South Orangetown district outlines digital-citizenship, profile-of-a-graduate and literacy priorities

South Orangetown Central School District administrators presented a district-wide framework Wednesday that focuses on digital citizenship, a profile-of-a-graduate self-assessment process and literacy goals aimed at preparing students for postsecondary and career success.

At the meeting, Dr. Levine, Mr. Mark Eckert and Dr. Arrieta described work underway to teach students “responsible use of technology,” integrate computer science and digital fluency across grades, and provide staff professional development on how to use artificial-intelligence tools as instructional supports rather than substitutes. “We want our kids to still learn how to write on their own,” an administrator said, adding that departments are taking different approaches to AI depending on subject-area needs.

The district is also expanding its “profile of a graduate” initiative. Middle-school staff developed a three-point rubric (emerging, developing, proficient) to help younger students make the framework tangible; freshmen at Tappan Zee High School will complete a RISE self-assessment (Respect, Inspire, Support, Empower) twice this year to set goals and measure growth. Administrators said the self-assessments help students reflect on habits such as perseverance and openness to new ideas.

Administrators reviewed literacy measures and academic outcomes. The district uses STAR assessments three times a year and crosswalks New York State learning standards into coursework. Presenters said Tappan Zee students had an average SAT score of 1,155 and an ACT composite average of 25.4; 83.2% of students who took AP exams scored 3 or higher last year, and the class of 2026 includes four National Merit semifinalists.

School leaders described classroom examples of discipline-specific literacy work — students analyzing primary sources in social studies or using CAD and 3-D printing in Project Lead The Way — and said departments are crafting performance tasks to support critical thinking. Administrators also highlighted new middle-school business courses in financial literacy, careers and entrepreneurship to add practical financial skills.

The presentation closed with discussions about advisory programs, career day volunteer participation and how the profile and RISE frameworks will be embedded across grades. No formal board action was taken on the district goals during the meeting; the items were presented for information and continued implementation.