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Clarkstown Principal Files Police Report Over End of Year Silly String Celebration

Published

7 years ago

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NEW CITY, NY – Around two weeks ago, we were contacted by a parent from New City Elementary describing an upsetting situation that occurred during an end of year graduation celebration. On Wednesday, June 26th the New City Elementary School 5th grade class held their annual end of year celebrations.

The graduates would walk-out (titled a “Clap Out”) the front entrance of school to be greeted by their parents and siblings. The ceremony is the final time the students will walk out of elementary school before they move on to Felix Festa Middle School next year.

As is the case in many elementary schools, parents coordinate with the school administration on end of year celebrations. During these discussions, parents discussed the idea of spraying their children with silly string along with a “2019” ballon arch. Multiple sources and texts message indicate that both requests were initially approved by New City Elementary Principal Deb Forman. According to Principal Forman (police report), she alleges that she informed the parents that “silly string” was prohibited. While we can’t confirm or deny these statements, what happens next is completely unexpected.

As the students begin to exit, Principal Forman can be heard saying “no silly string” to the parents assembled in parallel lines. You can visibly see slightly before and after her instructions, parents start spraying silly string. As this unfolds, the Principal can be seen walking in the direction of the students, and is visibly sprayed along with many others students by parents. Ms. Forman, is immediately visibly upset, and exits from the celebration. As the video proceeds, you see parents continuing to spray smiling kids as they walk out.

On Thursday, June 27 at 11 am, New City Elementary Principal Deb Forman went to the Clarkstown Police Department to file a police report regarding the silly string incident. (read full report below) She alleges that all parents were advised not to bring “silly string” to school, and that there have been some ongoing issues with some of the parents. Furthermore, she singles out one parent, Laurie Santulli, who she alleges sprayed silly string that ended up on Principal Forman. Santulli, an educator, is also a Rockland County Legislator who represents Congers and parts of New City. Principal Forman requested that the incident be documented and no further action was taken on behalf of the Clarkstown Police Department.

We were able to obtain video of the event. Below, we have slowed down the 10 seconds when the incident occurs.

“On what was one of the most memorable days of my life, seeing my youngest child with a big smile on his face walk out of elementary school for last time would soon turn to confusion. What is clear is that many parents were confused by Mrs. Forman’s last minute decision. I was shocked to discover that Mrs. Forman would single me out in a police report. The video as well as many other parent videos show she was severely mistaken.” said Legislator Laurie Santulli

In the video above, you can visibly see that the scene was somewhat chaotic. It is pretty obvious that Principal Forman was sprayed along with the students. It is our view, the Principal was accidentally sprayed by a parent who was directly across from her wearing a black shirt.

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Events

Rockland County Free Fall Festival Returns to West Nyack Oct. 18

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1 day ago

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October 14, 2026

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The Historical Society of Rockland County will host its 13th Annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 18, bringing a day of family activities, live entertainment, historic demonstrations and Revolutionary War reenactments to West Nyack.

Presented in partnership with Heritage of West Nyack and the Town of Clarkstown, the free festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at 131 Germonds Road, adjacent to Germonds Park.

The event will offer visitors an opportunity to experience local history, explore traditional crafts and enjoy seasonal activities for all ages.

Revolutionary War History Comes to Life

One of the festival’s featured attractions will be an encampment by Heard’s Brigade of the New Jersey Militia, offering a look at military life during the American Revolutionary War.

Visitors can explore 18th-century tents and watch demonstrations of open-fire cooking, militia drills and musket firing. Revolutionary War skirmish reenactments are scheduled for 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The festival will also feature tours of the historic Onderdonk-Tallman-Budke and Vanderbilt-Budke-Traphagen houses, along with a presentation by Clare Sheridan titled “Who Was Naut Kanniff? The Story of the Witch of West Nyack.”

Traditional craft demonstrations will include lacemaking by Mayra Petretti of the Metropolitan Chapter of the International Organization of Lace, Inc., as well as wool and flax spinning demonstrations by Celeste Sherry.

Family Activities and Fall Fun

Families can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities throughout the afternoon, including horse-drawn wagon rides scheduled from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Horses R Us 4-H Club will offer pumpkin picking, decorating and painting, while Fred DePaul will present sheep-shearing demonstrations at 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Children can also take part in colonial-era games presented by Tom Hunt of Waterside Forge. Balloony Toony Entertainment will provide balloon animals, face painting and glitter tattoos.

Additional attractions will include free mini-golf, raffles, craft vendors and demonstrations. A pen-turning workshop hosted by the Hudson Valley Wood Turners will be available for participants ages 12 and older. Reservations are recommended, and interested participants can contact Len Stambler at Lstambler@gmail.com.

Live Music and Entertainment

Music will be part of the afternoon’s festivities, with balladeer Thaddeus MacGregor performing alongside Wee Jim the Limberjack. Additional musical entertainment will feature Scott Staton, Keith Olsen and Pat Keating.

Organizers invite residents and visitors to enjoy an afternoon celebrating Rockland County’s history, heritage and fall traditions.

Event Information

  • What: 13th Annual Fall Festival
  • When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Historical Society of Rockland County, 131 Germonds Road, West Nyack, adjacent to Germonds Park
  • Admission: Free
  • Workshop reservations: Contact Len Stambler at Lstambler@gmail.com for the pen-turning workshop.

With Revolutionary War reenactments, historic house tours, traditional crafts, live music and family-friendly fall activities, the festival will offer visitors a chance to experience local history while celebrating the season.

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Events

Spirit of Sobro Returns October 2 for 5th Annual Celebration

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2 weeks ago

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September 30, 2026

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Celebrating its fifth year, this popular community event is getting bigger, with the festivities expanding to a second block this year.

The event will stretch from Depew to the gas station, creating additional space for vendors and entertainment. Organizers say 45 vendors are expected, along with street performers, circus sideshows, live music, a DJ, drumming and more throughout the event.

One tradition will remain in place: the Tarot salon inside Modern Druid, which will be open throughout the evening.

Organizers are encouraging the community to come out, support local vendors and performers, and help make this year’s celebration the biggest and most fun yet.

Bring your friends, spread the word and come enjoy an evening of music, entertainment, shopping and community.

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