Good morning and welcome back:
Each new school year brings change in a variety of forms—from new staff, to new students, to improved facilities and curriculum changes. This year our Board of Education has also changed in two notable ways. First, we welcome two new members – Andrew Bronson and Sidney Joyner. We look forward to their contributions and expect that they will bring fresh ideas that will enhance the Board’s decision-making process. Our Board leadership has also changed, with Laura Carey as Vice President and me as the President. Despite these changes, you can expect that the Board of Education will continue to play its vital role in providing the resources that our 6,000-plus students need to thrive.
While the Board of Education manages the District’s financial condition and establishes overall policy, it is our beloved staff of over 1,000 that does the invaluable day-to-day work necessary to create the leaders of tomorrow. Each of you should take enormous pride in the fact that the District just produced its strongest academic performance in over a decade. As we have in the past, in late January we will recognize seven of our most outstanding teachers. Additionally, for the first time, at a Spring meeting the Board will formally honor the members of the District’s non-instructional staff and the role that they also play in fostering academic success. Of course, we will continue to shine a bright spotlight on our most treasured asset—our students. Both in and out of the classroom, they give us hope that our next generation of leaders can solve our country’s most intractable problems, without rancor and with respect for opposing viewpoints.
So, on behalf of the entire Board of Education, I welcome you back and wish you a rewarding and productive school year. I look forward to seeing you at a future Board of Education meeting, in the halls of your schools, or at an extracurricular event.
Nicholas R. Ciappetta, J.D.
President, Board of Education
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A New School Year Begins
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Community Partnerships Benefit South Huntington Students
Thank you Reverends Evelyn Digsby and Saba Mchunguzi and the congregation from the Unity Church of Healing Light who graciously donated backpacks, each filled with school supplies. Representatives from the church were at the James Kaden Administrative Office on the first day of school to donate over 100 backpacks filled to the brim with school supplies for needy elementary children in our district.“We want to thank our co-partners, The Gathering of Light Interspiritual Fellowship in Melville and the Universal Unitarian Church in Huntington who did a phenomenal job,” said Reverend Saba. “Unfortunately, there still exists a need, but our membership all gave what they could to make this happen for our 18th consecutive year.”“This amazing gift is truly appreciated,” said BOE President Nicholas Ciappetta, as he helped unload the backpacks. “We feel our school district is the center of this wonderful community, and with local businesses, non-profits, churches and synagogues surrounding and supporting the district, it all comes together as a wonderful, collective community partnership.”
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Welcome Back Video Blog
The latest edition of the South Huntington Video Blog is now posted on our YouTube channel.
you can viewiton the web athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5FWT5qQ8CQ&feature=youtu.be
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Varsity Soccer Scores Second Shutout
The Boys Varsity Soccer Team improved their record to 2-0-1 with a 3-0 victory over Connetquot yesterday. Fernando Hernandez led the Wildcats with 2 goals. Jordan Hernandez added a goal after a great cross from Jefferson Saravia. Alec Wurtz made 2 saves for his 2nd shutout of the season. Please come out and support the team at their next home game tomorrow night at 7pm vs Southampton.
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Tonight on the Whitman Campus
We are excited to announce the return of Friday Night Football to South Huntington. Tonight on the Walt Whitman campus the U.S. Army will be sponsoring their ‘Friday Night Lights’ tour with plenty of action. Come support your Wildcat teams with Varsity Football at 5PM and Varsity Boys Volleyball at 6PM. The Army will have plenty of action beginning at 4PM with contests to test your strength and prizes too. The Wildcat Booster Club will have plenty of great food, so come out for a beautiful evening on the Walt Whitman campus. Go Wildcats!
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Unity in the Community Parade & Fair
Today, Saturday, September 9th, our school district will be co-hosting the annual Awareness Unity Day celebration. This exciting program, which features a star-studded parade, fair, rides, music, food, and fun, showcases our town’s diversity and highlights the people and programs that make us strong.
We are incredibly proud of our Awareness Day participation and want very much to include the members of our South Huntington District family in this special day. To this end we invite you to join us for the parade, which begins at Huntington High School at 11AM, and continues down Oakwood Road to the fair grounds at Stimson Middle School. We hope you can remain with us at the conclusion of the parade, as we enjoy an afternoon ceremony, carnival, music, food, and fair at Stimson Middle School.
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9/11 Remembrance Ceremonies Begin Solemn Day
It is remarkable to note that despite the inevitable passing of time, the memory of September 11, 2001, remains emblazoned upon our minds. While each new year brings generations of children born after the attack, those of us who were alive on that fateful day will never forget the event that rocked our nation and forever transformed our modern way of life. We can be sure that over these next several days the news will be filled with stories aimed at recognizing the anniversary of 9–11. As in the past, our televisions and computer screens will undoubtedly flash images of the suffering and destruction that this unexpected attack brought to our nation's shores. This pain is an undeniable part of our country's history, and the harsh recollections will always remain ingrained upon our collective souls. It is important, however, that we also remember the images of hope, strength, and cooperation that emerged from the ashes of both the Pentagon and Twin Towers, and unfolded in the sky over an isolated Pennsylvania field. From unimaginable horror we saw unbelievable courage, as hundreds of first responders rushed into danger to save people whose names they didn't even know. We also watched community members line up to donate money, collect supplies and give blood and were inspired by the sight of school children from every race, religion, and background--holding hands and singing our National Anthem. The simple reality is that in the hours, days, and weeks after 9-11, our people functioned as one, and were guided by the principles of freedom, unity, and strength that make our country strong. The truth is that the United States of America represents so much more than those who wish us harm can ever understand. The USA is built upon the unwavering concept of freedom, and our people are at their very best when that sacred ideal is threatened.
So, as we recognize the anniversary of September 11, 2001, let's remember the heroism and ideals that became crystal clear in our country's hour of maximum need. Let's also take a moment to hug the ones we love, and give thanks for this great nation and wonderful community that makes us all so very proud.
Be Well and God Bless
Dave Bennardo
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Varsity Boys Volleyball Off to a Great Start
The North Gym was packed this past Friday night as Whitman beat Sachem East 23-25, 23-25, 25-23, 26-24, and 15-6 in varsity volleyball. Jack Poplawski led the team with 28 kills. Robby Seebach paced the offense with 42 assists. Whitman moves to 2-0. Also of note, Whitman junior Jack Poplawski was recently named Newsday’s Top 25 Long Island boys volleyball players for 2017. “[he’s a] Big hitter hoping to lead Wildcats to a big season,” According to Newsday Sports writer By Kenny DeJohn. Come out and support the team at their next home match when the go up against Lindenhurst on Wednesday, September 13th at 6PM.
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A Stuffed Bus Stops at Stimson
"Under a clear blue sky on Tuesday, September 11th, Ms. Kolm's homeroom students volunteered to unload a mountain of school supplies from a Huntington Coach school bus,” said Stimson Principal Mr. Edwin Smith. “These much-needed supplies arrived through a partnership between Huntington Coach and The United Way. Over the next few days, we will sort out the donation and use them to ensure all students are prepared for a wonderful school year. On a date that is filled with thoughtful reflection and sadness, this donation provided an opportunity for the generosity of our community to shine through."
Deputy Superintendent Jacci Harris would like to thank our friends at Huntington Coach and our partners from United Way of LI for their generosity and support. “Our Partnership with United Way continues to be a valuable resource to students in our district. The school supplies will be distributed to our school social workers to share with students in need," said Ms. Harris.
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Attention Pre-School Parents! Sign Up today for Little Wildcats!
Little Wildcats is a free community preschool program, which meets for approximately 75 minutes on Tuesdays throughout the school year. A certified South Huntington Union Free School District teacher, along with carefully selected high school students, organize and supervise age-appropriate stories and activities for preschoolers. It is a wonderful opportunity for your child to meet other children in the school district while enjoying dynamic activities. The group meets on Tuesdays from 12:20 PM to 1:50 PM at Walt Whitman High School in room 230. Classes begin in October. To register for the program contact Mrs. Zamow, Little Wildcat program director at:
Phone: 631-944-0972 ; Email: dlanghorstzamow@shufsd.org. Enrollment is on a first come basis.
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All-State Musicians Announced
We are extremely proud to congratulate the following Walt Whitman High School students who have been selected to represent the South Huntington School District at the 2017 NYSSMA All-State Conference on November 30th in Rochester, NY.
Brenda Mendez - Euphonium, Wind Ensemble
Megan Neuman - Bassoon, Symphony Orchestra
Gabrielle Safian - Piccolo, Alternate
Kentaro Matsushima - Violoncello
Jaycee Cardoso - Violin
Maxwell Fisher - Bass II, Mixed Chorus
Heather Aadal - Soprano, Mixed Chorus
Alexander Siegel - Tenor II
Congratulations for this prestigious accomplishment!
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Tennis Enjoys Early Season Success
The Girls Varsity Tennis team swept Elwood/John Glenn 7-0 yesterday in a league matchup. Dominating at singles were Kayla Sakayan, Mabel Bassi, Katherine Gotard, and Jasmine Haug. The teams of Shailee Patel and Emma Graff, Stephanie Young and Katie Miata, and Anna Scortichini and Casey Gilmartin were spectacular in their wins. Congrats Girls! Come out and support your Lady Wildcats at their next home match, Friday, September 15, at 4PM.
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James Kaden Administrative Office Dedication TONIGHT!
The dedication of the James Kaden Administrative Offices is scheduled to be conducted at the Board of Education meeting Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 7:30 p.m., at the James Kaden Administrative Offices, 60 Weston Street, Huntington Station. We invite all residents and staff members to attend. Weather permitting, the ceremony will take place outside by the main entrance. Directly afterwards, the business portion of the Board of Education meeting will take place in the Board Room.
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Whitman Has Three National Merit Scholarship Students
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. High school students enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Congratulations to Whitman seniors Joshua Joseph, Kentaro Matsushima, and Joseph VanGostein who have qualified as Semifinalist.
These outstanding students are three of 16,000 students nationally, or approximately one-third of the nations 50,000 high scorers, that have qualified as Semifinalists. Stay tuned as we expect to find out in February if any, or our entire trio, have advanced to the finalist standings.
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Varsity Girls Soccer Continues Growth
The girl’s varsity soccer team defeated Central Islip by a score of 3-1 this past Monday. Juniors Danielle Kleet and Alyssa Chillemi each scored, as did Varsity 8th grader Ella Brower for Whitman. Senior captain Brittany Shaneberger made 4 saves in goal.
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Field Hockey Moving in the Right Direction
The girls’ varsity field hockey team played a great game yesterday. They beat Lindenhurst 2 - 0 and goalie, Kristy Campana, recorded her second shutout of the season. Both goals were scored in the second half. The first one was scored by Chloe Blumberg and assisted by Kayla Campana. The second goal was scored by Britany Khatchatourian. Also playing well for Whitman were Anna Garziano, Amanda Grennan, Kayleigh McArdle and Kristen Coletti. Come and support the team on Wednesday 9/20 at 3:30 PM when they take on Pat-Med on the Wildcat turf.
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Red, White & Blue Day Honors September 11th Heroes
On Monday, September 11th, staff, students, and families assembled outdoors for the annual “Red, White & Blue Day” ceremonies at Countrywood and Oakwood Primary Centers. “It has been 16 years, yet the memories and emotions are still painful for so many family and friends. To all those affected we can only offer our heartfelt thoughts and prayers,” said Countrywood Principal Barbara Kenney. “On this day, we also recognized the heroic efforts of the countless men and women who save so many lives.” Following a moment of silence, the nation’s flag was lowered to half-staff and everyone proudly stood as one united family and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The ceremony continued as Mr. Slawitsky at Countrywood invited second-grade students from Mr. Campbell/Ms. Rabideau and Ms. Nicolino/Ms. Sullivan’s classes to join him in leading the school community on this special day of remembrance. In unison, the Countrywood school community sang a medley of patriotic songs which included America, This Land is Your Land, You’re a Grand Old Flag, and God Bless the USA.
At Oakwood, Principal Eileen Kerrigan led her school and guests in a similar ceremony as students in Ms. Herrera’s class made a presentation of the ‘Colors’ and Music teacher Ms. Pinelli led the school in singing patriotic songs. “The focus is on being proud to be an American and to think about heroes and bravery,” said Principal Kerrigan. “I explain what it means when we see an American Flag at half-staff and its importance of respect.”
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Spotlight on our Staff from Personnel Administrator Frank Fallon
One of the great challenges of a new school year centers around developing the bus schedule that transports the six thousand students to and from schools in the District. The first days of school are a challenge at any school district. Parents of younger students often times wish to meet their child’s driver, and frequently take pictures of their child as he/she boards the bus. As common as this is, it can affect the timeliness of the bus route and the scheduled pick up times of the next stop.
Additionally, the number of new entrants or late kindergarten registrations may cause route changes late in August after schedules have been developed. If the capacity of a bus exceeds a particular limit, other routes may be affected.
Mr. Mike Trelfa, South Huntington’s Director of Transportation, is responsible for 125 vehicles in the district. His role is responsible for the transportation of students in public, private and parochial schools in our community. Additionally, children who have special needs, requiring vans or other forms of transportation, are scheduled by the Transportation Office.
Does your child play a varsity sport or has he or she gone on a local field trip? All of the children’s transportation needs are organized by this important branch of the school district. Fortunately for Mr. Trelfa, a veteran of thirty-three years of administrative experience, he has a team of dynamic colleagues. Ms. Laurie Caruso and Ms. Meredith Ross are valuable members of the transportation team.
This column salutes these three individuals and all of our bus drivers, who play such a critical role in the safe transportation of our students.
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Cheer Celebrate UCA All-Americans
Congratulations to the following new UCA All-American Cheerleader winners at Cheer Camp: Kiara Brown, Erin MacCloud, Laurette Joyce, Aniyah Walters, Alyssa Christensen, Joelle Koutsantou, Megan Richter, Aryanna Argenzio, Paige Maeir, and Mikaela Rattazzi. Our cheerleaders want to also remind you about Walt Whitman’s Homecoming on October 28th with the famous parade at 11:30AM and 2PM Football Game.
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Kaden Building Dedication… a Significant Moment 24 Years in the Making
It was his home-away-from-home, and 24 years after he began serving on the Board of Education, the address known as 60 Weston Street is now officially and forever The James Kaden Administrative Offices. This past Wednesday’s BOE meeting began with a heartfelt dedication as honored guests, school administrators, teachers and community members paid tribute to a district icon.
Superintendent Dr. Dave Bennardo welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Kaden and thanked the more than 50 guests who took the time to come witness this special event. He then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Walt Whitman High School student Pamela Carey sang the National Anthem. Before introducing BOE President Mr. Nicholas Ciappetta, Superintendent Bennardo spoke highly of the professional and personal relationships that were developed during the past five years that he has been superintendent.“The decision to name this building was unanimous and easily reached by the Board members,” said BOE President Mr. Nicholas Ciappetta as he looked over the crowd at an outdoor ceremony. “ Jim, you deserve this honor for many more reasons than your longevity. You deserve it because over the past 24 years you have been the champion of the underdog. You deserve it because your knowledge of the districts finances and education law is unmatched, even by our auditors and lawyers. You deserve it because for 24 years you steadfastly improved instruction in this district, starting with our kindergarten and elementary school reading program, as well as increasing academic offerings for all students, such as our AP Program.”“You deserve it because you showed us what leadership means. That it’s difficult, and that to be a good leader you have to make decisions that at times are not easy and politically unpopular. But most importantly you deserve this because you have made a difference in the lives of children. For these reasons and so many more, Jim Kaden has made an indelible impact on our district, and today’s building dedication ensures that his legacy is secure and demonstrates appreciation to him for loving our students so much for over two decades.”“It’s been my pleasure to serve this district and this community, and I hope in some small way I have contributed to the lives of our children,” said Mr. Kaden. “This has been an honor, so thank you very much.”
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