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Saturday, apr 26
Schools
Trump Weighs In On NY School Mascot Battle: ‘Long Live The Massapequa Chiefs!’
President Donald Trump is throwing his support behind a Long Island school district fighting to keep its Native American-themed mascot. Trump came to the defense of the Massapequa Chiefs, blasting New York’s push for a rebrand as “ridiculous” and “an affront to our great Indian population," in a Truth Social post on Monday, April 21. The school district has been ordered to retire its decades-old mascot under a 2023 New York State mandate banning Indigenous-themed names and logos in public schools. “I agree with the people in Massapequa, Long Island, who are fighting furiously to keep the M…
Schools
150+ College Leaders Blast Trump For 'Unprecedented Overreach' On Higher Education
More than 150 college leaders issued a scathing letter criticizing the Trump administration's escalating threats against universities. The American Association of Colleges and Universities released the public letter on Tuesday, April 22. The group of university presidents accused President Donald Trump of "unprecedented government overreach," warning that the crackdown could harm students and democracy. Trump has demanded that colleges eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, along with other orders aimed at limiting campus activism. The Trump administration has paused…
Schools
IRS May Withdraw Harvard's Tax-Exempt Status As Fight Between Trump, University Escalates
The Trump administration is weighing whether to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status—an unprecedented and aggressive move that has escalated tensions between the Ivy League institution and the federal government, according to reports from The Washington Post and CNN. According to two people familiar with the matter, the Internal Revenue Service is preparing to rescind Harvard’s long-standing nonprofit designation, CNN reported. A final decision could be announced soon. Related: Obama Calls Out Trump Over "Unlawful" $2 Billion Cuts to Harvard The effort follows the White House’s …
Schools
‘Unlawful’: Obama Defends Harvard Against Trump’s $2B Funding Threat
Former President Barack Obama is lending his voice to support Harvard University after the prestigious Ivy League school dared President Donald Trump to follow through on his threatened $2 billion federal funding freeze if the school didn’t comply with his administration’s new guidelines. Among other demands, Trump wants Harvard to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; ban masks at campus protests; implement a merit-based admissions and hiring system; and reduce the influence of faculty and administrators he claims are “more committed to activism” than education, a letter …
Schools
School Employee Had 'Inappropriate' Conversations With Students At NY Campus: Cops
A school employee was placed on leave after allegedly having inappropriate conversations with students at a campus in upstate New York, police said. Schoharie County resident Paul Hallock, 65, of Cobleskill, was arrested Thursday, April 10, following a New York State Police investigation into alleged misconduct at William H. Golding Middle School. An investigation found that Hallock, who works as a lunch monitor at the school, engaged in inappropriate conversations with multiple students between October 2024 and February of this year, according to police. Troopers opened a formal investig…
Schools
Villanova Student Removed From Campus After Assault Outcry, Won’t Walk At Graduation
A Villanova University student who recorded another student’s sexual assault will not walk at the school’s graduation ceremony following intense backlash, the victim's attorney told Daily Voice on Wednesday, April 9. Juan Eguiguren, a Villanova senior, was present during the assault of a female classmate, according to a lawsuit and campus petition. Rather than intervening, Eguiguren allegedly took photos of the incident and later slept in the same room, organizers of the campaign allege. In the underlying case, Elijah Joseph Katzenell, 22, of Camp Hill, PA (according to the Pennsylvania S…
Schools
Kermit The Frog Confirmed As 2025 UMD Commencement Speaker — And The Internet Has Best Reaction
It's not easy being green, or delivering an epic commencement speech. But Kermit the Frog, a Peabody Award winner and best-selling author (and muppet) will do both in May, when he will return to the campus where he was first brought to life (by creator and alum Jim Henson, Class of 1960) to deliver the commencement speech in May. The school made the announcement this week, and the internet's reaction is everything you could've ever hoped for. "Kermencement," one absolute genius commented on UMD's post on Facebook. Others begged for the event to be live-streamed, while many …
Schools
Educator Injured Breaking Up Student Fight In School Hallway In Hudson Valley: Superintendent
An educator was injured while trying to stop a fight involving eight students at an Orange County high school. The incident happened on Tuesday, March 25, inside Middletown High School and lasted about 27 seconds, Superintendent Amy Creeden said in a message to the Enlarged City School District of Middletown community. "One of our dedicated educators, who was in the hallway, intervened to de-escalate the situation and ensure safety,” Creeden wrote, adding, “Unfortunately, this educator required medical attention as a result of the altercation.” Creeden said the district is cond…
Schools
Special Education Teacher Remembered By New 'Sensory Bus' For Students In Hudson Valley
A retired school bus at a Putnam County elementary school has been transformed into a sensory-friendly haven for students in honor of a beloved special education teacher who fought a brave battle with cancer. Brewster Central School District administrators, teachers, facilities staff, and students gathered on Tuesday, March 11, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new sensory bus dedicated to Megan Gersch, a special education teacher who died in July 2024 after a five-year fight against breast cancer. At the front of the bus, a sunflower bearing the words “For Megan” serves as …
Schools
District To Retire 'Raiders' Name In Hudson Valley To Avoid Losing State Funding: Officials
An Orange County school district has announced it will no longer use the “Raiders” name for its athletic teams following state education regulations that prohibit schools from using Native American-related team names and imagery. In a letter to the community on Wednesday, March 12, Port Jervis City School District Superintendent John J. Bell confirmed the decision, stating that the district will not select a new team name at this time. The "Raiders" name and mascot logo will be dropped as of Monday, June 30, Bell wrote. In his letter, Bell explained several reasons b…
Schools
Superintendent Of Major Dutchess County School District To Step Down
A major school district in the Hudson Valley will soon see a leadership change. Poughkeepsie City School District Superintendent Eric Jay Rosser has formally submitted his resignation, which will go into effect on Monday, June 30, district officials announced. In their announcement, the district's Board of Education expressed its gratitude for Rosser’s dedication to students, families, and staff during his tenure, wishing him well in his future endeavors. To ensure a smooth transition, the Board has appointed Gregory D. Mott as Acting Interim Superintendent, effec…
Schools
Students Feel Record Stress Over Admissions, Two NY Colleges Among Top 10 Dream Schools: Survey
For high school seniors, spring is a nerve-wracking time as college decisions roll in — but the class of 2025 is more stressed than ever, according to a new survey. The Princeton Review said 73 percent of students and parents reported "high" or "very high" stress over the admissions process. That's the highest level in the 23-year history of the College Hopes & Worries Survey, which had its 2025 edition released on Tuesday, Mar. 4. The 2025 survey polled 9,317 students and parents about a wide variety of college-related issues. Financial Pressures, Testing, AI Concerns Financial s…
Schools
11 Students Hospitalized After THC Gummies Handed Out At NY School
Around a dozen students were sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies at a Long Island middle school. A student at William Floyd Middle School in Moriches handed out edible THC gummies to around a dozen students who became ill on Monday morning, March 3, the William Floyd School District confirmed. Suffolk County Police and medics responded to the campus at around 11:15 a.m. for reports that multiple students had overdosed. In all, 11 students were taken to local hospitals for treatment, district officials said. No additional details were given. “We are grateful to our first respo…
Schools
Three Hudson Valley Colleges Named To Most Beautiful Campuses In US List: See Why
Choosing a college is about more than academics, sports, and social life — campus beauty can also make a lasting impression. Travel magazine Conde Nast released its 2025 list of the 54 Most Beautiful College Campuses in the United States. Across the Northeast, several schools stand out for their historic architecture, stunning landscapes, and picturesque settings. Whether framed by rolling hills, autumn foliage, or Gothic spires, these colleges offer students an inspiring backdrop for their studies. Connecticut Wesleyan University was recognized for utilizing Greek Revival a…
Schools
Al Roker Surprised With Honorary Doctorate From NY College: 'I Am Thrilled' (
Video
)
You may call him Dr. Roker. Longtime Today show weatherman Al Roker got an unexpected forecast of his own: Siena College is awarding him with an honorary doctorate degree. And the news came in the most fitting way possible–on live TV. During a special “breaking news” segment by the college’s student-run SCTV News team on Wednesday, Feb. 26, Roker joined from the Today studios in Manhattan to give a campus-centric forecast for Loudonville. After assuring students that the frigid days were numbered, Roker heard from Siena alum and NBC executive producer Tom Mazzarelli, who had a forecast of…
Schools
Student, 14, Threatens Shooting At High School In Region, Police Say
A 14-year-old boy is accused of threatening to kill a classmate at a Capital Region school. Schenectady School District officials contacted police after learning that a student at Washington Irving School had threatened a 14-year-old classmate via Snapchat late Saturday night, Feb. 22, Schenectady Police said. Officers identified the suspect and determined that he threatened to bring a gun to school and kill one of his classmates following a dispute earlier in the week, police said. The teen was arrested on suspicion of aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor. His name was not publicized due …
Schools
Education Pays: Northeast States Among Nation's Best In School Quality, College Attainment
Several Northeast states are among the most educated in the US, excelling in school quality, college attainment, and overall academic achievement, a new study said. Massachusetts was ranked as the country's most-educated state, according to a WalletHub study released on Monday, Feb. 10. Maryland was second, followed by Vermont, Colorado, and Connecticut in the top five. The study analyzed all 50 states using 18 factors, including educational attainment, quality, and achievement gaps. "There's a strong correlation between being more educated and receiving higher compensation," said Wal…
Schools
New Study Reveals Shocking Amount Of Phone Use By Teens While At School
A brand-new study has uncovered surprising trends in teen phone use during school hours, raising fresh concerns about digital distractions in the classroom. The study, published by JAMA Pediatrics on Monday, Feb. 3, found that students spent a significant portion of the school day on their phones, with messaging, Instagram, and video streaming among the most-used apps. Researchers also noted that a quarter of students logged more than two hours of screen time during class. In addition, students whose parents held bachelor’s degrees or higher spent about a half-hour less on their phones dur…
Schools
Water Woes Force Early Dismissal At School District In Dutchess County
A water issue in Dutchess County has forced an early dismissal for all schools in the Millbrook Central School District on Thursday, Jan. 30, officials announced. According to district officials, a town water issue on Alden Place in Millbrook prompted the schedule change, with secondary schools dismissing at 12:15 p.m. and elementary schools letting out at 1 p.m. Parents of students who require pickup were asked to make necessary arrangements. The village delayed the water shutoff until after lunch to ensure students were served meals before dismissal, officials said. Notifica…
Schools
NY Unveils Media Literacy Toolkit For Schools To Combat 'Scourge' Of Misinformation
New York is joining the fight against fake news. Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled the state’s first “Media Literacy” toolkit to help educators teach students how to critically analyze and assess information, particularly online. The initiative, announced Thursday, Jan. 23, follows growing concerns about misinformation, social media influence, and the role of online radicalization in recent violent incidents, including the Buffalo mass shooting, Hochul’s office said. “Whether it’s cell phones and social media or the scourge of misinformation teens encounter each day, I’m taking action to protect …
Schools
Superintendent Suspension: District Names Acting Replacement Amid Controversy In Hudson Valley
Nearly a week after suspending its superintendent as part of an ongoing investigation and legal proceedings, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District Board of Education has named her acting replacement. In a meeting on Tuesday night, Jan. 28, the district's Board of Education named Dr. Lisa Boun Acting Superintendent of Schools in a 5-4 vote. Boun's appointment, which will go into effect on Tuesday, Feb. 11, follows the suspension with pay of Superintendent Jackielyn Manning-Campbell on Thursday, Jan. 23. This action followed a recent budget audit alleged…
Schools
BOE Addresses Superintendent's Suspension Amid Ongoing Investigation In Hudson Valley (
Update
)
The Newburgh Enlarged City School District Board of Education has issued a public statement addressing the recent suspension of Superintendent Jackielyn Manning-Campbell, confirming that the decision was made as part of an ongoing investigation and legal proceedings. In a statement made to Daily Voice on Monday, Jan. 27, Board President Christine Bello emphasized the importance of fairness and confidentiality during this process. "The Board understands the concerns and emotions surrounding this decision," Bello said, adding, "Our priority is to ensure fair and thorough proc…
Schools
School Bus Crash Injures 2 Students In Hudson Valley
Two students were injured in a crash involving a school bus in Sullivan County. It happened in the hamlet of Rock Hill, on Highway 17 near Bridgeville Road, at around 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27. A bus operated by Rolling V Bus Corporation was carrying two Liberty Central School District students, as well as students from other districts, when the bus was involved in a crash, the district said. The two Liberty students were taken to a hospital. The extent of their injuries, their ages, and additional details about the crash were not immediately available. In a statement, the school district th…
Schools
Newburgh Superintendent Suspended, Report Says: BOE Stays Silent
Newburgh Superintendent Jackielyn Manning-Campbell was suspended with pay during a special board meeting of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District on Thursday, Jan. 23, she confirmed to News12. The board voted 5-4 in favor of the action. Board of Education members declined to comment on the matter, referring to Manning-Campbell only by her identification number, 12325, rather than by name. Earlier that day, Manning-Cambpell released a statement regarding a recent budget audit that allegedly found a multi-million dollar surplus. The suspension came days after police responded to th…
Schools
Dialing It Back: NY Students Would Be Barred From Using Phones During School Day Under Proposal
Students could soon go from scrolling to schooling. A bold initiative unveiled by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday, Jan. 22, would restrict smartphone use in all K-12 schools during the entire school day, including lunch time. The proposal, introduced as part of the governor’s 2026 Executive Budget, aims to prioritize student learning and mental health, Hochul’s office said. “From parents and teachers, to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling,” Hochul said. Under the…
Schools
Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm
Fewer high school graduates began college this fall, with enrollment in that age group dropping 5 percent from last year, according to an analysis by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Four-year institutions were hardest hit, with public colleges seeing an 8.5 percent drop in first-year enrollments and private nonprofit colleges reporting a 6.5 percent decline. This trend poses significant challenges for colleges and universities, particularly those reliant on tuition revenue. As the competition for students intensifies, institutions face mounting pressur…
Schools
Victim Stabbed During Student-Involved Fight Outside Hudson Valley HS
At least one person was injured during a student-involved fight and stabbing mere steps from a Hudson Valley high school. The Sullivan County incident happened in the town of Liberty, just outside Liberty High School, at the end of the school day on Thursday, Dec. 12. A fight broke out between a group of Liberty students and others who are not students, and at some point one of the non-students was stabbed, the Liberty Central School District said in a letter to parents. The victim ran to the campus and sought medical attention, and a medevac helicopter landed on the school’s football fiel…
Schools
Hudson Valley West Point Grad Awarded Rhodes Scholarship
A West Point grad from the region is one of only 32 students nationwide to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford in the fall of 2025. Orange County resident Shepherd Dzina of Tuxedo Park and three other cadets were awarded the scholarship on Saturday, Nov. 16. Dzina is an economics major currently serving as the Brigade Executive Officer at West Point, managing logistics and operations for over 4,400 cadets. He also leads the Finance Club and conducts research with the Army’s Office of Economics and Manpower Analysis. He has interned with the US International Develop…
Schools
Online Threat Leads To Increased Security At School In Hudson Valley
Parents and students can expect to see extra police on the campus of a middle school in the region after a threat of violence was made over social media. Enlarged City School District of Middletown Superintendent Amy Creeden said the threat was received late Monday, Nov. 11, in Orange County at Monhagen Middle School in the town of Wallkill. The threat, which Wallkill Police are actively investigating, was made on social media by an unidentified user who created a fake, well-known username in an attempt to gain attention. Creeden said the threat has been shared rapidly by and among students…
Schools
Meeting Explains New Electric School Buses Coming To Hyde Park School District
Residents will have a chance to ask questions during an upcoming meeting when they will be asked to approve spending $2.27 million on electric school buses in a school district in the region. The meeting is in Dutchess County from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School at 156 S Cross Road in Staatsburg. Hyde Park Central School District officials said attendees will learn everything about implementing electric buses during the panel discussion. Representatives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and Leonard Bus Sales …
Schools
Athletic Director At School District In Hudson Valley Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen
This story has been updated. An athletic director at a school district in Westchester County has been arrested and charged in connection with allegedly extorting a teenager to send sexually explicit images and videos. Thomas James Puccini, 28 years old and employed as the Interim Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics by the Eastchester Union Free School District, was arrested on Friday, Nov. 1. He was charged with felony grand larceny in the fourth degree and was arraigned in White Plains City Court by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Puccini has been pla…
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