We’re excited to welcome students and families back and are busy preparing for a great year!
📬 Student schedules are being mailed this Monday. For a digital copy, contact Khristen Balcom at 845-586-2647 ext. 1004 or kbalcom@margaretvillecs.org.
🏫 Join us for an informal “Getting Ready for the Year: Info Session & Tour” on Wednesday, August 27 in the Small Gym/Auditorium. Two sessions available: 9:00–11:00 AM or 5:00–7:00 PM. Ask questions, learn about school policies, and tour the building before the first day!
📞 More info: Joy Holden, Principal — 845-586-2647 ext. 1018 |jholden@margaretvillecs.org
📬 Student schedules are being mailed this Monday. For a digital copy, contact Khristen Balcom at 845-586-2647 ext. 1004 or kbalcom@margaretvillecs.org.
🏫 Join us for an informal “Getting Ready for the Year: Info Session & Tour” on Wednesday, August 27 in the Small Gym/Auditorium. Two sessions available: 9:00–11:00 AM or 5:00–7:00 PM. Ask questions, learn about school policies, and tour the building before the first day!
📞 More info: Joy Holden, Principal — 845-586-2647 ext. 1018 |jholden@margaretvillecs.org
Letters to families regarding lead testing.
PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE
From the Nurse’s Office:
Free Sports Physicals will be now be held on September 18, from 12:30 - 3:00 pm.
The School Health form needs to be filled out and signed by a parent/guardian unless your student is 18 years old or older.
School Health Form - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ur1fmTR4GP4ikTVUbK7u3gmwifpIP65A/view?usp=sharing
As part of our ongoing commitment to school safety, we will be conducting two fire drills this week in accordance with New York State Education Department regulations for summer programs.
Please note that we are not permitted to share the specific dates or times of the drills. These exercises are an important part of ensuring that all students and staff are familiar with emergency procedures and know how to respond safely and calmly in the event of a real emergency.
Staff will support students throughout the process, and the drills will be conducted in a calm and developmentally appropriate manner.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me (jholden@margaretvillecs.org; 845-586-2647 ext 1013).
Thank you for your continued support.
Please note that we are not permitted to share the specific dates or times of the drills. These exercises are an important part of ensuring that all students and staff are familiar with emergency procedures and know how to respond safely and calmly in the event of a real emergency.
Staff will support students throughout the process, and the drills will be conducted in a calm and developmentally appropriate manner.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me (jholden@margaretvillecs.org; 845-586-2647 ext 1013).
Thank you for your continued support.
Ms. Stickle's Summer Enrichment photos from last week's STEM program . We had a lot of fun building and coding with Legos and Sphero Bots. The students even printed a few 3D projects.
MCS is happy to welcome our new 8-12 Guidance Counselor, Makenzie Terrell.
Hi everyone! My name is Makenzie Terrell, and I’m so excited to be joining Margaretville as your new school counselor! I graduated from SUNY Oneonta and grew up on a farm, where I learned the value of hard work-and how to avoid being chased by chickens! When I’m not at school, you’ll probably find me at antique shops, relaxing with my cat Maxx (he runs the house), or planning my next fun adventure. I believe in creating a positive and supportive space for all students. I’m always here with a listening ear, a smile, and maybe even a few corny jokes to brighten your day. I can't wait to get to know you all!
Hi everyone! My name is Makenzie Terrell, and I’m so excited to be joining Margaretville as your new school counselor! I graduated from SUNY Oneonta and grew up on a farm, where I learned the value of hard work-and how to avoid being chased by chickens! When I’m not at school, you’ll probably find me at antique shops, relaxing with my cat Maxx (he runs the house), or planning my next fun adventure. I believe in creating a positive and supportive space for all students. I’m always here with a listening ear, a smile, and maybe even a few corny jokes to brighten your day. I can't wait to get to know you all!
Gentle reminder PRE- SEASON starts on August 18th. More information will follow on times.
In accordance with Education Law §2801-a and Commissioner’s regulation §155.17, each public school district must develop and annually update a District-Wide Safety Plan. Annually, the District-Wide Safety Plan is to be made available for 30-day public comment, including a public hearing, and then be approved by the Board of Education by September 1. Comments, questions, or concerns were accepted through August 20, 2025.
Please see District Plan linik below:
District Safety Plan
If you have any comments, questions or concerns email Principal Joy Holden at jholden@margaretvillecs.org or Superintendent Michelle Osterhoudt at mosterhoudt@margaretvillecs.org
Families of students in grades PK–6, be on the lookout—teacher welcome and introduction letters are being mailed out this week! These letters include important information to help your child get ready for the upcoming school year. Please reach out to our guidance office (Khristen Balcom, 845-586-2647 ext 1004) if you do not receive yours by end of next week.
We’re excited to welcome everyone back soon!
We’re excited to welcome everyone back soon!
The 2025-2026 MCS District Calendar
Margaretville Central School Thanks Community Supporters for Saving Summer CROP—Urges Action to Preserve School-Year Programming
Margaretville, NY — Margaretville, NY — Margaretville Central School is pleased to share that thanks to the efforts of The MTC Birdsall Project, to help their hometown district, the summer session of our CROP (Creating Rural Opportunities Partnership) program will run as planned. This is a critical win for our students and families who rely on this enriching program during the summer months.
However, we must emphasize that this achievement does not guarantee funding for the CROP program during the school year. While we have successfully secured the summer session, we are still awaiting clarity on funding for the upcoming school year. The federal government has currently put a hold on the funds to review the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funding which is more than $6 billion in funding that supports CROP and other school programs nationwide.Despite these funds being mandated by Congress' 2025 spending bill signed by the President in March, they are now at risk. Unfortunately, no timeline or process has been shared for this review, leaving our programs and nearly 1.4 million students nationwide in a precarious situation.
The 21st CCLC program supports around 10,000 local programs that provide critical academic support and enrichment activities. If the funding is not released, many of these vital programs, including ours, may face closure. Additionally, we want to highlight that funding for 2026 is also at risk, which would impact the 2026-2027 school year.
CROP provides vital academic support, enrichment activities, and a safe after-school environment for students throughout the school year. Without renewed and sustained funding, this invaluable program—an essential component of our students’ growth and development—remains at risk.
We are genuinely grateful for the advocacy and support that made the summer CROP program possible. Now, we urge our entire community to take action. Please reach out to your state and federal legislators and advocate for the restoration of funding for the CROP program for the 2025–2026 school year and beyond.
Let’s unite to ensure that every Margaretville student has access to the opportunities they deserve—throughout both the summer and the school year.
Margaretville, NY — Margaretville, NY — Margaretville Central School is pleased to share that thanks to the efforts of The MTC Birdsall Project, to help their hometown district, the summer session of our CROP (Creating Rural Opportunities Partnership) program will run as planned. This is a critical win for our students and families who rely on this enriching program during the summer months.
However, we must emphasize that this achievement does not guarantee funding for the CROP program during the school year. While we have successfully secured the summer session, we are still awaiting clarity on funding for the upcoming school year. The federal government has currently put a hold on the funds to review the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funding which is more than $6 billion in funding that supports CROP and other school programs nationwide.Despite these funds being mandated by Congress' 2025 spending bill signed by the President in March, they are now at risk. Unfortunately, no timeline or process has been shared for this review, leaving our programs and nearly 1.4 million students nationwide in a precarious situation.
The 21st CCLC program supports around 10,000 local programs that provide critical academic support and enrichment activities. If the funding is not released, many of these vital programs, including ours, may face closure. Additionally, we want to highlight that funding for 2026 is also at risk, which would impact the 2026-2027 school year.
CROP provides vital academic support, enrichment activities, and a safe after-school environment for students throughout the school year. Without renewed and sustained funding, this invaluable program—an essential component of our students’ growth and development—remains at risk.
We are genuinely grateful for the advocacy and support that made the summer CROP program possible. Now, we urge our entire community to take action. Please reach out to your state and federal legislators and advocate for the restoration of funding for the CROP program for the 2025–2026 school year and beyond.
Let’s unite to ensure that every Margaretville student has access to the opportunities they deserve—throughout both the summer and the school year.
Some MCS students are participating in the Student Photography Show at the Longyear Gallery, part of the AMR Open Studios Tour. The title of the student exhibit is "Vintage Catskills Charm" and features students from Margaretville's Photography Class:
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:
Avery Fairbairn - Gr. 9
Bella Andre - Gr. 11
Dariel Devers - Gr. 9
Jaleigha Ortiz - Gr. 12
Madison Rizzo Gr. 9
Merlinda Caamano-Gonzalez Gr. 12
Yamilet Perez - Gr. 12
Yaretzi Robles Gr. 12
📚✏️ School just got out and the incredible Math Department wasted no time getting together for professional development on their new math program!
This summer, our dedicated teachers are diving into Eureka Math, a rigorous and highly-rated curriculum that builds deep mathematical understanding from Pre-K through high school. By aligning instruction across all grade levels, we’re ensuring a strong, cohesive foundation for every student—setting them up for long-term success in math and beyond.
👏 A big thank you to our educators for their commitment to continuous learning and for always putting students first. We can’t wait to see the impact of this powerful new program in the classroom!
#MargaretvillePride #MathMatters #EurekaMath #ProfessionalDevelopment #LifelongLearners #BlueDevilStrong
This summer, our dedicated teachers are diving into Eureka Math, a rigorous and highly-rated curriculum that builds deep mathematical understanding from Pre-K through high school. By aligning instruction across all grade levels, we’re ensuring a strong, cohesive foundation for every student—setting them up for long-term success in math and beyond.
👏 A big thank you to our educators for their commitment to continuous learning and for always putting students first. We can’t wait to see the impact of this powerful new program in the classroom!
#MargaretvillePride #MathMatters #EurekaMath #ProfessionalDevelopment #LifelongLearners #BlueDevilStrong
🎓 Congratulations, Class of 2025! 🎓
Your hard work, perseverance, and growth have brought you to this incredible milestone. We are so proud of all that you have accomplished—both in and out of the classroom. As you turn your tassels and step into your next chapter, know that you carry with you the strength, spirit, and support of the entire Margaretville Central School community.
Wherever life takes you next, remember: once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil 💙
Wishing you every success and happiness—today and always.
Congratulations, graduates!
The Margaretville Central School Seal of Biliteracy Committee is happy to announce a huge number of participants for this year's Seal presentations. The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to seniors who show skills in English and at least one other language. We had students who completed the Seal presentations in Polish, Russian, Spanish and English.
Last year we piloted the program and Yamilet Perez and Merlinda Caamano-Gonzalez completed their presentations to the committee and the evaluators in Spanish.
This year we had three additional seniors complete the Spanish Seal of Biliteracy presentations, Sucely Ramirez Perez, Alex Zurita and Taide Trujillo.
Sucely, Alex, Merlinda and Yamilet also completed their English presentations this year.
We had two 11th grade students complete the Seal presentations in a language other than English, Will Hrazanek in Russian and Max Siciarz in Polish.
We had two 10th grade students complete the Seal presentations in a language other than English, Vasilissa Hrazanek in Russian and Haydee Martinez in Spanish.
We also had one 9th grade student complete the Seal presentation in a language other than English, Angel Garcia Jimenez in Spanish.
The Seal Committee would like to thank Brittany Triebe (school counselor) Joy Holden (principal), Frank Hayes (Spanish), Amanda Wells (English), Kristin Vignona (English), Grace and Karl (Polish), and Natasha and Tatiana (Russian). The committee would also like to thank Michelle Osterhoudt (Superintendent) and the Board of Education for all of their support.
Board of Education Workshop - July 10, 2025
Reminder: The PK–5 Moving Up Ceremony is this Thursday, 6/26, starting at 8:30 a.m. Parents/guardians, please check your email for the sign-out sheet if you plan to take your child home after the ceremony.
MCS Summer Enrichment Programs - For more information and to sign your student up, please contact the teacher by email listed below program/programs.
UPK - 5th Grade Moving Up Day Ceremony Sign Out Plan
This Monday, we will be holding a Field Day for all students in grades PK-6 from 9:00-11:20. Volunteering - If any parent/guardian is interested in being a volunteer, please contact your child’s teacher to express your interest in assisting with their class. Please see the attached flyer for additional information.
