Hearing Services

Dear Families,

I want to reach out to our school families in the wake of the two fires that happened in Nyack yesterday. We are deeply concerned over the devastation and extensive damage families have endured from these fires, resulting in the loss of their homes and displacement of community families. 

Our leadership team is prioritizing the immediate needs of district families we have identified and who have students in our schools. Our emergency response team met yesterday and enacted district protocols, including necessary communication for information and outreach. 

Today, our administrators met first thing this morning to confirm our next steps, and how we as a district will respond and give collectively. Our support staff is on hand for any student who may be impacted by this trauma. We are in communication with key community organizations who have been responsive and appreciate the collaboration to support families. 

Partnering efforts, our PTAs are working with the Family Resource Centers (FRCs) in each school to support district families who are displaced from the fire. More information about how you can help will be provided to you this afternoon by your school’s PTA. 

Thank you in advance for your hearts put to action with generosity and helping to build a culture of love for our families in a time of need.  Please feel free to reach out to my office.

Yours truly,

Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi

Superintendent of Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Nyack Public Schools Names New Principal of Liberty Elementary School

Nyack, New York - May 23, 2025 - Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi is pleased to announce the decision to appoint Ms. Lucia Pichardo as the new Principal of Liberty Elementary School, effective July 1, 2025. It is anticipated that Ms. Pichardo will be appointed formally to the position by the Board of Education at the June 3, 2025 meeting. She will step into the role after serving as Acting Principal at Liberty Elementary School since the beginning of the school year. 

With nearly three decades of experience as a teacher and educational leader, Ms. Pichardo brings an array of expertise to the role of principal and has a long-standing record of innovation, equity, and student-centered achievement. She has been embraced with great enthusiasm at Liberty Elementary School since September 2024, where she has quickly established fundamental trust among the students, staff, and parents. 

Ms. Pichardo has dedicated herself to serving a diversity of students across all ages and stages since beginning her work in the district twenty two years ago. She has been a teacher, department chairperson, building level administrator and central office administrator. In the standing role she has held since 2022 as Director of Bilingual Education and English as a New Language (ENL), she strengthened systems and relationships with families who represent the fastest growing demographic in our community. Prior to that, Ms. Pichardo was Assistant Principal of Nyack High School for seven years; Social Studies Chair for grades 6-12 for six years; and a tenured high school Social Studies teacher for seven. 

Throughout her career in Nyack Public Schools, Ms. Pichardo has gained deep understanding across the school community, strengthening her reputation as a language and cultural bridge for students and families. She has worked extensively on curriculum development, equity initiatives, restorative justice practice, assisting students with a range of academic and behavioral needs. She is particularly passionate about leveraging social-emotional learning, family engagement, and inclusive practices to improve student outcomes. In her own words: “Creating a positive and inclusive school climate remains one of my highest priorities. I embrace collaborative leadership that fosters open communication to achieve success in all forms… I want to inspire others to embrace change that benefits every student in our care”

Ms. Pichardo holds master’s degrees in School Administration and Leadership from College of New Rochelle and in Instructional Technology from New York Institute of Technology. She attended St. Thomas Aquinas College for undergraduate studies where she received a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a minor in Spanish Literature. Prior to her time in Nyack, she was a Social Studies teacher in the East Ramapo School District for seven years. 

“We are thrilled to announce Lucy Pichardo as our new Principal for Liberty Elementary”, says Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi. “She is the perfect leader for this school now to build a culture of love that uplifts each student’s success. We cannot wait to see her RedHawk leadership soar!”

A note of thanks from Superintendent Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi:

BOARD OF EDUCATION TO APPOINT SUPERINTENDENT DR. LIZZETTE RUIZ-GIOVINAZZI on March 18, 2025

Nyack, New York (March 14, 2025) – The Nyack Union Free School District Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi, Ed.D. as Superintendent of Schools at its next Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, March 18. After an intensive process, the Board plans to celebrate the culmination of this landmark decision with a reception, following the anticipated vote of confidence Nyack’s trustees are expected to make Tuesday evening.

“We are beyond thrilled to reach this point. We know that Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi’s leadership, vision, characteristics, and proven expertise is exactly what we need for Nyack right now” said Board President Jen Marraccino. “We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi for the incredible work she has already begun as Interim Superintendent during this past year. Her proven level of unwavering commitment, insight, and transformative leadership capacity has already been remarkable. We are confident that the best is yet to come with ‘Dr. LRG’ as our Superintendent of Schools”. 

Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi stepped into the role of Interim Superintendent in July, 2024. Over the past nine months, she has emerged as a fierce and formidable administrator. Prioritizing an agenda to both honor a Nyack-strong history and build her team, Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi launched the school year with a RedHawk Ready theme to remember, refresh and reunify Nyack’s staff, bringing back joy to the daily work of educating students. Throughout the year, an emphasis has been placed on recentering the district’s vision and mission. She presented her Leadership Vision to the Board and community in January.  Met with great enthusiasm, she stated her philosophy: “Leadership isn’t about seeking perfection, it’s about caring deeply. When we lead with love, we elevate everyone around us and that’s where true impact is made.” 

With nearly thirty years of experience, Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi is an educator, administrator, innovator and thought leader. She began her career as a Social Studies teacher in DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx where she taught all grades and student skill levels, including ELL students and students with special needs. She served thirteen years in Wappingers Falls School District, with focus on cultivating global thinking, mindfulness, social emotional learning and cultural competencies within students and staff. As Dean of Students, she oversaw the creation of a school-wide professional development plan that aligned with the school‘s needs based on student data. She went on to serve as Assistant Principal, then Director of Social Studies, English, ENL, Equity and Libraries before becoming Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and Personnel for Carmel Central School District. 

Seeking an environment that paired her zeal for engaging a team approach to systemic change with antiracist and multi-cultural values, Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi was drawn to the Nyack Public Schools community. In 2022, she began her service to Nyack’s teachers and students as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. During a time of transition, she offered astute agility with a profound ability to lift up others. 

Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi earned a doctoral degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Fordham University. Her thesis was titled Cultivating Resilience for District Women Administrators of Color as Equity Leaders in Predominantly White Districts. She received a BA in Education from Manhattan College; an MSE in Learning Technology from Mercy College; and holds a Leadership Certification in School Building and District Leadership from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She has provided training and presented across the Mid-Hudson region and is sought after as an educational speaker throughout the State. 

The Board wishes to invite the community to celebrate naming Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi as Superintendent and looks forward to engaging staff, students, and stakeholders as she builds a strategic plan and leads a district-wide culture of love in education.

NYACK PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF NEW DIRECTOR OF EQUITY,  K-12 CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2-5-25 (NYACK, NY) -  After a comprehensive search and extensive interview process with nearly fifty applications reviewed, Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi, Superintendent for Nyack Public Schools, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Audrey Brutus as the district’s new Director of Equity, K-12 Curriculum and Instruction. At the February 4, 2025 Board of Ed Meeting, Dr. Brutus was unanimously appointed and will begin her tenure in the district, effective March 17, 2025. 

The interview committee was composed of representatives from district administration, staff, parent/guardian and stakeholders in the community. The district would like to acknowledge that the committee’s commitment and keen insight throughout the process was vital in finding the right person for this unique position, which is core to the mission and vision of Nyack Public Schools.

Dr. Audrey Brutus is an educator, psychologist, and equity groundbreaker. She has dedicated her expansive career to ensuring all students have access to transformative learning experiences. Throughout the past twenty years, Dr. Brutus has demonstrated commitment to dismantling systemic barriers, fostering inclusive educational spaces, and ensuring that all students thrive. She has directed her energy and expertise to initiatives that have expanded access to mental health services, strengthened school-community partnerships, family engagement, and provided high-quality enrichment opportunities for students with particular dedication to multilingual learners, neurodivergent learners and students of color. Dr. Brutus' personal journey is deeply connected to her professional mission: “As a daughter of Haitian immigrants who arrived in the United States in the 1970s, my personal journey is deeply connected to my professional mission. My parents instilled in me the belief that education was the key to opportunity, resilience, and empowerment.”  

Dr. Brutus began her career in the NYC Department of Education’s Psychology-in-Training program before serving as a school psychologist in both New York City and Rockland County for over a decade. In 2018, she joined Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES as a Culturally Responsive Education Specialist, where she provided training with a focus on equity, cultural responsiveness, and addressing disproportionality in student outcomes. She has worked with school leaders across the region to disrupt systemic barriers, create more inclusive learning environments and implement policies that promote educational justice. She most recently served as Supervisor of English as a New Language and Dual Language Programs; then Supervisor of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Community Engagement in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns.

Dr. Brutus completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Pace University, earning a doctorate in psychology and becoming a licensed bilingual school-clinical psychologist. Her doctoral project focused on mental health within the Haitian community, addressing the unique cultural stigmas and systemic barriers that impact access to care. This research deepened her commitment to ensuring that schools serve as safe, affirming spaces where all students receive the academic and social support needed for success.

It is with immense enthusiasm that Dr. Brutus is welcomed into our school community and the long trajectory of fundamental work towards equity envisioned in Nyack Public Schools more than twenty years ago. “We are beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity to have Dr. Brutus join our team! She will be instrumental in developing this new role and building on a culture of love in Nyack Public Schools.” (Dr. Ruiz-Giovinazzi)

January 28, 2025

Dear Community,

In light of Federal proclamations signed last week under the new presidential administration, I am writing to reaffirm our district’s unwavering commitment to the safety, security, and success of all students, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or immigration status. Immigrant families are part of our beloved community. We will act in unity, with strength, to uphold our mission, vision and policies in Nyack Public Schools.

Commitment to Student Safety and Privacy:

Our schools will always remain safe spaces for learning and growth. No child will be denied access to education based on their immigration status or any other characteristic. We are here to help students, families, and staff navigate these sensitive issues and have taken several steps to provide support.

 Under Federal Law (FERPA, the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act), we cannot and will not share any student’s personal information, including immigration status, without proper legal authorization.

 Partnerships: We are collaborating with local organizations like the Rockland County Immigration Coalition, Center for Safety and Change, and Proyecto Faro to offer resources and
guidance.

 Family Outreach: Our Family Resource Coordinators (FRCs) are hosting “Know Your Rights” events for undocumented families and have resources like “red cards” available to share.
 Staff Training: We are providing a “Know Your Rights 101” session for administrators, school counselors, front office staff, and security personnel.

 Communication: We are establishing a reliable communication chain to reduce misinformation and share updates with families and staff. All district staff received a letter reiterating district safety and security procedures.

Now more than ever, we need each other. Our leadership team and Board of Education stand together to ensure our schools remain safe spaces for all our children. Thank you for your continued partnership.

Yours in Education,
Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools

Click here to view the slide presentation:  1-14-25 Leadership Vision/2025 In Focus

Visit our REGISTRATION page for more information and necessary papers for school registration and UPK.

"Collectively as a Nyack Public Schools team, we are ready. RedHawk Ready: Remember, Refresh, Reunify is the guiding theme for 2024-25. We reflect on our past, rejuvenate our strategies, and unite as a community with priority to support each and every one of our students."  - Interim Superintendent Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi  

What does it mean to be #RedHawkReady? RedHawks distinguishing qualities define, differentiate us and resonate deeply with our Nyack Public Schools identity:

• Vision: The Redhawk's sharp sight represents the district's commitment to a forward-thinking approach and equity for students.

• Strength: The Redhawk's power symbolizes the district's resilience and determination to overcome challenges

• Brilliance: The Redhawk's brilliance mirrors the district's pursuit of excellence in education.  

View the full presentation from SCD/ 8-28-24

View the Superintendent's page

Hi Parents!

Please let me know if you need help accessing any of the resources in the classroom page. I would be happy to send them to you via email.

Ms Kinsley