During the summer, the district offers many enrichment camps for students to keep their minds sharp. Tech Ed Camp is one such enrichment opportunity that to aims challenge, excite, and motivate students to engage in STEM concepts, and introduce creative design thinking and technological skills. Students engaged in a hands-on and minds-on experience, including projects that focus on computer integrated manufacturing, computer science, engineering design, and robotics automation.

During the camp that ran the week of July 8, campers from fourth grade through high school ages had had the opportunity to work on various projects, including using the CNC ShopBot router to create wooden signs and coding and controlling VEX robots.

“Sometimes these camps really set the stage for students to be motivated to engage with engineering and computer science throughout middle and high school,” said Northport teacher and camp advisor Tom Mauro. “They have fun while exploring paths to 21st century careers.”

Students intently worked on their projects all week, and some are already interested in pursuing a career in a STEM field in the future.

“It’s awesome that we have access to tools that a lot of other students don’t,” said sophomore Justin Marques, who has been participating in the tech camp since he was in fourth grade. “I gained a lot of experience from these camps and hope to maybe pursue an engineering career in the future.”

Students from Northport, Huntington and Southampton high schools, along with the hard-hit Tug Valley High School in Kermit, West Virginia, have been working together to address the opioid crisis through a unique exchange program. Northport students, who are a part of the Students for 60,000 Club, visited West Virginia earlier this year on a service trip, and were deeply affected by the magnitude of the crisis. Club advisors Darryl St. George, Karen Paquet and Patricia Ellner coordinated a “student exchange” in which the students from West Virginia came to visit Long Island to discuss realistic steps to solving the crisis.

During the week of July 7, the students met in a variety of forums to learn from each other and discuss ways to address and solve the crisis. Students met with Congressman Thomas Suozzi and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone in Huntington to engage in discussion and also visited Southampton High School to hear from local Southampton representatives. Students asked questions, shared personal experiences and offered their thoughts on curtailing opioid use. Ideas included creating more mental health programs in schools and providing a greater sense of purpose for students.

At the end of the week, students spent some time volunteering at the Northport VA.

"Seeing these students come together from all different walks of life was incredibly inspiring,” said Ms. Ellner, “and it was a reminder that our youth’s involvement in meaningful conversations with leaders, as well as their own peers, is a tremendous step towards resolving many of the serious issues that we face as Americans.”

On July 15, members of the Board of Education gathered for their annual reorganization meeting. During the meeting new trustees Larry Licopoli and Thomas Loughran, as well as re-elected trustee Allison Noonan, were sworn in by the Board Council. Each member will serve for three years on the Board.

The positions of Board president and vice president were voted upon, in which David Badanes and Allison Noonan were appointed, respectively.
Both were also sworn in by the Board counsel.

Additionally, both Superintendent of Schools Robert Banzer and district clerk Beth Nystrom took their annual oath of office, pledging to fulfil their duty in serving the district.

For the second consecutive year, the Northport HS Athletic Program has been named a New York State School of Distinction. In order to earn this honor, each varsity team must attain an overall grade point average of 90 or better. Congratulations Tigers!

The Northport High School Class of 2019 proudly entered the new high school field clad in blue caps and gowns on the sunny morning of June 29. Led by district administration, faculty, and Board members and the familiar melody of “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the high school band, students processed to their seats, smiling and waving as proud family members and loved ones looked on, excited for the day’s commencement exercises.

After principal Daniel Danbusky welcomed all in attendance, thanked the community for their support, and commended the seniors for their hard work and dedication to academic excellence, the Northport High School Choirs then performed a beautiful rendition “Fields of Gold” by Sting.

During her salutatory address, Katie Sierra took time to reflect on the value of graduation day as a crossroads between the past and the future. Katie urged her classmates to thank all the people that have helped them along their journey, and to always live in the present moment.

Before presenting the Class of 2019, Mr. Danbusky shared some words of wisdom with the graduates.

“You never know how one small act can influence those around you,” he told them. “You all have the opportunity to become the greatest generation in history—but it all starts with you.”

Following Mr. Danbusky’s address, Board of Education members presented the diplomas to the Class of 2019. Graduates were congratulated by Mr. Banzer and Mr. Danbusky as they exited the platform.

During his valedictory speech, Nathaniel Wang likened the aspect of gaining self-confidence, which is integral to being successful, to making a pancake for the first time—graduating from making a semi-round pancake to attempting an omelet, and messing up many omelets before making a halfway decent one.

“As you’ve gone through your high school career, this sort of baptism by fire, you may not have even realized the confidence you’ve amassed along the way as you’ve tackled new task after new task. Let this confidence push you to succeed—to do more, to take more risks, and to cook more ‘omelets.’” Nathaniel concluded his speech by quoting Henry David Thoreau, encouraging his classmates to “go confidently” in the direction of their dreams, and to live the life they’ve always imagined.

Class president Maxwell Aftel then led his fellow graduated in the tassel change to symbolize their completion of high school and tossed their caps high into the air, and with their loved ones looking on, proudly processed out as Northport High School Alumni.

As a celebration of the end of an era, Northport Middle School and East Northport Middle School commended their graduating eighth graders on June 24 and June 25. Both ceremonies were held in the packed NHS auditorium, where students will start their high school careers in the fall.

“I would like to thank the parents who shepherded these young individuals across this bridge called middle school,” Northport Middle School principal Dr. Timothy Hoss remarked. “They are one of the most talented student bodies I’ve ever encountered, and I’m confident they will do great things.”


During East Northport Middle School’s ceremony, Principal Pasquale DeStefano addressed the graduating class, advising them to challenge themselves to grow, and to do good regardless of what others are doing—even when it’s difficult.

“Don’t ever let failure defeat you,” he urged them, “but see it as an opportunity to build the strength that will carry you through the rest of your life.”

After numerous academic and community awards were presented to outstanding students, each member of the future Class of 2023 received a certificate of completion, crossing the threshold into a new and exciting season of life.

Following both recessionals, students enjoyed a reception with refreshments and treats to honor their accomplishments.

Congratulations, students!

Dickinson Avenue Principal Laurie Storch, Librarian Sharon Huffman, and Leadership Club students shared the Great Kindness Challenge on Spotlight LI Radio on Saturday, June 22. Click the links below to listen!

Part 1: https://soundcloud.com/jvcbroadcasting/spotlight-6-22-northport-1

Part 2: https://soundcloud.com/jvcbroadcasting/spotlight-6-22-northport-2

In a fun and challenging synthesis of math, science, and reading comprehension, third graders in Ms. Katie Moy’s class at Ocean Avenue worked together to save the endangered Golden Tree Frogs during a hands-on “Breakout Lesson”. This interactive lesson was acquired through BreakoutEdu—an educational organization that creates lessons that require students to use critical thinking, collaboration, and creative communicating to break open locked boxes.

Students worked together to solve a series of clues to open a series of locks ultimately resulting in saving the hypothetical endangered tree frogs and transporting them to a safe location.

Clues came with challenges including building a 3-D cage for the frogs out of clay and toothpicks and using a series of codes that would bring frog through a maze to reach a cricket as a lock combination.

Groups of students were the picture of concentration and teamwork, with looks of determination on each of their faces. When the first team completed all tasks and opened all the locks, students cheered and high fived each other.

“These lessons can either introduce or reinforce math, science, and reading skills, and the kids respond so positively to them,” said Curriculum Coordinator Amy Laverty. “They know there’s no prize for winning, just the satisfaction of using their brains and a job well done, and that alone motivates them.”

Pulaski Road student Abigail Ng was recently awarded the LISFA Summer School Music Program Scholarship. Abby, who participated in the LISFA orchestra earlier this year, was chosen as one of a handful of 5th–6th graders throughout Suffolk County to receive money to continue her study of the violin and fostering her love of music. Congratulations to Abby for winning this prestigious scholarship!

The Northport High School Powdered Wigs received 12 nominations and two winning awards at the HuntingTony Ceremony for their spring production of “Into the Woods.” At the ceremony on June 3rd, the entire production won the Best Costumes award, and student-actress Meaghan Maher received Best Supporting Actress.

Original nominations/nominees included : Best Tech Crew, Best Technical Production, Best Musical, Best Scenery, Best Costumes, Best Orchestra Pit, Best Supporting Actress - Meaghan Maher and Jenna Goz, Best Lead Actress - Bella Donneruno, Best Male Vocalist - David Goz, Best Female Vocalist - Meaghan Maher, Best Featured Actor - Owen Labruna.

Congratulations students!

Three outstandingly community-minded students from Northport High School were recently recognized by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program for their service of the surrounding community. This youth-recognition program chooses recipients solely on volunteer and community service, and is the largest in the country. Sophomore sisters Emily and Kaitlyn Berger and senior Charlotte Bender were recognized by the program as local honorees and were congratulated by principal Daniel Danbusky on June 13.

For many years, Emily and Kaitlyn have served the community with their family by preparing food and gift bags for families in need by and donating them to local food pantries, the Northport VA, and section eight housing. Both of them serve almost every weekend, and enjoy filling bags and writing encouraging notes to people in need.

“It truly feels so much better to give than to receive,” said Emily.

Graduating senior Charlotte Bender was recognized for her commitment to volunteering in the Commack ambulance core, in which she assists local EMTs and paramedics. Charlotte volunteers at least once a week for a shift up to seven hours, and has earned her NYS first Responder card. Additionally, Charlotte has helped run an annual toy drive at the high school.

Both Kaitlyn Berger and Charlotte Bender were also recognized for having gone above and beyond their community service requirement, making them recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Congratulations students!

Fourth graders from Bellerose Avenue Elementary recently had the opportunity to propose a solution to a problem the school is facing to the district Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds on June 12.

During an in-class lesson on erosion, fourth grade teacher Sue Moulton took her students outside to show them a real example of erosion—the front of the school’s crumbling hill. Ms. Moulton encouraged students to observe the problem and come up with a solution based on facts they had learned. This problem was especially relevant to the students because some of their peers had dubbed it a safety hazard. Once together in like-minded groups, many spent their recess periods working on a solution.

Once finished, students presented their projects to Principal Lori Beekman, who, impressed by their passion for the issue, organized a visit from the district Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, Mr. John Lackner.

On June 12, Mr. Lackner visited the classroom and thanked them for their concern for the well-being of their school, peers and environment. He then traveled to each cluster of students to hear their proposal.

“So: you’ve got a problem—what’s the solution?” he asked.

Each group took a different approach to the problem. Some suggested installing a drain to catch water before it could trickle down and erode the hill, others suggested that allowing for more light to reach the hill and help vegetation grow might solve the issue. Mr. Lackner was impressed by each group, and said he would thoughtfully consider each one.

“I feel proud that I was able to present my solution to an important person like Mr. Lackner,” said Sophie, a fourth grader in Ms. Moulton’s class. “I feel like I actually can make a change.”

Congratulations to the following NHS musical groups for winning outstanding awards during the month of June:

The NHS Jazz Choir and the Treble Choir received “Gold with Distinction” medals at the NYSSMA Major Organization Festival on June 3. This is a first for NHS, and the highest score an ensemble can receive for the most difficult level.

Additionally, NHS Orchestra students from both String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Ms. Margaret Janke, earned a superior rating and won “First Place with Distinction” at the Music in the Parks Festival in Massachusetts last Friday.

Congratulations to all of our outstanding student musicians on these incredible accomplishments!

The sixth-graders of NMS were visited by an inspirational pair—John Cronin, of John's Crazy Socks, and his father Mark Cronin—on June 10. John, a young man with Down syndrome, and his father Mark created and run a successful online sock business that all started with desire to inspire others and to spread happiness.

The father and son duo shared their inspirational story with the students, recounting the first stages of their business ideas, the desire to create something that would bring others happiness, and obstacles they faced.

“Not every idea is going to be a good one, so when something fails, you can’t just throw your hands up and quit,” said Mark. “We had to go through a lot of ups and downs to get to where we are today, but we wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

The business itself is currently the largest sock store in the world with 2,300 different styles to choose from. John’s Crazy Socks also has many designs that raise awareness and support for disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism. Additionally, they have recently begun selling greeting cards.

John’s Crazy Socks holds tightly to their mission—spreading happiness and demonstrating what people with intellectual disabilities can do. In the spirit of this mission, more than half of the business’ employees have different disabilities, and five percent of all earnings are donated to the Special Olympics. John and his father also travel the country encouraging others and raising awareness.

“We want to show the world what is possible!” John told the students, raising his fist into the air.

At the culmination of the event, students asked John questions regarding his inspiration, what he likes most about creating socks, and more. Some students even showed off some of their own John’s Crazy Socks, and presented him with a gift—a Northport Middle School hat.

“Having John and his father visit was such an inspiration,” said sixth-grade teacher Jeannette Conroy-Teri. “Life-stories like John’s reinforce empathy, acceptance, and perseverance in our students, and is so important for their development as kind, empathetic human beings.”

Congratulations to two senior track and field stars for their spectacular performances at the NYS Track and Field Championships:

Pentathlete Sydnie Rhome placed 3rd earning All-State honors for the third consecutive year.

Sean Ryan was crowned New York State and New York Federation State Champion in the mile with a new personal best of 4 minutes and 10 seconds.

Thank you to all track and field coaches for their hard work and dedication throughout this season: boys head coach Jason Strom and assistant William Miller and our girls staff, head coach Beth Zebuth and Greg Cantwell along with our throwing coach Nick Gueits.

Go Tigers!

Third graders in Ms. Neems’ and Ms. Barnes’ class at Dickinson Avenue recently became Amazon explorers and took an in-depth look at the wonders of the world’s rainforest. After learning about the unique ecosystem and how it is shrinking by the year, students were each assigned a unique species of animal to research. After sufficient research, students created a replica of their animal in its natural habitat and presented, museum-style, to teachers, classmates, and visiting parents. Animals presented included the poison dart frog, the spectacled bear, the amazon dolphin, and many more.

Additionally, various classes visited to view and listen to all of the students demonstrate a firm understanding of their animal based on facts they pulled from their research to present. Visiting students were delighted by the life-like appearance the projects and all the fun facts they learned.

“50% of the world’s animals live in the rainforest, and only 7% of the world is rainforest,” said student Katelyn Voorhees. “We may never get to see any of these animals in person, but we got to learn all about them, the importance of their role in the ecosystem, and why we should protect what’s left of the rainforest.”

Congratulations to the varsity girls lacrosse team for capturing the New York State Class A Title by defeating Baldwinsville HS 10-8. The Tigers finished the season with a record of 21-1.

Special thank you to our coaching staff led by Carol Rainson-Rose and assistant Alton Rose along with volunteer assistants Alexis Curcio and Courtney Fortunato.

Go Tigers!

At the district’s last Board meeting of the 2018-19 school year, two outstanding students were recognized: Art Student of the Month Shannon Wines and Music Student of the Month Peter Mainetti. Dr. Izzet Mergen addressed the Board to introduce both the Art Student of the Month, Shannon Wines, and Music Student of the Month, Peter Mainetti.

Shannon was commended by Dr. Izzet Mergen and art teachers throughout her career for having a tremendous talent and work ethic and an incredibly “diverse AP portfolio rendered with stunning visual imagery, but the pieces also deliver her vision into creative and thought-provoking narratives.” Shannon is a recipient of a Scholar Artist Award of Merit at LIU Post, nine Scholastic key awards this year alone, and received a presidential scholarship from Marist College, which she will be attending in the fall for Fashion Design.

Peter Mainetti, an extremely dedicated pianist, violinist, and composer, has participated in nearly all things musical that Northport High School has to offer and succeeded extraordinarily. “Peter Mainetti is singularly the finest musician I have ever had in my music classroom in my 28 years as an educator,” said music teacher Dr. Frank Doyle. Peter has been recognized at local, statewide, and national levels for his compositional work, including a recipient of the Arlene Diamond Award from the Long Island Composers’ Alliance, a NAfME All-National composer, and many more.

Additionally, over 100 students who’ve received a myriad of honors in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math were recognized by the Board, and commended by corresponding department chairs for their extraordinary dedication to their academic career. Examples awards students were recognized for include winning 1st place in the Brookhaven National Lab Science Fair, receiving the Best in Show award at the LI Media Arts Show, and being named a Rensselaer Medal recipient.

For a full list of recognized students, view the attachment below.

Congratulations students!

A group of fourth and fifth graders from Bellerose, Dickinson, and Ocean Avenue competed last week in the 12thAnnual Suffolk County Elementary Math Tournament, hosted by the Suffolk County Math Teachers Association at SUNY Stony Brook. Teams of five participated in the team competition and students competed both individually and alongside students from other districts. Awards were given to the top 10 individual scorers in each division.

Congratulations to Ocean Avenue student Gavin Kelly for being named a 2nd place winner and Bellerose Avenue student Nico Escobar for being named an 8th place winner!

Participants from Bellerose Avenue School: Shamus Burke, Nicolas Escobar (8th place), Mirabelle Korshin, Olivia Lusardi, Phoebe Meyer, Dylan Naughton, JT Nazaretian, Pixie Ryan, Lily Trudwig, Nathan Vitale

Participants from Dickinson Avenue School: Aidan Anastasi, Andrew Beitchman, Rielle Brummel, Ryan D'Angelo, Isabel Kluberdanz, Avery McArdle, Hannah McNally, Daniel Miller, Owen Murnane, Abigail Uhrlass

Participants from Ocean Avenue School: Ben Abbas, Ashley Callahan, Cael Flanagan, Marleigh Grodinsky, Gavin Kelly (2nd place), Gabriel Ko, Oliver Ko, Ella Mason, Gavin McCloskey, Alex Zhomir.

Great job to all involved!

NHS' state-of-the-art greenhouse, which was designed and constructed last summer as part of the district’s Bond Referendum, is officially up and running, and ready for the upcoming school year. The structure includes automated ridge ventilation, gas heating and humidification, and three-stage evaporative cooling to support 600 square feet of indoor growing space. Construction was completed this winter, and the botanical research and life science lab that was piloted this past spring was a huge success.

“Learning to formulate and carry out inquiry based scientific investigations has become increasingly important for students,” said District Chairperson of Science, Technology & Engineering Education David Storch. “With hands-on opportunities to learn about topics like matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, stability and biodiversity, and interdependent relationships in ecosystems, students gain a deeper understanding of natural systems and can actively care for them.”

In the first few months of use, the greenhouse was quickly bursting with experimentation and research. A few projects included students observing and testing nitrogen run-off, learning “square foot gardening” techniques, and growing geraniums from seed to bloom. Students were very proud of their work, and according to Greenhouse Coordinator Janet Byler, were constantly asking to go back out into structure.

“Having this greenhouse not only shows that we value giving our students first-hand experience,” said Ms. Byler, “but that we, as a community, value our local environment and want focus on solving real world problems and phenomena!”

Members of the high school science department hope to integrate use of the greenhouse into the curriculum this upcoming year and in years to come, further aligning the district with the newly adopted NYS Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS).

“We hope for it to become a focal point where kids can gather and see science in action, and not just from a textbook,” said Ms. Byler.

The New York State Class A Girls Lacrosse Class A Semi Final games between Northport HS and Pittsford will be broadcast on the NFHS Network at 10:45am on nfhsnetwork.com. You can also download the NFHS Network app. Additionally, the game will also be broadcasted on June 8

NHS junior Isabella DeBrino presented a research project at the first ever Neurological Surgery P.C. Health Science Competition (NSPC HSC) on May 30. This program is sponsored by the Center for Science Teaching & Learning (CSTL), and is the first and only Health Science Competition in the United States.

Isabella conducted her research study this past summer at The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins University which was designed to investigate the interactions between two types of cells derived from patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Her research presentation is entitled, Effect of C9orf72 GGGGCC Hexanucleotide Repeat Expansion on the Survival of hiPSC Derived Neurons.

Way to go, Isabella!

Congratulations to the group of NHS seniors that recently completed the intensive International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, which only approximately 80,000 graduates world-wide complete each year!

“The amount of work and dedication required to be successful in this program is unlike that of any other high school program,” said program coordinator Wayne Jensen, “and each student rose to the occasion—becoming remarkable thinkers who actively seek opportunities for independent learning and using their skills to accomplish the incredible.”

Diploma Class of 2019:
Aftel, Maxwell
Ayer, Billion
Bertos, Nicholas
Carr, Sarah
Caulfield, Liam
Cetta, Mackenzie
Corbeaux, Julian
Cormier, Leo
Denfeld, Anna
Donohue, Benjamin
Driesen, Samuel
Finnegan, Quinlan
Flem, Sydney
Friedman, Julia
Grillo IV, William
Hubbard, Eleanor
Izraztsov, Anastasia
Kestler-DeWan, Madeleine
Knopp, Reese
Lanzilotta, Mario
Lavin, Thomas
Leggiere, Portia
LeHenaff, Juliette
Lyle, Jessica
Lynn, Mollie
MacLeod, Brian
Meadows, Tyler
Meyer, Lauren
O'Beirne, Grace
Oliviero, Victoria
Rivera, Laura
Scalamandre, Gianna
Schilling, Catherine
Sierra, Katie
Testa, Drake
Unser, Anna Catherine
Weaver, Kieran
Yeomans, Isabel

On May 24th, sixth grade students Isabella Bica, Kailey Ciszek and Samantha Yolango from Northport Middle school, and Anjolina Buttacoli, Lily Eagan and Kate Karp from East Northport Middle School, attended the Project Citizen Showcase at the New York City Bar Association in Manhattan.

For this project, which the students completed in their Investigate classes, the students first identified an issue of public policy in their community which concerned them. They then researched their chosen problem, interviewing community members who assisted them in learning more about the issue. Additionally, the students worked to identify potential solutions by way of letter writing, emails, and phone calls. All sixth grade Investigate students had the opportunity to share their presentations at Touro Law School to a panel of civic minded judges.

After successfully presenting their projects “Ban Cat Declawing in New York” and “School Crossing Guards” at Touro Law Center among six other projects,  these two groups of students were selected as having done exemplary work and were encouraged by NHS law teacher Mr. Scott to continue on to the Project Citizen Showcase.

The Project Citizen Showcase was coordinated by Debra Lesser, the executive director of the Justice Resource Center, an organization established in 1991 to develop, implement, and evaluate law-related education projects which impact positively on the school age population and enable students to learn about the functions of government, understand their roles and responsibilities as citizens, and develop a heightened respect for the law.

At the Showcase, students ranged from elementary to high school age. As their parents and Investigate teachers, Mrs. Bertos and Ms. Furstein looked on, each group had the opportunity to present their hard work to a panel of expert judges, and answer questions about their topic. The judges were impressed with the students’ hard work and in-depth knowledge of their chosen issues.

Students and teachers then gathered for the keynote speaker, Columbia law lecturer, Christopher Riano. Mr. Riano asked the audience, “Why do we do this?”

When called upon, Lily Egan replied, “Because it’s our community. It’s the place that we live. We want it to be the best that it can be for future generations!” Mr. Riano applauded her answer.

At the end of the showcase, Isabella, Kailey and Samantha received the “Best Designed PowerPoint” for their project. Students were excited and proud to receive their plaque to enthusiastic applause.

Congratulations to both groups of students for a job well done! 

On May 24, students learned vital life-saving information during Northport High School’s CPR-AED Awareness Day. Volunteers, composed of sports medicine, IB students, and representatives from the Northport Fire Department’s Smokeaters, set up stations in the commons to inform their peers the action necessary in an emergency.

Students learned by demonstration how to use an AED machine, how to perform CPR with their hands, and tips regarding how to be prepared in an emergency. In addition, students added painted handprints to a banner hanging in the commons that read “My hands can save a life, can yours?” 

Thanks to the environmentally conscious teachers at Ocean, select classrooms throughout the building have the opportunity to raise small flock of baby Bobwhite Quails in partnership with the Seatuck Environmental Association. When these baby quail have grown, they will be released into the wild in order to combat the population’s sharp decline.

Since the quails’ entrance into the world through their shells, classrooms been learning everything there is to know about them, as well getting to care for and interact with them.

“This isn’t just a cute project we’re doing,” said first-grade teacher Margaret Anderson. “Along with teaching students about the native species of long island, we’re teaching them concepts like biomimicry—how things that we create mimic things in nature, like flippers used to scuba-dive mimic the webbed feet of a duck—and the difference between wild animals and domestic ones. They’re absorbing so much from having the quails here.”
 
In addition to partnering with the Seatuck Environmental Association, teachers have taken on this project as an inspired result of completing the Greentree Foundation’s Ecology Workshop—a summer program that seeks to provide Long Island teachers with knowledge and techniques to better teach students about the natural world.

“There’s so many benefits of bringing nature into the classroom, and vice versa,” said third grade teacher Katarina Moy, “and this project in particular is teaching them that they can make a difference in the world around them—no matter how small.” 

Congratulations to the girls varsity lacrosse team for defeating Ward Melville HS 13-7, which advances them to the Suffolk County Class A Finals. The team will be playing Middle County HS on Thursday May 30, 4 pm at SUNY Farmingdale.

Congrats to all of our student-athletes and to our coaches, Head Coach Carol Rainson-Rose, Assistant Al Rose, and volunteer coaches Alexis Curcio and Courtney Fortunato. Let’s go Tigers!

Kindergarten and fifth-grade “buddies” came together at Fifth Avenue to send letters to local heroes in honor of Memorial Day. In pairs, each kindergartener from Ms. Christine Shaw’s class drew a picture, and each fifth-grader from Ms. Kathy Amundsen’s class crafted a letter to send to a veteran at the Northport VA Center to thank them for their service.