Fourteen students earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy on June 3, celebrated at the recognition ceremony by their families and friends, as well as their teachers and administrators.
Kristin Raucci, the district’s world language chairperson and Seal of Biliteracy coordinator, reminded the students that language is communication. It allows us to share our essence with other human beings and opens the door to new experiences.
She stressed how much work is involved for the students pursuing the Seal of Biliteracy and presented the timeline, starting last September with presentations to all Spanish 4 and 5 classes, building their portfolios, meeting with teachers, creating and practicing their presentations, prepping for questions and then finally making their presentations in April.
“It takes a great deal of time and commitment,” Ms. Raucci said.
The portfolio consists of five pieces of work, two pages each. The students picked a topic from their portfolio and then prepared a five-minute presentation, all done in the language for which they are earning the seal. They had to be prepared to answer questions on the topic they chose, as well as questions about themselves.
While most students earn the Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish. This year, two students earned the seal for Mandarin and one for Hebrew.
“I cannot stress enough – this was a lot of work,” Ms. Raucci said.
Interim Superintendent of Schools Amy Brockner congratulated the students on this achievement and their commitment.
“This achievement reflects not only your skill in more than one language, but also your commitment, perseverance and deep respect for culture, communication and human connection,” Ms. Brockner said. “Being biliterate is about more than just knowing vocabulary or grammar – it’s about understanding. It’s about seeing the world through different lenses, recognizing the power of words to bridge divides, and appreciating the richness that comes from speaking and thinking in more than one language.”
When the time came to present each of the students with their Seal of Biliteracy medallion from New York State, Ms. Raucci noted that the state medals had been delayed and had not arrived yet but she picked up medallions while visiting family out of state so that the medal presentations could still happen. The blue and gold ribbons held medallions celebrating varying finishes in 5K events, ski competitions and the like, much to the delight of the recipients. The students will wear their actual medallion for graduation and the seal will be added to their diplomas.
Mari Schaffer is retiring
Language teacher Mari Schaffer will be retiring after this school year. Her students spoke with genuine affection for her and presented her with flowers.
“Her classroom was always warm and welcoming,” said Quinn Bradt.
She talked of how Ms. Schaffer would talk about life as a train – sometimes it’s a funky ride but you always get back on track. “I hope your next train ride is wonderful,” Quinn said.
She touched her students with her good advice and her kind energy.
“Language is connection,” said Dan Hufcut. “It’s never easy but Ms. Schaffer makes it fun. She helped me turn my dream of speaking Spanish into a reality. She has been an inspiration to my life and I’ll always be grateful to her. She’s made a difference to so many.”
Congratulations Ms. Schaffer!
The intent of the Seal of Biliteracy
The intent of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy is to encourage the study of languages, prepare students with 21st century skills, recognize the value of foreign and native language instruction in schools and affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.
Earning the seal takes intense study and presentation skills. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have attained a high level of proficiency in the three standards/modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, in one or more languages, in addition to English. The criteria to be awarded the Seal of Biliteracy is based on those established by the Board of Regents.
In closing, Ms. Brockner encouraged the students to view this accomplishment as more than just an honor.
“Let this seal be more than just an honor on your diploma,” she said. “Let it remind you that language has the power to change lives. Use it to listen carefully, speak kindly, advocate passionately and lead wisely. Keep learning. Keep exploring, Keep using your voice – and your languages – to lift others up.”
Thank you to Ms. Raucci and Ms. Schaffer, as well as Daniel Edwards, Roselia Arellano-Sandoval and Kelly Cooke, their fellow Seal of Biliteracy Committee members, for providing the guidance and opportunity for our students to pursue and achieve this academic milestone.
2025 New York State Seal of Biliteracy Recipients
- Alysia (Quinn) Bradt – Spanish
- Paola Cabrera – Spanish
- Joseph Dickman – Spanish
- Alejandro Fernandez – Spanish
- Daniel Hufcut – Spanish
- Annisa Kheiralla – Spanish
- Crystal Lin – Mandarin
- Janice Lin – Spanish and Mandarin
- Lydia Luksha – Spanish
- Jeffrey Palma – Spanish
- Ronnie Sabag – Hebrew
- Jacob Schuh – Spanish
- Kayleen Tique Diaz – Spanish
- Marvin Valcin – Spanish