George Fischer Middle School

The graduations at George Fischer Middle School were a celebration of the eighth graders who have grown tremendously since they entered the school just a few years ago.

“I have watched you become the change agents,” said Principal Dr. Merica Neufville. “I can’t wait to see how you change Carmel High School and the Carmel Community.”

The middle school graduated in two programs – one at 1:30 and the next at 4 p.m. -- so that the auditorium could accommodate the supportive families who came to cheer the students’ success.

“This is the end of a chapter we have written together,” said Ava Hall, GO President.

Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben, the Interim Superintendent of Schools, said she looked forward to seeing what the students accomplish in the next chapter.

“High school is a time of discovery, challenge and growth,” Dr. Fairben said. “It is a time to try new things, to meet new people. It is a time to find out what you are capable of.”

Board of Education Trustee Jason Paraskeva told the crowd that he graduated from George Fischer Middle School 41 years ago and that his son was graduating this year.

“To stand here both as a trustee and as a parent is an experience I will cherish forever,” he said.

Then he noted how much had changed in those four decades and encouraged the graduates to embrace their future.

“What hasn’t changed is how much the people around you matter,” Trustee Paraskeva said. “Walk forward with courage. The road ahead is full of possibilities.”

Congratulations to the Carmel Central School District Music Department for being named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAAM Foundation.

This is the 12th time that NAAM (the National Association for Music Merchants) recognized Carmel for its exceptional music education.

“The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education,” the group said.

The music program is excellent throughout the district. 

In May, several Carmel High School and George Fischer Middle School groups excelled at NYSSMA majors. All three Carmel High School bands, all three CHS orchestras and the CHS chorus each performed at NYSSMA majors and received gold and silver ratings. The groups went on to play at the Music in the Parks Festival last week and were awarded superior ratings for the second year in a row. The 6th, 7th and 8th grade orchestras also performed well at the NYSSMA majors.

Music education plays a big part even in elementary school, as music teachers lead students in performances for events throughout the year. 

Carmel’s music program helps introduce our students to a larger music community. Carmel hosted state and countywide functions this year and brought additional music opportunities to our students. The department sets the groundwork for our students to have a lifetime of music.

Most seventh graders might spend their lunch periods relaxing and socializing, but not the A Team from Technology Teacher Jeff Naso’s class.

Alissa, Lyndsey and Emma rush to the technology lab during their free periods to help other students create projects with the 3d printer, laser cutter or other high-tech tools.

“We help Mr. Naso with the sixth graders’ projects,” Alissa said.

“It’s so much fun,” said Emma, who always enjoyed making things in art class.

Recently, they also made new signs for some George Fischer Middle School offices.

“The existing wooden guidance office sign has been here for decades,” Counselor Lisa Jackson said. “We are so glad to get an upgrade while also helping the kids who work with Mr. Naso extend their skills.”

Though she’s only 13 years old, Lyndsey said the technology class has made her think about becoming an engineer in the future.

“I might go into engineering,” Lyndsey said. “I’m considering it. It’s a little too early to decide for sure.”

Congratulations to GFMS for earning the designation of a "No Place for Hate" school.

This year-long, student-led effort will help make the middle school an affirming, welcoming and safe learning environment for all. Members of the school's Equity Club went to the city on Tuesday, May 20 to give a presentation on all the work they did to help GFMS become a member of the "No Place for Hate" school community.

See the GFMS No Place for Hate video to find out more about the program. 

Voters endorsed the Carmel Central School District Budget Tuesday and elected three new board members to the Board of Education.  

The budget passed by a vote of 1290 to 1113. Nicholas Magliano, Frank Grasso and Michael Torpey were elected to the Board of Education.   

“I’m so appreciative to the community for supporting students and allowing us to fulfill the mission of the district,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben said. “I also want to welcome the three new Board of Education members Nicholas Magliano, Frank Grasso and Michael Torpey.” 

The Board of Education results were:  

Nicholas Magliano -- 1390  
Frank Grasso -- 1252 
 Michael Torpey --1255 
 Prakash Tewari -- 1059 
 Nathaniel Query -- 740 

Board President Melissa Orser said she was grateful that the community approved the budget.  

“I want to thank the community for coming out to support our schools,” Board President Orser said. “I also want to thank the administration – both the superintendent of schools and the assistant superintendents – for upholding the board’s focus on fiscal responsibility.” 

The 2025-26 Budget Newsletter has been mailed to residents throughout the Carmel Central School District. You don't, however, have to wait for yours to come in the mail. You can read it right here: 2025-26 Budget Newsletter. 

Fourth graders in all three Carmel Central School District elementary schools learned about the American Revolution in a History Day celebration that allowed them to experience life the way soldiers did 250 years ago. They dressed in uniform, marched, drilled and pitched tents.   

Colonial and Revolutionary history are part of the fourth-grade curriculum and George Fischer Middle School Social Studies Teacher Keith Reilly and Carmel High School History Teacher Rob Buccheri visited Kent Elementary School, Kent Primary School and Matthew Paterson Elementary School to help bring American history to life for the youngsters.  

GFMS Reading Teacher Denise Santalis organized the event and took the fantastic photos. 

See more

March is Disability Awareness Month and the Carmel Central School District has a lot of informative, helpful and interesting activities planned. Please take a look at the attached schedule. We look forward to seeing you.

Disabilities Awareness Month Activities

George Fischer Middle School celebrated George Fischer's 129th birthday with a pep rally! 

See the video

Many middle schoolers dream of travel, but Joseph Rocco Goldberg put his dreams down in a poem that was so good it got published in a local magazine. 

Joseph, a George Fischer Middle School sixth grader, had his poem “To Travel” published in Chronogram Magazine, a monthly journal of arts and culture in the Hudson Valley.    

Joseph wrote the poem last year, when he was in Michelle Lynch’s fifth grade English class.   

“I started writing poetry in fifth grade,” Joseph said. “Writing didn’t always come easy to me, but I found poetry super fun. We were able to speak or write about anything we wanted.” 

Joseph’s poem begins with this stanza:  

To travel  
Is to find a home. 
Or complete a goal. 
Maybe just for fun 
Because traveling is for everyone.  

See more

Community members can sign up for our Carmel Central School District News group through ParentSquare to stay up-to-date on district news and events. You will receive weekly e-newsletters as well as other updates with important district information. Current parents and staff are automatically subscribed to receive e-newsletters.

Sign-up now!

We are transitioning computer systems this summer and the last day we will accept an online registration submission in our current Powerschool Online Registration Portal is July 9th, 2025. We will notify the community when the online registration resumes. Until then, families will be able to register by submitting a paper registration packet to the schools. Click here for a printable paper Registration Packet in English. Click here for a printable paper Registration Packet in Spanish. 

If you like something a CCSD staff member has done, tell us at compliments@carmelschools.org. Likewise, if there is an area you think needs improvement, send an email to complaints@carmelschools.org. Both email addresses will go directly to School Superintendent Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben and to the Board of Education President Melissa Orser. 

Dear Carmel Community: 

After listening to stakeholders throughout the Carmel School Community, I have put together a Leadership Plan that is designed to reflect the mission, vision and core beliefs of the Carmel Central School District. 

This plan allows us to maintain District strengths, add revisions to areas in need of improvement, increase opportunities and promote an inclusive environment for all. It will serve as our guiding document as we move forward to make Carmel Schools the best they can be.   

Respectfully, 

Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D.  

As your Superintendent of Schools, I am excited to lead the Carmel Central School District into the future to continue and build on the proud tradition of cultivating opportunities. The leadership transition of a new superintendent represents a new chapter filled with opportunities for growth and
development. I have put together this First 100 Days Plan to share with you how I will transition into the district.

Sincerely,

Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben

It is my pleasure to officially introduce myself to the Carmel Central School Community. I consider it a true privilege to have been appointed your new Superintendent of Schools and to have taken the oath of office last evening during the district’s reorganization meeting. 

The Carmel Central School District has earned a reputation for academic excellence. The boundless opportunities offered beyond the classroom are exemplary and provide enriching learning experiences for students at all levels. As an educator for 32 years, I wholeheartedly value the programs and services Carmel already has in place, and I am committed to building upon them to ensure that current and future students have opportunities to explore their interests and find their true passions. 
 
In addition to the robust educational program, it was the level of community involvement that drew me to this district. I witnessed this sense of pride as I underwent the interview process and have experienced it firsthand over the past few days, as each of the faculty members, parents, students, and residents I have met have been extremely welcoming and helpful. Please know that it is my intent to make every effort to foster and cultivate this practice to ensure the continued success of our students, schools, and community.  
 
While serving as your Superintendent of Schools, I plan to be accessible to all stakeholders and maintain an open door for communication. I encourage and welcome any questions, comments, or concerns you have about our schools and can be reached directly at emeehan@carmelschools.org or 845-878-2094 ext. 200.    
 
It is an exciting time for the Carmel Central School District, and I am looking forward to the year ahead. Please accept my best wishes for a happy and healthy summer. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben 

Community members who wish to speak during the public comment portion of a Board of Education meeting are asked to sign-up in advance using our Public Comment Sign-up Form or by contacting the District Clerk four (4) hours prior to the meeting at jstevens@carmelschools.org.  The sign-up form will also be available at the meeting for anyone who wishes to speak and did not sign up in advance.  

These individuals will be called upon during the scheduled public participation section on the agenda.  To facilitate follow-up, please provide your name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address, as well as the topic of your comments.  Speakers are limited to five (5) minutes each.  No district employee or student may be commented upon or identified by name or situation.

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing safety, communication and equity districtwide, Carmel Central School District has launched a new communication tool, Anonymous Alerts®. This tool enables students or parents to report urgent information to school officials quickly, easily and anonymously across all our school campuses. 

Access the Anonymous Alerts portal.

Recordings of Board of Education meetings and presentations from those meetings are available to the public.   

View recordings from Board of Education meetings.