Mascot

Background

The Ossining Union Free School District (OUFSD) is pleased to announce the commencement of a comprehensive mascot development process in collaboration with the advertising agency, Joy Riot. The initiative aims to enhance school spirit, identity, and community engagement. 

In a commitment to transparency and community involvement, OUFSD is excited to share the detailed timeline for the mascot development process and invites all community members to participate. 

In January, Joy Riot toured the district's schools to gain insights into the unique culture and values of each building. Focus groups and communication meetings were also conducted to inform the mascot development journey.

Moving into February, the district will begin developing a comprehensive quantitative survey to gauge broader sentiments within the community. Additionally, the district will be conducting hour-long virtual focus groups on February 5-6. 

The survey will be sent out in March, accompanied by regular updates to keep the community informed. A compilation and analysis of survey responses will result in a detailed Quantitative Report.

A poll based on the results of the focus groups and survey conducted earlier this year, both of which involved community-wide participation and input will be shared in late May. This research allowed us to narrow down mascot choices to two options, and the subsequent poll will determine the final recommendation for the Board of Education.

Lastly, in June, the district will host a Board of Education meeting, where the final mascot design will be presented to the school board for approval, marking the conclusion of this exciting journey.

The Ossining Union Free School District looks forward to recommending a mascot to the Board of Education that reflects the collective spirit and values of the community.

 

Ossining Schools Moves Ahead with Mascot Development Process 

Design Phase Now Underway for Symbol of Unity and Strength

The Ossining Union Free School District (OUFSD) has reached a major milestone in a comprehensive mascot development project. On June 5, the Ossining Board of Education greenlit a lion mascot, marking a significant milestone in the student-led initiative.

This endeavor, many years in the making, was a collaborative effort involving both current and former Ossining students. Their collective input and dedication have been instrumental in bringing the new mascot to life, reflecting the community's shared vision and pride.

In collaboration with the consulting agency Joy Riot, the district will now enter the next phase of the process to develop detailed designs that represent all facets of the student body, including athletics, arts, and STEM programs. Multiple options will be presented, refined based on feedback, and ultimately lead to the final mascot design. 

The decision to develop a mascot was fueled by several factors. For the past 20 years, Ossining lacked one cohesive mascot, with various disjointed symbols representing the six different schools. This fragmentation even resulted in the high school’s Cheerleading team losing points at a recent competition due to the absence of a mascot. Recognizing the need for a unifying symbol, students rallied for change and led a campaign to identify a mascot that reflected the voices and desires of the Ossining student body.

During February, March and April of 2024, Joy Riot conducted thorough research and toured the district’s schools to understand their unique cultures and values. The process included focus groups and communication meetings, as well as a comprehensive quantitative survey to gauge broader community sentiments.

The survey, which included 2,779 responses from current students (Grades K-12), parents, guardians, teachers, staff, administrators, and community members, revealed an overwhelming desire for a new mascot. The majority opinion favored a single mascot or a version thereof for all schools in the district. Community members emphasized the importance of a mascot that represents local pride, while students highlighted the value of a symbol embodying pride and unity.

The lion emerged as the top choice, with 70.1% of the overall vote and 80% of student votes. The lion symbolizes courage, bravery, freedom, and leadership—qualities that resonate deeply with the Ossining community. The concept of a "pride" of lions further reinforces the values of unity and family, mirroring the collective strength and perseverance of the district.

"The lion embodies the spirit of Ossining—we are courageous, we persevere, and we take pride in our community," said Adrienne Kantrowitz, a student involved in the mascot selection process. "Having a unified mascot will strengthen our identity and bring us closer together."

"We are thrilled to introduce the lion as our new mascot. This choice symbolizes the values and spirit of our district—strength, unity, and pride. It's been incredible to see our students lead this initiative, and I'm confident that the lion will inspire and unite our community for years to come," said Interim Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter.

The district extends its heartfelt thanks to both current and past students for their effort and dedication in making this project a reality. United by the strength of a new mascot, students are now poised to pounce on new opportunities and persevere through challenges, exemplifying the true spirit of their pride.