June 2026

Volume 6

Dear Harrison Families,

A school year ends in a season of transitions. Fifth graders spent Husky Day welcomed and led by high school students, a way to introduce them, districtwide, to one another. Our seniors met with alumni who returned to share what awaits in the years just ahead. Jennifer Rinaldo, LMK Assistant Principal, mentored through the district's Future School Leaders Academy, steps into the principalship at Purchase Elementary School. At each turn, those just ahead on the journey reach back to support those moving forward.
 
A full year of work prepared them for the crossing. The youngest investigated how the world is organized through the IB Primary Years Programme, while older students distinguished themselves nationally in DECA and Debate. Students wrote with voice and conscience at Writers Among Us and the Poetry Slam, and, as always, stayed rooted in service to the community through Relay for Life and Lifting Up Westchester.
 
The important transitions are happening now. Three graduations have already taken place. Three more follow this week, culminating in the high school commencement.
 
We hope you enjoy this newsletter, and we look forward to sharing highlights from our four elementary school graduations, the LMK moving-up ceremony, and the commencement of the Harrison High School Class of 2026, a remarkable and inspiring group of seniors. Keep an eye out for the graduation newsletter to follow.
 
Sincerely,
Louis N. Wool, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
 
Follow us on Instagram @harrisonschoolsny

Jennifer Rinaldo Appointed Principal of Purchase Elementary School

The Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Louis Wool, are pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Rinaldo as Principal of Purchase Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026, following a comprehensive search process that included teachers, support staff, administrators, and parents. In a letter to the community announcing her appointment, Dr. Wool described Ms. Rinaldo as an “experienced educator and instructional leader dedicated to student success, equitable learning opportunities, and professional collaboration.” 
 
Ms. Rinaldo began her career at Family Life Academy Charter School II in the Bronx before teaching fourth grade at Parsons Memorial Elementary School for nearly a decade. She also served as a reading specialist and new teacher mentor, helping colleagues strengthen instructional practices and support student achievement. Recognizing her leadership potential, the superintendent selected Ms. Rinaldo to enroll in the prestigious Future School Leaders Academy at Bank Street College, where she deepened her leadership skills while continuing to contribute to district initiatives. Most recently, Ms. Rinaldo served as Assistant Principal at Louis M. Klein Middle School, where she supported students, staff, and families while fostering a positive school culture. She also served as Interim Director of ENL and World Languages, leading districtwide initiatives to strengthen services for multilingual learners and launch the Elementary World Language program.
 

Ms. Rinaldo shared her enthusiasm about her new role: “I am honored and excited to join the Purchase school community as principal. I look forward to building upon its many successes and working in partnership with students, staff, and families to cultivate an environment where every child is supported, challenged, and inspired to grow."

Collaboration, Curiosity,  Making Connections: Elementary Students Explore How We Organize Ourselves

Elementary students across the district are exploring big ideas and making meaningful real-world connections through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) transdisciplinary theme How We Organize Ourselves. Spanning grades 1–5, the unit encourages students to investigate the systems, structures, and relationships that shape communities and everyday life. 

 
How We Organize Ourselves is expansive,” shared a 5th grade teacher. “The starting point is geography and how people are impacted, but there are so many through lines and connections to science, economics, social studies and ELA. Students are encouraged to think, question, and consider multiple perspectives as they reflect on important questions about the world around them.” 
 
In fifth grade, students explore the central idea of how geography impacts the lives of individuals and communities. Using maps, informational texts, and multimedia resources, students investigate how climate, topography, and natural resources influence where people settle and how societies develop and thrive. One  lesson invited students to explore the “global thread” that literally connects them to the world by identifying where their clothes were made and marking those locations on a map. Twisting around to read the product label at the back of his t-shirt one student exclaimed, “My shirt is made in Vietnam. I know where that is!”  Another added,  “Hey… our map is made in China.”  Their observations sparked broader conversation about resources, trade, economics, and interdependence of communities across the globe.
 
In another classroom, small groups of students embarked on a world tour examining homes in different geographical regions throughout the world. Students analyzed photographs and used visual clues to determine locations, and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of living in each environment. They shared their thinking, remained open-minded and listened to different ideas, considered multiple perspectives, and collaborated with their group to draw thoughtful, informed conclusions. 
 
In first grade, students explored the central idea that people use their strengths and the right tools to be successful. Through hands-on activities, literature, and collaborative projects, students discover how tools help people solve problems and accomplish tasks.During one classroom discussion, students were challenged to think beyond traditional definitions of tools. “Can tools be part of our body?” the teacher asked. “My hands are a tool!” a student replied. “So is my brain. It helps me think and use my imagination,” added a classmate.  
 
Students reflected on their strengths and the importance of collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking before embarking on a challenge to create a project. Using the right tools, students designed chairs out of paper in one first grade classroom and “something magnificent” in another. 
 
Through the International Baccalaureate PYP theme, How We Organize Ourselves, there is much more taking place in Harrison’s elementary classrooms than memorizing facts. Students are learning to be inquirers and critical thinkers, who ask meaningful questions and make authentic connections between classroom learning and the world around them as they become thoughtful, engaged global citizens.

National Honor Society Induction Ceremony Celebrates Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character

One hundred thirty students were inducted into the Harrison High School Chapter of the National Honor Society in a celebration at the school’s Performing Arts Center. NHS President, Andrew Gaffin, opened the ceremony followed by Principal Kim Beukema observing how the student inductees truly embody the true meaning of the NHS pillars. Ms. Beukema also recognized the teachers who supported the students’ success. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Louis Wool, expressed his pride in the students before him and recognized all they have contributed to the HHS community.  The ceremony  included inductees reciting the National Honor Society oath, and student reflections about pillars of the National Honor Society Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. 

  • Marcus Lipton: Scholarship isn’t just about what you know, it's about how you respond when you don’t know. Being a scholar…it’s about being someone who refuses to stop growing and puts in the work…Even when it’s hard…Even when it’s boring. 
  • Kinga Kozyra:  Service is about stepping outside of your comfort zone and into the lives of others. Your actions not only impact others, but they also shape who you become…. Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference, and it's never too late to start. 
  • Olivia Vasti:  Leadership is about inspiring, supporting, and uplifting others, not for recognition or titles, but because being there for people truly matters.
  • Koen Reiff:  What makes character beautiful is that it’s a representation of what makes us human. Character is diverse; it doesn't have one perfect definition, and neither does being human.

HHS DECA Business Club Students Compete at International Conference; Liam Azar Earns Silver Medal

Students from Harrison High School recently joined thousands of top business students from around the world at the 2026 DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC), held in Atlanta in April. The ICDC competition represents the highest level of DECA competition and brings together top performing DECA students in marketing, finance, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and business management. This year, nearly 316,000 students worldwide participated in high school DECA programs, with close to 26,000 students qualifying to compete at the international level. Approximately 500 students from New York State earned spots at the prestigious event, including 17 students from Harrison High School.
 
Students competed against peers from all 50 states as well as Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, Spain, Japan, and several other nations. Competitors participated eithDECA International Career Development Conferenceer individually or in team events that required written business plans, exams, and professional presentations judged by industry professionals.  
 
Among Harrison’s standout achievements was Liam Azar, who earned a silver medallion in the Quick Serve Restaurant Management event as a top performer in his presentation category. The recognition placed Liam among the highest-performing competitors in one of DECA’s most competitive international events. “Liam’s achievement reflects an incredible amount of preparation, professionalism, and dedication,” said DECA advisors Joseph Santo and Deirdre O’Brien. “Competing successfully at the international level is an extraordinary accomplishment, and we are extremely proud of him and all of our students.”
 

Harrison High School students competed in both individual and group events a the DECA International Career Development Conference: Liam Azar (Quick Serve Restaurant Management), Jonathan Lewis (Hotel and Lodging Management), Marissa Lusardi (Human Resource Management), Emily Salemo (Franchise Business Plan),  Addison Valente (Restaurant and Food Service Management), Arata Yamazaki (Accounting Applications), Cassandra DiBlasi and Selin Cangir (Sales Project), Reese Haines and Brynn Ensign (Business Solutions Project), Jonah Peligri and Avery Sickles (Finance Operations), Riko Suzuki and Zoe Kim (Buying and Merchandising Operations)

HHS Debate Team Posts Another Strong Season; Debaters Ranked at Top Three Spots in NY State, #2 in Nation

The high school Debate Team finished the season with 5 tournament wins and  8 runner-up finishes. The team accumulated 16 qualifying bids to the Tournament of Champions, placed in the top 5 at Nationals, placed 2nd at the New York State Championship, and reached elimination rounds at nearly every tournament of the year, including the TOC, Harvard, Emory, and Princeton, where team members placed 2nd and 3rd. The National Speech and Debate Association ranked Andrew Gaffin 2nd nationally in Lincoln-Douglas Debate; Flynn Williams is ranked 11th nationally, and is the top-ranking junior this season, while Adeena Naeem is ranked 16th nationally. In New York state, Andrew is ranked #1, Flynn is ranked #2, Adeena is ranked #3, and Atharv Gandhi is ranked #6. 

Behind the Arguments: An Inside Look at HHS Debate  

Flynn Williams shares a personal reflection of his experience as a member of the Harrison High School Debate Team.

On most weekends between September and April, Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debaters around the country compete against each other at high school tournaments. Most tournaments offer six preliminary rounds of competition, after which debaters with a winning record advance to elimination rounds, where the top debaters continue competing until only one champion remains. LD is a judged one-on-one event in which each student gives an opening speech, a cross-examination period to question their opponents’ arguments, and rebuttals to respond to what their opponents said. The final speech in the round is only three minutes long, and must persuade the judge to vote for the speaker. 

Three Minutes, One Goal
By Flynn Williams
 
I set my timer. Three minutes left. Three minutes to convince this judge I should win. My mind is racing. In the final rebuttal, time moves like the speed of light. If I don’t win this, I won’t make it to elimination rounds.
 
That moment feels a world away from the previous morning, when we’d traveled to the competition site, a school amidst the Iowa cornfields. I always begin tournaments with a mixture of anxiety and excitement, emotions that only intensify when a teammate signals the official release of debater/judge match-ups and yells, “PAIRINGS!” 
 
I’d frantically reloaded the tournament’s website until the information I needed appeared: “Opponent: Valley EP; Judge: Mayes, Thomas.” Like others around me, I’d blurted my thoughts aloud: “Who’s Thomas Mayes? Is my opponent good?” After three years of debate, the first pairing still makes me anxious, but I’ve learned to find calm amidst the chaos.
 
One day and five intense debates later, I’m in the final preliminary round with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses, which makes this a “bubble round” -- one I have to win to continue competing. With my heart racing, we begin.
 
I stand up to present my case, using volume to mask my nerves. In cross-examination, my opponent rapidly fires questions at me, forcing me to come up with responses on the spot. They start their speech, and I feverishly write down their arguments while trying to think of responses. To survive a debate, you have to treat the round like a complex spreadsheet. For every argument your opponent makes, you map out a precise response and find the one place where they slipped up. It’s a constant puzzle, one that’s helped me develop a level of cognitive efficiency and critical thinking I never would have found in a classroom.
 
The rest of the round is a blur;  I’ve entered the “flow” space in my mind -- literally, in this case, since debaters refer to their notes as their “flow.” Before I know it, the round’s over and the judge is ready to announce the decision. He clears his throat as my hand clutches my chair. “I voted for the affirmative,” he says. “Harrison FW.”  I’ve won.
 
The competition continues well into the next day; tournaments are an endurance test for everyone who keeps going. Finally, I find myself in the semifinal round, amongst the final four competitors. Here, I make a small mistake, and though I do my best to recover, it’s enough for me to lose on a 2-1 decision.
 
While I’m disappointed to not reach the final round, I know I’ll have another opportunity to win the next tournament, or the one after that. The cycle of preparing, traveling, and competing continues weekend after weekend, and though it can have its low moments, it produces great ones you can’t find anywhere else. Every round, I’m reminded of how significant three minutes -- or one minute, or thirty seconds -- can be. To me, that’s the beauty of debate.
 
Flynn Williams is a rising senior at Harrison High School, and serves as the Debate Team’s Research Captain. This past year, he earned five qualifying bids to the Tournament of Champions, reached elimination rounds at the TOC and the NCFL National Championship, was runner-up at Princeton University’s championship, and was a semifinalist at the New York State Championship, the Newark championship, and the Mid-America Cup in Iowa. The National Speech and Debate Association  currently ranks Flynn as the #11 Lincoln-Douglas debater nationally; he is the top-ranking junior nation-wide.
Recognizing the Impact of Student Voice at Writers Among Us Celebration
The  annual Writers Among Us ceremony at Harrison High School celebrated the power of student writing, creativity, voice and conscience. Addressing a crowd of family, friends, faculty, and administrators, Director of English Language Arts, Dr. Jaimie Kanter, remarked, “Writing has a purpose opposite of magic…because writers bring what is hidden to the surface and make it visible.” As she spoke, student writers in the room nodded, reflecting on the stories, perspectives, and ideas they had shared through their writing over the course of the year. 
 
The program featured the transformative power of writing and celebrated the thoughtful, reflective, and authentic expression of students, who, as Dr. Kanter observed, “take what is in their heads and make something we can see, shape, and understand.” Among those students recognized were high school Writing Fellows, published artists and illustrators from Imagine, journalists from The Husky Herald, and contributors to LMK’s literary magazine, Paper Planes. Student speakers added to the evening’s program by sharing personal reflections about the importance of writing and reading selections of their original poetry.
 
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Louis Wool described writing as “explicit evidence of what we believe or what we reject,” underscoring its power to give voice to our thoughts and convictions. He encouraged  the young writers in attendance to be the stewards of their own conscience, “This evening is about so much more than writing. It is about revealing who you are.”  Dr. Wool invited the audience to join him in recognizing the “writers among us who will define our path forward”  as the “unacknowledged architects of our society…I could not be more proud of the young architects we have recognized here tonight.”

LMK Students Bring Original Works to Life at Poetry Slam

LMK students celebrated the power of creative expression at the annual Poetry Slam, an event that showcased their original writing and unique voices. Throughout the school year, students crafted poems in ELA classes and independently, exploring a variety of themes and styles. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders who chose to participate brought their words to life, reciting their work before an audience of family members, friends, and teachers, and demonstrating confidence, creativity, and a passion for the written word.  The event, hosted by the Papers Planes Club, LMK Literary magazine, was open to all LMK students. Students who participated in the Poetry Slam: 6th grade: Hasan Ahmed,* Nellie Grigoryan-Barton,* Annika Setlik, Avi Renert, Valentina Amoroso, Allison Miranda Monzon, Neil Juneja 7th grade: Ella Aloni,* Ariana Semesdin, Lea El Khoury, Emma Livolsi, Maya Prasad, Vinny Orefice; 8th grade: Maleeha Ahmed,* Maia Patpatia,* Mei Yamamoto* (*member of the Paper Planes club)

HHS Junior Samantha Ferrara Receives St. Vincent’s Hospital Youth Award

HHS junior Samantha Ferrara received the St. Vincent’s Hospital Youth Award, which recognizes and honors high school students for their volunteer service. The awards are presented to high school students whose volunteer service exemplifies St. Vincent’s core values of respect, integrity, compassion and excellence. She is among twenty students in Westchester honored by the hospital’s auxiliary board.  Sam was recognized for the organization she founded, Sam’s Sacred Style,which collects dresses and accessories to address clothing insecurity in our community and promote environmental sustainability. From this experience Samantha has learned, “Excellence in service emerged not just in the organization of events, but in small, human connections that upheld the dignity of every life touched. By listening first and protecting dignity, the work ensured families felt respected, supported, and seen.”

Harrison Students Recognized for Their Ideas to Strengthen Community Outreach and Connection

Eva Popescu and Samantha Ferrara pictured with Harrison High School Principal Ms. Beukema and representatives from Lifting Up Westchester.
 

Two Harrison High School students were recognized by Lifting Up Westchester in their 9th annual Student Essay Contest. Eva Popescu won first place and Samantha Ferrara placed third in the 11th and 12th grade category.  Lifting Up Westchester assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness and other hardships. As part of this year’s essay contest, students learned about the organization’s programs and were challenged to imagine how a new or expanded focus on emotional connection could strengthen the organization’s support for community members in need. Eva wrote about her experience mentoring immigrant high school students, and proposed a way to improve the existing Academic Enrichment & Mentoring Program by extending connections between mentors and students through a dedicated app.  Samantha recommended adding a Memory Garden project to LUW’s Youth Services, as a consistent and “genuine emotional lifeline for children who have lived through disruption.” Congratulations to Eva and Samantha. Their thoughtful, caring, and creative ideas demonstrate empathy and a deep understanding of how meaningful human connections can strengthen support for those facing challenges in our community. 

HHS Students Earn National Recognition on Italian Exam 

Harrison High School students across all grade levels participated in the American Association of Teachers of Italian National Contest Examination. This prestigious national exam, taken annually by more than 6,000 students throughout the United States, assesses student proficiency in Italian language, culture, and grammar. Nearly thirty Harrison students chose to enrich and challenge themselves along with Italian language learners across the country.  Italian teachers Cindy Martinez and Dana Jakubowski are proud of the students’ outstanding performance, “Their commitment to academic excellence and enthusiasm for language learning are truly commendable.” Congratulations to the 2026 AATI National Contest Examination award recipients: Gold medal winners:  Sophomores Nora Pepushaj & Ulrich Novak; Silver medal winners: Sophomore Serafina Blackman, Freshmen Emma Mastrogiacomo & Jana Krasniqi; Bronze medal winners: Juniors Fujiko Yamada, Kamila Juarez-Ceren, Jonathan Hanna, and Kaylee Ausserlechner; Sophomores Paige Bianchini & Leonardo Carrasco, Freshmen Chelsea Bustamante, Giuliana Currim, & Olivia Eapen

Relay for Life Walk Honors Survivors, Raises Awareness and Funds to Fight Cancer

The Harrison community came together for the annual Relay for Life event to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and raise funds to support the American Cancer Society. The HHS Relay for Life club worked diligently throughout the year to host fundraising events, culminating in the walk to honor those who have battled cancer in their lives.  

Transition to College: Recent Graduates Return to HHS, Share College Experiences with Seniors

As graduation approaches, many high school seniors find themselves balancing excitement about the future with questions about what comes next. The HHS guidance department developed the perfect solution to help students navigate this transition from high school to college: a series of recent alumni panels featuring recent graduates who returned to share their firsthand experiences as college students. The alumni panel series is part of the district's transitions programming, designed to help students prepare for the next steps in their educational journeys.

HHS Alumni from a variety of colleges, universities, and career pathways met with seniors and provided insights about life after high school, including topics ranging from academics and campus life to time management and making new friends. Seniors were highly engaged and appreciative of the sessions, asking insightful questions about choosing majors, balancing academics with extracurricular activities, and adjusting to increased independence. The conversations offered an authentic look at college life, helping seniors prepare for their next chapter and understand that while the transition may be challenging at first, it is also rewarding.  As the Class of 2026 prepares for their next chapter, the district’s transition programs ensure they take the next step feeling confident, informed, supported, and prepared. 

A special thank you to HHS alumni, Julia Kessler, Lucy Short, Reese Potash, Cynthia Duchitanga, Michael Brandt, Samantha Ramirez, Chase Gray, Annelise Serpa, Alexandra Paternoster, and Fiona Vela for returning to Harrison High School to share their experiences, insights, and advice.

"Best Day Ever!"  District 5th Graders Make New Friends,  Get Ready for LMK at Husky Day

Rain did not dampen the spirits of  5th grade students from all four elementary schools who came together at Harrison High School  for  Husky Day, the final step in the district’s transition to the middle school program before they arrive at LMK for  6th grade in the fall.  The day was filled with laughter,  cheers, and new friends as students participated in team-building activities facilitated by the district’s physical education teachers and high school student leaders. The HHS percussion line welcomed students as they arrived at the high school and the marching band added festivity and energy!  Students boarded buses back to their elementary schools to echoes of “this was the best day ever,” sharing stories of the day's activities and beginnings of new friendships.  Another successful Husky Day!!

 

Follow us on Instagram @harrisonschoolsny

Newsletters