and artistic growth happening in our schools every day.

We are proud to present this year’s exhibit in partnership with the Carmel/Kent Chamber of Commerce, whose continued support helps us highlight the importance of arts education within our community. The artwork will be displayed this month, offering families, friends, and neighbors the opportunity to experience and celebrate the artistic achievements of our students.

Two CHS students and one of our outstanding GFMS musicians had the privilege of performing with the prestigious New York State Band Directors' Association (NYSBDA) Honor Bands this month, in Syracuse, NY. This prestigious performance is a significant accomplishment, as only the most talented young musicians from across the state are selected to participate.

This year, New York State required boards of education to include student representatives, and those chosen for the slots in Carmel intend to make the most of the opportunity. 

Isabella and River, both seniors, worked alongside Max and Aarav, sophomores. Because all four students juggle packed schedules, they split attendance at the twice-monthly meetings. 

Each student noticed something different at the meetings. What stood out to Isabella was the public nature of the discussions.  

“It’s good that everyone can air their concerns,” Isabella said. “There is a sense of accountability because issues are raised and brought up in a public space.” Seeing decisions unfold in real time changed how Isabella understood leadership. 

Aarav paid close attention to how the board functioned. The formal process was structured and deliberate, and surprisingly interesting. 

“I learn something about how a board works at every meeting,” Aarav said. “There is a specific order that things must happen on the board. Someone makes a motion, and someone has to second it. It is interesting.” 

River focused on the relationships in the room. Different opinions did not stop progress, they shaped it. 

“It’s interesting to see that board members can have different points of view but there’s still a balance there,” River said. 

Max viewed the role as a new way to connect with the community. 

“I wanted to be able to speak about issues that are important to me and to other students,” Max said. “It’s a different way of interacting with my community and the teachers and students.”   

Before each meeting, Superintendent Michael Plotkin meets with the students to review the agenda and explain what to expect. He emphasized preparation and problem-solving.  

“If you want to bring up an issue, try to propose a possible solution,” Mr. Plotkin said. “That usually sparks a real conversation.” 

Carmel High School proudly welcomed 58 new students into the National Honor Society (NHS) on December 11.  

Membership in NHS is a distinction earned through dedication and perseverance. The juniors and seniors who were inducted, each achieved a minimum unweighted cumulative grade point average of 89.9, completed 30 hours of community service within the past academic year and held leadership positions or responsibilities in school, the community, or the workplace. 

The evening’s induction ceremony was student-led, but Carmel Central School District leaders spoke to the group as well.  

“Let this induction serve as both a recognition and a call to action,” Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin said. “Allow yourselves to dream with ambition and to serve with humility. Allow your curiosity to lead you to undiscovered places and your character to guide your every step. The true mark of honor is not only what you achieve, but how you choose to uplift others along the way.” 

Including the new inductees, the Carmel High School Chapter of the National Honor Society now includes 110 members, and each one serves as a role model for scholarship, service, leadership and character.  

“This event celebrates students who have not only demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, but who have also shown a deep and ongoing commitment to service, leadership, and character,” said English Teacher Joanne Morgan, the National Honor Society Advisor for CHS. “Their dedication in the classroom and in our community reflects the very best of what NHS stands for, and I could not be more proud of each one of them.” 

The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Kent Elementary School   The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. The public portion of the meeting will begin at 7:00 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.

Upcoming Board of Education Committee Meetings:

Policy Committee: June 1, 2026, Administrative Office, 5:30 p.m.
Audit, Facilities & Operations:  May 26, 2026, Kent Elementary School, Library, 5:30 p.m.
Special Education, Support & Wellness Committee: May 26, 2026, Kent Elementary School, Conference Room #224, 5:30 p.m.

Dear Carmel Central School District Community:

As I begin my work leading the Carmel schools, I’m eager to listen and learn from our community. I invite you to read my Entry Plan, which outlines my goals for understanding our district’s strengths and challenges

Please also take a few minutes to complete our community survey. Your feedback will help shape priorities and ensure we continue building on what’s working while addressing areas for growth.

Read the Entry Plan
Take the Superintendent's Community Survey by December 1, 2025

Respectfully,

Michael Plotkin
Superintendent of Schools 

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.