South Huntington students participated in the 5th annual STEM Diversity Fair at Farmingdale State College on Friday, March 20th and we want to congratulate the talented students and dedicated mentors who performed with distinction. These young South Huntington scholars have certainly made our learning family proud.
Congratulations to Silas Wood students: Logan Bermudez, Annabelle Novinski, Scott Martin, Aarav Shah, Lorraine Jean Pierre, Julianna Lopez, Emily Teplansky, Chris Scortichini, Emily Gharabaghi, Amanda Smuss, Justin Feinman, Rena Shapiro, Chloe Murphy, Ryan Rummell, James Tadlock, and Anna Keller.
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Three From Silas Wood Earn STEM Awards
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Happy Mothers Day
We would like to wish all of the moms in our South Huntington community a very Happy Mother's Day. Your work reflects the most important job on earth and we thank you for all of your efforts in raising healthy, productive, well-adjusted children. Please know that we recognize and value all you do to make South Huntington such a special place.
Have a wonderful weekend and a Happy Mother's Day.
Be well,
Dave Bennardo
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May Spotlight Newsletter
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Whitman Scores at Badminton Championships
This past weekend at the Individual County Championships the badminton team earned more All-County Honors that it has in six years. Jameson Latko and MaryRose Stone won two exciting matches in singles to earn All-County titles. Likewise, the doubles teams of Brandon Gallopoli and Peter Guestella and Nikki Smith and Heather Kurasch advanced to the finals of the County Tournament today, May 11th, at Suffolk Community College in Selden. Eliza Wong earned All-League honors. Congratulations to all the tournament players and good luck at today’s finals!
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Parent University Proves You’re Never Too Old To Learn
On Thursday, April 30, our community celebrated the fourth Annual Parent University at Walt Whitman High School. This special program brought together several hundred members of our community for an evening of seminars, discussions and educational presentations. Approximately 85 different speakers and vendors volunteered their time-sharing advice on topics ranging from adolescent drug abuse to bullying and college preparation.
Our guests were also able to enjoy a wonderful dinner, while availing themselves of the childcare and Spanish-language translation of many seminars. The PARENT UNIVERSITY program serves as a shining example of the cooperative spirit and collective energies that characterize our South Huntington Community. There is simply no question that we stand united in our quest to raise successful, well-adjusted children in our great school district. Special thanks to all of the sponsors, speakers and vendors whose generosity made this evening possible.“Parent University is always one of my favorite events because it allows us to showcase the teamwork behind our talented Student Services Department,” said Deputy Superintendent Jacci Harris. “The closeness of our community, and ability to learn from each other, is really a tribute to the sense of family demonstrated throughout our school district.”
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Thank you to Mr. David Perkins for all of his work in coordinating this evening. Thank you, as well, to the Parent University Committee members: Bidania Criscuolo, Stacey Fletcher, Alexandria Haynes, Dr. Anne Lecci, Dr. Jared Bloom, Roberto Toledo, Carol Rubin, Cecilia Blanco, Christie Honaski, Debbie Rimler, Denise Curran, Dominic Distasio, Heather Reilly, Irem Franco, Jacqueline Oltedal, Jane Samuels, Jennifer Provda, Johanna Torres, Karina Cabrera, Kristine Duffy, Lisa Rappa, Marilyn Mandaro, Dr. Martin Zizi, Patricia Urgiles, Pwendy Fenelus, Raymond Holgado, Richard Garcia, Roberto Toledo, Ruth Love, Shaka Williams, Steve Bartholomew, Susie Blackman, Susan Schiavone, Roberto Torres, Tracy Spink, Ventura Trent, and Yuan Pang.
We are also very grateful to our presenters for their efforts in sharing crucial information for our parents and community. These presenters must be commended for volunteering their time and expertise with us: Tom Ehlers, Robert Dwyer, Dr. Anne Lecci, Janine D’Elia, Patricia Wilkinson, Leah Lugoviña, Dr. Martin Zizi, Tracy Murphy, Kristen Steele, Kristen Savino, Dr. Lou Corrado, Robert Callahan, Dr. Jean Bacon, Rebecca Medina, Karen Trzaska, Jessica Gaitan, Christopher Clines, Laura Van Tassell, Susana Lopez, Elaine Sefcik, Dr. Jim Wright, Anthony DeGuzman, Edward Nitkewicz, Alyssa Slansky, Denise Elmore, Jennifer O’Dougherty, Annie Guthrie, Sgt. First Class Joshua Mahoney, Johanna Torres, Andrea Lopez, Nicole O’Shea, Alfredo Rosario, Daisy Torres, Thomas Keogh, Dr. David Curtis, Dr. Tracy Hudson, Veronica Jennings, John Russo, Detective Graziano, Susan Schiavone, Maria Rodriguez, Ever Martinez, Staff Sgt. Mervin Leonor, Juan Garcia, and Osman Canales.
A special thanks to our generous sponsors: Affinity Health Plan, Astoria Federal Savings Bank, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Brooklyn Pizza, Coca-Cola, Colonial Coffee, CHL Mortgage (a Division of Freedom Mortgage), Dunkin’ Donuts (795 East Jericho Turnpike), FIT 4 Long Island (Kids and Teens), Florian Food Service Inc., Glaceau Inc., Habberstad MINI, Jungle Bob’s Reptile World, La Nonna’s Pizza, Lisa R. Brieff, Magic Beyond Imagination, Mario’s Pizza, Monaco’s Pizza, NAACP Huntington Branch, Panera Bread, Progressive Dentistry, St. John’s Episcopal Church/Cold Spring Harbor, South Huntington Public Library, South Huntington Teachers’ Association, The Spirit of Huntington Art Center, Tariq Auto Services Inc., Tri CYA, Umberto’s Restaurant, YogaFlex, and Zaro’s Café.
Thanks to our vendors: 100 Black Men of Long Island, AFY-EAC, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Boy Scouts of America, The Children’s Sangha, Dolan Family Health Center, Drug Free Long Island, FIT 4 Long Island, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, Horsability, Huntington Hospital, North Shore LIJ, Huntington Sanctuary, Tri CYA, The Life Center, Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Independence, Long Island Jobs for Justice, Long Island Parenting Institute-EAC, NAMI of Suffolk County, NAACP of Huntington, NCNW (National Council of Negro Women), Pederson Krag-Early Recognition Program, Pederson Krag-The Prevention Unit/Addictive Recovery Program, Pride for Youth, Retreat Inc., Sepa Mujer, South Huntington Public Library, Stat Script Specialty Pharmacy, Town of Huntington Human Resources Department, VIBS, and the YMCA.
The custodial staff at Walt Whitman High School is top notch. Carlo Giordano and his team made sure that every aspect of the evening was executed flawlessly. A special thanks to the Whitman Lamplighters and Lou Mangieri and the Tech Department for ensuring our presenters had what was needed to share important information with our parents. All in all, it was another proud evening for our school community.
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Starting Off Right
Special thanks to our Countrywood Dual Language classes, under the direction of Ms. Babcock, Ms. Layer, Ms. C. Covington, and Ms. DiNorcia, for performing beautifully at Monday's PTA Council meeting. There was no finer way to start a week than with the sweet voices of our primary school children.
Congratulations to: Esmeralda Benitez Fuentes, Tyler Biblow, Valery Canales, Nicolas Castillo, Mariza Catalan Hernandez, Alex Chicas, Anderson Cisneros Espinoza, Mikayla Diee, Kenneth Espinoza, Katerin Figueroa Flores, Angelica Garcia, Danna Garcia Martinez, Diana Garcia Villatoro, Tatiana Marr, Yennifer Martinez Ruoano, Janelle Palencia, Jose Posada Orellana, Aristides Reyes Ochoa, Ruben Romero, Sydney Rosengold, Shayaan Siddiqui, Jake Williams, Kassandra Alvarado, Catherine Amaya, Jack Biblow, Kian Bowditch, Camila Canales, Indy Carrillo, Jordan Churchman, Daskne Diaz Garay, Jose Duarte Menjivar, Christopher Flores, Nataly Hernandez Guillen, Shay Lublin, Marin McDonnell, Ayleen Navarro, Ludmery Perez, Junior Quintanilla Gonzalez, Sarah Rizvi, Ayaan Siddiqui, Angel Sorto, Marion Sorto Guevara, Kritz George Taku, Jose Abrego, Jessica Aldana, Yonny Alfaro Granados, Stephanie Arevalo Umanzor, Jordy Castillo Guevara, Cole Cella, Joel Chavez Granados, Marilin Cortez Lopez, Julia Dean, Jackson Dillon, Charley Dyckes, Sthefany Estrada Acajabon, Antoni Gamez, Delmy Garcia, Liza Gugliuzza, Alyssa Guillite, Marisol Lopez, Nathan Lublin, Christian Martino, Bianca Recinos Romero, Isis Reyes, Navin Sahadeo, Hector Vargas Garcia, Katelyn Adams, Christian Alvizures Morales, Denis Aykanat, Lily Brown, Marisa Castillo, Aaron Cimadevilla II, Angelee Cordova Palma, Jenny Cuchillas Quintanilla, Lillian Fleischer, Sandy Garcia Ulloa, Nathan Goldberg, Madeleen Hernandez Buillen, Hector Hernandez Menor, Christhian Interiano Monge, Leah Linsner, John Marr, Luis Martinez Ruano, Fexar Melendez Contreras, Isela Padilla Treminio, Gissel Rios Reyes, Alex Torres, Mainor Ulloa Ulloa, and Emily Vilorio.
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Budget Presentations
The State budget numbers arefinalized and our budget calculations and numbers for the 2015-16school year are in the 5-12-15 presentation attached below. Our fiscalconservancy over the past has put us in a good position going forward.
Please see the talking points attached below from each budget workshop that was discussed at the latest BOE meeting.Thank you to community members who were able to join us at these informative and frank discussions so that all voices may be heard as we move forward for the 2015-2016 school year.
Thank you to the community for voting in this year's budget vote and BOE Elections!
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Oakwood Blasts to the Past
Thank you to our Oakwood PTA for their work in coordinating the "Blast from the Past." This wonderful night, spearheaded by Ms. Lynn Blaney, included our talented Oakwood Singers, under the direction of Ms. Luella Pinelli (and her bass playing husband), as well as historical presentations from Huntington Archivist and author Ms. Antonia S. Mattheou and Dr. Alfred V. Sforza, a local historian and author who has documented the historic Huntington area in several books. It was wonderful to see so many of our Oakwood family members assembled for this outstanding program.
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County Champions!
We hear great news from Varsity Badminton Coach Scott Wolff: The Whitman Badminton team had a great showing at the individual county championships yesterday, May 11th. Whitman seniors Pete Guestella and Brandon Gallopoli are the 2015 Suffolk County Champions in Doubles. Nikki Smith and Heather Kurasch placed fourth in doubles. In the Singles portion of the tournament Jameson Latko and MaryRose Stone both placed second in the County. Congratulations to all!
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News Correspondent Visits Silas Wood
Channel 7 Eyewitness News Reporter Kristin Thorne visited Silas Wood on Friday, May 8, 2015. Kristin visited classrooms to talk about the power of journalism and her experiences as a news reporter. The "Silas Scribes" in Mrs. Brown's English class and students in Mrs. Abbondondolo's class asked thoughtful and meaningful questions. Kristin even learned how to tap dance when a student taught her in Ms. Cirillo's class. “I loved the way she connected with the students,” said Ms. Cirillo. “Kristin spoke about her interest in reporting since being a child with her passion being reporting on storms. The students also learned about the colleges she attended and her path to becoming a journalist.”
Thank You Kristin Thorne for inspiring our students.
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Albert Martinez Signs With Dominican University
Please join in congratulating soccer standout, Albert Martinez, who has signed a National Letter of Intent to accept a scholarship and compete at Dominican University. Albert is a gifted player who used his multitude of talents to lead our soccer team into the playoffs, and will now continue his athletic and scholastic career at the college level. “Albert brings tremendous talent and work ethic to the field,” said varsity coach John DiGiacomo. “As a coach you wish for athletes like Albert, they don’t come by that often and he will truly be missed.” We are very proud of Albert and congratulate his coaches, and his parents, on this impressive accomplishment.
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Birchwood and Maplewood Fifth-Graders Predict a Healthy Future at the Annual Mini-thon
One of our primary focuses in the South Huntington School District is to educate the whole child. The mind-body and body-spirit connection that is developed in school helps prepare children for the challenges of adulthood and provides a foundation for a healthy, productive life. This commitment to both mental and physical fitness was on grand display during the week as our Birchwood and Maplewood fifth-grade students participated in the annual Mini-Thon.
Coordinated by Birchwood PE Teacher Mr. Russell Rufrano, each runner predicts how long he or she will take to run one mile. They practice all year and predict their time before the actual race. Now in his 12th year running the mini-thon, it never gets old for Mr. Rufrano. “It’s a great day because it gives everyone an opportunity to win,” said Birchwood’s Physical Education teacher. “Students of all abilities work with me for three years as they learn who they are as athletes, this day is the pinnacle as they predict how well they know themselves physically and how fast they are as runners.”
The air at Memorial Field was filled with excitement, and there was a palpable energy circulating through the 445 runners who participated in this special day. We join in thanking our Physical Education teachers, Russ Rufrano, Erika Barrett, Joe Slovak and Mary Gross, for organizing this event, and congratulate all of our students who took the challenge.
An added bonus to the day is that the 5th-graders get to meet students from South Huntington’s other Intermediate Center as they get ready to graduate to the Silas Wood 6th-Grade Center.
Congratulations South Huntington 5th-Graders
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Grim Reaper’s Graphic Reminder
As we enter the final weeks of school, there are many opportunities for celebration, such as proms, the senior banquet and graduation parties. Though we want everyone to enjoy these festivities, we also care about their wellbeing. The SADD Club and Cultural Arts program is working hard to send messages to the student body to remind them of the dangers of distracted driving, driving under the influence, and using excessive speed when behind the wheel.
As you may have noticed, there is a car placed on the front lawn of the high school, provided to us by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office that was involved in an accident where individuals tragically did not survive. Though it is an upsetting sight, the message provided on the SADD sign next to the car, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk,” is an important one. It is critical that students take care of each other and make life-saving choices.
Parents, you are encouraged to review the Parent/Teen Contract link:
http://www.allstatefoundation.org/pdf/Parent-Teen-Agreement-NY.pdf
Additionally, on May 12th, Maureen McCormick, the Chief of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Vehicular Crimes Bureau, presented her powerful Choices and Consequences program to our senior class, which is designed to combat drunk, drugged and reckless driving. The program is based on a “reality TV” model that relies on real cases, real evidence, and real people in order to break through natural teenage invincibility and teach lifesaving lessons.
Also, this past Thursday the high school participated in a Grim Reaper program where, throughout the day, pre-selected students were pulled out of class by a Grim Reaper, and a sign was placed around their neck stating the following, along with a black tear painted on their face:
1. I would have seen that oncoming car if I wasn’t texting.
2. Thanks to that drunk driver, now I’m only a memory.
3. Maybe I should have called a cab instead of driving drunk.
4. I should have waited until I parked before I texted my friend.
5. Why didn’t I call someone to drive me home when I was drunk?
6. My life was more valuable than that beer.
7. A drink should not have been the reason why I lost my life in an accident.
8. I was so busy texting and driving that I didn’t realize I was driving through that red light.
Drinking and driving has received a lot of publicity over the last decade, but that is now eclipsed by distracted driving—specifically, texting while driving—as the nation’s number one killer of teens. At the end of the day all of the students that participated as 'victims' laid down in the PAC lobby to represent the lives lost throughout the day.
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National Junior Honor Society Induction
It has been an exciting week as we approach the homestretch of our school year. Our Walt Whitman Honor Society induction was followed by Monday night's National Junior Honor Society ceremony, and there were proud smiles and applause throughout the Stimson Forum. We congratulate all of our new Stimson National Junior Honor Society members, as well as their advisors, Jessica Voorhees and Seth Goldman, along with their dedicated teachers. We also offer special recognition to our inductees’ parents who have nurtured and supported them throughout their academic careers. We know that there are more wonderful things to come from this talented group of emerging scholars.
Congratulation to: Heather Abbene, Isabella Adamovicz, Aleena Ali, Christopher Arthur, Michelle Berrios, Nathan Blank, Olivia Bonomo, Isabella Bonvicin, Christopher Borges, Gregory Borysowski, Anthony Bosco, Mariah Boyle, Meghan Brady Fuchsman, Patrick Bresnan, Matthew Calandra, Jordan Campanelli, Annelise Campo, Izabella Canales, Samantha Carey, Victoria Cassellia, Jessica Castagna, Daljeet Cheema, Juliana Chiriboga, Julia Chiusano, Iza Choudrey, Sarah Clopper, Kayla Coll, Olivia Cunsolo, Luke Cunsolo, Kara De Bruin, Nicholas De Gaetano, Kaitlin De Moore, Corinne De Rosa, Hailey Dearborn, Michael Deitch, Jake Donahue, Joseph Dowling, Brandon Dowling, Shane Duffy, Emily Engoran, April Farrell, Kristen Finnerty, Diana Fogel, Jeremy Forman, Michelle Franco, Madison Fulcher, Jake Fullerton, Janna Garden, Anna Garziano, Gabrielle Girard, Cassidy Giudici, Colby Goldsmith, Olivia Golembiowski, Yoseline Gonzalez Contreras, Olivia Gorecki, Lauren Gotard, Emma Graff, Christopher Gallo, Ethan Halle, Gretel Huber, Nimra Ishtiaq, Kate Jenkins, Jillian Jobson, Priya Katwala, Sydney Khan, Nicholas King, Marianna Kliampas, Olivia Kongevold, Daniel Kulesa, Rebecca Lamanna, Jake Lang, Karina Lew, Sofia Lorente, Aidan Luebker, Kevin Martin, Marissa Martino, Jessica Mason, Amanda Mc Quade, Tyler Meyer, Katherine Miata, Gabriella Mingin, Dean Mirissis, Brady Mondry, Kevin Morrissey, Patrick Muccini, Joshua Muellers, Emily Murphy, Sarah Nace, Julia Nerzig, Anna Noonan, Samantha O’Connor, Rebecca Oltedal, Jefferson Orellana, Eleni Papaiacovou, Jennifer Parada Melgar, Tyler Phelan, Matthew Philip, Juan Ramirez, Connor Rankel, Nicole Rapacciuolo, Mikaila Rattazzi, Lauren Redelman, Dylan Rehman, Mycaela Reilly, Amanda Riha, Emily Riha, Destiny Robinson, Isabella Rombaldi, Jayda Rosene, Stephanie Ross, Jackson Zaiff, Kayla Sakayan, Yamilex Salamanca Lopez, Sofia Saykovska, Nohl Schwandtner, Julia Seitz, Ariana Shaikh, Umema Siddiqui, Logan Slansky, Rachel Smith, Fiona Smyth, Meghan Stengl, James Thomann, Jacqueline Thomann, Barbara Tripi, Gregory Tully, Emma Tuohy, Riley Turner, Kalynn Twist, Natalie Ugenti, Wilmer Valle, William Valle, Joseph Varisco, Stephen Verderame, Jessica Vesque, Christopher Williams, Ryan Wittleder, Kevin Wrobel, Subhana Zafar, Daniel Zahn, Shane Zarcone, and Mikaela Zukaitis.
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Impressive Line-Up for Whitman’s Spring Concerts
One of Long Island's top high school Dance Programs, directed and choreographed by Susan Turner Radin, as well as the award winning Whitman Choir, directed by Steve Altinel, the Wind Ensemble, directed by Allan Deitz, and the various Orchestra Groups, directed by Frank Yolango and Choral groups begin a busy schedule of incredible musical performances. All Spring Concerts begin at 7:30PM in the Walt Whitman Performing Arts Center.
Monday May 18 -- Concert Orchestra - Whitman Chorale - Concert Band
Wednesday May 20 - Symphony Orchestra - Chamber Orchestra - Wind Ensemble
Thursday May 21 - Men's Choir - Women's Choir - Concert Choir - Voices of Whitman
Thursday May 28 - Dance - Jazz Band - Wind Ensemble accompanying the dancers
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Silas Wood Heads to Adventureland
Roller coasters, and the log flume, and bumper cars, OH MY! Last week, sixth-graders from Silas Wood took an end-of-year trip to Adventureland. The students and staff had exclusive rights to the park on a warm and beautiful day. The sounds of laughter and excitement could be heard and the sea of smiling students and teachers filled the park.
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Haitian Heritage Highlighted
The Haitian-American students at Walt Whitman High School are proud of their heritage and today, May 18, is Haitian Flag Day. This morning during announcements students read a poem and throughout the day are sharing with classmates the significance of this day. The Red and Blue Haitian flag has a set of symbols that create their "Coats of Arms." The Coat of Arms depicts a trophy of weapons ready to defend freedom and a royal palm tree for independence. The palm is topped by the Cap of Liberty. The Haitian flag's origin is tightly linked to a history of struggle for freedom.
Thank you Psychology Intern Ms. Soraya Bonny, Mathematics teacher Mr. Malaury Samedy, and especially to our students: Abdjine Lemaitre, Elisabeth Auguste, Meghann Alphonse, Cindy Richard, Rose Saint Charles, Narenghie Ladonis, Djounlie Dormilien, Weed Florvil, and Thayler Guirand.
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Budget Vote 2015 Results
Proposition 1 - School Budget
Yes-1339
No-384
School Board
Edward Nitkewicz - 1074
Linda LaCara - 1137
Michele DeGaetano -1193
Andrew Bronson - 1064
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Oakwood Parents Enjoy A Night Out
Oakwood Primary Center held their annual Cultural Arts Fundraiser on Thursday evening, May 14. From drinks and appetizers outside, to the scrumptious dinner and talented music from Ricky Roch inside, Crest Hollow County Club provided the perfect setting. Co-Chaired by Dayna Cioffi and Kim Phillips, the evening was a great opportunity to mingle with friends and colleagues, and vie for any of the over 145 amazing raffle baskets.“Thank you to all of the families that joined us at our annual cultural arts fundraiser. This event was only possible because of all of the support from the families that contributed so generously of their time and efforts.” said Oakwood PTA President Solange Rich. “The monies raised will help pay for many of the special assemblies and programs that promote the arts that our children love. On behalf of all of the children who benefit from your dedication, thank you.”
The Oakwood Primary Center PTA expresses their sincere thanks to the Oakwood Parents, Teachers, Staff, and Invited Guests for supporting our PTA and School.
A big thanks to the parents who gave their time to help make this event a huge success including: Maureen Basedow, Elke Butera, Kristen Cuozzo, Reina David, Kim Donahue, Theresa Duffy, Valerie Gaus, Nancy Gorman, Janine Isernia, Danielle Koffer, Lesley Logue, Erica Ranieri, Kristen Rombaldi, Erika Wolf, and the Members of the PTA Executive Board.
And a special thank you to all the class parents who collected and created the amazing class baskets represented: Deanna Avella, Amy Baker, Lisa Bass, Christina Bonilla, Cynthia Bowe, Elke Butera, Dana Crocco, Elizabeth Costa, Ashley Cruise, Theresa Duffy, Marie Fischer, Chrissy Flathmann, Nicole Franz, Nicole Giacaponello, April Hiller, Katie McKinley, Michelle Norris, Laura Palmieri, Kim Phillips, Jennifer Preller, Erica Scharf, Roxanna Sorto, Christine Statlers, Erin Verdi and Andrea Verga.
The Parents Night Out Night Committee would like to especially thank the many area businesses who were so generous in making the evening such a success.
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Special Olympics @ Whitman
We were honored on Saturday, May 2, to host the New York State Special Olympics and see over 200 of our faculty, students, and parents host the thousands of visitors that came to the Walt Whitman campus. It was a heartwarming day that exemplified the genuine commitment to others, which characterizes our learning family. The people of our community should be very proud to have collaborated in such a worthy collective mission. Special thanks to Dr. Wright for coordinating this event and to all the volunteers who made the day special.
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