Advertise on podcast: Somers Schools Tusker Talk

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 development of the plan, and one of the key elements, 21st Century Knowledge and Skills. Superintendent Ray Blanch, Claire Comerford (Director of Learning - Secondary), and Liz Turner (Director of Learning - Elementary) discuss who participated in developing the plan, the goals and aspirations that evolved, and how the International Baccalaureate Programme is woven throughout.

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 with North Salem High School,  and their upcoming trip to the Classic at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake.

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 what language will be taught at Somers Intermediate School this fall.

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 research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking, and promise as scientists.

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 concert tonight, Thursday, December 16 in the auditorium, or watch it virtually on Local Live https://events.locallive.tv/events/69643.

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.