It was 50 years ago, on December 12, 1965, that Henry L. Stimson Middle School opened its doors, and this morning, a celebration took place to honor that day in our local history. Stimson’s orchestra teacher Ms. Smith joined a group of students playing stringed instruments, and Ms. Haas and her Stimson Showstoppers filled the air with the sweet sounds of the holiday spirit. “As the world around us has definitely changed, the vision of this building has not,” said Stimson Principal Mr. Edwin Smith. “Each year hundreds of students exit its doors better prepared for their future.”
Stimson student Colby Goldsmith agrees, saying in his speech before the assembled group in the library. “Stimson offers so many opportunities to help prepare for the future,” said the 8th grade president. “The teachers and students help make this school a wonderful place to learn and let your creativity fly.”
A large outdoor dedication is in the works for this Spring, so stay tuned as this important milestone will be celebrated in grand fashion.
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Stimson Turns 50
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Bûche de Noël Contest Highlights French Culture
Walt Whitman French Teacher Dr. Geralde Eikenaar describes an ancient French tradition dating back to the Middle Ages of burning a log from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day. It is said that farmers then used part of the log to attract a good harvest for the year.
Today, the tradition still lives on. But in modern times the log burning has evolved into the tradition of making a log-shaped cake called the bûche de Noël, or Christmas log. The log cake is served alongside many other pastries during Le Réveillon, a late supper held after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. “The tradition at Whitman continues for its fifteenth year,” said Dr. Eikenaar. We had each grade level represented, and it’s nice to see that our students as young as 6th-grade who are interested in pursuing the French language following our traditions here at Whitman.”
This year French Language students reenacted the tradition, and a panel of hungry judges conferred and awarded the 2015 bûche de Noël first-place award to freshman, Elizabeth DeMartino.
Thank you to all the French students who participated in the Bûche de Noël Contest. You did a wonderful job representing the French Culture with 57 students participating while adding to the Holidays spirit in our school. Bravo!
2nd prize:Cinthya Ramos
3rd prize:Katherine Gottard
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Volleyball Coaches Award Two at Whitman
The two captains of the varsity girl’s volleyball team, Junior Setter Olivia Poplawski and Senior Outside Hitter Emma Kongevold were both recognized at the Suffolk County Volleyball Coaches Association Awards Dinner for their outstanding play this past season.
Olivia was selected All-League. She is a three-year starter at setter and this past season set the single game and single season records for assists, as well as the most career aces record. Olivia took total command of the court this season, making sure all players were where they needed to be on the court. She also made many of our offensive play calls throughout the games, telling the hitters what sets to run. She has improved so much since starting on varsity her freshman year, and I am looking forward to her continuing to grow as a player and a leader for us next year.
Emma was selected All-League and All-Classification. She finishes her Varsity career as the single game, single season and career record holder for kills. She has been our go to hitter for the past two seasons. She is the player the other team always keyed on to try to stop, and many times this year, it didn't matter and she was able to have double digit kills even though the other team knew where the ball was going. This year she improved becoming a smarter hitter and also improved her defense and serve receive. She just recently verbally committed to play next year at Division II Wilmington University in Delaware. We will miss her for both her skills and her limitless amounts of energy on the court.
Congratulations Ladies!
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‘Hour’ Sparks a Lifetime of Rewards
Eager students, as young as kindergarteners right up through the fifth-grade, flooded the halls of Stimson with lucky parents in tow on Monday evening to participate in a one-hour introduction to computer science, dubbed ‘The Hour of Code.’ “We want to show parents that anybody can learn the basics of computer coding, so this evening was designed to demystify code,” said Ms. Janine D’Elia in her welcoming remarks. Computer science students from Walt Whitman were also on hand to assist. “Computer Science is always changing, it’s always new,” said Hans Bas, a senior and aspiring Web and Software Developer. “It will only continue to grow more prominent as technology advances and becomes more accessible to people around the world.”
Ms. D’Elia talked about how coding connects to STEAM by giving students the ability to help make sense of the [Science] world around them. They use technology to make something simpler. Coding is all about process and innovation, which brings in the engineering aspect. They use artistic skills to solve complex problems. Coding also reinforces mathematics as a important tool and skill used for problem solving.
Computer science sparks fun and creativity, and it didn’t take long for our families to head to breakout sessions where they collaborated together, with the assistance of faculty volunteers, to solve coding in its simplest form. Having their families share what they had been doing the week before in the global initiative ‘Hour of Code,’ you could feel the sense of pride emanating from our youngest of students. Thank you to Ms. Janine D’Elia, the District’s Instructional Technology Specialist, and all of our district volunteers who worked so hard to ensure the evening was so successful.
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http://girlswhocode.com/
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Cooperative Spirit Leads to Big Smiles
This past Saturday morning, the Maplewood cafeteria was a buzz of activity as carefully selected students and family members participated in a special ‘Build-A-Bike’ program. Maplewood’s staff members, as well as Principal Dr. Vito D’Elia and Mr. Ken Ferguson of the D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation greeted the families as they made their way to their own Build-A-Bike station. Mr. Fergusons' son, D’Brickashaw, is an elite offensive tackle in the NFL, and a starting player for the NY Jets.“Brick” as he is called by friends, family, and players, and his foundation partnered with Maplewood Intermediate School and the South Huntington School District to share their mission to help motivate and empower youngsters to positively interact with peers and adults in a unique program where, working with mentoring adults, build a bike.
The youngsters were doing this under the guise that the bike would be donated to other children, but to their delight, learned after they had built their bikes, that they were theirs to keep.
Suffolk County’s finest had a representative on hand to review bike riding safety tips and demonstrated how to properly fit the bike helmets that each youngster received. The completed bikes went through a safety inspection ensuring they were all properly assembled and ready to ride. There was a wonderful cooperative spirit in the air around Maplewood as our South Huntington students learned about the various tools they were using, following directions, and sharing responsibilities with Maplewood’s mentoring staff to get their project completed. “The reason why this event was a major success is because of your participation,” said Dr. D’Elia in thanking his volunteers. “Watching the students work with you in putting their bicycle together was priceless.”
Dr. D’Elia would like to thank his staff and the Ferguson family for their generosity in selecting Maplewood Intermediate School as their Long Island destination for the D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation Build-A-Bike program.
A special thanks to our incredible volunteers: Melanie Tietjen, Chastity Patino, Maria Garafalo, Dermot O’Connor, Toby Elmore, Denise Ortiz, Jessica Gaitan, Lisa Hatton, Dan Campbell, Suzzanne Ciccarelli, Gail Shapiro, Sheila Manner, Danielle Shadler/Jill Belz, Mary Gross, Kristen Cuozzo, Abby Dulberg, Dana Rubino, Tony Visslailli, Anthony Fauci, and Denise Elmore.
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Fios1 Report
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A Joyful Time of Year @ Countrywood
Music teacher Adam Slawitsky lead the way as energetic students from Ms. Merola and Ms. Cariello's classes entertained the audience at last weeks Board of Education meeting.
The classes performed Jingle Bells, Dreidel, In Summer and Light The Candles All Around The World. This year Mr. Slawitsky added a select group of students to play Jingle Bells on pitched hand bells. “It reminds me of the Hershey's Kisses commercial around the holidays that plays We Wish You A Merry Christmas," said Mr. Slawitsky. “It really puts me in a happy holiday mood. We hope that our performance helped everyone get in the spirit of the holidays.”“It was wonderful to hear these children sing and see the genuine pride on their parents’ and teachers’ faces as they brought joy and holiday spirit to the room,” said BOE President Jim Kaden in this weeks Superintendents Newsletter. “We commend the talented Countrywood students, and thank Mr. Slawitsky for helping to prepare them for this special show.”
Congratulations to the following students:
Ms. Cariello’s class: Maddy Crocco,* Jack Bell,* Anthony Depalo,* Kate Sabellico,* Mei Anderson, Matthew Chavez, Bianca Auguste, Evangeline Desantis,* Paige Knesich,* Nicholas Morelli, Jenaya Stridiron, Noah Turano, Magali Velasquez Vilorio, Brandon Villatoro Fuentes,* and Alyssa Vozza.
Ms. Merola’s class: Ryan Kaiser, Kim Larice,* Eva Castellanos,* Jake Williams, Jason Vilorio, Esmeralda Benitez Fuentes, Dean Rosengold,* Loren Rosenthal,* Emelia D'Alessio,* Alanna Chong, Isabel Hassman,* Dallas Bush, Joseph Carapazza, Sofia Filler, *Samantha Dinstell,* and Brianna Goodwin.
*students who performed on the hand bells
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Melanie Olinsky is Newsday’s Scholar Artist
In the December 16th issue of the Superintendents Newsletter, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Joseph Centamore was pleased to highlight another one of our extremely talented students. “We were thrilled this week to see Walt Whitman’s own Melanie Olinsky featured in a Newsday story about the prestigious Long Island Scholar Artist winners,” said Centamore. Melanie was selected for this incredibly rare award because of her exemplary talent and commitment to dance and performance. “We congratulate Melanie, as well as her proud parents and dedicated teachers who have contributed to this success.”
Each year the Long Island Scholar Artist program recognizes students who excel academically and in the areas of music, visual arts, dance, theater, or media arts. “The Long Island Arts Alliance and the members of the Educators’ Committee congratulate you, your family, and your school arts professionals,” said John J. Gallagher, Ed.D., and Chairperson for the Scholar Artist Committee in his letter to Melanie.
We welcome you to log onto www.newsday.com/scholarartists and see the full profile of South Huntington’s shining dance star.
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47 Selected to SCMEA All-County
The Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA) has announced their selections to the annual SCMEA All-County Music Festival to be held in March of 2016.“I would like to thank you, and your district's teachers, for nominating such accomplished students for all of the performing ensembles this year,” said Christopher Neske, SCMEA Vice President for Festivals in his letter to the district. “It is truly a wonderful feeling to know that there are such deserving and talented student musicians in Suffolk County.”
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to participate in the 2015-16 Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association All-County Music Festivals! They truly represent the fine program that South Huntington has to offer. A special thanks to South Huntington music teachers who painstakingly take the time to nominate their students.
School Ensemble Name Inst/Voice Part
Birchwood Band Shaelyn Scharpf Tuba/Sousaphone
Birchwood Chorus Daralyn Alicea Children's Voice
Birchwood Chorus Delaney Alicea Children's Voice
Birchwood Chorus Mary Balogun Children's Voice
Birchwood Chorus Sienna Guerrero Children's Voice
Birchwood Orchestra Mia Carrillo Argueta Violin
Maplewood Band Julia Allen Flute
Maplewood Chorus Jordan Bedalamenti Children's Voice
Maplewood Chorus Grace Edwards Children's Voice
Maplewood Chorus Harley Guarisco Children's Voice
Maplewood Chorus Anna Maria Maguire Children's Voice
Silas Wood Band Gabrielle Bausano Flute
Silas Wood Band Natalie Bausano Bb Clarinet
Silas Wood Band Kristy Chillemi Bb Clarinet
Silas Wood Band Martin Stone Mallets
Silas Wood Chorus Rebecca Beickert Children's Voice
Silas Wood Chorus Victoria Fiorelli Children's Voice
Silas Wood Orchestra Ryan Davis Violin
Stimson Band Christopher Arthur Baritone Sax
Stimson Band Jessica Castagna Bb Clarinet
Stimson Band Abby Dinstell Bb Clarinet
Stimson Band Dean Mirissis Snare Drum
Stimson Band Anna Noonan Bb Clarinet
Stimson Band Julia Ostermann Bb Clarinet
Stimson Band Emily Riha Bb Clarinet
Stimson Band Aarav Shah French Horn
Stimson Band Emma Touhy Bb Clarinet
Stimson Chorus Sara Crapanzano Alto
Stimson Chorus Erik Dye Baritone
Stimson Chorus Olivia Evola Soprano
Stimson Chorus Amanda Smuss Soprano
Stimson Orchestra Meghan Brady-Fuchsman Viola
Stimson Orchestra Joshua Muellers Trumpet/Cornet
Stimson Orchestra Eliot Yoon Cello
Walt Whitman Band Brenda Mendez Baritone/Euph
Walt Whitman Band Leila Perry Trumpet/Cornet
Walt Whitman Chorus Haley Rankel Alto
Walt Whitman Chorus Keara Shea Soprano
Walt Whitman Orchestra Jaycee Cardoso Violin
Walt Whitman Orchestra Maxwell Fisher Violin
Walt Whitman Orchestra Matthew Kaputa Trumpet/Cornet
Walt Whitman Orchestra Kentaro Matsushima Cello
Walt Whitman Orchestra Alyssa Morisco French Horn
Walt Whitman Orchestra Megan Neuman Bassoon
Walt Whitman Orchestra Michael Pinelli Violin
Walt Whitman Orchestra Kaitlyn Riha Flute
Walt Whitman Orchestra Gabrielle Safian Piccolo
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Maplewood Performance Connects
Mrs. Cuozzo and Ms. Patino’s class has started their Core Ready reading program by exploring drama and prose. An essential skill for fourth graders is the ability to create strong visual images. This was a unique and exciting opportunity to help students draw connections between reading and live performance. Students performed three holiday plays, The Gingerbread Boy, Saving Christmas by Deb Hanson, and A Bright Idea for the Holidays by Deb Hanson for their classmates and family members. Students practiced reading with fluency, identified the theme of each play, created the scenery, and made costumes/face masks. At the end, we closed out our holiday production by singing “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bell Rock” with Mrs. Melillo our music teacher.
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Birchwood Classroom is Google Friendly
“Since our students live in the digital age where computer devices are readily accessible, we wanted to establish a classroom environment that allowed students to utilize technology as a means to take ownership of their education,” said Ms. Patino, who dual teaches a 5th grade class with Mr. Denson. “We are looking to create an interactive, hands-on learning experience. Introducing Google Classroom is one way to utilize 21st Century technology for our students to create their own projects, work on class assignments and respond to a class discussion. There are even links to help study for upcoming exams.”
One of the sites the 5th graders were using is called Quizlet, a free study tool linked to Google Classroom that enables students to create flashcards, games, or quizzes to help them study. Quizlet also provides audio features where students can listen to proper pronunciation of words or phrases. Both Ms. Patino and Mr. Denson helicopter the room giving individualized and small group help and, when a student finishes an assignment with a high-enough score, they get to challenge their teachers to a game. “We’re able to monitor everything our students are doing on this site, both here and away from the school setting,” said Mr. Denson. “We see when they’re logged on, for how long, and what assignments they have completed. We can give them feedback as to how they’re doing and where to improve.”
The upside to using Google Classroom is that any type of learner, from grade-school to grad-school, can utilize programs like Quizlet as a way to collaborate and help each other in school. At Birchwood, Ms. Patino and Mr. Denson hope to continue to inspire their students to use technology to enhance their learning.
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Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest Winner
NY State Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci joined Optimum Community representatives at Walt Whitman High School to recognize Gabrielle Ramirez as the Third Prize winner of Optimum Community and Olympusat’s 8th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest. “Gabrielle’s essay was so beautiful, it’s exactly what we were looking for,” said Ms. Shawna Ryan, Optimum Community Producer. “Gaby took a figure who has outstanding characteristics and qualities and talks about why she was so inspired.”
Gaby’s essay titled: “If I Could Have Twenty Four Hours” speaks about how gender and heritage should no longer be limitations to success. “It is only right for me to cherish twenty-four hours with one of the most influential Latinas in the medical world: Dr. Antonia Novello,” said Gaby as she read here essay for the Optimum Television cameras. “She was not only the first woman, but also the first Hispanic, to serve as a U.S. Surgeon General.”"Gabrielle is an outstanding young lady. If her recent accomplishments are any indication, she will have a bright and successful future," Lupinacci said. "As a young philanthropist, Gabrielle has had a tremendous impact, making the South Huntington community proud in each of her academic, philanthropic and social accomplishments."
Congratulations Gabrielle Ramirez, you make South Huntington proud!
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Italian Christmas Cake Contest
Students from Ms. Bunnell's and Ms. Stefanelli's Italian classes enthusiastically participated in this year's Panettone di Natale contest. The Italian Christmas cakes were beautifully and creatively decorated representing one of the typical traditions during the holiday celebrations of the Italian culture!
This year's prizes were awarded to:
1st place – Stephanie Martin
2nd place – Kaitlyn Rina and Julie Iovino
3rd place – Daniel and Jack Anest
Thanks to all the students for all their hard work and effort!
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PawPrint Earns Gold
Great news just in from Paw Print editor Taylor Fox. The PawPrint was selected as a Gold Medalist recipient for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's (CSPA) annual critique!
CSPA is an international student press association, founded in 1925, whose goal is to unite student journalists and faculty advisers at schools and colleges through educational conferences, idea exchanges, textbooks, critiques and award programs.“Being that it's our first year up-and-running, we're incredibly proud of attaining this distinction so early on,” said Ms. Fox, a Whitman senior.
Congratulations to all of the Whitman contributors to their amazingly creative website. Check out the “Faculty Opens Up About BVS Victory” and the “Students React to BVS Win” videos….they’re both fantastic!
http://wwhspawprint.com
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Suffolk’s Fastest
Walt Whitman's 4x400 meter relay team, consisting from left to right: Jordyn Guerrero, Paul Follo, John Creeron, and Matt Havekotte, took 1st place on Saturday, December 26th, at the North Shore Invitational in a time of 3:30.11, currently the fastest time in Suffolk County.
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Wildcats Moving Forward, Ready for Gugliotta Tournament
It was a close game, with Connetquot taking an early 17-13 lead at the end of the first quarter. But once the Wildcats got going they out played and out scored their competitors for the next 2 quarters. “We tightened up our defense with the help of Matt Stockfeder and Spencer DeRosa, that gave us a lift in the 2nd quarter which helped us a lot,” said Varsity Head Coach Tom ‘Fitz’ Fitzpatrick. Senior Matt Kleet with 17 points led Whitman scoring. “Matt shot the ball really well, I’m really proud of him,” said Coach Fitz. “Matt was injured in the beginning of the year, so this was his second game back and he has scored double figures in both, so he’s really stepped up for us as our shooting guard.”
Korey Lee led the Wildcats other scoring group with 9 points, Willie Petro added 6, Dylan McNally added 5, Brandon Corbin with 4 points and Matt Stockfeder with 2. Off the bench Spencer DeRosa gave the Wildcats some defensive energy, and Brandon Corbin gave a good second half. The game ended with the Wildcats down by 4 points, 47-43.
With the 27th Annual Frank Gugliotta Memorial Boys Basketball Tournament set to begin Tuesday December 29th, Coach Fitz has laid down his team’s priorities. “We need to execute our offense better, knowing the plays and running them correctly and executing is going to be key as we move forward.”
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The community is invited to join us for the 27th Annual Frank Gugliotta Memorial Boys Basketball Tournament.
Sponsored by the Wildcat Booster Club and the Walt Whitman Athletic Department
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
4PM- Ward Melville vs Huntington
6PM- Whitman vs Jericho
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
4PM- Consolation Bracket
6PM- Finals
All Games at Whitman’s North Gym
Tickets: $4. Adults- $1 Students
Proceeds go to the Gugliotta Scholarship Fund.
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Huntington Youth Writes Contest Open for Entries
The Town of Huntington Youth Bureau And Project Excel presents
The 17th Annual HUNTINGTON YOUTH WRITES: A WRITING CONTEST
For students who attend school in the Town of Huntington GRADES 4 THROUGH 12
OVER $2,000 IN CASH PRIZES!
Winning Entries will be published. Cash Prizes in each grade level (Grade levels 4-5, 6-8, 9-12)
~POETRY ~ SHORT FICTION~ESSAY ~ Entries must be received by 5PM Friday, February 12, 2016
Entry forms available at the Town of Huntington Youth Bureau Room 200,Village Green Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743 631-271-5499 ~Entry forms also available as attached PDF files below.
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Shared Bonds
When the New York Islanders Defenseman Travis Hamonic lost his father to a heart attack, Travis was only 10 years old. Hamonic’s story and climb to the pinnacle of hockey is one that he readily shares with area youngsters who have lost a parent.
Ryan Triefeson, a sixth-grader at Silas Wood, tragically lost his father a few years ago. Ryan’s teacher at the time when he was at Maplewood, Daniel Campbell, had heard about Travis Hamonic’s ‘D-Partners’ program and contacted the Islanders about Ryan.
Since the 2012 season Hamonic has met with at least one kid that has lost a parent at a young age after every Islanders home game, taking them on a behind-the-scenes tour of the arena and locker room and speaking with them about his own experiences from losing a parent.
Recently, Ryan Triefeson had his game and spent some time with Travis Hamonic.
Travis Hamonic’s story was featured on ESPN 360 last year and you can see it at:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11915798
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Birchwood Rocks The House
Birchwood Intermediate School sent their students home for the holidays with their annual Band of Teachers Concert. Well, not technically all teachers, but the Birchwood family is a happy, welcoming bunch all the same. Leading the students in all of their holiday favorites, Birchwood teachers Ian Denson (Santa) and Steve Corbellini took to the crowds encouraging audience participation and they was not disappointed. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to the entire Birchwood Family.
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Suffolk’s Best Eye’s Moms Record
While it's still early in the season, Varsity Girls Track Coach Rufus Shepard has his Lady Wildcats off to a fast start. The team is lead by senior captain, Alexandra Greaves. Greaves is currently ranked number one in the county in the 55m Dash. She recently placed 4th in the 55m (7.2 sec.) at the Colgate Women's Games in Brooklyn. She has goals of making States and breaking the school record in the 55m., a record that is currently held by her mother Karen Bonefield.
Antointte Miller, a speedy sophomore is a rising star with lots of potential. She is currently ranked number 5 in the county in the 55m dash and recently placed 6th at The Colgate Games.
Middle distance is lead by returning senior Gabby Ramirez. Gabby holds the school record in the 600m and has goals of improving her time in both the 600m and 1000m.
Shelbi Wuss leads all distance runners. Shelbi has run the 1500m in 5:12 and the 3000m in 11:30. Shelbi got the opportunity to improve in both events on December 26th, when she competed at the Armory in NYC. Results to follow.
Sarah Haller leads all throwers in the Shot Put and the 1500m Racewalk. Sarah has goals of throwing 30'0".
Stay tuned as the season heats up and our Lady Wildcats make their mark in Winter Track.
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Maplewood Community and the HMFD Show True Holiday Spirit
Maplewood's Student Council Toy Drive was another big success. This year the school was able to donate many new toys to children in the community. Even in these tough economic times, Maplewood students and faculty pulled together to help make this toy drive a huge success. A special thank you to Ms. Hatton and Ms. Garafalo, Maplewood's Student Council Advisors, and to our Huntington Manor Fire Department and their holiday float. The Fire Department delivered the toys with the help of Santa and his friends late last week.
Thank You Maplewood school community for your generosity!
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