Superintendent’s Update October 2025:
The Greenburgh-North Castle Union Free School District (GNC UFSD), a Special Act School District (SASD) serving students who are among the most needy, fragile, demanding, and exceptional in New York State, has been active with major operational and instructional initiatives; including the relocation of the Kaplan Academy, robust professional development for staff, and many successful student activities.
Kaplan Academy has recently experienced significant activity, including the commencement of its academic year in a new setting.(image link). Both the in-person and virtual options for the Kaplan Academy Open House were successful, receiving praise from many parents. Following its opening, Kaplan has already seen an increased census since the end of September and the program is accepting referrals; please contact Dr. Robin Levine at rlevine@gncufsd.org.
GNC held multiple Superintendent’s Conference Days, where staff from all four academies gathered at the Dobbs Ferry Campus (over 350 people total). The professional development (PD) offerings were comprehensive and covered both instructional best practices and vital support strategies. Ms. Amy Kelly and Ms. Jen Miller led a multi day presentation on Understanding Disabilities, an overview of understanding students with disabilities, associated behaviors and best practices to best accommodate their needs.
Instructional and Technology Focus:
• The continued "Writing Revolution" initiative was a major focus area for certificated staff.
• The District is focused on building capacity in the use of cutting-edge technology, particularly generative AI, to benefit instructional practices.
• A presentation on the difference between active and passive artificial intelligence highlighted how to use active (i.e., generative) AI to GNC’s advantage in the educational environment.
• Certificated staff also attended a presentation on the "GNC Toolbox," which outlines resources and strategies utilized and emphasized by GNC.
Staff Trainings:
Staff groups, including Teacher Aides, Transition Specialists, and School Monitors, participated in specialized presentations focusing on:
• IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), presented by Dr. Levine.
• Trauma Informed Practices, presented by Ms. Benedith and Ms. Ballard (addressing therapeutic crisis intervention needs).
• BIPS / Data Collection presented by Mrs. Kathleen Flanders-Cruz and Mr. Nathaniel Higgins.
• Communication and Collaboration / Parent Outreach.
New this year, Aide/Paraprofessional Training:
GNC is working to improve staff retention and effectiveness through training, including:
• Newly hired Teacher Aides attended a Westchester Community College (WCC) course that aims to provide them with more tools preparing them for their profession and potentially inspiring them to gain the confidence to pursue certificated positions.
Student Activities and Achievements
Students across the district are engaged in various activities, including athletics and specialized programs:
• GNC’s Unified Flag Football team won their inaugural game against Irvington.
• The Girl’s Volleyball team achieved a historic, first-ever program win.
• The Boys Volleyball team also scored their first win in their victory this fall.
Gardening and Media Programs:
• REACH Academy students continue to participate in the Our New Way Garden program, which focuses on exposing students to the "garden environment". The Harvest Festival is scheduled for this month at the Pepsi Corporation Community Farm.
• Workshop activities include mixing soil, seeding, transplanting, planting, maintaining, harvesting, recording in journals, and weighing produce; the students enjoy this program.
• REACH Academy students are heavily involved in filming, editing, performing, and creating with current technology,which is setting them up for success in the world.
• The REACH Academy Music & Multi-Media program recently released new music and video content.