At Maplewood Intermediate School, the newly elected student council is settling into their new positions and getting down to work.“I am very much looking forward to working with this year's group of student leaders,” said Principal Dr. Vito D'Elia. “They will definitely contribute to enhancing the Maplewood learning community.”
The Maplewood student council members for the 2016-2017 school year are as follows: Gavin Brengel- Treasurer (5th Grade), Sienna Long- Vice President (4th Grade), Joseph Harrison- President (5th grade), Sara Duffy- Secretary (4th grade), and Riley McDonnell- Historian (5th grade).
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Election Results @ Maplewood
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"Hands for Haiti" Highlight Compassion
“We'd like to congratulate and thank all of you for your support and contributions in raising money for the Haiti project,” said Walt Whitman Principal John Murphy. “A very special thanks to students Sean and Jennifer Duclay who initiated the donation process.” Walt Whitman teachers Dr. Eikenaar, Mrs. Haik and Mrs. D'Addario helped organize the ‘Hands for Haiti’ fundraiser with the World Language Honor Society and the ESL students, and together raised $1,000!
The money will be donated to Doctors without Borders to help the people of Haiti receive the proper medical attention and care they need after the devastation of Hurricane Matthew this past October. “Both my sister and I feel that Doctors Without Borders is a good organization and one we can trust to make sure our donations get to the people who need help,” said Whitman senior Sean Duclay. “It always makes you happy to help others in such need,” said Jennifer Duclay, a Whitman Sophomore. “It’s a rewarding experience, especially when you see how many people want to help.” “It’s not uncommon that we see this kind of action from the Duclay family,” said French teacher Dr. Eikenaar. “Anytime there is a natural disaster, here or anywhere in the world, they are in the front row always ready to help, they truly have golden hearts.” “It is always a huge accomplishment to help others and be able to say that we have helped save lives,” concluded Principal Murphy. Way to Go Whitman School Community!
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It All Adds Up to Fun
How many shapes does it take to build a reindeer? Well according to some of Ms. Groe’s Oakwood kindergarteners it takes 3 circles, 2 squares, 13 rectangles, 0 triangles and 1 well places bright red hexagon. Turns out Ms. Groe's class is learning all about shapes! They built shapes using Play-Doh and Popsicle sticks. To get into the holiday spirit they used their shapes to make reindeer!
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Gymnasts Awarded All-League
Girls Varsity Gymnastics Coach Angela Gunsel tells us that some of the members of the Girls Varsity Gymnastics Team got to compete in the Suffolk County Girls Gymnastics Coaches Invitational Meet recently. The big news on the day was that seventh-grader Carly McEntee competed on all 4 events and placed 2nd on the floor exercise, 5th on the Vault, and 6th on the Balance Beam. She placed 4th in the all-around for the League. Turns out Carley placing 4th was the first time in South Huntington that a seventh-grader placed so high in the Suffolk County competition. Amazing meet Carly! Nice job. Thank you to the girls who didn't compete that came to support their team. Congratulations girls on a great season!
The coaches and team attended the Suffolk County Gymnastics Awards Dinner recently and some of the girls were recognized for their hard work during the season. Congratulations to:
All- League -Ariana Weindling, Danielle Harris and Carly McEntee
All-League Honorable Mention-Juliana Chiriboga
Scholar Athlete-Danielle Harris
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Ladybugs in the Garden
Spring got off to a great start in Mrs. Lamorte’s Countrywood Kindergarten class. Students planted a kinder”garden” of their own. Children planted a variety of healthy herbs and vegetables in the Countrywood courtyard, such as tomatoes, lettuce, beans, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, basil, dill, thyme and parsley. The students are getting an educational and enjoyable experience as they tend to their garden and watch the crops grow!
Students are also learning about ladybugs life cycle and how they can benefit the vegetable garden. The children released a few hundred ladybugs and watched with interest as the insects explored the garden. They learned that ladybugs can help the garden stay healthy, as they help rid the garden of harmful aphids that can damage plants and vegetables.
Gardening is a great way for students to learn new skills while having fun outdoors and provides plentiful opportunities for hands-on learning. By tending to their own plants, students learn a sense of responsibility and a healthy respect for nature. They experience a sense of discovery as they learn about the science of plants, insects, weather and the environment.
Teamwork skills are also developed as children work cooperatively to create and maintain their garden. As students care for their plants, their love of learning will grow along with the vegetables in their garden.
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Fourth of July Message from Superintendent Bennardo
I want to take a moment to wish the members of our school community a very happy, healthy Fourth of July celebration. Independence Day is a unique holiday because it accentuates our national identity and reflects the very essence of our American values and traditions. Regardless of one's background or place of origin, we are all bound by the values of democracy, freedom, and opportunity that were pledged with sacred honor in 1776. While there is no question that the complete realization of the words embodied in the Declaration of Independence is a daily work in progress, the United States of America still remains the greatest hope for humanity on the face of the earth. Although our open debate and passionate disagreements might appear to be signals of weakness, they are, in fact, the clearest signs that the revolutionary concept considered by the Continental Congress is alive and well at the core of our democracy. Those who understand our country realize that the right to passionately express opinions and vociferously exchange diverse ideas is, in fact, the blessing that makes us fundamentally American. The American Revolution provided us the right to constant, robust evolution and in doing so, ensured the steady progress and growth of our people and values throughout the generations.
As we settle into our picnics and barbecues this week, let's take a moment to reflect upon the gifts that American freedom and democracy bring to our families. Let's pause for just a second and think about all we have become, and all we will be, because of the courage exhibited in 1776 by courageous patriots at Independence Hall. The days ahead promise great things for our country, and South Huntington will continue to lead the way by demonstrating that common goals, civil discourse, and positive energy can produce unprecedented results.
Have a wonderful Fourth of July celebration and please be well.
Dave Bennardo
Superintendent of Schools
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Motivation was Key for this Special Graduate
Ms. Cynthia Quinlan, South Huntington’s Assistant Supervisor of Special Education shared a wonderful story recently of one of our South Huntington graduates. “At age thirteen I stopped school in Honduras and my father and uncle taught me carpentry,” signed Edwin David Alfaro-Ulloa in his graduation Farewell Address from the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf.
Edwin moved to America in 2014and was enrolled in Mill Neck Manor School as well as vocational programs at BOCES for carpentry and construction electricity. “Edwin gave (signed) the farewell address and received three awards,” said Ms. Quinlan. “He was awarded the Mill Neck Manor Educational Association Leadership award, the Massapequa ASL club award, and the Shameka Edwards Character Award. It was a beautiful and special day for him and his family.”“Thank You Mom and Dad for all your support, love and encouragement, and thank you to my School District,” signed Edwin. “I was able to learn a lot because I was never absent, I was motivated, and worked hard.”
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Xanadu Award Reflects a Neighborhood Where Creativity Hangs Out
Great news just in from English teacher Mr. Joseph Pipolo. Walt Whitman’s Digital Literary Magazine ‘Xanadu’ was selected as a Crown Prize recipient by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's (CSPA) annual critique! Crown Awards are the highest recognition given by the CSPA to a student print or digital medium for overall excellence. A total of 1,100 publications were eligible for judging. The CSPA select the best 22. Walt Whitman’sxanadulitmag.comwas selected and is the only New York on-line literary arts magazine chosen. Whitman is now in the running for the Gold Crown Award, which is the very best of the best.“This is no small accomplishment. A great deal of creativity, careful editing, formatting, cooperation and love goes into this website,” said Pipolo, also the National English Honor Society Advisor. “Xanadulitmag.comwas judged by the art, photography...the level of writing of poetry and prose...the musical videos...it was judged on its editing and formatting. It was judged on its sophistication as a site and also the level of submissions. That means this is Walt Whitman’s award.”
It should not be surprising that Ms. Joann Hili-Carbone, Whitman’s English Department Chairperson, showered the Xanadu students and English teacher Joseph Pipolo with words of praise. But in true ‘Pip’ fashion, the limelight belonged to an even bigger group. “This magazine, and thus this award, do not happen without incredible works submitted to incredible editors. This honor is a tribute of the teachers and creators involved in every explicit and implicit, obvious and nuanced element of its being. This is a celebration of the entire South Huntington Community.”
Simply put…Xanadu is a collective, a neighborhood where creativity hangs out. “Columbia expects perfection, maturity and inclusiveness,” added Pipolo. “We feel we do that.” Please, please visitxanadulitmag.comand enjoy all of wondrous and impressive creations of our Whitman students!
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GROW IT. SHOW IT. SUPPORT IT.
Members of the Silas Wood staff participated in "No-Shave" November. This event raises awareness of colon cancer and Men's Health during the month of November. Staff members that participated left to right in photo were Rory Sherman, Adam Obletz, Kevin Connelly, Joe Poller, James Metzak, Frankie Portantino and Robin Naggar. Nice job guys!
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Wonders of the Night Sky @ Countrywood
We hear from Countrywood Assistant Principal Kellie Njenga that over the next few weeks, Countrywood students are visiting the Star Lab, an inflatable planetarium donated to the district by SHEF. The students have been studying how the stars are formed to create various constellations. They have found Orion, Ursa Major, and Polaris, which is also known as the North Star.
The students were amazed as they discovered all that exists in our very own sky, and asked so many inquisitive questions about how stars were formed and why shooting stars exist. Kindergarten students celebrated the night sky by coming dressed in their pajamas. Looks like little astronomers on the way!
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Fencing featured in Newsday
Newsday sports is featuring our Fencing teams today. To see the complete story and photos go to:
http://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/fencing/mark-dammer-adam-meskill-help-whitman-fencing-to-strong-start-1.12700954
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Discovery Tanks Put Local Marine Life in Youngsters' Hands
This past week, our Countrywood first-graders had classroom presentations by scientific experts from Cornell Cooperative Extension. During the presentations, the students learned about marine life that can be found right in our local beaches and had an opportunity to observe and touch gentle animals, such as sea stars, mussels, snails, and hermit crabs. The children learned about what they eat, where they live, how they move, and some other exciting adaptations.
Following her hands-on introduction to the many marine creatures that live in our local waters, Cornell Marine Biologist Educator Marie Cancro encouraged the Countrywood first-graders to help in the process of setting up their 10-gallon saltwater aquarium. "I’m interested in making these first-graders more aware of the environment that surrounds them here on Long Island," she said. "Kids at this age should not be afraid to explore the sea life that they find right at their own beaches.” At Countrywood Primary Center, the highlight of the morning was when students got to touch and hold the various marine creatures and add them to their tank one at a time. “I hope the students learn about the sea life all around them help protect them some day.”
Thank you PTA for sponsoring this educational program.
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DINING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE- Tuesday, December 20th
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Creative Classrooms Collaborate @ Birchwood
Birchwood’s fourth-grade students have been enjoying their Creative Classroom Collaboratives (C3) Squared participation. Our fifth grade students will also be participating in these valuable sessions as well. C3 Squared is a grant-funded program that supports student curricula by working with teaching artists, cultural partners and top-notch performers that will enhance 21st Century Skills by focusing on an arts-infused approach to education. This will include ongoing professional development for all teachers both in the summer and during the school year, as well as performances that have teaching artist residencies aligned to the current curriculum wrapped around the performances.“Teachers here at Birchwood have been working on ‘theme statements’ as part of their academic plans and what we have been doing as part of the C3 Squared program is to take values from each of those ‘theme statements’ and put them into action via a dance routine,” said Kendra Mace Clark, an Artist/Educator from the Suffolk BOCES Arts-in-Education program. “I want them to take away a broader understanding of what dance can be.” Kendra was joined by Lorraine Sopp, a Project Coordinator responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the Creative Classroom Collaborative Project.
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All-State Swimmer Emily Fung
The Athletic Department is proud to recognize the last of our fall season playoff competitors, Ms. Emily Fung, on her resounding performance at the New York State Swim Championships. Emily swam the 100m backstroke in a remarkable time of 58.71, and earned an All-State title for her fine work. We commend Emily, her family, and coaches for dedicating the countless hours that successful swimming competition requires.
You can see Emily and hundreds of the Fall Sports athletes at tonight's Athletic Awards Celebration. Walt Whitman Performing Arts Center. 7PM
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Varsity Cheerleaders Earn Bid to National Competition
We hear from Varsity Cheer Coach Tracy Koch that this past weekend at the Pocono Regional Cheer competition at Kutztown University, the Varsity Cheerleading team earned a bid to the High School Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida this February. Congratulations Wildcat Cheerleaders and their coaches.
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Public Hearing- Veterans Tax Exemption
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED COLD WAR VETERANS TAX EXEMPTION
FOR QUALIFYING RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY
COUNTRYWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL
499 OLD COUNTRY ROAD,
HUNTINGTON STATION
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016, 7:30 P.M.
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Fall Sports Awards Individual Honors
Voted on by the coaches in Suffolk County, the following students were awarded team honors for the fall 2016 Sports Season. Congratulations to the coaches, and families of these exceptional athletes.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
All-League Honorable Mention: Zachary Lella, Jon Creeron, Raj Shah, Jack Wrobel
All-League: Aiden Smyth, Sean Smyth, Joseph Mendoza,
Michael Giarrizzo
All-Division: Sean Smyth, Joseph Mendoza, Michael Giarrizzo,
Jon Creeron
BOYS SOCCER
All-League: Noel Reyes, Marc DePasquale, Robert Cerrito
All-Conference: Blake Aronson, Sean Zagorski, Eduardo Alfaro
All-County: Blake Aronson, Sean Zagorski
All-County Academic: Emanuel Campo
FOOTBALL
2ND Team All-Division: Vincent Pastore, Isaiah Wilkerson, Jake Marx
All-Division: Jamari Brown, Derek DiLorenzo, Luidji Dormeus
All-County: Jamari Brown
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
All-Classification: Olivia Poplawski
All-Tournament: Noelle Bryggman, Olivia Poplawski
All-League Honorable Mention: Noelle Bryggman
All-League: Jessica Young, Alexandra DeGaray, Maelyn Latko,
Olivia Poplawski
All-County: Olivia Poplawski
GIRLS TENNIS
All-League: Emma Coleman, Kayla Soulias, Katherine Gotard
GIRLS SWIMMING
All-League: Casey McKenna, Jillian Leydon
All-County: Emily Fung
New York State Qualifier: Emily Fung
All-State: Emily Fung
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
All-Division Honorable Mention: Thomas Nicolino, Joshua Friedman,
Dylan Diamond
All-Division: Christian Corbett, Sean Williams
All-Academic: Christian Corbett, Thomas Nicolino, Dylan Diamond, Marcus Zaiff
All County - Jack Poplawski
GYMNASTICS
All-League Honorable Mention: Juliana Chiriboga
All-League: Ariana Weindling, Danielle Harris, Carly McEntee
Scholar Athlete: Danielle Harris
GIRLS SOCCER
All-Conference: Alexa DelColle, Rebecca DeWitt, Shelbi Wuss
All-League and All-County: Rebecca DeWitt
All-County Academic: Shelbi Wuss
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Peers Lights Up the North Gymnasium
On Saturday, December 3, hundreds of wrestlers weighing between 99 and 285 pounds descended upon Whitman’s North Gym for the 22nd Annual Andrew Peers Wrestling Tournament.
Top performer, for not only the Wildcats but for the whole tournament, was Kevin Romano in the 126 pound class. Kevin went on to win first-place as well as the coveted ‘Jimmy Kaden Most Outstanding Wrestler Award.”
Whitman wrestlers also joined the winners podium in the following weight classes: Runners Up (2nd Place): 113 lbs Anthony Costantino, 120 lbs Thomas DeGaetano and 195 lbs Rodrigo Abrego. Third Place: 132 lbs Joe Feola, 138 lbs David Costa, 160 lbs David Figueroa, and 170 lbs Jose Garcia. Fourth Place: 99 lbs AJ Wobig, and 132 lbs Luke McEvoy; Fifth Place, 113 lbs George Link, 132 lbs Elvis Vasques, 132 lbs Peter Marion, and 145 lbs Jared Zenie. Sixth Place; 106 lbs Kevin Flores and 120 lbs Ray Matuza.
The Andrew Peers Memorial Tournament is named in memory of 1988 Walt Whitman graduate Andrew Peers, who was killed in an auto accident in 1994. Andrew was one of Whitman’s most spirited and accomplished athletes in the 1980s. He won All-League honors three times and was All-County in his senior year for wrestling. Andrew was also an accomplished lacrosse attack man, garnering All-League honors.
Photo Gallery
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Scholar Athletes for Fall Sports
The fall 2016 Sports Awards Ceremony for Walt Whitman athletes was held on Monday evening amid a packed Performing Arts Center. Perhaps it’s all those miles running, clearing your mind to make room for a full slate of academics, but whatever the reason, it’s not surprising that our smartest athlete was a long-distance runner. And it’s not often we get a tie, but this past fall two young men made the grade, congratulations to both of them. Walt Whitman’s Fall Scholar Athletes left to right: Shelbi Wuss (Women’s Cross Country), Emanuel Campo (Men’s Soccer), and Jack Anest (Men’s Volleyball).
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