Union Free School District
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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.
![Todd School Welcomes Children’s Book Author Beth Ferry]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748020543/briarcliffschoolsorg/hvuryefluqbmlzcczslq/bethferrythumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748020543/briarcliffschoolsorg/hvuryefluqbmlzcczslq/bethferrythumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748020543/briarcliffschoolsorg/hvuryefluqbmlzcczslq/bethferrythumb.png","width":800}])
Todd kindergartners and first graders should not be bored this summer, having met children’s book author Beth Ferry. Ms. Ferry visited recently and shared a chockful of writing tips, encouraging them to spend their summer writing and reading.
![Briarcliff Middle School Celebrates Cultures from Around the World]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748006964/briarcliffschoolsorg/j6thnv3iall8ijzthbmq/internationalfestivalthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748006964/briarcliffschoolsorg/j6thnv3iall8ijzthbmq/internationalfestivalthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748006964/briarcliffschoolsorg/j6thnv3iall8ijzthbmq/internationalfestivalthumb.png","width":800}])
After a few years’ break, the Briarcliff Middle School International Festival is back and better than ever.
Recently, the school celebrated this vibrant and enriching event that was spearheaded by Johanna Foster and Ali Mazza, and which highlighted many cultures that are represented at the school and beyond.
![Q & A with Retiring Teacher Cindy Yaeger]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747921183/briarcliffschoolsorg/b2tb5fy6c9f6ucob0xgx/cindythumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747921183/briarcliffschoolsorg/b2tb5fy6c9f6ucob0xgx/cindythumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747921183/briarcliffschoolsorg/b2tb5fy6c9f6ucob0xgx/cindythumb.png","width":800}])
Todd Elementary School fifth grade teacher Cindy Yaeger is retiring this year. We talked with her about her most memorable moments, what advice she has to offer new teachers and her favorite day of the year.
![2025 Budget Vote & Board Member Election Results]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747833950/briarcliffschoolsorg/bn6zgdsdqh4aacfy6b6v/Untitleddesign15.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747833950/briarcliffschoolsorg/bn6zgdsdqh4aacfy6b6v/Untitleddesign15.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747833950/briarcliffschoolsorg/bn6zgdsdqh4aacfy6b6v/Untitleddesign15.png","width":800}])
The following are the 2025 Budget Vote & Board Member Election Results:
![Todd Students “Box Out” Bullying]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747589978/briarcliffschoolsorg/ob7aplykjsholckhbrnz/bullyingthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747589978/briarcliffschoolsorg/ob7aplykjsholckhbrnz/bullyingthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747589978/briarcliffschoolsorg/ob7aplykjsholckhbrnz/bullyingthumb.png","width":800}])
Humor can be an effective way to convey messages to children, even when discussing a heavy subject such as bullying.
Recently, Todd students watched a presentation by “Box Out Bullying” – a national touring organization that combines live theater with strategies to prevent and respond to bullying.
![Video Booktalk Club Members Celebrate the Love of Reading]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747149559/briarcliffschoolsorg/n4d9xjtiiwcftmvftylk/booktalkclubthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747149559/briarcliffschoolsorg/n4d9xjtiiwcftmvftylk/booktalkclubthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747149559/briarcliffschoolsorg/n4d9xjtiiwcftmvftylk/booktalkclubthumb.png","width":800}])
Oftentimes, when people read a book that they enjoy, they want to share this with others. At Todd Elementary School’s Video Booktalk Club, students have the chance to recommend books and share their enthusiasm for reading with each other as well.
![Seventh Graders Extract DNA from a Strawberry]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747228195/briarcliffschoolsorg/qfis7ej1ew4n2y2ju5ah/newthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747228195/briarcliffschoolsorg/qfis7ej1ew4n2y2ju5ah/newthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747228195/briarcliffschoolsorg/qfis7ej1ew4n2y2ju5ah/newthumb.png","width":800}])
After reading this article, you will never look at a strawberry the same way again.
Recently, seventh graders in Jessica Loprieno’s science class extracted DNA from a strawberry, with the help of their classmate’s mother.
![Seventh Graders Draw 3D designs]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747073623/briarcliffschoolsorg/hfwtkdb6uvbnzguajw7x/3Dthumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747073623/briarcliffschoolsorg/hfwtkdb6uvbnzguajw7x/3Dthumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747073623/briarcliffschoolsorg/hfwtkdb6uvbnzguajw7x/3Dthumb.png","width":800}])
Briarcliff High School engineering students have some impressive skills, but did you ever wonder where those skills came from? Just a few steps away, at Briarcliff Middle School’s Design and Modeling class with Austin Perry, students have a chance to work on basic design skills that prepare them for high school classes.
Recently, seventh graders created 3D and 2D drawings at the I.D.E.A. Lab (an acronym for Invent, Design, Engineer, Astound).
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By The Numbers
43
College Level Course Options
100%
Graduation Rate (2024)
1,346
Students (2024)
1:1
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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.