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BHS Graduation 2025
BHS Graduation 2025
BHS Graduation 2025
Field Day
Todd Moving Up
Our Schools
Located approximately 30 miles north of NYC, Briarcliff Schools are committed to helping each child develop into a confident and capable young adult. The schools share responsiblitiy with parents and the community for meeting the needs of the whole child. Our schools are supported by groups such as the Briarcliff PTA, Briarcliff Education Foundation and Briarcliff Friends of the Arts.
Todd Elementary School
Todd School fosters a collaborative and rigorous learning environment that inspires students to reach their full potential academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.
Briarcliff Middle School
Briarcliff Middle School embodies the mission to educate every child, every day. To this end, we take great pride in fostering relationships with students and families to develop an environment that is both vibrant and welcoming.
Briarcliff High School
Briarcliff High School provides students with an outstanding education and to develop each student's capacity to put his or her thoughts and aspirations into action.
![Teachers Explore New Teaching Methods to Promote Critical Thinking]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752082316/briarcliffschoolsorg/sfjfnlylwbdlc6w7jj5k/thinkingclassroomsthumb_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752082316/briarcliffschoolsorg/sfjfnlylwbdlc6w7jj5k/thinkingclassroomsthumb_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752082316/briarcliffschoolsorg/sfjfnlylwbdlc6w7jj5k/thinkingclassroomsthumb_1.png","width":800}])
Summertime is when teachers at Briarcliff School District can relax and unwind. Many use this opportunity to pick up new skills that can be implemented in the classroom.
The ongoing goal of encouraging students to be curious, engaged critical thinkers, was recently discussed in a Professional Development session on Zoom which was facilitated by Dr. Peter Liljedahl, the author of “Building Thinking Classrooms.”
![Eighth Graders Create “Passion Projects”]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750957851/briarcliffschoolsorg/n8omrnjiudealtgxaitg/expothumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750957851/briarcliffschoolsorg/n8omrnjiudealtgxaitg/expothumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750957851/briarcliffschoolsorg/n8omrnjiudealtgxaitg/expothumb.png","width":800}])
O.J. Simpson…Chernobyl…Operation Iraqi Freedom…
What do these topics have in common?
It turns out that Briarcliff Middle School eighth graders have some strong opinions about historical events. Recently, they created “passion projects” at a multidisciplinary expo, combining writing skills in English Language Arts class and research skills in social studies class.
![Sixth Graders Host Math Carnival for Todd Students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750955891/briarcliffschoolsorg/sy5hskofm9ygqzhm5ba8/mathcarnivalthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750955891/briarcliffschoolsorg/sy5hskofm9ygqzhm5ba8/mathcarnivalthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750955891/briarcliffschoolsorg/sy5hskofm9ygqzhm5ba8/mathcarnivalthumb.png","width":800}])
Carnivals are a staple of summertime, but have you ever attended a math carnival?
As a culmination of their math unit on probability and statistics, Briarcliff Middle School sixth graders in Marissa Proctor’s class designed probability-based carnival games for Todd students. This led to second and third graders practicing their math skills while playing the games.
![Seventh Graders Dress Up as Famous Figures]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750955222/briarcliffschoolsorg/tgfndw2bseap05rwfqdr/waxmuseumthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750955222/briarcliffschoolsorg/tgfndw2bseap05rwfqdr/waxmuseumthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750955222/briarcliffschoolsorg/tgfndw2bseap05rwfqdr/waxmuseumthumb.png","width":800}])
The seventh-grade hallways at Briarcliff Middle School were recently transformed into a “wax museum,” with historical figures or current famous personalities roaming around and sharing their passions.
Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Jacques Cousteau were just some of the famous figures that students represented as part of their “Change Makers” project.
![Todd School Holds Moving Up Ceremony]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750698970/briarcliffschoolsorg/pirxrsxxiiq0jfqrm7g8/topddmovingupthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750698970/briarcliffschoolsorg/pirxrsxxiiq0jfqrm7g8/topddmovingupthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750698970/briarcliffschoolsorg/pirxrsxxiiq0jfqrm7g8/topddmovingupthumb.png","width":800}])
With big smiles and shining eyes, Todd fifth graders made their way to the stage of the district auditorium to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” excited to begin their moving up ceremony.
![Briarcliff Middle School Holds Moving Up Ceremony]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750695362/briarcliffschoolsorg/im2vfbmwrl6uamkmrnmd/bmsmovingupthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750695362/briarcliffschoolsorg/im2vfbmwrl6uamkmrnmd/bmsmovingupthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750695362/briarcliffschoolsorg/im2vfbmwrl6uamkmrnmd/bmsmovingupthumb.png","width":800}])
Briarcliff Middle School eighth graders displayed poise, grace and patience at their moving up ceremony, proving that they are more than ready to become freshmen at Briarcliff High School in the fall.
![Fifth Graders Present their Capstone Projects]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750446434/briarcliffschoolsorg/uygxyuuk5tjy5hesg0hq/5capstonethumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750446434/briarcliffschoolsorg/uygxyuuk5tjy5hesg0hq/5capstonethumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750446434/briarcliffschoolsorg/uygxyuuk5tjy5hesg0hq/5capstonethumb.png","width":800}])
The truth about social media…saving penguins…preventing concussions…protecting coral reefs…
Todd fifth graders are passionate about many topics, and they shared those passions in their Capstone research project presentations recently.
![Fifth Graders Deliver Lessons for Younger Students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750443350/briarcliffschoolsorg/cp2bkfoobdjmqbhs2viy/thumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750443350/briarcliffschoolsorg/cp2bkfoobdjmqbhs2viy/thumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750443350/briarcliffschoolsorg/cp2bkfoobdjmqbhs2viy/thumb.png","width":800}])
Recess certainly looked different for a group of Todd fifth graders, who recently decided to spend it by giving presentations to all kindergartners and first-grade students at the school.
Upcoming Events
By The Numbers
43
College Level Course Options
100%
Graduation Rate (2024)
1,346
Students (2024)
1:1
Technology Devices
From The Superintendent
Dr. James Kaishian
This Year's Districtwide Focus is "Critical Thinking"
Here are several dynamic strategies the District believes teachers can use to encourage deep thinking:
- Asking Open-Ended Questions
We encourage teachers to ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer, prompting students to explore underlying causes and broader implications. This method is especially effective in subjects like history and science, where understanding complex systems and events is key.
- Real-World Problem Solving
By integrating real-life scenarios into our lessons, we encourage students to apply their learning in tangible ways. Whether it's a math problem that simulates a real business challenge or a science project that tackles environmental issues, students get to practice what they've learned in meaningful contexts.
- Collaborative Learning
Through group activities, students gain exposure to diverse perspectives. This not only enhances their understanding but also teaches them to respect and consider different viewpoints. Debates, group projects, and peer reviews are regular features in our classrooms, fostering a community of learners who are equipped to challenge and support one another.
- Reflection and Metacognition
Encouraging students to think about their thinking helps them identify their cognitive biases and strengthen their reasoning skills. Reflective practices are embedded in our teachers' lesson design to make learning a conscious, deliberate process.
- Creative and Critical Expression
From art integration to tech-based projects, students are encouraged to express their understanding through various mediums. This might involve creating a video, designing a digital presentation, or even staging a debate. These activities make learning engaging and allow for personal expression and critical examination.