The Arts Department
The Arts
Kathleen Mark
Director of the Arts
kmark@rvcschools.org
(516) 255-8925
Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!
Before stepping into the role of Director of the Arts, I spent 22 years teaching across our elementary, middle, and high school buildings watching students grow into confident, creative thinkers and that experience shapes everything I do in this work. The arts have a unique power to bring people together, and I am deeply proud to remain a part of this warm, energetic community.
As always, our work is guided by our district's mission:
The Rockville Centre Public School District cultivates a learning environment where creativity thrives and character is strengthened. Our innovative learning experiences prepare students to strive for excellence, act with integrity and empathy, and lead with imagination and purpose.
In the arts department, we live this mission every day. Arts education is a deliberate practice of character building. When a student spends weeks refining a sculpture, they learn to strive for excellence. When they collaborate as a cast or a musical ensemble, they practice empathy and integrity. Most importantly, the arts teach our young people to lead with imagination and purpose, giving them the courage to envision something new and bring it to life.
This deep alignment with our district mission is also why our arts curriculum is uniquely positioned to support the New York State Portrait of a Graduate. As the state moves toward a model that prioritizes real-world readiness, the arts naturally cultivate the exact competencies our graduates need. Through our programs, Rockville Centre students become Creative Innovators by using curiosity and flexible thinking to solve visual and musical challenges. They grow into Critical Thinkers as they analyze complex compositions, and Effective Communicators as they share powerful ideas and emotions through performance and design. Furthermore, by studying diverse cultural traditions and engaging in collaborative work, our students develop into Global Citizens and reflective, future-focused individuals who can thoughtfully respond to feedback and navigate a diverse world with empathy.
Over the last two years, I have been grateful for your feedback with which we continue to implement thoughtful changes to ensure our offerings serve every student. This year, I am excited to introduce several major updates at South Side High School designed to modernize our curriculum, align with current post-secondary practices, and provide greater scheduling flexibility.
Following its massive success at South Side Middle School, we are continuing the creative sequence with the addition of Fashion Design at the high school. We are also launching Digital Media & Photography I and II as a new visual art sequence to give students hands-on experience in these ever-evolving fields. To ensure opportunities are accessible to all, we have also redesigned the course formats for Music Theory and Music Technology so they can more easily fit into busy student schedules. Additionally, we continue to offer valuable dual enrollment options in both visual and performing arts, allowing our advanced students to earn college credit while pursuing their artistic passions right here at South Side.
None of this would be possible without the talent and dedication of our faculty, the support of our administration, and the partnership with families like yours. I highly encourage you to learn about the Rockville Centre Sponsors of the Arts, an incredible parent organization that champions our students and teachers. You can easily get involved today by joining their Membership Campaign or by purchasing official apparel for you or your student through the Sponsors of the Arts Apparel Store.
To stay connected throughout the year, see student achievements, get event updates, and catch a sneak peek into daily life in our classrooms and on our stages, please follow our department on Instagram at @artsRVC. We are also thrilled to share the 2026-2027 Visual & Performing Arts Calendar, and hope to see you at some of our events.
Thank you for your continued support, advocacy, and enthusiasm for the arts in Rockville Centre. Together, we will keep nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and artists.
Kathleen Mark
Director of the Arts
kmark@rvcschools.org
Music and Performing Arts
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The mission of the Rockville Centre Schools Music and Performing Arts Programs is to provide a comprehensive study through creating, performing, and responding to music. This program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make the performing arts an integral part of their daily lives. Our goal is to inspire every student to become a creative and innovative thinker, fostering artistic development, critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and lifelong learning.
According to the National Association for Music Education, University admissions officers clearly state that students who participate in arts classes through high school have an advantage over students who do not when applying for high-end schools. Having music on a student’s transcript all through high school shows that a student has developed skills in group work, multi-tasking, spatial reasoning, mathematics, leadership, community spirit, literacy, and expression. These types of skills cannot be found all together in any other class.
Beginning with kindergarten general music, we offer a diverse range of educational experiences for students at all levels. Many students enroll in our numerous classroom music offerings and participate in the district's various bands, orchestras, and choirs, continuing their musical journey throughout elementary, middle, and high school.
Our high school curriculum also includes classes in Music Technology, Music Theory, Theater Arts, Play Production, IB Music, and IB Theater.
The SSHS Drama Guild mounts a fully-stage drama production each fall and our annual musical production each spring. Our high school students can seek application for membership in our local chapter of the National Tri-M Music Honor Society where they perform service to our school district, and the community at large.
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Danny Pineyro SSMS Band Kristin Bock Covert, Riverside, Watson Band Kimberly Corona Covert, Watson Music Russell Dembin SSHS Theater Anna Elias SSMS Chorus / Technology Marianne Fioramonti Wilson Music Doreen Fryling SSHS IB Music / Chorus Jessica Herman SSMS, Covert, Riverside Chorus Keith Hiam Hewitt, Wilson Music / Band Melissa Lagoudes SSMS Chorus Barry LeBron SSHS Band / Music Theory / Technology Codi Ng SSMS Orchestra Anthony Pomponio SSHS Band / Music Theory / Technology Kate Price (Christina Toomey) Hewitt Music Kirsten Ruvolo Covert, Watson, Riverside Music Christina Tomek SSMS Band / Technology Jennifer Weiss SSHS Orchestra Harrison Tepe Hewitt, Watson, Wilson Orchestra -
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Congratulations to the four SSHS students who were selected as NYS School Music Association (NYSSMA) 2024 All-State Musicians! From Left to Right: Theodore Moore, composer; Emerson Cornell, violin; Ryan Borruso, trumpet; Macallister Morris, jazz drumset. 
Visual Arts
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The Rockville Centre School District offers dynamic and comprehensive art programs designed to nurture creativity, innovation, and expression in students from elementary through high school. Our program aims to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for future success in a rapidly evolving world.
Starting in elementary school, students receive foundational art instruction, focusing on basic techniques, creativity, and self-expression. This early exposure fosters a love for visual art and builds essential skills for future learning.
In middle school, the program expands to include additional artistic media in grades 6 and 7, as well as digital photography and Studio in Art. Students explore the fundamentals of photography, learning about composition, lighting, and digital editing techniques. The Studio in Art course covers various art media and techniques, helping students develop a broad skill set in visual arts.
At the high school level, the program offers advanced courses in digital photography, sculpture and ceramics, painting and drawing, 3D modeling, and IB Art. The digital photography course delves deeper into advanced techniques and digital editing tools. In sculpture and ceramics, students explore three-dimensional art forms, working with various materials to create sculptures and ceramic pieces. The painting and drawing course focuses on traditional and contemporary techniques, encouraging students to develop their unique artistic style. The 3D modeling course teaches students to create three-dimensional models using advanced software, preparing them for careers in design, animation, and engineering. As part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, the IB Art course challenges students to develop their artistic skills and engage in critical analysis and research in the visual arts.
Our Visual Arts program provides students with diverse opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and prepare for future academic and career pursuits. Through a combination of hands-on learning, creative expression, and technical training, we strive to inspire our students to become innovative thinkers and lifelong learners.
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Hillary Broder Hewitt, Wilson Teacher Danielle Cacioppo SSMS Teacher Monica Daly SSMS Teacher Cadence Elbroody SSMS Teacher Keith Gamache SSHS Teacher Christopher Karaktin SSHS Teacher Melissa Lamoureux SSHS Teacher Cindy O'Brien Covert, Riverside, Watson Teacher Anita Roseman Hewitt Teacher Paul Sementilli SSMS Teacher Lynn Voltaggio SSHS Teacher -
SSHS Senior Elena Mingorance was chosen to receive a Merit Award for Media Arts in the Long Island Scholar-Artist program for the 2024-2025 school year. This award acknowledges her outstanding artistic talents and academic achievements. Congratulations, Elena!
Family and Consumer Science
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At South Side Middle School, our Family and Consumer Science (FACS) program is designed to equip students with essential life skills and practical knowledge. Our comprehensive program emphasizes personal development, responsible citizenship, and career readiness, preparing students to navigate various aspects of their personal and professional lives effectively.
The FACS curriculum at South Side Middle School includes a wide range of topics that provide students with a thorough understanding of family and consumer sciences. Key areas of focus include:
Nutrition and Wellness: Students learn about the principles of healthy eating, meal planning, and the importance of physical activity. They gain hands-on experience in preparing nutritious meals and understanding the impact of diet on overall health.
Personal Finance: This component covers essential financial literacy skills, such as budgeting, saving, and managing money. Students are introduced to the basics of banking, credit, and financial planning, empowering them to make informed financial decisions.
Textiles and Clothing: This area teaches students about fabric types, clothing construction, and basic sewing skills. Students engage in practical projects that enhance their understanding of textile care and garment creation.
Career Exploration and Readiness: Students investigate various career options and learn about the skills required for different professions. This exploration helps them make informed decisions about their future education and career paths.
Interpersonal Skills and Relationships: The program emphasizes the development of effective communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills. Students learn the importance of building positive relationships at home, school, and in the workplace.
Our FACS program often works closely with our MS Technology teachers to create dynamic interdisciplinary projects such as custom made charcuterie boards and corn hole games!
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Meghan Fitzgerald SSMS Teacher Erica Heffez SSMS Teacher Victoria Porter SSMS Teacher -
Alumni in the Arts
Emma Wills-Umdenstock
Lighting Designer - Technician - Programmer
Casey McDonald is a girl with a frog hat who really likes to draw! She majored in animation at the School of Visual arts, and during her time there was a recipient of the Silas H. Rhodes Scholarship Award, the Animation Department Pre-Production Grant, and the Alumni Scholarship Award. Her works include her third-year film, “Wobbly,” about dealing with anxiety, and her thesis film, “Wings,” recipient of awards from the Animayo Animation Festival, Global Shorts, Gold Coast International Film Festival, ASIFA East Awards Ceremony, and RATMA International Film Festival.
Dylan Rose Rheingold is a Visual Artist born & based in New York City.
She received her MFA from The School of Visual Arts & BFA from Syracuse University.
New York based illustrator / printmaker.
Kirsten Groff received a B.F.A in Painting with minors in Art History and Printmaking from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA in 2018. She is known for her psychedelic paintings and large scale woodcuts. Her work has been shown at the Blu Rose Gallery in Atlanta and in several virtual exhibitions during the Covid-19 pandemic. She is currently exhibiting work with Thirst Art in their online exhibition. Groff uses her work to explore theories of perception and reality. By exploring these themes through visuals, she is able to better develop a sense of warped perspectives and manifest that into her work. Groff currently lives and works in Savannah, Georgia.
Emily’s glass career found its roots in Philadelphia, culminating in a BFA from The Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. Emily seamlessly blends traditional techniques with a contemporary, organic touch, crafting pieces that resonate with the pulse of Brooklyn's urban life while honoring her deep connection to nature.
I'm a design researcher based in Oakland, CA. Before that, I studied the design process at Stanford University. Before that I designed PV solar systems. Before that I backpacked around the world. Before that I studied Mechanical Engineering at Cornell University. Before that I took art, science and math classes at South Side High School, there were surely others, but those notes seem to be covered in indecipherable doodles. Before those days I was shorter, one even might say, quite small. Way before that I did not exist, no, not even at all.
RVC Sponsors of the Arts
Sponsors of the Arts is a not for profit scholarship organization dedicated to supporting the RVC school district students in their search for excellence in the visual and performing arts. We are lucky to have been able to provide approximately $6000 this year in scholarships.
Your help and membership has provided students in this district opportunities to continue their education in all the arts. Please consider joining Sponsors of the Arts. Your generosity will allow us to continue to support our talented young actors, artists, and musicians.
Rockville Centre Schools’ Music Education Program Receives National Recognition
District is one of 4% of school districts in nation to receive distinction
Rockville Centre, NY – April, 2024
For the eighth consecutive year, Rockville Centre School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Rockville Centre is one of 4% of districts across the nation receiving the prestigious award in 2024.
The Best Communities Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, district administrators answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
As Rockville Centre UFSD finalizes its 2024-2025 budget, The NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education Award and the state level implementation of the federal ESSA law bring attention to the importance of keeping music education part of curriculum offerings and available to all students. It also highlights music’s vital role in students’ overall success in school and the personal benefits of making music. Music and the Arts in Rockville Centre Schools have always been important to the social emotional development of our students.
Rockville Centre offers General Music instruction alongside Band, Orchestra and Choral ensembles in all of its elementary schools. South Side Middle School and High School give students the opportunity to explore music composition, sequencing and engineering in modern music laboratories equipped with electronic instruments and computer software and hardware. The secondary school students also continue to develop their performing skills in higher level instrumental and vocal groups, including Jazz ensembles. The high school offers 11th and 12th graders IB Music, a comprehensive music curriculum that integrates performance, composition, and research at the commencement level.
Students who live in Rockville Centre have had a broad range of opportunities to perform in community-based theatre troupes, bands, orchestras, and choirs, as well as county level advanced performing ensembles where they can use and improve the skills they learn in school.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.