September 2008 - riverhead.net
Transcription
September 2008 - riverhead.net
Working Together in Our Schools . . . Vol. 25/No.1 September 2008 Working Together in a New School Year RCSD Mission A s we begin a new school year, we remember our mission together: “The mission of the Riverhead Central School District is to inspire and academically empower all students to become tomorrow’s leaders by: developing their unique gifts and potential; providing an environment that fosters integrity, creativity, and respect; and, ensuring that our students become successful, contributing citizens in a global community.” THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING YOUR CHILD’S “MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT.” Aquebogue Principal Phil Kent welcomed back his students during an assembly on the opening day of school that included an introduction to the concepts of Fundations as he read Maya Angelou’s book Life Doesn’t Frighten Me to the students. On the Web Ms. Haverty at Pulaski “Meet the Teacher Night” is the first step in working together to help our students achieve success. Due to the limitations of space in our printed publications, our website www. riverhead.net becomes an ideal way to share what’s happening in Our Schools. Most of the articles in this edition of Our Schools can also be found online in more detail. Catch the Wave Sup’t. Update Looking ahead to a new school year. Student Government RHS Student Government Officers Riverhead CSD 700 Osborne Avenue Riverhead, NY 11901-2996 ***ECRWSS*** Postal Patron the news inside 8 Over the Summer Summer programs reinforce skills. RHS Homecoming Homecoming - Saturday, October 18 Parade & Game Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 4 Riverhead, N.Y. 11901 board/admin About Education 2 www.riverhead.net Working Together for Our Schools (September, 2008) RCSD Board of Education Board President Dear Parent and Guardians, Dr. Diane B. Scricca Superintendent of Schools Welcome to the 2008-09 school year! As I visited the schools on opening day, I was impressed by the positive sense of community that was apparent at each school. The floors were gleaming and the bulletin boards and classrooms were welcoming. I loved seeing our students in the elementary schools in their new uniforms. They looked great! As we begin a new school year, we will continue addressing two major goals for our district. Our first goal is to improve student achievement. We are excited to have new curriculum directors working side by side with our teachers to examine district data, develop objectives based on this data, and create strategies that will elevate our students’ academic performance. The research is very clear; student achievement is directly related to what is taught and the methods and strategies used to teach it. Engaging our students as learning partners in a variety of diversified, challenging learning experiences that utilize new technologies, like Smart Boards, and incorporating tested and researched methodologies, will affect achievement. We have already made strides in this regard, but there is still much work to be done. Our second goal is to continue to improve the image of our district and our schools. It’s important that we maintain a positive tenor in all that we say and do in our schools. Our students will echo this tone as they play on our teams and learn in our classrooms. Our energy needs to be focused on making a positive difference in the lives of our students. Too often rumors abound and cloud the work we are accomplishing. I urge you to check the “Rumor Blaster” on our website, contact your children’s teachers and Principals with your questions and concerns, and stay focused on the great things that are happening in our district. I encourage you to attend our PTO meetings and support our schools. Together, we will build a team that will, ultimately, improve our educational programs and enhance our co-curricular activities. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming meetings, games, and events. Sincerely, Dr. Diane B. Scricca Superintendent of Schools “I want to commend all the staff for their work over the summer.” Kathy Berezny, President Board of Education The custodians & Buildings & Grounds crew added offices, reconstructed portables, cleaned every possible surface, worked on fields and made the floors shine like mirrors! Superintendent of Schools Dr. Diane B. Scricca greets the teachers and staff at the Opening Ceremony of the 2008-09 school year on September 2nd. Kathleen V. Berezny, Master of Boardsmanship K athleen V. Berezny, President of the Riverhead Central School District’s Board of Education, has received the New York State School Boards Association Master of Boardsmanship Award. Fred Langstaff, Area 12 Director for Suffolk County, presents Kathy Berezny with her certificate at the NYSSBA’s Commendations Ceremony in Albany, NY. The award is currently the highest honor bestowed by the Association’s Leadership Development Recognition Program and recognizes the extensive time, effort, and commitment required of exemplary board members who strive continually to expand their knowledge of education and skill in school district governance. To qualify for this distinctive achievement, Mrs. Berezny participated in Association training events totaling at least 200 credits including completion of the School Board Institute. This series of eight intensive courses developed by the National School Boards Association examines the key work of school boards in enhancing student achievement. Mrs. Berezny is an Ambassador of Good Will for Our Schools! Mrs. Berezny was first elected to the School Board in July of 2002. In May of 2005, Mr. Timothy Kremer, Executive Director of the New York State School Boards Association attended a Board of Education meet- ing to present a “Leadership in Governance” certificate and pin to Mrs. Berezny, recognizing her completion of all eight NYSSBA series of intensive courses for board members that he stated “demonstrates her commitment to excellence in service as a school board member.” Mrs. Berezny has a long history of dedication to both the school district and the Riverhead community. In January of 2005, Mrs. Berezny was recognized by the News Review as “Person of the Year.” In 2006, Mrs. Berezny was instrumental in having the Roanoke Avenue School named as a “historical land- Board Meetings T he RCSD Board of Education has divided their monthly Board meetings into one Work Session and one Public Session per month. During the Work Session on the 2nd Tuesday, the public is invited to attend but there is no public input. During the Public Session on the 4th Tuesday, the Board welcomes input from the public. The Board’s first Work Session in September focused on setting goals for the 2008-09 school year. One of those goals is to formulate a plan to bring to fruition a local committee’s ten-year quest to bring a YMCA to the Riverhead Community. The Board is exploring the possibility of selling 10 acres of land (a plot too small for a school) to the YMCA in exchange for services that would include school access to the swimming pool; teen and pre-teen nights; several classrooms that would house and teach Pre-K students and much, much more. “I am very excited about this,” stated Board of Education member Christine Prete. “This is a win-win solution to our efforts to increase Pre-K education in our community and give our students a place to gather, swim and play.” mark building.” Prior to becoming the Board of Education President, she was Vice President and has been an officer of several of the district’s PTOs during her 20+ years of dedicated service to the district’s children. Mrs. Berezny is an ambassador of good will for the Riverhead Central School District. She is a champion of the district’s administrators, teachers and children--applauding their efforts not only at school board meetings, but, more often than not, in person at those events. Congratulations, Mrs. Berezny! rcsd/planning 3 www.riverhead.net - news and events Summer Seminars, Institutes & Celebrations . . . Setting the Focus for the 2008-2009 School Year D uring the Summer over 200 teachers participated in InService course offerings on subjects like “Adobe Photoshop,” “The Writing Teacher,” “Smart Board,” “Video Assessment,” as well as a number of other summer seminars. In addition, 90 K-6 teachers and their principals attended Columbia Teachers College’s Advanced Reading Workshop. The Reading/Writing Workshop is part of a continuing collaboration that provides onsite training to District teachers. The teachers who attended the summer workshop have already been trained in and are using the Columbia Teachers College’s Reading/Writing Workshop model as part of a Balanced Literacy program to teach reading and writing skills. The Opening Ceremony on September 2nd set a tone of collegiality, mission, and celebration by gathering all the employees of the District together in one place. Dr. Scricca lamented the loss of T Pictured: (Top L-R): Collene R i c h a rd s o n , D e b o r a h K u l k a MacLellan, Diane Janos, Catherine Kent, Dr. Ilene Chafetz, Robert Brenton; (Middle): Marilyn Voss; (Right): Ellen Schnabel and Bob Jester; (Bottom Picture) L-R: Ann Cotten-DeGrasse, Angela DeVito, Christine Prete, Janet Van Brunt, Jenny Corbin, Kim Skinner, Kathy Smith, Kathy Berezny, Dr. Scricca. “Let us inspire and Teacher/Staff of the Year with Board of Ed. Members and Dr. Scricca motivate each of our students, as Vinny did . . . Let this be his legacy.” Dr. Diane B. Scricca art teacher Vinny Nasta and encouraged every employee in the district to honor Vinny’s memory in our work with our children... “Let us make each child feel special, as Vinny did ...” she encouraged. “Let us inspire and motivate each of our students, as Vinny did... This is his legacy. It is now up to us to live it each and every day in the profession that we love,” she concluded. Assistant Superintendent Joe Ogeka introduced new employees and celebrated employees who had served the District’s children for 25 years or more and the Teachers/ Staff Members of the Year: Janet Van Brunt (Elementary Teacher), Kim Skinner (Secondary Teacher); Jenny Corbin (Elementary Staff) and Kathy Smith (Secondary Staff). (Pictured above) The literacy coaches and reading teachers shared with the assembly an overview of the reading program. (See below). Receiving a standing ovation from the District’s faculty and staff, STAR A c a d e m y Te a c h e r / Facilitators, Michelle Gode and Peter Huszagh, inspired the assembly with their message concerning the transformation of the high school’s alternative program into the STAR Academy. “STAR,” they shared, “stands for ‘Start Today, Achieve Results.’ (See STAR Academy page 5.) Looking Back at the 2007-08 School Year and Ahead to 2008-09 he 2007-08 school year was a year of accomplishments, steady progress and change. Three of the District’s schools received recognition for being High Achieving / Gap Closing Schools: Riley Avenue, Pulaski Street and the High School. In addition, English Language Arts scores improved in grades 3-7 during the 2007-08 school year. “We’re excited about the direction in which we’re heading as a district as we continue to focus on student achievement,” states Deputy Superintendent Nancy Carney. The 2008-09 school year will be marked by a districtwide reorganization that will provide staff with support and ongoing professional development. New programs and initiatives have been added in all the buildings The National Reading Program, Read 180 and our to strengthen curriculum and Panel states that a child who Reading Recovery Program,” instruction. K-12 curriculum is not reading by the age of she promised. “We need to directors in English Language seven has a much higher reach every child, and it Arts, Math, Science and Social chance of being a struggling will take a number of apStudies have also been added. reader from then on. Our K-2 proaches to accomplish that.” “The Last year most imfour teachers portant were trained in person in Reading Recovthe educaery--a program tional hithat was begun erarchy,” in New Zealand noted Dr. and has a 100% Scricca in success rate. This her disyear two more cussions teachers are bewith the ing trained so that principals the program will Fundations via a new Smart Board in Linda Condon’s 1st grade class. and direcbe implementtors at the beginning of the reading program is very e d i n f i r s t g r a d e i n a l l 2007-08 school year, “is important! We are going to four elementary schools. the classroom teacher.” continue our work in Read- FROM 0 TO 16: During Our job as administrators and ing/Writing Workshop, our the Opening Ceremony, readcurriculum directors is to sup- Developmental Reading As- ing teacher Lauren Hamilton port our classroom teachers.” sessments, Balanced Literacy told the story of a little girl who started the Reading Recovery Program with her at a level of 0, unable to either read or write and with minimal verbal skills. “By the end of the year this little girl had achieved a 16 on the reading and writing scale and is now one of the most capable students in her age group,” noted Ms. Hamilton. Another new effort to engage the district’s youngest learners in this very important stage of their learning is the introduction of the Fundations Program. Fundations helps students with phonics, spelling and other essentials of a Balanced Literacy program. It engages them in a learning process that uses owl puppets, Echo and Little Echo and simple learning methods, such as echoing and tapping out the sounds to reinforce skill sets. rhsnews 4 www.riverhead.net - news and events RHS Student Government Getting It Together New at RHS Dali Rastello 2008 Student Government Officers Dali Rastello is the new Assistant Principal at the high school. She was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York at the age of 7. Ms. Rastello received her B.A., M.A. and Administrator’s Degree at Stony Brook University. She lives in Manorville with her husband and children. Ms. Rastello began her career as a Spanish teacher at RHS. She served as chairperson of the language department and was an interim assistant principal at RHS in 2003-2004. “I returned to administration because of the commitment I see from the current district administration. I want to be an integral part in the continued improvement of our district.” Student Gov’t: PRESIDENT Jordan Lobiak; VP Natasha Brown; SEC. Kate Murphy; TREAS. John Verderber CLASS OF 2009: PRES. Stephanie Carrera; VP Kelly Savage; SEC. Kyle Zilnicki; TREAS. Tom Dayton CLASS OF 2010 - PRES. Nicholas Renck; VP Joey Szot; SEC. Kelly Rambo; TREA. Yvonne McKay CLASS OF 2011 - PRES. Justin Harris; VP Meghan Davis; SEC. Macey Reichel; TREAS. Sean Harkin Class of 2012 - Have not held elections yet. Advisor: Mrs. Theresa Drozd Michael Hugelmeyer M r. H u g e l m e y e r is the new Dean of Students and Student Activities Advisor at RHS. He was born and raised in Ronkonkoma and has recently moved from Valley Stream to Baiting Hollow where he resides with his wife and young daughter. He is a graduate of Villanova University where he earned his B.S., M.A. and Administrative Degree. Mr. Hugelmeyer started his career in education as a Global Studies teacher and track coach at Glen Cove High School. He is very excited to be named the Dean at RHS. “I feel very fortunate to be a part of the team of professionals here at Riverhead High School. I look forward to helping students be successful in any endeavor they choose.” Charles Gassar Mr. Gassar is the new HS/MS Guidance Director. His offices are in the Guidance Department at the High School. Mr. Gassar received his undergrad degree from Marist College with a major in communications and a minor in psychology. He received his M.S. in School Counseling from LIU/CW Post. He also has a Masters in School Administration from Touro College. He has been both a guidance counselor and an assistant principal. Mr. Gassar and his wife had their first child last January and states, “We love this area and this town.” He also states, “In my position as Guidance Director, it is my goal to impart an understanding to every student we serve, that Riverhead Schools have a high expectation for them to achieve in school and in life. Last year’s theme was Disney Movies. HOMECOMING The Homecoming theme RHS’s Student Government’s first BIG task will be to help organize HOMECOMING 2008. Spirit week will precede Homecoming with a series of special events concluding with Spirit Day. Homecoming Day is October 18. Before school began, student government members spoke at the assembly and helped lead tours through the building as part of the 9th grade orientation. Pictured above Back Row Justin Harris, Natasha Harris, Joey Szot, Samantha Messina, Kate Murphy; Middle Row: Sean Harkin, John Verderber, Kyle Zilnicki, Jordan Lobiak; Front Row: Meghan Davis (standing) Nicholas Renck, Kelly Rambo, Tim Dayton for 2008 is “Hamlets of Riverhead.” HOMECOMING will begin with SPIRIT WEEK (week of Oct. 14-17). On SATURDAY, OCT. 18, the PARADE will step off at 12:30 PM down Main Street, and the FOOTBALL GAME will follow at 2:00 PM. Remembering Together a Colleague and Friend O Colleagues Memorialize Mr. Nasta n Sunday, August 17, 2008, the Riverhead High School Family and District lost a beloved faculty member. As many of you know, Vinny Nasta had a passion for flying. Unfortunately, Vinny Nasta lost his life during a plane crash near Rhinebeck, NY. Vinny was part of an air show at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. The plane that Vinny was flying was part of an aerial demonstration when the accident occurred. “The students, faculty, and staff of this district admired and respected Vinny Nasta. He was truly one in a million. Everything he did was for the benefit of the students of this school. He loved his job and worked every day to see the students of this school succeed. He was also a true humanitarian based on his volunteer work, specifically with Angel Flight. He will be missed by us all,” stated RHS Principal David Zimbler. A message from Mr. Nasta’s best friend, Dave, to “Vinny’s kids”: “If Mr. Art teacher Vinnie Nasta last year with RHS senior Lisa Mariotti in the Mac lab. Nasta inspired you, then aspire to be like him. If he inspired you to be an artist, be the next Vincent van Gogh; if he inspired you to play music, be the next Led Zeppelin; if he inspired you to be a pilot, be the next Vinny Nasta, who was one of the two best pilots I know. Vin Nasta was larger than life, even though he didn’t want to be. He can be a companion to you as you seek to succeed in life.” The 2008 opening day at Riverhead High School was an extraordinary one for Riverhead High School as art teacher Vinny Nasta was memorialized by five fly overs executed in cloudy skies by his pilot friends and colleagues. (p.8) rhsnews Outstanding Achievement Over the Summer STAR Academy Summer Youth Building Program W hat type of learner are you--visual, auditory, kinesthetic? According to a definition posted on the University of Pennsylvania’s school of education’s website, “Kinesthetic learners are defined as learners who learn best by moving their bodies, activating their large or small muscles as they learn. These are the ‘hands-on learners’ or the ‘doers’ who actually concentrate better and learn more easily when movement is involved . . . Kinesthetic L-R: Students who worked on the facilities over the summer as part of the Summer Youth Build Program learners often work well (L-R: Scott Evans, Kiaera Morning, Gabriela Seymore, Carlito Torres and in the front is Bianca with their hands. They Roberson) with teacher/facilitator Peter Huszagh (left), guidance counselor Christine Angermaire (far may be good at repair right), teacher/facilitator Michelle Gode (second from right) and school board member Angela DeVito. work, sculpting, art, or the building trades council and a member what I had done, but I ended last year with working with various of the redesign committee, for her assis- a 93 and now I’m hopeful that I can do tools.” better. I want to learn more about photog Fifteen members of Riverhead High tance over the summer. raphy and take a course at BOCES,” she “All the participating students had to School’s new STAR Academy were kinadded. be interviewed and had to take courses to esthetic learners over the summer as The STAR Academy is dedicated to be certified in first aid and CPR,” stated they scraped, spackled, repaired, painted, small class sizes and differentiated inMs. DeVito. “They also had to pass fedmeasured, designed, chose paint colors struction with a renewed focus on indieral Occupational Safety and Health Adand carpeting, moved furniture, laid patio vidual student needs and learning styles. ministration safety courses. In doing so bricks and shared a summer work project A number of additional opportunities they earned a certificate and their OSHA of which they can be proud. Their hard requested by the students were also incard, which is good for life,” she said. work in refurbishing the high school’s cluded by the committee in the redesign of “They really did all the work in the north portables provided them with a the school. The new program will include: renovation,” stated Ms. Carney. “The new home on campus and won them the both a morning and afternoon program, students were also in on all the decision respect of their teammates, their teachers teacher facilitators, an application/intermaking concerning the renovation. The and the whole Riverhead school commuonly thing they didn’t do was the elec- view process for admission, a student/parnity. The students also successfully com- trical work and the laying of the carpet. ent contract, and integration with the high pleted 100 hours of Community Service In addition, students chose the name, school for lunch, specials and electives in for the RSCD Summer Youth Build ‘STAR,’ which stands for ‘Start Today, the morning program. In addition, builtProgram in association with the Building Achieve Results,’ and were part of the in incentives to achieve, more academic Construction Trades Council of Nassau committee that formulated the behavior and professional support and a new onand Suffolk Counties, who set up the pro- and educational format that will be used site guidance counselor will help students gram as a partnership between the coun- to help ensure their success as students in meet both behavior and academic requirements and assist them in finding “school cil and the school district, and guaranteed the 2008-09 school year. to work” and internship opportunities. One young woman, who was a memthe students 100 hours of work at $15 per ber of the summer building team and “I’m very proud of what the hour. During the August 21st open house, one of the tour guides at the open house, committee, teachers and students Deputy Superintendent Nancy Carney shared that she is now looking forward to have done,” stated Superintendent congratulated the students, lead teachers, returning to school. “I slacked off during of Schools Dr. Diane B. Scricca, “but Peter Huszagh and Michelle Gode, and my freshman year and then just gave up,” the work is not over; it is just beginthanked Board of Education member An- she stated. “I had lots of things going on ning.” gela DeVito, the work-force director for in my life and I didn’t think I could fix O ROTC Area Four Summer Leadership Academy n July 25th 2008 Riverhead NJROTC had 8 cadets graduate from The AREA FOUR Leadership Academy at the Naval Base in Newport, Rhode Island. 144 Cadets from 52 High Schools were selected to attend this intensive training event designed to prepare cadets to be unit leaders. All cadets earned the prestigious Silver Cord. This is the largest number of cadets Riverhead NJROTC has had graduate from the Leadership Academy. Scholarship RHS Senior Tom Houghton T om Houghton, a senior at RHS, is one of those students who is reaching higher and working harder. Tom participated in an engineering camp at the Uni- versity of Norwich over the summer. While there, he was asked to fill out a college application. Before school even started this fall, he was accepted into their engineering program with a scholarship! Last year as a junior, Tom took two AP Social Studies classes. This year, as a senior, he is taking AP Physics B, AP Physics C/Mechanics, which is a calculus-based physics, and AP Calculus. He is also participating in CORE Cadets with West Point. Way to go, Tom! Author/Teacher Mary Cholodenko Pictured L-R: Josiah Tyte-11th grade (won the Iron Man award for top physical fitness test score); Peter Rodriguez-11th grade; William Torres II-12th grade; Jason Gevinski-11th grade; Kelly Savage-12th grade; Connor Keupp-11th grade; Ryan Budd-11th grade; Joseph Szot-11th grade with LtCol Peter McCarthy-ROTC Instructor. RHS teacher Mary Cholodenko authored a book entitled, Survival Guide for Math. It is published by Kids In Between for teachers of MS and HS students who struggle with math. 5 districtnews 6 www.riverhead.net - news and events New Teachers in Our Schools D Introducing the new middle and high school teachers and professionals in LaRochelle, France. It was a wonderful experience. I love animals. I love to read and spend time with family and can often be heard chanting, ‘Let’s go Mets!’” eputy Superintendent Nancy Carney led nine new teachers and RHS psychologist, Katherine Fitzpatrick, through a day-long New Teachers Institute that concluded with a story about teaching in a way that keeps students from “falling through the cracks.” Denise Stevenson: High School ESL - Attended Walt Whitman High School, SUNY Oneonta (English degree) and SUNY Stony Brook (M.A. TESOL). “I am very excited about this opportunity to work at Riverhead. I had a wonderful experience as a student teacher at Roanoke Avenue and Riverhead Middle School, and I am looking forward to working at the high school. Jennifer Chlystun: High School Art Attended Newfield High School and received her degree in Visual Arts from Dowling College. “I have been dancing for 22 years and have been teaching dance for ten years. I became an art teacher because I love to work with children and watch them grow and succeed in all areas of their life.” Naomi Warner: High School ESL - Graduated from RHS, undergrad at SUNY Oswego and Masters at SUNY Stony Brook. “Since finishing my Masters two years ago, I’ve been travelling, doing mission work and volunteer teaching in Guatemala, Uganda, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Australia, New Zealand and other places. Since the faculty at RHS has provided me with such a quality education and many opportunities as a student, I am very honored and excited to now have such dedicated colleagues!” Alison Laino: Middle School Social Studies - Attended Islip High School and received her R Katherine Fitzpatrick: RHS Psychologist Attended Sayville HS, was an undergraduate at Pennsylvania State University and received her Masters from St. John’s University. “When I’m not at work you can find me cycling and teaching indoor cycling classes. My motto is to live life to the fullest, make time to laugh and strive to make a difference no matter how small or great it is.” Left to Right: Denise Stevenson, Naomi Warner, Alison Laino, Christine Angermaier, Rebecca Brinkman, Kristine O’Donnell, Kerri-Ann Westfall, Jennifer Chlystun, Katherine Fitzpatrick and Caitlin Jablow Social Science / Education degree from Dowling College. “I previously worked for Microsoft. My teaching philosophy is to be fair. Being fair does not mean treating each student the same, but giving each student what he or she needs to succeed.” Christine Angermaier: Guidance Counselor/School to Work Coordinator at Riverhead STAR Academy - Attended Northport High School, got her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and her graduate degree at C.W. Post. Her graduate emphasis was in School Counseling / Mental Health Counseling. “My motto in life is ‘Everything happens for a reason,’ and ‘Live in the Moment. Never take anything for granted.’ I am in this field to make a difference in the lives of students. I want to give them the tools they need to succeed in life.” Rebecca Brinkman: Riverhead Middle School Special Education - Attended Watkinson High School in Hartford, CT; received her Bachelors in Science Education from Boston University and her Masters in Special Education from Farmingham State College. “I just moved here from Boston last August and bought a house in Baiting Hollow this past March.” Kristine O’Donnell: High School French Attended Ward Melville HS in Setauket, NY; received her BA in Communications, Public Relations from SUNY Oswego, and her MA in Secondary Education from Dowling. “After college I worked in Public Relations in New York for several years before realizing I wanted the chance to work with kids and make a difference every day! I love running, canoeing, biking and being outside.” Kerri-Ann Westfall: High School French - Attended high school in West Babylon; received her BA from SUNY Cortland and is pursuing her M.A. at Dowling College. “My motto: ‘One language sets you in the corridor of life. Two languages open every door along the way.’ As an undergrad, I spent seven months Caitlin Jablow: High School Art - Attended high school in Southampton and received her BFA in Art Education and her M.A. in Mixed Media from LIU/C.W. Post. “I consider myself an artist just as much as an educator. I have always valued the field of art and what it has brought to my life. The passions that I focus on throughout my daily life have inspired what I bring to my classroom. I am very excited to be working in the Riverhead School District and to have the opportunity to share what drives my life with my students.” “Meeting Tomorrow’s Challenges Today” HS principal David Zimbler noted in the 2008-09 Course Guide under the subtitle, Meeting Tomorrow’s Challenges- “As the new millennium unfolds it brings with it increased standards, more rigorous graduation requirements and the need for enhanced parent-school partnerships. To receive a diploma from high school today, students must challenge themselves to pursue the most exacting program of study. The workplace of the future will demand that individuals are highly skilled, especially in areas such as computer technology and communications. Research clearly indicates that success in college is directly impacted by the rigor of high school course work... RHS is prepared to assist all of our students in acquiring what they will need for success throughout their lifetime....” During the Ninth Grade Orientation, administrators emphasized the need for students to stay focused on achievement as they enter the high school. “You need to realize that it’s necessary for you to treat high school like it’s a pre-college experience,” noted Associate Principal David Wicks. “Our expectations for you are high and we’re going to do everything we can to help you meet those expectations.” Student government president Jordan Lobiak’s message, which was read to the students in absen- tia, stated, “Welcome graduating class of 2012! High school is where many of you will discover your gifts and talents. . . Challenge yourself, students, and surround yourself with adults and peers who will exert a positive influence on you and will help you attain your goals. . . . I am pleased to welcome you to a school with some of the best faculty and students around, and I know you’ll learn a lot from them. Take the chance to get to know your teachers. . . As your student body president, I want to let you all know that my office, which doesn’t really exist, is always open to you. Let me share a few common sayings with you, which, as cliched as they sound, ring true . . . Knowledge is power, so learn all you can. Be cool, stay in school; it will change your life. Don’t do drugs or drink and drive; first it’s against the law and secondly, I am sure you will regret it. Honesty is the best policy, so be honest in all you do.” districtnews www.riverhead.net - news and events District Adopts K-4 Uniform Policy First Day of School K-4 Elementary Students Embrace New Uniform Code of Dress Policy T he first days of school revealed that the families of students in the district and the students themselves have wholeheartedly embraced the new uniform policy. A committee that included: Board of Education members Angela DeVito, Christine Prete and Brian Stark; Principals Phil Kent, Tom Payton and David Wicks; teachers Kevin Hewkin and Alice McKillop; parents Carmecha Langhorne, Jane Sherman, Kristy Wilkerson, Lisa Moore, Molly O’Connor and Thelma White; students Amanda Fields, Anna and Lisa Mariotti and Craig Hallock introduced the new uniform code of dress policy to the Pictured is Kathleen Horn’s class in the library at the Roanoke Avenue School. Board of Education last year. The Board of Education unanimously adopted it. As outlined in a letter to the parents, the objectives of the Uniform Code of Dress Policy include: - Promoting a more effective learning environment and improving academic performance; - Improving student conduct and discipline; - Fostering student self-esteem, school unity and pride; - Promoting safety and security. Summer Programs for Students The new Riley Avenue Assistant Principal Jeanne Grim, who was a 7-12 Curriculum Supervisor in the District last year, and Riley Avenue Principal Dave Enos were in matching uniforms with their light blue dress shirts and navy blue trousers on the first day of school. Brothers, Luke and Caleb Zuhoski, sported matching backpacks with khaki shorts and navy blue polo shirts. Summer programs Give Students an Opportunity to Keep Learning S u m m e r pr ogr a m s for students helped keep students learning and active over the summer. The Summer Special Education program used themes involving animals and sea life to keep students learning over the summer. Kindergartners participated in Reading/Writing Workshop. They read about farm animals and wrote stories, which they shared in Writing Circles. Older students used a modified Read 180 program to study sea life. Juan Moreno wrote in his research paper on sharks, “Sharks live in seas and oceans all over the world. Reef sharks live near coral reefs. They live in warm, shallow water. Other sharks live in deep oceans...” He also noted, “Sharks can smell under water. They use their noses to find food.” With the guidance of a Maryhaven counselor and their teachers, the older students earned points that they tallied in their bank books to pay for prizes at the school store. One of the students is pictured peering through his bug finder, one of the prizes he purchased with his points. The Riley Avenue School hosted the Long Island Science Museum’s Camp Invention, wherein students learned about space, finger-printing, inventions and more. Fourth graders once again had the opportunity to take music lessons over the summer. Kristina DeRaveniere models her ruffled navy blue skirt with striped accent tie belt and button up white blouse. Animals were a central theme of study for many of the classes. The class pictured at the top made an edible ocean scene for snack using blue jello, white cake and brightly colored gold fish crackers. Students researched sea life and wrote reports. Juan Moreno (center) displays his report on sharks. Younger students studied farm animals--one young man shows off the door knob decoration he made. Students also earned points that could be used for currency in the school store for items like bug finders and books. Phillips Avenue School has a new Assistant Principal this year, Ms. Patty Nugent. She paused here to read with Evin Alfaro in the Pre-K room. 7 districtevents O n September 11th, at 9:37 AM, the students at the high school hung the patchwork quilt that was made after 9/11 on the wall in the cafeteria and remembered that terrible event with a reading of “One” (by Cheryl Sawyer). Below is an excerpt ... www.riverhead.net - today’s news and events District Happenings First Day of School 2008 HOMECOMING Parade: Saturday, October 18, 12:30 PM, Main Street. The theme is Riverhead Hamlets! Come to the PARADE! As the soot and dirt and ash rained down, We became one color... ... As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of heroes We become one people... HOMECOMING We are One color One class One generation One gender One faith One language One family One soul One people We are The Power of One. We are United. We are America. Go Blue Waves! As a Memorial to RHS Art Teacher Vinny Nasta, his pilot friends and colleagues staged five fly overs. (See top picture for explanation of fly overs.) First Day of School 2008 Homecoming Football Game Saturday, October 18, 2:00 PM, McKillop Field Riverhead vs. West Islip GO BLUE WAVES! Students and their families whole-heartedly embraced the District’s new uniform dress code policy with a high percentage of families participating district wide. Pictured above left are Brayan Aquilar with Mathaly and Jackalyn Medina; Bottom Right: Kevin and Kristy Troyan with Riley Avenue Principal David Enos. REMINDER Columbus Day - School Closed October 13, 2008 BOARD OF EDUCATION - RCSD 700 Osborne Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901 website: http://www.riverhead.net Kathleen V. Berezny, President Angela DeVito Christine A. Prete, Vice President Timothy Griffing Ann Cotten-DeGrasse Mary Ellen Harkin Gregory M. Meyer Diane B. Scricca, Superintendent of Schools 8
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To the members of the Board of Education, I thank you for your unselfish efforts on behalf of the students and staff of the Riverhead Central School District. Your leadership has kept the District ...
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Thanks also to Jamesport Gardens for beautifying the entrance to the Middle School.
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