Somers Schools Tusker Talk

In May 2025, SCSD will ask voters to approve funds for a Capital Bond Project to maintain our buildings and physical spaces while updating learning spaces to better engage students. Listen to this episode of Tusker Talk to learn more about the project and timeline.

There are many exciting developments in the implementation of the International Baccalaureate framework in Somers schools. Listen to this episode of Tusker Talk to hear about the progress from our IB coordinators and district leaders.

Key athletic facilities will be upgraded at Somers High School starting this spring. New tennis courts will be built in the lower field, the baseball and softball fields will get turf surfaces, among other improvements. Listen to three high school athletes talk about what these projects mean to them.

Every forward-thinking organization needs a long range plan. Over the past year, district leaders engaged dozens of parents, teachers, students, and community members in a process to discover their hopes and aspirations for the future of the Somers Central School District. The result is the SCSD Plan for Excellence 2030. Listen to this episode of our Tusker Talk podcast to learn more about the dev...

Two Somers High School students saw a need for a new soundboard in the middle school auditorium when they were volunteering for the musical last spring. Together, they brought the project to fruition - but their involvement didn't end there.

The sport of wrestling is having a resurgence in popularity, and the Somers High School team is no exception. Six of the team's best wrestlers were selected to compete in the Eastern States Classic, a tournament featuring some of the best wrestlers in the country, during the weekend of January 13, 2023. We spoke with senior Luca D'Orazio and junior Justin Daniyan about the team, which is combined...

On this episode of Tusker Talk, a podcast from Somers Schools, Superintendent Ray Blanch and Assistant Director of Learning Claire Comerford discuss the world language instruction that is starting in third grade this fall. In addition to improving thinking skills, learning a different language at a young age has many other benefits. Listen to this podcast to learn more about those benefits, and wh...

In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Blanch sits down with four Science Research seniors and advisor Bill Maelia to discuss the busy, successful year at Somers High School for the Science Research students and the program. Tune in to hear who brought home an international award for research done as a part of this class.

Down, set, hike! Somers High School has a new varsity sport this spring.  In this week's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch sits down with four of the girls on the inaugural varsity flag football team. We talk about why they play, the future of the sport, and the famous supporters who came to their jamboree. 

Three Somers High School seniors sit down with Tusker Talk to discuss a major milestone – they were each promoted to the highest rank of Eagle Scout in a recent ceremony. Robert Moore, Liam Higgins, and Conor McCooey share what they have learned as members of the Boy Scouts of America and tell us about their Eagle Scout projects.

Somers High School senior Emily Dodd has been chosen as a finalist in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search competition, the country's oldest science and math competition for high school seniors. Emily's research focuses on identifying future treatments to combat learning and memory impairments in Parkinson's Disease patients. She is one of only 300 scholars chosen for their exceptional...

On today's Tusker Talk podcast with Dr. Ray Blanch, the Somers Superintendent talks about the posts threatening violence in schools that are popping up nationwide on Tik Tok, and the Westchester Police Department's assurance that there is no credible threat to Somers Schools. Dr. Blanch also shares an update on the Test To Stay program and encourages everyone to enjoy the Somers High School winter...

This week is Inclusive Schools Week and Dr. Blanch visits Somers Intermediate School to speak with some students about how they are recognizing the week, and what it means to be inclusive. Special guests on this episode are fourth graders Sophie Mendoza and Jake Sandel from Mrs. Monteleone's class, and Ricky Myint, the music teacher and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader at SIS.

In this week's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch and communications coordinator Amanda Bergen take the show on the road, meeting up with cast and crew members of "Noises Off", the Somers High School fall play. Director and chorus teacher Chris Russo, along with students Caitlyn Stellwagen, Colleen Soriano and Eva DiRende, share how they have been preparing for the show and what it takes to c...

In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses the importance of honoring our country's veterans, and what students are doing in school to recognize the brave men and women who serve. Dr. Blanch also gives a shout out to the high school athletes who have either won sectionals in their sports and are headed to states, or are in the sectional playoffs this weekend.

A few years ago, the district found that teaching most kids algebra and geometry in middle school was not having the long term impact they were hoping for; mainly taking top level math classes all the way through high school. So they set about finding a different way to achieve the goal. In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch explains how testing and data led to a change in practice.

Tennis courts at the high school, a new softball field, and other updates to the high school's athletic facilities. These topics and more on today's Superintendent's Update.

In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch and Somers Intermediate School Assistant Principal Linda Belger discuss new and existing academic support for students across the district.

In today's Superintendent's Update, Somers Superintendent Dr. Ray Blanch shares the plan for snow days this year, as well as key new practices and programs that the district's Counseling Department is implementing.

In the Superintendent's Update on Thursday, October 7, Dr. Ray Blanch shares highlights from the previous evening's tUSker University Family Edition workshop on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Special guest Karin Brill, the diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator for the district joins the conversation. Brill and Blanch share what they consider the biggest takeaway from the event.

In today's Superintendent's Update, Dr. Ray Blanch has news on when the county-sponsored random COVID-19 testing program will begin in the schools. Somers Middle School Principal Jeff Getman joins the conversation with an update on the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.

In today's Superintendent Update, Dr. Raymond Blanch shares an update on the busing situation and driver shortage, the random COVID testing program in our schools, and a fun new video series featuring our high school student-athletes.

In today's Superintendent's Update on September 9, 2021, Dr. Ray Blanch discusses the start of the new school year, including a significant bus driver shortage that is impacting students, and a new COVID-19 testing program in the schools.

In the final Superintendent's Update on the Tusker Talk podcast, Dr. Blanch shares the common theme he heard from student speakers at the middle and high school graduations, as well as how the district will share any updated guidelines the state sends regarding the new school year. Need to get in touch with a school principal over the summer? Dr. Blanch tells you how. Have a great summer, Somers!

In today's Superintendent's Update on June 17, 2021, Dr. Blanch shares another update on graduation, as well as a reminder about the recognition of Juneteenth in the Somers schools.