http://www.threevillagecsd.org Copyright 2010 Syntax Communications After hearing about the tragedy in Haiti, Nassakeag Elementary School librarian Debrah Bogenhagen and library secretary Judy Gavin worked to create an activity that would not only help to raise funds for the nation in need but also engaged students in a meaningful learning activity. The project, which they called Helping Hands for Haiti Read-A-Thon, has been successfully implemented in all five of the Three Village Central School District’s elementary schools. For their participation in the program, the students were asked to seek monetary donations from their friends and family as a reward for the books that they read. To date, the students have raised $14,479, which will be divided between Action Against Hunger and Doctors Without Borders. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=689 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT R.C. Murphy Junior High School’s Student Government donated the proceeds of their Valentine’s Day rose sale to UNICEF, one of the organizations working to help rebuild Haiti after the recent earthquake. The students purchased the artificial roses during their lunch periods, which were delivered to the intended recipients just in time for Valentine’s Day. As a result of the sale, the students raised more than $1,000 for UNICEF. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=690 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Students at R.C. Murphy Junior High School in the Three Village Central School District have learned that life’s obstacles, big or small, do not define, nor should they limit a person from participating in activities that they enjoy. In conjunction with the school’s desire to promote disability awareness, this winter students learned how their choices can change their life in an instant when two inspiring speakers visited the school. Brooke Ellison, a former R.C. Murphy Junior High School student and highly decorated individual, spoke with the school’s seventh graders about her life as a quadriplegic and the obstacles she has been faced with. On Brooke’s first day of seventh grade at R.C. Murphy, a car struck her while she walked home from school, an accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down. “It is always so nice to come back here and visit Murphy,” stated Brooke, who addressed the students with her mother, Jean, by her side. “I believe that we all have a responsibility to share what we’ve learned with others…there will always be challenges in your life, but as long as you have a true understanding of who you are deep down, you will be okay.” Jason Soricelli, a man bound to his wheelchair after a dirt bike accident, spoke with the school’s students during their gym classes and demonstrated that, even though he needs the assistance of the chair to get around, it has not stopped him from maintaining an athletic lifestyle. After speaking with the classes, Jason invited each of the students to join him in playing a game of wheelchair basketball – a sport Jason has become a professional in. Students, and even a few teachers, enjoyed learning the rules of the game and testing their skills at the sport. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=691 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Gelinas Students Participate in National Geographic Bee Putting their geography knowledge to the test, this winter P.J. Gelinas Junior High School students once again participated in the nationwide geography contest sponsored by the National Geographic Society and organized at Gelinas by social studies teacher Lou Laird. The building’s seventh and eighth-grade students entered the contest when they took the program’s written exam during their social studies classes. As a result of their submissions, approximately 10 students were announced as the school’s finalists and competed in the second round of the competition at the school in late January. During the contest, the students were challenged to answer both oral and written questions, centered on their own innate knowledge of geography, and were tasked with the challenge of interpreting a map. Providing a challenging experience for all participants, the competition came down to a nail-biting victory. Congratulations to eighth grader Jonathan Finke who placed first in this year’s contest and to seventh grader Max Carrion, who was presented with the second-place trophy. With the school’s first-place win, Jonathan is now eligible to take the qualifying test for the NY State round and will be notified in March if he is one of the 100 students chosen to compete at the state level. Winners of the state round will take part in the national competition in Washington D.C. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=650 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT P.J. Gelinas and R.C. Murphy Junior High Schools jazz band students recently participated in the schools’ Fourth Annual Jazz Nite, which was held in early February and conducted by band teachers Mark Portugal and Todd Schievelbein. During the event, the students had the opportunity to participate in small group clinics alongside professional musicians highly proficient on their instruments. Following the one-hour workshops, the students listed to the “Black Tie Affair Orchestra”, under the direction of Ward Melville High School music teacher Thomas Manuel, and then joined the professional mentors on stage to perform three songs learned during the clinic sessions. This annual event was created in order for the students to experience the jazz idiom in a non-competitive environment, while providing an atmosphere of concentrated efforts on jazz performance. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=651 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT R.C. Murphy Junior High School’s Global Language Honor Society organized a garage sale to help raise funds for disaster relief efforts in Haiti. The building’s staff and students donated hundreds of items, including home goods, decorations, and clothing to the sale, which was held at the beginning of February in the Murphy Cafeteria. As a result of the event, the school raised $900, all of which was donated to Action Against Hunger (www.actionagainsthunger.org). The group is pictured with their advisors Emiliano Geoninatti and Kerri Golini. Ms. Golini is also the building’s Global Languages Department Chairperson. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=652 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT P.J. Gelinas Junior High School’s Student Government rallied their peers together to help out the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, and through the generosity of the building’s students and staff members, the organization collected more than $885 during the one week drive at lunchtime. All donations made were donated to the American Red Cross. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=653 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School sophomore Adam Gittin is receiving some help from sixth graders from Jeanine Villari’s class at Setauket Elementary School and P.J. Gelinas Junior High School’s National Art Honor Society members as he works to achieve the highest honor among the Boy Scouts of America; Eagle Scout status. In order to achieve this title, Adam must meet a number of requirements, including completing a multilayer community service project aimed at bettering his community. For his project, Adam is working to restore the nesting colonies of least terns to West Meadow Beach, which is part of one of the largest coastal wetland ecosystems on the North Shore of Long Island. Helping him accomplish this task, the Setauket and Gelinas students have volunteered to paint decoys shaped and colored to look like actual terns. The completed decoys, along with a soundtrack of the birds’ mating calls, will be placed on a cleared section of land on the beach in late March to early April. "The terns have not nested on West Meadow Beach in some time…(and as they) are considered threatened in New York State, it is our goal to help the birds find adequate nesting grounds to repopulate," stated Adam, who has a strong passion for environmental issues. "The Gelinas and Setauket students have been a phenomenal help. Painting the least tern decoys gives the students an opportunity to become involved in the community, a fundamental aspect of what the Eagle Scout project is all about.I believe it is very important for students to be active in the community and to use their talents, in this case art, to benefit the environment." In addition to his fellow Three Village students, Adam is also working closely with the Director of Environmental Protection for the Town of Brookhaven, a Regional Bird Biologist from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, and a representative from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Special thanks are extended to the Avalon Park and Preserve, who, through a Kids and Nature Grant, provided the funds to purchase the decoys. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=654 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Are you a bucket filler or a bucket dipper was a question heard around Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District following a recent character education assembly program. The event, which was based on Carol McCloud’s popular children’s book “Have You Filled Your Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids,” taught students that bucket fillers are those who share kind words or perform kind deeds as opposed to those that make mean comments or show disrespect. Prior to the assembly, each teacher received a copy of the book and are now working to incorporate the story’s lessons into their classrooms. To help the students further understand how to better themselves as bucket fillers, the Bucket Ladies, Peggy and Brooke Johncox, conducted several grade-level assemblies and an after-school teacher workshop for the faculty. At the conclusion of the assemblies, the Bucket Ladies certified the elementary building as an official Bucket-Filling School. At the faculty workshop, the presenters expressed her desire to help make the world a bucket-filling place and spoke with the teachers about ways in which to help guide the students in doing so. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=631 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Photo Caption: As a result of their outstanding athletic abilities and dedication to their sport, three Ward Melville High School seniors have been named to Newsday’s All-Long Island Team for their respective sports. Congratulations to Georgia Holland (Field Hockey), Noelle Morrison (Girls Volleyball), and Quinn Raseman (Boys Cross-Country). In addition to these three rising star athletes, Ward Melville Girls Swimming Coach Chris Gordon was selected as this year’s All-Long Island Coach of the Year. Pictured here is Quinn, Georgia, Noelle, and Interim Executive Director for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, & Athletics Erin Blaney. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=619 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School sophomore Rocco Morra was named a Semifinalist in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) District Leadership Conference held at Molloy College. Rocco competed against students from 16 other high school FBLA chapters in the area of Impromptu Speaking. During the event, Rocco delivered a speech on how he would change the world, identifying how one’s character could lead to accomplishing that mission. As a Semifinalist, Rocco will now compete in the FBLA State Leadership Conference to be held in Rochester, NY this April. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=620 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT As an extension of their studies on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., second-grade students in Kim Rosner and Kim Lindner’s class at Nassakeag Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District took to the school’s stage to perform a play about the famous man for their peers and parents. Through a variety of songs and skits, the students took the audience through the life of Dr. King, Jr. starting with his early childhood and ending with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C. The performance was adapted from a play by Bobbi Katz. In the true spirit of what Dr. King, Jr. strived to achieve, the students donated the proceeds from their evening performance to help the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. More than $397 was raised as a result of the play, all of which was given to the school’s fundraiser Helping Hands for Haiti, which is being coordinated by school librarian Debrah Bogenhagen and library secretary Judy Gavin. To date, the school’s students have raised more than $3,200 for Haiti relief by seeking donations for time spent reading for pleasure. The sum of Nassakeag’s donations will be divided between Action Against Hunger and Doctors without Borders. In addition to the monetary donations made by the school, Jon Stecker’s sixth-grade class coordinated a clothing drive for the people of Haiti. Thanks to the generosity of the school’s students, faculty, and family members, Mr. Stecker’s class collected and sorted more than 50 boxes of clothing. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=621 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Throughout their educational career in the Three Village School District, students are afforded a wide range of chances to learn about the opportunities that will be available to them post-graduation. This January, Ward Melville High School’s guidance department coordinated two programs geared towards this very mission. More than 60 Ward Melville Class of 2009 alumni returned to their alma mater to participate in the building’s annual Alumni Day. During the event, the returning graduates engaged in a candid question-answer session with members of the current Ward Melville senior class. The past students focused on pressing issues facing college freshmen and spoke about their experiences during their first semester. The panelists included students attending schools both locally and throughout the United States, including several of the SUNY schools, Harvard University, Suffolk County Community College, American University, St. Joseph’s College, Yale University, and Fordham University. During a Parent College Night, which was combined with the school’s traditional Financial Aid Night, parents of juniors and seniors gathered in the school’s auditorium to learn how best to begin planning for their child’s post-secondary education. During the event, Peter Van Buskirk, a former dean of admissions, author, and a terrific speaker on college admissions, addressed the audience and shared his expertise on the college application process and the best ways to secure financial aid. In addition to these two January programs, this year the guidance department once again partnered with several colleges to offer an on-site Admissions Program for members of the Class of 2010. During the event, college admissions staff visited with seniors to conduct personal interviews, evaluate their applications, and ultimately render a decision for acceptance. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=606 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School in the Three Village School District is proud to announce that 14 seniors, the highest number at one time in recent history, signed Letters of Intent with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to play on athletic teams at some of the top institutions of higher education. “The amount of time and effort that these students put into not only their sport, but also their academics, is extremely commendable,” stated Interim Director of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics Erin Blaney. “This commitment is a result of the students work, along with the support they received over the years from their parents and coaches. I am so proud of all of their accomplishments, both on and off the field, and know that they will make Ward Melville and Three Village proud next year.” The District extends its congratulations and best wishes to the following student-athletes: Joseph Bellavia – Florida Southern (Boys Lacrosse) Kaitlyn Caballeira – Fordham University (Girls Soccer) William Casey – Stony Brook University (Boys Soccer) Albert DeStefano – West Point Prep (Boys Lacrosse) Nicholas Giampaolo – Bryant College (Boys Lacrosse) Georgia Holland – Yale University (Field Hockey) Richard Hurley – Siena College (Boys Lacrosse) Matthew Kunkel – Duke University (Boys Lacrosse) Kaitlyn Meade – Hartford University (Softball) Kelly Naslonski – Virginia Tech (Girls Lacrosse) James Ryan – Colgate University (Boys Lacrosse) Brian Slevin – University of Vermont (Boys Lacrosse) Jennifer Walsh – University of Cincinnati (Girls Lacrosse) Jonathan Wolcott – Belmont Abbey (Boys Lacrosse) http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=607 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Last school year, the Three Village Central School District piloted a new handwriting program for students in kindergarten and first grade. As a result of the success of the pilot program, the District began using the Writing-Right with Professor Pendleton Pencil program in all five elementary schools this September. The students and staff have adapted to the new curricula seamlessly and use the program’s instructional tools daily. As a special treat, the program’s founder, occupational therapist Lori Licker, and Professor Pendleton (a 6-foot animated character featured throughout the pages of the workbook) recently visited the kindergarten and first-grade classes at Minnesauke Elementary School to conduct a small workshop on the handwriting program. During the assembly, the students demonstrated several of the Writing-Right lessons they have learned and enjoyed singing along with some of the interactive songs that are associated with the program. As stated on Ms. Licker’s website, Writing-Right with Professor Pendleton Pencil is a complete handwriting program which teaches proper grasp of the pencil and correct body position in the chair at a table or desk, and provides basic finger warm-up exercises suitable for most children. In addition, the book teaches pre-writing concepts (i.e., types of lines, directionality concepts, right/left recognition and an introduction to top, middle and bottom lines), proper letter and number formation, and where to place the letters and numbers on the paper. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=608 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Just in time for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, students throughout the Three Village Central School District spent time discussing the importance of this legendary man and engaging in a variety of activities as they celebrated a districtwide Diversity Day. With prepared speeches in hand, thirteen P.J. Gelinas Junior High School seventh-grade students took to the school’s stage to participate in the building’s annual “I Have A Dream…” Oratory Contest. In preparation for the event, the students worked with program coordinator Louis Laird and teacher Doug Elliot to draft messages fashioned after Dr. King, Jr.’s famous speech. The students’ speeches touched upon their personal goals, such as becoming a professional athlete, to those that would reach the masses, including finding a cure for cancer and strokes, to developing a national program geared towards preparing students for college. After each student delivered their compelling speeches, this year’s judges, Richard Romero, April Hatcher, and Andrew Pelosi, scored the students based on their delivery, organization, content, appearance, and poise. Congratulations to Caite Bucco, Joseph Barbieri, and Emily LaRosa, who placed first, second, and third place, respectively, in the contest. Additionally, Gelinas’ Junior Art Honor Society members created a mural in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Nineteen students ranging from grades seven through nine worked on the project both after-school and independently to create a collaborative piece of artwork that was unveiled to the school on Diversity Day. Each student was given his or her own square to complete and selected a color and medium to work in, including pencil, paint, collage, charcoal, and pastel. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=609 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School in the Three Village Central School District once again dominated over the competition from 44 high schools in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and four overseas schools during this year’s Intel Science Talent Search Competition. On Wednesday, January 13th, seven of the school’s talented student-research students enrolled in the school InSTAR program were named 2010 Intel Semifinalists. With seven, Ward Melville was noted to have the most Intel Semifinalists on Long Island. In recognition of their outstanding research projects, each student was presented with $1,000 and Ward Melville received $7,000 ($1,000 per Semifinalist) to be applied toward furthering the District’s science, math, and engineering program. From the group of 300 Semifinalists, 40 Finalists will be chosen to attend the Intel Science Talent Institute in Washington, D.C. from March 11–16, 2010. During their trip to Washington, these Finalists will participate in a final judging process and share in $630,000 in awards. The 40 Finalists will be announced on January 27, 2010. The District congratulates the following students and wishes them well on the next level of the competition: Yuval Yaacov Calev Project: Language Perception, Production, and Memory: A Comparison of Older and Younger Adults Conor Bodkin Diviney Project: The Synthesis of Compounds as Inhibitors of the Menaquinone Biosynthetic Pathway in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ruoyi Jiang Project: Targeting Loop Dynamics in BI/BIII Isotype Tubulin: The Application of in silico Techniques in Combating Chemotherapy Drug Resistance Andrew Li Project: An Estimate of the Viscosity of the Quark-Gluon Plasma via Anisotropic Flow Measured in Au + Au Collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider Pooja Mysore Project: Effects of Algorithmically Derived Calcitonin Receptor Peptide on the Formation of Bone Matrix Rashmi Rao Project: Pattern Classification of fMRI Data for Understanding Brain Activity in Drug Users Nimali Ayanthi Weerasooriva Project: Inhibition of Fatty Acid Biosynthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Towards a Novel Tuberculosis Chemotherapeutic http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=563 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT In schools throughout the Three Village Central School District, students, faculty members, and administrators took time out during this holiday season to spread some holiday cheer to those less-fortunate members of the community. The student council members from Arrowhead and Minnesauke Elementary School teamed up with the R.C. Murphy Junior High School student council to stuff a school bus with as many holiday toys as possible for the Gerald Ryan Outreach Center in Wyandanch. The three schools collected hundreds of toys, both gently used and new, and delivered them to the center just before the Christmas holiday. Nassakeag Elementary School’s student council coordinated a collection drive during the holiday season. Each class donated funds, which were used by the class representative to purchase a new toy for a local child in need. The council members wrapped the donations after school and made sure they were delivered in time for the holiday. For their community service project, the sixth graders in Gina Castellano’s class at Setauket Elementary School coordinated a schoolwide coat and winter apparel drive through the middle of December. The drive received tremendous support from the school’s student body and all of the items donated were given to the Salvation Army, which then distributed the clothing to needy families in the area. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=530 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Nassakeag Elementary School fourth-grade students recently tested their creative skills when musician, songwriter, and storyteller Susan Trump visited the school to conduct a multidisciplinary Arts in Education program. The workshop, which was a songwriting residency, enabled the students to use their English Language Arts and music skills to compose a song about a book they had read as a class. The students met daily with Ms. Trump during the course of a week and performed their finished songs during a closing assembly for their parents. The final pieces served as a concise overview of their chosen book, set to extremely catchy tunes. At the end of the program, each teacher received a written copy and recording of the songs. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=531 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Nassakeag Elementary School’s Justice Club members recently volunteered during a local Special Olympics floor hockey competition. During the event, while the participants were taking time from the game, the students created door hangers with those individuals participating in the floor hockey competition. “As advisors, Allison Babb and I always try to reach out to engage our students in community service-learning opportunities that make them become more aware that no matter what differences you may have, we are all people who have something special to share with others,” stated co-advisor Nicole Silverman. “During this event the children realized that no matter what, an individual has feelings, can make you laugh, and can put a smile on your face!” This was the second time the Justice Club volunteered during a Special Olympics event. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=532 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT The students from Ward Melville High School recently had the opportunity to showcase their talents at the 14th Annual Long Island Woodworkers Show and 1st Annual High School show. The show was held at the Old Bethpage Historical Restoration Village fairgrounds and more than 1,000 attendees viewed the craftsmanship of woodworkers from Long Island, including students who are enrolled in the Woodworking Elective Courses, offered from ninth through twelfth grades, at the P.J. Gelinas and R.C. Murphy Junior High Schools and Ward Melville Senior High School. Each student who took part received a ribbon of excellence for their individual pieces and will be recognized at the Long Island Woodworkers Club meeting in Smithtown on Monday, January 4th. In addition, all participating students received membership into the newly formed Ward Melville Woodworkers Guild established by the Technology Education Department at Ward Melville earlier this year. The student woodworkers taking part were Mike Esposito (Mission Rocking Chair), Chase Godt (Splined Box), Emma Borrie (Mantel Clock), Kevin Johnson (Skateboard), Neil Hyland (Camp Seat), and Trevor Holotka (Backscratcher). Next year the Technology Education Department hopes to represent even more students and their work. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=533 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Broadway’s legendary musical Les Misérables came to life on the stage at Ward Melville High School when the building’s talented student-actors performed the show at the end of December. The epic story, recounting the struggle against adversity in 19th century France, is one that has become a favorite for all audiences. Approximately 200 Ward Melville High School students were involved in this year’s production on stage, off stage, and in the pit. They rehearsed for months before the play’s debut, under the direction of Acting, Vocal, and Staging Director Linda Contino; Orchestra, Set, and Technical Director Phil Preddice; and Theatrical Consultant George Loizides. As the students sang the musical’s favorite songs, including “I Dreamed A Dream” and “On My Own,” the crowd was transported back in time and reveled in the students’ unwavering talent. The students performed nearly flawless shows for three evening performances before packed crowds, and left the audiences hoping next year’s production would be just as wonderful. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=534 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Three Village Central School District’s Board of Education, PTA/PTSA members, and administrative team are proud to announce that six district students have been commended for the creative projects they produced for the 2009-2010 PTA Reflections Contest. These pieces were selected from the numerous submissions made to the annual contest and recognized as Suffolk County Award of Excellence and Award of Merit winners. Each of the five projects presented with Awards of Excellence will now move on to the next level of the competition – the state level of judging. This year’s submissions were based on the theme “Beauty Is…”. Congratulations to the following students: Nolan Adelsky (Arrowhead Elementary) Award of Excellence in Visual Arts Shaelea Carroll (P.J. Gelinas JHS) Award of Excellence in Film Production Yiran He (W.S. Mount Elementary) Award of Excellence in Musical Composition David Kirsch (Ward Melville HS) Award of Excellence in Visual Arts Thomas Li (W.S. Mount Elementary) Award of Merit in Musical Composition Constance Mulford (Setauket Elementary) Award of Excellence in Musical Composition http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=535 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT If you have attended one of the Cabaret Nights at R.C. Murphy Junior High School in the past, you know that the evening is one of the most enjoyable times you can have off, off-Broadway. Recently, the school hosted its Annual Cabaret Night and opened its doors to its biggest audience yet! Transformed to look like a Manhattan-style dinner theatre, the gymnasium at the school was almost unrecognizable. The program was an evening full of entertaining comedy, song, and dance numbers by the school’s most talented students and even a few guest stars. More than 200 students performed and participated in the event, which was attended by more than 775 people. Comprised of live professional music, a mouth-watering catered meal, entertaining performances, and plenty of raffles, it was no wonder that the event continues to grow in popularity over the years. In attendance were community members, district administrators, teachers, and students, who all enjoyed a fun-filled, entertaining evening. As a result of the event, more than $20,000 was raised by the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=536 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Students Create Gingerbread Hospital for Mather Hospital’s 80th Anniversary Nassakeag Elementary School first-grade students in Meg Sheehan’s class put a twist on a holiday favorite this year as they worked on a project involving math, creativity, character education, and community service. With the help of their teacher and several parent volunteers, the students created a large gingerbread hospital for Mather Hospital in celebration of its 80th anniversary. Using gingerbread crackers, icing, gumdrops, and other candy-coated items, the students worked to construct a two-foot by three-foot structure resembling Mather’s actual building. The completed hospital was put on display in Mather’s main lobby. While waiting their turn to help with the hospital project, each of the students also assembled miniature gingerbread houses made of foam at their desks. Incorporating a lesson on English into the project, the students put their pencils to paper and wrote creative essays about where their gingerbread homeowners were vacationing for the holidays or a special trip they took. The finished projects were used to create a holiday village in the classroom. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=510 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Nassakeag Elementary School kindergarten students in Jennifer Ruger and Michele Rifkin’s class were surprised when Suffolk County Legislator Vivian Viloria-Fisher visited their classroom as a special guest reader. To help kick off the holiday season, Legislator Viloria-Fisher read one of her favorite holiday books, Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett. The students sat with awe as she shared the story about a gingerbread baby in search of a friend just his size. Pictured here are the kindergarteners with their teachers and Legislator Viloria-Fisher. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=511 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT America’s brightest minds and the innovators of tomorrow took on revolutionary research in biophysics and mathematics during this year’s Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology. Hundreds of applications were submitted to this year’s contest but only one individual and one team were named winners during the National Finals held at New York University in early December. As a result of his hard work and determination, Ward Melville High School senior Ruoyi Jiang has been named the $100,000 Grand Prize winner of the competition in the individual category, which makes him the first Long Island student to win the competition since its creation in 1998. Ruoyi won the $100,000 scholarship in the individual category for his research on chemotherapy drug resistance. His project used state-of-the-art computational techniques to develop a more complete understanding of how Taxol functions kill tumor cells. Ruoyi’s project, entitled Targeting Loop Dynamics in BI/BIII Isotype Tubulin: The Application of In Silico Techniques in Combating Chemotherapy Drug Resistance, addresses very important outstanding questions surrounding Taxol; the understanding of such questions can help develop better chemotherapeutics for treating cancer. Ruoyi worked on this project with his mentor, Dr. Carlos Simmerling, Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at Stony Brook University, as well as Dr. George J. Baldo, Director of Ward Melville’s science research class, InSTAR. In addition to this honor, Ruoyi has received honors during a variety of science competitions, including the National Science Bowl, the Toshiba ExploraVision Competition, and has been recognized for his involvement with the school’s Science Olympiad team. He is editor of Ward Melville’s school newspaper, Kaleidoscope, and a member of the Science Bowl Team. The prestigious Siemens Competition is a signature program of the Siemens Foundation and is administered by the College Board. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=512 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT The New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance has named Ward Melville High School seniors James Ryan and Sabrina Pryor Suffolk Zone Award winners. James has competed on the school’s Varsity Football team since twelfth grade, serving as a captain during his senior year. Additionally, during his athletic career at Ward Melville, he has received several honors, including being named All-County for Lacrosse and All-Division for Football. Sabrina competes on Ward Melville’s Varsity Field Hockey, Basketball, and Lacrosse teams. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been named All-Long Island in Field Hockey and was a member of the NYS Championship Field Hockey team last year. The Suffolk Zone Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance honors one male and one female student from each school district in Suffolk County who meet established criteria for outstanding physical education achievement. In addition to that requirement, winners are expected to maintain scholastically sound academic records, display outstanding character, be a physical education and schoolwide activities leader, as well as serve as a role model for their peers. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=513 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District is involved in a unique and colorful community service project this December. With the help of the school’s student government, the students are conducting a “character band-aid” collection drive for Stony Brook University Hospital. Knowing how a fun, colorful bandage can help bring a smile to the face of a child, the hospital often uses character band-aids, such as Miss Kitty and SpongeBob, when treating patients. The student government members hope that the school’s donations will help the hospital’s patients smile during their recovery process. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=514 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT The second-grade classes at Nassakeag Elementary School encouraged their classmates and the entire student body to clean out their coat closets this December and donate their gently used outerwear to their grade level’s annual coat drive. The outpouring was amazing, and all of the donated items will be given to food banks, churches, and other charitable organizations throughout Suffolk County. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=515 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT More than 30 students in P.J. Gelinas Junior High School’s Home and Careers Community Service Club put a dash of sugar and holiday spice into mixing bowls this December as they cooked more than 18 trays of baked goods for the Three Village Historical Society’s 31st Annual House Tour. The more than 1,000 visitors who partook in the tour and visited the Avalon Park and Preserve Hospitality Center enjoyed the tasty cookies, breads, and treats. Pictured here are several members of the club with advisor Janet Broadhurst and Three Village Historical Society Candle House Tour Co-Chairs Christine Petrone and Patricia Vitale. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=516 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT If you have attended one of the Cabaret Nights at R.C. Murphy Junior High School in the past, you know that the evening is one of the most enjoyable times you can have off, off-Broadway. Recently, the school hosted its Annual Cabaret Night and opened its doors to its biggest audience yet! Transformed to look like a Manhattan-style dinner theatre, the gymnasium at the school was almost unrecognizable. The program was an evening full of entertaining comedy, song, and dance numbers by the school’s most talented students and even a few guest stars. More than 200 students performed and participated in the event, which was attended by more than 775 people. Comprised of live professional music, a mouth-watering catered meal, entertaining performances, and plenty of raffles, it was no wonder that the event continues to grow in popularity over the years. In attendance were community members, district administrators, teachers, and students, who all enjoyed a fun-filled, entertaining evening. As a result of the event, more than $20,000 was raised by the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=517 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School senior Anna Lubitz has a true passion for animals – a notion that is behind her recent initiative to help out pets living in shelters. Anna, who aspires to become a vet after graduation, created Saving Shelter Animals with Volunteer Efforts (SSAVE) at the school last year and has continued her efforts this school year. “I have noticed a great turnout this year,” stated Anna, who has five birds, two dogs, and a cat at home. “I have a real love for animals and wanted to do anything I can to help out the less-fortunate ones around.” Anna’s SSAVE drive is running through December 18th and calls for donations for unopened food, bowls, blankets, beds, and crates. All donations will be given to the local Save-A-Pet organization and the SPCA. In addition to her volunteer work with SSAVE, Anna is a member of the school’s student government, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Honor Society, InSTAR, the DVD yearbook staff, and an active student-musician. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=463 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Does the next Picasso or Leonardo Da Vinci currently attend Arrowhead Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District? Well, visitors to the South Setauket International Deli on Belle Mead Road can be the judges. From November 15-January 1, several selected students from grades 1-6 will have their artwork featured at the deli during an exhibit called “The Arrowhead Heros and a Side of Slaw.” The art projects were created in a variety of medias, including paint, chalk, and cut paper. “This is a great way for us to bring attention to the wonderful artistic talents of our students and show the community how important the subject is to students,” stated art teacher Tom Dipierro. “It is also a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their work in a venue outside of the District.” A reception for the artists and their families will be held on December 5. The event, which will run from 1:00-4:00 p.m., is also open to the community. Attendees will have the chance to work on an art project while they admire Arrowhead’s gallery. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=464 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT This fall, 43 Ward Melville High School students were selected to perform during the NYSCAME-SCMEA All-County Music Festival on November 20 in Hauppauge, while 18 student-musicians were chosen to participate in this year’s NYSSMA All-State Conference in New York on December 3-6. “We are extremely proud of these students and thank their teachers for helping to encourage their love for music,” stated Three Village Director of Music Thomas Jones. “I know that they will represent Three Village well during these festivals.” The students qualified for participation in the ensembles based on their scores in last spring’s NYSSMA solo and ensemble festival. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=465 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Flashing lights, sirens, and members of the U.S. Marshals Service were on hand to help kick off a schoolwide celebration at W.S. Mount Elementary School in honor of the building being named a National Blue Ribbon School. Dressed from head to toe in blue clothing, students, staff members, and the parent community gathered in front of the building to watch as the school’s character education mascot, Character Ed, presented Principal Nathalie Lilavois with the commemorative plaque and flag that signified W.S. Mount’s Blue Ribbon status. Since being named a National Blue Ribbon School earlier this year, a coveted recognition shared by only 19 schools from New York State, the building has been abuzz about the honor. During their schoolwide celebration, the sixth graders sang, “We are Blue Ribbon,” a tune set to the sounds of “We are the Champions,” and the whole student body performed a choreographed dance to the Black-Eyed Peas hit song “I’ve Gotta Feeling.” http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=466 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT District Hosts November ASSET Meeting The Three Village Central School District strives to provide students and teachers with the latest technological resources and identify ways to integrate technology into all curriculum areas and across grade levels. Continuing with this mission, this year the District introduced a new course at Ward Melville High School. The program, which is called Mechatronics, is offered through Suffolk County Community College and allows students to learn the necessary skills to secure an entry-level position as a CNC machinist. Looking to share information about the new program and the District’s overall instructional technology resources, the District hosted the Association of Suffolk Supervisors of Educational Technology’s (ASSET) regular meeting in mid-November. In attendance were representatives from local school districts, including Comsewogue, West Hampton Beach, and Elwood, as well as several technology vendors. During the event, Executive Director for Instructional Technology, Kerrin Welch-Pollera, the District’s Lead Teacher for Instructional Technology, Jim Fargione, and technology teachers, Steven Rogers and John Williams, shared information about the District’s programs and fielded questions from the audience. “This forum provides a great opportunity for professionals to share information about the field of technology,” stated Ms. Welch-Pollera. “We were happy to host the meeting in our new Board Room and showcase the District’s instructional technology program.” http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=467 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Native American headdresses and Pilgrim hats were out in full force as the first-grade students at Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District participated in a Pow-Wow as a culminating activity for their Thanksgiving unit of study. In their classes the students constructed both a Native American or Pilgrim hat and coordinating vests with Native American stories on them. Joining together in the school’s cafeteria, the students proudly displayed their creations and recited a Thanksgiving-themed poem or song. With ‘feather pens’ in hand, the students then signed a peace treaty symbolizing their commitment to be lifelong friends and feasted on tasty cornbread and fresh butter that they had hand-churned earlier in the week. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=468 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Schools throughout the Three Village Central School District participated in food drives to help out less fortunate individuals both near and far. P.J. Gelinas Junior High School students competed against each other in a program sponsored by the school’s student government and National Junior Honor Society called Battle of the Cans. Throughout the program, the progress of the donations was charted on paper in the school’s cafeteria. With more than 300 nonperishable cans, the winner of the competition was the eighth-grade class. More than 175 cans were donated by the seventh graders and more than 100 cans were donated by the ninth-grade class. All of the donated cans will benefit Island Harvest http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=469 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Two Three Village Central School District art teachers have been awarded mini-grants from the Mid-East Suffolk Teacher Center (MESTRACT). Congratulations to Ward Melville High School art teacher Cortney Weisman and Ward Melville High School Chairperson for Art and Technology Jennifer Trettner, for earning $3,000 for the school’s art department. The first grant will be used to fund a recycled fashion project. Students will be given an opportunity to construct a garment using recyclable materials such as newspapers, plastic bottles, plastic grocery bags, etc. They will first create sketches of a design, then use dress forms and various materials to construct the garment into a wearable design. The money awarded will be used to purchase sewing forms and a couple of sewing machines. The second grant will go toward an advertising campaign and product design project. This project will first explore successful advertising campaigns throughout history such as McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Apple Computers, etc. Students will study different companies packaging designs, print ads and commercials to find out what made these campaigns so successful. Students will then use Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and iMovie to create package designs, magazine ads and commercials for their own product. The money awarded will be used to purchase video cameras, tripods, digital cameras, memory cards and card readers. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=470 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School’s aspiring business students have once again dominated over their peers and captured several awards during this year’s Briarcliffe College Annual Business Plan Competition. One of the school’s teams placed first, and the school as a whole, which was represented by four teams, placed second. The first-place team was awarded $250 and a trophy was presented honoring Ward Melville High School’s second-place status. The team of Scott Brekne, Eugene Cheung, Jonathan Corona, Nevin Daniel and Prashant Kota were the top achievers for their business plan presentation. The company they created was called GamerNet, which is a dot com site that enables users to subscribe at varying membership levels to purchase and review games and gaming devices. Overall, they placed first out of 15 presentations given by various Suffolk County school districts. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=471 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Siemens Foundation has announced that three Ward Melville High School talented student science researchers have been named Regional Finalists and two students have been named Semifinalists in the 2009 Siemens Math, Science, and Technology Competition – a program that is often thought of as one of the most coveted teen science prizes. Congratulations to Regional Finalists Ruoyi (Roy) Jiang, Aneesh Sampath, and Kevin Zhou. Additional praise goes to this year’s Ward Melville Siemens Semifinalists Nevin Daniel and Cara Lin. These students worked with mentors on a number of critical research projects, including ones dealing with cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. With three Regional Finalists, Ward Melville High School had the highest number of finalists in New York State. The Regional Finalists will present their work at either Carnegie-Mellon or MIT in November. The District congratulates all of the Regional Finalists and Semifinalists for their outstanding work. Best of luck to the Finalists as they advance through the competition. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=431 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT A big yellow school bus, unlike any other, visited the elementary schools in the Three Village Central School District to teach the students about bus safety. “Safety Sally”, as the Eastern Suffolk BOCES bus is commonly called, is a full-sized school bus with an open, carpeted interior filled with several television screens. During Safety Sally assemblies the students learned the Ten-Step Rule for crossing the street in front of a school bus, watched an age-appropriate educational film describing the rules of bus safety, and learned proper emergency evacuation procedures. To further their understanding, students were provided with coloring books and handouts to take home with them, which depicted the rules of bus safety. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=432 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT In honor of one of the most recognized holidays in Mexico, students in R.C. Murphy Junior High School’s Global Language Club, which is advised by Jessica Mottola, coordinated several fun activities geared towards informing their peers about the Day of the Dead. The entire school was involved in a food drive called “La Ofredna” from the middle of October to the beginning of November. The nonperishable goods collected were sorted by the club and donated to the District’s Time for Giving program and the R.C. Murphy food pantry, which is organized by Home and Careers teacher Chantal Salzano. Special thanks goes to the R.C. Murphy Global Language Department teachers for all of their help in collecting the donations. Additionally, in their Spanish classes students participated in a skeleton contest. Winners were selected in each class and three overall winners, who were presented with giftcards to iTunes, were announced. Congratulations to Ben Giordano, Steven Crowe, and Lexi DeManuel for their winning entries. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=433 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Congratulations to the Ward Melville High School Boys Varsity Golf team, who recently completed their first undefeated season since 1974. The team, which is coached by Robert Spira, finished the season and won the league with a 12-0-0 record. The team is pictured here with Mr. Spira. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=434 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School physics teacher Robert Spira has been recognized for his exceptional achievements in continuing education activities and presented with the 2009 IEEE Educational Activities Board (EAB) Pre-University Educator Award. In a citation, Mr. Spira was honored “for inspiring and motivating high school students through imaginative teaching and extracurricular activities to excel in the study of physics and to choose careers in science and engineering.” “I am extremely grateful to the IEEE for selecting me as the recipient of this prestigious international award,” stated Mr. Spira. “It is so great to be in a District that supports it's teachers so that they can support their students .I look forward to work every day, knowing that I have interested and motivated students waiting to work with me. The students at Ward Melville have made this award possible, without learners, there are no teachers.” This award was established by the IEEE EAB to provide recognition for current pre-university classroom teachers who have inspired an appreciation and understanding of mathematics, science and technology and the engineering process in students and have encouraged students to pursue technical careers. IEEE is the world’s largest professional association advancing innovation and technological excellence for the benefit of humanity. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=435 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Students in grades four through six at Setauket Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District received a sneak peak at a variety of professions during the school’s First Annual Career Day, which was held in late October. During the program, which was coordinated by parents Karen O’Dell and Elizabeth Della Salle, students visited with the presenters in workshop settings to gain a deep sense of what the profession was like, what type of training was needed to work in that career, and gather advice on how to be successful in the career path. Seventeen professionals, including architects, a police officer, an orthopedic surgeon, and a fishery biologist, were on hand to teach students about their different career fields. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=436 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Students at Nassakeag Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District worked hard this fall to beautify and improve the school’s butterfly garden, which is located in the school’s courtyard. With the help of visiting artist John DiNaro and art teacher Rachel Condron, the students created butterfly benches, wooden steppingstones, and wooden flowerpots to display. The project involved all students. Pictured here are several students working on their artistic creations. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=437 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT P.J. Gelinas Junior High School Home & Careers Community Service club, which is advised by Janet Broadhurst, has been busy making reusable fabric tote bags for the St. James Church in East Setauket. With plastic grocery bags not being eco-friendly and with little supply, the food pantry is in need of a way to distribute groceries to the needy in the local area. Throughout the month of October, more than 30 seventh- through ninth-grade students have been cutting, pinning and sewing tote bags in time for the holiday food drive. Pictured here are several of the students working on their projects. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=438 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Three Village Central School District, in concert with local law enforcement officials and health care representatives, hosted their second drug and alcohol awareness forum this October for parents and students. The program was focused on educating attendees on the signs and symptoms of abuse and was well attended by the community. “This is an issue that effects school districts all over the world and we cannot put our heads in the sand and pretend it is not a part of our community,” stated Interim Superintendent of Schools Donald F. Webster. “The more aware we are the better we can understand and the more proactive we can be.” Throughout the multi-hour event, a panel of presenters, including District principals, social workers, a health teacher, parent and student representatives, a Suffolk County narcotics detective and health professionals, along with a Stony Brook University Hospital Emergency Room Physician, shared their experiences with the topic and fielded questions from the audience. Mr. Webster and Suffolk County Legislator Vivian Viloria-Fisher moderated the program. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=439 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Walking through the halls of W.S. Mount Elementary School on Wednesday, October 28th it was obvious that something was different with the building’s fifth-grade students – they were completely silent. After reading the book “No Talking” by Andrew Clements, the students made a pledge to hold a “No Talking Day,” just as the book’s main character did at his school. In order to maintain a positive learning environment while following the no talking rules, the students and teachers used creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and cooperation to make the day a success. Throughout the day, when speaking with an adult, the students limited their sentences to three words, and only conversed with their peers on note paper, when it was necessary and connected to learning in the classroom. An honor system was established to encourage the students to honestly report any word infractions. At the end of the day, the students and their teachers reflected on the event and shared their feelings about remaining silent during the school day. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=440 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Congratulations to Ward Melville High School junior Robin Caselli for being named a first-place winner in the 2008-2009 Long Island Language Arts Council’s (LILAC) Kenneth F. Gambone writing contest. Named for Kenneth F. Gambone, a superlative English and writing teacher, the contest honors young writers with “both a talent and a love for writing.” Open to fourth-, seventh-, and tenth-grade students, the contest requires students to create a 45-minute response to a prompt. Last year’s topic, “Where the Road Leads,” brought a record number of entries. At the May ceremony, attended by the Caselli family, Ward Melville High School English Chair, Brian McAuliffe, and P.J. Gelinas Junior High School English Chair and LILAC First Vice President, Nicole Waldbauer, the top three entries from each grade level received a certificate and a book award from Everbind book company. To close the ceremony, the first place winners gave readings of their work. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=441 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT In honor of October being called Fire Safety Month, students at Setauket and Minnesauke Elementary Schools in the Three Village Central School District learned about the consequences of playing with matches and lighters and the precautions to take when faced with a fire, during recent fire prevention and safety assemblies conducted by local Setauket Fire Department firefighters. The students listened as firefighters spoke about the need for a predetermined escape plan in the event of a fire, the importance of household smoke detectors, and learned about the different pieces of equipment the firefighters wear when entering a burning building. “Firefighters are just regular people, but we get to dress up in all of this special gear in order to help people,” stated firefighter Tom Gulbransen. “Your only job during a fire is to get out – you run out, we run in.” After the informative assemblies, the students also had the chance to step aboard an actual fire truck, take an up-close look at the equipment the firefighters use, and ask any questions they had. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=387 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT The P.J. Gelinas Theatre Company at P.J. Gelinas Junior High School in the Three Village School District tackled a show dealing with serious adolescent issues this October. The performance of this type of play has become a tradition at the school over the past eight years. This year’s production, Running, was an emotionally charged drama, which depicted the lives of several teenagers dealing with and trying to overcome the pain of being exposed to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Under the direction of Robert DePersio and five student assistant directors, fourteen Gelinas students and two teachers took to the school’s stage to perform three free shows, two in-school assemblies and one evening show. In a question-and-answer session following the daytime shows, the cast members spoke about their feelings about the characters they portrayed in the production and noted that even if the show only helped one person it was well worth it. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=388 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT With the help of a SEPTA grant received by Math, Science, and Technology Coordinator Christina Maffia, students at Arrowhead Elementary School are working to reduce their carbon footprint. Under the leadership of Ms. Maffia, the students have embarked on a yearlong recycling initiative. Each classroom was provided with a box to collect used or extra white paper, all of which is collected and deposited into the school’s recycle bins each Friday. Classes are asked to volunteer for a month to collect the paper from their peers. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=389 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Each year, the National Achievement Scholarship Program honors academically talented Black American high school students and provides scholarships for a substantial number of outstanding program participants. Ward Melville High School senior Christal Nworjih was recognized in this prestigious program this Fall. Christal stood out in a pool of 160,000 students nationwide who took the qualifying PSAT/NMSQT exam in 2008. Christal is pictured here with Principal Dr. Alan Baum. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=390 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Although the weather predicted a washout, Patriot Pride reached record high numbers this October when the Ward Melville High School Patriots celebrated Homecoming 2009. On the Friday before the big game, the high school’s student body gathered together for a pep rally in the gymnasium. Fall sports team members were announced as the crowd geared up for the upcoming festivities. With the help of the school’s student government, the Three Village community came together early on Saturday afternoon to enjoy the annual homecoming carnival. During the event, children of all ages smiled as they had their faces painted, attendees feasted on traditional tailgating dishes, individuals partook in a variety of games, and representatives from each of the District’s eight schools proudly paraded through the school displaying the artwork they created for this year’s banner competition. From the first catch the Homecoming game against Commack High School was in the hands of the Patriots. With the encouragement of the school’s cheerleaders and marching band, the crowd was on their feet encouraging the team to make touchdown after touchdown. The 44-14 Homecoming win was celebrated by all, and R.C. Murphy Junior High School was congratulated for having this year’s winning banner submission. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=391 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT As has been done for the past 18 years, school districts throughout New York State paused this October to celebrate and honor the volunteers that serve on their district Board of Education during School Board Recognition Week. In Three Village, these community members, who volunteer their time to serve on the District’s Board, were honored during the October 13th Board meeting and thanked for their dedication to schools’ children, to education, and to the community. Throughout the year, these individuals devote many hours of service to the District and, as stated in a proclamation by the Governor, they “continue to strive for improvement, excellence, and progress in education.” “Tonight we honor these volunteers who help to guide our school district,” stated Interim Superintendent of Schools Donald F. Webster. “We thank you for all that you do for the children and staff of this District.” Staff members from each of the District’s eight schools honored the Board members, including the Board’s student representative, Kyle Seibert, by reading personal essays about the volunteers and expressing their deepest appreciation. At the conclusion of the celebration, each member was presented with a token of appreciation. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=392 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Twenty-four Ward Melville High School seniors have been named Commended Students in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, was presented to each of these scholastically talented seniors by Principal Dr. Alan Baum. Approximately 34,000 students throughout the nation were recognized for their exceptional academic promise and presented with this award. Although they will not continue in the 2010 competition for National Merit Scholarships, being named a Commended Student recognizes that these seniors placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2010 competition by taking the 2008 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Congratulations to the following Ward Melville students who received this honor: Fahmida Akhter Yuval Calev Gregory Casino Alyssa Chai Trevor Christian Caroline DeLuca Julia Deng Conor Diviney Ethan Geller Christopher Gibbs Casey Kramer Andrew Li Eva Lyubich Molly McBride Kerry McGlinchey Anthony Monteforte Katie Parker Daniel Roth Lisa Tan Zeruo Tang Michael Tao Alyssa Wisekal Don Yu Kevin Zhao http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=362 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Japanese is a language that takes years of practice and discipline to understand and master. Recognizing the complexity of the language and the desire some Japanese American students have to understanding their heritage, Ward Melville High School sophomore Anna Sato and her mother, Eriko, created a book, My First Japanese Kanji Book, designed to introduce readers to more than 100 basic kanji characters. The bilingual book, which is comprised of 36 kanji lessons, including poems and illustrations by Anna and workbook lessons by her mother, the director of the Pre-College Japanese Language Program at Stony Brook University, is both child-friendly and culturally rich. The entire book is written in Japanese and English, and the accompanying audio CD is also recorded in both languages. Anna began her work on the book when she was in the fourth grade and hasn’t looked back ever since. She remarks that looking at the pieces completed over the years is a source of great enjoyment and inspiration. “It is nice to look back on the first illustration I did when I was nine years old and then flip to the more recent drawings and see how I’ve grown as an artist,” stated Anna. Anna began studying Japanese when she was much younger, during her mother’s Sunday program on the language, and felt that creating a heritage book like this would help other Japanese Americans understand the language. “Anna’s keen eye for observation, combined with her advanced artistic skills and intuitive imagination are truly remarkable,” stated R.C. Murphy Junior High School art teacher Laurie Mandel, Ed.D., who taught Anna in junior high. “She is a promising artist whose commitment to professional standards is captured in the beautiful illustrations on the pages of her book.” Anna is also involved in music, sports, and is highly academically motivated, taking advanced classes, Ward Melville’s student research class InSTAR, and attending Julliard’s Pre-College program. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=363 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School students Julia Deng, Shelby Lin, and Wendy Zhang have been awarded the 2009 National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Award in Writing. Only 31 students from New York State and 544 nationally were selected for this prestigious honor. The Achievement Awards in Writing is a school-based writing program established in 1957 to encourage high school students in their writing and to recognize publicly some of the best student writers in the nation. The National Council of Teachers of English present achievement awards in writing to students nominated and cited as excellent writers by judges. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=361 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT As the first leaves of fall began to drop and the start of the autumn season began, first-grade students in Michael Dragotta’s class at Minnesauke Elementary School were excited to incorporate the changing foliage into several classroom lessons – including science, math, and English. After each student collected 10 leaves from the front lawn of the school, they grouped their leaves by color and examined their different properties – including the veins and texture. With their collections properly grouped, the students used their math skills to complete bar graphs that depicted their piles’ characteristics. Incorporating lessons on greater or less than, the students explained which was the majority color and which color they had the least amount of. With the help of their student teacher, Dusty Drago, the students picked out their favorite leaf and wrote down several descriptive words that best illustrated that leaf. The entire project was then shared with the school on a bulletin board outside of Mr. Dragotta’s class. It was a true interdisciplinary project and a great start to the new season! http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=354 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT With the picturesque shoreline in their own backyard, students in Three Village are committed to protecting the natural beauty of Long Island’s beaches. In mid-September more than 220 volunteers from the Three Village Central School District community participated in International Beach Cleanup Day at West Meadow Beach. The annual event, which is sponsored by the American Littoral Society, was coordinated by science teacher Peter Schuchman and Town of Brookhaven Environmental Educator Eileen Gerle. Volunteers included numerous scout groups and more than 130 students, their families, and staff members from P.J. Gelinas Junior High School. The event is a documented beach cleanup, meaning that each team of participants records the type and amount of debris that they find. The data is then sent to the Center for Marine Conservation for processing and has been used to help develop solutions and stop the dumping of trash in the coastal environment. During this year’s cleanup, 2,049 pounds of debris was removed from the shoreline along West Meadow Beach. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=355 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT To help celebrate the changes of the season, students at Nassakeag and Minnesauke Elementary Schools in the Three Village Central School District participated in the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Annual Stony Brook Scarecrow Competition. Fourth-grade students in Stefanie Murray’s class at Nassakeag worked with art teacher Rachel Condron to create a scarecrow that depicted what they were studying in their social studies curriculum. The students constructed an American Indian scarecrow and a representation of his dwelling for the competition. The students began work on the project at the start of the school year. “We hope that this project helped to expand the grade-level’s curriculum for the students and that this multi-disciplinary project was a fun and educational learning opportunity,” stated Mrs. Murray. At Minnesauke, sixth graders in Dan Petrucci’s class worked to create a scarecrow based on their studies of the prehistoric Stone Age. The class, with the help of their teacher and student teacher, Harry Savage, sculpted an “Ice Crow” scarecrow, which took three days to complete and included several of the weapons that humans during that time period utilized. “Prior to completing the scarecrow we talked about the ice man that was discovered in the Italian Alps and watched the video on the subject,” stated Mr. Petrucci. “We felt that this was a different way for the students to learn about the tools ice men used and the time period. It brought a great deal of relevance to the curriculum and gave the students better insight into that historic time.” Prior to constructing their scarecrow, the sixth-grade students spent time researching the topic and identifying different characteristics from the time period. Judging for the competition began on September 27 and runs through October 28. Individuals are invited to cast their votes for their favorite scarecrow at any store located in Stony Brook Village. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=356 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT The United States Constitution has been described as the written document that stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans through history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those unalienable rights for every American. This September, in celebration of the 222nd anniversary of its inception and in honor of Constitution Week, Nassakeag Elementary School fourth graders shared information about this historic document with their peers. Throughout the weeklong celebration, students from each of the building’s fourth-grade classes read several pre-written essays aloud to the school using the public address system. Included in the pieces was an overview of the Constitution, a brief history of the document, information about the three branches of government and the Bill of Rights, as well as some notable changes that have been made to the Constitution over the years. “I found it really interesting when we learned about the amendment dealing with a woman’s right to vote,” stated Ashley Robinson. “Without the constitution I think it would be hard to control the country…because there would be no rules,” added James Koester. The school’s Constitution Week program was coordinated by teacher Jennifer Betz, who is also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=347 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Not long after the first bell of the 2009-2010 school year rang, P.J. Gelinas and R.C. Murphy Junior High Schools in the Three Village Central School District hosted student breakfast programs for students new to the District. At Gelinas, approximately 25 new students started the year by enjoying the breakfast celebration sponsored by the school’s student government, which is advised by Brian Scripture. Each student was invited to the cafeteria for the event and encouraged to mingle with some of the building’s current students. In addition, Gelinas Principal Gus Hueber and Assistant Principal Antonio Santana personally welcomed the students and spoke a bit about the school. The entire guidance department was also in attendance and helped to put any scheduling fears to rest. Before returning to their classes, the students played some icebreaker activities and enjoyed spending time getting to know each other better. R.C. Murphy welcomed 22 new District students this September during the welcome back breakfast program hosted by the school’s student government. Assistant Principal Patrick DiClemente welcomed the new students and reminded them that in life everyone is forced to make transitions. “I know it can be hard moving from school to school and from District to District,” stated Mr. DiClemente, who shared his feelings about coming to the District from Patchogue-Medford several years ago. “While this morning is filled with bagels and juice, we hope the program serves as the start of a new beginning for you, and you turn to the students around you for friendship, help, and guidance.” During Murphy’s program, the new students had the chance to mingle with members of the student government and learn a bit more about the school they are attending. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=348 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT As in years past, Three Village Central School District’s talented young composers have triumphed over the competition and placed well in the annual statewide Call for Compositions competition. The New York State Music Association (NYSSMA) has announced that six Three Village students have been selected to perform at the 2009 All-State Winter Conference in Rochester, New York, on December 4, 2009. An additional four students received Honorable Mention. The 11th Annual NYSSMA Young Composer Honors Concert will feature pieces by Ariel Leong and Thomas Li (W.S. Mount Elementary School); Kayla Benaburger and Stephanie Chen (P.J. Gelinas Junior High School); Hannah Yen (R.C. Murphy Junior High School); and Ethan Geller (Ward Melville High School). A panel of music composition professors selected only 15 pieces out of 112 submissions in this statewide search for compositional talent and achievement. During the NYSSMA Winter Conference, the students will participate in composition workshops and seminars with prominent professional composers, including Composer-in-Residence Dr. Joan Tower, hailed by The New Yorker magazine as “one of the most successful woman composers of all time.” A Grammy Award winner, Dr. Tower was the first female recipient of the Grawemeyer Award ($200,000) and is a member of the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Letters. Congratulations also goes to the following students who received the distinction of Honorable Mention: Martin Vaillancourt (Setauket Elementary School); Devin Cowan (P.J. Gelinas Junior High School); and Mitchell Berger and Gloria Zheng (R.C. Murphy Junior High School). Their compositions were reviewed more than once and were top contenders for inclusion in the Young Composer Honors Concert. "We are proud of all of our students,” stated Director of the Student Composition Program Daniel Deutsch. “Their compositions are inventive, expressive, and heartfelt. It is wonderful to see them recognized for their talent and achievement." http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=323 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Although the 2009-2010 school year has just started, several students and one teacher in the Three Village Central School District have already been honored for their artistic talents and abilities. Ward Melville High School senior Jeff Stern has been named by the Long Island Arts Alliance as one of two Long Island Scholar-Artists for the month of October. Jeff is being recognized for his accomplishments in visual arts and he will be honored at an annual recognition event at the Tilles Arts Center, in Newsday, and on Newsday.com in October. Ward Melville senior Andrew Visconti has had his artwork selected by The College Board to be included in the 2009-2010 AP Studio Art Exhibit. The exhibit is an annual project for The College Board and consists of 30 pieces. Andrew's work was selected from over 35,000 portfolios, each of which represents the extremely high level of rigor, commitment, and accomplishment that AP Studio Art students can achieve. The exhibit will travel throughout the nation during the 2009-2010 school year. Ward Melville junior Colleen Scriven won first place in the Ward Melville Heritage Organization “Celebrating 100 years of Service” photo competition. Colleen was honored at an awards ceremony over the summer and had her work on display in Stony Brook Village. Lastly, P.J. Gelinas Junior High School art teacher Mike Sacco has been selected to have an original article featured in the field’s October publication of SchoolArts. A copy of the article can be seen by viewing this .PDF. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=324 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT W.S. Mount Elementary Named a 2009 Blue Ribbon School by Department of Education The Three Village Central School District is proud to announce that U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has named W.S. Mount Elementary School a 2009 National Blue Ribbon School, an honor shared by only 19 schools from New York State. This award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that are either academically superior, or have made dramatic gains in student achievement and helped close gaps in achievement among minority and disadvantaged students. “These Blue Ribbon Schools have shown that all children can learn with appropriate supports,” Mr. Duncan commented. “They are producing outstanding results for their students…{and are} places where improved teaching and learning benefits every student, and where students are challenged to meet high expectations with the active support of teachers, parents and the community.” W.S. Mount Elementary School’s Blue Ribbon Committee worked tirelessly to complete the program’s application before its deadline in December 2008. As a result of their work, it was found that Mount’s educational program not only meets New York State’s guidelines but also the ones set forth by the U.S. Department of Education. Mount’s application was judged based on a program summary, indicators of success, assessment data, and curriculum and instruction components that reflected school leadership, student performance, differentiation, community engagement, sharing successes, core curriculum, and instructional delivery. School Principal Nathalie Lilavois and teacher Michael Schlank will be attending a November ceremony in Washington, D.C., where they will receive a plaque and flag signifying W.S. Mount’s Blue Ribbon status. “This award represents the collective effort of the Mount community to provide an outstanding education to its students,” stated Ms. Lilavois. “It is a tremendous honor to work with such dedicated professionals. We are very proud to have been chosen for this prestigious recognition.” Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals. Using standards of excellence, as evidenced by student achievement measures and the characteristics known from research to exemplify school quality, the Department celebrates these schools, including those that beat the odds. Special thanks go to the W.S. Mount Blue Ribbon Committee members: Nathalie C. Lilavois, Principal Bernadette Gentile, Assistant Principal Michael Schlank Karen Birbiglia Linda Turner Stefanie Baldante Phylene Fizzuoglio Andy Weik Carol Doherty Linda Figliozzi Lynn Farbiaz http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=314 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School seniors Michelle Chang, Ruoyi Jiang, Shelby Lin, and Ling-Ling Zhang have been named Semifinalists in the 55th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors qualified for this honor by taking the 2008 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. These students now have an opportunity to continue in the competition alongside approximately 16,000 students nationwide in order to obtain some 8,200 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $36 million. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements and advance to the Finalist level of the competition. “This is a prestigious honor and we are extremely proud of our students,” stated Principal Dr. Alan Baum. Finalists in the competition will be announced in the spring of 2010 and winners will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July. The Three Village Central School District congratulates this year’s National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=315 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Inspiring stories and beautiful music hung heavy in the air when seven talented student-cellists from SUNY Fredonia’s cello choir, The Cello Fellows, visited Ward Melville High School in mid-September. The college cellists, along with Fredonia School of Music professors Dr. Natasha Farny (cello) and Dr. Angela Haas (voice), performed several musical selections for the school’s orchestra students and conducted a master class workshop with the Ward Melville chamber orchestra in the building’s brand new orchestra room. “This was a great opportunity for our students to learn from musicians that attend one of the main music schools in New York State,” stated orchestra teacher Philip Preddice. “It is a special treat, too, because one of the students in the group graduated from Ward Melville in 2006. That is truly inspirational for our students to see.” During the program, professor of cello Dr. Farny spoke with the students about the university, the school’s music program, and shared her bio, and invited Dr. Haas and the student-musicians to share their background information as well. With the chamber orchestra, The Cello Fellows and the high school musicians joined together to perform a piece by Vivaldi. Rob Davies, Ward Melville alum and son of W.S. Mount Elementary School’s string orchestra teacher, Robert Davies, said he was happy to be back at the school and was excited to see the room’s construction project complete. “I remember a program such as this visiting Ward Melville when I attended and remember how it inspired me to get to a higher level with my music,” observed Rob, who is working towards a degree in music education. The work done on the high school’s music room was completed for the start of school and the students and teachers are enjoying the new facility immensely. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=316 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT In an effort to help acclimate its new teachers to the District, the Three Village Central School District conducted a two-day new teacher orientation program prior to the first day of school. At the inaugural meeting, members of the district’s administrative team and Board of Education officially welcomed the more than 30 new professionals to the District and shared their excitement for the upcoming school year. Under the guidance of teacher mentors, Kristianna Martindale and Brenda Lamiroult, as well as Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary, Dr. Kenneth Bossert, and Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction, Secondary, Mary Castiglie, the new employees were instructed on the District’s philosophy on teaching and given a comprehensive overview of the District’s policies and regulations. Additionally, during the program, the teachers had the opportunity to ask any questions they had about the school district and receive training on the District’s network system from Executive Director for Instructional Technology, Kerrin Welch-Pollera. Building upon a tradition that bloomed last year, the new Three Village teachers were given an insight into the world of education from some of the very students they will be teaching. Several current Ward Melville High School students spoke during the program to share the positive impacts some of their teachers have had on them. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=303 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT As the remaining days of summer vacation came to an end, students in the Three Village Central School District began preparing for the school year that lie ahead. Just before the official first day of school, which would be September 9th, the District’s schools opened their doors and provided new students with the opportunity to get acquainted with their building. On a sunny late August morning, kindergarten students gathered for play dates and walking tours at each of the District’s five elementary school buildings. After receiving colored nametags the students walked and played on their school’s playground equipment, and enjoyed meeting new friends and seeing who their classmates would be. To help with the transition between elementary and secondary school, P.J. Gelinas and R.C. Murphy Junior High Schools welcomed the buildings’ incoming seventh graders in early September and invited them to embark upon walking tours of the building. With schedules in hand and with the help of upperclassman volunteers, the new students took turns opening their lockers and following their schedules to locate each of their classrooms. After receiving welcoming remarks from High School Principal Dr. Alan Baum and members of the school’s administrative team, Ward Melville’s incoming sophomore class also had the opportunity to take walking tours of the building, map out routes to and from their classes, and spin the dials of their lockers. “I encourage you to get involved in our events, clubs, and athletics,” stated Ward Melville High School Assistant Principal Michael Owen. “I hope you have a wonderful experience here at Ward Melville and I welcome you to our school family.” As the welcome programs drew to a close, the students left confident that 2009-2010 would be a great school year. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=304 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT The familiar scene of yellow school buses rolling through the streets in town and students anxiously waiting at bus stops carrying bright new backpacks marked the end of the hot summer months and the start of a new school year in the Three Village School District. Well rested and ready to begin the new year, students arrived at their respective buildings filled with an array of emotions. Entering their “Back-to-School” decorated schools, the students were greeted by smiling and welcoming teachers and administrators, ready to assist with first-day adjustments and ease the common first-day jitters. The students' adaptation to being back in school was seamless districtwide, making for a smooth and successful start to another new school year. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=305 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Faculty, Staff, & Administrators Welcomed Back During Superintendent’s Conference Day On the morning before the official first day of school, Three Village Central School District’s faculty, staff, and administrators gathered together for a Superintendent’s Conference Day and to kick off the 2009-2010 school year. Interim Superintendent of Schools Donald Webster focused on the District’s educational program and the vast array of opportunities offered to students in his opening address. Welcoming the District’s new teachers, Mr. Webster stated, “You have come to a fantastic place and we are here to assist you in any way.” Speaking to the group as a whole, Mr. Webster commented, “It is by working together that we as a District can move forward. I implore you to keep our District’s mission at the center of the decisions you make as educators. We affect students’ attitudes and have a direct impact on their lives.” During the morning address, Board of Education President David Micklos, Three Village Teachers Association President Claudia Reinhart, Three Village School Administrators Association President Vincent Vizzo, Three Village Council of PTAs President Charlene Vitale, District Lead Teacher for Instructional Technology Jim Fargione, Assistant Superintendent for Educational & Pupil Personnel Services Cheryl Pedisich, and teacher Shannon Watson also addressed the crowd. Mr. Micklos spoke about the need to pay close attention to the details and the importance of data, while Ms. Watson, a graduate of Ward Melville High School, told the audience how she was positively affected by her teachers. “My teachers made me want to make a difference,” she stated. “Teachers affect who students are and where they go in life.” Before moving into grade level, department, and building meetings, several teachers were honored and presented with mini-grants from the Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) and the Three Village Educational Foundation (3VEF). These teachers were selected through a detailed selection process and, using the monies awarded, will be able to complete several special supplemental projects with their students. Congratulations to the following grant recipients: SEPTA Mini-Grants Cheryl Taborsky Christina Maffia Janine Pelkofsky & Pamela Roberts Janet Broadhurst Diana Carlson, Casey Giles & Victoria Hoffman Rebecca Marino & Robert Fenster Lee Ann March, Susan Sangiamo, Nicole Colletti & Jaclyn DeLorenzo Rene LaScala Educational Foundation Mini-Grants Brigit DiPrimo Edward Kunkel Christina Maffia & Phyllis Pastore Susan Archer & Kimberly O’Shea Christine Fieldman Kate Hunter & Irene Berman Jayne Murphy Laura Brown & Lisa Lachler Jennifer Betz Deborah Kiriluk Alyson McGrath Gina Varacchi Eric Gustafson Sarah Bradshaw, Brian Scripture & The Global Language Department Douglas Elliot Cynthia Carrucciu Virginia Ferraro Laurie Mandel Christopher Esser Jennifer Mullany Jay Negus http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=306 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT In classrooms throughout the Three Village Central School District, teachers, students, and administrators took time on September 11, 2009 to remember those lives lost during the tragedy that took place eight years earlier. Some teachers utilized the day as a teaching moment in classes, while others observed the date with a moment of silence. At R.C. Murphy Junior High School, the entire building gathered together to observe the historic day. Walking in silence to the school’s gymnasium, students reflected on the significance of 9/11 and how the nation was changed in 2001. “September 11th is a national day of remembrance,” stated Assistant Principal Patrick DiClemente. “At Murphy today we recognize the significance of this day and celebrate the importance of this moment.” Bowing their heads in silence, the students reflected on the lives of the many family members, friends, and Americans that lost their lives on 9/11/01, and felt a deep sense of pride for their country. Select members of the ninth-grade chamber choir, under the director of music teacher, Anthony Pollera, sang a moving rendition of “God Bless America.” The memorial celebration at Murphy was coordinated by the building’s student government, which is advised by Brian Pickford. In addition to encouraging their fellow peers to wear the nation’s symbolic colors – red, white, and blue – the student government members presented each student and staff member with a flag pin and asked them to wear it proudly throughout the day. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=308 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT To come... http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=284 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students at Nassakeag Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District took a look at a variety of career paths during the school’s first-ever Career Day. During the event, the students had the chance to meet with a variety of professionals and learn about their occupations. The presenters spoke with the students about the education needed to enter into their field of expertise, as well as their typical day on the job, and worked with the students to complete hands-on lessons dealing with their profession. During the program, students visited with the presenters in preselected workshop settings to gain a deep sense of what the profession was like, what type of training was needed to work in that career, and gather advice on how to be successful in the career path. Among the fields represented were physical therapists, cardiologists, dog groomers, horse caretakers, and medical examiners. The students had the opportunity to meet and attend two workshops with the professionals during the event. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=245 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Writing is a craft that is enjoyed by many – especially the students in the Three Village Central School District. Recently, as a result of their outstanding original pieces of literature, several students from R.C. Murphy and P.J. Gelinas Junior High Schools were commended by The Promising Young Writers program. This program represents the National Council of Teachers of English’s (NCTE) commitment to early and continuing work in the development of writing. It is a school-based writing program that was established in 1985 to stimulate and recognize students’ writing talents and to emphasize the importance of writing skills among eighth-grade students. Students currently in the eighth-grade, who are nominated by their schools, may participate in the program. Schools in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, as well as American schools abroad and the Virgin Islands, are eligible to nominate. Each student submitted two pieces of writing, which were read by two judges. Papers were judged on content, purpose, audience, tone, word choice, organization, development, and style. Congratulations to the Three Village students who were honored in this year’s competition: P.J. Gelinas Kathryn Barnitt – Certificates of Recognition Jamie DeLuca – Certificates of Recognition Rachel Gutman – Certificates of Recognition Phoebe McAuliffe – Certificate of Participation R.C. Murphy Joanna Jin – Certificate of Recognition Bisma Kamal – Certificate of Participation Christopher Lin – Certificate of Participation Amy Zhu – Certificate of Participation http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=246 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT In recognition of the school’s Multicultural Week, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy visited Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village School District and presented the school’s students with a proclamation recognizing their efforts to celebrate multiculturalism and diversity. Additionally, during his visit Executive Levy presented a proclamation to school librarian Andrea Francisco in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=247 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Former, current, and future R.C. Murphy Junior High School students and their families gathered on the front lawn of the school for a family night to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the building. Approximately 1,500 people came out for the event, which was complete with great food and entertainment. Students who have graduated from Murphy and are now in high school, college and beyond, sang along with a professional band and kept the crowd amused for hours. Special thanks to teachers, administration, PTO and community businesses (Fratelli's, O’ Sole Mio, Famous Dave's BBQ and Ian's Cotton Candy) for their help in making this a great event. The celebration was a great example of the strong community spirit of the Murphy Family. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=248 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Students enrolled in Maureen Kost’s Critical Health Issues (CHI) classes at Ward Melville High School acted as safe teen driver ambassadors this spring and coordinated a daylong informational event on the topic. Set up in the school’s commons area, the CHI students coordinated a game show event called the “100 Deadliest Days Game,” which tested their peers about driving, encouraged their classmates to sign a pledge to be safe while in a car, listened as guest speakers shared information about the topic, and finally showcased a series of video Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on the issue. The PSAs submitted were then judged and one winning announcement was selected. This year’s winning PSA was created by John Kelly, Andrew Barbakoff, and Prashant Kota and called the “100 Deadliest Days – Dangers of Drunk Driving.” For their efforts this team was awarded a $100 prize. For their efforts, the classes were issued a $1,000 grant from Allstate Insurance Company. The students plan to use the grant money to purchase a trivia buzzer system for use in the CHI classes. Ms. Kost stated she hopes to include the trivia game as part of next year’s curriculum. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=249 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Three Village Central School District is pleased to announce that tenth grader Eva Simpson-Abrams has won the Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation Competition in the senior division, and performed during the annual honors recital at the Staller Center Recital Hall. This honor recognizes Eva for her performance during sponsored recitals and acknowledges her as an outstanding achiever in repertoire and practice habits. In addition to playing the violin, Eva is also an accomplished jazz player. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=250 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Although their first official day of school was still a few months away, the incoming Setauket Elementary School 2009-2010 kindergarten class got a sneak peak at their new school during an orientation program held at the beginning of June. Accompanied by their parents, the youngsters entered the school’s cafeteria, where they were met by a sea of smiling faces. Parent Teacher Association (PTA) volunteers were on hand to speak with parents, while students in grades four through six volunteered to act as tour guides and accompanied the new students to the kindergarten wing. While the incoming kindergarteners had a chance to meet with the teachers, work on projects in the classrooms, and even go on a bus ride, the parents received a brief overview about Setauket School. Principal Dr. Anne Rullan, PTA Co-Presidents Deborah Petraco and Tasha Grillo, and School Nurse Donna O’Brien, reviewed the grade’s curriculum structure, and shared information about some activities and events that take place in the building, as well as the health information needed to enter kindergarten. Approximately 90 families attended the event. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=251 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Sometimes you just have to “Do the Math!” and the W.S. Mount Elementary School math team did just that during the second annual Suffolk County Mathematics Tournament held in the Student Activities Center at Stony Brook University. During the competition, the school’s team competed against 37 teams of fourth through sixth-grade students from 24 different elementary, intermediate, and middle schools representing 15 different Suffolk County school districts, all vying for the title of high-scoring team. The event, which was organized and directed by local elementary math specialists Megan Roth-Ueno, Melora Lane, and Byron Lane and supported by the Suffolk County Math Teachers' Association, was hosted by R. David Bynum, Director of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education at Stony Brook University. During the competition students were challenged to answer higher-level and multistep math problems in both individual and team competitions. The individual portion challenged competitors to work independently on ten difficult problems in a 30-minute time slot. For the team portion, the students worked in teams of five to complete ten even more complex problems in only 20 minutes. The problems for this tournament were contributed by the Math Olympiads organization through Executive Director Richard Kalman. As a result of their participation, Mount’s teams emerged as one of the top three highest-scoring teams in each of the divisions – grade 4/5 and grade 6. In addition to their outstanding work as a team, Mount Elementary School students Gary Ge, Niyati Desai, and Yiran He were among the tournament’s top ten individual competitors. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=252 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT P.J. Gelinas Junior High School students put their creative talents to the test when they participated in this year’s Coffee House Poetry Jam. The event, which was coordinated by the English department, featured several students and even a few “special guest” readers. A great time was had by all and the attendees left looking forward to next year’s festivities. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=253 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT With the help of a mini-grant provided by the Three Village Educational Foundation, sixth graders in Christine Fieldman’s art classes at Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District created nine artistic gates using 2x4 treated lumber and outdoor fabric. The project was created to resemble The Gates project completed by Christo and Jeanne Claude over a 25-year timespan. The Minnesauke gates are stationed in the front of the building and will remain up throughout the rest of the school year. Pictured here, several sixth graders stand below one of the completed gates. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=211 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT What would you do if you discovered the remains of a bear deep in the forest? Well, if you were the brother of third-grade Minnesauke Elementary School teacher Leslie Cross, you would give it to your sister as an early holiday present. Recognizing Ms. Cross’s love for bones and artifacts, that is exactly what her sibling did after discovering the skeleton of a bear while backpacking in Washington State. After receiving the cleaned skeleton bones, Ms. Cross and her class began the cumbersome task of putting the pieces together in order to reconstruct the bear’s skeleton. The project, which began in November, took approximately four months to complete and involved a great deal of math and science concepts. “The wrist and ankles were the hardest part because the bones are so small,” commented student Molly Fernandes. Using the book “Building Bear Bones,” by Lee Post, the students worked in groups to label each piece and construct the skeletal form. “Every day was a challenge,” explained third grader Ryan McMullen. “It was a lot of fun and took at lot of teamwork in order to put this giant puzzle together.” Throughout the reconstruction process the students learned a great deal about the bear they eventually named Blackberry. They discovered it was a female, had been shot in the front paw, was in her teens, weighed approximately 150 pounds, and had developed arthritis in her injured paw. Wanting to share what they learned, the students created a museum tour and invited the school’s other students to visit the display. This project served as a hands-on extension of the class’s study of food webs, decomposers, and animals’ diets. In previous years Ms. Cross’s class has worked to reconstruct cat and bird skeletons, as well as identify other bones. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=212 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School student Danielle Behrendt recently lent her voice to radio and participated in a public service announcement (PSA) campaign aimed at informing teens about the dangers distractions can play when operating a car. Danielle was selected as one of several student representatives from across Long Island to participate in the campaign, which is being conducted by Allstate Insurance Company during what experts call the 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Driving. Pictured here is Danielle with WBLI Internet sales manager Dain Alaia and Allstate Senior Corporate Relations Manager Krista Conte. Danielle’s PSA will run on WBLI from now through Labor Day weekend. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=213 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT P.J. Gelinas Junior High School science teacher Kevin Stiegelmaier put his love for the outdoors into words recently when he wrote a book about canoeing and kayaking in New York State. After taking notes and pictures while mapping the many journeys he took throughout the State, Kevin compiled the information into his book called “Canoeing and Kayaking New York.” The project, which took approximately two years to complete, began when Kevin started paddling local rivers three springs ago, and really took off when he expanded his journeys to territories further upstate soon after. He explains, “I would do a lot of research on an area first, locating all of the rivers and streams that I wanted to visit. I would also look up any canoeing or kayaking outfitters or paddling clubs in the area and contact them about the best places to go.” The book is described as a great paddling guidebook to the rivers and streams of New York State and is available at amazon.com and Borders book stores. It was published by Menasha Ridge Press. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=214 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Students in Meg Sheehan’s class at Minnesauke Elementary School rallied their peers together this May to conduct a fundraising event to raise not only funds, but also awareness about ALS, commonly called Lou Gehrig’s disease. With the help of more than 40 Minnesauke families, the students coordinated a walk-a-thon event on Friday, May 8th. As a result of their efforts, the school raised close to $8,000 for this worthy cause. As a special thanks to the school for their help, Chris Pendergast, a person living with ALS and founder of the Ride for Life organization, visited the school as he and his fellow Ride for Life volunteers embarked on the 2009 Ride. Pictured here are students from Ms. Sheehan’s class as they cheer the Ride for Life crew on and prepare to present Chris with their donation. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=215 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Colorful flags representing countries from across the world and how to say “hello” in a variety of languages were decoratively placed across the front lawn and walkway of Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village School District to welcome guests to the school’s annual Multicultural Festival, an evening full of community and cultural celebration. Numerous students, siblings, and families gathered at this year’s event, which was once again sponsored by the PTA. Upon entering the building, students received their ‘passport’ and began their journey around the world. In the school’s cafeteria and gymnasium, attendees explored displays from more than 20 countries and enjoyed learning about each one’s rich history. Additionally, attendees enjoyed food tasting from around the world, and viewed the variety of musical instruments created by the school’s second graders. In addition, an array of musical and dancing entertainment and martial arts demonstrations enthralled audiences of all ages. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=204 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Members of Nassakeag Elementary School’s Student Council recently coordinated an after-school game day with seniors from South Setauket’s Atria senior living facility. During the event, the students spent the afternoon playing board and card games with the nine visiting seniors, and enjoyed some tasty treats. Fifth-grade student council member Sarah Roarty stated, “It feels good to host community programs like this…I hope we can expand the program next year and have the seniors visit us a few times a year.” The student council is advised by Robbin Teitelbaum and Adele Gibbons. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=205 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT After reading a letter to the editor written by a California student and printed in the February 12th edition of the Village Times Herald, third-grade students in Kimberly O’Shea’s class at Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District rallied together to help that peer with a school project. The student’s letter explained how they were working on a report about New York and would be presenting their research during the school’s “State Fair” in May. During the fair the student was hoping to display a variety of information and items about New York and was soliciting help in doing so. During their computer and library time, the 21 students in Ms. O’Shea’s class researched different aspects of New York State and the culture of the region. Their findings fell into eight categories: sports, fashion, famous places, food, a day at Minne, state facts, animals and natural resources, and land features. Looking for a special way to share their information, the students chose to create a news broadcast, which Ms. O’Shea taped and prepared on CD for the California student. “I really enjoyed listening to everyone’s findings,” stated Logan Doran, who worked with friends to research the New York Mets. “I think that the California student will be most interested in all the sports information or the state facts,” added Alana Abesamis, who researched state facts, but admitted her favorite was the fashion piece. The class sent the final newscast on New York to the student in time for their State Fair. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=206 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT After observing and waiting patiently for a whole month, the first-grade students at Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District watched as a special science project they had been working on came to life – literally. Standing with their eyes open wide and their hearts racing, the students were in awe as several baby chicks broke free from their shells and took their first breath. In preparation for the little birds arrival, incubators were set up in the five first-grade classrooms. In each incubator were six chick eggs, all of which were provided by the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Over the course of the month, the students learned about temperature and humidity in the incubators, the cycle of the chicks’ development, and watched their little furry friends progress using an Elmo machine, an overhead projector device. Additionally, the students kept journals and learned many scientific words in their study of the chicken life cycle. “The best part was watching the first one hatch,” stated Kieran McGinley, who noted their class’s first egg hatched at dismissal time. “It was really cool how they broke free of their shells but the hardest part was seeing the ones that didn’t hatch,” added Jack Holland. The hatched chicks were delivered to Hoyts Farm in Smithtown just before the Memorial Day break. The project was a great hands-on learning experience and is sure to be a cherished first-grade memory! http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=207 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Nassakeag Elementary School’s Join Us Students Together in Creating Equality (Justice) Club recently volunteered their time in April to help set up the soup kitchen at St. James Church in Setauket prior to individuals coming in to eat dinner. Before to going to the church, many members created spring murals to hang in the basement of the church and collected money to purchase bunches of bananas for the attendees to enjoy. The approximatly 10 fifth and sixth-grade volunteers helped set up the tables and had the soup kitchen ready for the visitors. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=208 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School students received a life lesson on personal finances and the consequences credit cards can pose when representatives from SafeGuard Credit Counseling Services, Inc. visited the building. As a nonprofit firm, SafeGuard educates students about the pitfalls of credit card (revolving) debt by addressing personal finances and reaching young adult consumers across the nation before they fall into a dangerous cycle of debt. Through an educational program, which was coordinated by SafeGuard Director of Education Carolyn McCormack and Assistant Director of Education Linda Furey, high school students, specifically seniors who will soon have financial freedom and responsibility, learned about the dangers of revolving debt (credit cards) prior to being in college or living on their own. Furthermore, the seminar provided an engaging experience for students during which they gained useful knowledge on personal finances, which most people typically learn about after they are already in financial distress. The students left the workshop with valuable information about their credit score and the diligence and effort needed to maintain good credit, as well as how to monitor it throughout their lives. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=209 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Third-grade students at Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District had a unique geography lesson when the world’s largest map was unrolled in the school’s gymnasium. The program, which is run by BOCES through National Geographic, focused on the continent of Asia. After removing their shoes, the students and teachers were able to walk across the world’s largest and most populous contingent and take an up-close look at the rivers and terrain. With the help of two program coordinators, the students enjoyed deciphering the map’s markings, locating the equator, the continent’s 47 countries, and the surrounding bodies of water. “Map skills and continents are included in the third grade curriculum,” stated teacher Susan Archer. “We focus on understanding a map and the different items included in them. This is a great way for the students to put what they learned in the classroom into action.” http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=210 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT P.J. Gelinas and R.C. Murphy Junior High Schools’ Theater Companies recently impressed audiences with their high-energy, talent-filled musical productions. For their show, Gelinas students performed the beloved musical Singing in the Rain, while Murphy’s student-actors showcased their talents in a production of Bye Bye Birdie. Audiences sat on the edge of their seats as the casts took to the stages to deliver flawless and picture-perfect performances. The students, who had been practicing for several months under the direction of Robert DePersio (Gelinas) and Anthony Pollera (Murphy), performed their respective shows before packed houses. In addition to their regularly scheduled performances, both schools performed free shows for the district’s sixth-grade students and senior citizen residents. Prior to the performance for the senior citizens, attendees feasted on delicious meals and enjoyed interacting with the cast members. As the curtain closed on this year’s musical productions, attendees left looking forward to next year’s shows. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=189 Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT Kindergarten students in Dawn McNally’s class at W.S. Mount Elementary School jumped into the Spring season during their study on bears. During the unit, the students learned about black, brown, panda, and polar bears, and became familiar with the habitats of each type of bear and how their environments affect the type of foods they eat. As a culmination to their study, the class enjoyed a “Bear Brunch,” during which the students had the opportunity to eat like a “bear.” Prior to the brunch, each student chose his or her favorite type of bear and made a hat to represent either a black bear, a brown bear, a panda bear, or a polar bear. On the day of the brunch, the students arrived to school dressed in clothes to match the color of his or her favorite bear. As a celebration of the arrival of spring and the end of the bears' hibernation, the students also had the chance to feast on apples, berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries), honey, fish (goldfish crackers and Swedish fish) and "twigs" (pretzel sticks). http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=190 Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School seniors Ashley O’Shea, Colleen Murphy, junior Brittany Lucatuorto, sophomore Mary Kate Anselmini, and P.J. Gelinas Junior High School freshman Caroline O’Hea have been named All-Americans athletes as a result of their performance during the Nike Indoor Nationals meet in Boston. In addition to this honor, Ashley was also named the National Champion for her performance in the race/walk event. The four other girls competed in the distance medley event. Each of these girls compete on Ward Melville’s Girls Winter Track team and are advised by head coach Tom Youngs and coach Laurie Burke. “The girls had a fabulous season and we are really proud of their performances during Nationals,” commented Mr. Youngs, who noted that this year’s All-Americans mark the 20th All-American section for the school. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=191 Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT Putting their creativity to the test and as the class gift to the school, sixth graders in Christine Fieldman’s art classes at Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District have rolled up their sleeves and created five hand-painted and student-inspired benches for the school. Each student had the chance to submit a design for a bench and the grades voted to pick the top five choices. Each bench was inspired by a 20th Century artist to follow the school’s art show theme. Pictured here are several sixth graders with Ms. Fieldman (far left sitting) and fellow sixth grader Kendall Godt (center) whose winning world peace design was chosen for one of the benches. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=192 Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT With the help of school social worker Laura Jankowski, students at Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District have opened their hearts this school year and created a food pantry in Ms. Jankowski’s office for the less fortunate members of the school and local community. Throughout the school year, the students have donated hundreds of non-perishable food items and toiletries, and members of the Minnesauke family as well as families from the other schools are able to visit the pantry and gather necessary items in a private setting.“So many people donate during the holiday season, but we really wanted to do something that could help these families out year-round,” stated Ms. Jankowski, who is pictured here with several second graders from Michael Licausi’s class. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=193 Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School seniors Trish O’Toole and Sara Atai have signed National Letters of Intent to play softball and volleyball, respectively, this fall at schools of higher education. Trish will be joining West Point’s softball team, an impressive accomplishment and one that makes her the first Ward Melville female athlete to play a sport at the renowned school. Sara, who received a partial scholarship and will be majoring in hospitality and tourism management, will be competing on Pace University’s volleyball team. “These two students have shown great athletic promise throughout their time in Three Village,” stated Three Village Central School District’s Executive Director for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics Don Webster. “I am extremely proud of them and the coaches that have lead them along the way. I know they will make Three Village proud next year.” http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=194 Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT Eighth Graders Attend Career Fair to Gain Insights into a Variety of Professions Did you know what career field you wanted to enter when you were in junior high school? Well, the eighth-grade students at R.C. Murphy Junior High School in the Three Village Central School District got a jump-start on planning for their futures when more than 30 area businesses visited the school for a Career Awareness Day Fair coordinated by the school’s Career Awareness Committee. During the event, the approximately 300 eighth graders spoke with a variety of professionals about their jobs, educational background, and how to best prepare to enter those fields. “This was a great opportunity for our students to speak with local professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the career opportunities out there,” stated family and consumer sciences teacher Cindy Carrucciu, who helped coordinate the event along with fellow family and consumer sciences teacher Ginger Ferraro and business teacher Jeanne Schnupp. “The students were prepared with several questions to ask the professionals and engaged in some really great conversations. We hope that what they learned during the fair will help them choose which elective classes to take in the future.” The event was conducted as part of the grade-level’s five-week careers class. The career fair featured businesses in the areas of technology, trades, entrepreneurship, sports, medical, law enforcement/public services, military, and entertainment. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=195 Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT P.J. Gelinas Junior High School in the Three Village Central School District celebrated a variety of different languages during the school’s Global Language Week. Included in the weeklong program was a Global Language Expo. Several members of the community and school district participated in the Expo and spoke to the students about how knowing a global language has influenced each of their lives, both professionally and personally. Throughout the program, the speakers rotated through each of the global language classrooms and spent approximately 10 minutes with the students about their language, including Spanish, French, Russian, and Korean. In addition to the Expo, students created posters to celebrate the study of foreign language, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and with the help of the school’s cafeteria staff, students enjoyed a different “native” cuisine each day of the week. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Professional musician and storyteller Johnny Cuomo visited Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District to perform two music programs for the kindergarten through third-grade students. During his performance he introduced the students to a variety of instruments, including the guitar, harmonica, penny whistle, and mandolin, and performed a musical fairytale called The Story of the Porcupine, the Peach, and the Pear. Following the performances, the students and staff members had a chance to pick up an advance copy of Mr. Cuomo’s new CD. Mr. Cuomo is pictured here with several first graders. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Three Village Central School District congratulates W.S. Mount Elementary School student Stephanie Chen, who won an Award of Merit in the New York State Reflections contest. Stephanie was presented with this citation based on her musical composition for the piano entitled “Poseidon’s Dream.” Her work will be displayed at the state convention. Stephanie is pictured here with Mount PTA Co-President Joy Schneider and Principal Nathalie Lilavois. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT The math team at R.C. Murphy Junior High School is experiencing an outstanding competition year. The team, which is advised by teachers Mary Gorman and Mike Podstupka, has placed high in their division competition, as well as during the county competition. The Three Village Central School District congratulates the entire team and following students on their success: Division 2 First Place 7th grade Team A Harrrison Lee Lauron He Akilesh Tangella First Place 8th grade Team B Upsana MalhotraVinny Christina Moore Cathy Wang Tracy Wang Amy Zhu First Place 9th grade Team A Sean Han Jesse Xing Victor Zheng Suffolk County 1st Place 7th grade Team A Harrison Lee Lauron He Akilesh Tangella 1st Place 9th grade Team A Sean Han Jesse Xing Victor Zheng http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT A motivational speaker and survivor of the April 20, 1999 Columbine High School school shooting, Nicole Nowlen visited the students at Ward Melville High School in the Three Village Central School District to present a program called Rachel’s Challenge. The program is offered to schools across the nation and is designed to help school administrators, parents, and students create a safer and more productive place to learn and achieve. “The value of this program is immeasurable,” stated Assistant Principal Adam DeWitt. “We were very fortunate to have a survivor of that tragic day visit with our students to share both her and Rachel’s message.” During the program Nicole told the story of Rachel Scott, one of the first students shot during that event. Nicole explained, “While I went to high school with Rachel I did not know her…however, I have been touched by her story and the way she lived her life.” The dynamic program, which was based on an essay written by Rachel entitled, “My Ethics, My Codes of Life,” inspires, instructs, and enables students and parents to break down barriers and bring positive changes to their school and community atmosphere. During the program, the students watched powerful video/audio footage of Rachel’s life and the Columbine tragedy, as well as listened to Nicole’s motivational message detailing how making positive changes in the way that you treat others can have a widespread effect. Following the assembly programs, students were invited to sign a commemorative pledge poster and accept Rachel’s Challenge to effect change in their school and community. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT As an extension of the school’s participation in the Parents As Reading Partners (PARP) program, district administrators, elected officials, and community volunteers visited Arrowhead Elementary School to speak with the students about the importance of developing an early passion for reading and to share some stories aloud, during the school’s community reader day. During their visit, the guests dropped by individual classrooms to read select books from the school’s library and encouraged students to become successful readers. The students enjoyed hearing about how reading plays an important role in a variety of professions and were eager to ask the visitors questions about their jobs. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Songs about a great white shark and how to say hello in a variety of different languages were echoing off the walls at Nassakeag Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District when renowned singer songwriter John Farrell visited with the school’s kindergarten students. The interactive program, which ran approximately one hour, focused on different musical techniques and character education pillars. Pictured here is Mr. Farrell and students from Jennifer Ruger’s class. Ms. Ruger and class aid Michele Rifkin are also included in the photo. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=148 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT This spring, the athletic aspirations of five Ward Melville High School seniors will not end, as these talented student-athletes have been chosen to sign National Letters of Intent with some of the top colleges and universities from across the country. In addition to being afforded the opportunity to demonstrate their athletic abilities on the colleges’ and universities’ sports teams, each of the students were presented with scholarship monies and will attend class on these campuses this fall. “I congratulate all of our athletes on this outstanding accomplishment,” stated Executive Director for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics Don Webster. “I am confident you will continue to make Ward Melville proud next fall and I look forward to learning about your future endeavors.” The Three Village Central School District congratulates the following students: Cameron Iallucci – Wagner College Football, Possible History/Pre-Law Major Pat Day – West Point Lacrosse, Undecided Chris Bozza – Adelphi University Baseball, Possible Business/Sports Medicine Major Emilee Rahner – Adelphi University Field Hockey, Possible Elementary Education Major Kathryn Dircks – Loyola University Volleyball, Possible Business Major http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT In today’s trying economic climate it is often difficult to think past our own struggles and consider donating money to those in need around the world. This idea is not lost, however, on the students at R.C. Murphy Junior High School in the Three Village Central School District, as the school’s students recently rallied together and coordinated two fundraising events. With the help of the school’s career classes, their advisor, and teachers, the Murphy Student Government organized an event they called “Yummy Tummy Pretzels,” which raised money for a student-run organization at Northport High School called “Students for 60,000.” This organization is working to combat poverty in the country of Nicaragua. Through the generosity of the students and staff, Murphy raised $100 during the pretzel sale. Those funds, along with more than 85 suitcases of medical supplies, school supplies, clothing and sports equipment, were donated to the country on a nine-day trip during this February break. The donation made by Murphy will construct a latrine for an entire village in Nicaragua. This project was proposed and chaired by eighth grader Rachel LaBarbera, a member of the Student Government. When asked about her motivation, Rachel stated, “It’s easy for us to forget about the struggles of the people in third-world countries like Nicaragua. I had learned about the project from a friend at Northport HS and it seemed like a no-brainer to help out.” In addition to the pretzel project, the Student Government hosted a dance to benefit the American Heart Association. As a result of this event, $1,000 was raised for the organization. “It was so nice to see the students thinking beyond themselves and coming together to raise money for such a great cause,” stated Student Government advisor Brian Pickford. “They always amaze me with their maturity and work ethic.” http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School senior Preya Shah has been selected as a winner in the 2008-2009 Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement and has been presented with a $2,000 college scholarship. Preya was selected for this honor based on her exceptional performance on math and science AP exams. One male and one female student from each of the 50 states has been awarded this scholarship. Pictured here, Preya helps Principal Dr. Alan Baum display the commemorative banner the school received. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT As a result of their outstanding literary skills, seven talented Ward Melville High School students have been recognized with a Gold Key in The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of 2009, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. Only the most accomplished works submitted to the regional programs of The Awards earn Gold Keys. In 2009, more than 140,000 works were submitted, from which only 1,300 writing manuscripts were selected as Gold Key winners. These students’ works are now forwarded to the national level of judging for The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, which occurs in late March. Congratulations to this year’s Scholastic Arts and Writing Award Program Gold Key winners: Nevin Daniel – Personal Essay/Memoir “The Calling” Shelby Lin – Personal Essay/Memoir “White Ashes” & Poetry “Journey to the Mainland” Sara Roncero-Menendez – Poetry “All Is” & Short Short Story “Of Beer and Armageddon” Melanie Wilson – Short Story “Illumination” Jaimie Kaplan – Poetry “I Will Be Free” Jimmy Mocko – Poetry “The Robin Hoods” Allyson Zacharoff – Humor “Writing Portfolio General” http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT Three Village Central School District is proud to announce that 10 highly talented Ward Melville High School seniors have been named Finalists in this year’s National Merit Scholarship Program, a scholastic program that presents high school seniors with scholarships to be used towards their pursuit of a degree in higher education. These students were announced as semifinalists in the program last fall based on their Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test scores, and now qualify for the chance to win one of the competition’s scholarships, totaling $33.9 million. Congratulations to the following Ward Melville seniors: David Gittin Peter Gustafson Andrew Han Penelope Hobbs Naureen Osman Preya Shah Benjamin Sherman Christine Shrock Yanchi Victor Zhou Zhou Zhou http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=153 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT After reading about the horrible break-in at Save-A-Pet over the holidays Brigit DiPrimo’s fifth-grade class at Arrowhead Elementary School vowed to do their best to help them get back on their feet. The class’s families donated many pounds of dog and cat treats and, giving up their recess time, Ms. DiPrimo’s students worked together to create and sell treat bags for pets during their lunch periods. Thanks to the generosity of the school’s student body and teaching staff the class raised more than $300. The class is pictured here with their teacher and Save-A-Pet representative and volunteer Kerri Glynn. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=154 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students have done it again, and placed high in a number of events during the FBLA Suffolk County competition. These talented students, under the direction of FBLA advisor Ilene Littman, triumphed over the competition and received an invitation to compete at the State Leadership Conference in Rochester, New York in April. The Three Village Central School District congratulates the following students on their achievements during the competition: Kevin Zhao 1st Place Business Calculations Charlie Liu 2nd Place Business Calculations Rashmi Rao 1st Place Business Communications Zeruo Tang 3rd Place Business Communications Ross Bernstein 1st Place Business Law Nevin Daniel 1st Place Business Math Prashant Kota 2nd Place Business Math Don Yu 1st Place Economics Jonathan Corona 2nd Place Introduction to Business Megan Earl 3rd Place Introduction to Business Laura Kirsch 2nd Place Intro to Bus. Communications John Kelly 2nd Place Marketing Joshua Belanich 3rd Place Marketing Aaron Lifton 1st Place Parliamentary Procedure Max Tcherivik 2nd Place Parliamentary Procedure Don Strong 1st Place Entrepreneurship Team Event Danny Mele Jon Goodman Laurence Coman 1st Place Global Business Team Event Don Yu Steven Abel http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=155 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT Nassakeag Students Go on an Arctic Adventure Kindergartners at Nassakeag Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District have been making their way through the arctic. As part of a study of arctic life, the multipurpose room in the school’s lower level was transformed into a frozen tundra filled with student artwork and tons of adventures for the youngsters to enjoy. The arctic adventure has become a staple of the curriculum at Nassakeag Elementary, as it was introduced several years ago as an enjoyable way to extend students’ understanding of the animals, environment, people, and traditions of the arctic. As students and parents strolled through the tundra, they were able to take part in activities such as ice fishing, sculpting animals with clay, hiking in the snow (with actual snowshoes), story time in an igloo, and blubber tasting. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT In celebration of the school’s annual Guest Scientist Week, Arrowhead Elementary School students explored the world of science with special guest instructors, including Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary, Kenneth Bossert, Ed.D. Throughout the week the students, under the guidance of their instructor, classroom teacher, and Math, Science, and Technology coordinator Chris Maffia, conducted a variety of hands-on experiments. The experiments, each of which was in line with the grade level, district, and state curriculum, enabled the students to explore a variety of topics, including Newton’s Law of Motion and if it was possible to make square bubbles using pipe cleaners. “I believe the guest scientist program at Arrowhead helps to bring excitement and enthusiasm to the valuable topics covered,” stated Dr. Bossert, who worked with fifth-grade students in Lorraine Hegarty’s class on a force and motion lesson. “The diverse background and experiences of the guests, combined with the advantage of the new lab space makes this a program that successfully engages a large number of students in a meaningful way.” During Dr. Bossert’s lesson, students were challenged to build a parachute that was used to test the theory of whether an egg dropped from a certain height would break. Many of the projects that were conducted used a variety of the school’s technology resources, including SMARTBoards, streaming videos, and PowerPoint presentations. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=157 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT As a follow-up to their early participation in the qualifying round, Danielle Brando, Sonya Li, Rocco Morra, and Ashleigh Silipo, four R.C. Murphy Junior High School students, recently participated in the semifinalist round of the New York Knicks Poetry Slam competition. Only 100 students out of 500 from the metropolitan area made it to this around. As a result of her poetry talents and work during the competition, Sonya Li has been selected as one of 10 finalists. For this honor, Sonya won a session to customize her own NIKEiD shoes and will compete during the final round in early March for the chance to win several outstanding prizes and more than $48,500 in cash awards. The Three Village Central School District congratulates all of the participants and wishes Sonya the best of luck during the final competition. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=158 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT The RC Murphy Musical Theatre Company will present Bye, Bye Birdie March 24 through the 28. With a cast made up of over 200 students performing, with another 40 plusstudents assisting behind the scenes,this year's production promises to be a hit! Tickets are only $10 andmay be purchasedbeginning 3/11. Ticket saleswill continue Monday through Thursday in the RC Murphy auditoriumbetween the hours of 6:30-8:00pm. For more information please call 730-4831. Performance Schedule: Tuesday March 24that 6:00pm Wed - Sat , March 25th - 28th 7:30pm http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=124 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT This March, P.J. Gelinas Junior High School’s talented student-actors will perform in the famous production Singing in the Rain for the school’s 25th Annual Spring Musical. Show times are March 26, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., March 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., and March 28, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. For tickets, please call 730-4789. Tickets are $12 and will go on sale to the general public beginning March 11, 2009. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Three Village Central School District and R.C. Murphy Junior High School congratulate the Murphy cheerleading team on a successful season, one complete with a number of competition wins. The team, which is lead by Coach Meghan Barnett, competed in several recognized competitions for the first time in five years. Through tireless fundraising and afterschool and weekend practices, the girls were able to accomplish many achievements: • Performing as the opening act for Murphy Junior High’s “Cabaret Night” • Winning first place in the “Power-4” contest at the LICCA competition at Half Hollow Hills • Placing 5th in the LICCA team competition at Half Hollow Hills • Placing 3rd out of 7 in the LICCA team competition at Garden City • Placing 2nd out of 9 in the LICCA team competition at Walt Whitman http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=109 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School seniors Preya Shah and Christine Lee Shrock, have been named Finalists in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search Competition. Ward Melville was among only three high schools on Long Island to produce Finalists in the 2009 Science Talent Search. Preya’s project was titled “Combating Cancer: Design and Synthesis of Dual-Warhead Tumor-Targeting Drug Conjugates.” This project worked to create a new synthetic drug that targets cancer cells, while leaving healthy ones unharmed. Preya was also announced as a Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology Finalist earlier this school year. Christine’s research endeavor was also focused on cancer and called “Effects of Lid Dynamics on the Binding of MDM2 to the Tumor Suppressor Protein p53: Implications for Cancer Therapeutics.” Her aunt’s and grandfather’s struggles with cancer inspired her project. Christine focused on structural changes in the molecular level of the protein MDM2 and how those adjustments can help design better cancer drugs. Last year, Christine was named a Regional Finalist in the Siemens competition for a project she completed with her sister. That effort was on HIV. These two young scientists will now attend the Intel Science Talent Institute for a week in March where, along with the 38 other Finalists, they will compete for more than $500,000 in prizes. Congratulations Preya and Christine! http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=110 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Students at Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District recently had the opportunity to attend a book fair sponsored by the school’s PTA, browse the varied selections, and purchase a new book to enjoy. Additionally, during the program, students were able to create wish lists comprised of the books at the fair they would like to own at a later date. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT As an extension of the school’s curriculum, W.S. Mount Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District recently held a Math, Science, and Technology (MST) educational evening program for students and their families. Hundreds of students from all grades gathered in the school for fun-filled programs centered on the three areas. An educational entertainer from the Mad Science touring group engaged students in an array of creative learning opportunities, including an amazing demonstration about how an ordinary fire extinguisher can be turned into a jet pack. Also included in the show were demonstrations centered around Newton’s three laws of motion. Additionally, teacher, parent, and student volunteers shared manned different stations in the school’s cafeteria to provide a more hands-on approach to learning about math, science, and technology. Included were projects dealing with a smoke ring generator, computer parts, lego robots, forensic studies, and a demonstration by the school’s math club, which operates under the direction of parent volunteer and Board of Education member Glen T. Whitney. Special thanks to the school’s PTA and event chairperson Lely Schwartz for all of their efforts in making the program a huge success. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=112 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT While the tale of Percy Jackson may not be one many would consider to be a traditional Greek myth, it is a story that has captivated students and their parents around the globe in recent years. The students in the Three Village Central School District are no different. Recently, the author of the famous series, Rick Riordan, visited the district’s five elementary schools to speak with the students about being an author and the struggles he has faced on his way to success. During the program, Mr. Riordan told the students how he got his start in writing, shared a copy of his first rejection letter that he received while still in school, addressed the necessity of the writing revision process, and showed the groups different sample artworks for his books’ covers. Mr. Riordan is the author of The Lighting Thief, Sea of Monsters, The Titans Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The 39 Clues. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=113 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School’s chapter of Tri-M Music Honor Society invites all community members to attend their upcoming benefit concert on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Performances will include eight student acts. Music selections will include everything from self-accompanied vocalists and a violin duet, to an up-and-coming rock band. Tickets are $7 for students, $15 for adults, and $25 for preferred seating. All proceeds will be donated to Arts Education International, which provides art and music education to impoverished children around the globe. For more information please contact Tri-M advisor Laura Gustavsen at 730-4374. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=114 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Three Village Central School District is proud to announce that Ward Melville High School senior and advanced video production student Emily Miller was selected to present her short documentary film on the Setauket wetland preserve to the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) and the President of the School of Visual Arts at the WMHO cultural center. Emily’s project, which she calls “The Wetlands,” was created in her class and stemmed from her work with the Ward Melville Youth Corps and a desire to inform the community about the area. “I hope that people realize that this wonderful ecosystem is more than something you read about…that it is something in our own neighborhood,” stated Emily, who aspires to attend the School of Visual Arts for film production this fall. “My ultimate goal is that the project inspires others to help protect the 88-acre preserve.” In addition to the footage shot by Emily, the eight-minute movie also includes original music composed by fellow senior Nicole DeMarco. Nicole is enrolled in Ward Melville’s Advanced Placement Music Theory class and aspires to continue her passion for song writing at a school of higher learning in the fall. The two students hope to share the project with other schools through a distance-learning program and are looking to show it during an upcoming environmental day at the Educational and Cultural Center in Stony Brook Village. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT A group of Ward Melville High School students have put their mark on the world and created a project focused on the deteriorating water quality at Setauket Mill and Stony Brook Mill Ponds. As part of the project, the students conducted an extensive study of the water quality that confirmed the situation was worsening and worked to raise awareness in the community via brochures, a blog, news releases, flyers, and a Facebook group. As a result of their efforts, the team has been named one of 17 national winners in the Lexus Eco Challenge. For this honor, the school was awarded a $10,000 prize and remains in the running for the grand prize of $50,000. Congratulations to the following students and their teacher advisors George Baldo, Ph.D. and Jennifer Visconti. Tanya (Mahvash) Beg Alexandra Botlo Kevin Chen Nevin Daniel Emmanuel Kim Priyanka Patel Esme Ricciardi Stephanie Tjiong Jessica Wu http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=116 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Selected sixth-grade students from all five of Three Village Central School District’s elementary schools recently showcased their musical talents during an All-District Elementary Festival Concert held at Ward Melville High School. This annual festival, which is intended to recognize and encourage musical achievement, included three ensemble groups - orchestra, chorus, and band. The students performed together for three rehearsals and showcased their talents during an evening concert under the direction of experienced guest conductors. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT The tragic events of April 20, 1999 not only affected the students at Columbine High School in Colorado, they shook the nation to its core. On that horrible afternoon two students, armed with guns, took the lives of several of their peers, the first of which was Rachel Scott. In an effort to share Rachel’s message of kindness and compassion with the students at P.J. Gelinas Junior High School, Shane Hamman, the strongest man in America and one of the program’s official spokespeople, visited the school to present Rachel’s Challenge, a national campaign designed to help school administrators, parents, and students create a safer and more productive place to learn and achieve. The dynamic program, which was based on an essay written by Rachel entitled, “My Ethics, My Codes of Life,” inspires, instructs, and enables students and parents to break down barriers and bring positive changes to their school and community atmosphere. During the program, the students watched powerful video/audio footage of Rachel’s life and the Columbine tragedy, as well as listened to Shane’s motivational message detailing how making positive changes in the way that you treat others can have a widespread effect. Following the two in-school assemblies, students had the opportunity to accept Rachel’s Challenge by signing a commemorative pledge poster that was displayed inside the school’s cafeteria. In addition to the morning programs for the students, Shane made a special evening presentation of Rachel’s Challenge for parents and community members. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT With the help of the school’s PTO and a grant from the Three Village Educational Foundation, the global language department at R.C. Murphy Junior High School recently hosted an International Night as a culmination to the building’s celebration of Foreign Language Week. Throughout the weeklong event, the students participated in organizing a poster, trivia, and door-decorating contest, morning announcements were read in different languages, and the cafeteria menu reflected the different countries of languages studied in the school. Additionally, a traveling exhibit of Pablo Picasso, Michelangelo, and Claude Monet were on display in the building’s foreign language wing. During the evening program, more than 250 attendees sampled dishes from around the world, some of which were prepared by the Global Language Honor Society, and were treated to a variety of entertainment, including dancers and vocal performances. “In today’s world where nations and people are ever more dependent on one another, it is important to experience and embrace the many different cultures that exist among us,” stated R.C. Murphy Global Language Department Chairperson Kerri Golini. “I hope that this evening event and the week’s activities helped to afford the students that opportunity.” http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=119 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT The postal system is a complex entity that can confuse even the most experienced patrons. As a special part of their Valentine’s Day celebrations, kindergarten students in Rebecca D’Agostino’s class from Nassakeag Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District participated in a special Post Office program. With the help of their teacher, the students created postal worker hats and took on the different postal occupations, including stamp sellers, letter carriers, sorters, and deliverers. The students were enthused to fulfill their responsibilities and deliver their peers’ holiday greetings. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=120 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Fourteen Ward Melville High School student-artists’ work is now on permanent display at the Central Islip Courthouse. Through a request by the U.S. Attorney’s office, the school’s photography students, who were advised by Three Village Central School District Chairperson for Secondary Art & Technology Jennifer Trettner and teachers Kristen Dietz and Cortney Weisman, submitted original photographs depicting scenes from Long Island. The winning students’ pieces were framed and put on display in the courthouse. Additionally, the Office of the United States Attorney Eastern District of New York, Long Island Criminal Division recognized the winners during their Annual Awards Presentation. Congratulations to the following talented student-artists: Krisitne Beckmann Paul Bertolino Nick Evans Billy Fernandez Seren Karasu Sam Mathew Kristen Mingione Jaime Porciello Sydney Poupis Erick Steinberg Alexa Stonish Lauren Tarantino Christian Thorne Andrew Visconti http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT The move from junior to senior high school can often be a challenging one for students. In an effort to better prepare them for the choices that lie ahead, nine teachers from Ward Melville High School’s art, technology, business, and family and consumer sciences classes visited with the ninth-grade students at R.C. Murphy and P.J. Gelinas Junior High School to give them a feel for the different elective courses they can enroll in next year. “Previously, we would host an ‘elective day’ fair, at which students would walk up and down the halls to pick up literature describing the classes,” stated Director of Visual Arts & Career Development Linda Messina. “Over the years, though, we found that it was important for the students to meet some of the teachers that are in charge of the classes, in order to provide them with a better understanding of the curriculum and put some fears they might have to rest.” Throughout the two-hour program, students traveled in groups and listened as teachers explained the classes offered by different departments and showed a few projects completed by previous students. Students left each classroom with a brochure on the courses and were encouraged to discuss the options with their parents. The students finalized their elective choices for the 2009-2010 school year by the end of February. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=106 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Two members of the Stony Brook University ice hockey team, the Seawolves, addressed fifth and sixth graders at Minnesauke Elementary School in the Three Village Central School District about the importance of being a positive individual and focused at school. Senior defenseman Dan Capizzuto and sophomore forward Jake Dietz took time out of their academic and sports schedules to relay the message that school sets the foundation for success in life. “People will always tell you that you can’t do something,” Jake stated. “It is important, however, to stay positive and to remain focused in order to achieve your dreams.” Both hockey players have skated their entire life on ponds in small communities in upstate New York and admitted that they have faced decisions dealing with peer pressure, like other teenagers in suburban school districts. Dan emphasized that an athletic life, one without drugs and cigarettes, helps students lay the foundation for lifelong habits and career success. The students were allowed to ask the players questions at the conclusion of the assembly, which included inquiries about the number of hours per week they practiced and their plans after college. The players then revealed that free tickets for the Sunday, January 25 ice hockey game against Rutgers’ University Scarlet Knights were available for all students. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT P.J. Gelinas Junior High School students were able to travel around the world this January without ever having to leave their school’s library. As part of the school’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program, seventh- through ninth-grade ESL students brought a bit of their native country to their new school during the annual Passports Around the World program. With the help of teacher Monica Aston, the ESL students created posters about their countries and shared this information with the school’s student body. Students learned about the transportation options, language, culture, and sports programs in India, Korea, China, Hong Kong, El Salvador, and Brazil during the presentation. In addition to hearing about the countries around the world, students also had a chance to sample some traditional foods from a variety of lands. Included in this year’s food tasting was Irish soda bread and sausage from Italy. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=99 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School is widely known for their exemplary science research program, InSTAR, and that reputation was solidified again this January it was announced that the school has 11 Semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search – the highest number of Semifinalists in one school in New York State and the third highest number in the country. “Many hours of hard work and unbounded enthusiasm are required to reach the levels of achievement we celebrate here today,” stated Board of Education member Diane Peritore. “These students aren’t waiting for the future to come to them…they are grasping the future in their hands and helping to form its shape.” Three hundred Intel Semifinalists were named from schools throughout the globe. For this honor, each student received a $1,000 prize and an additional $1,000 was presented to the school. Forty finalists will be named at the end of January, each of which will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. to compete for more than $500,000 in prizes. Congratulations to this year’s Ward Melville High School Intel Semifinalists: David Gittin Michael Gurevich Jason Karelis Hiba Khan Amy Lin Jie Min Naureen Osman Taejoong Park Preya Shah Christine Shrock Yuanchi Zhao http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=100 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT As the words to “Preserve, Protect, and Defend,” our country reverberated over the grounds of the nation’s capital this January 20th, students throughout the Three Village Central School District paused with their fellow Americans to be a part of history and watch as the nation’s first African-American president was sworn in. As President-elect Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States, students and their teachers tuned in and watched the historic inauguration ceremony. “Today’s inauguration is ripe with symbolism,” stated R.C. Murphy Junior High School Social Studies Chairperson John Andruszkiewicz. “On the day after we celebrate the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., our nation is swearing in our first African-American president. It is amazing to look back and see how far we have come.” As a special tribute to the nation, students at R.C. Murphy Junior High School lent their voices and sang a moving rendition of the National Anthem and God Bless America. Additionally, in each of the schools, teachers used this momentous occasion as a teaching moment and incorporated the event into their history lessons. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=92 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT After receiving a special visit from Kenya native Oliver Mashaka and hearing how children in that country are not afforded the same type of education as Americans, the students in Colleen Maier’s class at Arrowhead Elementary School became involved in a unique community service project. Mr. Mashaka, who visited the school on International Human Rights Day, spoke with the school’s sixth graders and members of the JUSTICE Club about Kenya, the schools in the region, and how books are very rare and seen as being precious objects. Following his visit and in hopes of building up one Kenya school’s library, Ms. Maier’s class rallied their peers together and coordinated a weeklong book drive. As English is the official language of Kenya, Arrowhead’s studentbody knew that the children from across the globe would appreciate the new books. “Each year the sixth-grade classes engage in several community service projects,” stated Ms. Maier. “They were extremely excited about this one as they felt a strong connection to the cause after meeting Mr. Mashaka. This was also a terrific way for the lessons on Africa to come alive for the students.” During the event, students in all grades graciously donated gently used storybooks and four girls from Ms. Maier’s class volunteered to seperate them by reading level and then box them for delivery. More than 40 boxes of books were donated during the drive and, with the help of Ms. Maier and Arrowhead’s Math, Science, and Technology teacher Chris Maffia, they were sorted by sixth graders Keira Gavan, Nicole Scotto, Joanna Szymanski, and Gabriella Benedicto. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=93 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT In celebration of the district’s diversity day program and keeping with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s mission, seventh-grade students at P.J. Gelinas Junior High School in the Three Village Central School District took to the stage in the school’s auditorium to participate in the school’s 11th Annual “I Have A Dream” Oratory Contest. The program, which was coordinated by social studies teacher Louis Laird, called for students to finish the sentence “I have a dream…” and share what their hopes and dreams are. Fourteen students were selected to share their essays with their peers during a grade-level assembly program. A wish to cleanse the world from the ravages of war, desires to become a diplomat, and hopes for the economic crisis to be eradicated echoed throughout the auditorium. Seventh-grader Alan Wei, who dreams of an end of the war abroad, stated, “I believe that this is not only my dream…but it represents the aspirations of others.” In addition to the students’ speeches, members of the school’s ninth-grade chamber choir performed several songs, and students Haley Gillan and Katherine Sweeney shared a poem entitled, “Underneath We’re All the Same.” The winners of this year’s contest were Jessica Carpenter (first place), Gabriel Nekrutman (second place), and William Spitz (third place). Each participant was presented with a commemorative certificate and the top three were also given trophies. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=94 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Seventh and eighth-grade students at R.C. Murphy Junior High School put their geography skills to the test when they participated in the National Geography Bee this January. The first round of the competition took place in the grades’ social studies classes, and the winner from each class was invited to participate in the final schoolwide round. A total of 26 students participated in this round. As the questions grew increasingly difficult two students emerged as victorious and made it to the Championship Round. In a very tight and well-matched competition, seventh grader Henry Lane and eighth grader Tracy Wong battled back and forth. With the correct answer of “The Aztecs,” Henry was crowned the winner and qualified to take a written geography exam in hopes of advancing to the New York State portion of the finals. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=95 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Three Village Central School District offers a full day kindergarten program for district residents. In order to be admitted to kindergarten in September, a child must be five years of age on or before December 31 during the school year in which they enter kindergarten. A proof of residency (either a lease, deed, tax bill or signed contract) must be provided along with the child’s original birth certificate, social security number, and copy of their immunization records at the time of registration. Registration occurs daily at the Central Registration Office at the North Country Administration Center (100 Suffolk Avenue, Stony Brook) from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-3:00 p.m. This year’s kindergarten screening program will take place on: Arrowhead: April 30, May 1, & May 4 Minnesauke: April 24, April 29, & May 7 Mount: April 21, April 23, & April 28 Nassakeag: April 17, May 20, & May 21 Setauket: May 8, May 11, & May 12 Children must be registered with the Central Registration office prior to kindergarten screening. For more information about the registration process and the immunizations required, please visit the district website, www.3villagecsd.k12.ny.us and reference page 18 of the district calendar. Additional information can be obtained from the registrar’s office at 730-4555. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=96 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Through their participation in the school’s Fitness and Nutrition (FAN) bag pilot, second-grade students at Minnesauke Elementary School are learning that the life skills emphasized in their character education lessons go hand in hand with physical activity and healthy eating. The initiative, which was created by health teacher Kristina Fiore-Rosenfeld to increase families’ awareness of their child’s fitness and nutrition needs, enables students to “adopt” a FAN bag for the weekend. “Fitness education really begins at home,” stated Ms. Fiore-Rosenfeld. “In the fight against childhood obesity, parents are the number one line of defense. We hope that the FAN bags will encourage families to come together and enjoy a fun physical activity together.” Each of the fourteen bags includes one main fitness activity, as well as several smaller fitness activities, relating to the life skill being emphasized. For example, the bags on flexibility include two books on the topic, a yoga kit, and pedometers. Additional skills include friendship, organization, patience, perseverance, problem solving, and sense of humor. This initiative was funded with the help of the school’s Site-Based Team. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=97 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT With the help of parent volunteer and Fitness Together gym owner Jen Lang, students at Setauket Elementary School in the Three Village School District are warming up their muscles and learning how to incorporate physical activities into their daily lives. Through the school’s fitness initiative called Setauket Sunrise Fitness Workshop Program, students in kindergarten through sixth grade are invited to come to school early two days a week and participate in a variety of exercise activities. “We are working to develop long-term changes in the way that our students view fitness,” stated Principal Dr. Anne Rullan. “Every extra bit of cardiovascular activity we engage our students in can only help them on the road to lifelong wellness,” added Ms. Lang. The program, which started in November, runs before school each Wednesday and Thursday. The school hopes to expand the workshops in the spring to include two after-school times. Each time a student attends the program they are given a ticket; for every ten tickets the students are able to cash them in for foot charms that they can attach to a bracelet. In addition to the morning program, the school has brought back its monthly fitness calendar and includes a healthy tip of the week to the morning announcements. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=98 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT The fourth annual Ward Melville High School Senior Prom Fashion Show, which is sponsored by the school's PTSA, will take place on January 29, 2009 from 7:00-11:00 p.m. at Watermill Caterers, located at 711 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown, New York. Tickets will go on sale January 7th & 12th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. In the high school auditorium and on January 9th in the high school commons area during all lunch periods. Tickets are $50 and checks can be made out to the WM PTSA. 100% of the profit from this event goes to the PTSA Scholarship Fund. For more information, please contact Luann Monteleone at 246-5864 or Karen Foda at 246-5161. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=58 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School in the Three Village Central School District has been selected as the first prizewinner in the Samsung’s Hope for Education contest. For this honor, the school has been awarded $61,000 in prizes, including $30,000 in Samsung equipment, $30,000 in Microsoft software, and a $1,000 DIRECTV package. Only 30 schools nationwide were awarded this honor. Ward Melville High School was nominated by psychology and world history teacher Robert Wilson, who wrote an essay describing how the school could benefit from being selected as a contest winner. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=59 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT R.C. Murphy Junior High School student William Stieglitz was invited by the Performance Poets Association to read his original poetry “Tzedakah” at the Smithtown Library this December. This was a great honor for William and the school congratulates him for being recognized as an up-and-coming writer. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=60 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Students in the Home & Careers club at P.J. Gelinas Junior High School in the Three Village Central School District teamed up to bake cookies, bundt cakes, breads, brownies, and coffee cakes for the candlelight house tour sponsored by the Three Village Historical Society. The finished baked goods were delivered to the president of the society. Pictured here are club members Tatiana Torres, Haydee Ruiz, Meinke Hora, Eva-Marie Billadello, and Marissa Paglia with some of the items they made. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=61 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Three Village Central School District is proud to announce that ten teachers and one administrator have been acknowledged as leaders in their fields and been awarded MESTRACT grants from the Mid-East Suffolk Teacher Center. This organization supports new and innovative ideas in teaching through the funding of Terri Peters Mini Grants, Technology Grants, Parent Projects, and Design Your Own Staff Development Grants. In order to be considered to receive one of these grants, the recipients needed to complete a comprehensive application process, including detailing how their proposed project was aligned with the New York State Standards for education. Congratulations to the following Three Village educators: Terri Peters Mini-Grant Program Recipients: Kerry Magnuson – “Get to the ‘Heart’ of the Matter” Project Cynthia Carrucciu – “Connecting Students to their Community Through Service- Learning” Project Antonio Santana – “Rachel’s Challenge” Project Corinne Connors – “Rachel’s Challenge” Project Pete Schuchman – “Rachel’s Challenge” Project Sarah Doepp – “Citizen Science: Classroom FeederWatch” Project Derek Angermaier – “Citizen Science: Classroom FeederWatch” Project Barbara Kmioteck – “Weather Station – Future Weather Reporters” Project Allison Cooper – “Weather Station – Future Weather Reporters” Project Technology Mini-Grant Program Recipients: Linda Barrett – “None for the Road” Project Maureen Kost – “None for the Road” Project http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=62 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT As a culmination to a physical education golf unit, Nassakeag Elementary School’s gymnasium was recently transformed into a miniature golf course, complete with holiday music. The students, who have been learning the principals of and skills necessary to successfully play miniature golf, had the chance to take a swing at the beloved passtime. Through the sixteen holes, the students practiced different swinging techniques, kept score of their progress, and worked to improve their golfing methods. Each class had the chance to travel through the course two times. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=63 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT With the help of some volunteers, second-grade students in Suzanne Payne’s class at W.S. Mount Elementary School in the Three Village School District created turkey craft bags before the holiday season. The cute craft project came complete with a recipe for “Gobble-Good Turkey Casserole.” http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=64 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School’s Music Department and the Ward Melville Players proudly presented the 1991 Best Book of a Musical Tony Award winner The Secret Garden as this year’s school musical. As the lights went down on opening night, the auditorium’s stage was transformed into a vine-covered garden and the audience embarked on a captivating journey with a young girl named Mary Lennox. The play, which is a musical written by Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon, and is based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, tells the story of Mary, who is sent to live in England with her uncle following the death of her parents in a cholera outbreak in India. There, she brings to life not only a neglected garden, but also all of those who surround her. Approximately 200 Ward Melville High School students were involved in this production on stage, off stage, and in the pit. They rehearsed for months before the play’s debut under the direction of Acting, Vocal, and Staging Director Linda Contino; Orchestra, Set, and Technical Director Phil Preddice; Choreographer Denise Baio; Theatrical Consultant George Loizides; and Costume Directors Irene Gische and Kathy Loizides. The students performed nearly flawless shows for three evening performances before packed crowds, and left the audiences hoping next year’s production would be as wonderful. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=65 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hundreds of students and faculty members at W.S. Mount Elementary School in the Three Village School District stood up to cancer this October by participating in the school’s 3rd Annual Fun Run/Walk & Talk program. The annual event is aimed at not only working to promote wellness and exercise, but also to show good character and raise funds for a charity of the school’s choice. This year the school elected to donate the monies raised to cancer research, as this disease has affected many families, faculty, and staff members in the school over the years. With their jogging clothes on and donations in hand, the school’s student body walked and ran countless laps during their gym classes over the course of a week. For each lap completed, the students received a predetermined donation/pledge from their family and friends. Additionally, as the students participated in the program, the school’s physical education teachers tracked the laps completed and created a map of the United States marking the distance walked by the students. In past years the students’ laps equated to walking to Colorado and Utah. This year the students raised more than $1,500 during the walk. “This is a great schoolwide event that incorporates not only a character building component, but a physical education lesson at the same time,” stated physical education teacher Erin Triolo. “The students are excited to participate in this event each year and come together as a school and community.” As a kickoff to this year’s walk and following the theme of standing up to cancer, the school’s faculty and staff came together to raise money for cancer research. Wearing the symbolic color of pink, the teachers, administrators, and staff members donated $1 toward this worthy cause the Friday before the weeklong walk. The idea for this effort, which raised $200, was developed by staff member Brenda Papazzissimos and teachers Stephanie Baldante and Suzanne Luhmer. Ms. Baldante and Ms. Luhmer were also instrumental in coordinating the student walk. The monies raised during both of these events will be split between the Long Island 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, two Long Island-based organizations. The school plans to continue to raise funds for this cause throughout the year. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=46 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT In honor of Veterans Day, the Home & Careers club at P.J. Gelinas Junior High School in the Three Village Central School District teamed up to make 250 flag pins for the residents of the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook. Using USA and patriotic colored beads and hearts, the students worked since early October to craft these keepsakes in an effort to say thank you to the men and women who have worked hard to keep our country safe. “It was a lot of fun creating the pins,” stated eighth grader Amanda Ogazon, whose grandfather is a veteran. “We wanted to do something to thank them for the sacrifices that they have made and let them know that we remember them…especially on the holiday dedicated in their honor,” added eighth grader Marissa Paglia. The finished pins were delivered as a surprise to the veterans just in time for this year’s Veterans Day. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=47 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT This November 4th marked a monumental day in the nation’s history and, even though they weren’t able to vote in the actual election, students at Setauket and Arrowhead Elementary Schools in the Three Village Central School District wanted to be part of the unprecedented event. At Arrowhead, the school’s student council, which is advised by Dan Walsh and Debby Cheney, coordinated a schoolwide election for students in grades K-6. Prior to the vote, the school’s teachers spoke about the two candidates running for president and the issues that separated both senators. “It was really interesting to learn about both candidates,” stated sixth grader Sarah Alaimo. “The issues that I was most concerned about were the economy and global warming – they really helped me decide who to vote for.” As part of a grade-level initiative, sixth-grade teachers at Setauket Elementary School took this year’s presidential election as an extension of the grade’s social studies curriculum and an opportunity to take an in-depth look at the democratic process. Just as in years past, the school’s sixth graders were required to write a research paper, and this year’s topic was the 2008 Presidential Election. In addition to their papers, the students created individual persuasive essays, posters, political cartoons and propaganda ads about the two candidates and several issues surrounding the Democratic and Republican parties. Following the sixth-grade research project, the school’s grades 2-6 students were invited to participate in a mock election and vote to elect one of the two candidates. “Kids should get involved in the election process early, because one day we will be the adults voting,” stated sixth grader Rachel Martin. “I looked through Internet articles and magazines in order to learn about the two presidential candidates,” added sixth grader Kim George. After the ballots were tallied both schools voted to elect Senator Obama as the next president of the United States. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=48 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT If you have attended one of the Cabaret Nights at R.C. Murphy Junior High School in the Three Village Central School District in the past, you know that the evening is one of the most enjoyable times you can have off, off-Broadway. On Friday, October 24th, the R.C. Murphy Theatre department, in conjunction with the PTO, hosted its sixth annual Cabaret Night. The evening was widely attended by more than 750 community members, teachers, administrators and students. Over the years, the event has grown to its current size and the event planners decided this year, for the first time, to move Cabaret Night from the cafeteria to the Murphy gym to accommodate the large crowd. Attendees were treated to hors d’oevres, a fully catered meal, and dessert – all baked by the school’s students. Aside from the gourmet dinner, the event also featured a gift basket silent auction and a variety show performance, which was hosted by ninth graders Christopher Lilley, Kaylee Weitz, and Jenna Wilson, who worked as Masters of Ceremony. The evening included singing, dancing and comedy skits performed by more than 250 students, 50 student waiters and waitresses, and 28 teachers. "Cabaret Night is a great team effort,” stated music teacher and one of the event’s coordinators Anthony Pollera. “It is a chance for us to come together, teachers, students, administrators and community members, to raise money to enhance the school experience for Murphy's students. The event is successful because of the collective involvement of us all." In total, the evening raised more money than ever before to benefit Murphy’s PTO. Beyond the tremendous amount of fundraising success, the event showcased the great community spirit of the Murphy family. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=49 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT For students at Setauket Elementary School in the Three Village School District, celebrating Halloween has gone beyond the confines of the actual day and traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. In an effort to tap into the true spirit of the holiday and show students that it can be more than just a candy-filled event, the school’s physical education teachers have been hosting a Spooky Gym event for the past 10 years. In their gym classes, the students travel through a haunted maze and participate in Halloween themed activities, including a Haunted Pumpkin Patch game that is similar to a memory match game. Using scooters, the students traveled through the gym to find different items inspired by the holiday. Each student had the chance to visit the Spooky Gym two times during the week of Halloween. “This was a great way to get all the students involved in a fun activity prior to Halloween,” stated physical education teacher Mike Still. Teachers Matt Brand, Mike Still, and Chris LaRochelle volunteered their time the weekend before the activity to set up the maze. Included in the decorations were artificial spider webs, a remote-controlled rat, and several other spooky surprises. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=50 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Putting some favorite holiday decorations to good use, and as an extension of their classroom literacy, science, and math lessons, the third-grade students in Dianne Greene’s class at Minnesauke Elementary School conducted several experiments on their family pumpkins. From measuring the circumference of their pumpkins to reading the book “How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin,” the students had a great time putting their discovery skills to the test. At the end of the lesson, the students, with the help of some parent volunteers, each took turns carving jack-o-lanterns http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=51 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT This past October 4th was International Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, an event sponsored by the International Mountain Bicyclists Association (IMBA). Three Village Central School District teachers Kevin Stiegelmaier, Pete Schuchman, Doug Elliot, and Jeff Schaentzler collaborated together to organize a local ride for 15 P.J. Gelinas Junior High School students. The ride took place at a local mountain bike trail in East Setauket. Carl Hart Bicycles, a local bike shop, offered free bicycle safety checks to all participants prior to their ride. Additionally, the students received free snacks and bike gear from IMBA. Along with two parent chaperones and a National Mountain Bike Patroller, the group rode for two hours, stopping occasionally to practice techniques or to simply rest and relax. All students had an excellent time and cannot wait to do it again. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=52 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Have you ever thought about exploring a career as a children’s illustrator? Well, the kindergarten through second-grade students at W.S. Mount Elementary School recently got a sneak peak and learned a few tricks of the trade when author and illustrator Jose Aruego came to the building for a cultural arts program. During the event, Mr. Aruego walked the students through a step-by-step process for drawing a variety of different animals, including a pig, owl, shark, and lion. The students, who were drawing along with Mr. Aruego, were amazed at how simple shapes and letters can come together to make an artistic figure. Following the hands-on assembly programs, each student received a copy of Mr. Aruego’s book Leo the Late Bloomer, courtesy of the Mount PTA. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=41 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Volunteers from the Setauket Fire Department visited students at Minnesauke Elementary School this October in celebration of Fire Safety Month. During the visits, students in kindergarten through second grade learned about the consequences of playing with matches and lighters, and the precautions to take when faced with a fire. “I want you all to know that firefighters are just regular people,” stated volunteer firefighter Tom Gulbransen. “When we have our protective gear on we might start sounding and looking different but there is no need to be afraid…we are there to help you.” The students listened as firefighters spoke about the need for a predetermined escape plan in the event of a fire and the importance of household smoke detectors, and learned about the different pieces of equipment the firefighters wear when entering a burning building. One message that echoed throughout the assemblies was the only job a person has during a fire, and that is to get out of the building. “As firefighters our job is to go in…while you are running out, we are running in to help,” stated Mr. Gulbransen. “You should also pick one meeting place, make a plan, and practice that plan with the family. That way you know where to run to.” After the informative assemblies, the students also had the chance to step aboard an actual fire truck, take an up-close look at the equipment the firefighters use, and ask any questions they had. Just before heading back to their classrooms, Mr. Gulbransen gave the students a piece of homework – to set up a meeting place and to also have their parents check their house’s smoke detectors. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=42 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tenth Ward Melville Senior Named a National Merit Semifinalist In addition to the nine Ward Melville High School seniors that were announced earlier this school year, another Ward Melville student has been awarded the coveted honor of being named a Semifinalist in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program. Zhou Zhou, who transferred to the Three Village Central School District this school year from Colorado, has been selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for this honor. Zhou now has the opportunity to join his peers in competing for some 8,200 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $35 million, and the title of National Merit Scholarship Finalist. To become a Finalist, Zhou must maintain his superior academic record, receive a recommendation from high school principal Dr. Alan Baum, and earn SAT scores comparable to his performance on the qualifying test. According to the organization, more than 1.5 million juniors in over 21,000 high schools entered the 2009 National Merit Program by taking the 2007 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The district congratulates Zhou and wishes him the best of luck on the next part of the competition. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=43 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT After studying several famous contemporary artists from the 20th Century, students at Minnesauke Elementary School were inspired to put paintbrushes to canvas and create some remarkable pieces of their own. Each grade level was assigned to study a modern artist and then, working according to class and with the help of art teachers Christine Fieldman and Phyllis Pastore, the students endeavored to create an original piece of art that incorporated the techniques made famous by the artist. “We encouraged the students to look at the artists’ techniques and how they used space and color to create their masterpieces,” stated Ms. Fieldman. “The students really embraced the project and were amazed at how challenging it was to recreate some of the skills.” The finished products, which measure approximately 4x9 feet, were painted on thick canvas and will be on display during the school’s spring art show – Minnesauke’s Museum of Modern Art. To date, 18 of the 38 canvases have been created. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=44 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Ward Melville High School students Kristine Beckman and Preya Shah have been awarded the 2008 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Achievement Award in Writing. This achievement award recognizes Kristine and Preya as being among the best student-writers in the country. Only 37 students from 28 schools from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Canada, and American Schools abroad were presented with this honor. The Achievement Awards in Writing program was established in 1957 to encourage high school students in their writing and to recognize publicly some of the best student-writers in the nation. Nearly 1,800 students were nominated for this award in their junior year by their teachers. The writing excellence award selection is based on students’ samples of their own best prose or verse and on impromptu themes that are written under supervision. A team of English teachers chosen from throughout the students’ home state judges the writing, looking especially for writing that demonstrates effective and imaginative use of language to inform and move an audience. Kristine and Preya received a commemorative certificate for this accomplishment and their names are posted on the NCTE website. http://www.threevillagecsd.org/News/Story.aspx?id=45 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT